3/28/08 Best Principal in the Universe, News from Elmont, Pig on Henry Street

I'm sure you know by now how highly I regard our public schools here in Hanover. I've always thought that they are a direct reflection on the kind of society we are. We are only as good as the schools we give our kids. I was so proud, but not surprised, to learn that Dr. Patricia Miller, principal of John M. Gandy Elementary School, was selected as one of the four 2008 REB Award Recipients for Educational Leadership. Dr. Miller is an exceptional principal; one who inspires her students as well as her staff. She is an amazing woman who deserves everyone's thanks and congratulations.

Did you all see Lorie Foley standing out by the old Chevron this past Saturday with her signs reminding people to write their story for the Yearbook? She was out there for hours! What dedication! What drive! If you haven't turned in your 300 word story about your life in Ashland, you only have a few days left. The deadline is April 1st, and you will be disappointed if you do not get this done, and I will say, “I told you so!” Visit http://www.ashland150.com/ for the details.

Congratulations to Annette Ardler and Sherly Phillips (Beaverdam) who walked a half marathon, 13.1 miles, in the Shamrock Sportsfest in Virginia Beach recently. With their team, these girls raised $130,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. What an incredible way to help others, and do something good for yourself at the same time! We should all be so motivated.

The news from LA, aka Lower Ashland, or Elmont as some people call it, has become a regular feature here in this column. Three cheers for Blair Moring and Adam Cheek who both placed in the Hanover County PTA Reflections Contest. Blair won 2nd place in Musical Competition and Adam took 3rd in Literature. This year's theme was "I Can Make a Difference by...", and clearly these kids are.

And here's another example of why I think that we have to stand back when we see Elmont kids coming down the street: two teams from EES participated in the Regional Odyssey of the Mind in Stafford recently. Zach Kahler, Hannah Hobson, Sean Hartigan, Jack Lavach, Isabella Trice, Brett Garrett, and Rachael Walsh represented grades K – 2. Carleigh Luck, Bennett Pienkowski, Ted Schubert, Maggie Hartigan, Phillip Hobson, Tessa Harris and Hannah Johnson represented grades 4 and 5, and received 3rd place in the Dinostories Problem. Well done kids!

Did anyone else see the large black pig strolling down Henry Street this past Thursday? I'd love to know if he's a local or just in town for a visit.

We have another free parenting workshop coming up in April sponsored by the Parenting Resource Network. Betsy Phillips, a “Ready to Learn” PBS Educator will present “Everyday Math and Science” from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. at the YMCA on Ashcake Road. This program will offer ways to help children (ages 4-7) explore, ask questions, problem solve and investigate as they develop a foundation for a lifetime of math and science. To register, please call Kathi Thomasson at 798-2767.

I hope you all have a fun April Fools Day! It was one of my grandmother's favorite days. Every year she would catch me with a wild story. More often than not, it involved Aunt Gertrude's cows getting out of their pasture and roaming down the road towards our house. I fell for it every time, because I'm naturally gullible, and because she would call early in the morning before anyone remembered what day it was. I would be ready to run out the door to see if I could catch a cow, and she would laugh, “Oh Meriwether, it's April Fool's Day!” So think of a fun joke and have a great week! Call me with your Ashland news or information about that pig. You can reach me by email at ashlandnews@gmail.com, or by phone: 310-5320.

3/21/08 Wonderful RRR, Free Concerts, Parenting Workshop, Yearbook Deadling Approaching

The 30th Running of the Ashland Railroad Run was a wonderful event. The energy of the runners and the overall enthusiasm of an event run entirely by volunteers was incredible. As with so many things here in town, it appeared almost effortless- like everyone just woke up that morning and decided to have a race. The sight of Jeff Rheihl's Ruby leading the pack of runners always brings tears to my eyes. It's one of those priceless moments when you feel like what you're looking at isn't real- that this sight must be imagined because it's so bright and perfect. I can only imagine what the people on trains thought as they rolled through town. Do you think they wished the train would stop awhile? We are so lucky that we get to stay right here.

Happy Birthday to Keith Hunter on March 19th! Behind every dedicated volunteer is a husband who is happy to stay home and put the kids to bed at night. Thanks Keith, for sharing Jo Ann with us.

