9/7/07 Back to School, Library Activities, Tiger Trot, Last Street Party

This being the first week of school, I’d like to talk a little bit about what we can do to help our public schools. I firmly believe that a community is only as good as it’s schools. I’d like to encourage all of you to do something this school year for our local Ashland schools. Even if you don’t have children, or if your children are all grown, these schools should still be important to you. They are educating the future doctors and nurses who will take care of you in your old age. They are influencing the kids who will become the mayors, supervisors, delegates, and senators who will decide what Ashland looks like in twenty or thirty years. There is always a need for your help. Consider becoming a “Book Buddy” and helping a child who is struggling with reading. Call the front offices and ask them how you can help. I guarantee that they’ll be glad to hear from you.

The Ashland Farmer’s Market has become a crowded place these days. I’d advise getting there bright and early when they open at 9am. We got there late, around 11:30 this past Saturday, and most vendors had sold almost everything they brought. We did find some late season tomatoes, squash, cut flowers, hot peppers, and lots of great dogs.

This is a really busy week if you’re a librarian at the Ashland Library…..

On Tuesday, September 11, come hear a presentation on Conservation Easements at the Ashland Library from 7 to 9pm. This lecture is sponsored by Hanover Naturally: a citizen group which believes that ecologically significant and diverse natural areas are essential to healthy communities; that without protection these areas will disappear as Hanover's population grows; that public lands made available for quiet contemplation, nondestructive activities and education can become powerful community resources. For more information on this important group, contact: Nancy Pecsok, 804-798-1197, or e-mail hanover_naturally@earthlink.net.
Come back to the Ashland Library on Thursday, September 13 and hear Jennifer Smith talk about the benefits of yoga and demonstrate a few exercises. This lecture, “The Basics of Yoga”, will be followed by a brief video presentation and refreshments from the Friends of the Ashland Library.
Then on Friday, September 14, send your teenager over at 6pm for Movie and Pizza Night at the Ashland Library. Don’t forget to tell those librarian’s how much you appreciate them.

The Ashland Town Council unanimously deferred any action on East Ashland until its Sept. 18 meeting. This is a perfect time to communicate your thoughts on this development to the council members. You can find out how to contact them on the town’s web site: www.town.ashland.va.us

There are two big events happening on Saturday, September 15th here in Ashland. The Henry Clay and John Gandy Elementary Schools' PTA's 1st Annual Tiger Trot 5K race will begin at 9:00 am at Henry Clay. The entry fee is $20 with the first 100 registrants receiving t-shirts. There are two races for the kids to choose from: The Half-Mile Run will begin at 8:00 am, and the One Mile Run will begin at 8:15am. The entry fee for the kids is $10. I’ve heard that there will be lots of fun door prizes and fun things to do. Pick up your entry forms at Fin & Feather, Henry Clay, John M. Gandy Elementary, or the Ashland Library. All proceeds will go to the two PTA’s: Henry Clay and John M. Gandy. For more information please contact Susan Spence at804-537-5257, or Tracy Brown at 804-752-7762.

Come dance to the music of Ron Moody and the Centaurs, Saturday Sept. 15th from 6 to 11pm behind the Ashland Library at the last Street Party of the season. Food will be provided by The Smokey Pig and Sullivan’s Pub (winner of the 2007 Best BBQ in the Universe Contest). There will be lots of children’s activities, as if giggling and dancing around weren’t fun enough. Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the gate. Children under 12 are free with a paying adult. Funds raised will benefit the Plaza Project, which is close to completion.
While I like the kids returning to school, the last day of summer vacation is always bittersweet. We try and pack in several trips and some time at the pool to end it on a good note. One year our middle child broke her arm that evening before school started, so perhaps we were trying to do too much, but how can you blame us? Summer is so special, and so elusive- we’re always trying to find that perfect summer that we remember from our childhood. As adults, it’s never quite the same. The responsibilities of life wear on us and in the evenings, we’re washing dishes instead of catching lightening bugs. I hope you all had a good summer, and that you made many good memories to laugh about. I hope that your biggest calamity was either getting bitten by a mosquito or stung by a jelly fish.

Drive safely this week and give the school buses plenty of room. Call or email me with your Ashland news. My phone is 310-5320, and my email is ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great week!