Greetings readers! As you know, Julie has resigned as the Ashland correspondent. Starting this week, I will be taking over the position. My name is Susan Feeney-Hopkins. My partner, Steve, and I live in Portage Lake along with our (very spoiled) hound dog, Crockett. We raised one son, Shane, who has now left the nest to begin his adult life.
I grew up in a small town in Rhode Island, not unlike many of the small towns here in The County. Steve and I first came to northern Maine as a couple in 1990, and knew then, this is where we wanted to build our life together. Not only did we enjoy the vastness of the woods and nature, but it offered us the quality of life we had imagined for ourselves. It took a while, but in 2002, we finally made it! Since then, Steve has realized his dream of working as a full-time master guide and operating our own guiding business, the “Maine Event Guide Service.”
We are both avid outdoorsmen enjoying hunting, fishing, hiking, and such. Most of our time is spent in the woods and on the waters of The County. I also enjoy traveling, writing, photography, music and art. I earned my certifications in dental assisting and dental radiography from the University of Rhode Island and the Community College of Rhode Island. I am employed full-time as the administrator/care manager at Northwood Manor in Ashland.
I am excited about this new project and look forward to bringing our community news and goings-on to the readers. I would like to give my sincere thanks to Julie Graham-Berry for “showing me the ropes” and offering me her support. It has been much appreciated.
If you have any announcements, special events, activities or items of interest, please feel free to contact me at my e-mail address: FeenHop@aol.com.
Portage Lake Centennial celebrations kick off
A Friday evening skate on the lake at the Forestry Building March 20 began what turned out to be a weekend of old-fashioned fun at the Portage Lake Snowman Festival.
The Tourism Committee hosted a pancake breakfast (cooked by the Town Selectmen) at the Town Hall the following Saturday morning. As usual, another great meal was served with plenty of good friends and conversation.
The morning celebration continued with the “Incorporation Recognition Ceremony” honoring the town’s 100-year anniversary as a township in Maine. Presenting the official State of Maine sentiment to Town Manager Rita Sinclair was State Rep. John Martin (D-Eagle Lake). Rep. Ken Theriault of Madawaska was also on hand offering his personal connection to and a historical overview of the town. Therese Elish from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ office in Caribou presented a flag to the town that had been flown over the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. in honor of Portage Lake’s Centennial.
The Portage Lakers Snowmobile Club sponsored a “Coin Hunt” for the kids. Hidden in the snow were 100 Presidential coins. Kids big and small also participated in an egg carrying snowshoe race hosted by the Ashland Boy Scouts. Following the races, the fun continued on the Portage Cross Country Ski Trail with the Maine Winter Sports Center offering ski equipment and instruction free of charge.
The Variety Show opened to a standing room only crowd! Portage son, Gib Gagnon traveled all the way from his home in Cazenovia, N.Y. to serve as the master of ceremonies, bringing his tuxedo and his outgoing personality along with him. Tony Gagnon was the sound technician for the night also providing guitar and banjo accompaniment to several acts. Roberta Belanger and Taunja Jandreau worked the concession stand with proceeds (from the stand) contributing to the expansion of the town playground.
Aroostook Idol winner Pam Cyr brought a touch of local celebrity to the event. Her performances of Reba McIntire’s “Why Haven’t I Heard From You” and the John Fogerty classic “Proud Mary” were a huge hit, showing us why she won the prestigious title in the United Way competition.
Other musical acts were performed by the elegant Leonie Theriault singing a song in her native French accompanied on guitar by Tony Gagnon. The crowd was treated to a performance by local bluegrass favorites Jim Wright and Friends. Peg Gagnon, a Portage Lake native, brought a dose of sentiment to the show with her touching acoustic performance dedicated to her family and in the memory of her parents, Gib and Edwina Gagnon.
It seems we have a lot of very talented kids among us! Haleigh and Brady Holmes of Portage Lake charmed the audience with a duet of the sibling rivalry favorite “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better,” while Morgan Doughty’s “Skippedy Do Da” had everyone singing along. Three dance acts were performed by the very creative and talented dancers: soloist, Amber Chasse of Ashland; duo of Ashley Robinson and Ramsey Paradis, both of Ashland; and the trio of Savannah Flint, Lauryn Deabay and Lacey Good, also of Ashland.
Girl Scout Troop 077 performed skits “Moose Chips” and “Fish Fry” proving that Girl Scouts should earn badges in comedic timing! The crowd just loved them. Jarrett Beaulier entertained the crowd with his presence on stage, and a very good loon call. Other talented kids were puppeteer siblings Otis and Kassandra Nelson, and Dawson and Keisha Lane who put on a very professional show for such young performers. Great job to all of our talented kids!
John Jacobs read the poem “My First Time” by Orren Stevens, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats wondering just where the poem was headed. Of course, the dairy farmers all knew it was about the “first time” milking a cow. Rachel Stevens read “The Way We Were,” a poetic account of Portage Lake in the early days written by her aunt, Mildred Bagwell. Sarah Brooks, outfitted in traditional old-time trapper gear (full length coyote skin coat and hat, snowshoes, and a side arm) channeled the spirit of Orren Stevens while reciting his legendary tale of the “Buried Jewels.” The children were delighted in finding their own buried jewels within the audience. I wonder were all the fabled jewels found?
A highlight of the show was a tongue-in-cheek fashion show put on by the Red Hat Loonies (I mean ladies). Rachel Stevens served as the “hostess with the mostess” introducing the Red Hat models.
The show closed with Jean McPherson’s bedtime story of “Rindercella,” the backwards account of Cinderella.
There were so many talented people who participated in the show making it such an entertaining event – one that will surely add another chapter to Portage Lake’s already colorful history. Special thanks to Variety Show Committee members Anita Theriault, Lucinda Jacobs, Lisa Soucy, Sue Feeney-Hopkins and Corrine Routhier, show organizer extraordinaire.
The party continued on Sunday with sliding at the Portage Hills Golf Course and board games at the Town Hall. A potluck supper and slide show were held Tuesday, March 24 marking the official date of incorporation. Happy 100th birthday Portage Lake!
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 to attend.
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.
Coulda,’ Shoulda,’ Woulda’? Do you wish you could have been involved with planning the Portage Lake’s Centennial Celebrations? It’s not too late! There are still events in the works and assistance is still needed to help plan the celebrations. Any help you can provide is both needed and appreciated. Please contact Corrine Routhier at 435-6854.
Commemorative Portage Lake Centennial coins, key chains and a DVD of the slide show are available for purchase at the Town Hall. Call 435- 4361 or stop in for more information.
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 FeenHop@aol.com).
Photo courtesy of Susan Feeney-Hopkins
THE RED HAT LOONIES fashion show models, who entertained during the March 21 Portage Lake Snowman Festival Variety Show, were, from left: Wilza Robertson, Rena Boutot, Jean Clark, Mary Ann Gagnon, Lou Sandy Boutot, Lucinda Jacobs, Perle Soucy, Betty Bragdon, Liette Caron and Grace Nason.
Photo courtesy of Susan Feeney-Hopkins
ASHLAND GIRL SCOUT TROOP 077 had the crowd roaring during their skits “Moose Chips” and “Fish Fry” at the recent Portage Lake Snowman Festival Variety Show. Entertaining the audience were, from left: Rachel Gillis, Brooke Rafford, Allyx Beaulier, Kali Pelletier and Fallyn Tardie.
