2/20/14 Dreaming of Warm Days, Party with the Catholics, Register for Spring Sports

The time has come; I am done.  The beauty of a winter snowfall is now lost on me because all I can see is the muddy slop that is left behind. The excitement of a snow day is now getting old and boring, frankly, and I would gladly trade days spent bundled up for a warm evening on the back porch.  The other day I spent almost an hour reading an insightful essay about culture from the New Yorker magazine, and I can only remember two words from the whole thing: “summer candles.”  I read those words and I was completely distracted, like an old friend had suddenly come to mind.  I need some summer candles.

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.

Registrations are also being accepted for the spring season with the Ashland Little League, who is celebrating their 50^th anniversary this year!  You can register online, or in person this Saturday at Randolph-Macon’s Brock Center from 8:30-noon.  Coaches will also be conducting evaluations on Saturday for baseball and softball, ages 7-16.  Visit their website, www.ashlandlittleleague.org for more information.

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.

Local gardening expert Cindy Connor will be signing copies of her new book, “Grow a Sustainable Diet,” at the Ashland Coffee and Tea on this Saturday, the 22^nd from 10:00 to 2:00 pm.  It’s time to start thinking about your spring garden, isn’t it?

The place to be this Saturday, February 22^nd, is at St. Ann’s Catholic Church for their Casino Night!  Doors open at 6:00 pm., and the $25 tickets include food, two drink tickets, prize table tickets and fun money.  The silent auction items are usually really great, so don’t miss this chance to party with the Catholics!

Buy your tickets now 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.  Prizes will be given for the best Mardi Gras mask- sounds intriguing!

Lastly, I’d like to wish a happy birthday to my father, Frank Delano. I’ve included lots of exclamation points in this column just for you, Daddy!

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