4/23/09 Center of Meriwether's Universe

I have to confess- I have a problem. I am too dependent upon Ashland. I have begun to ignore and lose interest in anything and anyone who doesn’t live here. “I’m sorry, Mama, I can’t come to Thanksgiving- there’s a cook-out here in town.”

Has anyone else experienced this? Ask yourself these questions: When you leave Ashland, do you find yourself looking at your watch and wondering what your friends are doing without you? Have your visits to relatives out-of-town gotten farther and fewer between? Does Richmond seem like it’s really, really far away? Honestly, what is your definition of “family”?

Call me and we’ll form a support group. Wait, no- that would just be the same thing, wouldn’t it? This is so hopeless. This may be a life-long struggle, and people will think me rude and impatient. But it is a small price to pay, because it could all go away tomorrow. We would be remiss not to soak up every second of Ashland-love that we can. A lifetime in the COTU will never be enough.

Happy Birthday to Elsie “Pete” Nichols on April 25! I hope Mrs. Nichols has a big piece of cake and lots of presents.

Ashland Boy Scout Troop 700 is again hosting their annual chicken BBQ fundraiser on Saturday, May 9. For $7.00 you’ll receive one half BBQ chicken, baked beans, slaw, & a roll. Meals are available for pick up between 11:00 Am - 2:00 PM at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 Henry St. (next to RMC College). Proceeds will benefit BSA Troop 700, Ashland VA. Tickets are available from any BSA Troop 700 Scout. Please call Randy Keeney at 798-7911 for more information.

Wat Hughes and Nancy Kackley have adopted a new dog! His name is Tea, formerly Yosemite. He is a 3-year old shepherd mix from the B.A.R.K. shelter, and has been waiting over a year for a new home. Although nobody can ever replace their big black dog, Chip, who they lost to cancer last fall, Wat and Nancy are very happy to have a new member of the family to love.

The DADAs (Dads and Daughters of Ashland) had a successful campout at the Maphis Ranch this past weekend. Successful because the weather was perfect, there were no injuries, and apparently very few incidents of attitude. Many thanks to Jeff Reihl and Iain Melson for coordinating.

Fall Line Farm’s “Farm to Family Co-op” is coming to the Hanover Arts & Activities Center! Orders are placed online with a fresh, seasonal selection from a variety of local farmers and producers. Orders can be picked up every Thursday at the HAAC between 3pm and 6pm. Deliveries start the first week in May. For more information, visit the website: http://www.farm2udirect.com/, or call Christiane Riederer at 798-1557.

Mark your calendars now for all the fun things happening in May: Saturday, May 2nd is Opening Day for the Ashland Farmer’s Market behind Town Hall from 9-noon; Saturday, May 9th is the second Annual Clunker Cruise beginning at 5pm behind the library; and Saturday, May 16th is the first Street Party of the summer! A full calendar is so satisfying.

I’ve been hearing lots of ghost stories these days. I’ve never seen a ghost before, but get a thrill from hearing about them. There’s a part of me that believes that they must be all over the place in Ashland. I certainly would stay behind if given the chance. Send me you Ashland news, and any ghost stories you’d care to share. You can reach me at ashlandnews@gmail.com, or 310-5320. Have a wonderful week!

9/16/09 Happy Anniversary

Spring just keeps getting prettier around here. Everyday there seem to be more trees and flowers in bloom and more birds chirping on the fence posts. Easter was lovely with children all dressed up, visits from the Easter Bunny, churches overflowing, and the all-important Three F’s: food, family, and friends.

Brooke Olivia Bryant, first grandchild of Charles and Cathy Waldrop, and great-granddaughter of Mr. & Mrs. Tom Willis was born on April 8th. Mrs. Bryant’s Fourth grade class at Gandy has been anxiously awaiting this little girl’s arrival, even if it meant losing their favorite teacher. We are all so excited that Brooke inherited her mother’s red hair! Congratulations!

