9/14/07 Things to Keep You Busy on a Saturday...

I used to try and sleep late on Saturdays, but lately there is so much going on, that I have to get up and get out the door early. I have to get to the Farmer’s Market by 9am before the crowds come to pick up some farm eggs or fresh cut flowers. I then have to head straight over to the Caboose because Ian will sell out of that wonderful bread within 15 minutes of opening his door at 10 am. Once I’m there on Center Street, then I’ve got everything else that I could possibly need within a block: the Library, Cross Brothers, Williams Bakery, Coffee and Tea, Southern States, Bell, Book, and Candle, and the Feed Store. By the time I get home, I’m worn out and it’s time for lunch.

Get to bed early tonight (Friday) because tomorrow is a big day in town!

Volunteers are needed to help out at the Henry Clay & Gandy 5K Tiger Trot. If you don’t plan on running or walking in the race, head over to Henry Clay around 7:30 am and lend a hand. Find Rosemargaret Maier, Susan Spence, or Tracey Brown and tell them that you’re there to help. Just cheering on the runners would be a great thing to do. When the runners have a good time at a race, they’ll spread the word and return next year. All the proceeds from this event are going to the Henry Clay and Gandy PTA’s who work to support the children and teachers in our fine public schools.

When you get home from the Tiger Trot, you’ll need to spend some time picking out your clothes for the last Street Party of the summer. Iron that party dress and shine those dancing shoes, and get ready to cut a rug to Ron Moody and the Centaurs behind the Ashland Library beginning at 6pm. Come and see how our Plaza is coming along- it will be such a wonderful spot next summer. Food will be provided by the Smokey Pig and Sullivan’s Irish Pub. Tickets are $5 in advance and can be purchased at Cross Brothers Market, Ace Hardware, Hometown Realty. Tickets are $10 at the door, and kids under 12 are free with a paying adult. For more information call 798-8130.

The Ashland Town Council has deferred a decision on the Wilton Company’s development of the Mt. Hermon Road area until their meeting on Tuesday, September 18th at 7 pm. If you have any concerns about this development and what the impact would be on our sweet town, then I strongly urge you to get in touch with our town council members. You can find the town council’s telephone numbers and email addresses on the Town of Ashland website: www.town.ashland.va.us.

Now that Randolph-Macon is back in session, we’re the lucky benefactors of their great cultural programs and performances. The Flippo Gallery in Pace-Armistead Hall will be having a public opening reception on Sunday, September 16th from 3 to 5 pm to debut their newest exhibit called “Everything but the Kitchen Sink”. This will be a display of works of women artists from Virginia, New York, New Mexico, and California. Pace-Armistead Hall is by the railroad track, on the north end of the Historic Campus. Call 752-7200 for more details and better directions.

On Tuesday, September 18th at 6pm, there will be a musical performance by “Solazo” in the Randolph Macon Campus Center Lobby. This is an interesting group from South America who combine Latin folk, contemporary dance music, and soulful ballads. Call 752-3712 for more information.

Story times are back at the Ashland Library! Mother Goose Story Time (6 to 24 months with an adult)is on Mondays at 10 am. Toddler Story Time (2 years old with an adult) are Mondays at 10:45 am and Tuesdays at 10 am. Preschool Story Time (3 to 5 years old) is Mondays at 11:15 am, and Tuesdays at 10:30. Call 798-4072 for more information.
And last, but certainly never least, many happy birthday wishes to our super-star, Daphne Read Gilmore, who turned 7 on September 14th.

Have a wonderful weekend and keep your fingers crossed for some rain- but after the Street Party Saturday night! I hope we don’t have to wait for the State Fair to finally get some precipitation. Call or email me with you Ashland news: 310-5320 or ashlandnews@gmail.com.