9/21/07 Perfect Hometown Saturday Night

Every once in a while you stop, look around, and just know that you’re in the right place; you are where you were meant to be. And while some of you may grow tired of my “Ashland is the best town ever” soapbox, I can’t help but say it again. I had one of those great days this past Saturday. The Henry Clay and Gandy Tiger Trot 5K Run was a perfect example of hard work paying off. The autumn weather (over-cast and cool) combined with smiling and laughing volunteers gave the whole event an air of joyful childhood. Those fortunate enough to have participated got to see the kind of grass roots organizing that happens almost daily around here. The PTAs were in need of funds and everyone was tired of buying wrapping paper and cookie dough. Two working moms stepped forward and decided to do things differently. If you see Susan or Tracy around town, please thank them for working so hard for our schools.

Saturday night was fantastic in downtown Ashland. Music was everywhere-from the Coffee & Tea to the last Street Party- it was hard to find a quiet spot. It’s hard not to love a town when you see everyone dancing and socializing together. I heard that Bill Bevins had been urging his listeners to come to Ashland that evening and they certainly must have listened, because the dance floor was packed. Ron Moody was great, as usual, and gave us one familiar song after another. The Plaza outside the Ashland Library is stunning and I am impressed with all the work that has been done in the last month. Our own Kugel, with the Center of the Universe so clearly marked, spun and splashed with children who couldn’t help running their wet fingers over the smooth marble. Jay & Nina’s statues will be such a touching addition.

What a great time of year to celebrate a birthday! Davis Luck will be four tomorrow, September 22nd. I’m sure that Ross and Connie are supplying lots of fun presents and a beautiful cake.

There’s a great opportunity to help raise money for a good cause tomorrow: the Slay The Dragon 5K will begin at 9am at Carter Park and will follow a beautiful course through town. All money raised will go to the National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation, which supports research to find a cure for a rare, but vicious cancer. Go to www.slaythedragon5k.com for more information.

Sunday, Sept. 23rd, VA Senator Frank Wagner (R, Virginia Beach) will give a lecture in Duncan Memorial Church Social Hall at 7 pm on “Development and Use of Renewable Energy”. Representatives from the Wilton Corp. will be in attendance to show plans for the eco-friendly development of East Ashland- oops that was a typo!

Mark October 6th on your calendar for the Lt. George Hansen Pumpkin Run to honor the memory of Lt. George Hansen and to raise money for Hanover Safe Place, which provides a safe haven to victims of domestic abuse. The 5K begins at 9am at the Ashland Berry Farm. Register at www.hanoversafeplace.com, and click on “events”. The day will conclude with a concert at Pufferbelly Park at 4pm with fun for families and games for kids.

You couldn’t make a movie that would tell people what life is like here in our little town. They wouldn’t believe you and would say that it sounded like a cliché. I am always torn between wanting to tell everyone about this place that we now call home, and wanting to keep it all a secret. I want to hold Ashland in my heart like a child’s treasure- a dream that someone may wake me from before I am done with the story. Life is not perfect here, and there is pain and heartache, but I can’t think of any good reason to ever leave. What a town. Please have a wonderful weekend and enjoy this beautiful weather! Get in touch and let me know your Ashland news- my email is ashlandnews@gmail.com and my phone is 804-310-5320.

9/14/07 Things to Keep You Busy on a Saturday...

I used to try and sleep late on Saturdays, but lately there is so much going on, that I have to get up and get out the door early. I have to get to the Farmer’s Market by 9am before the crowds come to pick up some farm eggs or fresh cut flowers. I then have to head straight over to the Caboose because Ian will sell out of that wonderful bread within 15 minutes of opening his door at 10 am. Once I’m there on Center Street, then I’ve got everything else that I could possibly need within a block: the Library, Cross Brothers, Williams Bakery, Coffee and Tea, Southern States, Bell, Book, and Candle, and the Feed Store. By the time I get home, I’m worn out and it’s time for lunch.

Get to bed early tonight (Friday) because tomorrow is a big day in town!

