2/4/10 Winter Wonderland, We Were There, Gandy Dreams of Spring

When this life is over and my days flash before my eyes, here is what I hope I remember: days of snow, trains stopped on the tracks, and dinner at ElAzteca surrounded by friends. I know that I will miss the ordinary times- when kids cry because there is snow in their gloves, sleds speeding down driveways, and clothes stained with hot chocolate. Big events like wedding and graduations will be harder to remember, and it will be those regular Sunday afternoons that we'll miss most of all. Remember them as hard as you can- they are fast and they disappear quickly.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND WILL BE RESCHEULED IN MARCH:

I hope the coming weather isn't enough to shut down "We Were There: History through the Arts." this Friday and Saturday, February 5-6, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the Blackwell Auditorium on the campus of Randolph-Macon College. Residents of Ashland and Hanover County will also participate as storytellers and presenters, and the strong voices of the Ashland Community Chorus, will move us with stories told in song. Admission to the event is free to adults and children, but donations are appreciated and may be made at the door. For more information contact The Hanover Arts and Activities Center at (804) 798-2728. http://www.hanoverarts.org/.

Congratulations to the Gandy Garden Committee who have recently been awarded two grants to begin their work on transforming our school's courtyards into learning gardens! They recieved a $5000 grant from Lowe's and a $500 grant from Hanover Master Gardeners Association. What a beautiful place it will be.

Friday February 12th is Teen Movie Night at the Ashland Library at 6:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library, and pizza will be served. Call 798-4072 for more information.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, Feb. 13th because it's Casino Night at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Get ready- theme this year is "70's Disco Fever in Funkytown." Tickets are available by calling 798-5039, and sign up early beacause child care (but spaces are limited) is available if you need it.

If you see Monica Klisz this week, wish her a Happy Birthday! Monica will begin opening her big pile of presents on Feburary 6th!

Due to the snow, the Hanover Idols Competition has been moved to Sunday, February 21. Junior Idols Competition will begin at 5:15 pm, and Hanover Idols will begin at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center (804-798-2728), or on the day of the shows. For more information, please visit http://www.hanoverarts.org/.

One thing that I really like about the snow, besides all the obvious things, is that you can't do anything about it. In this modern age where almost everything can be fixed or bought, it is nice to have something that puts us all on a level playing field. It is a great equalizer. I hope it brings you more happiness than not. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!

1/28/10 The Center, We Were There, Firehouse Movies

Ok, where were we? Let's get back to sunshine and lollypops, Ashland. I think that we've already had enough sadness for 2010, and we are certainly due our fair share of happiness.

The 22 Hullabaloo at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center was a wonderful party. I hope many of you got to attend, have fun with old friends, and meet new ones. The decorations were astounding, the food marvelous, and the wine poured freely. It was a treat to watch Tom Wulf's video about the Center, and we are so thankful for the all the work that he's done. If you are not a member of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, I would strongly encourage you to join. It's one of the easiest things you can do to support your community. You can find more information on the website: http://www.hanoverarts.org/, or by calling 798-2728

Friday February 12th is Teen Movie Night at the Ashland Library at 6:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library, and pizza will be served. Call 798-4072 for more information.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Feb. 13th because it's Casino Night at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Get ready- theme this year is "70's Disco Fever in Funkytown." Tickets are available by calling 798-5039, and sign up early beacause child care (but spaces are limited) is available if you need it.

The great history of our country, both the tragedy and the triumph, will be presented in the production of "We Were There: History through the Arts." This event will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings, February 5-6, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the Blackwell Auditorium on the campus of Randolph-Macon College. Residents of Ashland and Hanover County will also participate as storytellers and presenters, and the strong voices of the Ashland Community Chorus, will move us with stories told in song. Admission to the event is free to adults and children, but donations are appreciated and may be made at the door. For more information contact The Hanover Arts and Activities Center at (804) 798-2728. http://www.hanoverarts.org/.

