Laveways named Citizens of the Year
ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney Hopkins
The 2011 Ashland Summer Fest is sure to go down as one of the most exciting and fun-filled events the town has seen. The celebration kicked off on Friday, June 30, and ran through Sunday, July 3. Events such as an ‘all day’ softball tournament and the first ever model car race hosted by the local Masons took place and drew in the crowds. There was literally “something for everyone” going on all weekend.
Photo courtesy Susan Feeney-Hopkins
Citizens of the Year —
Don and Sis Laveway of Ashland were chosen as the 2011 recipients of Ashland’s Citizen of the Year. The couple were chosen for their “commitment to helping the good citizens of Ashland over many decades.”
To the delight of many in town, Don and Sis Laveway were chosen as the Town of Ashland’s 2011 Citizens of the Year. Andrea White, Ashland Summer Fest Committee chair, presented the deserving couple with an engraved plaque thanking them for all they have done for the community. The couple were honored because of “their commitment to helping the good citizens of Ashland over many decades.” The couple, both together and individually, have positively impacted the lives of many with their kindness, friendship and good deeds. Congratulations, Don and Sis! You are both very deserving of this honor.
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The Advent Christian Church hosted a Quilt Show showcasing the incredible sewing talents of our local ladies — past and present.
Photo courtesy Susan Feeney-Hopkins
Ella Weeks of Masardis took part in the Quilt Show displaying several of her handmade quilts. Weeks, who is considered by many to be a “master quilter,” is shown here with the spectacular “The County” quilt she made. Each square on the quilt represents a County characteristic such as fiddleheads, potatoes, a chickadee and a logger, to name a few.
Over 70 handmade quilts were laid out over the pews in the church for all to admire, along with quilted bags, wall hangings and clothing. Local quilter Ella Weeks of Masardis showed me a quilt that had been started by an Ashland resident many years before — the late Mary Jane Duprey, mother of the late Florence Graham of the Graham family. It seems at some point Mary Jane had hand-stitched quilt squares with a tulip motif. Never completing her quilt, she carefully tucked the squares away and it seems they, like many heirlooms, were lost among storage over time. Many years later these treasures were found by her relatives. The family, not knowing what to do with them, gifted them to Weeks who is a family friend and master quilter. Weeks was “honored” with the task and “finished” the Duprey/Graham tulip quilt. Weeks credits the late Duprey with being a “very skilled quilter,” pointing out the intricate stitching and design. It has since become a cherished item among her quilt collection. All of the quilts on exhibit were a beautiful display of this time-honored tradition and the talents of our local women.
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Ashland and the surrounding townships also saw an increase in the population as many traveled home to Ashland for the Alumni Reunion. Approximately 600 reunion guests attended a dinner and social at the new Ashland District School. It was great seeing so many smiles and witnessing reunions; some former residents and classmates had not seen one another in over 20 years or more! It was truly a homecoming for everyone.
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Photo courtesy Susan Feeney-Hopkins
Just Clowning Around — Evelyn Morton, 2, of Ashland participated in the Ashland 4th of July Parade representing the Frenchville Mission with her family. Evelyn is the daughter of David and Donna Morton of Ashland.
The weather could not have been any better for the town parade and the Saturday events. Main Street was lined with parade-goers and patriots in the mood to celebrate America! Hoots and hollers were heard miles away as parade participants took to the streets. In typical parade fashion, candy was strewn from floats with the children scrambling for their chance to obtain the sugary treats. An Art Show and Sale was open for the first time this year, with wares by local artists and artisans on display and for purchase. A paintball alley was set up for patrons to enjoy and try their hand at. The Classic Car Show attracted classic car lovers and owners and every “motor head” in the area! Some of these classic beauties were truly just lovely and brought back a lot of memories to those who admired them.
Photo courtesy Susan Feeney-Hopkins
Patriots in Motion —
Local military members, including active duty and veterans, were a fine example of the American spirit while walking in Ashland’s 4th of July Parade. Here, Ashland resident Scott Libby, Navy, proudly carries the American flag. With him at left was his grandson Dylan Hayley, a Weeblo Cub Scout; his daughter and Dylan’s mother (face hidden) Lynn M. Libby, Air Force; and Al Murphy, Marine, who is carrying the LeBlanc-Junkins veteran’s flag.
Photo courtesy Susan Feeney-Hopkins
The Fine Ladies of the VFW — The Ashland VFW Ladies Auxiliary were friendly and cheerful while riding on their float in the Ashland 4th of July Parade.
Photo courtesy Susan Feeney-Hopkins
Family Farming —
John Weeks and his daughter Susan Cameron, both of Masardis, drove their classic tractors in the Ashland 4th of July Parade.
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Doll maker Barbara Rouse opened her home to doll lovers and Summer Fest attendees.
Photo courtesy Susan Feeney-Hopkins
Dollmaker Barbara Rouse of Ashland opened her home during the Summer Fest. Rouse was a gracious host, explaining the doll-making process to all who visited.
Rouse, who collects and hand-makes porcelain dolls, was a gracious and informative host. Her collection is extensive and beautiful. (Dare I call it a doll museum?) What began as a “love of dolls” turned in to a lifelong hobby and labor of love. Rouse makes each of her dolls by hand — from pouring the liquid porcelain into a mold and baking them in her kiln, to painting their lovely faces with tiny paintbrushes as well as fashioning all of their clothing. Each doll is “an individual” — named with their own story to tell. Some have been made in the image of a loved one and others have been inspired by a celebrity or Rouse’s imagination. All are made with love and intention. Rouse particularly enjoys “costuming” her dolls in elaborate and finely-detailed hand-made fashions. Rouse credits her late husband Lee with inspiring her as well as giving him tribute for “being better at it than I am.” It was a delight to see this lovely collection and we thank you, Mrs. Rouse, for opening your home to all of us little girls in big girl clothing!
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With the rain arriving on Sunday, it was a perfect day for a concert! The Just Folk Singers performed at the Ashland District School to a full house. This group just keeps getting better and better! Keep an eye out in next week’s edition of the Star-Herald / Ashland News section for photos and highlights of the concert. After the concert those in-the-know headed straight to the Masonic Hall for a delicious pulled pork sandwich. The Masons did a great job and boy were these sandwiches good! I think they should make it a permanent fixture in town! If you didn’t get one this year, be sure to next year!
This Summer Fest was truly a festive event. Thanks to the efforts of the Summer Fest Committee, we were all allowed to enjoy such a great weekend. It was wonderful to see so many citizens out and about, as well as all of the vendors and artisans showing their talents to the community. To the Committee members, you really outdid yourselves! Your attention to detail and interest in making the Ashland Summer Fest not just something to do but a destination is to be admired and appreciated. The Summer Fest Committee members are: Andrea White, chair; Diana O’Clair, treasurer; Mary Caron; Heather Bessey; Dave Basely; Linda Milligan; Janet Kelle and Amanda Barker.
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Boy Scout Troop 179 of Ashland’s Mason Deabay, 12, displays the cake he made for the Scouts’ cake auction.
Deabay’s “Mario” cake won for “cutest cake” as well as earning a $20 high bid.
Mason is the son of Shannon and Joel Deabay of Oxbow Plantation.
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.
