Thursday, March 20, 2008

3/21/08 Wonderful RRR, Free Concerts, Parenting Workshop, Yearbook Deadling Approaching


The 30th Running of the Ashland Railroad Run was a wonderful event. The energy of the runners and the overall enthusiasm of an event run entirely by volunteers was incredible. As with so many things here in town, it appeared almost effortless- like everyone just woke up that morning and decided to have a race. The sight of Jeff Rheihl's Ruby leading the pack of runners always brings tears to my eyes. It's one of those priceless moments when you feel like what you're looking at isn't real- that this sight must be imagined because it's so bright and perfect. I can only imagine what the people on trains thought as they rolled through town. Do you think they wished the train would stop awhile? We are so lucky that we get to stay right here.

Happy Birthday to Keith Hunter on March 19th! Behind every dedicated volunteer is a husband who is happy to stay home and put the kids to bed at night. Thanks Keith, for sharing Jo Ann with us.

Here's a wonderful opportunity to learn some Ashland history. Greg Glassner, editor of the Herald-Progress will be speaking at the Ashland Public Library this Thursday, March 20 at 7:00 pm. The history of the press in Ashland will be the topic, through the eras of Marion Watkins Hergert and Jay Pace, we'll learn about the important place that the Herald Progress has always held. Refreshments will be served. Call the Library at 798-4072 for more information.

In yet another example of how we have it all in Ashland, The Hanover Concert Band is opening their rehearsals to the public- free of charge. They rehearse every Tuesday evening at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, 500 S. Center St., from 7:30-9:30 pm. Come pull up a chair and hear a wonderful free concert.

Congratulations to Maggie Hartigan, 10, from Elmont, who brought home several medals from the Raleigh Feis Irish Dance Competition in North Carolina last month. You can catch a repeat performance on March 29th at the St. Patrick's Festival in Church Hill.

Congratulations to Susannah Gilmore who won Second Place in the Richmond Junior League's "Be A Junior Author" writing contest. Susannah is a fifth grader at John Gandy Elementary and won for her short story about an unusual friendship. Her family was very proud of her and looks forward to the opportunity to read her story.

The Parenting Resource Network presents it's March workshop Thursday, March 20th from 6:30 to 8 pm at the YMCA on Ashcake Road. The topic this month will be "Who's in Charge? Dealing with Power Struggles" and will be presented by Susan Brown, instructor with Commonwealth Parenting. To register for the workshop, please call Kathi Thomasson at 798-2767.

Have you sent in your family's story for the Ashland Yearbook? The deadline is April 1st. Visit www.ashland150.com for more information.

I have recently heard that we have a visiting bear in the vicinity of South Center St. He probably knows that Clare Abbott is turning 7 on March 22 and is looking for a piece of that birthday cake.

Please have a lovely Easter! I hope you get plenty of food to eat and find all the eggs that you hid before you have to cut the grass. Happy Spring Break for all those kids in Hanover County Public Schools. If you're leaving Ashland for the week, please come back to us safely. If you're staying in town, call me and let me know what's going on. You can reach me at 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 ...