The Ashland Library will have its Poetry Celebration 2009 on Thursday April 23rd at 7:00 p.m. They'll honor the poetry contest winners and participants of all ages. Guests are invited to share their favorite poems. As always, refreshments will be served, and this evening is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Fall Line Farm’s “Farm to Family Co-op” is coming to the Hanover Arts & Activities Center! Orders are placed online with a fresh, seasonal selection from a variety of local farmers and producers. Orders can be picked up every Thursday at the HAAC between 3pm and 6pm. Deliveries start the first week in May. For more information, visit the website: http://www.farm2udirect.com/, or call Christiane Riederer at 798-1557.

Julie Erickson is busy getting ready for her 9th Annual Backyard Plant Sale to benefit The Nature Conservancy’s Chesapeake Rivers Program this May 1st and 2nd. If you donate native plants to the sale, you can participate in a preview sale and get discounts on your purchases. Visit Julie’s blog at www.townhound.com/blog/garden for more information.

Riley Doyle celebrated her 7th birthday at Disneyland while she and her family were visiting in Malibu, California over Spring break. How will any other birthday ever measure up? Happy Birthday!

Find time to watch some of the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20, as our home-town boy, Tom Grant will be running in the world’s oldest annual marathon! Tom is an inspiration to all the runners in Ashland. He has helped countless people fall in love with the sport and work through those long miles when your legs just want to quit. I wish that we could all be there to cheer him on, and I hope he knows that we’re thinking about him. May it be your best run ever.

Hey Ashland, it’s been two years now that I’ve been writing this column- can you believe it? I’ve never lacked for news because all of you are so darn interesting! You make me laugh and cry, and you inspire me to be a better person. Thanks for letting me write about the things going on in your lives- it’s the best job I’ve ever had. We’ll have a big party when we reach ten years.

Keep on sending me your news: graduations, new babies, baptisms, and birthdays. You can reach me at ashlandnews@gmail.com, or 310-5320. You can read a record of every single column at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/.

4/9/09 Perfect Railroad Run, Educators Retiring, Join the Ashland Pool

Once again, the Hanover Arts and Activities Center has given our town an outstanding event! The 31st Annual Railroad Run was held under sparkling blue skies Saturday morning with a record number of runners, walkers, and spectators. There was music echoing across the lawn, and the Green Fair proved to be an event that must grow and expand next year. It was sad to lose Ruby as the pace car, but Jeff Reihl as Green Man on the Vespa sparkled as he drove down the street. I am so impressed by the two race directors, Tammy Proffitt and Tammy Roe who worked around the clock to insure that the day went smoothly. I hope they are enjoying the success and getting some well-deserved rest! Very well done.

The Ashland Police Department was amazing, and a very crucial part of the Railroad Run. Lt. James Shelhorse has quickly moved to the top of the “Favorite People in Ashland” list, and has gone out of his way to help.

There are two Hanover County educators who will be retiring at the end of this year and I will miss them both. Denny Waldrop, the Director of Elementary Education, will be missed for his leadership, his compassion, and his snowball fights. Sandra Lynne, who has taught so many Ashland kids, will be missed for the love that she showed her students, and for the example that she set for other Henry Clay teachers. Her car was always one of the last in the parking lot at night, and her kids had some of the biggest smiles. She gave them an education with laughter, a challenging classroom free from yelling, and usually a life-time friendship. I am lucky to have known them both.

The Ashland Pool is gearing up for another phenomenal season! If you don’t already know, Carter Park Pool is the place to be in the summer- and if anyone runs into Ross Luck, maybe you can help him understand this. Not only are there amazing lifeguards, and all of your favorite people, but the Ashland Barracudas are poised to make their entrance onto the Great Richmond Aquatic League scene. Home swim meets are legendary, and in such a contrast to other pools, which only serves to remind us that we are a privileged people to be living in the COTU. Visit http://www.ashlandswimteam.com/ to register your child for Kevin Trent’s team.

Teen Movie Night is this Friday, April 10th, at the Ashland Library. The movie starts at 6pm, and pizza and soft drinks will be served.

Congratulations to Mike Spence who figured out who else had a birthday on April 9th! Mike gets to choose his prize- either a quart of tomatoes that my mother put up last summer, or some tennis lessons.