Volunteers are needed to help out at the Henry Clay & Gandy 5K Tiger Trot. If you don’t plan on running or walking in the race, head over to Henry Clay around 7:30 am and lend a hand. Find Rosemargaret Maier, Susan Spence, or Tracey Brown and tell them that you’re there to help. Just cheering on the runners would be a great thing to do. When the runners have a good time at a race, they’ll spread the word and return next year. All the proceeds from this event are going to the Henry Clay and Gandy PTA’s who work to support the children and teachers in our fine public schools.

When you get home from the Tiger Trot, you’ll need to spend some time picking out your clothes for the last Street Party of the summer. Iron that party dress and shine those dancing shoes, and get ready to cut a rug to Ron Moody and the Centaurs behind the Ashland Library beginning at 6pm. Come and see how our Plaza is coming along- it will be such a wonderful spot next summer. Food will be provided by the Smokey Pig and Sullivan’s Irish Pub. Tickets are $5 in advance and can be purchased at Cross Brothers Market, Ace Hardware, Hometown Realty. Tickets are $10 at the door, and kids under 12 are free with a paying adult. For more information call 798-8130.

The Ashland Town Council has deferred a decision on the Wilton Company’s development of the Mt. Hermon Road area until their meeting on Tuesday, September 18th at 7 pm. If you have any concerns about this development and what the impact would be on our sweet town, then I strongly urge you to get in touch with our town council members. You can find the town council’s telephone numbers and email addresses on the Town of Ashland website: www.town.ashland.va.us.

Now that Randolph-Macon is back in session, we’re the lucky benefactors of their great cultural programs and performances. The Flippo Gallery in Pace-Armistead Hall will be having a public opening reception on Sunday, September 16th from 3 to 5 pm to debut their newest exhibit called “Everything but the Kitchen Sink”. This will be a display of works of women artists from Virginia, New York, New Mexico, and California. Pace-Armistead Hall is by the railroad track, on the north end of the Historic Campus. Call 752-7200 for more details and better directions.

On Tuesday, September 18th at 6pm, there will be a musical performance by “Solazo” in the Randolph Macon Campus Center Lobby. This is an interesting group from South America who combine Latin folk, contemporary dance music, and soulful ballads. Call 752-3712 for more information.

Story times are back at the Ashland Library! Mother Goose Story Time (6 to 24 months with an adult)is on Mondays at 10 am. Toddler Story Time (2 years old with an adult) are Mondays at 10:45 am and Tuesdays at 10 am. Preschool Story Time (3 to 5 years old) is Mondays at 11:15 am, and Tuesdays at 10:30. Call 798-4072 for more information.
And last, but certainly never least, many happy birthday wishes to our super-star, Daphne Read Gilmore, who turned 7 on September 14th.

Have a wonderful weekend and keep your fingers crossed for some rain- but after the Street Party Saturday night! I hope we don’t have to wait for the State Fair to finally get some precipitation. Call or email me with you Ashland news: 310-5320 or ashlandnews@gmail.com.

9/7/07 Back to School, Library Activities, Tiger Trot, Last Street Party

This being the first week of school, I’d like to talk a little bit about what we can do to help our public schools. I firmly believe that a community is only as good as it’s schools. I’d like to encourage all of you to do something this school year for our local Ashland schools. Even if you don’t have children, or if your children are all grown, these schools should still be important to you. They are educating the future doctors and nurses who will take care of you in your old age. They are influencing the kids who will become the mayors, supervisors, delegates, and senators who will decide what Ashland looks like in twenty or thirty years. There is always a need for your help. Consider becoming a “Book Buddy” and helping a child who is struggling with reading. Call the front offices and ask them how you can help. I guarantee that they’ll be glad to hear from you.

The Ashland Farmer’s Market has become a crowded place these days. I’d advise getting there bright and early when they open at 9am. We got there late, around 11:30 this past Saturday, and most vendors had sold almost everything they brought. We did find some late season tomatoes, squash, cut flowers, hot peppers, and lots of great dogs.

This is a really busy week if you’re a librarian at the Ashland Library…..

