Thursday, February 18, 2010

2/17/10 Snow Blindness, Another Busy Weekend, No More Cakes


The snow is hurting my eyes. I don't like this bright, white light that reflects off the ground these days. It's garish, like fluorescent lights in a cafeteria, and makes everyone looks pale and ashy. I miss that soggy Ashland ground, and the soft Virginia sunshine that we know & love so well.

Casino Night at St. Ann's was a brilliant success thanks to it's amazing coordinators: Lorie Foley & Jackie Plank! It was nice to see our favorite auctioneer, Marlynn Turner, working that audience and increasing those bids! The food was comforting, the 70's outfits greatly entertaining, and lots of money was raised to fix the parish hall roof. A good time was had by all.

Movies are back this weekend at the Firehouse Theater in Downtown Ashland. Bring the whole family this Friday to see "Lillies of the Field" starring Sidney Poitier as an unwitting helper to a community of German nuns living in the desert. Then Saturday, "The Philadelphia Story" comes to town with Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and Jimmy Stewart. What a classic, classic movie! Both shows begin at 7:30 pm with popcorn and snacks for sale!

The finals of the Hanover Idol competition have been rescheduled to this Sunday, Feb. 21st at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. The Junior Idol contest starts at 5:15, and the Hanover Idol starts at 7:30. Tickets are $7 at the door. Come early to get a seat and enjoy our incredible home-grown talent!



Here's another example of how we're all sick of the snow: the Randolph-Macon Men's Lacrosse team was out yesterday trying to clean the snow off their field. With snow shovels. One scoop at a time. Fight the good fight, boys, keep at it.




Bring your little kiddies out to the Ashland Library next Wednesday, Feb. 24th, for a Slumbertime Storytime at 6:30 pm.

Take advantage of all the good restaurants that we have in town now! There's wonderful music these days at the Ironhorse & Ashland Coffee and Tea, and our three new restaurants have set out to impress us all. Try Bart's Station Cafe, the Trackside Grill, or Turner & Braggs for your next big date.

If you're wondering why I haven't talked about the impending departure of Ukrop's, it's because it's just too disappointing and upsetting. I don't care what all those "come-heres" say, I loved Ukrop's. Every birthday cake I ever had came from there. It is like losing Thalhimers and Miller & Rhodes all over again. I cried in my pillow when they closed. Martin's- blah. That's how I feel.


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

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

2/11/10 Snow Snow Snow Snow



I am at a loss. I just am stunned at the amount of snow that keeps falling from the sky. The snow that's on the ground doesn't have time to melt before the next batch arrives. Sleds that used to last for years are getting worn out in two weeks, and the Ace Hardware can't keep snow shovels on the shelf. If you haven't already, take lots of pictures of this white stuff. Our sweet town is absolutely stunning in white, and who knows when it will come again like this.

Casino Night at St. Ann's Catholic Church is this Saturday, Feb. 13th! Come dressing in your fin disco clothes and bid on some of the amazing auction items that Jackie Plank has been collecting. There are ski vacations, Flying Squirrel tickets, tennis lessons- all kinds of fun things. Tickets are $20 per person and available at the door. The party begins at 6pm!

If you see Rosie Morris this week, please wish her a happy birthday! Rosie turned 5 on February 5th and I think there's a big party being planned for this weekend. Have you noticed how many important people are born in Feb? Lincoln, Washington, Galileo, Monica, Rosie...

I know it's hard to think of spring these days, but it will get here eventually, and it will be time for the Ashland Railroad Run! Think of that brilliant green that we see in the early spring! Think of the Red bud trees, the dogwoods- do you remember the Azaleas? What I'm getting at is think of how beautiful our streets will look when you run or walk down them in the Railroad Run. Entry forms are now available on line at http://www.hanoverarts.org/. It will be a wonderful event!

The Ashland Library is always warm on a cold afternoon! Come dressed in your snow boots and jammies for Slumbertime Story time on Wednesday, Feb. 24th at 6:30pm. Refreshments will be served. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Did you hear that George Will is coming to Randolph-Macon on March 4th at 7pm? I'm sure it will be standing-room-only at Blackwell, but find a way to squeeze in if you can. I'm excited to hear what he talks about!

Happy Valentines Day Ashland! I sure do love you. If I was rich, I'd build all kinds of things for you: playgrounds, sidewalks, movie theaters, bandstands. But until I win the lottery, these love letters will have to do.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: ashlandnews@gmail.com, 310-5320. xoxo

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 ...