Thursday, October 3, 2013

10/03/2013 October Skies, Theater Surprise, Street Party, and Street Races





My mother always has said that October has the prettiest skies, and I have to agree.  It’s usually a wonderful month full of perfect weather, good food, and beautiful colored leaves.  As with any outstanding month (see also: May), the Town of Ashland is outside in full force enjoying our piece of Virginia.

The recent news about the Ashland Theater being donated to the Town at first left me dumbfounded, and I thought that someone was playing a practical joke.  But as the surprise wore off, I was incredibly humbled by this gift from Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker.  I am so proud to live in a town where people are this thoughtful and giving.  I hope that the people of Ashland appreciate what has been given to them, and that this theater becomes a symbol of community, growth, and prosperity.

The End-of-Summer Street Party is this Saturday, October 5th, and from the looks of the weather you may need to find some summer clothes to wear.  The gates open at 6:00 pm in the Plaza behind the Ashland Library, and Ron Moody and the Centaurs start playing at 7. Tickets are available from local merchants, or at the door. 

Did you have fun at the Off the Rails Beer Fest?  I missed it, but I’ve heard that half of Richmond was there!  If you’d like to find out more about your favorite malt beverage,   the Ashland Library will welcome the COTU brew masters to talk about how they brew beer on Wednesday, October 16th. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. and will be followed by a tasting of the COTU beers at the Caboose Wine and Cheese Shop. You must be 21 and older to attend.

There are two great races that are being held on October 5th, and if you time it right (and run fast) you can do both.  The 15th Annual Pumpkin Run is a 5K run and walk that will be held at the Ashland Berry Farm.  This great race is an incredibly important fund-raiser for Hanover Safe Place, and all participants will receive a free pumpkin!  Visit www.hanoversafeplace.com for more information.

So run the Pumpkin Run and then hurry back to town to Carter Park and the CROP Walk to end hunger.  This 3 mile walk benefits local food banks and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  Email Cathy Tillman for more information: cgtillman@comcast.net.

I went out of town last weekend with some old friends from high school, and we all sat around talking about our lives now.  It became pretty clear that we have something special in our little A-town, and I had to stop myself from monopolizing conversations with stories of movie theaters, town songs, and the friendships that are here.  Don’t take it for granted.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com.  Go visit the businesses affected by the Center Street construction this weekend!


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 ...