ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney-Hopkins
As the World Acadian Congress approaches, 100 days from its opening day Aug. 8, Aroostook County is preparing for its next influx of guests from throughout the nation and the world.
This weekend, Saturday, May 3, all Portage Lake citizens are invited to go to Baker Lake, N.B., for a community lunch and tour. Further details are posted in town and questions can be addressed to Linda Caron.
On March 8, 15 people from Portage Lake went to Packington, Quebec for a meal and tour of their newly painted church and municipal building with a community library. A great time was had by all, regardless of a little language barrier.
As part of the World Acadian Congress Tripling of similar towns from Aroostook County, New Brunswick and Quebec, each community hosts one another and creates a project to be shared amongst themselves and later presented at the closing ceremonies Aug. 24.
It will be Portage Lake’s turn to host its Canadian neighbors June 21 at the town’s annual Historical Society supper.
King-Thomas Trust Scholarships available
Applications for the King-Thomas Trust Scholarships are available at the guidance office at Ashland District School.
The King-Thomas awards, made possible through the generosity of the late Barbara Thomas-King, are available to all graduates and alumni of Ashland Community and Ashland District High School who are citizens of SAD 32. The deadline to apply is Monday, May 5.
For more information, call the guidance office at 435-3481, ext. 136.
Ongoing events
The Portage Lake ATV Club will meet every first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Town Office. All are welcome to attend. Contact Rena Belanger for membership or more information at 435-2780.
The Ashland Area Senior Citizens meet the first and third Thursday at noon for a potluck luncheon at the LeBlanc Junkins VFW Post 9699 on the Portage Road with a meeting to follow. This active and growing club of senior citizens also takes trips to various restaurants throughout The County, hosts cookouts, enjoys guest speakers and entertainment such as musicians. For more information, contact Roberta Savary at 435-6422.
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 Jean Clark at 435-8034 or Donna Martin at 435-7108.
The Red Hat Loonies of Portage Lake meet every third 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.
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and the surrounding areas. She can be reached at 227-7760 or Feenhop@aol.com.
