My Version of "Where In Ashland Is It?"

My version is just like Duane Bergers except the object can be found anywhere within the town limits and the winner gets to be written up in the Ashland Column. I reserve the right to completely fabricate a story for my own amusement. Good Luck! (Corrine)

7/10/08 A Glorious Fourth, Library Events, Street Party, Summer Baseball

I have to say that I’ve never met a Fourth of July in Ashland that I didn’t like. This 4th was the prettiest in recent memory, and the cool weather made everyone feel like sitting on the Arts and Activities’ lawn all day long. We cheered for the parade and had a great time tossing water balloons, spitting watermelon seeds, and running in the three-legged race. The Hanover Concert Band, and the Hanover Idols gave us sweet music all morning. Surely no one else could have had such a wonderful day.

Congratulations to the winners of the Apple Pie Contest! First place went to Rebecca Cunningham, second to Monique Pecora, and third to Gloria Ward. Kate Melson was the winner in the “11 and Under” category, and Mary Ann Harris was awarded the “Most Patriotic” prize.

This Friday, July 11, is Teen Movie Night at the Ashland Library. The movie lasts from 6 to 8 pm, and pizza will be provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Next Tuesday, July 15, Curt Strutz, the Bassmeister, will be performing at the Library at 7pm. This family comedian will have you laughing and wanting to be the next volunteer to assist on stage. The show includes a “Bass Beauty Pageant”, smelling stinky stink-baits, “chumming” for kids, and how to build your own fishing pole.

Keep checking the Ashland 150 website to see how the party planning is progressing. The Hall of Fame Committee is accepting nominations of Ashland natives to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this October. If you know of someone (must be deceased) who ought to be included, send me an email to ashlandnews@gmail.com or call 310-5320.

We certainly needed all the rain we got on Sunday, and I’ve always enjoyed a good thunderstorm, but the front page of the Town of Ashland’s web site reminds us that it’s hurricane season. Hurricane Bertha is out there in the Atlantic as we speak trying to figure out which way to go. Have you got plenty of batteries for your flashlights? Visit www.nhc.noaa.gov to be informed and educated.

The second Street Party of the summer will be Saturday, July 19th behind the library from 6 to 10:30 pm. I’m sure that you all know by now how much fun this is. Come hungry and thirsty, dance to some great music by Premiere, and visit with the best neighbors anywhere. Tickets are $5 for adults, and children under 12 get in free with a paying adult. You can buy tickets at Cross Brothers, Ace Hardware, Princess Cleaners, and Train Town Toy and Hobby. Hope to see you there.

The recent news from Mudville was stellar! It was reported that on Saturday June 28th, the Ashland Little League All Stars won their first game in the District 5 (9 and 10 year olds) Tournament 4-2 over the Mechanicsville Nationals. It was their first win in the tournament in 5 years. Kipp Proffitt had an outstanding night as he pitched a complete game striking out 8 batters and walking none. He also contributed at the plate going 3 for 4. The defense played well all day with great defensive plays being turned in by outfielders Garrett Allen and Dylan Ross.

Unfortunately, Ashland lost their second game to a tough Tuckahoe American team 14-1.

In game three, Ashland held a lead heading into the bottom of the 5th inning but couldn't hold on as they fell 14-10 to Chesterfield Little League. Ashland was led offensively by Trey Inge, who went 4 for 4 with 2 runs batted in, Kipp Proffitt: 3 for 3 with 2 runs batted in and Eric O’Malley: 2 for 4 with 2 runs batted in.

Next up for the Ashland bunch is participation in the Ashland Little League 9 and 10 year old Invitational Tournament which will be held right here in town July 19 - 27th. Well done boys! You obviously have talent, and some good coaches. We’ll remember that for next summer. Call or email me with your Ashland news- 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great week!

7/3/08 Red, White, and Blue Events, Library Bugs, Have you bought a birthday present for Ashand yet?

Happy, Happy Fourth of July! By now you should have all the ingredients (homemade, and primarily apple) for your apple pie and have planned out your preparations. Bring your pie to the Hanover Arts and Activities Center between 9 and 10am on the 4th with your registration form. Winners will be announced at 12:30 and the pies will be auctioned off to benefit the Center. The registration forms can be downloaded from www.hanoverarts.com.

