Does anyone in your home know how many days are left of school? In our house, there are some children who can tell you almost the exact number of hours of instructional time left before the end of the school year. I have mixed feelings about it. At the end of my oldest daughter’s first year at Henry Clay, we stood and watched as all the teachers came out to wave good bye to the buses. I found myself getting choked up thinking about the bitter-sweet end of the school year. Even with the expanse of summer laid out ahead, saying goodbye is tough, especially when it’s goodbye to teachers who care so much about our kids. I’d like to say thank you to the teachers and staff of Henry Clay, Gandy, Liberty, and Patrick Henry, for another year- well done.
Everyone must know by now that The Strawberry Faire is tomorrow-Saturday, June 9, 2007 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Randolph Macon College. I promise you that you will not be disappointed if you take the time to stroll down Henry Street. Not only will you see neighbors and friends, but you’ll certainly find something that you need. Strawberries are actually packed with vitamins, fiber, folic acid, and calcium…so, I think that means that strawberry shortcake is healthy don’t you?
Summer Story Time at the Ashland Library begins this week on June 11 and goes until August 14. Mondays have Mother Goose story time at 10a.m., and Family (all ages) at 10:45. On Tuesdays there’s Toddler story time at 10 a.m. and pre-school at 10:30. The cool library is a great place to spend some time in the summer. Don’t forget to sign up for the Summer Reading Program while you’re there.
Also at the Ashland Library on Thursday June 14 at 7:00 p.m., Ms. Wisteria Perry with the Pamplin Historic Center will talk about the connection between quilts and the Underground Railroad, and the impact they had on African-American history. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library. Refreshments will be served.
Come out and have Lunch on the Lawn in front of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center every Wednesday around lunchtime. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs, enjoy the shade and watch the trains go by on those brand new rails.
As thoughts these days turn to summer activities, consider the Children’s Musical Theatre Camp at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. This camp is for rising 3rd though rising 9th graders and will take place Mon- Thurs from July 15th to August 16th from 3-5 p.m. The talented Lorie Foley is the camp director, and the young actors will stage a production of the “Pale Pink Dragon” at the end of camp. Incidentally, the “Pale Pink Dragon” was the first play that Lorie ever performed in, so this production must have the power to inspire talent and encourage the creative spirit. Registration forms and information are available at www.hanoverarts.com.
Delegate Frank Hargrove and Jon Hatfield, Executive Director of the VA War Memorial Foundation gave an excellent presentation at the Ashland Library on May 24. The video on the battles of Okinawa gave first person accounts from veterans, who spoke about how they felt going into the battle and their experiences. We can only continue to learn from those who have lived before us. The stories of veterans all around us are so important to hear.
The Ashland Planning Commission meets on Wed., June 13th, at 7pm in the Council Chambers at Town Hall.
Certainly Ashland is centered on the train tracks that run through town. Our town is frequently divided by the rumble of a freight train, or the slow swish of Amtrak. One of the sweetest sounds that I’ve ever heard is the whistles of two approaching trains. They can sound as if the trains are speaking, or singing to one another as they approach the town from different directions. Late at night it sounds like a lullaby to me, and reminds me of how fortunate I am to live here. Call or email me and share your stories of Ashland. Tell me about your wonderful neighbors, your fundraising events, or a new grandchild. 804-310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com Have a wonderful week!
