1/11/08 Ashlands of the US, Doug Wilder to Visit, 30th Annual RR Run, Hanover Idols Deadline

I hope you’ve all had a chance to visit the website dedicated to Ashland 150th Birthday- http://www.ashland150.com/ is filled with information and events that will be going on this year to celebrate this momentous occasion. This will be an easy year for me as I’ll never have a lack of information to write about!

Although we certainly are special, our name is not unique! This Wednesday, January 16th, Betty Carol Stevenson will tell us about all the other Ashlands in the United States. How many Ashlands are there? Are they all named after Henry Clay’s hometown in Kentucky? Are any of them as cool as we are? Not likely. Come to the Ashland Library at 7:30 to find out the answers. Call the library at 798-4072 for more information.

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday on Tuesday, January 15th, Mayor Douglas Wilder will speak at Randolph-Macon’s Blackwell Auditorium at 12 noon. This event is free and open to the public. There will also be a musical presentation by R-MC’s Yjima Gospel Choir. Come early to get a good seat- or any seat at all. Call 752-3712 for more information.

Registration is now open for the 30th running of the Ashland Railroad Run on March 15th, 2008. The day begins at 8:30 am for the Kid’s Mile Fun Run, followed by the 10K Run at 9:00 am and the 5K Fun Walk at 9:15. Why run packed like sardines on Monument Avenue when you have room to breathe on our fair streets? Go to http://www.hanoverarts.com/ for a registration form.

Are you a star waiting to be discovered? The deadline for registration to participate in the Hanover Idols Contest is next Friday- January 18th! Go to http://www.hanoverarts.com/ for guidelines and an entry form. Call the Center at 798-2728 with your questions.

As a part of the 150th celebration, an Ashland Yearbook will be assembled to tell the stories of our citizens, churches, businesses, cemeteries, military, and organizations. If you’re a “come-here”, have lived here all your life, or are reading this from far away, please tell your family’s story of living in Ashland in 300 words or less and include a picture. This will be a great historical document of the people living in our town. For years to come, scholars will refer to it in their research. Go to the website (http://www.ashland150.com/) or call 798-7123 with your questions.

There’s a new club in town for seniors- “Ashland Recycled Teenagers” who are proving that you don’t have to be young to have fun. Mark your calendars for the Omni Park Place Talent Show on February 1st at 11:30 am in the Social Hall at Duncan Memorial Church. Watch this space for more information to come.

Charles, have we found the time capsule yet? Send me your news by calling (804) 310-5320, or email ashlandnews@gmail.com. You can also find a record of all these columns at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/.

1/4/08 Happy New Year, Can you say "Sesquicentenial"?

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday with lots of food, friends, and family. I am writing this on New Year's Eve where I have assembled all the ingredients to cook the traditional black-eyed peas and stewed tomatoes tomorrow, although I really can't stand either dish. But, I have an over-active imagination, and worry about the dire consequences that I might wreak on my family if I don't make them eat those lucky foods. My mother used to put a dime in the dish of peas and the person who got the dime on their plate would have extra luck in the new year. I'm sure that someone would choke on it at our house though, so we'll settle for just a little luck from eating a spoon or two.

Two thousand and eight will be a busy year around Ashland with the celebration of our town's 150th birthday. It's also the 150th birthday of First Baptist Church, and the 40th for the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. You can keep up on all the events by visiting the website: http://www.ashland150.com/. On Wednesday, January 16th at 7:00 pm., Betty Carol Stevenson will share stories, photos, and her research of all the towns with the name of "Ashland"in the U.S. I know of the one in Kentucky, and one in Oregon- isn't there one in Massachusetts? Refreshments will be served, and the event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

Mark your calendars now for the St. Ann's Catholic Church Casino Night on Saturday, January 26th. Tickets are available tfrom parishioners and you can call the church office for more information: 798-5039.

There are two women's basketball games this coming week at R-MC: Tuesday, January 8th against Catholic University, and then Friday, the 11th against Guilford. Both games begin at 7 pm in Crenshaw Gym. This is some of the best best basketball around- and it's right in your backyard. These young women have won the Old Dominion Athletic Conference Award for three straight years. I promise it'll be a great game.

The deadline to apply for the second annual Hanover Master Gardeners' Home Gardening Series has been extended to Friday, January 4, 2008. Interested persons can apply by calling 804-752-4310 or e-mailing pbland52@vt.edu. The eight-session series will be held on Saturdays from January 12 through March 1, 2008. Times will be from 9 to 11 am with the classes held in the Department of Social Services' meeting room in the Hanover Human Service Center on Washington Highway in Ashland. The classes will focus on topics of particular interest to the home gardener and will be taught by Hanover Master Gardeners.

