What a glorious day in the County! For those of you who missed it, Saturday (April 25) was as predicted – sun shining in a cloudless, blue sky with the warm air temps reaching upwards of 80 degrees. Considering the weather, Steve and I made our annual “first of the year” pilgrimage into the woods. Every year for as long as I can remember, once the roads lost their snow, we were on them. We are out of bed before the sunrise, with our lunches packed, fishing rods geared, and on the road by first light. These days are to me, the best days in the woods and some of our best memories together. We never did get to fish our favorite spots as the rivers and streams still have way too much water. We were tempted of course, but figured we need to be patient and wait (to fish) until the conditions are right. This is one of the earliest times we have ever been out in the (deep) woods in spring. There is still a snow pack in the woods, and on some of the branch roads, but the main roads are clear. You will need 4-wheel drive if you plan to go off the beaten path. Some of the branch roads if not snow covered can be slick. Rough (but fun) riding, for sure. Be on the lookout for some flagged areas (usually sink holes, not bumps). If you’re not paying attention, you may end up really hurting yourself (or your vehicle) when you hit one of the sunken culverts.
Surprisingly, we didn’t see any moose or bear, but did see three healthy looking whitetail does. Lots of partridge and partridge sign in the woods and on the roads. Probably more than I have seen at this time of year. We also spied several Woodcock and Pileated Woodpeckers. There is a lot of adventure in the County. Sometimes you just have to go find it yourself.
Bluegrass Concert Scheduled
A bluegrass concert has been scheduled for Saturday, May 16 from 7-9 p.m. at the Ashland Community High School to support the Class of 2009’s Project Graduation. Proceeds from the concert will be used to sponsor the graduating seniors’ class trip to Six Flags in Massachusetts. Tickets are $10 per person and children under 12 will be admitted free of charge. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and concessions offered. The featured groups are Aroostook County Bluegrass and the Wilf Clark and Misty Mountaineers Band. Come on out to dance and listen to some great local music while supporting our graduating seniors. For more information, please contact Mary Casey at 435-2131 or Tracy Baker at 435-6751.
Local Fund-raising Team Receives Honor in Augusta
Team members from Portage Lake participating in the annual Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk last October in Fort Kent received a special award April 22 at the Blaine House in Augusta. Raising more than $3,600 gave them the unexpected distinction of being one of the top three fund-raisers participating in the walk for a “family team” in the state of Maine. Though all team members were not officially “family,” (though most of them were part of the Gagnon clan), being on the same team, from the same town, classified them as such within the organization. Corrine Routhier, her son, Jack, and Christy Dicker traveled to Augusta to receive the award on behalf of “Team Portage.”
The award will be on display in the Town Hall for anyone who would like to see it. This year’s walk with be held Sept. 26. For more information, contact the Alzheimer’s Association or visit their Web site at www.alz.org.
Ashland Summerfest
Mark your calendars! The Ashland Summerfest Committee has started planning the many activities that will take place in town July 4-6. The committee is finding clubs, churches, and groups to sponsor the many varied activities that will be featured during the fest.
There will be plenty of musical talent on hand to get your feet moving. There will be a spaghetti supper with music by 2 and a Horn at the high school Saturday, July 4. There will also be a return concert by the Just Folk Singers and Friends at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 5 in the high school gymnasium. Pictured is the orginal group as it appeared in 1966. Musical performances will also include some solo and duet concerts – all to be announced at a later time. Most of the musical performances will be held at the Ashland Bandstand, so keep an ear out while strolling through town.
In addition to the many musical activities, there will be a drive-in movie Friday evening and the parade Saturday. Back by popular demand is a pig roast and horseshoe tournament sponsored by the Fish and Game Club Saturday the Fourth on club grounds. A large fireworks display is planned for Sunday evening.
Ongoing Events
The PTO of Ashland Central School is collecting soup labels (with bar code), box tops and drink pouches to earn points that can be used toward educational and classroom supplies. Please send the labels, tops or pouches to school with your child, or drop off at the school. Tell your family and friends! Instead of throwing them away, let’s all support our local students in this worthwhile effort. Please contact Kim Holmes at 435-6043 with any questions. Good luck students.
The Ashland Area Senior Citizens group meets every Thursday at noon at the Ashland Recreational Center. Any senior citizens wishing to participate in the potluck lunches and meetings are always welcome to attend.
The Kids Club will meet again Thursday, May 14 at the Masardis Pentecostal Church. If your child needs a ride, please contact the Rev. or Mrs. Donald Morton at 435-6983. The group meets every other Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Portage Lake Historical Society – Individuals from Portage Lake (and surrounding communities) are in the process of establishing a historical society. This group will meet each Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Portage Lake Town Hall. Anyone who has an interest in preserving Portage Lake’s history, and becoming a charter member is welcome to join.
The Portage Lake Over 50’s Club lunch is held on the last Tuesday of every month at 11:30 a.m. at the Town Hall. All individuals 50 and over are invited to attend and can bring a potluck dish to share. For more information, contact Wilza Robertson at 435-6211 or Grace Nason at 435-6373.
The Red Hat Loonies of Portage Lake meet the second Thursday of every month at Dean’s Motor Lodge. Membership dues are $2. Come and have a great meal and a great time, too! For more information, contact Rachel Stevens at 435-6358.
Portage Lake Centennial Celebrations – There are still events in the works and assistance is still needed to help plan and participate in the celebrations. Any help you can provide is both needed and appreciated. Please contact Corrine Routhier at 435-6854.
Portage Lake Centennial commemorative items including coins, key chains, slide show DVDs, calendars and cookbooks are for sale at the Town Hall. T-shirts and mugs are available only at Dean’s.
There is an exercise group every Monday night at the Portage Lake Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m. There is no cost for participants. Just a group gathering to keep exercise motivating and fun! Please contact Kim Holmes at 435-6043 for more information.
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and surrounding townships. She can be reached at 435-8232 or by e-mailing feenhop@aol.com.
