5/5/2011 Welcome Finn Morris, Congrats on RRR, Where Have You Gone Dr. Roberson?

What a beautiful time of year to be born! We are happy to announce our newest Ashlander, Finn Robert Morris, who was born on April 28^th. Finn reserved his spot on the 2026 Patrick Henry football team by weighing in at 10lbs, 11 oz., and was 22 inches long. He is currently getting used to the lullaby of the trains and being thoroughly spoiled by his big brother and sister, Kellan and Rosie, and his proud parents, Jennifer and Buddha. A baby that grows up on Center Street will certainly be a good sleeper!

Happy birthday to some other spring children: Peyton Luck turned 13 on April 30^th, and Meriwether Harper Gilmore will turn 5 on Mother’s Day. We hope that Peyton had a wonderful day, and that Meriwether’s birthday is as sunny as her smile.

Congratulations and many thanks to the dynamic duo of Tamra Bardwell and Dave Klisz who were the co-race directors of the recent Ashland Railroad Run! This event was carried off smoothly, and I haven’t heard anything except positive commentary. We are lucky to have such generous people who volunteer their time like these two.

The American Cancer Society is having Cure by Design on September 24 at the Hilton Hotel and Spa in Short Pump. It is an evening of cocktails, fashion show, silent auction, and live auction. All of the models are cancer survivors and they are currently recruiting men, women and children of all ages for the fashion show. You can get more infor at hlturner@comcast.net or 798-2901 for more information. All profits from this show will go to cancer research.

Wasn’t that Royal Wedding fun to watch? If you’re missing the festivity and revelry of that celebration, get your tickets now for the 4^th Annual Afternoon Tea to benefit Hillard House which will be held at the Arts and Activities Center on Sunday, May 15^th at 1pm & 4pm. The theme for this year is “All Weddings Are Royal” and models will be wearing wedding gowns from the 1880’s to modern day. These tickets sell out every year, so get yours early! Visit http://www.hillardhouse.org/ or call 798-9131 to purchase.

Ashland's third annual celebration of the National Day of Prayer will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2011. The event will begin at 7 pm on the grounds of Ashland's Town Hall. This is a non-denominational evening of worship, praise, and thanksgiving. Please bring a lawn chair.

The Ashland Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday (9 to noon) from now until the fall in its new spot behind Town Hall. Stop by for your pick of the freshest vegetables, fruits, homemade goods, and gorgeous flowers for your home.

I am writing this on a Tuesday, and tonight the Hanover County School Board will decide on a new Superintendent. I’m not sure when the name will be announced, but I am feeling a little anxious. For myself, I had gotten pretty used to the casual confidence of Dr. Roberson. I had gotten used to the thoughtfulness that I knew he put into every decision. I looked forward to his sense of humor when his employees needed a laugh, and his genuine interest in our of Hanover’s children. I was used to being spoken to by name. I wish him the best of luck in whatever he endeavors to do, and I hope that he has left very detailed instruction to his successor.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com . Happy Mother’s Day!

"Building responsible and respectful global citizens in a safe and positive environment"

4/14/11 Water for Life 5K, RRR 10K, Pet Photos, and Macon-a-Difference Day

I’m sure that you get tired of me saying this, but there is no better place to live in the springtime than right here. I just don’t believe that the colors are as bright anywhere else, and the azaleas haven’t even started blooming yet. I think we are in for a lovely year- just think of all the things we have to look forward to: the Railroad Run, the Strawberry Faire, the pool opening, the ice cream truck, and the 4^th of July. Smile big, Ashland.

On Saturday, April 16th, come run on the Ashland roads that Anna loved in the “Water for Life” 5K Run/Walk in the Deer Creek Neighborhood near Winston Rd. The money raised will be used to help drill a well in Uganda. The entry fee is $20 before April 11th, and $25 on race day. Contact Anna’s parents, Nancy and Darrell Wright for more information at runningforanna@aol.com .

After Anna’s 5K, you will be ready for your next race- the 33rd Ashland Railroad Run 10K and 5K Fun Walk on Saturday, April 30th. This is a wonderful race through our lovely historic district, full of cheering fans. Visit www.hanoverarts.org for more information and a registration form.

Bailey Herbert is becoming our resident pet-photographer! She’ll be taking Easter Pet Photos at the Ashland Feed Store on Saturday April 16th from 9am- noon. Photos are $5 each and all the proceeds from the photos will be donated to her Relay for Life Team. Bring your pets, children, and owners welcome, too, for a fun Easter photo. The Ashland Feed store will have baby chicks and many more seasonal items!