Here's a wonderful opportunity to learn some Ashland history. Greg Glassner, editor of the Herald-Progress will be speaking at the Ashland Public Library this Thursday, March 20 at 7:00 pm. The history of the press in Ashland will be the topic, through the eras of Marion Watkins Hergert and Jay Pace, we'll learn about the important place that the Herald Progress has always held. Refreshments will be served. Call the Library at 798-4072 for more information.

In yet another example of how we have it all in Ashland, The Hanover Concert Band is opening their rehearsals to the public- free of charge. They rehearse every Tuesday evening at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, 500 S. Center St., from 7:30-9:30 pm. Come pull up a chair and hear a wonderful free concert.

Congratulations to Maggie Hartigan, 10, from Elmont, who brought home several medals from the Raleigh Feis Irish Dance Competition in North Carolina last month. You can catch a repeat performance on March 29th at the St. Patrick's Festival in Church Hill.

Congratulations to Susannah Gilmore who won Second Place in the Richmond Junior League's "Be A Junior Author" writing contest. Susannah is a fifth grader at John Gandy Elementary and won for her short story about an unusual friendship. Her family was very proud of her and looks forward to the opportunity to read her story.

The Parenting Resource Network presents it's March workshop Thursday, March 20th from 6:30 to 8 pm at the YMCA on Ashcake Road. The topic this month will be "Who's in Charge? Dealing with Power Struggles" and will be presented by Susan Brown, instructor with Commonwealth Parenting. To register for the workshop, please call Kathi Thomasson at 798-2767.

Have you sent in your family's story for the Ashland Yearbook? The deadline is April 1st. Visit www.ashland150.com for more information.

I have recently heard that we have a visiting bear in the vicinity of South Center St. He probably knows that Clare Abbott is turning 7 on March 22 and is looking for a piece of that birthday cake.

Please have a lovely Easter! I hope you get plenty of food to eat and find all the eggs that you hid before you have to cut the grass. Happy Spring Break for all those kids in Hanover County Public Schools. If you're leaving Ashland for the week, please come back to us safely. If you're staying in town, call me and let me know what's going on. You can reach me at 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com.

3/15/08 30th Annual Railroad Run Saturday, March 14, 9:00 AM

By the time you read this, the race packets will have been stuffed, the t-shirts are folded, the course is marked, and fingers are crossed for good weather tomorrow. The 30th running of the Ashland Railroad Run begins bright and early Saturday at 8:30 am, as the kids take off for the 1 Mile Kid’s Run. The 10K begins at 9:00 and the 5K Fun Walk begins at 9:15. Come over to the Arts and Activities Center to join in the festivities and cheer on the runners as they cross the finish line. Jo Ann Hunter and Faith Boyle deserve a round of applause for their hard work. The success of this event is due to their dedication and perseverance. Typical Ashlanders!

I missed some birthdays this past week: Tracy Brown’s birthday was March 10th, and Katie Thompson, daughter of Mary Kay and Jim Thompson turned 2 on March 9th. Happy Birthday girls!

The deadline for submitting your family’s story to the Ashland Yearbook is only a few weeks away. Don’t find another excuse- just go to the website and get this done. You will regret it if your story is left out. Submit your story and photo to Ashland Town Hall (Attn. Josh Farrar, PO Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005) by April 1, 2008. Please visit the website: http://www.ashland150.com/, or call Susan Tucker at 798-7123 with your questions.

The Ashland Plant 150 Committee is looking for organizations (scouts, church groups, Key Club, Shriners, etc.) to help with the Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, April 26th. This wonderful committee is going to make Ashland pretty for her birthday by planting 150 trees in town. At 9 am on April 26th, there will be a celebration as a Norway spruce is planted at Town Hall for a town Christmas tree. Following the planting, the Committee will be sponsoring a clean-up of DeJarnette and Carter Park. If you have a group that can lend some elbow grease, please call Monica Klisz at 798-1366 or email her: kliszfamily@verizon.net

A free parenting workshop entitled: “Who’s in Charge? Dealing with Power Struggles” will be held Thursday, March 20th from 6:30 to 8 pm at the Patrick Henry YMCA on Ashcake Road. This workshop will help parents learn to identify when a power struggle is developing and techniques to end them peacefully. Hmm, this could be a good event for some politicians, too. To register, call Kathi Thomasson at 798-2767.

