7/30/08 Ripe Veggies, Bluemont Every Sunday, Running with Tigers

If you haven't been to the Ashland Farmer's Market lately then you are seriously missing the party. The market is bigger than it's ever been and the crowd is growing, too. Not only are there local tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, and peppers, but there are peaches, cut flowers, fresh cinnamon buns, and organically raised meats. There is also live music every Saturday and lots of great conversation.

The Farmer's Market will hold a Seed-Swap on November 1st from 9 to noon. Now is the time to be thinking about saving your seeds, as you flowers and vegetables finish their summer run. Label your seeds with the plant's name, color or species, growing tips, and any other useful information. I've gotten some of the best plants in my yard, not from a store, but from neighbors who gave me seeds or a seedling to plant. For more information contact farmersmarket@town.ashland.va.us.

Happy Birthday to Lucy Klisz who turned 7 on July 28th!

We got lucky this past Sunday and escaped most of the thunderstorms that passed through Virginia. The first Bluemont concert of the summer was held on the front lawn of the Arts and Activities Center - just the way it's supposed to be. I'm pretty certain that this Sunday will follow suit, so be sure to come early and get a good seat. Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands come to town August 3rd with their own special blend of Claifornia bluegrass. The music begins at 7pm, with tickets being $5 per person, $4 for Bluemont friends and seniors, and $2 for children under 12. Refreshments will be sold by the John M. Gandy PTA.

Bluemont is a pretty special organization, and I'd encourage you to learn more about it if you have the time. It's a non-profit out of Purceville, VA, that works to bring music to communities and schools. As a result of the Bluemont Summer Concerts being held here in Ashland, our local school have benefited from visits of musicians and performers throughout the year. There will be a fund-raising concert for Bluemont this Thursday, July 31st at the Ashland Coffee and Tea featuring the God Fearin' Snake Handlers and special guest Chris Fuller. This will sell out. Find a ticket fast. Music starts at 7pm

If you love to sing, auditions are now in progress for the December 7th performance of Bach's Magnificat in D major with the Central VA Masterworks Chorale. Rehearsals for the fall/winter season begin Monday, September 8, from 7-9pm at Duncan Memorial. To schedule an audition, contact William Gorton at 804-212-4945, and visit http://www.cvamc.org/ for more information.

Planning has begun for the 2nd Annual Tiger Trot to benefit the Henry Clay and John Gandy PTAs. The big day is Saturday, September 20th, with the children’s races (1 and ½ mile) starting at 8 am, and the 5K starting at 9am. You can register on-line at http://www.raceit.com/ , and there are special prizes waiting for the kids who complete the summer training program. If your child is interested, send an email to Tracy Brown at bob.and.tracy@comcast.net.

My hat is off the the Ashland Little League Ten Year Old Boys who swept the recent invitational tournament held here on their home field. Sam Bryant, Derek Jones, Kipp Proffitt, Trey Inge, Garrett Allen, Eric O'Malley, Holden Samuels, Christian Bott, William Strong, Dylan Ross, and Hunter Snelson ended the tournament posting a 6-0 record and beating teams from Chesterfield, Atlee, and Huguenot. Congratulations also to their coaches: Steve O'Malley and Kevin Profitt. Well done boys, well done!

Here's another reminder- go to the Farmer's Market this Saturday. We should all be living off of tomatoes right now. I have found that BLTs will work for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!

7/24/08 Street Party, Tiger Trot, Bluemont, Bright Beginnings

By all accounts it was a lovely street party. Of course, that’s no surprise because I’ve never heard of a bad party in Ashland. It was reported that the band was good and the dancing first rate. The next one is scheduled for September 20th with Ron Moody and the Centaurs, an old Richmond favorite. Put it on your calendar if you haven’t already, and add the Tiger Trot (see below) while you’re at it.

Planning has begun for the 2nd Annual Tiger Trot to benefit the Henry Clay and John Gandy PTAs. The big day is Saturday, September 20th, with the children’s races (1 and ½ mile) starting at 8 am, and the 5K starting at 9am. You can register on-line at www.raceit.com , and there are special prizes waiting for the kids who complete the summer training program. If your child is interested, send an email to Tracy Brown at bob.and.tracy@comcast.net.

The first Bluemont Concert of the season is this Sunday, July 27th on the front lawn of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket and find a good spot to listen to the music of Oreta Knicely. This landmark performance, in English and Spanish, will include Ralph Gordon on bass and music ranging from lively gypsy rumbas to hot numbers and other melodies from Europe, Brazil, Bolivia, and Appalachia. Refreshments will be provided by volunteers from the YMCA’s Bright Beginnings. General admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and Friends of Bluemont, and $2 for children under 12. The music begins at 7pm- find a seat by 6:30.


The children of Hanover County are fortunate that the YMCA’s “Bright Beginnings” Program has such dedicated volunteers who help hundreds of kids get the school supplies and new clothes that they need to start school. You can give a monetary donation on-line at www.ymcarichmond.org (go to “branches”, then “Patrick Henry”, and then “Bright Beginnings”. You can also drop off donations of school supplies at any YMCA branch. Call 798-0057 to see how you can help.

The Aktion Club is looking for volunteer opportunities! This club, co-sponsored by the Hanover Parks & Rec., and the Ashland Kiwanis Club, is a group of intellectually challenged adults who are eager to participate and make a difference in our community. They are available to perform office tasks, small repetitious projects, or any jobs that may require multiple people. They meet once a month to complete their tasks at the Pole Green Rec. Center. Please call Jennifer Godfrey for more information at 365-4694.

Happy Birthday to Susannah Gilmore who turns 11 on July 28th!

Turn on a sprinkler and play with your kids in the backyard- they grow up too quickly, and the summer will be over in a matter of minutes. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!