There will be a fund-raising barbecue and live music concert held at the Mystic Acres Campground in Oxbow Plantation to benefit the Joel and Shannon Deabay family and Jim and JoAnne Haycock, two local families that have recently been hit very hard with unfortunate circumstances.
The Deabays suffered an emotional blow when Joel was involved in a very serious automobile accident in July leaving him with two broken vertebra in his neck and multiple other injuries. Besides dealing with these major health issues and impending medical bills, he obviously is not able to work with no idea of how long it will take to recuperate. The Deabays have three young children to care for, in addition to household expenses. The Haycocks lost everything to a house fire (a few weeks back in Oxbow), and are now in the process of starting from scratch. I am sure if we all pondered their situations for a moment, we would realize just how devastating it has been for both families.
The benefit barbecue and concert, sponsored by the Oxbow Congregational Church, will be held rain or shine Saturday, Aug. 22 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Mystic Acres Campground in Oxbow. Admission will be by donation and there will be a fee charged for the meal/food. The menu includes sausage, hot dogs, burgers and chips with cookies for dessert. The musicians scheduled to perform thus far will be singer Wayne Estey and the group Oxbow Flats. There will also be a 50/50 raffle and pie auction. They are still looking for musical performers and will accept pies for the auction. (You can never have too many pies!!). So, if you’re willing to donate your time for a good cause, please call the number listed below for more information.
All proceeds and donations will go directly to the families. Weekend camping will also be available, with those fees generously being donated to the families. Be sure to bring your own chairs, blankets and umbrellas (just in case). Don’t forget to bring all your friends!
The economy is hard on all of us right now, but imagine suffering this kind of stress in addition? Any financial contribution will help these families tremendously. If you’re not able to attend, donations can also be made through the Oxbow Congregational Church at 812 Oxbow Road, Oxbow Plantation, Maine 04764 or call 435-3410.
What a great way to end the summer by helping your neighbors in need!
Portage Lake Centennial Souvenirs
There are centennial souvenirs still available for sale at the Town Office. Some of the prices have been lowered, so now is the time to buy! Items available include calendars ($8), key rings ($5), slide show DVD ($5), coins ($10), variety show DVD ($3), cookbooks ($12), centennial book ($16) and sweatshirts sizes kids to adults ($20).
Local Scouts Earn Merit Badges
Boy Scout Troop 179 from Ashland attended Katahdin Scout Reservation Scout Camp from July 25-29. Scouts had the opportunity to participate in various activities including swimming, climbing, COPE course, canoeing, learning outdoor skills and earning merit badges. Scouts earned the following merit badges: Andrew Libby earned Indian Lore, Pioneering and participated in the COPE course, Josh Wortman earned Mammal Study and Camping, Isaac Wortman earned Canoeing and Basketry, Jayme D’Ozier earned Basketry, Indian Lore and participated in the COPE course, Mickenzy Ronco earned Climbing and participated in the COPE course, Lane Deabay earned Cooking and Wilderness Survival, Kurtis Henderson earned Swimming, Indian Lore and Wilderness Survival, Evan Morton earned Canoeing, Leatherwork and Indian Lore, Isaac Cyr earned Cooking, Shotgun, Archery and Basketry, Malcolm Milligan earned Canoeing, Indian Lore and Camping, Zachary Carr earned Swimming and Canoeing, Garrett Graham earned Swimming and Canoeing, Tyler MacDonald earned Leatherwork while participating in the Voyager Program, and Airin Harmon earned Leatherwork while participating in the Voyager Program. Earning their Mile Swim patch were Henry Milligan, Isaac Wortman and Malcolm Milligan.
Troop 179 also received Honor Troop by completing a list of various requirements including hosting a campfire, completing a service project, participating in the mile swim or polar dip, passing the campsite inspection daily and leading a cheer or song in the dining hall. Congratulations to our local Scouts for a job well done!
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.
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 feenhop@aol.com.
Photo courtesy of Polly Libby
ANDREW LIBBY, a member of Boy Scout Troop 179 of Ashland, was recently honored with the Spirit of Scouting Award. He was selected by Scout commissioners and staff for adhering to the Scout oath and law and his citizenship at camp. Libby was chosen out of 400 boys. In addition to receiving a certificate and plaque, he will also receive one free week of camp next year.
Photo courtesy of Polly Libby
BOY SCOUT TROOP 179 of Ashland attended a week of Boy Scout Camp in July. Pictured are, front row, from left: Airin Harmon, Garrett Graham, Isaac Cyr, Tyler MacDonald, Mickenzy Ronco, Malcolm Milligan, Zachary Carr and Henry Milligan, assistant Scoutmaster. Back row: Linda Milligan, Scoutmaster; Polly Libby, assistant Scoutmaster; Isaac Wortman, Josh Wortman, senior patrol leader; Andrew Libby, Jayme D’Ozier and Lane Deabay. Absent when the photo was taken were Evan Morton, Kurtis Henderson and Alex Lewin. Unable to attend the camp were Sean Robertson, Jarrett Beaulier and Alex Gillis.
Photo courtesy of Polly Libby
PARTICIPATING IN THE FRIDAY NIGHT campfire were members of Boy Scout Troop 179 of Ashland, from left: Malcolm Milligan, Garrett Graham, Tyler MacDonald, Isaac Wortman, Lane Deabay and Airin Harmon. The boys sang a song and acted out the words.
