5/3/12 Street Party Returns, Black History Celebrations, Food Baby

May is a beautiful month, isn’t it? Ashland is just awash in color, and the dog-days of summer haven’t started yet. We have so many things going on this month, too!

The (official) Ashland Farmer’s Market celebrates its opening day this Saturday, May 5th! The market is open from 9am to noon behind Town Hall, and you’ll find all kinds of early fruits and vegetables, plus flowers, plants, and home-baked goodies.

Come wish Cross Brother’s a Happy Birthday this Saturday at 5pm in the Library Plaza. There will be music, refreshments, and all your favorite people. The celebrations have been continuous at this Ashland landmark, so stop in & see what’s going on.

The Ashland Street Parties are gearing up for another wonderful season. Get your dancing shoes shined up and arrive early on Saturday, May 19th for Shag lessons from the Richmond Shag Club from 6:30 – 7:30pm. The Band of Oz will provide music, and there will be drinks and food for everyone. Tickets are available around town, or online at www.ashlandstreetparties.org.

Let’s wish a happy birthday to our friendly, neighborhood librarian, Cathy Bach who blew out the candles on, May 1st, and Lower Ashlander, Peyton Luck, who opened presents on April 30th!

Have you seen all the construction on the Randolph-Macon campus lately? It’s exciting to see so much growth happening and we can’t wait to watch the first football game on the new field this fall!

The third and final part of the Black History Celebration will be a visit by Ezibu Muntu - an African Dance Group – on Sunday, May 6, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Ezibu Muntu African Dance and Cultural Foundation is a professional organization of dancers, drummers, entertainers and other individuals dedicated to invoking a better educated positive understanding of African culture, values, traditions and the cultural arts as a whole. This event is free and open to the public!

Also, come see “Food Baby,” an original musical production directed by Lorie Foley at the Ashland Firehouse Theater this Sunday at 7pm.

My sources must be lazy this week because I still do not know who was in the Bigfoot costume and scaring little old ladies at Garden Week. C’mon Ashland! Call or email me with your information: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a lovely weekend!

4/26/12 Big Foot Sightings, Early Farmers Market, Black History Celebration

Have you recovered from your busy weekend? From all accounts, the Railroad Run and the Garden Club Tour were incredibly successful. The runners were fast, the houses were gorgeous, and, in typical Ashland fashion, we have a mystery! Apparently there was a Big Foot (or someone in a Big Foot costume) who delighted in peeking over fences and startling the ladies. What makes this even more of a mystery is that it was not Jeff Reihl!

If you have any clues to share about this masked marauder, please let me know.

The Saturday night movie at your Firehouse Theater this weekend will be “The Cain Mutiny” starring Humphrey Bogart, Jose Ferrer, Fred MacMurray, and Van Johnson. This 1951 drama takes place on a destroyer in WWII and was nominated for seven Oscars. As always, tickets are free and the curtain goes up at 7:30pm. Popcorn and drinks are available for purchase.

There are several vendors who have been out at the Ashland Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings. The Market doesn’t officially open for a few more weeks, but stop by during your weekend errands!

The deals continue at Cross Brothers leading up to their big celebration on May 5th. Spend at least $25 and your name will be entered into a drawing for weekly prizes, with a grand prize winner on May 5th. Mark your calendar!

The third and final part of the Black History Celebration will be a visit by Ezibu Muntu - an African Dance Group – on Sunday, May 6, at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Ezibu Muntu African Dance and Cultural Foundation is a professional organization of dancers, drummers, entertainers and other individuals dedicated to invoking a better educated positive understanding of African culture, values, traditions and the cultural arts as a whole. This event is free and open to the public!

Registration is now open for the Hanover Arts and Activities Center’s Children’s Summer Theater Camp for rising 1st through rising 5th graders. Participants will take fun classes in acting, improvisation, music, dance, makeup and more! This camp will fill quickly, so register today at www.hanoverarts.org.

And sadly, our thoughts and prayers go out to Ashland Police Corporal Grant Bonistalli and his wife, Rachel, who recently lost their infant son, Evan. We truly value the service that Corporal Bonistalli gives to this town, and we are so very sorry for the loss of Evan.



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

4/5/12 Firehouse Movie, Cash Mob, RRR, Sotchtown

The colors of spring are all around town! Hasn’t the wisteria in the woods been spectacular? It reminds of me of the morning after a really good party, before someone has had the chance to clean up- a beautiful mess.