Our condolences to John & Vandi Hodges who are missing John's father who passed away on January 23rd. Mr. Hodges led a wonderful life, from landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day, to later serving as mayor of Williamsburg. He will be greatly missed by his family.

The next movie at the Ashland Firehouse Theater is "Lillies of the Field" starring Sidney Poitier
as an unemployed construction worker (Homer Smith) heading out west who tops at a remote farm in the desert to get water when his car overheats. The farm is being worked by a group of East European Catholic nuns, headed by the strict mother superior (Mother Maria), who believes that Homer has been sent by God to build a much needed church in the desert. An excellent, excellent movie. Curtain time is on February 6th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $6 at the door, and concessions are available, and the Theater is located at the old firehouse on the corner of Duncan St. and Hanover Ave. in Ashland.

Call or email me with your happy Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Let's start decorating for Valentines Day- I want hearts and cupids all over the place!

1/21/10 Hello Harrison, Goodnight Sweet Charlotte

I know that there are other things going on in town, but I am only talking about babies today: a baby arriving and a baby leaving. Here is how the world keeps on turning, and how life comes and goes.

Please welcome our newest Ashland resident: Harrison Edward Amos, born to our Town Director of Planning, Nora Amos and her husband Josh. Harrison was born on Jan. 10th and weighed 7lbs, 8oz. He was welcomed home by his big brother John Henry. Everyone is healthy and doing fine, and we are so, so glad that Harrison is here!

Three days before Harrison arrived, we lost 4 year old Charlotte, and her memorial service this past Saturday was tough to sit through. I kept getting nervous beforehand, and I'll admitt that I had to make myself go. As beautiful as I knew it was going to be, it was not something that I wanted to go to. I did not want to celebrate her short life; I just wanted her to still be here.

If a funeral can be beautiful, this was one. The music was lovely. Smiling Fred Horn played his piano while the children's choir of First Baptist sang, and then he bounced along the keys as Susan Greenbaum sang "Frosty the Snowman", "I'll Fly Away", and "Let's Go Fly a Kite." We all smiled when Mary Poppins rushed onto the stage to join in the last number. I don't know how they got their voices to work without choking up, especially on "Frosty" which was Charlotte's favorite song: "And he waved goodbye saying 'Don't you cry. I'll be back again someday..."

However, you could not help but cry, and there were moments during the service when I wanted to run out. I brought a handkerchief instead of a tissue, because I knew it would hold up better, and it was soaked by the end. My only relief was that people all around me were crying too, and that I was not alone.

At the end, we stepped out into the late afternoon sunlight, and took a deep breath of cool air, and that seemed to help everyone. On the steps of Blackwell, we held pink and purple balloons, all tied with our messages for Charlotte. We counted to her favorite number- 4, let them go, and we all watched them until they were far off in the distance. We stood and talked, and went over to Duncan for the reception where Gypsy Roots played "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "You Are My Sunshine."

It was really an excellent example of how to say goodbye. By the time I walked into Duncan, I felt exhausted and empty, and the first thing I saw on the tables were silver bags of M&M's with the message, "Chocolate Makes Everything Better" attached to them. There was a chocolate fountain and tables of sandwiches, sweets, and fried chicken. And isn't food love? What better way to come back to the real world than to eat a little something, hug friends, and listen to good music? Thank you, Roger & Rachel, for helping us feel better. I hope that the day did the same for you.

Lastly, here was my message that I tied onto the balloon for Charlotte: "I am so sorry. I wish that I could have done something to save you. I with that I was a brilliant scientist who could have found a cure, or a high priest who could have brought a miracle, or a clever witch who could have worked magic. Thank you for letting me write about you- it was all I had to give."

Send me your Ashland news: ashlandnews@gmail.com, or 310-5320. Have a wonderful week.