There are still some 2008 Ashland calendars available at Town Hall for the affordable price of $10 each. These calendars are filled with wonderful pictures of our town and lots of helpful phone numbers. Stop by the Planning Office for your copy.

Does anyone know if snow is coming? We've all forgotten what it looks like and will have to travel north for this kids to go sleigh riding. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a nice snow storm- just enough to close schools but not pull down the power lines. Call or email me with your Ashland news: (804) 310-5320, or email ashlandnews@gmail.com. You can also find a record of all these columns at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/.

12/28/07 Christmas Poem

As a Christmas present
I wrote this for you
To look back on the year
From my point of view.

This space had been empty
For quite a long time,
The Neighborhood Network
Had left Ashland behind.

With no one to write
Ashland’s news and events
The section was missing
Important contents!

Greg Glassner put an ad
In the classified section.
I saw it, and called him-
He said, with reflection:

“You must write about
Parties, birthdays, and races,
New babies, and concerts,
Historical places;

Library fundraisers,
PTA bakes sales,
Redistricting Meetings,
With colorful details.

As long or as short,
That will be up to you
But by Monday evening,
You must be through.”

That was in April,
Eight months ago-
And the fun in this job
Has continued to grow!

Writing these lines
Has been such a lark
I’ve loved every word,
And each question mark.

But this column is good
Because of you all,
The stories appear
With each telephone call.

So, thank you, dear Ashland
For reading my words
You’ve increased my happiness
At least by two-thirds!

May this year bring you each
A good life- first rate;
My sweet town, you deserve
A wonderful, wonderful 2008!
-Meriwether Gilmore
(804) 310-5320
ashlandnews@gmail.com

12/21/07 Christmas Caroling, Leroy Foster, Ms. Harris & Ms. Winkler

Christmas Caroling in Ashland was a cold event this past Monday, but that’s the way that it should be in December. Bundled in hats and scarves, we gathered near the quiet fountain in front of Town Hall and sang with Donna Whiteway, Lorie Foley, Patrick and Casey Warren, Hayes Handley, and Sue Watson. It’s funny, we hear those songs on the radio starting in November, but how often do we really belt them out? We caroled to the fire department where we sang “Silent Night” and watched the firefighters return from a call. I’m sure that we were all thinking the same thing: “Let them have a quiet night tonight”. From there we hurried to the warmth of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center where Faith Boyle and Doris Hassel waited for us with hot cider, coffee, and two tables full of sweets. Patrick Warren and Anna Edleman graced us with their voices while we warmed our toes under those old radiators and readied ourselves to go out and sing some more. Madison, Aiden, and Carter Spence were there, along with Madison and Caitlin Brown, Seth and Max Foster, Raelynn Maier, Annika and Corrina Cline, Meade Riehl, Susannah and Daphne Gilmore, and George and Ethan Stiles. It will be interesting to watch these kids of Ashland grow up together. I hope they remember these Christmases of their childhood as nearly perfect, and tell their friends what a great time they had growing up here.

My person-of-the-week is Mr. Leroy Foster, Sr. If you drive through town in the mornings of afternoons, then you’ve seen him standing by the railroad tracks to make sure that our school buses cross safely. He also helps relieve the traffic congestion caused by four roads intersecting with two railroad tracks. When the school buses aren’t running, Mr. Foster provides Ashland with our very own taxi cab! I think that’s extraordinary because usually a little town like ours wouldn’t have a service like that. Roll down your window and wish Mr. Foster a Merry Christmas when you see him, and call him when you need a ride – 798-7873

The Town needs volunteers and suggestions to help plan and prepare for the sesquicentennial celebration. Suggestions may be dropped in suggestion boxes placed around town or mailed to the Town of Ashland, P.O. Box 1600, Ashland, VA 23005. Those who wish to volunteer to be on a committee may get more information by calling Town Manager Charles Hartgrove at (804) 798-9219 or Rob Stiles, Team 150 president, at (804) 798-6611.

Three Cheers to two wonderful music teachers: Ms. Harris at Henry Clay Elementary, and Ms. Winkler at Gandy Elementary. They both worked for weeks to stage magnificent Christmas programs with the second and forth graders. How thrilling to listen to those children sing with such enthusiasm! It is clear that both of those teachers are greatly loved by the children they teach.

“May happiness pursue you,
Catch you often,
And, should it lose you,
Be waiting ahead,
Making a clearing for you.”
Salute by A.R. Ammons

Have a wonderful holiday! Call me if you need me: 310-5320, or email ashlandnews@gmail.com. You can also find a record of all these columns at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/.

12/14/07 Christmas Caroling, Brass Concert, Woodcarver Market

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas...” Have you driven past the Ashland Police Dept. at night? Why drive all the way to the botanical garden when we have a fest of lights on our own streets? Henry Clay St. is looking especially festive this year. Pile everyone in the car and take a spin around town.

