Following in the footsteps of his father, Tim Hanley has made beautiful gingerbread houses for his grandchildren for many years. His oldest granddaughter, Amanda Whipple, 8, asked him if this year, instead of a house, he could do a big Christmas tree.
Tim obliged, and together with his wife, Marilyn, he constructed an approximately two-foot tall gingerbread tree covered with green and white icing, gumdrops, chocolate candies, licorice sticks, gumballs, mini candy bars, Hershey kisses, gummy orange slices, chocolate angels and even real lights! Surrounding the tree was a yard displaying marshmallow trees, snow caps, chocolate gingerbread men, gummy bears, marshmallow snowmen, chocolate Christmas packages and a candy sleigh. It took approximately 12 pounds of powdered sugar to frost the tree and provide “snow” for the yard part of the creation. That’s a lot of sweet!
Since 2004, the Hanleys have been bringing their gingerbread houses to the Ashland Central School so that the students can see and enjoy them. This year, Marilyn brought the gingerbread Christmas tree to the school during “Santa’s breakfast.” Santa, as well as those who were able to see the Hanleys’ sweet creation, were very pleased and marveled at their beautiful confection.
Budget meeting set
There will be a public hearing at the Ashland Transfer Station Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 5:30 p.m. The proposed 2009 budget will be discussed.
Local cookbooks for sale
Members of Tillikum Chapter 99, Order of the Eastern Star, and the Portage Lake Centennial committee worked hard this past summer to put together cookbooks. Tillikum’s is entitled, “Cooking With Love & Memories,” and can be purchased at the Ashland Food Mart, or from any Eastern Star member. Cost per book is $10. The Centennial committee’s keepsake cookbook contains 390 recipes and can be purchased at Dean’s, the Portage Town Hall, or from any committee member. Cost for the Centennial cookbook is $12 with all proceeds going to the Portage Centennial Celebration. Pick some up for those special cooks in your life.
Portage Centennial items for sale
There is one Memorial Picnic Table left for sale at a cost of $150. The picnic tables were made by Life Scout Andrew Libby of Ashland.
Also, if you would like to purchase a Centennial calendar or calendars, they are currently for sale for $10 at Dean’s, Coffin’s, Dead River in Ashland and the Portage Lake Town Hall. Centennial cookbooks can still be purchased at Dean’s and the Town Hall, as well.
If you have any questions about these or any other Centennial items/topics, please contact Corrine Routhier at 435-6854 or e-mail arouthier@roadrunner.com.
Project Graduation fund-raisers
The committee for Project Graduation has on on-going 50/50 chance drawing offered at every home varsity basketball game, as well as a chance to win $500. The $500 opportunity is generously sponsored by Katahdin Trust Co. and will be awarded to the individual who can make a basket by shooting the ball from half-court. The $500 chance will be offered until there is a winner. Good luck and keep buying those tickets!
Quilt tickets for sale
Tickets for your chance to win a beautiful “Star Sampler” quilt are currently being sold by the VFW in Ashland. The queen-sized quilt was donated to the club by Christine Murphy of Portage and can be used on a bed or hung for display. Please contact any VFW or Ladies Auxiliary member to purchase your ticket(s). Tickets cost $5 each, and they will be sold through the New Year. For more information, call Lawrence Michaud at 435-4351.
Ongoing Events
The Ashland Area Senior Citizens group meets every Thursday at noon at the Ashland Recreational Center. Any senior citizens wishing to participate in the potluck lunches and meetings are always welcome.
The Portage Lake Seniors’ 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.
If you can help plan for Portage Lake’s 2009 Centennial Celebration, please contact Corrine Routhier at 435-6854. Your help is both needed and appreciated.
There is an aerobics/exercise group meeting Monday and Thursday nights at the Portage Lake Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m. There is no cost for participants. Please contact Kim Holmes at 435-6043 for more information.
(Julie Graham-Berry is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and surrounding townships. She can be reached at 435-7137).
Photo courtesy of Corrine Routhier
THE PORTAGE LAKE CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE has calendars and cookbooks for sale. The cookbook contains 390 recipes and can be purchased at Dean’s, the Portage Town Hall, or from any committee member. Cost for the Centennial cookbook is $12 with all proceeds going to the Portage Centennial Celebration. Centennial calendars are currently for sale for $10 at Dean’s, Coffin’s, Dead River in Ashland and the Portage Lake Town Hall.
Photo courtesy of Kim Haines
SIDNEY ST. PETER, left, and Amanda Whipple stand beside the gingerbread Christmas tree that their grandparents, Tim and Marilyn Hanley, created. The tree was displayed in the Ashland Central School cafeteria on the “Breakfast with Santa” day for all to enjoy.
