6/26/08 Home from Vacation, Planning for the 4th, Benefit for Shyanne

By the time you read this. we will be getting ready to come home from a vacation on Nantucket Island. It is beautiful here, but very different from Virginia. They sleep with windows open all summer and the sound of the surf is always there in the background noise. The wild roses stand out against the gray shingled houses, and the honeysuckle is just beginning to open. But no one has invited me to a party here, or asked me to serve on a committee, so I am ready to come back to my sweet town where people wave to me. How good it will be to hear that conductor say that we're home.


Ashland's new police chief, Doug Goodman, will be sworn in on Monday, June 30th at 4:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers at Town Hall. Let's all welcome Chief Goodman- say hello and introduce yourself if you see him around town. We hope he'll be around for a long time.


The mighty Ashland Barracudas secured their first Division I win against Colonies this past week. Triple winners were Claire Grant, Chelsie Gray, Nick Gulas, Rachel Hoar, Quinny Kinser, Will Mallory, Marcus Maphis, Lucas Pienkowski, and Kristen Trexler. We are so lucky to have such great coaches here in Ashland. Kevin Trent, Alan Rosenberg, Jenny Yonce, and Stephen Belyea have taught our kids much more than the proper strokes. They teach good sportsmanship by example, and their light-hearted coaching lets our kids have fun while competing.


The 4th of July is almost here and I'll be looking for you at the Arts and Activities Center! As always, this year there will be the Ashland Library book sale (get there early for the best selection), and then there’s the Apple Pie Contest, so be planning out your award-winning pie. On the lawn there will be performances by the Hanover Concert Band, food for sale, ice cream available, and all kinds of fun things to do. Bring your picnic blanket and plan to stay awhile. You can find details about the Apple Pie Contest and the day's events at www.hanoverarts.com.


If you’re interested in participating in the non-motorized parade (begins at 11am), please give Carolyn Peart a call at 798-9131. Get your kids to decorate their bikes and ride in the parade which starts by the Henry Clay Inn and ends at the Arts and Activities Center. Get your scout group, swim team, or Sunday school class to march together. Come up with some silly, but patriotic theme or song to sing. I can't think of a better way to spend the 4th, then to participate in such an American tradition.I have your Saturday dinner on June 28th all planned out for you.


There will be a fundraiser to benefit Shyanne Shane, who is an Elmont Elementary student battling against neuroblastoma cancer. Come by the Glen Allen Service Station, at 3011 Mountain Rd. for a BBQ Dinner. Each dinner includes BBQ, a roll, cole slaw, and baked beans, and are $8.00 each. Please call Linda Orange with questions or large orders- 798-5697.


Mark your calendar for the second Summer Street Party coming on Sat., July 19th. Music by "Premiere" will begin at 7pm, and food will be sold by the local chefs participating in the annual BBQ cook-off. Tickets are $5 in advance, and $10 at the door. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. You can buy your tickets at Cross Brothers, Ace Hardware, and Princess Cleaners- to name a few places. Check out the website: www.ashlandstreetparties.com for more details.


I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend, and I'll see you on the 4th! Call or email me with your Ashland news- (804) 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com.

6/19/08 Trains, Summer Camps, Goodbye Tim, Fourth of July

We returned home late this past Saturday night and found a freight train stopped on the tracks. It’s not that unusual in the summer to find a train parked, so we turned and started looking for the caboose to see how we could get home. At the College Ave. crossing, an Ashland Police officer directed us up to Archie Cannon, and told us that the train had hit a truck but that no one was hurt. An “irresponsible driver” he said, which was an understatement. I love having trains come through the middle of town, but their closeness scares me. Remind your kids to stay away from those tracks and prevent a horrible tragedy.

Come see the Barefoot Puppets next Thursday, June 26th at 7:00 pm at the Ashland Library. I’m trying to picture what these puppets must look like- I’m guessing they don’t wear shoes. This show features Anansi the Spider, and is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Award-winning coach Kevin Profitt will hold a softball camp for girls ages 5-14 at Randolph-Macon July 14-18. This camp will focus on the fundamentals of softball, improving skills, and the magic of teamwork. Each day will end with a swim in the Brock Center pool! Go to the Randolph-Macon website: http://www.rmc.edu/, click on “athletics”, and then click on “Womens”, then “Softball” to see the registration form. You can also give Kevin at call at 752-3611.


