4/15/10 Hilliard House Tea, Little League Begins, Anniversary Contest

I swear, if it weren't for the pollen, we'd have our own special paradise right now, don't you think? I love the way wisteria weaves through our woods, and that color of green that is so new, so cool, and so fresh. Take off your shoes and feel that cold grass between your toes. Touch those baby leaves on the boxbushes, and watch for the irises to open. Virginia paints a beautiful picture these days. It never ceases to make me smile.

Happy belated birthday to Ann Bruce on April 9th! Anyone know who shares her birthday? Also, happy birthday to Delaney Thompson who will blow out 6 candles on April 15th!

Congratulations to Tammy Proffitt for organizing another wildly successful Railroad Run! The weather was perfect and the new course was a delight. You can always be sure that any event that Tammy is involved in will be darn-near close to perfection. The Hanover Arts and Activities Center is very lucky to have her on their board.

Make your reservations now for the 3rd Annual Afternoon Tea for Hilliard House on Sunday, May 2nd at the Arts and Activities Center. This event has always sold-out and this year will feature a fashion show from the 1950's and famous TV shows! Come enjoy a traditional Ladies Tea in the beautifully decorated Center. Tickets are $20 per person in advance, and $15 for those 13 and younger. You can make reservations by calling 798-9131, or buy tickets online at http://www.hilliardhouse.org/.

Opening day for the Ashland Little League is this Saturday, April 17th. Even if you don't have a little boy to cheer for, it's a wonderful display of Americana.

Also this Saturday at 10am is the Spring Bazaar & Music Festival at Providence Baptist Church in Ashland. There will be a craft sale, yard sale, and a silent auction, as well as food for sale starting at 11:30. Music will fill the trees all day, and all of the proceeds will benefit the Wickham School SOS organization.

I know that you've all been breathlessly awaiting our Anniversary Contest, so here is is! I'm going to give you some clues about a business in town and a secret word- the first one to go to that business and say the secret word to the owner will win a $10 gift certificate to that store. And just so you know, I had to throw in the secret word twist because I'm going to make you say silly stuff.

Here goes: This store has been a staple in Ashland since 1997 and it is one of the few places around where you can find big red monsters. This week's secret word is "yeti."

Good luck, and call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com.

4/8/10 Mea Culpa, Railroad Run, Tim Kaine Visits

Sorry, sorry, sorry. Let me give a belated message- April Fools! No, President Obama wasn't really coming to Ashland. I hope no one got too worried or excited. I did not inherit my grandmother's talent for telling jokes!

This coming weekend is very important. It's going to be a beautiful weekend, and our fair streets will be filled with people running the 32nd Ashland Railroad Road 10K. This is one of the oldest road races in Virginia- there are only a handful of races that have been going on for so long.

If you're planning to run or walk, sign up now online. Visit the Arts and Activities Center website: http://www.hanoverarts.org/, and follow the links to the race registration. If you'd like to volunteer (and that's what it's all about, isn't it?) call Faith Boyle at 798-2728. We could use people to help at the Center, and folks to help guide the runners along the new course. But, one of the best things that you could do is to simply come out and cheer for these people as they push themselves to reach a goal.

There will also be the wonderful Green Fair on the front lawn of the Center this Saturday. This event was such a success last year, that it has returned just as wonderful. Come see the latest in green technology with Luck Chevrolet's high mileage vehicle! Come see how compost helps your garden grow and disposes of your waste in an environmentally safe manner! There will be lots of demonstrations of easy ways to help conserve energy and enjoy the afternoon.

Former Governor Tim Kaine will be in Ashland this coming Monday, April 12th to speak at Randolph-Macon on "Lessons Learned in 16 Years in Elected Office" in the Blackwell Auditorium at 7 pm. This event is free to the public but it does require tickets. Many tickets were mailed in advance, but there may be some available at the door. Never give up hope- come out and vie for a seat.

Friday, April 16th is Teen Movie Night at the Ashland Library! The show begins at 6pm. Bring a friend! Pizza will be served compliments of the Friends of the Ashland Library.

So remember to come out and support the Ashland Railroad Run this Saturday beginning at 8am at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center at 500 South Center St. Events like this are really important to this town, and when everyone is involved it really makes it special. Call or email me (ashlandnews@gmail.com, 310-5320) with your Ashland News and have a magical week!