First-grade Tiger Cubs Lucien Hammond, Drew Doughty, Colt Ginn, Weston Robinson, Hunter Ginn, Graham Berry, Mitchell Cook and Sean Montpetit worked diligently at their last den meeting making Christmas cards for military men and women currently at the Walter Reed Army Hospital. They hope that their gesture and sentiments will bring joy to the soldiers and also let them know that they are appreciated.
Webelos Peng Cheng and Caleb Brown, as well as Boy Scout Malcolm Milligan, also filled out cards at their last den meeting to be sent to the recovering soldiers.
2008 soccer awards
The soccer season was another great one this year with the Ashland Lady Hornets making it all the way to the Eastern Maine Championship. At the fall sports banquet, the following athletes received recognition for their accomplishments: Suzie Poulin – Spirit Award; Crystal Cook – Best All Around Player; Brooke LaBelle – Rookie of the Year; Autumn Condon – Best One on One Defender; Macy Pelkey – Offensive Player of the Year; Rylee Graham – Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year; and Taylor Baker – MVP. On the boy’s side, Tony Baker was named Defensive Player of the Year, Jacob Paradis and Jeremy Tarr – Co-MVPs; and Carl Nemer – Ashland’s Greatest Goal Scorer.
On the state level, Ashland also had athletes honored. Nominated to the girl’s Eastern Maine Class D state team were: Taylor Baker (goal-keeper), Crystal Cook (forward), and Rylee Graham (sweeper). Nominated to the boy’s Eastern Maine Class D state team were: Jeremy Tarr (mid-field), and Jacob Paradis (forward). Congratulations!
Recreation center news
On Monday, Dec. 29, grades 5 and 6 boys will have games at Mars Hill. The bus will leave the rec center at 10 a.m. Games are at 11:15 a.m. vs. Easton and 12:45 p.m. vs. Fort Fairfield. The bus will return to Ashland at approximately 2:30 p.m. There is a snack bar on the premises.
On Tuesday, Dec. 30, grades 5 and 6 girls will host two games at home. The first game will begin at 9 a.m. and the second at 10:30 a.m. Please be at the ball-court by 8:30 a.m.
Shop local for Christmas
If you are still looking for something to buy that special someone for Christmas, don’t fret. Just look to the Ashland community and all it has to offer: eating establishments, gas stations, convenience stores, small, large and specialized repair businesses; craft shops, beauticians, independent beauty consultants, tanning, financial institutions, and the list could go on and on. Please consider purchasing your loved ones local products and services. Doing so helps our community to prosper and frees you up to spend more time enjoying your family and friends. Have a wonderful Christmas!
Quilt tickets for sale
Tickets for your chance to win a beautiful “Star Sampler” quilt are currently being sold by the VFW in Ashland. The queen-sized quilt was donated to the club by Christine Murphy of Portage and can be used on a bed or hung for display. Please contact any VFW or Ladies Auxiliary member to purchase your ticket(s). Tickets cost $5 each, and they will be sold through the New Year. For more information, call Lawrence Michaud at 435-4351.
Ashland Motor Lodge events
During the month of December, the Motor Lodge will be having theme nights. Wacky Wing Wednesdays will feature all-you-can-eat chicken wings for $7.99. Thirsty Thursdays will be pizza night. Buy any one-item pizza and get the second one-item pizza half off. And, on TGIF Fridays, there will be special prices on select bar beverages. Stop in and check out these good deals and enjoy the ambiance that the lodge offers.
If you have not made your plans to celebrate the New Year, why not spend it at the Motor Lodge? Musical entertainment for the evening will be provided by DJ Julie Curtis. Julie played at the Lodge in November to rave reviews. She offers an amazing mix of country, rock and hip-hop – something to please everyone’s musical tastes. There is NO cover charge and FREE soup and rolls will be served at midnight. Special “stay and play” room rates of $45 are also being offered. So, book now and welcome the New Year in at the Ashland Motor Lodge.
Ongoing Events
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.
The Portage Lake Seniors’ 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.
If you can help plan for Portage Lake’s 2009 Centennial Celebration, please contact Corrine Routhier at 435-6854. Your help is both needed and appreciated.
Ladies, are you interested in crafts or have some that you’ve started and just can’t seem to finish? If so, take yourself over to the Portage Lake Municipal Building for Girlz Night every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy the company and the satisfaction of finally completing a project!
(Julie Graham-Berry is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and surrounding townships. She can be reached at 435-7137).
