1/14/10 A Chilly Town Loses it's Butterfly

It is too cold. I am so tired of those big piles of month-old snow that block the parking spaces in the parking lot. I am so tired of the bottles of lotion that I'm going through trying to keep my skin from turning into sandpaper. I am tired of layers. I am tired of socks. Thank goodness we have a lot going on in town to keep me distracted or else I might be tempted to make a break for Cuba.

VCU's Department of Urban & Regional Planning will present "A Downtown (Ashland) Enhancement Plan" on Wednesday, Jan. 27th at the Ashland Firehouse Theater. There will be a social hour at 6 PM and the presentation will begin at 6:30 PM. The "Downtown Enhancement Plan" is the result of a three month study that included extensive research into issues, interviews with Ashland residents and businesses, and visits to other communities who dealt with revitalization. The Enhancement Plan offers specific recommendations for possible future efforts that would enhance Downtown Ashland. This presentation, followed by a discussion period open to participants, is sponsored by the Ashland Main Street Association and the Town of Ashland, and all are invited to attend.

If you miss this party, you will only have yourself to blame. The hottest ticket in town is one to "22 Hullabaloo" at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center on friday, January 22nd. This will be a wonderful evening of food, dancing, and all your favorite people! Tickets are $11 each, and there is complimentary babysitting provided for children aged 4 - 12. Call early to reserve a spot- 798-2728.

It’s time for the third Hanover Idols Competition, sponsored by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Auditions will be January 24, 2010; the competition for finalists will be Sunday, January 31, 2010. Deadline to sign-up for the auditions is January 15, 2010. For more information, including the Sign-Up form, please visit http://www.hanoverarts.org/ or call Sue Watson at 804-798-5686.

Looking ahead to February, keep Saturday the 13th open because it is Casino Night at St. Ann's Catholic Church. We are all so excited because the theme this year is "70's Disco Fever in Funkytown." Yes, those crazy Catholics are at it again! It's hard to pass up an opportunity to party in the parish hall.

The great history of our country, both the tragedy and the triumph, will be presented in the production of "We Were There: History through the Arts." This event will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings, February 5-6, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the Blackwell Auditorium on the campus of Randolph-Macon College. Residents of Ashland and Hanover County will also participate as storytellers and presenters, and the strong voices of the Ashland Community Chorus, will move us with stories told in song. Admission to the event is free to adults and children, but donations are appreciated and may be made at the door. For more information contact The Hanover Arts and Activities Center at (804) 798-2728. http://www.hanoverarts.org/.

Well, Charlotte is gone, and now our job is to help her parents cope with her absence. Please come to her memorial service this Saturday, Jan. 16th from 1-4pm at Blackwell Auditorium on the Randolph-Macon Campus. Even if you never met this family, but followed their struggle, I would encourage you to attend. Think of how much it will mean to Roger & Rachel to see that auditorium filled to capacity and over-flowing into the lobby. There is strength in numbers, you know. They have asked that you wear something bright, preferably pink and/or purple. No somber black allowed.

Stay warm, Ashland. Bundle-up, eat soup, drink a little whiskey in front of a fireplace. Enjoy these winter months for the camraderie that they bring; if we're stuck inside, we might as well be stuck inside together! Call or email me with your COTU news: 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Brrrrrr.

1/7/10 Where Ashland Overcompensates for Cold Weather by Filling Social Calendar to Capacity

I was a little sad about the Holidays being over with, and then I took a look at the January & February calendars. This is the most gettin'-together-est town that I've ever seen, don't you think Rodney Bardwell?

The Classic Film Festival begins at our Firehouse Theater this Saturday, January 9th with the movie "Shadow of a Doubt" which was said to be Alfred Hitchcock's personal favorite. It will feel warm and balmy outside after you've been chilled by the classic suspense that can only be found in a Hitchcock film. The movie starts at 7pm. Come early to get a seat.

The hottest ticket in town is one to "22 Hullabaloo" at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center on friday, January 22nd. This will be a wonderful evening of food, dancing, and all your favorite people! Tickets are $11 each, and there is complimentary babysitting provided for children aged 4 - 12. Call early to reserve a spot- 798-2728. Then call me and tell me what you're wearing.

It’s time for the third Hanover Idols Competition, sponsored by the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Auditions will be January 24, 2010; the competition for finalists will be Sunday, January 31, 2010. Deadline to sign-up for the auditions is January 15, 2010. For more information, including the Sign-Up form, please visit http://www.hanoverarts.org/ or call Sue Watson at 804-798-5686.

