5/14/09 May Babies, Amtrak CEO Coming to Town, Running, Biking, and Our Local Humanitarian

Wow, it was so wonderful to see the sun and have a weekend with beautiful weather. Everyone is thinking of summer, and not just the kids who can almost touch the last day of school. Parents are dreaming of un-hurried mornings, evenings spent in the backyard instead of studying for tests, and Sunday afternoons at the Ashland Pool. I will be very happy not to enforce bedtimes for a while.

For all my formal proclaiming last week, I left out several very important birthdays. My neighbor-who-built-my-house, A.C. Bruce gets to open presents on May 27th, and my friend-who-I'm-probably-related-to-since-his-family-is-from-the-Northern-Neck, Buddha Morris has his cake on the 22nd. I'll give brownie points to anyone who can tell me what AC's initials stand for and how Buddha got his nickname.

Happy Birthday to Mike Spence who deserves a big party (hint, hint) on May 20th! Mike is one of my favorite Ashland guys, but unfortunately is not allowed to enter the trivia challenge above because he’s a past two-time winner of the Ashland Column Contests.

Understanding that the COTU is a hub of rail travel and fierce opinions about railroad usage, Amtrak CEO Joseph Boardman will be at Randolph-Macon's Blackwell Auditorium on Thursday, May 28th from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. This event is free, but they'd like you to reserve your seat by calling (804) 783-9368. I expect to see a HUGE turnout. Fill the seats, make some posters! Amtrak needs to know how important passenger rail service is to our sweet town.

While I mentioned last week that guy who ran 40 miles, I neglected to talk about the friends of his that helped him get through it. Tom Grant ran each step of the way and completed his first 40-miler. I say “first” because I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tom run 50 or 100 miles. He never stops. While also a natural runner, Bryan Cline opted to be the support crew for our Ashland runners and worked for over 8 hours supplying water, food, and chairs to sit in. Neither Tom nor Dave could have completed that race without the support of a good friend and family back home.

Tough little Charlotte Reynolds continues to fight an insipid cancer. They recently stopped chemo as the tumor is still growing, and are facing more surgery and radiation now. There’s a great website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/charlottereynolds, where you can read daily updates on Charlotte and find out ways that you can help this family. Things shouldn’t be unfair like this, especially not here.

The Second Annual Clunker Cruise was just as successful as the first one, as Joel Street did a wonderful job of organizing and planning the route. The Ashland Police Department was delighted that the 150 cyclists decided not to cross Rt. 1 this year, but opted to stay in downtown Ashland.

Whew, there are so many birthdays this month! If you happen to see Bryan Cline in the next few days, ask him if he got lots of presents on the 14th.

Last week, Parham Henrico Doctor's Hospital awarded Dr. Jeffery Reihl with the first Humanitarian Award. The award reads: "This award recognizes individuals whose daily dedication and care giving epitomize the highest standards of quality and personal commitment." While I have nothing but congratulations to offer, I am not surprised. I have never heard of Jeff doing anything that wasn't of the highest quality, whether that was announcing a swim meet, building a camp fire, or saving a life. Well done Jeff, well done.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and that the sun is shinning when you read this. Keep those galoshes by the back door, and an umbrella handy. It is so green outside that I have to shade my eyes sometimes. See you at the Street Party Saturday night! The music starts at 7pm behind the Library. Contact me at ashlandnews@gmail.com or 310 -5320.

