Friday, May 30, 2008...News Flash... Neon Lights still Working at Ashland Theater

The lights of the Ashland Theater were lit up last night, which led us to wonder why. We were curious and had to go up to the doors and peer inside. No one was there, but the inside doors to the lobby were open. I had hoped that we would see the real estate agent shaking hands with some proud new owner, but the "For Sale" signs are still there. Maybe it was all bright and shiny to add to the festive spirit felt by the soon-to-be graduates of RMC. I'm sure Ashland's Finest were busy last night with the numerous parties that were held (fireworks!) in anticipation of their big day today. We got the scoop from the night watchman at Randolph-Macon, who was standing guard over the hundreds of chairs for the ceremony, that Tim Russert wasn't planning on leaving DC until 2 hours before graduation. We think that's cutting it a little close, Tim.

The other possibility is that it could have been the ghost...

5/29/08 Sunshine & No Humidity, Luck of the DAR, Strawberry Faire on the Horizon

We could not have ordered a more beautiful Memorial Day weekend. It was like we were living in Southern California! We rode bikes everywhere, swam in the cold water at the Carter Park Pool, and talked to our neighbors at Cathy & Charles Waldrop’s annual Memorial Day Picnic. We were also lucky enough to get to join in the Ashland Memorial Day March from the Library to Woodlawn Cemetery to remember those who gave their lives so we might live in peace.

The Ashland Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from 9 to noon in the parking lot behind Town Hall. There are beautiful local cut flowers and those Hanover tomatoes should be appearing soon, and we can all start eating BLT’s again.

Congratulations to Carleigh Luck who was chosen by the administration at Elmont Elementary school to receive the Good Citizenship Award from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Carliegh is continuing a long-standing tradition of the Luck’s being good citizens in Ashland. This came as no surprise to us!

Ashland Strawberry Faire is this coming Saturday, June 7th from 10-5pm on the streets around R-MC. It’s so nice to have the streets shut off from traffic and be able to stroll along. Bring your wagon or some friends to help carry home all the good things to be found there: hanging baskets, flats of strawberries, hand-made crafts, Windsor chairs, antiques, and plenty of strawberry shortcake. Stay and listen to some great music and cheer on the contestants in the Little Miss and Mr. Strawberry Contest.

Before you go to the Faire, go to the Ashland Library where Jim Scanlon will present a “History of Randolph-Macon College” at 10:00 am. Enjoy a breakfast of strawberries and learn about R-MC, which is such an important part of our sweet town. After that, just walk over to the Faire! Prof. Scanlon’s presentation is sponsored by the Pamunkey Regional Library. Call 798-4072 for more information.

Congratulations to Annette Adler who was recently named Insurance Woman of the Year by the Insurance Women of Richmond Association. Annette was recognized for making a difference in their association, the insurance industry, and her community. Here in Ashland, Annette is on the board of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center where she creates and publishes the quarterly newsletter.

I am worried about this study that VDOT is conducting about the possibility of eliminating passenger train service from Ashland and the Staples Mill station. I hope that we’ll all take the time to write a letter or attend the public input meeting in September to let Amtrak know what a big mistake that would be. One of the sweetest sounds that I’ve ever heard is whistles of two approaching trains. They sound as if they’re speaking, or singing to one another as they approach the town from different directions. At our house, we think it sounds like a lullaby at night and we’re reminded of how fortunate we are to live here. You can email your comments about this possible travesty to drpt.pr@drpt.virginia.gov.

This column is over a year old! Have you enjoyed it? Voice your opinions- email me at ashlandnews@gmail.com or give me a call at 310-5320. Have a great week!