6/17/10 Start of Summer, Children's Market, Miz Edith Retires

These last two weeks of school are always a whirlwind of activities: graduations, parties, assemblies, concerts- I think all parents must feel like it never ends. My grandmother would say that I would "meet myself coming and going." I hope you all have some plans to slip away for a bit this summer. Stick your feet in the sand, lie on a couch somewhere and read a book. It's healthy, and it is always nice to come back home.

Kiddie Kingdom had a party this past week to say goodbye to Mrs. Edith Durrette, who retired from teaching after 38 years! Everyone ejoyed looking at pictures from the past, and listening to stories of her soft voice and quiet authority that resonated with hundreds of Ashland pre-schoolers. We wish her all the best!

I haven't heard much news from LA recently. Anything going on down there in Lower Ashland?

The Farmer's Market this Saturday will be a busy place. The first Children's Market of the summer will showcase our young entrepreneurs and their homegrown produce & homemade crafts. The local 4-H group will also be selling manure as a fundraiser- so bring a container to take some home! There will be two more Children's Markets: on July 17th and August 21st, so please contact Jen at farmersmarket@town.ashland.va.us if you'd like more information about how to participate!The Farmer's Market Bumper Sticker Contest is still accepting entries until July 10th. Wouldn't it be neat to see your artwork on cars all over town? You'll be famous! Look for more information at the manager's table at the Market this Saturday.
Here's a fun opportunity for your child this summer. The vendors at the market are looking for farm volunteers. You will be connected with a grower who needs your help, and leave with produce in exchange. Each of the vendors has a world of knowledge to share, and can always use an extra set of hands. Look for a sign up sheet at the market table, if you are interested in receiving more info!

And the last bit of Farmer's Market news is that Robert Torrence will be performing as you stroll the stands and fill your basket with blueberries, squash, tomotoes (!!), cabbage, free-range eggs, grass-fed beef, pork, and goat cheese. You better get there early!Good luck to the Ashland Barracudas Swim Team who compete in their first meet tonight against the Mechanicsville Marlins! Swim fast Ashlanders!

If you remember, it was this time last year that the bear wandered into town. I think he liked Virginia Street in particular. Please call or email me if you see him again: 804-310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week, COTU!

6/10/10 Hot Faire, Cool Library, Spicy BBQ, and Sweet Birthdays

We've had a slight break from the heat this week. I think the Strawberry Faire must always be on a hot day, just as it always rains when the State Fair comes to town. We are lucky to have the shade of the trees at Randolph-Macon to stroll under, and we are lucky to have such a fun event in our backyard.

Happy belated birthday to JoAnn Hunter, and happy early birthday to Lisa Checkosky, our favorite, come-here, pizza chef!

I have heard that there will be some tomatoes making an appearance at the Farmer's Market this weekend! If this is true, you better get there early because I am sure they will go quickly. There is nothing better than a fresh tomato. I think if they have a little dirt left one them from the field, it's even better. Also at the Market this weekend you'll find blueberries, blackberries, peas, peppers, cut flowers, native plants, and some crystal-clear bluegrass music. The Market is open Saturday morning from 9 to noon behind Town Hall.

There will also be some wonderful yard-sales around town on Saturday. If you drive down Virginia Street, you'll see some industrious kids who have spent many weeks cleaning out toy boxes and closets. If you have kids, it'll be a good place to find some bargains.

There's a lot going on at the Ashland Library these days! Come in and sign up for the Summer Reading Club anytime- there are lots of give-a-ways waiting for those who join. Storyitmes have begun for the summer, and there are speakers and events every week. Stop by to find out more or visit their website www.pamunkeylibrary.org/ashland.htm for more information.

There will be an Art Exhibit at the Ashland Coffee and Tea this Sunday, June 13th from 4-6pm. This is sponsored by the Ashland Arts Network, a group that seeks to connect all of the incredible talent that we have here. You can contact Petie Bogen-Garrett for more information: 840-9137.

Happy Birthday to Katelynn Brown who turned 9 on June 8th, and to Corinna Cline who turned 10 on May 27th. I know that these two golden blondes had nice birthday with lots of friends!

Congratulations to Helen Wells who figured out that I was talking about Virginia Barbeque in the last Ashland Column contest! Virginia Bargeque is located on England Street, almost directly across from the Police Station, and is one of the best places in town to have lunch or cater a party. Of course this is because Sarah (co-owner with husband John) is from Westmoreland County. That's in the Northern Neck, if you didn't know.

Everyone is counting the days until the end of school, and the pool at Carter Park is packed in the weekends. If I could wish to be anything, I think I would want to be an Ashland kid in the summer. Lightning bugs, ice cream trucks, sleep-overs, afternoons at the pool- what a wonderful world. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great week!