And yes, it’s my birthday. My father has already sent me a bottle of whiskey, so all I need is a cake and crepe paper hanging from the ceiling to complete the day. Oh, and maybe El Azteca…

Enjoy this weather, but it has snowed three times on April 9th in my lifetime: 1972, 1980, and 1988. Send me your news of the Center of the Universe; 804-310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a delightful week!

4/2/09 The Promise of Spring, Railroad Run, ARG's, Lorie Foley- Super Catholic

Have you seen it? Have you seen that bright, new green color working its way into our field of vision? It’s a gradual thing, and if you’re not careful, you’ll miss this transformation. As we all know, spring doesn’t get much of a chance to shine before summer barrels its way onto the scene, so enjoy these days. Find the pump to put air in those dusty bike tires. Put away your corduroy and plaid, and wear more pink and green. Your hands need to be in the dirt planting lettuces and peas, and there will be baby chicks at the Feed Store soon. It is a lovely time to live in the Center of the Universe.

The 31st Annual Railroad Run is this Saturday! Come out and cheer the participants, or come sign-up and run that morning. The 1 mile kids run starts at 8:30 am, and the 10K starts at 9:00 am. Everything begins and ends at the Arts and Activities Center. The 5K Fun Walk begins at 9:15, and the Green Fair on the front lawn of HAAC runs from 8:30 to 11:30. Come out and learn about lots of earth-friendly products, and things that you can do to help the environment.

Congratulations to the Ashland Runner Girls who shed any ounce of composure or sense of decorum, to participate in the Monument Avenue 10K dressed as a bunch of cave women! Whatever they lacked in respectability, they made up for in laughter and smiles, which I believe is worth more in terms of a good life.

Ok, so obviously other people have learned about the phenomenon that is Lorie Foley. There are three Community Service Awards that will be given out by the Commonwealth Catholic Charities Organization on April 30th, and one is going to our own resident extraordinaire! If you care to attend the gala event at the Botanical Gardens, and cheer on our hometown girl, visit http://www.cccofva.org/ for more information. Well done, Loretta, well done.

Congratulations to the Brown/Winslow U8 Soccer Team who had a great game against Rockville this past Sunday. Now, U8 soccer doesn’t officially keep score, but I do believe that I saw a scout from the Richmond Kickers out there talking to those amazing Ashland kids. Kaci Bentley, Katelynn Brown, Isaac Faison, Daphne Gilmore, Caleb Kulinowski, Camryn Mason, Joseph Prince, Anna Winslow, and Nathan Hayes were all very impressive and a delight to watch.

Happy Birthday to Ann Bruce, who celebrated her birthday on April 9th! Someone else in Ashland has a birthday on April 9th. I’ll give a prize to the first person who can tell me who it is, and Ann- you can’t enter this contest!

Open your windows and breathe in this fresh air. Enjoy your Spring Break and safe travels if you’re leaving home. Send me your Ashland news, and I hope to see you Saturday at the Railroad Run! You can reach me at ashlandnews@gmail.com, or 310-5320. You can find a record of these columns at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/. Have a wonderful week!

3/26/09 I Can't Give You Anything but Love, Ashland!

Oh, I am just so in love with this town and the people who live here! I love it because sitting in Blackwell, watching the Variety Show, at that moment everything was perfect- there was no sadness, no worry, no pain, no heartache. There was only laughter and smiles and a beautiful lightness of spirit. I watched the performers and the audience, and I wished I could have stopped time and kept everyone there- kept them all smiling and happy, all together.

I love how these Ashland kids automatically stand now when “Ashland, Ashland” starts to play. I love that these kids have this song memorized and I imagine them singing it when they are grown up and far away. I can picture a college dorm room somewhere, with at least two of our Ashland kids sitting there with friends as they talk about where they're from and one says, "Hey, our town has its own song." Met with disbelief, someone says, "Well, sing it!” So the two Ashland kids stand up and immediately start "Ashland, Ashland, Center of the Universe...” complete with hand motions and the echoing chorus. Their friends will laugh and ask them to sing it again, and the two Ashland kids, always happy to entertain, will feel really special and know that what they had growing up here was magic.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who worked in the wings and backstage at Duncan Memorial for the Variety Show. The House Managers, Kevin and Tricia Trent, did an excellent job making sure that everything went smoothly in the lobby and helped everyone find their seats. Thank you to Randolph-Macon for giving us Blackwell for that week, and for their employees who were there every night to help. Thank you to Mike and Mary Wiblin who managed to get people lined up and at the stage door on time for every number. If you’ve never seen the chaos at Duncan, then you can’t imagine what a tough job they had.