We were so sad to hear about the passing of Mary Francis Luck last week. She will be missed by so many people, but how wonderful to get to spend 98 years in Virginia and the town of Ashland surrounded by friends and family.

The Saturday night movie at your Firehouse Theater will be “The Miracle Worker” starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke. This 1962 classis won Oscars for both Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress. As always, tickets are free and the curtain goes up at 7:30pm. Popcorn and drinks are available for purchase.

The crowd at Cross Brothers’ “Cash Mob” was terrific! Stay tuned for lots of 100th Anniversary special events.

Happy birthday to Becky Sewell who celebrates her birthday this week! We are sure that she’ll have lots of presents and cake.

Have you registered to run in the Ashland Railroad Run yet? We’ve seen so many people out running and walking the sidewalks to town that we know you’re ready! Visit www.hanoverarts.org for a registration form or stop by the Center. The 10K, 5K, and Kids’ Mile Run are on Saturday, April 21st.

Scotchtown has some fun reenactments planned for the weekend of April 14th and 15th. Come visit from 10am to 4:30pm as the Hanover Independent Company gathers and prepares to march to Williamsburg to retrieve the gun powder Lord Dunmore took from the Magazine. Our Patrick Henry was a key part of this effort as he was elected Colonel of this company of men. For additional information call 804/227-3500 or email scotchtown@preservationvirginia.org.

One of the best things about Ashland is our talented community of artists. On Sunday, April 22nd, from 1 to 5pm, Cross Mill Gallery will exhibit some of the artwork of Jerry Peart, whose large-scale aluminum sculptures are displayed all over the city of Chicago. Cross Mill will also be showing Jeremy Witt photographs, David Camden pottery, and some vintage Nancy Witt paintings! Who needs the VMFA with Cross Mill in your backyard?

If you’re traveling, enjoy your Spring Break next week. If you’re staying put, enjoy one of the prettiest places on earth. Stop by the Feed Store and get your garden planted. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a lovely weekend.

3/29/12 Beautiful Spring, Cross Brothers, 100K Runners, Ashwood Gardens

Spring has burst out all over this past week. Everyday it seemed as though something new was blooming, and over-night the grass has started to grow in the yard. We have had to shut out windows as our southern yellow pines have begun blooming as well, spreading their yellow pollen everywhere. But I do miss falling asleep to the sound of the frogs from Meachum’s Creek.

There were lots of birthdays in town this past week: Mayor Faye Pritchard, Elizabeth Melson, Jeremy Witt, Chris Dull, and Annika Cline. I hope everyone met their quota for icing and presents!

Cross Brothers Grocery Store is celebrating its 100 Anniversary this year! Do you know how lucky we are to have a store that possesses this kind of staying power? Think of all the stores that have come and gone just in your lifetime: Thalhimers, Ames, A & P. Cross Brothers has weathered it all! Come gather in the store this Friday from 4-6 and participate in a “Cash Mob” to show your love.

Congratulations to Rodney Bardwell and Tom Grant who ran 100K races this past weekend in Florida. I love it when ordinary people show extraordinary strength and endurance. Sign up for the Railroad Run 10K at the end of April and break your own record! Register at www.hanoverarts.org, or stop by the Center for a form.

Come see a wonderful movie at your Ashland Firehouse Theater this Saturday: “Life is Beautiful” about life inside a concentration camp during WWII. This important piece of cinema won three Academy Awards, including a Best Actor Oscar given to Roberto Benigni. Does anyone remember how he stood up in his seat when they called his name? It was such a genuine Hollywood moment. As always, tickets are free with popcorn and drinks available for sale. The curtain goes up at 7:30pm!

Ashwood Gardens celebrates its 10th anniversary this weekend with all kinds of wonderful events. You know that you need to work on your yard, so stop by the nursery from 9 to 5pm for planting demonstrations, door prizes, sweet treats, and as always, gorgeous plants and flowers! Visit their website, www.ashwoodgardens.com for more details.

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

3/22/12 Railroad Run, Scotchtown, Firehouse Movie, Tickles & Giggles

Everywhere I look there are people out on the sidewalks of Ashland enjoying the nice weather and the flowers that are popping up everywhere. The Ashland Railroad Run is late this year on Saturday, April 21st, so you have plenty of time to train (pun intended). Stop by the Arts and Activities Center for a registration form or download one at www.hanoverarts.org.