5/7/09 "A Proclamation for May", or "Go Ahead, Dare Me to Use a Word, Anyword"

Whereas this Saturday, May 9th the second Annual Clunker Cruise will begin at 5pm behind the Ashland library with all manner of bikes welcome and an ice cream stop planned, and

Whereas Meriwether Harper Gilmore will celebrate her third birthday on May 8th, and

Whereas Diane Hale will henceforth execute an amazing collection of dance from her talented students this Friday and Saturday at Patrick Henry High School auditorium, sure to bring parents to tears and to their feet in applause, and

Whereas Dave Klisz actually ran 41 miles last weekend due to a bridge being out and a detour taken, and

Whereas Kara Lee Bowles was born April 27th, 2009, weighing 7 pounds even, to Brandon and Jennifer Willis Bowles of Doswell, and

Whereas Kara's grandparents, David and Brenda Willis, her great-grandparents Tom and Catherine Willis, and her brand-new second cousin Brooke Olivia Bryant are all very happy that she has arrived, and

Whereas the first Street Party of the summer will be held Saturday, May 16th featuring King Edward and the BD’s beginning at 7pm behind the Ashland Library, with tickets costing $5, and children under 12 free with a paying adult, and

Whereas the Ashland Farmer's market has henceforth returned with fresh vegetables, fruits, flowers, and plants, and

Whereas Vandi Hodges will blow out birthday candles on May 6th, and

Whereas Virginia Thompson will open presents on May 15th, and

Whereas Friday, May 15th is Teen Movie Night at the Ashland Library beginning at 6pm with pizza and soft drinks served,

Therefore be it ordered and resolved that henceforth the month of May shall be closed to any additional events. The calendar is full and dangerously close to over-flowing into the month of June. All inquiries and any objections may be addressed to the author at ashlandnews@gmail.com, or 310-5320.

4/30/09 Pennies from Heaven, 40 Miler Dave Klisz, Clunker Cruise, Street Party

Wow, Ashland in August is a beautiful place, isn’t it? Hmm, what did you say? It’s April? Oh, that’s right- I forgot! Central Virginia weather at its best: frost warnings one day, heat stroke the next. The only way to deal with it is with a healthy sense of humor, and maybe a margarita on the back porch.

Did anyone get out to see Good Morning America visit our Center of the Universe? Too bad this event happens after my deadline. I’ll give you the scoop next week.

A Community Prayer Vigil for the Economy will be held on Thursday, May 7, the National Day of Prayer. The event will be held at Ashland's Town Hall from 7-8 pm. There will be music, speakers, and lots of praying. All denominations are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Peggy Shelton at 798-2008 or Sharon Chidsey at 752-2157. “Silver and gold have I none, But such as I have give I thee…”

The American Cancer Society, Western Hanover Relay for Life is Sat., May 2nd on PHHS Track with activities starting at noon. The Silent Auction will have 50 plus items and over 40 gift certificates, donated by area businesses, available for your bid from 1 to 4 p.m. Raffle tickets on a 2009 Pontiac G-6 will also be available for $5. The Luminary Ceremony is scheduled for 9 p.m. and Closing Ceremony just before Midnight. Please come and enjoy the food, music, theme laps, etc. and help "Construct a Cure" for cancer.

There has been news from Baltimore County this week about Marilyn Mattingly’s grandsons. Michael Spence took 2nd place in his 4th grade Science Fair with his groundbreaking study on mold, and his brother, Gordon Spence, won 1st place in his 2nd grade Spelling Bee (“diagonal”). While we have heard that achievements like these are commonplace among Marilyn’s grandchildren, we offer hearty congratulations!

Do you think that running a marathon, 26.2 miles, sounds like an enormous undertaking? How about running 30 miles? 40? Dave Klisz is voluntarily running in the Strolling Jim 40 Mile Run this weekend in Wartrace, Tennessee. 40 Miles!! I am in awe of Dave’s determination and endurance, and have no doubt that he’ll have a wonderful race. I think that Tom Grant and Bryan Cline are going with Dave to provide support, and we all can’t wait to hear the details. You can listen to Dave’s running podcast at http://ashlanddave.podbean.com/.

Remember: Saturday, May 2nd is Opening Day for the Ashland Farmer’s Market behind Town Hall from 9-noon. Grab your wagon and stroll downtown for the perfect way to begin a weekend.

Saturday, May 9th is the second Annual Clunker Cruise beginning at 5pm behind the library. If you’d like to ride, bring any old bike, some money for an ice cream cone, and meet up behind the library. The Gilmore’s will be there!