The place to be tonight (Friday) is the Ashland Library for Family Movie Night. “To Kill a Mockingbird” will begin at 6 pm, with food provided by The Friends of the Ashland Library. Gosh, that would be a good movie to see on the big screen, wouldn’t it? Too bad we don’t have a movie theater in town…..

If you’re not worn out from the Railroad Run, you will be after you join the Randolph-Macon students in their 7th Annual Dance Marathon. The co-eds will be dancing all day long- from 9 in the morning to 9 at night. This is a great event for kids, with food, prizes, and four moon-bounces. Please call Billie Raines for more information: 752-3220.

Oh, yes, Happy St. Patrick’s Day Ashland! Wear something green and look out for leprechauns. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com

Run Evan, Run!

3/7/08 Theater Still for Sale, RRR, Gandy Talent Show, Comp Plan Blog

Sit down Ashland, I need to fuss for a minute. I drive past the Ashland Theater several times a day and the same thought always goes through my head: “This is not right.” If I had the money, I would have bought it a long time ago, but I know that there is someone out there who has the means to buy this theater and fill the void! I will help you run it. I will sell tickets, sweep the floor, or pop popcorn if that would open those doors and light up that sign. We need to fix this.

The Ashland Railroad Run is next Saturday, March 15th! I can’t believe it’s almost here. Luckily, you still have time to sign up to run or walk in the race, and to find your 1978 running clothes. If you’re interested in helping as a volunteer, please give Karen Hanley at call at 798-1204. I promise that you’ll have a great time. Visit www.hanoverarts.com for more information.

I am still smiling this morning while thinking of the recent Talent Show at John M. Gandy Elementary. Every child that took the floor and was cheered by friends, teachers, and parents, impressed me. Those kids had confidence and obviously felt secure and comfortable that night. Thank you, Dr. Miller and your teachers, for showing those kids how special and talented they all are. What a wonderful school.

The Ashland boys fared well in the B & A Marathon this past weekend in Annapolis. Tom Grant qualified for the Boston Marathon by finishing in 3 hours, 28 minutes. Dennis Johnson was close behind with 3:37, Dave Klisz made his personal best time with 4:25, and Alan Abbott finished his first marathon with 4:50. The weather was close to perfect as was the hometown cheering section.

Since we seem to be a town with some wonderfully athletic people, it’s only fitting that Jim Hartigan was inducted into his high school’s Hall of Fame last week. Jim helped Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, NY win many track and cross country events back in the 1980’s, and had a wonderful time catching up with old friends.




The Reihl family will have a fun time this weekend celebrating two birthdays- Meade turned 11 on the 5th, and Alec will be 14 on the 8th. Happy Birthday!



Take the time to visit Randolph-Macon’s website, www.rmc.edu, and see if you can make it to one of the home softball games. Sunday, March 16th, Kevin Proffit’s Yellow Jackets will take on Wesley College at 1 pm. There is hardly a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.



The Ashland Planning Commission meets this Wednesday, March 12th at 7 pm. If, for some reason, you are unable to attend, you can view the updates to the Comprehensive Plan on Zack’s blog: www.ashlandplanning.blogspot.com.

I heard a lawn mower the other day, so winter must be over with. In fact, I'm certain that it's gone because instead of wishing for snow, I now want windows open, a freshly tilled garden to walk in with bare feet, and enough daffodils to fill a mason jar. If I had the time, I would go and sit on the porch right now, but I’m trying to find someone to buy the movie theater. Call or email me your Ashland news: 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!

2/29/08 Leap Day, Hall of Fame, 150 Yearbook, Liberty Talent Show and Dinner

Hey Ashland, Happy Leap Day! You’ve got to do something different today, something special to mark this date. Poor old February 29th, it’s a lonely date stuck in limbo while waiting to appear on our calendars every four years. Someone should have a party or a parade, or maybe a celebratory race.
Teen Tech Week , and snacks will be served.