Looking ahead to February, keep Saturday the 13th open because it is Casino Night at St. Ann's Catholic Church. We are all so excited because the theme this year is "70's Disco Fever in Funkytown." Yes, those crazy Catholics are at it again! It's hard to pass up an opportunity to party in the parish hall.

In honor of Black History Month, the Hanover Arts and Activities Center will present "We Were There: History Through the Arts" on February 5th and 6th at 7pm. This is just another one of those incredible programs that can only be found at your Center! Call 798-2728 for more details.
By the time you read this, I can't imagine that our Charlotte Reynolds will be here. As I write this, I keep checking Roger & Rachel's blog every hour to see what is happening. They are so good at keeping everyone informed, and there are hundreds of people keeping vigil. She is so near the end that her parents can't believe that she is still here, and this waiting is very hard. It is full of anxiety, and worry. But I am proud of all of them- of Roger, Rachel, and especially Charlotte. In her four years on this earth, she has touched more lives than many of us do in a lifetime. What do you call that? Don't you think it must be divine grace? Well done, Charlotte, well done.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Stay warm. Cross your fingers for a snow day.

12/24/09 Merry Christmas

Wow. I used to think Ashland was pretty just on an ordinary day, but toss almost two feet of snow on our sweet town and you have a winter wonderland of epic proportions! Did you see those Christmas lights sparkle in the snow? Have you seen those bundled children bouncing through the drifts? I don't think I ever fully appreciated Christmas carols- they take on such a deeper meaning when you listen to them while watching the snow fall. It was perfect, this snow before Chrstmas. Thank you to whoever ordered this!

I am so sad that we've lost another important Ashlander. Nancy Witt left us this past week, and our creativity quotient immediately plummeted. I never met Nancy, but her painting fascinated me, and I could stare at them for hours. My condolences to her children and friends; I know you will all miss her dearly.

Having old movies at the new Firehouse Theater has added to our storybook atmosphere. If you lived in town, you could have walked to the movies this past Saturday night! Can you imagine that? Walking down a snowy street to see an old movie? Quick, someone pinch me. Call the Theater for details on their next show: 798-9721.

While you're baking cookies this holiday, make a few extra to drop by at the firehouse, the police station, or the rescue squad. The men and women have been working extra hard in all this snow, and it's wonderful to send them a thank-you.

One little example of how our police officer give back to the community is the "Shop with a Cop" program. On Thursday, December 10, 2009 the Ashland Police Department hosted a holiday party for local children at the Ashland Church of God. With many donations and support from local businesses and citizens, Santa Claus was able to distribute many gifts to the participants at this year’s party. Several local businesses donated pizzas and drinks as well for the event. Community volunteers wrapped these gifts and helped hand them out during this year’s party.The Ashland Police Department extends our sincere gratitude to the local donors and volunteers for their generous donations and hard work in making this year’s event so special for the children in our community.

As we wind down 2009, lets reflect a little bit. Was it a good year? A tough one? A little of both? We'll talk more about it next week, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the passing year. You can email me at ashlandnews@gmail.com, or call me at 310-5320. Are you glad that you're here? You may get tired of me telling you, but you will find no sweeter spot on earth than this town. Go outside on a quiet winter night, find a star to wish on, and ask that you never have to leave. "...Through the years we all will be together if the fates allow, hang a shining star upon the highest bough, and have yourself a merry little Christmas now..."

12/17/09 Raindrops, Gandy Art Auction, Charlotte's Trip to Disney

"I'm dreaming of a wet Christmas, just like the ones I never knew. Where the tree branches drip and children slip on sidewalks wet with dew. I'm dreaming of a wet Christmas, with every umbrella that I see! May your days be merry and yet, may all your Christmases be wet!" My cousin, Emily Kelly, and I wrote that song during another soggy holiday- maybe 1982. Enough already. Let us dry out!

The Gandy Art Auction to benefit the Gandy Garden Project was a stunning success! You know I've told you that we're lucky to have people like Lorie Foley and Wendy Doyle living here- people that give hundereds of hours of their time to make this town a better place for our kids. It's really incredible. We're so excited about these Gandy Gardens, and this auction was the first step in making it happen. There are many, many people to thank, including Ashland Street Parties who made a significant contribution. I'll remind you about that when the summer rolls around!

