Monday, November 26, 2007

11/30/07 Santa Visiting Ashland, Deck The Halls, Richmond Symphony, Lost Time Capsule







You might need to cut out this article and post it on your refrigerator. Not for my sake- but because there really is so much going on in the next few weeks that you won’t want to miss. Buy some extra coffee, dust off your walking shoes, and get ready for Christmas.

When I was little, we would go to Miller & Rhodes downtown to visit Santa. These days you can save gas and time by seeing him right here in Ashland! Join St. Nick for lunch at Henry Clay Elementary this Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It’s a magical event, even if it’s not the Tea Room, and Edie Weaver won’t be there. There will, however, be a bake sale, cakewalk, crafts, and a chance to get your picture taken with Santa. This event is sponsored by Market Ashland Partnership and the Henry Clay Elementary PTA. Call Chip Tompkins with your questions or to buy a ticket: 798-7885.

This Sunday, December 2nd, come by Pine Grove Farm from noon to 4:00 p.m. for “Deck the Halls”- an afternoon of Christmas wreath-making in the red barn at Carolyn & Jerry Peart’s home (12438 Elmont Road). Abundant fresh-cut cedar, pine, and boxwood await you to bring home and decorate your house for the holidays. Music provided by Susan Greenbaum. Reservations are requested ($25 per person, $35 per family) by calling 355-2825. All proceeds will be donated to Hilliard House- a program that helps homeless women and children in the Richmond area find ways to reach the lives they desire. Please park at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (S. Snead St.) and a shuttle bus will take you to the Peart’s.

The Richmond Symphony returns to town on Sunday, December 9th at Duncan Memorial Church to perform Vivaldi’s Gloria and Other Seasonal Selections with the Central Virginia’s Masterworks Chorale. Performances will be at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Reserved tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, and $5 for children, and are available at Cross Brothers. I keep saying that you never have to leave town to have a good time, and here is a perfect example!

Randolph-Macon begins their annual performance of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens December 7th, continuing through December 13th. Reserve your seats by calling the box office at 752-7316. Tickets are $2.50 for adults and $1.00 for children.

Now is the time to plan out your gingerbread house for the Hanover Arts and Activities Gingerbread House Contest. In past years we’ve seen an out-house, an igloo, and a replica of the Ashland Police Station. Drop-off is Saturday, December 8th from 10:00 a.m. until noon, and the houses will be on display during Ye Olde Ashland Christmas House Tour, December 9th. The House Tour features some lovely Victorian homes decorated by local gardening clubs. Call Faith Boyle at the Center (798-2728) for more information or visit the website: http://www.hanoverarts.com/.

Did anyone see the article in last week’s Style Magazine about Ashland’s Lost Time Capsule? Maybe Charles Hartgrove should offer a prize to the first person who finds it. Call him at 798-9219 if you’ve got any ideas. http://www.styleweekly.com/article.asp?idarticle=15697

Put a big red circle a round December 17th for me please. Old Fashioned Christmas Caroling will take place in and around Center Street. If you’ve ever wanted to step inside a Norman Rockwell painting, this may be your opportunity. Please call Donna Whiteway at 366-5676 with questions, and look for more details coming soon.

Congratulations to Morgan Hunter who won the First Ever Ashland Turkey Trot ½ Mile Race, and to Peyton Luck & Scotty Redfern who tied for the Kid’s 1 Mile.

Did you get all of that? I know it’s a lot, but what do you expect from a town like Ashland? Could you imagine a quiet Christmas? We revel in these holidays because it gives us the chance (and the excuse) to throw a party, a parade, a play, or go caroling together. If I’ve missed something, please give me a call at 310-5320, or email ashlandnews@gmail.com. You can also find a record of all these columns at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/. Have a great weekend!

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