Thursday, April 30, 2009

4/30/09 Pennies from Heaven, 40 Miler Dave Klisz, Clunker Cruise, Street Party


Wow, Ashland in August is a beautiful place, isn’t it? Hmm, what did you say? It’s April? Oh, that’s right- I forgot! Central Virginia weather at its best: frost warnings one day, heat stroke the next. The only way to deal with it is with a healthy sense of humor, and maybe a margarita on the back porch.

Did anyone get out to see Good Morning America visit our Center of the Universe? Too bad this event happens after my deadline. I’ll give you the scoop next week.

A Community Prayer Vigil for the Economy will be held on Thursday, May 7, the National Day of Prayer. The event will be held at Ashland's Town Hall from 7-8 pm. There will be music, speakers, and lots of praying. All denominations are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Peggy Shelton at 798-2008 or Sharon Chidsey at 752-2157. “Silver and gold have I none, But such as I have give I thee…”

The American Cancer Society, Western Hanover Relay for Life is Sat., May 2nd on PHHS Track with activities starting at noon. The Silent Auction will have 50 plus items and over 40 gift certificates, donated by area businesses, available for your bid from 1 to 4 p.m. Raffle tickets on a 2009 Pontiac G-6 will also be available for $5. The Luminary Ceremony is scheduled for 9 p.m. and Closing Ceremony just before Midnight. Please come and enjoy the food, music, theme laps, etc. and help "Construct a Cure" for cancer.

There has been news from Baltimore County this week about Marilyn Mattingly’s grandsons. Michael Spence took 2nd place in his 4th grade Science Fair with his groundbreaking study on mold, and his brother, Gordon Spence, won 1st place in his 2nd grade Spelling Bee (“diagonal”). While we have heard that achievements like these are commonplace among Marilyn’s grandchildren, we offer hearty congratulations!

Do you think that running a marathon, 26.2 miles, sounds like an enormous undertaking? How about running 30 miles? 40? Dave Klisz is voluntarily running in the Strolling Jim 40 Mile Run this weekend in Wartrace, Tennessee. 40 Miles!! I am in awe of Dave’s determination and endurance, and have no doubt that he’ll have a wonderful race. I think that Tom Grant and Bryan Cline are going with Dave to provide support, and we all can’t wait to hear the details. You can listen to Dave’s running podcast at http://ashlanddave.podbean.com/.

Remember: Saturday, May 2nd is Opening Day for the Ashland Farmer’s Market behind Town Hall from 9-noon. Grab your wagon and stroll downtown for the perfect way to begin a weekend.













Saturday, May 9th is the second Annual Clunker Cruise beginning at 5pm behind the library. If you’d like to ride, bring any old bike, some money for an ice cream cone, and meet up behind the library. The Gilmore’s will be there!




Saturday, May 16th is the first Street Party of the summer! King Edward and the BD’s will kick off this popular concert series beginning at 7pm behind the Ashland Library. Tickets are $5, with children under 12 free with a paying adult. Call 752-7944 with any questions.

One of the best things about spring in the COTU is the return of shade. As the leaves come out and those shadows spread across our lawns, I want to be eight years old again; I want to be bored, and lay in the shade watching ants. The shade is a peaceful place to be- let’s all go find some this week. Send me your Ashland news, Little League scores, and ice cream truck sightings. You can reach me at 310-5320, or Ashlandnews@gmail.com. You can find a record of these columns at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/. Have a perfect week!

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 ...