A huge thank you to the teachers and staff at Gandy who stayed late and helped make the Auction an really fun evening for the kids and their families. Thank you to Marlynn Turner, formerly of Virginia Street, who traveled back from Atlanta to be our wonderful auctioneer. Thank you also to anyone who donated auction items- we had some incredible things at our silent auction, including a holiday flower arrangement by Nancy Hugo, original Raku pottery by Nancy Cozart, photography by John Cook, and some sweet kiddie chairs painted by Sunnygirl Elizabeth Melson. Bravo Gandy! Well done!

If you're struggling to find that special Ashland gift, remember that there are new pewter ornaments of the Arts and Activity Center available! These are incredibly detailed and the perfect addition to your tree for only $15. Call Faith at 798-2728 if you'd like one!

When you see Susan Spence on the 19th, please wish her a very happy birthday! These December babies have a hard time, so the deserve our special attention, that includes John Hodges who celebrated his birthday on December 10th."Merry Christmas" to the Ashland community from Ashland Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)! On Sunday, Dec. 20, you are invited to join us for a "Festival of Lessons and Carols” at 7 pm at 301 S. James Street (across from Henry Clay School). This service is adapted from a Christmas Eve service which has been held annually for 90 years at King’s College in Cambridge, England. Accompanying our Chancel and Bell Choirs will be guest musicians with trumpets, timpani, flute, and harp. A reception will follow. Admission is free.

Congratulations to Tana Garcia, Monica Klisz, and Laura Boone who ran in the cold, cold rain in the Blue and Grey Half Marathon in Fredericksburg this past weekend. This was Tana's first 13.1 miles, so it was a really special day for her!

Our little Charlotte Reynolds has returned home from her fabulous Disney Make-A-Wish vacation! We have loved seeing the pictures and the smiles on everyone's faces, and we are so thankful that they got the chance to have that happy time together. You can keep updated on how this princess is doing through their blog: http://www.cjstuf.blogspot.com/. Hers is not an easy story to read, but it is important and beautiful, and it will do you good.

It is so wonderful to have movies once again in our sweet town! Our new Firehouse Theater is showing classis movies on a regular basis now, and all reports have been glowing! This Friday, 12/19, they'll show "The Shop Around the Corner" starring Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan starting at 7pm. Then on Tuesday, 12/22, they're showing a Christmas Double Feature beginning at 6pm: "The Grinch", followed by "A Christmas Story." Visit their website: http://www.ashlandfirehousetheater.org/ for a listing of all the holiday movies coming up.

Here- I will give you the advice that I can't follow myself: Don't worry- it will all get done. My father tells me all the time, "You have enough time." When I was younger, I'd just roll my eyes and walk away. The last time he said this to me, I said, "Daddy, I've been thinking about this for a while, and I've come to realize that you're just plain wrong." There will never be enough days in the year to love Ashland like we should. Work on that this week, ok?

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Stay dry and keep sparkling COTU!

12/10/09 Snow in December, Music at St. Ann's, Art at Gandy

I think it kind of counts as a white Christmas if we have snow during the month of December. What do you think, hmm? Is that a stretch? We were all in the Arts and Activities Center when the rain turned to snow this past Saturday, and everyone started clapping.

The rain dampened our Ashland Holiday Weekend, but we celebrated anyway. We made recycled ornaments at the Center, listened to stories at the Library, took a ride around town on the trolly, and told Santa our wishes at the Inn. I only see bigger and better things for next year, and I love how different organizations came together to make it happen. Jill Grant, president of Main Street Association, was the energy behind most of it and we all owe her a big "Thank You!"

Here's a great event no matter how old you are... Baby Boomers Remember Ashland on Wednesday, December 16th at 7pm. Local Baby Boomers will share their memories of growing up in the Center of the Universe. Refreshments will be served.

The best things in life are free, and here's an opportunity to hear the amazing Richmond Brass and Percussion Consort perform A Concert of Christmas Music at St. Ann's Catholic Church. This coming Tuesday, December 15th at 7:30 pm, bring a donation of canned foods for the Central Virginia Food Bank and let those french horns get you in the holiday spirit.

The Ashland Farmer's Market is open this weekend with a special Children's Market and Holiday Craft Vendors. Find all your Christmas presents in the parking lot of Town Hall! Ben Shirley of Richmond will entertain shoppers with his fabulous guitar and banjo classics. The Market is open from 9am until noon on Saturday.