If you’ll allow me to climb back up on my soap-box, I’d like to remind you that the Hanover Arts and Activities Center is the driving force behind so many wonderful events in this town. Can you imagine a year without a Railroad Run, or a Fourth of July Parade and Celebration? Can you imagine not having a Variety Show, or a Christmas House Tour? The people who make these events happen are the volunteers who sit on the board of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. The quality of your life will increase exponentially if you become a member of this organization and volunteer at its events. You have my word. http://www.hanoverarts.org/

That said, the 31st Annual Ashland Railroad Run is Saturday, April 4th. Please call Sharon Stiles (the red Dancing Queen) if you're around that morning and can volunteer: 798-6611. Sharon is in charge of the course marshals, who help direct the runners through the streets. It's a fun and easy job, and the runners always compliment us on our friendly volunteers.

There were two birthdays down on Duncan Street recently. Keith Hunter celebrated his birthday on March 18th, and Claire Abbot blew out 8 candles on her cake on March 22nd.

Do you remember that last year there were bear sightings near Claire’s house! We all thought he was looking for a piece of cake.

A cash bingo will be held at the Farrington Fire House on Friday evening, March 27th at 7pm, sponsored by the Rockville Ruritan Club. Admission is $20 for 16 games and half of the total admission collected will be returned in prizes. Doors will open at 6pm for hot dogs, BarBQ, soft drinks and snacks. Proceeds from this event go for the annual scholarships awarded to Patrick Henry seniors. The Farrington Fire house is on Farrington Road at the corner of Route 33. For information please call S. Eisinger at 883-8833.

Remember this- a town that can laugh together, can sing and dance, can be silly together, is a town that can weather any storm. We are so good when we are working together. Send me your Ashland news, your Variety Show moments, and any left-over, sparkly, stick-on jewelry. You can reach me at 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a beautiful week!

3/19/09 Please Buckle your Safety Belt and Keep Your Hands Inside the Ride at all Times

This is the week when everyone involved with the Ashland Variety Show takes a deep breath and steps on the roller coaster. Rehearsals are every evening and the show runs Thursday, Friday, and then Saturday nights. Things are at a fever-pitch: costumes are being pieced together around the clock, and everyone is practicing their songs over and over again in their heads.

I’ll take a second here to talk about what a wonderful organization we have in the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. This group of volunteers works throughout the year to bring event after event to our sweet town. Their hours of labor number in the thousands, and they do it all with an easy attitude and a smile. They work for you, for our town, and for the guests that flock here to catch a glimpse of life in Ashland. While the Variety Show enters its final week, they are already planning the Railroad Run, the Fourth of July Celebration, even the Christmas House Tour! If you know a HAAC Board Member, thank them for their work. If you’d like to join them, call Faith Boyle, Executive Director and the glue that holds everyone together, at 798-2728. (Stepping down off my soapbox now.)

Register now for the 31st Annual Ashland Railroad Run 10K and 5K Fun Walk to be held on Saturday, April 4th. A fun addition to this year’s race will be a Green Fair with lots of vendors showing examples of green, or environmentally-friendly ideas and products. You can register online through the Arts & Activities website: http://www.hanoverarts.com. Registration forms can also be found at the Center, 500 S. Center St. Call 798-2728 with any questions.

My condolences are with the family of William Shearer Troxell this week. Mr. Troxell was the father of Shearer Luck, and the grandfather of Ross, Andy, Mary Chris, and Kemp. Mr Troxell was born on 11/11/11- what a great birthdate.

Congratulations to Henry Clay Elementary Principal Terri Keck for winning the 2009 R.E.B. Award for Distinguished Educational Leadership! Henry Clay is such a wonderful school; it not only gives its students the opportunity to succeed, but faculty as well!