Three cheers to our local Garden Clubs who outdid themselves this past weekend decorating the homes for the bi-annual Christmas House Tour. They took such care to let the personality of the houses show through in the gorgeous flower arrangements. Many thanks also to the owners of those homes on the tour for opening their houses, which raised money for the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. “Oh there’s no place like home for the holidays…”

I hope to see everyone this Monday, December 17th, in front of Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. for Community Caroling! This is your chance to share the Christmas spirit with your neighbors as we carol to the Arts and Activities Center and then along the streets of the Ashland Historic District. Please bring a flashlight if you can. Refreshments and lyrics will be provided to all. Call 798-2728 for more information. “We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas, We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...”

The Richmond Brass and Percussion Consort with George Tuckwiller, Conductor along with special guest Lisa Edward Burrs will present a concert of traditional and popular Christmas music at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. This concert will benefit the Central Virginia Food Bank. There is no admission charge; a donation of non-perishable foods or money for the Central Virginia Food Bank is requested. “Good King Wenceslas looked out on the feast of Stephen…when a poor man came in sight, gathering winter fuel.”

Woodcarver and Ashland resident Tom Lowe is hosting a Holiday Market this weekend featuring his carved wood bowls, platters and spoons. Tom has been a woodcarver for 24 years and has taken up making the bowls just in the last 2 years. You might have seen his work at the Heavenly Creations Art Show at St. James or seen his bowls at The Caboose. See Tom’s art along with other local artists on Saturday, December 15 from 11 am - 4 pm at 12341 Wildwood Blvd. (Oak Hill Estates). Other items that will be available are Tie Dye Clothing, Handmade Jewelry, Indonesian Coffee, Scented Soy Candles and more. The rain date is Sunday, 16th from 11 am - 4pm. “On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree…”

Teen Movie and Pizza Night is tonight- Friday December 14th- beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Ashland Library. “Rockin’ around the Christmas Tree at the Christmas party hop...”
I hope that your decorations are up and many things are marked off your shopping list. May you each have the time to sit quietly with a child, a friend, or your true love, and be thankful for this lovely time of year. Tell me your holiday stories of life in Ashland: 310-5320, or email ashlandnews@gmail.com. You can also find a record of all these columns at www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com.

12/7/07 Deck The Halls, Christmas Chorale, Crosswalks, Town Caroling

We had a wonderful time this past Sunday at Carolyn & Jerry Peart’s “Deck the Halls” fundraiser for Hilliard House. There were piles of fresh cut magnolia, boxwood, holly, and cedar; candles for centerpieces, gloves to protect your hands, clippers, scissors, and a dozens of bows- all ready for our creations. Helpful elves supervised the tables and gave advice on how to make that wreath symmetrical, or which way to lay the pine branches to form a festive swag. Lorie Foley and Wendy Doyle loaned their super-powered imaginations to the Children’s Corner. Our arms were full of fresh decorations be the time we were finished. There was a barn full of sweets, coffee, hot chocolate, and Susan Greenbaum singing Christmas tunes. My new favorite song is “You Are My Holiday”. There are a few custom-made fresh wreath’s left over priced at $45 with all sales going to benefit Hilliard House. Please call Carolyn at 798-9131 if you’re interested.

The Richmond Symphony comes to town this Sunday, December 9th at Duncan Memorial Church to perform Vivaldi’s Gloria and Other Seasonal Selections with the Central Virginia’s Masterworks Chorale. Performances will be at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Reserved tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, and $5 for children, and are available at Cross Brothers or by calling 798-7123.

Randolph-Macon begins their annual performance of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens December 7th, continuing through December 13th. Reserve your seats by calling the box office at 752-7316. Tickets are $2.50 for adults and $1.00 for children.

This Sunday, December 9th the Hanover Arts and Activities Center will host the famous “Ye Olde Ashland Christmas House Tour” with six historic buildings open for tours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. First Baptist Church will be open to the public for refreshments and concerts throughout the day, and the entries from the Gingerbread House Contest will be on display at HAAC. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 on the day of the tour, and are available at the Activities Center- 500 South Center St. A different local gardening club decorates each house and they really are spectacular. Call Faith Boyle at the Center (798-2728) for more information or visit the website: www.hanoverarts.com.

Monday evening, December 17th, dress warmly, bring a flashlight, and meet us at the fountain by Town Hall at 7:00 p.m. for some Old Fashioned Christmas Caroling. We’ll have a group sing there and then walk to the Arts and Activities Center at 7:30 for refreshments and then we’ll serenade the streets of Ashland from 8:00 to 8:30 p.m. This is the stuff that memories are made of: you will remember caroling at Christmas for years to come. Call 798-2728 for more information.