If your kids are too young to appreciate Guitar Hero, bring them out for Dr. Seuss’ birthday party on Thursday, March 6th, at 6:30 pm. Celebrate with stories read by special readers, games, balloon, crafts, and more! This party is co-sponsored by the Henry Clay Women's Club and the Friends of the Ashland Library.

You will get tired of me mentioning this, but one of the most important parts of the Ashland 150 Celebration is the Hall of Fame Committee. Sandra Lynne and I want to find stories of the characters of Ashland- the slightly odd or maybe eccentric who make us smile and give us stories to tell. Jeremy, isn’t there an Elvis who walks around Virginia Street? The pictures and stories we assemble will become a traveling exhibit that will be displayed around town and on the web. Email Sandra (or me) with any names or suggestions: slynne@hanover.k12.va.us.

Put a big red circle around Saturday, March 15th on your calendar. The 30th running of the Ashland Railroad Run will be taking place at 9 am, and even if you’re not going to run it, then pull out your best outfits from 1978 and come hang out with us at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. We love having people to cheer the runners along the race route. Visit http://www.hanoverarts.com/ for an entry form and a map of the race.

If you’re doing any spring cleaning these days, think about Henry Clay and Gandy before you take kid’s clothes to Good Will. The nurses in the clinics are usually in need of clothes to have on hand for those who need something warm.

You really need to get your family’s information to the 150 Yearbook committee. Your children will look at this yearbook years from now and want to know why you didn’t take the time to include them. It doesn’t cost anything to submit you history, and it will be a better yearbook for having you in it. Brenda Flippo (798-7419) will be at the Ashland Library on Tuesday, March 13th from 2-4pm to help write it if you need it. The entries are due April 1st. Do not let this deadline slip by!

This Thursday, March 6th, Liberty Middle School is having its annual Talent Show starting at 6:30 pm. Come early at 5 pm and enjoy a Potato Dinner and a silent auction. There will also be a demonstration of the new Smart Board technology that Liberty is fortunate to have. Tickets to the Show are $3 and dinner also costs $3. Proceeds benefit the Liberty PTA. Call Debbie Agliano at 883-6160 with questions.

It’s a beautiful time of year to be living in Ashland. The dogwoods and redbuds are just starting to come out. Nancy Hugo would tell us to get out in our yards and start looking for those first green shoots that pop up, and the baby chicks will be in the Feed Store before you know it. I can be reached at (804) 310-5320 or email ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great week!

2/22/08 Happy Birthday Ashland, Mark Warner visit, Hall of Fame, Boys Running, Lacrosse

Happy Birthday Ashland! This past Tuesday, our sweet town celebrated her official 150th birthday on Tuesday, Feb. 19th, which was the date of the actual incorporation in 1858. If you’re not on one of the Ashland 150 committees, think about volunteering. A party like this won’t happen again for a long time. http://www.ashland150.com/

Here is something that you must do. You must be shopping in downtown Ashland this Monday, Feb. 25th around 11 o'clock in the morning. If you do this, you will certainly have the chance to meet former Gov. Mark Warner, shake his hand, and tell him some of the things that he could do as senator to help Ashland and Hanover County. After he walks around town, he'll be at Ashland Coffee and Tea at noon to socialize.

One very important committee is the Hall of Fame, featuring your truly and Sandra Lynne as co-chairs. We’re looking for stories of the famous and infamous; the interesting characters that have made us smile. Jay Pace, Dick Gillis, and Dorothy Jones are some names that come to mind. The pictures and stories we assemble will become a traveling exhibit that will be displayed around town and on the web. Email Sandra with any names or suggestions: slynne@hanover.k12.va.us.

Happy Birthday to Jackson Proffitt who turns 14 on Feb. 25th. Wow Tammy, he'll be driving before too long.

Have you registered yet for the Ashland Railroad Run scheduled for March 15th? Visit http://www.hanoverarts.com/ for an entry form and information about the race. Seriously, I want to see lots of people out there in their tube socks and OP running shorts. Come out and run like the person you were in 1979! I was seven- I’ll run the Kids One Mile.