1/14/10 A Chilly Town Loses it's Butterfly

It is too cold. I am so tired of those big piles of month-old snow that block the parking spaces in the parking lot. I am so tired of the bottles of lotion that I'm going through trying to keep my skin from turning into sandpaper. I am tired of layers. I am tired of socks. Thank goodness we have a lot going on in town to keep me distracted or else I might be tempted to make a break for Cuba.

VCU's Department of Urban & Regional Planning will present "A Downtown (Ashland) Enhancement Plan" on Wednesday, Jan. 27th at the Ashland Firehouse Theater. There will be a social hour at 6 PM and the presentation will begin at 6:30 PM. The "Downtown Enhancement Plan" is the result of a three month study that included extensive research into issues, interviews with Ashland residents and businesses, and visits to other communities who dealt with revitalization. The Enhancement Plan offers specific recommendations for possible future efforts that would enhance Downtown Ashland. This presentation, followed by a discussion period open to participants, is sponsored by the Ashland Main Street Association and the Town of Ashland, and all are invited to attend.

If you miss this party, you will only have yourself to blame. The hottest ticket in town is one to "22 Hullabaloo" at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center on friday, January 22nd. This will be a wonderful evening of food, dancing, and all your favorite people! Tickets are $11 each, and there is complimentary babysitting provided for children aged 4 - 12. Call early to reserve a spot- 798-2728.

It’s time for the third Hanover Idols Competition, sponsored by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Auditions will be January 24, 2010; the competition for finalists will be Sunday, January 31, 2010. Deadline to sign-up for the auditions is January 15, 2010. For more information, including the Sign-Up form, please visit http://www.hanoverarts.org/ or call Sue Watson at 804-798-5686.

Looking ahead to February, keep Saturday the 13th open because it is Casino Night at St. Ann's Catholic Church. We are all so excited because the theme this year is "70's Disco Fever in Funkytown." Yes, those crazy Catholics are at it again! It's hard to pass up an opportunity to party in the parish hall.

The great history of our country, both the tragedy and the triumph, will be presented in the production of "We Were There: History through the Arts." This event will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings, February 5-6, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the Blackwell Auditorium on the campus of Randolph-Macon College. Residents of Ashland and Hanover County will also participate as storytellers and presenters, and the strong voices of the Ashland Community Chorus, will move us with stories told in song. Admission to the event is free to adults and children, but donations are appreciated and may be made at the door. For more information contact The Hanover Arts and Activities Center at (804) 798-2728. http://www.hanoverarts.org/.

Well, Charlotte is gone, and now our job is to help her parents cope with her absence. Please come to her memorial service this Saturday, Jan. 16th from 1-4pm at Blackwell Auditorium on the Randolph-Macon Campus. Even if you never met this family, but followed their struggle, I would encourage you to attend. Think of how much it will mean to Roger & Rachel to see that auditorium filled to capacity and over-flowing into the lobby. There is strength in numbers, you know. They have asked that you wear something bright, preferably pink and/or purple. No somber black allowed.

Stay warm, Ashland. Bundle-up, eat soup, drink a little whiskey in front of a fireplace. Enjoy these winter months for the camraderie that they bring; if we're stuck inside, we might as well be stuck inside together! Call or email me with your COTU news: 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Brrrrrr.

1/7/10 Where Ashland Overcompensates for Cold Weather by Filling Social Calendar to Capacity

I was a little sad about the Holidays being over with, and then I took a look at the January & February calendars. This is the most gettin'-together-est town that I've ever seen, don't you think Rodney Bardwell?

The Classic Film Festival begins at our Firehouse Theater this Saturday, January 9th with the movie "Shadow of a Doubt" which was said to be Alfred Hitchcock's personal favorite. It will feel warm and balmy outside after you've been chilled by the classic suspense that can only be found in a Hitchcock film. The movie starts at 7pm. Come early to get a seat.