Happy Birthday to Rebecca Cline who celebrated her birthday on December 7th!

If you are reading this on Thursday, then plan on being at Gandy tonight for the Gandy Art Auction from 6-8pm. The students and teachers at Gandy have been busy creating beautiful and whimsical pieces of art for many weeks now, and you will be amazed at the things they are making! This will be an excellent opportunity to find one-of-a-kind Christmas presents, and support your local public schools at the same time. All proceeds from the auction will be used for the Gandy Garden Project, building gardens to cultivate learning, imaginations, and creativity.We're keeping it short and sweet this week, Ashland. The tree needs decorating and the cookies in the oven might be burning if someone doesn't check on them soon! Who needs sleep? Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Ho, ho, ho!

12/3/09 It's Beginning to look a lot like Chirstmas...

Did you appreciate Thanksgiving? Did you take full advantage of the food, the family, and the friends? I hope so. My Thanksgiving was different this year without my grandmother. But that's what holidays do- they evolve through the years as people grow up and move along with their lives. Kids get married and move away, grandparents die, and new traditions emerge. It's one of those lovely (said while rolling my eyes) lessons that life feels the need to teach us: don't become complacent.

Congratulations to Corporal Marie Kemp and Corporal Ethan Hicks, the two Ashland Police Officers who were promoted to the rank of Sergeant on November 25th! We really have a wonderful police department here in town, don't we? I always fall asleep feeling safe and sound knowing they're looking out for us.

Mark your calendar for the Gandy Art Auction to be held on December 10th from 6-8pm at John M. Gandy Elementary. The students and teachers at Gandy have been busy creating beautiful and whimsical pieces of art for many weeks now, and you will be amazed at the things they are making! This will be an excellent opportunity to find one-of-a-kind Christmas presents, and support your local public schools at the same time. There will be a pizza dinner followed by a silent auction and a live auction. Dinner is $4 per person and reservations may be made by emailing me (ashlandnews@gmail.com) by December 7th. All proceeds from the auction will be used for the Gandy Garden Project, building gardens to cultivate learning, imaginations, and creativity.

You must be in town this weekend: December 5th and 6th. The Ashland Holiday Weekend is shaping up to be a wonderful time for all. There will be pictures with Santa at the Henry Clay Inn, a Ginger-Bread House Contest, a trolley taking riders all around town, a Santa's Secret Workshop for kids at the Arts and Activities Center (remember Miller & Rhodes Fawn Shop?), Magician Jonathan Austin, and a Tree-Lighting Ceremony on the Town Hall Lawn. This is just a little bit of all the activities. Visit http://www.hanoverarts.org/ for more information.

It's not too late to enter the Gingerbread House Contest! Bring your house to the Arts and Activities Center this Saturday morning by 10am. Call 798-2728 with any questions. Let your imagination run wild!

Apparently Santa loves to eat breakfast in Ashland, because you will find him eating somewhere around here for the next two Saturdays...

On Saturday, December 5th, Lower Ashland welcomes St. Nick with a Snowflake Breakfast at Elmont Elementary School from 8 to 11am. No tickets will be sold at the door, so the only way you're getting a seat is to call Corinne Luck at 752-2308. I've heard that Ross is the head pancake chef, so you know they must be good!

On Saturday, December 12th, the Man with the Bag will be eating at the Masonic Lodge on England Street from 9 to 11am. Pancakes, Sausgage and Eggs can be had for just $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children. Bring your camera to get a picture with Santa Claus.

When you read this, Roger, Rachel and Charlotte Reynolds will be getting the royal treatment in Disney World right now courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. A limo picked them up at their home in Slash Cottage on December 1st and delivered them to the airport. How wonderful for them to be pampered! I have never really appreciated the Make-A-Wish Foundation until now, and will put them on the top of my charity list this year. There are lots of ways that you can support this organization; visit http://www.makeawish.org/ for more information.

The 5th Annual Deck the Halls Event is this Sunday, December 6th from noon to 4:30pm at Pine Grove Farm just off Elmont Road here in town. Carolyn and Jerry Peart have once again opened their yard & barn, and filled it with everything you'd need to make as many wreaths, center pieces, and decorative holiday greenery as you can carry. Call right away for reservations: 798-9131. Susan Greenbaum will be performing, and refreshments will be served. $25 for adults, $10 for youth 6-16, and free for kids under 6.

