Portage Lake ATV Club dedicates trails
ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney Hopkins
Members of the Portage Lake ATV Club recently held two trail dedications honoring the landowners who so generously have allowed the use of ATV riding on their land.
Photo courtesy of Rena Belanger
LANDOWNERS Gary Hafford and Debbie Brewer of Portage Lake recently dedicated a portion of the ATV trail running through their property in the memory of Brewer’s late mother, Virginia Bartlett. Here, they cut a ribbon officially “opening” the newly named portion of the trail.
One trail was dedicated in the memory of Virginia Bartlett. The late Bartlett’s daughter, Debbie Brewer, along with Gary Hafford, owns a piece of property in which part of the ATV trail passes through. The other trail, which is in the Buffalo section of town, was dedicated to Glena Condon and her late husband, William “Bounce” Condon. Mrs. Condon was present for the dedication which made the event all the more special.
Photo courtesy of Rena Belanger
THE PORTAGE LAKE ATV CLUB recently held two trail dedications. Here, club members dedicate a portion of a trail in town in the memory of Virginia Bartlett. Bartlett’s daughter, Debbie Brewer, is the property owner. Pictured are, from left: Darey Gagnon, Don Belanger, Milton Jandreau, Jeannie Jones, landowners Gary Hafford and Debbie Brewer, and Bonnie and Brian Condon.
The club members then participated in a memorial ride and outdoor picnic. The lunch break was unfortunately interrupted by a soaking rain shower which seems to have become a common occurrence in recent weeks. Despite the rain, everyone had a wonderful time. The group wishes to thank the landowners for their generous outdoor spirit and for all who participated in the ride and dedication ceremonies.
Respectful use of the land is what convinces these landowners to allow the use of their land by outdoor enthusiasts statewide. Let’s continue to work together to keep our great traditions alive and well!
Photo courtesy of Rena Belanger
TWO ATV TRAILS in Portage Lake were recently dedicated by the local ATV Club. The trail in the Buffalo section of town runs through the property of Glena Condon. The trail was dedicated to Mrs. Condon and her late husband, William “Bounce” Condon, and was attended by family, friends and ATV club members. Gathered are, from left: Harold Cyr and his grandson, Gabriel Strout, Peter Martin, Francis Condon, Donna Martin, Cheryl Raymond, Jeannie Jones, Frankie Taylor, Bonnie and Brian Condon, landowner Glena Condon, Gary Hafford, Milton Jandreau, Rena Belanger, Don Belanger, and Rachel and Reggie Pinette.
Ashland native to hold book signing
Due to popular demand, Martha Stevens-David, newly published writer of “Autobiography of a Simple Soul” and Ashland native, will be holding her second book signing at Sandra McHatten’s vegetable sales stand on the corner of Route 11 and the Presque Isle Road Sept. 1-2.
Portage Lake events
The Portage Lake Association will be sponsoring the much anticipated annual “Ring of Fire” Saturday, Sept. 3 starting at 7 p.m. Camp owners and residents (who live on the lake) are encouraged to light a campfire and gather with friends and family so the lake appears to be a giant “ring of fire.” This is a really neat event and adds a nice ambiance to the lake and your party! Please be sure to have a fire permit if necessary. For more information, contact the Portage Lake Town Hall at 435-4361.
Chili and Hot Dog Fundraiser: The Portage Lake ATV Club is hosting a fund-raising dinner to help the Portage Lake Housing Corp. raise funds for their land purchase goal. The fundraiser will be Saturday, Sept. 3 from 3-6 p.m. at the Pavilion. If it’s raining (and let’s hope it’s not!) it will be held at the Town Hall. Ride your wheelers to the event. If you don’t have one (four-wheeler), rides will be available for those who would like to go for a ride and see some of the local trails.
THE ASHLAND AREA SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB
Contributed photo
THE ASHLAND AREA SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB was recently treated to some music and entertainment by Mildred Sutherland, Sophie Clark and Ricky O’Clair. O’Clair’s mother, Salina O’Clair, and Sutherland’s sister also joined the group for a few songs. Both Mildred and Sophie are former Miss Connecticut Senior Citizen winners. Entertaining the crowd are, from left: Ricky O’Clair, Mildred Sutherland, Salina O’Clair and Sophie Clark.
Ongoing events
The Portage Lake ATV Club will meet every first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Office. All are welcome to attend. Contact Rena Belanger for membership or more information at 435-2780.
The Ashland Area Senior Citizens meet every Thursday at noon for a potluck luncheon at the LeBlanc Junkins VFW Post 9699 on the Portage Road. This active and growing club of senior citizens also takes trips to various restaurants throughout The County, hosts cookouts, enjoys guest speakers and entertainment such as musicians. For more information, contact Roberta Savary at 435-6422.
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 the surrounding areas. She can be reached at 435-8232 or Feenhop@aol.com.
