7/24/08 Street Party, Tiger Trot, Bluemont, Bright Beginnings

By all accounts it was a lovely street party. Of course, that’s no surprise because I’ve never heard of a bad party in Ashland. It was reported that the band was good and the dancing first rate. The next one is scheduled for September 20th with Ron Moody and the Centaurs, an old Richmond favorite. Put it on your calendar if you haven’t already, and add the Tiger Trot (see below) while you’re at it.

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 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.

The first Bluemont Concert of the season is this Sunday, July 27th on the front lawn of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. Bring your lawn chairs or blanket and find a good spot to listen to the music of Oreta Knicely. This landmark performance, in English and Spanish, will include Ralph Gordon on bass and music ranging from lively gypsy rumbas to hot numbers and other melodies from Europe, Brazil, Bolivia, and Appalachia. Refreshments will be provided by volunteers from the YMCA’s Bright Beginnings. General admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and Friends of Bluemont, and $2 for children under 12. The music begins at 7pm- find a seat by 6:30.


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. You can give a monetary donation on-line at www.ymcarichmond.org (go to “branches”, then “Patrick Henry”, and 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 Aktion Club is looking for volunteer opportunities! This club, co-sponsored by the Hanover Parks & Rec., and the Ashland Kiwanis Club, is a group of intellectually challenged adults who are eager to participate and make a difference in our community. They are available to perform office tasks, small repetitious projects, or any jobs that may require multiple people. They meet once a month to complete their tasks at the Pole Green Rec. Center. Please call Jennifer Godfrey for more information at 365-4694.

Happy Birthday to Susannah Gilmore who turns 11 on July 28th!

Turn on a sprinkler and play with your kids in the backyard- they grow up too quickly, and the summer will be over in a matter of minutes. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!

Where in Ashland Is It?

Here's your hint: The only people who might know where this is are JoAnn Hunter and Kristen Reihl. (No fair asking them.)

The last picture that I asked you to find- the lovely decorated port-a-pottie- was correctly identified by Ann Bruce and Corinne Luck. Ann had an advantage because the quaint lavoratory sits just down the street from her house, and will probably soon be resting in her front yard as the sidewalk work moves further west on Henry Clay St. Ann is anxiously awaiting having a sidewalk in her front yard as there will be less grass to cut. I think the john needs a "Welcome" sign, Ann.

Corinne was able to spot the potty on one of her daily 50 mile runs around Ashland. Doug Goodman, Ashland Police Chief, said that they have been trying to talk Mrs. Luck into becoming an officer as she sees more of Ashland everyday than most people do in a month.

7/17/08 Lazy Summer Days: All of Ashland Either on Vacation or at the Pool

There doesn’t seem to be very much going on in our sweet town this week, and that’s exactly how it should be in the middle of summer. There should be children bored in the backyard, dogs sleeping in the middle of the street, and people reading by the pool. We should all be on some sort of vacation if only on our back porch. Do you remember what “lazy” feels like?

Congratulations to the following dogs that placed in the Patriotic Pet Contest held at the Arts and Activities Center on the 4th of July! Lilly, a Standard Poodle was awarded first; Felix, a bloodhound, won second place; and Brady, a Shih Poo took 3rd.

The second Street Party of the summer is this Saturday, July 19th behind the library from 6 to 10:30 pm. Tickets are $5 for adults, and children under 12 get in free with a paying adult. You can buy tickets at the gate and at Cross Brothers, Ace Hardware, Princess Cleaners, and Train Town Toy and Hobby. Hope to see you there!

Next Friday, July 25th at 10:30am, come catch the reading bug at the Ashland Library with Rob Westcott who uses magic, puppetry, and old-fashioned storytelling to bring his audience along on a fast-paced adventure about making healthy choices. Hmmm...”healthy choices”... Would that be deciding between “Tom Sawyer” or “Hannah Montana”?

The Bluemont Concerts will return to the front lawn of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center in a few weeks. Mark your calendars for “Oretea Knicely” who’ll bring us music from the Andes on Sunday, July 27th at 7pm. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs and settle in for an evening of outdoor music. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for kids. Please no alcoholic beverages, smoking, or pets. I promise that it will be one of those evenings that will remind you of how lucky you are to be living in this town.

If you can think of anything exciting that’s going on in town, let me know. I’ll take stories of interesting sunsets, wildlife, what restaurant you went to last night- I’m not picky these days. You can reach me at 310-5320, or email ashlandnews@gmail.com. You can find yesterday’s news at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/. Have a lovely week!

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.