ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney Hopkins
Mrs. Vera Steinbeck, of Ashland, surrounded by her family members and friends, was recently presented with the “Boston Post Cane” by Ashland Town Manager, Jim Gardner. The honor is bestowed upon the oldest citizen in town. After the presentation of the cane, Mrs. Steinbeck was presented with a replica of the cane to keep while the original is kept in a case in the Town Office along with a photograph of the recipient. The lovely Mrs. Steinbeck is 97.
The Ashland Area Rotary Club held their annual fundraising auction on Saturday November 13th in the new Ashland District School Auditorium. Starting with their traditional supper, the Rotary Club members and guests feasted on a hearty home-made meal before settling in to their seats for the action.
The bidding began promptly at 6:30 pm with the hypnotic roll of words sung by Auctioneer Ron Leonard. He kept the crowd entertained while securing the highest bid for each item up for auction. The eager bidders bid on their pre-chosen items while the unexpected but “can’t –refuse-the-deal /didn’t-know-you-needed-it” items brought about some friendly bidding competition amongst the neighbors and friends in attendance.
Ashland’s Boy Scout Troop 179 assisted the Rotary members again this year. The boys helped to display the items up for bid and kept track of bid tickets and winners.
The helpful young men and ladies included: Troop leaders Linda Milligan and Polly Libby, Peng Chang, Garrett Graham, Evan Morton, Tyler MacDonald and Lane Deabay. The Rotary members thank you for your help and are proud of your volunteerism! By helping the Rotary Club, you are directly helping your neighbors. Great job!
There were some exciting raffles being held during the auction as well with some of the lucky winners receiving US bonds, cash and a gorgeous ring donated by Cathie Pelletier of Wilders Jewelers in Presque Isle for the popular “Ring Box Raffle”. Winners of the raffles included: (Ring) James O’Clair, who purchased his chance at winning the ring the night of the auction! US bonds winners were: Ronald Fournier, David Chasse, Sheila Jimmo and Bernie Kimball. $50 cash winners included: the very lucky Courtney Jimmo, Merle McPherson and Dana Cameron.
All the money raised at the auction goes directly in to the Rotary Clubs general fund which is used for many worthwhile causes such as scholarships, lifelines for the elderly or handicapped folks in our area, local churches, and community non-profits, etc. Thanks to the exceptionally generous donations from business owners and local community craftsman, the Rotary Club is able to hold their annual auction and raise the much needed funds to help our local community members. When one is helped, we as a community benefit. Thank you Ashland Area Rotary Club for all of your selfless labors and support to those in need.. Each of you play a vital role in our community and many have benefited from your generosity and commitment to bettering the lives of others and the world around you.
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.
