9/28/07 Nature Preserve, Things to do outdoors

I am thinking of putting up a sign that says “Nature Preserve” in front of my garden, and maybe then I won’t feel so guilty about neglecting it these days. It is nothing but weeds now, with maybe a few peppers somewhere underneath. The beautiful weather we’ve been having has let everyone enjoy being outside again after evading the late-summer humidity by hiding inside our air-conditioned homes. If only it would rain a little, then I’d be completely satisfied and content.

If you see Ross Luck this week, you must stop him and give your condolences- he turns 40 on October 4th. Bob Hope said, “You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.”

On Wednesday, October 17th, come out for the Free Clinic Challenge at Hunting Hawk Golf Course to benefit the St. James the Less Free Clinic in Ashland. Entry fees are $80 per player, which covers all green fees, carts, and use of driving range. This event is limited to 20 players, so sign up as soon as possible. Call Lee Chambers (798-6647) or Ragan Philips (798-9721) to register. Hawk Hill Associates of Ashland will match all money collected. If I played golf, I would think that there is hardly a better time of year to be on the fairway than in October under those spectacular autumn skies.

Do you already know what you’re going to be for Halloween? Come join the party at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center on Wednesday, October 31st, for their annual Halloween Party featuring the spooky sounds of the Hanover Concert Band. There will be tricks, treats, and prizes for the best costumes. Watch this column for more details, as we get closer to the date.

Tickets are on sale now for the December 6th Kiwanis Annual Fundraiser on the beautiful farm of A.D. Whitaker just outside of town. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids under 11, and free for kids 6 and under. There will be some delectable BBQ, plus music and drinks. The Kiwanis are famous for their generous spirit and their commitment to the children of this town. Most of our children play on a playground everyday that was built by the Kiwanis. You can contact John Longmire at 798-4348 for tickets or any other Kiwanis member.

The guided walking tours of Ashland are back, and begin every Saturday in October at 11 am at the Visitor’s Center. If you’re new to town, this is a great lesson on some of the wonderful historic homes that we have here. Call the Visitor’s Center at 752-6766 for more information.
The Randolph-Macon football team is off to a great season! Come cheer on the Yellow Jackets as they play Washington and Lee this Saturday at 1 pm here at home. There are always some fun activities to keep the little kids busy so the parents can enjoy the game.

Happy birthday to gardener extraordinaire Marie Meccia on October 5th! Her caring and generous spirit is reflected in her many family and friends.

Make it a Saturday routine to visit your local Ashland Farmer’s Market. Opening at 9am, there are lots of wonderful fall crops available, and some really exceptional cut flowers. At only $7 a bundle, these flowers will last more than a week and add some charm to your kitchen table. I am sure it’s because they are so fresh and don’t have to travel very far. We’ve been fortunate to find some fresh butter beans, peppers, squash, and pumpkins.

If you have any Ashland news that you want to see here in this column, please give me a call or email. I would have nothing to write about if it wasn’t for the people of this town. Stories about gardens and October skies will only go so far. Tel: 310-5320, email: ashlandnews@gmail.com