On Tuesday, September 11, come hear a presentation on Conservation Easements at the Ashland Library from 7 to 9pm. This lecture is sponsored by Hanover Naturally: a citizen group which believes that ecologically significant and diverse natural areas are essential to healthy communities; that without protection these areas will disappear as Hanover's population grows; that public lands made available for quiet contemplation, nondestructive activities and education can become powerful community resources. For more information on this important group, contact: Nancy Pecsok, 804-798-1197, or e-mail hanover_naturally@earthlink.net.
Come back to the Ashland Library on Thursday, September 13 and hear Jennifer Smith talk about the benefits of yoga and demonstrate a few exercises. This lecture, “The Basics of Yoga”, will be followed by a brief video presentation and refreshments from the Friends of the Ashland Library.
Then on Friday, September 14, send your teenager over at 6pm for Movie and Pizza Night at the Ashland Library. Don’t forget to tell those librarian’s how much you appreciate them.

The Ashland Town Council unanimously deferred any action on East Ashland until its Sept. 18 meeting. This is a perfect time to communicate your thoughts on this development to the council members. You can find out how to contact them on the town’s web site: www.town.ashland.va.us

There are two big events happening on Saturday, September 15th here in Ashland. The Henry Clay and John Gandy Elementary Schools' PTA's 1st Annual Tiger Trot 5K race will begin at 9:00 am at Henry Clay. The entry fee is $20 with the first 100 registrants receiving t-shirts. There are two races for the kids to choose from: The Half-Mile Run will begin at 8:00 am, and the One Mile Run will begin at 8:15am. The entry fee for the kids is $10. I’ve heard that there will be lots of fun door prizes and fun things to do. Pick up your entry forms at Fin & Feather, Henry Clay, John M. Gandy Elementary, or the Ashland Library. All proceeds will go to the two PTA’s: Henry Clay and John M. Gandy. For more information please contact Susan Spence at804-537-5257, or Tracy Brown at 804-752-7762.

Come dance to the music of Ron Moody and the Centaurs, Saturday Sept. 15th from 6 to 11pm behind the Ashland Library at the last Street Party of the season. Food will be provided by The Smokey Pig and Sullivan’s Pub (winner of the 2007 Best BBQ in the Universe Contest). There will be lots of children’s activities, as if giggling and dancing around weren’t fun enough. Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the gate. Children under 12 are free with a paying adult. Funds raised will benefit the Plaza Project, which is close to completion.
While I like the kids returning to school, the last day of summer vacation is always bittersweet. We try and pack in several trips and some time at the pool to end it on a good note. One year our middle child broke her arm that evening before school started, so perhaps we were trying to do too much, but how can you blame us? Summer is so special, and so elusive- we’re always trying to find that perfect summer that we remember from our childhood. As adults, it’s never quite the same. The responsibilities of life wear on us and in the evenings, we’re washing dishes instead of catching lightening bugs. I hope you all had a good summer, and that you made many good memories to laugh about. I hope that your biggest calamity was either getting bitten by a mosquito or stung by a jelly fish.

Drive safely this week and give the school buses plenty of room. Call or email me with your Ashland news. My phone is 310-5320, and my email is ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great week!

8/31/07 Happy Birthday Carl, Last Bluemont, Tiger Trot

The last Bluemont concert was the best of the season, with a beautiful night, great music, and a sizeable crowd. The Carolina Chocolate Drops were wonderful, and I’ve heard that they might be coming back to town at the Ashland Coffee and Tea, so keep an eye out for their next appearance. Each Bluemont performer who has come to town this summer has spent time before the show playing for a local nursing home or convalescent center as part of their outreach program. The Carolina Chocolate Drops played for an hour at the Omni Park Place Senior Apartments. Through our involvement in Bluemont, Henry Clay and Gandy Elementary will get to enjoy some talented musicians this school year. So, not only are we entertained, but we’re giving back to the community- something that Ashlanders know how to do so well.

This is the last weekend that the Ashland Pool will be open! Monday, September 3rd will be the final day.

If you see Carl Sloppy this weekend, wish him Happy Birthday! Carl will be 39 on September 1st. He stays pretty busy, though, so you might have to just wave at him as he drives down the street. His thirty-ninth year should be a good one as he and Cathy are expecting their second child in just a few more weeks.