This Sunday, March 25, Patrick Henry's Scotchtown will have a special event to celebrate the 237th Anniversary of Patrick Henry's famous "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech. Actor Mark Wilcox will share those words as Patrick Henry, the Voice of the Revolution for this event at Scotchtown. The speech will be presented at 2 PM, 3 PM and 4 PM. For additional information please call 227-3500.

The Ashland Firehouse Theater has a big, beautiful movie for you this weekend: The “King and I”, starring Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. This is one of my favorite movies and it is just bursting with Technicolor! The movie will start at 7:30 and tickets are free! Popcorn, snacks, and drinks are available for purchase.

There’s a great opportunity this weekend to find inexpensive, quality children’s clothes. The Tickles and Giggles Children’s Consignment Spring sale in will be held this weekend (March 24-25) in the Presidential Business Park on Hill Carter Parkway. A portion of the proceeds are donated to Hanover Safe Place. Visit their website, www.ticklesandgiggles.net for more information.

If you know someone who is interested in learning some computer skills, tell them about the Learning Microsoft Word Class at the Ashland Branch Library at 6:30 p.m. today, March 22nd. This class will let you get a handle on the basics and commonly-used features in Word. Basic computer skills are preferred. Call 798-4072 to sign up for the class.

I did it; I made the switch. I took all those dull winter clothes and packed them up. It was almost like Christmas to find all my spring clothes and to hang them up on hangers. How lovely to have some pink to wear now instead of dark, cold weather colors!

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

3/15/12 Cross Brothers' Birthday, Scotchtown Events, Firehouse Movie

We are on the brink of spring around here. By the time you read this, the Redbud trees may be blooming along with the Bradford Pears. Before long, that lovely pale green will start to spread among our trees and the sound of lawn mowers will fill the air.

These pretty weekends are a perfect time to do your shopping close to home. Stop by some of the wonderful stores in town, both old and new: Ashland Feed Store, Cross Brothers, Thrill of the Hunt, and the Tobacco Trading Center.

Speaking of Cross Brothers, did you know that they will celebrate their 100th anniversary this year? Stay tuned for opportunities to celebrate that incredible achievement!

On March 25, Patrick Henry's Scotchtown will have a special event to celebrate the 237th Anniversary of Patrick Henry's famous "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death" speech. Actor Mark Wilcox will share those words as Patrick Henry, the Voice of the Revolution for this event at Scotchtown. The speech will be presented at 2 PM, 3 PM and 4 PM. For additional information please call 227-3500.

This Saturday night, the Ashland Firehouse Theater will give you a comedy from the Emerald Isle. “Waking Ned Divine” will be shown at 7:30 and tickets are free! Popcorn, snacks, and drinks are available for purchase.

This Thursday evening, come to the Ashland Library and meet Elizabeth Van Lew at 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Van Lew, a Richmond resident who built and operated an extensive U.S. spy ring during the Civil War, will be interviewed in the library. Meet the area’s most notorious spy in person! Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Next Wednesday, March 21st the Ashland Library will host a Microsoft Word Class at 6:30 p.m. This is a class to help you understand the basics and commonly-used features of Word. Basic computer skills are preferred. You must call 798-4072 to sign up for the class.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. I hope your Ides of March is a good day!

3/8/12 Library Fun, ET Returns, Spring Soccer Sign-Ups

By all accounts, the Raise-the-Roof evening at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center was a huge success! Money was raised to help with much needed repairs, and shoes were worn out from dancing. I do have to mention Sara Holloway who headed the decoration committee. Who knew that a construction-themed party would be so cool?

Our best wishes are with Dave Klisz this weekend as he participates in the Outer Banks’ “Graveyard 100K Race” this weekend. That’s right; that’s not a typo. We are continually amazed at how far his feet will take him!

Happy birthday to two March babies: Tamra Bardwell and Tracy Brown! We hope that they both got lots of presents and birthday cake.

On Thursday, March 8th, the Ashland Library will be celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday with a special story time. The event is at 6 p.m., open to kids of all ages, and will feature guest readers from Henry Clay & Gandy Elementary Schools. Come dressed as your favorite Seuss character!