Saturday, May 16th is the first Street Party of the summer! King Edward and the BD’s will kick off this popular concert series beginning at 7pm behind the Ashland Library. Tickets are $5, with children under 12 free with a paying adult. Call 752-7944 with any questions.

One of the best things about spring in the COTU is the return of shade. As the leaves come out and those shadows spread across our lawns, I want to be eight years old again; I want to be bored, and lay in the shade watching ants. The shade is a peaceful place to be- let’s all go find some this week. Send me your Ashland news, Little League scores, and ice cream truck sightings. You can reach me at 310-5320, or Ashlandnews@gmail.com. You can find a record of these columns at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/. Have a perfect week!

4/23/09 Center of Meriwether's Universe

I have to confess- I have a problem. I am too dependent upon Ashland. I have begun to ignore and lose interest in anything and anyone who doesn’t live here. “I’m sorry, Mama, I can’t come to Thanksgiving- there’s a cook-out here in town.”

Has anyone else experienced this? Ask yourself these questions: When you leave Ashland, do you find yourself looking at your watch and wondering what your friends are doing without you? Have your visits to relatives out-of-town gotten farther and fewer between? Does Richmond seem like it’s really, really far away? Honestly, what is your definition of “family”?

Call me and we’ll form a support group. Wait, no- that would just be the same thing, wouldn’t it? This is so hopeless. This may be a life-long struggle, and people will think me rude and impatient. But it is a small price to pay, because it could all go away tomorrow. We would be remiss not to soak up every second of Ashland-love that we can. A lifetime in the COTU will never be enough.

Happy Birthday to Elsie “Pete” Nichols on April 25! I hope Mrs. Nichols has a big piece of cake and lots of presents.

Ashland Boy Scout Troop 700 is again hosting their annual chicken BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, May 9. For $7.00 you’ll receive one half BBQ chicken, baked beans, slaw, & a roll. Meals are available for pick up between 11:00 Am - 2:00 PM at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 Henry St. (next to RMC College). Proceeds will benefit BSA Troop 700, Ashland VA. Tickets are available from any BSA Troop 700 Scout. Please call Randy Keeney at 798-7911 for more information.

Wat Hughes and Nancy Kackley have adopted a new dog! His name is Tea, formerly Yosemite. He is a 3-year old shepherd mix from the B.A.R.K. shelter, and has been waiting over a year for a new home. Although nobody can ever replace their big black dog, Chip, who they lost to cancer last fall, Wat and Nancy are very happy to have a new member of the family to love.

The DADAs (Dads and Daughters of Ashland) had a successful campout at the Maphis Ranch this past weekend. Successful because the weather was perfect, there were no injuries, and apparently very few incidents of attitude. Many thanks to Jeff Reihl and Iain Melson for coordinating.

Fall Line Farm’s “Farm to Family Co-op” is coming to the Hanover Arts & Activities Center! Orders are placed online with a fresh, seasonal selection from a variety of local farmers and producers. Orders can be picked up every Thursday at the HAAC between 3pm and 6pm. Deliveries start the first week in May. For more information, visit the website: http://www.farm2udirect.com/, or call Christiane Riederer at 798-1557.

Mark your calendars now for all the fun things happening in May: Saturday, May 2nd is Opening Day for the Ashland Farmer’s Market behind Town Hall from 9-noon; Saturday, May 9th is the second Annual Clunker Cruise beginning at 5pm behind the library; and Saturday, May 16th is the first Street Party of the summer! A full calendar is so satisfying.

I’ve been hearing lots of ghost stories these days. I’ve never seen a ghost before, but get a thrill from hearing about them. There’s a part of me that believes that they must be all over the place in Ashland. I certainly would stay behind if given the chance. Send me you Ashland news, and any ghost stories you’d care to share. You can reach me at ashlandnews@gmail.com, or 310-5320. Have a wonderful week!