I must applaud the Town for the new crosswalk signs that help us all remember to give way to people crossing the streets. I know that sometimes I’ve been confused about when exactly to yield to a pedestrian. Chief of Police, Tom Clark, says that Virginia law requires vehicles to stop for a pedestrian once they are on the pavement and moving across the street. That said, if you do see someone waiting to cross, and you can safely slow down and stop, I think it’s a nice courtesy. Keep in mind that our small streets are busy with walkers, cars, school buses and trains- the best overall solution might be to take it slow through town.

Cold weather is arriving tonight and we almost have all of our decorations up. If I could make the month of December have 45 or 60 days, then I would. Christmas should be like summer, with lazy days lasting forever. It is over too quickly. I just hope we get some snow…

Have a great week! Call or email me with your stories of life in Ashland: 310-5320, or email ashlandnews@gmail.com. You can also find a record of all these columns at www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com.

11/30/07 Santa Visiting Ashland, Deck The Halls, Richmond Symphony, Lost Time Capsule

You might need to cut out this article and post it on your refrigerator. Not for my sake- but because there really is so much going on in the next few weeks that you won’t want to miss. Buy some extra coffee, dust off your walking shoes, and get ready for Christmas.

When I was little, we would go to Miller & Rhodes downtown to visit Santa. These days you can save gas and time by seeing him right here in Ashland! Join St. Nick for lunch at Henry Clay Elementary this Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. It’s a magical event, even if it’s not the Tea Room, and Edie Weaver won’t be there. There will, however, be a bake sale, cakewalk, crafts, and a chance to get your picture taken with Santa. This event is sponsored by Market Ashland Partnership and the Henry Clay Elementary PTA. Call Chip Tompkins with your questions or to buy a ticket: 798-7885.

This Sunday, December 2nd, come by Pine Grove Farm from noon to 4:00 p.m. for “Deck the Halls”- an afternoon of Christmas wreath-making in the red barn at Carolyn & Jerry Peart’s home (12438 Elmont Road). Abundant fresh-cut cedar, pine, and boxwood await you to bring home and decorate your house for the holidays. Music provided by Susan Greenbaum. Reservations are requested ($25 per person, $35 per family) by calling 355-2825. All proceeds will be donated to Hilliard House- a program that helps homeless women and children in the Richmond area find ways to reach the lives they desire. Please park at St. Ann’s Catholic Church (S. Snead St.) and a shuttle bus will take you to the Peart’s.

The Richmond Symphony returns to town on Sunday, December 9th at Duncan Memorial Church to perform Vivaldi’s Gloria and Other Seasonal Selections with the Central Virginia’s Masterworks Chorale. Performances will be at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Reserved tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students, and $5 for children, and are available at Cross Brothers. I keep saying that you never have to leave town to have a good time, and here is a perfect example!

Randolph-Macon begins their annual performance of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens December 7th, continuing through December 13th. Reserve your seats by calling the box office at 752-7316. Tickets are $2.50 for adults and $1.00 for children.

Now is the time to plan out your gingerbread house for the Hanover Arts and Activities Gingerbread House Contest. In past years we’ve seen an out-house, an igloo, and a replica of the Ashland Police Station. Drop-off is Saturday, December 8th from 10:00 a.m. until noon, and the houses will be on display during Ye Olde Ashland Christmas House Tour, December 9th. The House Tour features some lovely Victorian homes decorated by local gardening clubs. Call Faith Boyle at the Center (798-2728) for more information or visit the website: http://www.hanoverarts.com/.

Did anyone see the article in last week’s Style Magazine about Ashland’s Lost Time Capsule? Maybe Charles Hartgrove should offer a prize to the first person who finds it. Call him at 798-9219 if you’ve got any ideas. http://www.styleweekly.com/article.asp?idarticle=15697

Put a big red circle a round December 17th for me please. Old Fashioned Christmas Caroling will take place in and around Center Street. If you’ve ever wanted to step inside a Norman Rockwell painting, this may be your opportunity. Please call Donna Whiteway at 366-5676 with questions, and look for more details coming soon.

Congratulations to Morgan Hunter who won the First Ever Ashland Turkey Trot ½ Mile Race, and to Peyton Luck & Scotty Redfern who tied for the Kid’s 1 Mile.

Did you get all of that? I know it’s a lot, but what do you expect from a town like Ashland? Could you imagine a quiet Christmas? We revel in these holidays because it gives us the chance (and the excuse) to throw a party, a parade, a play, or go caroling together. If I’ve missed something, please give me a call at 310-5320, or email ashlandnews@gmail.com. You can also find a record of all these columns at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/. Have a great weekend!