Make plans to join the Masterworks Chorale for its 2011 spring concert, Luminosity: Music of Light, on Sunday, May 1, 3:00 pm, at Duncan Memorial Church, and Sunday, May 8, 3:00 pm, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 520 N. Boulevard, in Richmond. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. They may be purchased in advance at Cross Brothers Grocery or at the door prior to each performance. To reserve tickets, call 804-347-7310.

Who doesn’t love a yard sale? Dunn's Chapel Church T.I.M.'s group (Together In Mission) in Montpelier located corner of St.Peters church road and Dunn's Chapel road is having Our annual Big Yard Sale on April 16th from 8-12. All proceeds go to those who need help in the community.

Say hello to any Randolph-Macon students you may see out working around town this Saturday. April 16^th is “Macon-a-Difference Day” where the students give back to our community. Their work is much appreciated!

We only have a few more weeks until the Farmer’s Market opens in their new place behind Town Hall! It’s really hard to wait, but won’t it be wonderful to get fresh vegetables and fruits? Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 1^st – May Day!

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com . Have a wonderful Spring Break!

4/7/11 Run for Anna, Easter Pet Photos, Summer Theater Auditions

There is a wonderful opportunity coming up to honor someone who left us too early. Anna Wright graduated from Patrick Henry in 2007, and was a soccer star at Lynchburg College when she was killed in a car accident this past summer. Her family and friends are determined to honor her memory by continuing the work that was important to her: spreading good health around the world.

On Saturday, April 16^th, come run on the Ashland roads that Anna loved in the “Water for Life” 5K Run/Walk in the Deer Creek Neighborhood near Winston Rd. The money raised will be used to help drill a well in Uganda. The entry fee is $20 before April 11^th, and $25 on race day. Contact Anna’s parents, Nancy and Darrell Wright for more information at runningforanna@aol.com.

After Anna’s 5K, you will be ready for your next race- the 33^rd Ashland Railroad Run 10K and 5K Fun Walk on Saturday, April 30^th. This is a wonderful race through our lovely historic district, full of cheering fans. Visit http://www.hanoverarts.org/ for more information and a registration form.

Bailey Herbert is becoming our resident pet-photographer! She’ll be taking Easter Pet Photos at the Ashland Feed Store on Saturday April 16^th from 9am- noon. Photos are $5 each and all the proceeds from the photos will be donated to her Relay for Life Team. Bring your pets, children, and owners welcome, too, for a fun Easter photo. The Ashland Feed store will have baby chicks and many more seasonal items!

Happy birthday to Ann Bruce who celebrates on April 9^th! We hope she got lots of wonderful gifts.

Are you missing the Variety Show? Never fear, the Arts and Activities Center has more singing and dancing on the way! The 2011 Children’s Theater production will be “School House Rock-Live!” Auditions will be April 13 and 14 starting at 6:30pm at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center. Children in rising 3rd through 8th grade are invited to come to one of the auditions, and will be asked to read from the script and to sing a short song. The cast list will be posted on April 18, 2011 and rehearsals will begin in July. Performances will be August 5^th, 6 ^th, and 7^th at the Center.

The Ashland Library will host local author Fran McConnell, on April 13^th at 7:00pm who will speak about self-publishing. If you’ve ever wanted to write a book, you might want to plan on attending. Also, children who need help with reading should sign up to participate in Paws to Read with Dolly, at 4:00pm on April 12th and 26th. Call 798-4072 for more information.

I always forget what a tease April is- telling us its summer one day, and giving us frost the next. I love you April, I really do, but you don’t make it easy. Stop being so fickle and settle down. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Are the lilacs blooming yet?

(Disclaimer...No, I do not know for a fact that the RMC football field won't fit, but I worry about it. April Fools!)

3/31/11 Ashland's Got Talent to Spare, Library Events, Railroad Run, RMC's Mistake

Oh Ashland- could you be any more charming than you are during a Variety Show? People don’t really get it when I tell them about it, and I understand that because it is somewhat un-real. If I wrote the Variety Show into a movie script, they’d say that stuff like that doesn’t happen in real life. But that’s ok. Things are different here.

Ashland has incredible talent. The show was perfect. The music was outstanding, especially the Jazz Band and the Drum Line from Patrick Henry High School. As always, Fred Horn and his musicians bring life to the rafters of Blackwell Auditorium.

The children were all adorable- we are turning out a high percentage of future stage performers! The singers were spectacular, the ladies gorgeous in their sequins, and we all died laughing at studly Rob Stiles in his “Open the Door” number. Thank you Sue Watson and Lorie Foley for, yet again, planning, organizing, and executing an incredible event. Thank you to the Hanover Arts and Activities Center for sponsoring all this happiness.