Speaking of runners, best of luck to our Ashland boys who will be running in the B & A Marathon in Annapolis on March 2. Dave Klisz, Bryan Cline, Tom Grant, Alan Abbott, and Dennis Johnson will be representing the Center of the Universe. Tom will also be celebrating his birthday on Feb. 28th . Run, Baby, Run!

The Yellow Jacket Women’s Lacrosse team will play tomorrow, Feb. 23rd, against Salisbury University at 3 pm on the home field. This is a beautiful game to watch: graceful and athletic at the same time. It’s also the oldest sport in North America, created by Native Americans as a preparation for war and played on fields fifteen miles long.

Stop by the Gandy Elementary Cafeteria this Saturday night for the 2nd Annual Celebration of African Americans beginning at 7 pm. There will be recognitions of African American contributions to our community and a performance by the Ashland Community Choir. Call the Town at 798-9219 for more information.

The daffodils crocuses are coming up, and Easter will be here in a few weeks. I keep telling myself that a March snowstorm is a distinct possibility. It could happen, don’t you think? I can be reached at (804) 310-5320 or email ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great week!

2/15/08 Valentine Town, 150 Yearbook, Hanover Idols, Another Committee for Lorie Foley

“Ashland, Ashland, Center of the Universe….It’s our Valentine Town!” I think that everyone has been too busy this year to think much of Valentine’s Day. There are meetings almost every evening for the 150th Birthday Celebration, and I’m sure that many people are suffering from lack of sleep. But, how often does your town turn 150?

There are lots of Valentine’s babies having birthdays this month: Monica Kliz, Judd Flagg, John Datovech, and Donna Delvecchio.

Kindergarten registration for Hanover County Public Schools begins in March- are you ready? To find out, come to this free parent workshop at the Patrick Henry YMCA on Ashcake Rd.(wet) on Thursday, February 21 from 6:30 to 8 pm. Parents will be provided with helpful hints to get your child prepared, as well as things that children need to know before they enter Kindergarten. To register, call Kathi Thomasson at 798-2767 or Kenny James at 798-5556.

Warm your soul with some sweet music at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center this Sunday, Feb. 17th at 6:30 pm when the Hanover Idol Competition takes place. Not only will there be great singing accompanied by Fred Horn, but Kevin and Tricia Trent will keep the evening rolling along as hosts for the evening. Tickets ($6) will be available at the door starting at 6pm. The chosen Idols will perform at venues throughout the year. Call 798-2728 for more information.

Entry forms for the 30th Annual Ashland Railroad Run have been pouring in. Have you registered yet? This is such a beautiful course, and one of the friendliest races in Virginia. There are wonderful door prizes this year and lots of fun activities planned for the 30th running. Seriously, I want to see lots of people out there in their tube socks and OP running shorts. Come out and run like the person you were in 1979! I was seven- I’ll run the Kids One Mile.

At least the kids know how to celebrate Valentines Day. Send your teens over to the library on Friday, February 15 at 6:00 pm for a Chocolate Fun Festival. Play chocolate bingo, race to see how many chocolates you can unwrap wearing oven mitts, and more! This evening is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Jayne A. Hitchcock, cyber crime expert and author, will speak on “Virtual Villains – The Dangers of Blogs, IMs, and Predators” at 7pm on Monday, Feb. 18th in Old Chapel Room 212 on the Randolph-Macon Campus. The Old Chapel is just what it sounds like and is in the middle of campus- you can't miss it. This event is free and open to the public. Call 412-1559 for more information and better directions.

At the Town Council meeting this Tuesday, Feb. 19th we’ll celebrate the incorporation of our sweet town on February 19, 1858. Remember to record your family history for the 150 Yearbook! All entries are due April 1st. This yearbook is intended to be a snapshot of our town so that your children and grandchildren will be able to look back and reminisce about what Ashland was like when they were growing up. Don’t let them look at you and ask, “Why didn’t you send in our story?” Visit http://www.ashland150.com/ or call Susan Tucker at 798-7123

Where’s the love Ashland? Maybe we should have a Valentine’s Committee. Lorie Foley, why don’t you organize that? Call me at (804) 310-5320 or email ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great week.