Sunday, September 2, 2007

8/31/07 Happy Birthday Carl, Last Bluemont, Tiger Trot

The last Bluemont concert was the best of the season, with a beautiful night, great music, and a sizeable crowd. The Carolina Chocolate Drops were wonderful, and I’ve heard that they might be coming back to town at the Ashland Coffee and Tea, so keep an eye out for their next appearance. Each Bluemont performer who has come to town this summer has spent time before the show playing for a local nursing home or convalescent center as part of their outreach program. The Carolina Chocolate Drops played for an hour at the Omni Park Place Senior Apartments. Through our involvement in Bluemont, Henry Clay and Gandy Elementary will get to enjoy some talented musicians this school year. So, not only are we entertained, but we’re giving back to the community- something that Ashlanders know how to do so well.

This is the last weekend that the Ashland Pool will be open! Monday, September 3rd will be the final day.

If you see Carl Sloppy this weekend, wish him Happy Birthday! Carl will be 39 on September 1st. He stays pretty busy, though, so you might have to just wave at him as he drives down the street. His thirty-ninth year should be a good one as he and Cathy are expecting their second child in just a few more weeks.

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.
So after you’ve run the 5K, treat yourself to a fun evening at the last Street Party of the summer. Come dance to the music of Ron Moody and the Centaurs, Saturday Sept. 15th from 6 to 11pm behind the Ashland Library. 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.

Have fun this Labor Day weekend, and watch out for those school buses bright and early Tuesday morning! Let me know about your Ashland news. You can reach me at 804-310-5320 or ashlandnews@gmail.com

It's a shame we didn't get any snow this winter...

Especially since we're building this new town ski lodge.  I mean, I guess it could potentially bring in tourism dollars, if we ...