2/27/2014 Fastest in the State, Hanover Idols, Mardi Gras Party, Tiger Trot 5K,

What a tease Mother Nature is to us these days.  Several nights ago we sat out on our side porch, warmed by the last rays of a setting sun, and let the peeping frogs from Mechum’s Creek serenade us as we drank a glass of wine.  Now today, I am looking at a low, grey sky that threatens to snow at any moment.  I am always ready for the next season, but now more than ever as we wait for this inexcusably cold winter to depart.  How many days until Spring?

Congratulations to our Ashland kids who competed in the Virginia High School League State Champs this past weekend!  Ted Schubert took home a first place medal in both the 100 meter back stroke and the 200 meter IM.  His times qualified him as an automatic NISCA All-American.  Thomas Perkins finished 8^th in the 100 free style, and Mattie Grant finished 5^th in the 200 free style and 2^nd in the consolation heat of the 100 butterfly.  To compete at that level is really impressive, and we are very proud of these three.

Sign up now to run the 7^th Annual Tiger Trot 5K benefitting the Henry Clay & John Gandy PTAs.  There are options for a ½ or 1 mile for kids 12 and under, and the 5K is open to runners and walkers.  You can register on line at http://www.onestoprace.com/search/event.aspx?id=22958 or on the morning of the race.  The event starts at 8am on Saturday March 8^th.

To compensate for this cold, dreary weather, you must get out more.  Fight the freezing temps with fellowship. 

The Hanover Idols Competition is this Sunday at the Arts and Activities Center.  The $7 tickets are available at the Center now or by calling 798-2728.  The doors will open 30 minutes before curtain time and any available tickets will be sold then.  Seating is limited, people!  The Junior Idols competition starts at 3:30, and the Idols competition begins at 7:00 pm. 

While you’re securing your seat for this Sunday’s spectacular event, go ahead and reserve your ticket for the Hanover Arts and Activities Center’s Mardi Gras party on Saturday, March 8^th, from 7:00 to 11:00 pm.  It’s $20 per person, or $35 per couple with tickets available at Cross Brothers Grocery or at the door.  Find some beads, put on a mask, and come shake the floor at the Center!

Ashland Youth Soccer is now accepting registrations for their Spring Soccer teams.  The fields at Poor Farm have been lonely all winter and they can’t wait for those little chaps to be out there on Sundays!  Visit www.aysl.org to sign up; practices will start mid-March.

A fundraiser for the American Cancer Society called “Finish the Fight” will be held on Saturday, March 8^th at the Holiday Inn Express from 11:00 am to 3.  Lots of local vendors will be there!  Please call Diane Jennings for more information: 630-284-9961.

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