5/24/2018 Yellow Jackets Look To World Series, Cross Brothers Re-opens, Saturday Shopping, Memorial Day

Photo courtesy of Randolph-Macon College

So, not only are they headed to the 2018 NCAA Division III Baseball World Series, but the Randolph-Macon Baseball team is seeded number 1!  The team leaves today bound for Appleton, Wisconsin- way over on the other side of Lake Michigan- almost a thousand miles away.  Their first game will be tomorrow, Friday, May 25th, at 2:15 (our time) against the Misericordia Cougars.  Sportspage Grille, 504 England Street, will be streaming all of the RMC games. 

Ten years ago when the football field was flipped, and there was no Andrews Hall, you could sit in the stands and see the baseball field. In 2008, Ashland was getting ready for their big 150th birthday celebration to be held on the football field, and the elementary kids of Gandy and Henry Clay came out one afternoon to practice singing the national anthem.  The RMC baseball team was practicing behind them, but as these little kids started to sing, all of those boys stopped, took off their caps, and turned to face the kids.  It wasn't the start of a game, or a professional singer with a microphone, just some little kids from way across the field who weren't even aware that anyone was listening. 

The Randolph-Macon softball team had a great season this year.  Even though they got eliminated in the Regional Championships, it is a young team who will be exciting to watch next year!

Saturday will be a big day as we all have been looking forward to Cross Brother's re-opening!  We have been tempted with lots of pictures online, but the one that grabbed my attention was the box of tomatoes from Farnham, Virginia.  That's in Richmond County, folks, the Northern Neck, which grows some amazing tomatoes in its sandy soil.  All I ask is that you leave some for me. 

As always this Saturday in May, the Ashland Farmer's Market will be open and busy- I go mostly for the flowers and plants.  The Feed Store is stocked with any kind of vegetable plant that you may need for your beautiful garden.  The soil is pretty perfect now after all that rain, for planting.  I will probably have to pull a wagon with me to bring everything home.

There's a great town event this Sunday, May 27th: Ticket to Ride, a Run, Bike, Walk event through the streets of Ashland.  This 4.5 mile route will feature train stops along the way where you can learn more about Ashland and the trains that visit us each day.  This event is free, so come check in at 2:00 at the table on the south side of Archie Cannon Drive at the Railroad Track trail. 

Do you have a senior getting ready to graduate next month?  We have Patrick Henry kids getting ready to leave us for James Madison, UVA, Virginia Tech, Longwood, VCU, Tulane, and the University of Washington.  It's always wonderful to see where these kids will spread their wings and we look forward to each holiday when they come home.  

Happy birthday to A.C. Bruce who celebrates this Sunday!  Not only is he a great home builder, but a superb neighbor as well.

This Monday, Memorial Day, please take a moment to remember all the men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms.  

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