Congratulations are due to Dr. Patricia Miller who was recently appointed Assistant Director of Early Education for Hanover County Public Schools. Dr. Miller has been principal of John M. Gandy Elementary, and will be leaving behind a school that has flourished under her leadership. It is fortunate that all the children in Hanover can now benefit from her expertise, dedication, and genuine love for education, but I am sad for my kids and for Gandy. In my heart I knew that she was bound for higher things; you can’t be a bright star like that and not move upwards. And even though she will only be across the parking lot, she will be greatly missed. Well done, Dr. Miller, well done. 
Oh, Saturday night was beautiful! Those Street Parties are so much fun. Food, music, dancing, friends, and a full moon over-head. How could it get any better? Well, maybe if my friends danced more. We just seem to stand around and talk, in a rural kind of way. I was blow away by Charles Hartgrove (Town Manager) and the God Fearin’ Snake Handlers. They were wonderful and I hope we get many more chances to listen to their music this summer. The talent in this town never ceases to amaze me. The next one will be July 19th- put it on your calendar.
Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to Mike Spence and AC Bruce! I hope they both have a great day and get lots of good presents.
I think we all knew that Tom Grant was a maniac, but now we have official proof. Tom just completed his third marathon in three months, which gives him membership in the Marathon Maniac Club. I have heard stories about wild parties and secret handshakes, and hope that Tom will remember her friends back in Ashland as he readies himself for fame and glory.
Before
you have your cookout this Memorial Day, come walk in the 7th Annual Memorial Day March which leaves the Ashland Library at 1pm for a silent march down Hanover Street to Woodlawn Cemetery. This event, hosted by the Ashland American Legion, is to remember and honor those service men and women from Hanover who gave their lives defending our freedom. “We do not gather to glorify war.” This is really a beautiful event. Make sure your kids know why they got the day off from school. 
Tim Russert, of NBC’s “Meet The Press”, will be in town this week to speak at RMC’s commencement on May 31st. Congratulations to the class of 2008! I hope that as you make your way through life, you’ll think of Ashland as your home once. We certainly thought of you as our kids while you were here.
I hope that everyone has a wonderful week. Soccer is finished for us, so we’re relaxing this week and getting ready for Ashland Barracuda swim practice to begin. I bet that pool will be cold when it opens. The blue lip rule will hopefully be in effect. Hats off to the Ashland Youth Soccer League! These volunteers always run a wonderful season. Stay dry, stay warm- don’t put those sweaters away yet. Call or email me with your Ashland stories: 804-310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. A record of these columns can be found at www.ashlandnews.blogger.com.