Happy Birthday to Porter Rhodes who turned three recently! Porter’s Dad is Mike Rhodes, the men’s basketball coach at Randolph-Macon.

Get your poem in to the Ashland Library by March 28th, to be entered in the 7th Annual Pamunkey Regional Library Poetry Contest.

Happy Birthday to Julia Chambers who turned 14 on March 15th- the Ides of March. Unlucky for Caesar, but lucky for Julia!

Friday, March 28th, will be Movie Night at the Ashland Library (since, ahem, the Ashland Theater is still not open). Come see the adaptation on Nora Zeale Hurston’s book, “Their Eyes Were Watching God” at 7pm. Hurston’s book is this year’s Big Read selection and follows the life of Janie Crawford, a proud and independent African-American woman. Refreshments will be served.

By the time you read this, I hope the weather here in Central Virginia has come to its senses and returned to some sunny March days. I would have sworn that I was living in Washington State from the grey skies that we’ve had recently, and overall, I think February was warmer. My fingers are crossed for dry weather on the nights of the Variety Show so that the performers can stay dry as they cross from Duncan to Blackwell. To Lorie Foley and Sue Watson- you two are pretty incredible and we are all lucky to live in the same town. On with the show!

If you get a chance, send me your Ashland news. I can be reached at 310-5320 or ashlandnews@gmail.com. An online record of these columns can be found at www.ashlandnews@blogger.com. Have a wonderful week.

3/13/09 Ashland Variety Show Nearing, Railroad Run Approaching, Restaurant Leaving, ARGs Running

While there is bad economic news all around us, there is no better was to remind ourselves that we are OK than the Ashland Variety Show. Every two years we are given an excellent example of what life in this town is all about. It is about working and laughing together. It is about singing and dancing together. It is about clapping until your hands hurt, and tearing up at the sight of the children's chorus. When you sit in your seat at Blackwell, look around you and remember that you are privileged to be there. Don't miss this opportunity to renew your sunny outlook on life. Can the Variety Show heal all wounds? Make all things right? It's not a miracle, but I do know that it will make you smile for days and weeks afterwards. I know that it will make you so happy to be living here, and remind you of what a special town this is.

Performances are March 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30 pm each night at R-MC's Blackwell Auditorium. You need to reserve your tickets right away as they always sell out. Reserved seating is available by calling 798-2881, and general admission tickets are available at Cross Brothers and the Arts and Activities Center.

Register now for the Ashland Railroad Run 10K and 5K Fun Walk to be held on Saturday, April 4th. A fun addition to this year’s race will be a Green Fair with lots of vendors showing examples of green, or environmentally-friendly ideas and products. You can register online through the Arts & Activities website: http://www.hanoverarts.com/. Registration forms can also be found at the Center, 500 S. Center St. Call 798-2728 with any questions.

I was sorry to hear of the Cow Catcher's demise, and hearing of their late night departure reminded me of the Colts leaving Baltimore. I'd love to see someone else give that location a try. Third time's the charm!

Congratulations to the Ashland Runner Girls who ran in the Princess Half Marathon at Disney World on March 8th! Tracy Brown, Corinne Luck, Susan Spence, Tammy Proffitt, Jennifer Morris, and Jackie Plank had a great time running those 13.1 miles through the Magic Kingdom. It was also a treat for Tracy Brown to celebrate her birthday in Florida on March 10th!

Representing the Ashland Track Club at the Disney 5K race were Susan and Carter Spence, Bob and Madison Brown, and Carleigh and Peyton Luck. Everyone who crossed that finish line deserves our admiration.

Little Charlotte Reynolds is having a tough week as she has begun her first round of chemotherapy drugs. We are all thinking about her and her parents, and wishing them strength beyond measure. Fight hard, CJ, fight hard. You can follow Charlotte's battle by visiting http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/charlottereynolds.

What a treat to have two seasons in one week. I've loved seeing pictures of kids climbing on piles of snow in their flip-flops! Send my your Ashland news and any four-leaf clovers you find: ashlandnews@gmail.com, 310-5320. Happy St. Patrick's Day!