9/16/09 Happy Anniversary

Spring just keeps getting prettier around here. Everyday there seem to be more trees and flowers in bloom and more birds chirping on the fence posts. Easter was lovely with children all dressed up, visits from the Easter Bunny, churches overflowing, and the all-important Three F’s: food, family, and friends.

Brooke Olivia Bryant, first grandchild of Charles and Cathy Waldrop, and great-granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Tom Willis was born on April 8th. Mrs. Bryant’s Fourth grade class at Gandy has been anxiously awaiting this little girl’s arrival, even if it meant losing their favorite teacher. We are all so excited that Brooke inherited her mother’s red hair! Congratulations!

The Ashland Library will have its Poetry Celebration 2009 on Thursday April 23rd at 7:00 p.m. They'll honor the poetry contest winners and participants of all ages. Guests are invited to share their favorite poems. As always, refreshments will be served, and this evening is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Fall Line Farm’s “Farm to Family Co-op” is coming to the Hanover Arts & Activities Center! Orders are placed online with a fresh, seasonal selection from a variety of local farmers and producers. Orders can be picked up every Thursday at the HAAC between 3pm and 6pm. Deliveries start the first week in May. For more information, visit the website: http://www.farm2udirect.com/, or call Christiane Riederer at 798-1557.

Julie Erickson is busy getting ready for her 9th Annual Backyard Plant Sale to benefit The Nature Conservancy’s Chesapeake Rivers Program this May 1st and 2nd. If you donate native plants to the sale, you can participate in a preview sale and get discounts on your purchases. Visit Julie’s blog at www.townhound.com/blog/garden for more information.

Riley Doyle celebrated her 7th birthday at Disneyland while she and her family were visiting in Malibu, California over Spring break. How will any other birthday ever measure up? Happy Birthday!

Find time to watch some of the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20, as our home-town boy, Tom Grant will be running in the world’s oldest annual marathon! Tom is an inspiration to all the runners in Ashland. He has helped countless people fall in love with the sport and work through those long miles when your legs just want to quit. I wish that we could all be there to cheer him on, and I hope he knows that we’re thinking about him. May it be your best run ever.

Hey Ashland, it’s been two years now that I’ve been writing this column- can you believe it? I’ve never lacked for news because all of you are so darn interesting! You make me laugh and cry, and you inspire me to be a better person. Thanks for letting me write about the things going on in your lives- it’s the best job I’ve ever had. We’ll have a big party when we reach ten years.

Keep on sending me your news: graduations, new babies, baptisms, and birthdays. You can reach me at ashlandnews@gmail.com, or 310-5320. You can read a record of every single column at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/.

4/9/09 Perfect Railroad Run, Educators Retiring, Join the Ashland Pool

Once again, the Hanover Arts and Activities Center has given our town an outstanding event! The 31st Annual Railroad Run was held under sparkling blue skies Saturday morning with a record number of runners, walkers, and spectators. There was music echoing across the lawn, and the Green Fair proved to be an event that must grow and expand next year. It was sad to lose Ruby as the pace car, but Jeff Reihl as Green Man on the Vespa sparkled as he drove down the street. I am so impressed by the two race directors, Tammy Proffitt and Tammy Roe who worked around the clock to insure that the day went smoothly. I hope they are enjoying the success and getting some well-deserved rest! Very well done.

The Ashland Police Department was amazing, and a very crucial part of the Railroad Run. Lt. James Shelhorse has quickly moved to the top of the “Favorite People in Ashland” list, and has gone out of his way to help.

There are two Hanover County educators who will be retiring at the end of this year and I will miss them both. Denny Waldrop, the Director of Elementary Education, will be missed for his leadership, his compassion, and his snowball fights. Sandra Lynne, who has taught so many Ashland kids, will be missed for the love that she showed her students, and for the example that she set for other Henry Clay teachers. Her car was always one of the last in the parking lot at night, and her kids had some of the biggest smiles. She gave them an education with laughter, a challenging classroom free from yelling, and usually a life-time friendship. I am lucky to have known them both.