The Ashland Town Council unanimously deferred any action on East Ashland until its Sept. 18 meeting. This is a perfect time to communicate your thoughts on this development to the council members. You can find out how to contact them on the town’s web site: www.town.ashland.va.us

There are two big events happening on Saturday, September 15th here in Ashland. The Henry Clay and John Gandy Elementary Schools' PTA's 1st Annual Tiger Trot 5K race will begin at 9:00 am at Henry Clay. The entry fee is $20 with the first 100 registrants receiving t-shirts. There are two races for the kids to choose from: The Half-Mile Run will begin at 8:00 am, and the One Mile Run will begin at 8:15am. The entry fee for the kids is $10. I’ve heard that there will be lots of fun door prizes and fun things to do. Pick up your entry forms at Fin & Feather, Henry Clay, John M. Gandy Elementary, or the Ashland Library. All proceeds will go to the two PTA’s: Henry Clay and John M. Gandy. For more information please contact Susan Spence at804-537-5257, or Tracy Brown at 804-752-7762.
So after you’ve run the 5K, treat yourself to a fun evening at the last Street Party of the summer. Come dance to the music of Ron Moody and the Centaurs, Saturday Sept. 15th from 6 to 11pm behind the Ashland Library. Food will be provided by The Smokey Pig and Sullivan’s Pub (winner of the 2007 Best BBQ in the Universe Contest). There will be lots of children’s activities, as if giggling and dancing around weren’t fun enough. Tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the gate. Children under 12 are free with a paying adult. Funds raised will benefit the Plaza Project, which is close to completion.

Have fun this Labor Day weekend, and watch out for those school buses bright and early Tuesday morning! Let me know about your Ashland news. You can reach me at 804-310-5320 or ashlandnews@gmail.com

8/3/07 First Bluemont, East Ashland Development, YMCA's Bright Beginnings

The first Bluemont concert of the summer was held indoors for the first time this past Sunday at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. While we all appreciate a good rain storm in the middle of summer, it would have been nice if it held off until after 9 pm. The crowd was small, but enthusiastic for Mary Ann Redmond, her band, and her dog, who filled the Center with soulful rhythm and blues. Before the concert, Ms. Redmond took her music to the Ashland Convalescent Center, as part of the Outreach that makes these Bluemont events so much more than just a show. Come out for the second concert, this Sunday, Aug. 5th when we welcome renowned folk singer John McCutcheon to our town. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for Bluemont friends and seniors, and $2 for children under 12. Tickets are available for purchase at the concert only.

This Wednesday, August 7, the Ashland Town Council will be meeting at 7pm at Town Hall. This should be a pretty important meeting and if you’re at all concerned about The Wilton Company’s development of East Ashland/Ashbury, then you should attend if your schedule permits it.

The children of Hanover County are fortunate that the YMCA’s “Bright Beginnings” Program has such dedicated volunteers who help hundreds of kids get the school supplies and new clothes that they need to start school. Please help support this program that makes such a difference in the life of a child in your neighborhood. You can give a monetary donation on-line at www.ymcarichmond.org (go to “branches”, then “Patrick Henry”, then “Bright Beginnings”. You can also drop off donations of school supplies at any YMCA branch. Call 798-0057 to see how you can help.

The Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from 9am to noon behind Town Hall. Be sure to stop by and see all the beautiful organic produce grown right in your back yard. Eating local foods is not only healthy, but also saves energy when the food isn’t shipped from across the country. Plus, you’re supporting small Hanover farms which are a vital part of our lovely county. I’ve heard that there are plans in the works to build a new, covered market for next summer.

Congratulations to Mattie Grant who secured her first medal at the Greater Richmond Aquatic League’s Championships this past weekend in Northern Virginia!

You can reach me by phone at (804) 310-5320 or email at ashlandnews@gmail.com. Let me know about what’s going on in Ashland for the month of August. Have a great week!

8/10/07 John McCutcheon, Mighty Barracudas, Library Concert, Farmer's Market Music

Our Bluemont concerts seem to be attracting thunder storms this summer. We are be caught between wanting the rain, and wanting a dry evening to listen to some music. John McCutcheon was particularly incredible this past Sunday. There was a whole stage set with several different instruments and I kept thinking that his band would be arriving any minute, but he played alone- entertaining the crowd with banjo, piano, guitar, hammer dulcimer, and the auto harp. We were lucky to hear half of his show and unfortunately the skies opened up just after intermission, making us all scurry home. Let’s try again this coming Sunday when the Mark Newton Band comes to town with some wonderful contemporary bluegrass. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for Bluemont friends and seniors, and $2 for children under 12. The show begins at 7 pm on the front lawn of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, 500 South Center St. Call 798-5018 for more information.