If you’re doing any cleaning out of closets of bookshelves, bring your books, videos, dvd’s, and cd’s to the Ashland Library for their famous July 4th Book Sale at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center.

Can you believe that Tim Russert was just here in Ashland two weeks ago and now he’s gone? I feel bad that I fussed at him about his speech at R-MC, but am fairly certain that he didn’t read this column. Sunday mornings aren’t the same without him.

If you see Susan and Woody Tucker next week, wish them a happy 31st Anniversary!

Sign your child up for theater camp at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center by visiting http://www.hanoverarts.com/. There will be rehearsals in July and August with performances on August 15, 16, & 17. This year, Lorie Foley will be directing the kids in “The Wizard of Oz”, which promises to be a spectacular show. Please give Lorie a call for more details- 798-0704.

Can you believe that it’s almost the 4th of July? Don’t make any travel plans except to stroll down the sidewalk to the Arts and Activities Center to join your neighbors and friends in all the festivities. Of course, there’s the book sale- get there early for the best selection, and then there’s the Apple Pie Contest, so be planning out your award winning pie. On the lawn there will be performances by the Hanover Concert Band, food for sale, ice cream available, and all kinds of fun things to do. Bring your picnic blanket and plan to stay awhile.

If you’re interested in participating in the non-motorized parade (begins at 11am), please give Carolyn Peart a call at 798-9131. Get your kids to decorate their bikes and ride in the parade which starts by the Henry Clay Inn and ends at the Arts and Activities Center. Watching that parade is one of those Ashland moments, that makes you wonder if you’re in a Frank Capra movie. Don’t miss it!

The Ashland Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday morning from 9 to noon in the parking lot behind Town Hall. If you’re ever concerned about food safety, it’s the perfect place to shop! Not only do you know where your food came from, you get to meet the person that grew it.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 804-310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great week!

5/12/08 School's Over, Heat's On, Birthday Candles Blown Out

The three “H” sisters have returned to Ashland for the summer. Did you forget about them? Hazy, Hot, and Humid arrived just last week and have taken up residence in our sweet town. Be nice to them and try to get along; sometimes they don’t leave until the middle of October!

A cool place to be in the summer is the Ashland Library. The Summer Reading program began June 7th and continues through August 16th, so stop by to sign up yourself and your kids. Keep them reading through the summer, and keep checking the library’s website to see what’s going on: http://www.pamunkeylibrary.org/ashland.htm.

Three cheers to the Ashland Little League, who ended their season in a sauna. It’s another wonderful example of a volunteer organization that exists solely for the kids. Machine Pitch had their Championship game on Saturday June 7th between the Braves and Dodgers, with the Dodgers winning 12 - 10. The win sealed the Dodgers in first place for the season and the Braves in second. Congratulations to Ronny Maier, whose home run helped the Dodgers clinch their win!

Big birthday wishes to Katelynn Brown who turned seven on June 8th, and Jo Ann Hunter who turned 26 on June 9th!


The Ashland Girl Scout Service Unit spent the night rock-climbing recently at Peak Experience in Midlothian. While I’m sure they got little sleep, they had a fun experience. Many thanks to all the moms who chaperoned. We hope they got to get a nap the next day!


Congratulations to the new PTA presidents for the 08-09 school year: Monica Klisz at Henry Clay, Donna Brooks at John Gandy, and Debbie Algiano at Liberty Middle. If any of these women ask for your help in the months to come, I hope you’ll volunteer your time. Their commitment to our children makes a huge difference in our schools.


The Fifth graders at Gandy put on a great show last week. Their talented music teacher, Susan Winkler, has raised recorder music to a new level. I am always impressed, and often have tears in my eyes, when I see how hard these kids of worked and how much they love what they are doing. Ms. Winkler has been the 5th grader’s music teacher since they were kindergartners at Henry Clay, so it was a poignant evening as she wished them good luck at Liberty next year.

Well, my mother is thoroughly disappointed in me as I have no tomatoes growing in my garden this year. I will have to depend on the kindness of friends (and the Ashland Farmers Market) to get my family through the summer and not suffer from a lack of lycopene. Let me know your Ashland news! You can reach me by phone or email: (804) 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!

6/5/08 Strawberry Faire, Ashland Pool, Tim Russert Serves Up Leftovers

I hope you’re all ready for the Strawberry Faire this weekend. Did you clean out your wagon? I’ve read that strawberries are packed with vitamins, folic acid, fiber, and calcium, so I think that means that strawberry shortcake is good for you! The Faire starts at 10 am, and you can park at either Henry Clay or Gandy Elementary Schools and catch the bus over to the RMC campus. For you Richmond readers, Amtrak has $13 tickets available from Staples Mill to Ashland. Visit http://www.amtrak.com/ for details.

