Portage Lake to host potluck for Acadian Congress talk
ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney Hopkins
The town of Portage Lake will be hosting a potluck dinner to welcome guest speakers Jason Parent and Lorraine Pelletier from the Acadian Congress Committee.
The Congress members will be in Portage Lake for a discussion and presentation about Maine’s role in the upcoming World Acadian Congress being held in Aroostook County in 2014. The speakers will also discuss how the town of Portage Lake (and surrounding areas) specifically can benefit from this international event.
As many have noticed, there is now a “Welcome to the St. John Valley” sign on the hill entering Portage Lake. Several months ago, the town of Portage Lake was officially recognized and incorporated as part of the St. John River Valley. For whatever reason, the town was overlooked in the configuration years ago, which really never made sense considering it is a fact the actual lake, Portage Lake, is part of the Fish River Chain of Lakes which drain into the St. John River hence making it a part of the St. John River Valley. Regardless, the town now has the distinction and recognition it deserves. One only has to see the expansive picturesque view as you crest the hill heading north into town to know that Portage Lake is without a doubt the southern entrance to the St. John River Valley.
The World Acadian Congress will be holding its fifth gathering in 2014. This is the first time this event is being held in the state of Maine. This three-week event is expected to bring at least 50,000 visitors to the region … one of the largest tourist events Maine has ever seen! This offers a huge economic boost to our northern region, countywide. By showcasing northern Maine with such international exposure, this event has the potential to increase the interest in northern Maine as a destination.
The potluck dinner and presentation is sponsored by the Portage Lake Historical Society and will take place Friday, Oct. 14 starting at 6 p.m. in the Portage Lake Town Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend as long as you bring a dish to share and a hearty appetite! For more information, contact Corrine Routhier at 435-6854 or by e-mailing arouthier@roadrunner.com.
Ashland seniors deliver school supplies
Members of the Ashland Area Senior Citizens Club recently collected and delivered school supplies to elementary aged students at the Ashland District School. The club filled a box with supplies such as markers, pencils, erasers, pens, notebooks and rubber bands.
Photo courtesy of the Ashland Area Senior Citizens Club
DELIVER SCHOOL SUPPLIES — Members of the Ashland Area Senior Citizens Club recently delivered school supplies to elementary students at the Ashland District School. Club members have been filling a box with school supply items — donated by the club members — to help support their local school students. Pictured are, from left: AASC President Cleo Bernier, Second Vice President and Activity Coordinator Betty Morris and member Karan Craig.
The Area Seniors continue to collect items, and when the box is full they will deliver the items once again to the students. A huge note of recognition goes out to the Ashland Area Seniors for contributing to the education of our young people and for their involvement in such an important issue. Thank you all!
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.