Next Tuesday, August 21st, the Ashland Town Council will hold a public hearing at 7pm. An approval or denial of the East Ashland/Ashbury project could happen that night. Please come out and let your town council hear what you think.

The Ashland Barracudas won the Len Everett Award for Division II at the Greater Richmond Aquatic League’s Championship Swim Meet in Northern Virginia. This prestigious award recognizes exceptional sportsmanship during the regular season and is voted on by each team within the division. This is the third time that our team has won this award in six years. What a wonderful team we have: coaches, swimmers, and parent volunteers. Three cheers for the Baracudas!

Congratulations to all the winners and record breakers: Elisa Worrell, Seth Gulas, Matthew Pienkowski, Quinny Kinser, Curran Henry, and Lui Mallory.

The Ashland Farmer’s Market is the place to be on Saturday mornings. Not only will you find enough organic and local veggies to last you the entire week, but now there is music to serenade you while you shop. We’ve heard bluegrass from C.B. Schools and Chris Hale, and Celtic and Irish music from Daniel Gonet. Shopping at the Farmer’s Market is a wonderful way to support small, local farmers which are such an important part of our community. The market is open from 9 am to noon every Saturday in the parking lot behind Town Hall.

Wednesday, August 15th is the deadline to register your child for fall soccer with the Ashland Youth Soccer League. Register on-line at www.aysl.org. Call Vern Inge at 798-7485 or Diane Kellogg at 798-5430 for more information.

Mark your calendar for Friday, August 24 for a free concert at the Ashland Library. Local folk artists “Coleman and Fuller” will perform at 7pm. Come listen and enjoy some ice cream on a hot summer’s evening.

There are only a few more weeks left of summer before the school buses start rolling again. I think we would all be better off if we resisted the pull of the retail stores who start marketing school supplies as soon as the 4th of July is over. I say relax, and pretend it’s the middle of June, and that the summer is spread out before you like a dusty dirt road. Spend some evenings catching lightning bugs, or go float in the Town Pool and pretend that you’re 12 years old again. Fall and winter will be here too soon and we’re bound to get some snow and ice this year.

Call or email me with your Ashland news. You all are the people that make this town such a fun place to live. Ring me at 804-310-5320 or email ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful weekend. See you at Bluemont!

7/27/07 Losing George, Bluemont, Bright Beginnings, Pool Movie

Our hearts broke last week when we lost George Hansen. We ache for his family and for our town of Ashland who needed a good soul like George. It seems like not so long ago that Jay and Nina left us; all of them gone away too soon.

The first Bluemont Concert of the season is this Sunday, July 29th, at 7 pm on the front lawn of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center (500 S. Center St.). Bring a chair, or a blanket, and listen to award-winning Mary Ann Redmond’s unique rhythm and blues. Tickets are $5 per person, $4 for Bluemont members, and $2 for children under 12. Call the Center at 798-2728 for more information.

The children of Hanover County are fortunate that the YMCA’s “Bright Beginnings” Program has such dedicated volunteers who help hundreds of kids get the school supplies and new clothes that they need to start school. Please help support this program that makes such a difference in the life of a child in your neighborhood. You can give a monetary donation on-line at http://www.ymcarichmond.org/ (go to “branches”, then “Patrick Henry”, then “Bright Beginnings”. You can also drop off donations of school supplies at any YMCA branch. Call 798-0057 to see how you can help.

This Thursday, Aug. 2, the Ashland Library will host Mother Nature’s Travelin’ Road Show at 11:30 where kids can learn about life in the woods and meet some fascinating critters from the Virginia Living Museum.

Friday, Aug. 3rd is the last “Dive-In Movie” at the Ashland Pool. Bring your floats and join your friends to watch “Open Season” beginning at dark.

You can reach me by phone at (804) 310-5320 or email at ashlandnews@gmail.com. Let me know about what’s going on in Ashland for the month of August. Have a great week.