Oxbow Wreaths participates
in annual Open Farm Day
ASHLAND NEWS
Over 100 farms, in all 16 counties across Maine, participated in the 21st annual Open Farm Day held Sunday, July 25. Sponsored by the Maine Department of Agriculture Food and Rural Resources, Open Farm Day is intended to be a wholesome and educational family fun activity to offer the public the opportunity to learn about the business of agriculture, while promoting local farms (and farmers) to their communities.
VISITING THE FARM and shop of Judy and Steven Sherman in Oxbow for Open Farm Day was Kennedy Bencivenga of Limestone, who enjoyed a wildflower walk and meeting Charlotte the Pig.
Oxbow Wreaths in Oxbow hosted the local activities. Owners Steven and Judy Sherman opened their tree farm and shop for tours and demonstrations. Steven enjoyed the opportunity to show off his Christmas Tree Farm and his “tools of the trade.” Sherman explained to the guests that, “There are a lot of hours invested in growing Christmas trees. You just don’t plant a tree and let it grow. You have to nurture each and every one. There are a lot of things that can go wrong in growing trees. Damage from insects, wind, birds, deer, and frost are just a few. The amount of rainfall is critical, as well, especially with newly planted trees in the spring.”
The Shermans have over 14,000 trees they are caring for. Judy, who operates Oxbow Wreaths, sold her first wreaths in 1986. The business has grown every year and they ship their wreaths all over the United States. Judy and her team get to work around the first of November. Judy gave a wreath making demonstration showing how to gather brush, cut it to size and securing the brush on the ring.
“Placement is everything if you want a nice full wreath that doesn’t flop when it gets a little snow on it,” Judy said.
A big draw to their farm is Charlotte the Pig. “Kids love to come see her,” said Judy. “The neighbors bring her treats all the time. Her favorite right now is Swiss chard.”
While this was the Shermans first year of participation in Open Farm Day, they plan to be back next year. To see more of what the Shermans do on their farm, visit them at their place in Oxbow Plantation and/or check out their websites at www.oxbowwreathsandtrees.com or www.deepinthewoodsgiftshop.com.
Veteran’s Service Officer Steve Gagnon from the Maine Veteran’s Services will be in Ashland Wednesday, Aug. 18 from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the VFW Post 9699 to assist all Ashland area veterans in applying for their well earned and well deserved benefits. They will also answer any questions you may have concerning such. Veterans, you deserve the benefits you have earned through your service to your country! Some of the benefits you may be entitled to include health care, disabilities compensation, pension, education, home loans, life insurance, burial and memorials, and counseling. The best way to ensure these VA benefits remain available to past, present and future veterans is to use the benefits you are entitled to through the Department of Veteran Affairs at the Maine Veteran’s Cemetery in Caribou. For more information, call 492-1173.
The American Legion, Oakfield Post, will be hosting a “Blue Star Banner” program to honor the families of local military servicemen and women. It’s an American tradition to display the Blue Star Banner in the window of a home when a loved one is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It should serve as a reminder that war touches every neighborhood. Designed and patented in 1917 by WWI Army Capt. Robert L. Queisser who had two sons serving on the front lines, it became the “unofficial” symbol for parents with a child serving in the military. The Oakfield Post is looking for area families who have a child or loved one serving in the military to recognize them in this very special ceremony. The presentation is to be held during the Merrill Centennial Celebration at the Merrill Park Saturday, Aug. 14. For more information, please contact Jim Burton, American Legion/Oakfield Post at 532-8238.
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 to attend.
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 435-635.
Monday Night Exercise will be held at the Portage Lake Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. every Monday. Participants can workout at their own pace/instruction. Tapes and equipment are available for your use. Contact the town hall with inquires.
Class of 1960 held its 50th class reunion July 17 at the home of Bob and Irene Flint on the Portage Road. Classmates that could not attend but sent regards were Jim McLean, Darrell “Butch” Tobin, Doug Webber, Walter Stevens, Donna (Sutherland) Pratt, Toni (Jimmo) Custis, Jackie (Currier) Vandergriff, Inez (Howes) Stockley and Caroline (Page) Stevens. Others who attended were Gayle Young, Pat (Collier) Craig, Ernie Lovely, Frances Condon, Rachel Holmes, Rhonda Weaver, Marion (Craig) Dunham, Wayne Flint, Jim Galletta and Irene (Condon) Flint. Pictured are, from left, front row: Mary (Gilman) Flint, Ellen (Poitraw) Boulier and Carolyn (Bartlett) Galletta. Back row: Pat (Patchell) Lovely, Jerry Dunham, James Holmes, Ronald Dumais, Lloyd Weaver, Chester “Teddy” Condon, Bob Flint, Donald Young and Henry “Jacky” Reed.
AN OPEN HOUSE was held May 29 at Ashland Community High School for anyone that wanted to tour the school before it is demolished. Attending were, from left, front row: Pat (Patchell) Lovely, Jerry Dunham, Marion (Craig) Dunham and Donna (Condon) Martin. Back row: Peter Martin, Jim McLean, Ron Dumais and Richard Beaulier.
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and surrounding townships. She can be reached at 435-8232 or feenhop@aol.com.