The hottest ticket in town is one to "22 Hullabaloo" at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center on friday, January 22nd. This will be a wonderful evening of food, dancing, and all your favorite people! Tickets are $11 each, and there is complimentary babysitting provided for children aged 4 - 12. Call early to reserve a spot- 798-2728. Then call me and tell me what you're wearing.

It’s time for the third Hanover Idols Competition, sponsored by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Auditions will be January 24, 2010; the competition for finalists will be Sunday, January 31, 2010. Deadline to sign-up for the auditions is January 15, 2010. For more information, including the Sign-Up form, please visit http://www.hanoverarts.org/ or call Sue Watson at 804-798-5686.

Looking ahead to February, keep Saturday the 13th open because it is Casino Night at St. Ann's Catholic Church. We are all so excited because the theme this year is "70's Disco Fever in Funkytown." Yes, those crazy Catholics are at it again! It's hard to pass up an opportunity to party in the parish hall.

In honor of Black History Month, the Hanover Arts and Activities Center will present "We Were There: History Through the Arts" on February 5th and 6th at 7pm. This is just another one of those incredible programs that can only be found at your Center! Call 798-2728 for more details.
By the time you read this, I can't imagine that our Charlotte Reynolds will be here. As I write this, I keep checking Roger & Rachel's blog every hour to see what is happening. They are so good at keeping everyone informed, and there are hundreds of people keeping vigil. She is so near the end that her parents can't believe that she is still here, and this waiting is very hard. It is full of anxiety, and worry. But I am proud of all of them- of Roger, Rachel, and especially Charlotte. In her four years on this earth, she has touched more lives than many of us do in a lifetime. What do you call that? Don't you think it must be divine grace? Well done, Charlotte, well done.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Stay warm. Cross your fingers for a snow day.

12/24/09 Merry Christmas

Wow. I used to think Ashland was pretty just on an ordinary day, but toss almost two feet of snow on our sweet town and you have a winter wonderland of epic proportions! Did you see those Christmas lights sparkle in the snow? Have you seen those bundled children bouncing through the drifts? I don't think I ever fully appreciated Christmas carols- they take on such a deeper meaning when you listen to them while watching the snow fall. It was perfect, this snow before Chrstmas. Thank you to whoever ordered this!

I am so sad that we've lost another important Ashlander. Nancy Witt left us this past week, and our creativity quotient immediately plummeted. I never met Nancy, but her painting fascinated me, and I could stare at them for hours. My condolences to her children and friends; I know you will all miss her dearly.

Having old movies at the new Firehouse Theater has added to our storybook atmosphere. If you lived in town, you could have walked to the movies this past Saturday night! Can you imagine that? Walking down a snowy street to see an old movie? Quick, someone pinch me. Call the Theater for details on their next show: 798-9721.

While you're baking cookies this holiday, make a few extra to drop by at the firehouse, the police station, or the rescue squad. The men and women have been working extra hard in all this snow, and it's wonderful to send them a thank-you.

One little example of how our police officer give back to the community is the "Shop with a Cop" program. On Thursday, December 10, 2009 the Ashland Police Department hosted a holiday party for local children at the Ashland Church of God. With many donations and support from local businesses and citizens, Santa Claus was able to distribute many gifts to the participants at this year’s party. Several local businesses donated pizzas and drinks as well for the event. Community volunteers wrapped these gifts and helped hand them out during this year’s party.The Ashland Police Department extends our sincere gratitude to the local donors and volunteers for their generous donations and hard work in making this year’s event so special for the children in our community.

As we wind down 2009, lets reflect a little bit. Was it a good year? A tough one? A little of both? We'll talk more about it next week, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the passing year. You can email me at ashlandnews@gmail.com, or call me at 310-5320. Are you glad that you're here? You may get tired of me telling you, but you will find no sweeter spot on earth than this town. Go outside on a quiet winter night, find a star to wish on, and ask that you never have to leave. "...Through the years we all will be together if the fates allow, hang a shining star upon the highest bough, and have yourself a merry little Christmas now..."

