6/21/2018 Looking for Uncle Sam, Barracudas Breaking Records, Spoonfuls of Sugar, and Observing the Sunshine Law

Patriotism in the United States can be a tricky thing: too much and its scary nationalism, not enough and its apathetic socialism.  

To celebrate who and what we are as a country means taking a good look at our 242 years and saying, "How can we make it better?"  An easy way to do this is to turn to your neighbors, friends, and family.  Start with them.  

Your COTU, your Center of the Universe, your valentine town will be decked in red, white, and blue soon, and it is the perfect time to come together and celebrate what being an American means to us.  So, this weekend, look for that perfect apple pie recipe and go find that bunting for the front porch.  I think we all could use some John Philip Sousa marches.  Call the Center for more information on the events: 804-798-2728.

The Ashland Barracudas swim team season is in full swing right now.  Many thanks to Jessie Gordon for providing background music for the home meets; his music selections rival that of former announcer Jeff Reihl.  The Barracudas lost last week to The Colonies, but there were a lot of personal victories.  Christine Datovech (don't blink or you'll miss her) broke a league record for her 50 meter free-style, and Thomas Senfield broke a team record for the 100 meter free-style.  As I write this, the Barracudas are in the middle of a two-day meet (thunderstorms from the west on Wednesday) and hope to give the Welleseley team a run for their money.  

Do you have your tickets yet to see Mary Poppins?  Last summer,

the Center Players brought us Shrek which was just incredible, and now they are bringing us the wonderful sensibility and magic of that quintessential British nanny. Performances will be June 27th through July 1st at the Hanover Tavern.  Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased here, or bought for $15 at the door.  Please email tickets@hanoverarts.org for more information. 

The remodeled, restructured Cross Brothers is lovely inside!  They are open seven days a week, and have a lovely selection of vegetables, meat, sweets, and sandwiches.  And also lots of locally made gifts.  It really is like a farmer's market everyday.

The Ashland Town Council meetings are broadcast live on the Comcast Government Access channel, which I believe is channel 17 in our area.  So even if you can't make it out to a meeting, you can learn about what is going on- and there is a lot these days,   especially with a multi-million dollar Town Hall getting ready to be built.  You can also find a video archive of Town Council meetings here.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com.  There is so much going on in your town- don't waste a single evening!

Lucy Lynne, July 4th, 2008