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!