12/17/09 Raindrops, Gandy Art Auction, Charlotte's Trip to Disney

"I'm dreaming of a wet Christmas, just like the ones I never knew. Where the tree branches drip and children slip on sidewalks wet with dew. I'm dreaming of a wet Christmas, with every umbrella that I see! May your days be merry and yet, may all your Christmases be wet!" My cousin, Emily Kelly, and I wrote that song during another soggy holiday- maybe 1982. Enough already. Let us dry out!

The Gandy Art Auction to benefit the Gandy Garden Project was a stunning success! You know I've told you that we're lucky to have people like Lorie Foley and Wendy Doyle living here- people that give hundereds of hours of their time to make this town a better place for our kids. It's really incredible. We're so excited about these Gandy Gardens, and this auction was the first step in making it happen. There are many, many people to thank, including Ashland Street Parties who made a significant contribution. I'll remind you about that when the summer rolls around!

A huge thank you to the teachers and staff at Gandy who stayed late and helped make the Auction an really fun evening for the kids and their families. Thank you to Marlynn Turner, formerly of Virginia Street, who traveled back from Atlanta to be our wonderful auctioneer. Thank you also to anyone who donated auction items- we had some incredible things at our silent auction, including a holiday flower arrangement by Nancy Hugo, original Raku pottery by Nancy Cozart, photography by John Cook, and some sweet kiddie chairs painted by Sunnygirl Elizabeth Melson. Bravo Gandy! Well done!

If you're struggling to find that special Ashland gift, remember that there are new pewter ornaments of the Arts and Activity Center available! These are incredibly detailed and the perfect addition to your tree for only $15. Call Faith at 798-2728 if you'd like one!

When you see Susan Spence on the 19th, please wish her a very happy birthday! These December babies have a hard time, so the deserve our special attention, that includes John Hodges who celebrated his birthday on December 10th."Merry Christmas" to the Ashland community from Ashland Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)! On Sunday, Dec. 20, you are invited to join us for a "Festival of Lessons and Carols” at 7 pm at 301 S. James Street (across from Henry Clay School). This service is adapted from a Christmas Eve service which has been held annually for 90 years at King’s College in Cambridge, England. Accompanying our Chancel and Bell Choirs will be guest musicians with trumpets, timpani, flute, and harp. A reception will follow. Admission is free.

Congratulations to Tana Garcia, Monica Klisz, and Laura Boone who ran in the cold, cold rain in the Blue and Grey Half Marathon in Fredericksburg this past weekend. This was Tana's first 13.1 miles, so it was a really special day for her!

Our little Charlotte Reynolds has returned home from her fabulous Disney Make-A-Wish vacation! We have loved seeing the pictures and the smiles on everyone's faces, and we are so thankful that they got the chance to have that happy time together. You can keep updated on how this princess is doing through their blog: http://www.cjstuf.blogspot.com/. Hers is not an easy story to read, but it is important and beautiful, and it will do you good.

It is so wonderful to have movies once again in our sweet town! Our new Firehouse Theater is showing classis movies on a regular basis now, and all reports have been glowing! This Friday, 12/19, they'll show "The Shop Around the Corner" starring Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan starting at 7pm. Then on Tuesday, 12/22, they're showing a Christmas Double Feature beginning at 6pm: "The Grinch", followed by "A Christmas Story." Visit their website: http://www.ashlandfirehousetheater.org/ for a listing of all the holiday movies coming up.

Here- I will give you the advice that I can't follow myself: Don't worry- it will all get done. My father tells me all the time, "You have enough time." When I was younger, I'd just roll my eyes and walk away. The last time he said this to me, I said, "Daddy, I've been thinking about this for a while, and I've come to realize that you're just plain wrong." There will never be enough days in the year to love Ashland like we should. Work on that this week, ok?

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Stay dry and keep sparkling COTU!