Pack your picnic basket and find a shady spot on the front lawn at 500 South Center Street. Get your red, white, and blue clothes and come spend the day with your neighbors as we celebrate our independence from those tyrannical British.
New to the festivities this year will be the Most Patriotic Pet Contest. Bring your puppy, cat, chicken or pig and dress them in red, white and blue. A prize will be awarded.

If there are any kazoo players out there, your talents are needed in the Ashland Kazoo Corp for the 4th of July Parade. Kazoos will be provided, but bring your own if you want. Everyone needs to meet in the grassy lot at the corner of Railroad and Henry Clay Street by 10 AM Friday morning. There is also a 150 Brigade that’s open to everyone and anyone who would like to march in the parade.

We’re all going in on a birthday present for our sweet town- a beautiful clock for the train station. You can help out by donating to the Ashland Foundation, which is a 501(c) (3) non-profit. Make your check out to the Ashland Foundation, memo “Town Clock”, and mail it to PO Box 1600, Attn: Josh Farrar, Ashland VA 23005.

While we’re talking about the big birthday party, don’t forget to order one of the Plant 150’s trees that are available. Orders will be taken until Sept. 1st for American Hollies, River Birches, Northern Red Oaks, Red Buds, or Red Maples. Hard to choose, isn’t it? Order forms are available at the library or Ashland Coffee and Tea.

Be sure to check the 150 website: www.ashland150.com every so often for updates on the celebration planning.

There are two fun events coming up at the Ashland Library. On Tuesday, July 8th, at 11:30 am, bring your kids over to learn about the creepy crawlies of Central Virginia with the Virginia Living Museum. We have to live with all those bugs through the summer; we might as well understand them.

Friday, July 11 will be Teen Movie and Pizza Night beginning at 6pm. Isn’t it nice to have the library around? It’s not like we have a movie theater in town or anything…

Have a great weekend and call me with your Ashland news- 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Ta!

6/26/08 Home from Vacation, Planning for the 4th, Benefit for Shyanne

By the time you read this. we will be getting ready to come home from a vacation on Nantucket Island. It is beautiful here, but very different from Virginia. They sleep with windows open all summer and the sound of the surf is always there in the background noise. The wild roses stand out against the gray shingled houses, and the honeysuckle is just beginning to open. But no one has invited me to a party here, or asked me to serve on a committee, so I am ready to come back to my sweet town where people wave to me. How good it will be to hear that conductor say that we're home.


Ashland's new police chief, Doug Goodman, will be sworn in on Monday, June 30th at 4:30 pm in the Town Council Chambers at Town Hall. Let's all welcome Chief Goodman- say hello and introduce yourself if you see him around town. We hope he'll be around for a long time.


The mighty Ashland Barracudas secured their first Division I win against Colonies this past week. Triple winners were Claire Grant, Chelsie Gray, Nick Gulas, Rachel Hoar, Quinny Kinser, Will Mallory, Marcus Maphis, Lucas Pienkowski, and Kristen Trexler. We are so lucky to have such great coaches here in Ashland. Kevin Trent, Alan Rosenberg, Jenny Yonce, and Stephen Belyea have taught our kids much more than the proper strokes. They teach good sportsmanship by example, and their light-hearted coaching lets our kids have fun while competing.


The 4th of July is almost here and I'll be looking for you at the Arts and Activities Center! As always, this year there will be the Ashland Library book sale (get there early for the best selection), and then there’s the Apple Pie Contest, so be planning out your award-winning pie. On the lawn there will be performances by the Hanover Concert Band, food for sale, ice cream available, and all kinds of fun things to do. Bring your picnic blanket and plan to stay awhile. You can find details about the Apple Pie Contest and the day's events at www.hanoverarts.com.


If you’re interested in participating in the non-motorized parade (begins at 11am), please give Carolyn Peart a call at 798-9131. Get your kids to decorate their bikes and ride in the parade which starts by the Henry Clay Inn and ends at the Arts and Activities Center. Get your scout group, swim team, or Sunday school class to march together. Come up with some silly, but patriotic theme or song to sing. I can't think of a better way to spend the 4th, then to participate in such an American tradition.I have your Saturday dinner on June 28th all planned out for you.


There will be a fundraiser to benefit Shyanne Shane, who is an Elmont Elementary student battling against neuroblastoma cancer. Come by the Glen Allen Service Station, at 3011 Mountain Rd. for a BBQ Dinner. Each dinner includes BBQ, a roll, cole slaw, and baked beans, and are $8.00 each. Please call Linda Orange with questions or large orders- 798-5697.