The Ashland Pool is gearing up for another phenomenal season! If you don’t already know, Carter Park Pool is the place to be in the summer- and if anyone runs into Ross Luck, maybe you can help him understand this. Not only are there amazing lifeguards, and all of your favorite people, but the Ashland Barracudas are poised to make their entrance onto the Great Richmond Aquatic League scene. Home swim meets are legendary, and in such a contrast to other pools, which only serves to remind us that we are a privileged people to be living in the COTU. Visit http://www.ashlandswimteam.com/ to register your child for Kevin Trent’s team.

Teen Movie Night is this Friday, April 10th, at the Ashland Library. The movie starts at 6pm, and pizza and soft drinks will be served.

Congratulations to Mike Spence who figured out who else had a birthday on April 9th! Mike gets to choose his prize- either a quart of tomatoes that my mother put up last summer, or some tennis lessons.

And yes, it’s my birthday. My father has already sent me a bottle of whiskey, so all I need is a cake and crepe paper hanging from the ceiling to complete the day. Oh, and maybe El Azteca…

Enjoy this weather, but it has snowed three times on April 9th in my lifetime: 1972, 1980, and 1988. Send me your news of the Center of the Universe; 804-310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a delightful week!

4/2/09 The Promise of Spring, Railroad Run, ARG's, Lorie Foley- Super Catholic

Have you seen it? Have you seen that bright, new green color working its way into our field of vision? It’s a gradual thing, and if you’re not careful, you’ll miss this transformation. As we all know, spring doesn’t get much of a chance to shine before summer barrels its way onto the scene, so enjoy these days. Find the pump to put air in those dusty bike tires. Put away your corduroy and plaid, and wear more pink and green. Your hands need to be in the dirt planting lettuces and peas, and there will be baby chicks at the Feed Store soon. It is a lovely time to live in the Center of the Universe.

The 31st Annual Railroad Run is this Saturday! Come out and cheer the participants, or come sign-up and run that morning. The 1 mile kids run starts at 8:30 am, and the 10K starts at 9:00 am. Everything begins and ends at the Arts and Activities Center. The 5K Fun Walk begins at 9:15, and the Green Fair on the front lawn of HAAC runs from 8:30 to 11:30. Come out and learn about lots of earth-friendly products, and things that you can do to help the environment.

Congratulations to the Ashland Runner Girls who shed any ounce of composure or sense of decorum, to participate in the Monument Avenue 10K dressed as a bunch of cave women! Whatever they lacked in respectability, they made up for in laughter and smiles, which I believe is worth more in terms of a good life.

Ok, so obviously other people have learned about the phenomenon that is Lorie Foley. There are three Community Service Awards that will be given out by the Commonwealth Catholic Charities Organization on April 30th, and one is going to our own resident extraordinaire! If you care to attend the gala event at the Botanical Gardens, and cheer on our hometown girl, visit http://www.cccofva.org/ for more information. Well done, Loretta, well done.

Congratulations to the Brown/Winslow U8 Soccer Team who had a great game against Rockville this past Sunday. Now, U8 soccer doesn’t officially keep score, but I do believe that I saw a scout from the Richmond Kickers out there talking to those amazing Ashland kids. Kaci Bentley, Katelynn Brown, Isaac Faison, Daphne Gilmore, Caleb Kulinowski, Camryn Mason, Joseph Prince, Anna Winslow, and Nathan Hayes were all very impressive and a delight to watch.

Happy Birthday to Ann Bruce, who celebrated her birthday on April 9th! Someone else in Ashland has a birthday on April 9th. I’ll give a prize to the first person who can tell me who it is, and Ann- you can’t enter this contest!

Open your windows and breathe in this fresh air. Enjoy your Spring Break and safe travels if you’re leaving home. Send me your Ashland news, and I hope to see you Saturday at the Railroad Run! You can reach me at ashlandnews@gmail.com, or 310-5320. You can find a record of these columns at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/. Have a wonderful week!