Thursday, November 13, 2008

11/13/08 Yellow Jackets set to Sting HSC, PJs at the Library, Have a Local Thanksgiving


It has been a fun week at Randolph-Macon as the football team gets ready to travel to Hampton-Sydney this Saturday, Nov. 15th, for the 114th edition of their historic rivalry. Everyone has been dressed in lemon and black, there have been spontaneous pep-rallies everyday, and the football players have been treated like royalty. This is it. I can feel it. It is our year. There is no doubt in my mind that our boys, our Yellow Jackets will smash those preppy little - sorry, sorry, I got carried away. I'd give anything to be there in Farmville this Saturday, but I am hopeful that many will make the journey and cheer until they have no voice left. Go Jackets! Beat HSC!

It’s Pajama Night at the Library! Friday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m., wear your pajamas, your fuzzy slippers, and bring a favorite stuffed friend to a special evening Family Story time. Milk and cookies will be served, and the sandman may make an appearance. This fun event is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.


The Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale will present a holiday concert Sunday, December 7, at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 Henry Street, Ashland. Performances will be at 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm and will feature Bach’s Magnificat in D and other seasonal selections, including “Coventry Carol” and Holst’s “Christmas Day.” Tickets are $15 and $10 for adults and $5 for students and children. They may be purchased in advance at Cross Brothers’ Grocery in Ashland or at the door prior to each performance. To reserve tickets, please call 804-798-3283.


I’ve heard that the Ashland Farmer’s Market will stay open for a few more Saturday’s to help us all get ready for Thanksgiving. You’ll find wonderful local fruits and vegetables waiting to grace your holiday table. The vendors will be out behind Town Hall from 9 am until 11 this Saturday.

Get all your Christmas shopping done early at the 12th Annual Heavenly Creations Arts and Crafts Show at St. James the Less Episcopal Church in Ashland. On Saturday, November 22, the show will include over 40 artists and includes woodworkers, quilters, photography, weaving, ornaments and fabric art. Doors open at 9 am and admission and parking are free. Call 798-6336 for more details.

Draw a big red circle around your calendar on November 23rd for the Ashland Holiday Parade! The show begins at 2:30, so make sure you’ve staked out your seat on the side-lines. There is nothing better to get you in the holiday spirit. And, I’ll apologize ahead of time- the sight of a marching band coming down the street always chokes me up. I feel as sentimental as Jimmy Stewart, and want to holler out: “Merry Christmas you beautiful town, you!”


I think everyone had a great time at Train Day. It’s incredible how much this has grown over the years. Jim Donlon or Train Town Toy and Hobby should be commended for his dedication to Downtown Ashland and this event. His store is a perfect place to shop for Christmas with shelves full of dolls, stuffed animals, and, of course, trains! The Toy shop is located right on the tracks in Ashland.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 804-310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have an incredible week!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

My Response to Peter Greenberg's new book where he makes fun of the Center of the Universe.



I feel sorry for Peter Greenberg, the man who chose to include my sweet town on his list of places not to visit, I really do. He obviously has no idea of the life that we lead here. He has never been to an Variety Show, or watched the Holiday Parade. He has never sat in the shade by the Ashland pool, or cheered for friends as they finish the Railroad Run. He will always be a passer-by, seeing the motels and gas stations on Rt. 54, but will never be one of us. I imagine him as a sad Charles Dickens character who stands outside a house on Virginia Street while the snow falls. He looks in at the laughing faces illuminated by a warm fire, and realizes that he will never be able to join the party. So let's not be mad at him, let's just feel sorry for him for a few minutes and then forget him. We have other things to think about.



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 ...