ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney-Hopkins
For the second year, the Dubois Family Reunion 2014 will be hosting a Halloween Hayride to raise funds toward the Dubois Family Reunion being held during the 2014 World Acadian Congress. The hayride will once again be held at the home of Marcelle Gagnon at 109 Fox Hill Road off Route 11 in Portage Lake. This year’s hayride will be in memory of John Gagnon, Marcelle’s husband and a beloved Portage Lake native who passed away earlier this year.
Always the joker, the late Gagnon was the first one to volunteer at the local Halloween events, fully enjoying startling the kids and adults. Last year’s event at his homestead proved no different. He could be found around every corner spooking the unexpected participants. No doubt we will miss his presence this year, but I have a feeling he will be there with us, pulling his pranks and making us laugh!
The hayrides will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 and run throughout the afternoon. This one day only event (no rain date!) should not be missed. Rides are $4 for an individual, $6 per couple, and $12 for a family. There will be goody bags for the kids. This is a super fun family and seasonal event.
The Gagnon’s property offers a scenic hayride (one of the best views in Portage Lake) especially during this time of the year. Be warned, there may be a few ghosts and scary creatures lurking around. It is Halloween season after all.
For more information, contact Corrine Routhier at 435-6854 or e-mail arouthier@roadrunner.com or call Marcelle at 435-6580.
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 the first and third Thursday at noon for a potluck luncheon at the LeBlanc Junkins VFW Post 9699 on the Portage Road with a meeting to follow. 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 Jean Clark at 435-8034 or Donna Martin at 435-7108.
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 227-7760 or Feenhop@aol.com.