Mark your calendar for the second Summer Street Party coming on Sat., July 19th. Music by "Premiere" will begin at 7pm, and food will be sold by the local chefs participating in the annual BBQ cook-off. Tickets are $5 in advance, and $10 at the door. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. You can buy your tickets at Cross Brothers, Ace Hardware, and Princess Cleaners- to name a few places. Check out the website: www.ashlandstreetparties.com for more details.


I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend, and I'll see you on the 4th! Call or email me with your Ashland news- (804) 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com.

6/19/08 Trains, Summer Camps, Goodbye Tim, Fourth of July

We returned home late this past Saturday night and found a freight train stopped on the tracks. It’s not that unusual in the summer to find a train parked, so we turned and started looking for the caboose to see how we could get home. At the College Ave. crossing, an Ashland Police officer directed us up to Archie Cannon, and told us that the train had hit a truck but that no one was hurt. An “irresponsible driver” he said, which was an understatement. I love having trains come through the middle of town, but their closeness scares me. Remind your kids to stay away from those tracks and prevent a horrible tragedy.

Come see the Barefoot Puppets next Thursday, June 26th at 7:00 pm at the Ashland Library. I’m trying to picture what these puppets must look like- I’m guessing they don’t wear shoes. This show features Anansi the Spider, and is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Award-winning coach Kevin Profitt will hold a softball camp for girls ages 5-14 at Randolph-Macon July 14-18. This camp will focus on the fundamentals of softball, improving skills, and the magic of teamwork. Each day will end with a swim in the Brock Center pool! Go to the Randolph-Macon website: http://www.rmc.edu/, click on “athletics”, and then click on “Womens”, then “Softball” to see the registration form. You can also give Kevin at call at 752-3611.


If you’re doing any cleaning out of closets of bookshelves, bring your books, videos, dvd’s, and cd’s to the Ashland Library for their famous July 4th Book Sale at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center.

Can you believe that Tim Russert was just here in Ashland two weeks ago and now he’s gone? I feel bad that I fussed at him about his speech at R-MC, but am fairly certain that he didn’t read this column. Sunday mornings aren’t the same without him.

If you see Susan and Woody Tucker next week, wish them a happy 31st Anniversary!

Sign your child up for theater camp at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center by visiting http://www.hanoverarts.com/. There will be rehearsals in July and August with performances on August 15, 16, & 17. This year, Lorie Foley will be directing the kids in “The Wizard of Oz”, which promises to be a spectacular show. Please give Lorie a call for more details- 798-0704.

Can you believe that it’s almost the 4th of July? Don’t make any travel plans except to stroll down the sidewalk to the Arts and Activities Center to join your neighbors and friends in all the festivities. Of course, there’s the book sale- get there early for the best selection, and then there’s the Apple Pie Contest, so be planning out your award winning pie. On the lawn there will be performances by the Hanover Concert Band, food for sale, ice cream available, and all kinds of fun things to do. Bring your picnic blanket and plan to stay awhile.

If you’re interested in participating in the non-motorized parade (begins at 11am), please give Carolyn Peart a call at 798-9131. Get your kids to decorate their bikes and ride in the parade which starts by the Henry Clay Inn and ends at the Arts and Activities Center. Watching that parade is one of those Ashland moments, that makes you wonder if you’re in a Frank Capra movie. Don’t miss it!

The Ashland Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday morning from 9 to noon in the parking lot behind Town Hall. If you’re ever concerned about food safety, it’s the perfect place to shop! Not only do you know where your food came from, you get to meet the person that grew it.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 804-310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great week!

5/12/08 School's Over, Heat's On, Birthday Candles Blown Out

The three “H” sisters have returned to Ashland for the summer. Did you forget about them? Hazy, Hot, and Humid arrived just last week and have taken up residence in our sweet town. Be nice to them and try to get along; sometimes they don’t leave until the middle of October!

A cool place to be in the summer is the Ashland Library. The Summer Reading program began June 7th and continues through August 16th, so stop by to sign up yourself and your kids. Keep them reading through the summer, and keep checking the library’s website to see what’s going on: http://www.pamunkeylibrary.org/ashland.htm.

Three cheers to the Ashland Little League, who ended their season in a sauna. It’s another wonderful example of a volunteer organization that exists solely for the kids. Machine Pitch had their Championship game on Saturday June 7th between the Braves and Dodgers, with the Dodgers winning 12 - 10. The win sealed the Dodgers in first place for the season and the Braves in second. Congratulations to Ronny Maier, whose home run helped the Dodgers clinch their win!