Happy Birthday to Annika Cline who blew out thirteen candles on March 25^th! We hope that she got everything she wished for!

The Ashland Library will host local author Fran McConnell, on April 13^th at 7:00pm who will speak about self-publishing. If you’ve ever wanted to write a book, you might want to plan on attending. Also, children who need help with reading should sign up to participate in Paws to Read with Dolly, at 4:00pm on April 12th and 26th. Call 798-4072 for more information.

Registration is now open for the 33 ^rd Ashland Railroad Run 10K and 5K Fun Walk to be held on Saturday, April 30^th. New this year, the famous Hometown Boys will be performing on Woody Tucker’s front lawn for three hours straight as all the runners go past! Visit http://www.hanoverarts.org/ for more information and a registration form.

Last week, Randolph-Macon confirmed our fears when they admitted that “someone” did not measure correctly and the football field will not fit between the new Andrews Hall and Estes Dining Hall when they flip it to the north-south alignment. English Construction Company was quoted as saying, "Hey- we build it where they tell us to."

Spring Market Day at Scotchtown is this Saturday, April 2^nd from 10am to 5 pm. Shake off the last of the winter’s chill, and come visit the vendors with their handcrafted items. Enjoy a spring day outdoors and find a special item for you or your home. If you would like to be a vendor, please call for additional information and registration, 804/227-3500. There is still space available.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com . Happy April Fools Day!

3/24/11 Ashland Variety Show,

I hope you’ve got your Variety Show tickets because you are in for such a treat! The dress rehearsals that I’ve had the privilege to see have been spectacular, and this show always makes me so proud to be an Ashlander. In fact, the Variety Show makes me a bit smug and arrogant. I think of all those poor people who don’t have the privilege of living here; I feel so sorry for them!

Congratulations to the Ashland Firehouse Theater for meeting their subscription ticket goal! This just shows how excited people are to have a movie theater in the COTU. Purchase your subscription tickets now and enjoy an evening stroll to the movies when Ashland is at its finest. The season will open with “Mr. Holland’s Opus” on Saturday, April 2^nd; at 7:45 pm. Get your season tickets now by calling 798-9721 or emailing Regan Phillips at rtphil204@aol.com .

Does your child need help with their reading? Call the Ashland Library and schedule a session with Dolly, a reading therapy dog. Studies have shown that reading to a dog can improve a child’s reading and communication skills. The program will run from 4:00 to 5:30 with the children signing up at the front desk in advance for a 20 minute timeslot. The Library is working with the Sprite’s Hero, a local chapter of the Paws to Read nationwide program, and this will continue on the 2nd and 4th afternoons of the remainder of the school year. Please call 798-4072 for more information.

On Thursday, March 31st at 7pm, Ashland native Matthew Green will give a presentation about his walk across America in 2010 at the Ashland Library. Please come out to hear about this incredible experience.

There were lots of people walking around with medals around their necks this past weekend. Tricia Reagan and Kathy Abbott both ran the Shamrock Marathon in Virginia Beach, and Bob Brown, Tom Grant, and Rodney Bardwell ran the Tobacco Road Marathon in Cary, NC. I think that everyone set a personal record for time and came home with smiles on their faces- congratulations!

If you’d like to remember the 2009 show, PBS’s "Virginia Currents” will air it’s feature on Thursday, March 24^th at 8pm on The Community Idea Stations WCVE-TV Richmond and WHTJ-TV Charlottesville. Of course, that’s opening night, so you can see a repeat on Saturday, March 26th at 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 27th at 12:30 p.m.

A little warning for our readers: the next column will be published on March 31^st. That’s the day before April Fools Day; just wanted to let you know.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com . Go outside and enjoy all the beautiful colors of spring! Our sweet town is just over-flowing with blossoms and blooms. Have a great week!

3/10/11 Too Many Goodbyes...

I would like to talk about the daffodils that are blooming, the dogwoods budding, and the other hints of spring that are all around us. But today I have to talk about people who have left us. Ashland lost three important people this past week, and we are a little melancholy today because of it.

I have been privileged to serve on the Chief’s Advisory Committee with Billy Lawing, so it was with great regret that I learned of his death last week. He was dedicated to this community and to his family, and he will be dearly missed.

A few days later we lost Biz Dull suddenly. I am sure that her family and friends are still surprised each morning when they remember that she is gone. She was too young and it was too soon for her to leave her grandchildren.

