The Ashland Rotary Club dinner and auction held Saturday, Nov. 14 turned out to be their best year to date! Great job Rotarians and community bidders!
The Pioneer Lodge and Eastern Star kicked the evening off preparing and serving a scrumptious meal. Patrons were seen rubbing their full bellies with delight discussing next year’s dinner already. Professional auctioneer Ron Leonard got the bids rolling in a way only a professional auctioneer can do. Thanks to his skill, the bidders were competitive and eager to get their bounty.
There were over 200 items donated and up for auction including some homemade goodies and crafts. Thanks to the generous donations, the auction items raised more this year than last! Rotary President Janet Jandreau, on behalf of the Ashland Rotary Club, would like to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to all who so generously donated items. Because there were so many (did I mention they had over 200 items?), all could not be mentioned, but do know, you are very appreciated, and we know who you are! Special mention does go out to Fraser Paper for donating a load of tongue and groove pine, Aroostook Technologies for their donation of Murs radios, M. Rafford Trucking for a load of loom, Libby’s Sporting Camps for their donation of a half-hour scenic flight and dinner for two, North Maine Woods Co. for gift certificates, and Ashland Auto Supply for a grease gun.
One of the highlights of the night was the announcement of who won the “Bling Thing.” This year’s “Bling Thing” was a gorgeous amethyst and diamond pendant and earrings set donated by Cathy Beaulieu of Wilder’s Jewelry Store. Beaulieu has been a very generous supporter of the Ashland Rotary Club Auction and they would like her to know her support and friendship are very much appreciated. The winner of this year’s bling was the lucky Bobbi Jo Condon, who bought her box from Rotarian Susan Cameron. Congratulations Bobbi Jo!
Throughout the evening there were United States Savings Bonds that were raffled off. The lucky winners were: Mary Coffin, Jeanine McPherson, Sammy Jimmo, Ella Weeks and Sheila Jimmo. In addition, there were three $50 cash door prizes given with the loot going to: Ella Weeks (this is not a typo; just one lucky lady!), Al Giberson and Jim Laveway.
The Ashland Rotarians would again like to thank all of the generous people and businesses who donated so many great items. Without them, none of this would be possible. Applause to the Pioneer Lodge and Eastern Star members for another great meal. Thanks also go out to all of the Rotarians for their service, dedication and good deeds in our community and throughout the world. You do make a difference.
Invitation for Friends and Family of Marion Martin
This Saturday, Nov. 28 from 3-4 p.m. at the Advent Christian Church Fellowship Room, there will be a 90th birthday celebration for our friend and lifelong Ashland resident, Marion Martin. The family wishes to extend an invitation to all their kin, friends and community members. There will be ice cream and cake served along with laughter and reminiscing. Only the gift of your presence and friendship will be accepted – see you there!
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 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.
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.
Photo courtesy of Janet Jandreau
ASHLAND BOY SCOUT TROOP 179 has donated its time and efforts to the Rotary Auction for years as “runners” for the evening. The boys showed the items and “ran” tickets to the winning bidders. Pictured are, front row, from left: Zachary Carr, Airin Harmon and Wyatt Carr. Back row: Kurtis Henderson, Evan Morton, Issac Cyr, Sean Robertson and Polly Libby, assistant Scoutmaster.
Photo courtesy of Janet Jandreau
LUCKY “BLING THING” WINNER Bobbi Jo Condon, left, with her lucky charm, Rotarian Susie Cameron, who sold her the winning box.
Photo courtesy of Janet Jandreau
A FINE OILED MACHINE – Working together for a smooth evening were the “auction recorders” who kept track of the items and the winning bids, from left: Rotarians Heather Clark and Denise Campbell, with Rotarian President Janet Jandreau. Professional Auctioneer Ron Leonard (in back) awaits his turn at the microphone while Master of Ceremonies Rotarian Roy Clark welcomes the bidders.