Send your teenager to the Ashland Library the very next day, Friday, March 9th, for YouTube Video Sharing at 6:00 p.m. Share your favorite YouTube videos and find more from your friends. Pizza provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

There’s a fun, free movie this Saturday night at the Ashland Firehouse Theater! “ET” will be shown at 7:30 and, as always, admission is free. Popcorn and snacks are available.

We think its fun that there will be a “Center of the Universe Brewing Company” opening soon. They picked a great name, and I will be sure to think of them when I need interesting Christmas presents this year.

The soccer fields at Poor Farm Park will be open soon, and I highly recommend signing your child up for the Ashland Youth Soccer League. Registration is available online at www.aysl.org.

By the time you read this, I think the weather will have warmed up. I have to say that this winter greatly disappointed me and I am moving on. Spring is my new focus, and my garden is calling my name. Stop by the Ashland Feed Store for wonderful cool crops to plant now in your garden. The earlier you put in peas, the sweeter they will be.

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

3/1/12 Raise the Roof, Birthdays, Singing Methodists, Firehouse Movie

Where are your dancing shoes? Go home this afternoon and find them, and then go get your ticket to the biggest party of the weekend: The Raise-the-Roof Celebration at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. I think that these are tickets still available, but you should call the Center as soon as you can to make sure: 798-2728.

It’s really hard to believe that Jackson Proffitt turned 18 last week! I know that his family had a wonderful time celebrating with him.

And speaking of birthdays, we have two Toms blowing out candles this week: Thomas Voekler and Thomas Grant. Many happy returns to them both!

It’s become customary for children to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss, in March, by reading his wonderful books. On Thursday, March 8th, the Ashland Library will be celebrating Dr. Seuss' birthday with a special story time. The event is at 6 p.m., open to kids of all ages, and will feature guest readers from Henry Clay & Gandy Elementary Schools. Come dressed as your favorite Seuss character!
Congratulations to all the kids who put on a fabulous show at Duncan Memorial this past weekend! We heard that “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” was spectacular, and we’d expect nothing less from these talented COTU kids.

Your Ashland Firehouse Theater is open for the spring with a wonderful line-up of free movies! This Saturday, March 3rd, “Born Yesterday” will be shown at 7:30pm. This film was nominated for four Academy Awards, and the star, Judy Holliday, won an Oscar for Best Actress. I think you’ll find this comedy timely today, as it shows you the art of political lobbying.

The weather has really been beautiful lately! We’re fortunate to have lots of great out-door spaces near Ashland. The Pufferbelly Park playground should be installed soon, and Poor Farm Park is always a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. See you Saturday night at Raise-the-Roof!

2/23/12 Circus Train, COTU Dogs, Raise the Roof at the Center

I am yawning this morning while I write this because I tried to stay up to watch the Circus Train roll through town last night. We had hoped that we’d see elephants waving their trunks at us, but we just couldn’t stay up until 11:30. Apparently it took longer to turn the train around in Burkeville then they thought it would. But, there’s always next year!



Dolly, the Greyhound- who-loves-to-be-read-to, returns to the Ashland Library, this Saturday, February 25th. Stop by the Library to sign up for a time slot for your child to read to Dolly. This event is sponsored by Paws-To-Read, a non-profit group that encourages kids in their reading by using their well-trained dogs.



Speaking of dogs, we have heard that Father Chris Haydinger, priest at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, has a very special beagle at his house. So special, in fact, that he was awarded a medal at the recent Westminster Dog Show in New York City.



Hurry up and get your tickets for “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” which will be performed at Duncan Memorial Church on February 25th, 25th, and 26th. Tickets are $5 per person with children 6 and under free. Proceeds support Duncan youth mission projects, retreats, and special programs. For more information, call 798-7224.

Do you know what you’re wearing to the “Raise the Roof” celebration? This fundraiser will be held at the Center on Saturday, March 3, 2012, from 7:30 – 11:00 PM. You can find tickets at The Center and at Cross Brothers Grocery. Tickets are $25 per person or $45 per couple and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, dancing to your party favorites and a night of fun. All proceeds will benefit their roof repair fund. For more information, visit www.hanoverarts.org or call 804.798.2728 or email info@hanoverarts.org.

And if you see Rodney Bardwell next week, wish him a happy birthday! He’ll turn 52 on February 27th.

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