And lastly we lost Sherwood Washington, who was a fitness instructor and trainer at the Patrick Henry YMCA. Sherwood was a former military man who ran the incredibly popular “Boot Camp” class at the Y. You had to get there early because his classes filled up so quickly. He was loud and gruff, but he would raise you up with his words of encouragement and hope. He made you feel strong and powerful. He pushed you to your physical limits and told you that you were beautiful inside and out. He ended each class by telling us to “take a kid fishing” because he knew that we all had that potential inside- the potential to make a difference in someone else’s life. We miss him.

Beginning on March 22nd, the Ashland Library will have a special visitor: Dolly, a reading therapy dog. Studies have shown that reading to a dog can improve a child’s reading and communication skills. Why? Because a good dog listens and doesn’t judge. The program will run from 4:00 to 5:30 with the children signing up at the front desk in advance for a 20 minute timeslot. The Library is working with the Sprite’s Hero .org a local chapter of the Paws to Read nationwide program. This program will continue on the 2nd and 4th afternoons of the upcoming school year months. Please call 798-4072 for more information.

On Thursday, March 31^st at 7pm, Ashland native Matthew Green will give a presentation about his walk across America in 2010 at the Ashland Library. Please come out to hear about this incredible experience!

There are two birthday girls this week to mention! Tracy Stanley Brown blows out a few candles on March 10^th , and Hannah McGraw celebrates her 7^th birthday on March 11 ^th! We hope they both get lots of presents and birthday cake!

The Ashland Firehouse Theater is preparing its spring movie schedule! There is a wonderful line-up of movies and special subscription prices available. Please visit www.ashlandfirehousetheater.org or call 798-9721 for more information.

Have you bought your tickets for the Variety Show yet? This is truly an event not to be missed! You will have to wait another two years to ever see another show like this again. Call 798-2881 for tickets. The show is March 24, 25, 26 at 7:30 pm.

One last reminder, this warmer weather should have you thinking about getting outside, and what better way to see your town than to go on a casual run. Sign up for the 2011 Ashland Railroad Run on April 30^th by visiting www.hanoverarts.org. Sherwood would be proud of you.

So please have a wonderful weekend! Spend some time outside, with family, with friends, and be thankful for all the beauty around us. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Make it an easy day.

3/3/11 Variety Show, Nina Totenburg, Goodbye Dr Roberson

I have to confess, I am cured of my desire for more snow this winter. We took a quick trip to Boston this past weekend, and standing knee deep in snow made me long for our balmy highs of 60 degrees. Those poor New Englanders haven’t seen the ground since Christmas and all of their parking spots are taken up by 6-foot piles of snow. They have spent all their energy on shoveling sidewalks and Christmas decorations still hang from street lamps. They make us look like Southern California.

Run, don’t walk, to get your Variety Show tickets! These shows will sell out and you will have to wait two years to be entertained. For reserved seating (all seats on first floor of Blackwell are reserved seats), call 804-798-2881. Show dates are March 24, 25, and 26, 2011, with the pre-show beginning at 7pm, the show at 7:30.

Happy belated birthday to Jackson Proffitt who turned 17 this past week! It’s really hard to believe that he’s that old, especially when the rest of us haven’t aged a bit.

The Ashland Library is hosting Teen Tech Week March 6^th through 12^th, with a Wii night for teens on Friday, March 11^th at 6pm. Please call the library at 798-4072 for more information.

We had a lovely evening with NPR host Nina Totenburg who spoke at Randolph-Macon last week. It’s it great to live in a college town? The next notable speaker to grace Blackwell Auditorium will be Rep. Eric Cantor, the US House of Representatives Majority Leader. This event is free to the public, but you must reserve a ticket. Visit www.rmc.edu for a link to the tickets, or call Pam Harris Cox at (804) 752-3712.

If you see Victoria McGraw, please wish her a happy 10^th birthday on March 6^th. Double-digits, Victoria! Hope you get lots of wonderful presents!

I haven’t spoken much about our Superintendent’s announcement that he is leaving Hanover County. Maybe I’m in denial and trying to pretend that it’s not happening. He has done such wonderful things for our children and really focused our schools on instruction. Hanover County is consistently recognized for our excellence in education, and we are very fortunate to have these good public schools for our kids. I wish Dr. Roberson would stay for another 5 years. You have a few more days to give the School Board your opinion on the type of new superintendant that you want for our kids. There is an online survey at www.hcps.us, which will close on March 7^th. This is important.

Have you planned out your garden yet? I’ve heard that there are daffodils blooming by the fence in the Hendrixson’s yard. Spring is pretty spectacular in the Center of the Universe. It will be lovely to be able to sit on the porch again in the evenings and listen to the frogs in Mechum Creek. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great weekend!