Happy Birthday to Kate Melson who turns 9 on June 10th!

If you’re looking for some summer activities for your kids, consider the Hanover Arts and Activities Theater Camp. Lorie Foley returns this year as director to lead her talented actors and actresses in “The Wizard of Oz”. Camp will run July 14th through August 14th, and there are two different sessions: one for 3rd through 9th graders, and one for 1st and 2nd graders. Go to http://www.hanoverarts/ for more information and a registration form.

Remember to go to the Ashland Library where Jim Scanlon will present a “History of Randolph-Macon College” at 10:00 am this Saturday. Enjoy a breakfast of strawberries and learn about R-MC, which is such an important part of our sweet town. After that, just walk over to the Strawberry Faire. Prof. Scanlon’s presentation is sponsored by the Pamunkey Regional Library. Call 798-4072 for more information.

The Ashland Farmer’s Market is getting rave reviews this year. I’ve heard people comment that it’s better than some found in Richmond. The cut flowers will last for days on your kitchen table, and you won’t find any better tasting veggies anywhere. They’re open each Saturday from 9 am until noon behind Town Hall.

The Ashland Pool has opened for the season on the weekends until school gets out. Hunter Hoy has returned as manager which means we’re in for another perfect summer, where we can close our eyes and pretend that we’re in the south of France. On Fridays, the pool is open from 4:30 until 9:00 pm, and then Saturday and Sunday it’s open from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm. Regular hours will begin Tuesday, June 17th, with free admission for all school children. Admission is $4 per person during the week and $7 per person on the weekends. Season passes are also available at Town Hall. Call 798-2520 for more information.

Excuse me for a minute while I stand on my soap box and shake my finger at Mr. Tim Russert. We were so delighted that Randolph-Macon got the host of “Meet the Press” to be their speaker at graduation this past weekend, until we found out that he’s given the exact same speech at least two other times at different colleges. It was a bit disappointing. R-MC deserved an original commencement address.

By the time you read this, school will have just about a week left. I know you must get tired of me saying it, but we’re really lucky to have such good public schools here in Ashland. Be sure to let me know of any graduates who need congratulating! You can reach me at 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!

This rainbow was over Ashland Sunday evening. Look, the pot of gold on the left side must be at Gandy, and the pot of gold on the right must be at Henry Clay. (Or maybe Rob & Sharon Stiles' house. Anyone got a shovel?)

Friday, May 30, 2008...News Flash... Neon Lights still Working at Ashland Theater

The lights of the Ashland Theater were lit up last night, which led us to wonder why. We were curious and had to go up to the doors and peer inside. No one was there, but the inside doors to the lobby were open. I had hoped that we would see the real estate agent shaking hands with some proud new owner, but the "For Sale" signs are still there. Maybe it was all bright and shiny to add to the festive spirit felt by the soon-to-be graduates of RMC. I'm sure Ashland's Finest were busy last night with the numerous parties that were held (fireworks!) in anticipation of their big day today. We got the scoop from the night watchman at Randolph-Macon, who was standing guard over the hundreds of chairs for the ceremony, that Tim Russert wasn't planning on leaving DC until 2 hours before graduation. We think that's cutting it a little close, Tim.

The other possibility is that it could have been the ghost...

5/29/08 Sunshine & No Humidity, Luck of the DAR, Strawberry Faire on the Horizon

We could not have ordered a more beautiful Memorial Day weekend. It was like we were living in Southern California! We rode bikes everywhere, swam in the cold water at the Carter Park Pool, and talked to our neighbors at Cathy & Charles Waldrop’s annual Memorial Day Picnic. We were also lucky enough to get to join in the Ashland Memorial Day March from the Library to Woodlawn Cemetery to remember those who gave their lives so we might live in peace.

The Ashland Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from 9 to noon in the parking lot behind Town Hall. There are beautiful local cut flowers and those Hanover tomatoes should be appearing soon, and we can all start eating BLT’s again.

Congratulations to Carleigh Luck who was chosen by the administration at Elmont Elementary school to receive the Good Citizenship Award from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Carliegh is continuing a long-standing tradition of the Luck’s being good citizens in Ashland. This came as no surprise to us!

