Thursday, April 24, 2008

4/24/08 Swamp Runners, The Greening of Ashland, High Tea in Hanover, Come Run with Tom



I usually avoid writing about myself in this column because I really don't consider it my column- it's yours. I'm just a steward of the Ashland news, maybe making it fun to read- but it's really all about you. However, I just have to share some news of my own this week.

I was lucky enough to get to run in the Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon this past weekend with a great bunch of Ashland girls: Susan Spence, Laura Boone, Monica Klisz, Kathryn Soiland (Atlee), and Jo Ann Hunter. Any trace of anxiety that I had over this race disappeared with their laughter, and their funny stories made the 13.1 miles fly by. We were happy to run into Dennis Hansen there- it’s always nice to see someone from home, and we were supported by a great crew made up of David Klisz, Keith Hunter, and Mike Spence. Thanks guys, for cheering loud and watching the kids.


I’ll see you this Saturday at 9:00 am in front of the Ashland Town Hall for the planting of our town Christmas tree and the kick-off celebration of Plant 150. Plant 150 is the green movement to plant 150 trees in honor of our sweet town’s birthday. There will be activities for the kids and information on tree planting and care. Afterwards we’ll join RMC students to clean up Carter and DeJarnette Parks as part of their “Ma-con a Difference” Day. These college kids will be all over town working, so if you see them, feel free to stop and lend a hand- or at least say “thank you”. Please call Monica Klisz with any questions: 798-1366.

Yard Sale season is in full-swing! Are you ready to haggle? Liberty Middle School is having a multi-family yard sale to benefit the PTA this Saturday, April 26th. Come and stroll the parking lot from 7 am to noon and find all the necessities you need for your life.

There will also be a huge yard sale on Saturday, May 3rd at Stillwater Farm, 13247 Farrington Road, from 8 am until noon. Over 2400 square feet of treasures, under cover, with a portion of the proceeds going to the non-profit organization Wings of Hope, an organization that works to reduce poverty across the world.

Julie Erickson’s famous Backyard Plant Sale is almost here! You really need to attend- it’s such a great way to fill your yard with beautiful, native plants and flowers. The sale happens Friday, May 2 from 4:00 pm until dark, and then Saturday, May 3rd, from 9:00 to 1:00pm at Julie’s house – 203 Howard St. The great thing about this sale is that you can donate plants from your own yard and then receive a discount on the plants you purchase. Donors will get a preview on Thursday, May 1st from 4pm to dark. You can read Julie’s blog at www.townhound.com/blog/garden for more information on the sale and how to donate plants (no dandelions or morning glories allowed!).

Mother’s Day is just around the corner! High Tea in Hanover will be held Sunday, May 4th, from 1:30 – 4:00 at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. Come sip tea and nibble sandwiches with no crusts as you watch a parade of fashions from the last 150 years. This event will benefit Hillard House, a women and children’s shelter in Richmond. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Seating will be limited, so call Carolyn Peart now for reservation: 798-9131.

Tom Grant called me and said that he hadn’t gotten your entry form for the YMCA Half Marathon training team, and I told him that I knew you were going to run, and that I would remind you! The fifteen week program will get you in top shape for the Patrick Henry Half Marathon. Saturday morning training runs begin May 10th. Visit their website: http://www.quickteams.com/rrrc-hmt or contact Tom for more information: tom.grant@comcast.net

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Please call or email me with your Ashland news: 804-310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. You can find a record of these columns at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/.

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