Here's a great event no matter how old you are... Baby Boomers Remember Ashland on Wednesday, December 16th at 7pm. Local Baby Boomers will share their memories of growing up in the Center of the Universe. Refreshments will be served.

We have absolutely no time to lose, do you hear me Ashland? Get those lights lit, and wreaths hung! We cannot waste a moment here during this holiday season. I want you to do something special everyday. It doesn't have to be a big thing, it can be small like calling your sister and saying hello. Make some cookies this evening to give away. Put on a Santa hat while you rake leaves this weekend. Sleep with your pajamas on inside-out so we can have some snow. Shine Ashland, sparkle and shine. You do it better than any town I know.

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

11/19/09 Thanksgiving Preparations, COTU Marathoners, Gandy Art Auction, Ashland Holiday Weekend

With Halloween behind us now, the pumpkins gone, and the decorations blown by the wind, we are warmed by the thought of Thanksgiving. I love that Thanksgiving is a holiday for everyone, regardless of religion. I love that Thanksgiving is about family, friends, good food, and a warm table. No gifts to buy, only food to cook. It's rather low-key and relaxed, if you think about it.

Happy Birthday to Kitty Banks on November 22! We hope that she has a delicious cake to eat and many wonderful presents to open!

Congratulations to all the Ashlanders who ran in the Richmond Marathon this past weekend, including Dave Klisz, Susan Spence, JoAnn Hunter, and Tammy Proffitt! If you want to be inspired, if you need to be reminded of the strength & the power of the human spirit- go watch a marathon. Go stand by the finish line and watch the runners come in after running for several hours, and after months of training. You will see that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary feats, and really, nothing is beyond your grasp if you work at it.

A special congratulations to those who ran the Half Marathon as well! Rodney Bardwell, Mary Clay Thomas, Corinne Luck, and Tracy & Bob Brown all showed grace and speed on the course through the Northside. We hear that the hills in Bryan Park were especially enjoyable!

Here, I'm going to teach you a new word: "brax." It is a noun, plural, meaning congratulations- but it is shorter and easier to spell. I learned it while living in Baltimore, and now I'll use it in a sentence...

Brax to all the spectators and coaches who cheered on the marathon runners! I saw your signs, heard your cheers, and know how you drove (or walked) all over Richmond to see your runners! You know that you helped make those 26.2 miles not seem so long. Your enthusiasm made a big difference.

The Central Virginia Masterworks Chorale will present four performances of its 2009 Holiday Concert, one on December 11, and again on December 12th, at 7:30 pm, at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church. The third performance will be Sunday, December 13, 4:00 pm, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 520 N. Boulevard, in Richmond. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. They may be purchased in advance at Cross Brothers’ Grocery in Ashland or from any Chorale member, and may also be purchased at the door prior to each performance. To reserve tickets, call 804-798-3283. Visit http://www.cvamc.org/ for more information.

Mark your calendar for the Gandy Art Auction to be held on December 10th from 6-8pm at John M. Gandy Elementary. The students and teachers at Gandy have been busy creating beautiful and whimsical pieces of art for many weeks now, and you will be amazed at the things they are making! This will be an excellent opportunity to find one-of-a-kind Christmas presents, and support your local public schools at the same time. There will be a pizza dinner followed by a silent auction and a live auction. Dinner is $4 per person and reservations may be made by emailing me (ashlandnews@gmail.com) by December 7th. All proceeds from the auction will be used for the Gandy Garden Project, building gardens to cultivate learning, imaginations, and creativity.

Also, plan to be in town on December 5th and 6th. The Ashland Holiday Weekend is shaping up to be a wonderful time for all. There will be pictures with Santa at the Henry Clay Inn, a Ginger-Bread House Contest, a trolley taking riders all around town, a Santa's Secret Workshop for kids at the Arts and Activities Center (remember Miller & Rhodes Fawn Shop?), Magician Jonathan Austin, and a Tree-Lighting Ceremony on the Town Hall Lawn. This is just a little bit of all the activities. Visit http://www.hanoverarts.org/ for more information.

So, let's get ready for the holidays, Ashland. You don't need a ton of money, of piles of presents. The real gift is what we have here: good neighbors, good friends, and warm hearts. The COTU economic forecast predicts wonderful days ahead.

Call or email me with you Ashland news: 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Be happy.