Big birthday wishes to Katelynn Brown who turned seven on June 8th, and Jo Ann Hunter who turned 26 on June 9th!


The Ashland Girl Scout Service Unit spent the night rock-climbing recently at Peak Experience in Midlothian. While I’m sure they got little sleep, they had a fun experience. Many thanks to all the moms who chaperoned. We hope they got to get a nap the next day!


Congratulations to the new PTA presidents for the 08-09 school year: Monica Klisz at Henry Clay, Donna Brooks at John Gandy, and Debbie Algiano at Liberty Middle. If any of these women ask for your help in the months to come, I hope you’ll volunteer your time. Their commitment to our children makes a huge difference in our schools.


The Fifth graders at Gandy put on a great show last week. Their talented music teacher, Susan Winkler, has raised recorder music to a new level. I am always impressed, and often have tears in my eyes, when I see how hard these kids of worked and how much they love what they are doing. Ms. Winkler has been the 5th grader’s music teacher since they were kindergartners at Henry Clay, so it was a poignant evening as she wished them good luck at Liberty next year.

Well, my mother is thoroughly disappointed in me as I have no tomatoes growing in my garden this year. I will have to depend on the kindness of friends (and the Ashland Farmers Market) to get my family through the summer and not suffer from a lack of lycopene. Let me know your Ashland news! You can reach me by phone or email: (804) 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!

6/5/08 Strawberry Faire, Ashland Pool, Tim Russert Serves Up Leftovers

I hope you’re all ready for the Strawberry Faire this weekend. Did you clean out your wagon? I’ve read that strawberries are packed with vitamins, folic acid, fiber, and calcium, so I think that means that strawberry shortcake is good for you! The Faire starts at 10 am, and you can park at either Henry Clay or Gandy Elementary Schools and catch the bus over to the RMC campus. For you Richmond readers, Amtrak has $13 tickets available from Staples Mill to Ashland. Visit http://www.amtrak.com/ for details.

Happy Birthday to Kate Melson who turns 9 on June 10th!

If you’re looking for some summer activities for your kids, consider the Hanover Arts and Activities Theater Camp. Lorie Foley returns this year as director to lead her talented actors and actresses in “The Wizard of Oz”. Camp will run July 14th through August 14th, and there are two different sessions: one for 3rd through 9th graders, and one for 1st and 2nd graders. Go to http://www.hanoverarts/ for more information and a registration form.

Remember to go to the Ashland Library where Jim Scanlon will present a “History of Randolph-Macon College” at 10:00 am this Saturday. Enjoy a breakfast of strawberries and learn about R-MC, which is such an important part of our sweet town. After that, just walk over to the Strawberry Faire. Prof. Scanlon’s presentation is sponsored by the Pamunkey Regional Library. Call 798-4072 for more information.

The Ashland Farmer’s Market is getting rave reviews this year. I’ve heard people comment that it’s better than some found in Richmond. The cut flowers will last for days on your kitchen table, and you won’t find any better tasting veggies anywhere. They’re open each Saturday from 9 am until noon behind Town Hall.

The Ashland Pool has opened for the season on the weekends until school gets out. Hunter Hoy has returned as manager which means we’re in for another perfect summer, where we can close our eyes and pretend that we’re in the south of France. On Fridays, the pool is open from 4:30 until 9:00 pm, and then Saturday and Sunday it’s open from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm. Regular hours will begin Tuesday, June 17th, with free admission for all school children. Admission is $4 per person during the week and $7 per person on the weekends. Season passes are also available at Town Hall. Call 798-2520 for more information.

Excuse me for a minute while I stand on my soap box and shake my finger at Mr. Tim Russert. We were so delighted that Randolph-Macon got the host of “Meet the Press” to be their speaker at graduation this past weekend, until we found out that he’s given the exact same speech at least two other times at different colleges. It was a bit disappointing. R-MC deserved an original commencement address.

By the time you read this, school will have just about a week left. I know you must get tired of me saying it, but we’re really lucky to have such good public schools here in Ashland. Be sure to let me know of any graduates who need congratulating! You can reach me at 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!

This rainbow was over Ashland Sunday evening. Look, the pot of gold on the left side must be at Gandy, and the pot of gold on the right must be at Henry Clay. (Or maybe Rob & Sharon Stiles' house. Anyone got a shovel?)