Ashland Strawberry Faire is this coming Saturday, June 7th from 10-5pm on the streets around R-MC. It’s so nice to have the streets shut off from traffic and be able to stroll along. Bring your wagon or some friends to help carry home all the good things to be found there: hanging baskets, flats of strawberries, hand-made crafts, Windsor chairs, antiques, and plenty of strawberry shortcake. Stay and listen to some great music and cheer on the contestants in the Little Miss and Mr. Strawberry Contest.

Before you go to the Faire, go to the Ashland Library where Jim Scanlon will present a “History of Randolph-Macon College” at 10:00 am. Enjoy a breakfast of strawberries and learn about R-MC, which is such an important part of our sweet town. After that, just walk over to the Faire! Prof. Scanlon’s presentation is sponsored by the Pamunkey Regional Library. Call 798-4072 for more information.

Congratulations to Annette Adler who was recently named Insurance Woman of the Year by the Insurance Women of Richmond Association. Annette was recognized for making a difference in their association, the insurance industry, and her community. Here in Ashland, Annette is on the board of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center where she creates and publishes the quarterly newsletter.

I am worried about this study that VDOT is conducting about the possibility of eliminating passenger train service from Ashland and the Staples Mill station. I hope that we’ll all take the time to write a letter or attend the public input meeting in September to let Amtrak know what a big mistake that would be. One of the sweetest sounds that I’ve ever heard is whistles of two approaching trains. They sound as if they’re speaking, or singing to one another as they approach the town from different directions. At our house, we think it sounds like a lullaby at night and we’re reminded of how fortunate we are to live here. You can email your comments about this possible travesty to drpt.pr@drpt.virginia.gov.

This column is over a year old! Have you enjoyed it? Voice your opinions- email me at ashlandnews@gmail.com or give me a call at 310-5320. Have a great week!

3/22/08 Dr. Miller Moving Up, Maniac Tom Grant, Memorial Day March,

Congratulations are due to Dr. Patricia Miller who was recently appointed Assistant Director of Early Education for Hanover County Public Schools. Dr. Miller has been principal of John M. Gandy Elementary, and will be leaving behind a school that has flourished under her leadership. It is fortunate that all the children in Hanover can now benefit from her expertise, dedication, and genuine love for education, but I am sad for my kids and for Gandy. In my heart I knew that she was bound for higher things; you can’t be a bright star like that and not move upwards. And even though she will only be across the parking lot, she will be greatly missed. Well done, Dr. Miller, well done.

Oh, Saturday night was beautiful! Those Street Parties are so much fun. Food, music, dancing, friends, and a full moon over-head. How could it get any better? Well, maybe if my friends danced more. We just seem to stand around and talk, in a rural kind of way. I was blow away by Charles Hartgrove (Town Manager) and the God Fearin’ Snake Handlers. They were wonderful and I hope we get many more chances to listen to their music this summer. The talent in this town never ceases to amaze me. The next one will be July 19th- put it on your calendar.

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to Mike Spence and AC Bruce! I hope they both have a great day and get lots of good presents.

I think we all knew that Tom Grant was a maniac, but now we have official proof. Tom just completed his third marathon in three months, which gives him membership in the Marathon Maniac Club. I have heard stories about wild parties and secret handshakes, and hope that Tom will remember her friends back in Ashland as he readies himself for fame and glory.

Before you have your cookout this Memorial Day, come walk in the 7th Annual Memorial Day March which leaves the Ashland Library at 1pm for a silent march down Hanover Street to Woodlawn Cemetery. This event, hosted by the Ashland American Legion, is to remember and honor those service men and women from Hanover who gave their lives defending our freedom. “We do not gather to glorify war.” This is really a beautiful event. Make sure your kids know why they got the day off from school.

Tim Russert, of NBC’s “Meet The Press”, will be in town this week to speak at RMC’s commencement on May 31st. Congratulations to the class of 2008! I hope that as you make your way through life, you’ll think of Ashland as your home once. We certainly thought of you as our kids while you were here.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week. Soccer is finished for us, so we’re relaxing this week and getting ready for Ashland Barracuda swim practice to begin. I bet that pool will be cold when it opens. The blue lip rule will hopefully be in effect. Hats off to the Ashland Youth Soccer League! These volunteers always run a wonderful season. Stay dry, stay warm- don’t put those sweaters away yet. Call or email me with your Ashland stories: 804-310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. A record of these columns can be found at www.ashlandnews.blogger.com.