Portage Lake welcomes new town manager
ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney Hopkins
Holly Umphrey, 55, a resident of Portage Lake, was chosen and has begun her tenure as the Portage Lake town manager. Officially taking her position Sept. 8, she is already familiar with the town and its people.
Holly Umphrey
“The community spirit is overwhelming. There’s something about the pulse of the community that draws you here,” said Umphrey.
Umphrey recently returned to Portage Lake as a full-time resident when her job with the USDA was eliminated after serving for over 20 years.
“The government eliminated my position which made me eligible for early retirement. I decided it was time to come home,” she said. Umphrey served as the Resource Conservation and Development Coordinator (RC&D) with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) out of southern New Hampshire. She had also worked as part of the Emergency Response Team which sent her all over the world in response to natural disasters.
Previous to her employment with the federal government, Umphrey worked as the recreation director and police officer for the town of Washburn.
“I have things to learn going from the federal government to a municipality, but I am willing to face it head on,” she said. “With my combined life and work experience, I feel I have a lot to offer.”
Umphrey holds a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and an associate’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
When asked why she was interested in serving as a town manager, Umphrey said though she is “retired” from her government career, she is “only 55” and didn’t feel she was done working yet and felt like she “still had something to contribute.” Recognizing the concerns and issues of the town as a resident offered her a unique perspective which motivated her to apply for the position. “The town’s been through a lot; changing leadership, the economy. When the opportunity presented itself, I put my name in.” The concern with the utmost importance to her at this time she says is to “rebuild confidence in the community and to let the citizens know we are here to serve.” She intends to look at “how the community can grow economically in areas such as tourism and the woods industry. We can be resourceful. We will pick ourselves back up,” she said with a smile. “This community has so much to offer. I want it to be a place that people want to come to as a destination.”
Umphrey’s family, who are fifth-generation potato farmers, has ties to the community dating back over 100 years.
“My grandfather had a camp here and every generation since has been here. I grew up on Oak Point. I bought my camp in 2000. All of my family is in The County. I live here, as do two of my brothers. I lived out of a suitcase for years (with my job). It’s nice to be home,” she said.
Umphrey resides in Portage Lake with her partner, Vicki Krauthamer, and their two Labrador dogs, Monte and Matai. She enjoys golfing saying “I am horrible golfer, but love to play,” kayaking, and spending time with family and friends.
Umphrey’s positive outlook and optimism seem to be overflowing. Community members have embraced her and reflect her hopefulness in building the community and making it stronger. Most are feeling Umphrey is “the right choice” as a leader for the community.
“I look forward to working with the citizens of Portage Lake. I might not be able to solve all our problems, but will be fair. My door is always open,” she said.
Portage Lake ATV Club
Photo courtesy of Susan Feeney-Hopkins
THE PORTAGE LAKE ATV CLUB recently held a hot dog and chili sale at the town’s Pavilion for the Portage Lake Housing Corporation (PLHC).
The funds raised will go toward the PLHC’s goal of a land purchase.
Though a rainy day, it didn’t stop the locals and club members from attending and having a good meal.
Here, ATV club member Darey Gagnon fixes a dog while fellow club member Jeannie Jones looks on.
Masardis Town Office hours
The Masardis Town Office will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 28 and Thursday, Sept. 29. They will be open Tuesday, Sept. 27 and Friday the 30th of that week. They apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please contact the Masardis Town Office with any questions in regards to this notice.
Ashland River Fish and Game breakfast
Calling all bird hunters! The Aroostook Fish and Game Club in Ashland will be hosting a breakfast Saturday, Oct. 1 from 5-9 a.m. The fee is $3 for children and $6 for adults. They will be having a pistol drawing and lots of door prizes. All are welcome to attend.
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.
