7/30/08 Ripe Veggies, Bluemont Every Sunday, Running with Tigers

If you haven't been to the Ashland Farmer's Market lately then you are seriously missing the party. The market is bigger than it's ever been and the crowd is growing, too. Not only are there local tomatoes, potatoes, green beans, and peppers, but there are peaches, cut flowers, fresh cinnamon buns, and organically raised meats. There is also live music every Saturday and lots of great conversation.

The Farmer's Market will hold a Seed-Swap on November 1st from 9 to noon. Now is the time to be thinking about saving your seeds, as you flowers and vegetables finish their summer run. Label your seeds with the plant's name, color or species, growing tips, and any other useful information. I've gotten some of the best plants in my yard, not from a store, but from neighbors who gave me seeds or a seedling to plant. For more information contact farmersmarket@town.ashland.va.us.

Happy Birthday to Lucy Klisz who turned 7 on July 28th!

We got lucky this past Sunday and escaped most of the thunderstorms that passed through Virginia. The first Bluemont concert of the summer was held on the front lawn of the Arts and Activities Center - just the way it's supposed to be. I'm pretty certain that this Sunday will follow suit, so be sure to come early and get a good seat. Laurie Lewis and the Right Hands come to town August 3rd with their own special blend of Claifornia bluegrass. The music begins at 7pm, with tickets being $5 per person, $4 for Bluemont friends and seniors, and $2 for children under 12. Refreshments will be sold by the John M. Gandy PTA.

Bluemont is a pretty special organization, and I'd encourage you to learn more about it if you have the time. It's a non-profit out of Purceville, VA, that works to bring music to communities and schools. As a result of the Bluemont Summer Concerts being held here in Ashland, our local school have benefited from visits of musicians and performers throughout the year. There will be a fund-raising concert for Bluemont this Thursday, July 31st at the Ashland Coffee and Tea featuring the God Fearin' Snake Handlers and special guest Chris Fuller. This will sell out. Find a ticket fast. Music starts at 7pm

If you love to sing, auditions are now in progress for the December 7th performance of Bach's Magnificat in D major with the Central VA Masterworks Chorale. Rehearsals for the fall/winter season begin Monday, September 8, from 7-9pm at Duncan Memorial. To schedule an audition, contact William Gorton at 804-212-4945, and visit http://www.cvamc.org/ for more information.

Planning has begun for the 2nd Annual Tiger Trot to benefit the Henry Clay and John Gandy PTAs. The big day is Saturday, September 20th, with the children’s races (1 and ½ mile) starting at 8 am, and the 5K starting at 9am. You can register on-line at http://www.raceit.com/ , and there are special prizes waiting for the kids who complete the summer training program. If your child is interested, send an email to Tracy Brown at bob.and.tracy@comcast.net.

My hat is off the the Ashland Little League Ten Year Old Boys who swept the recent invitational tournament held here on their home field. Sam Bryant, Derek Jones, Kipp Proffitt, Trey Inge, Garrett Allen, Eric O'Malley, Holden Samuels, Christian Bott, William Strong, Dylan Ross, and Hunter Snelson ended the tournament posting a 6-0 record and beating teams from Chesterfield, Atlee, and Huguenot. Congratulations also to their coaches: Steve O'Malley and Kevin Profitt. Well done boys, well done!

Here's another reminder- go to the Farmer's Market this Saturday. We should all be living off of tomatoes right now. I have found that BLTs will work for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!