10/13/11 Mystery Solved, Civil War Historian, Dolly the Listening Dog,

Well, apparently the playground wasn’t abducted by aliens, but it was removed for safety reasons: there were lots of splinters on it. We’ve heard that a new playground has been ordered, but we’re wondering why they didn’t leave the old one there until the new one had arrived. And maybe a sign could have been put up telling everyone the details. Just an idea.

Bob Krick of the National Park Service will be at the Ashland Library on Tuesday, October 25th at 7:00 p.m. He is a recognized authority on the Civil War in the Richmond Area and he will talk about the Civil War’s effect on the Ashland area, including details about everyday life and the impact of the military involvement.

Dolly, the dog who wants to be read to, will be returning to the Ashland Library on October 25^th at 7pm. Call the library with more information and to schedule time for your child to read to Dolly: 798-4072.

Let’s wish happy birthday to Corinne Luck, one of our favorite Ashland teachers, who celebrated this past Saturday. She followed it up by running 18 miles the next day- isn’t that a great way to start a new year!

Our Randolph-Macon Yellow Jackets will play a little football with Washington and Lee this Saturday afternoon at 1pm.

Come out to cheer on all the runners this Saturday at the 2011 Henry Clay & Gandy Tiger Trot! The kids’ races begin at 8:00am & the 5K begins at 9:00am at Henry Clay Elementary. This is a wonderful fundraiser for our two little schools, so please come out and make it a great event.

The Tiger Trot will be great training for the 8th Annual Ashland Harvest Run on Saturday, October 22, 2011. The 10 K race begins at 9:00, with the 5k following at 9:15. This year, the race proceeds will benefit Hanover Habitat for Humanity and Patrick Henry Family YMCA- two very important organizations. For more information, or to register for the race, please go to http://www.ashlandharvestrun.com/ or call 690-1259.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. The leaves are getting ready to burst into color. Where’s your camera?

10/20/2011 Another great Tiger Trot, PH Homecoming, Harvest Run, Dolly the Reading Dog

Our hats are off to all the amazing volunteers at Henry Clay and John Gandy Elementary who helped the Tiger Trot run so smoothly- especially chairman JoAnn Hunter! After running the Ashland Railroad Run for so many years, she made the Tiger Trot appear effortless. Well done!

There will be a Randolph-Macon haunted house at 113 College Ave on Thursday, October 27^th from 7 to 10pm. Come get scared by some coeds and help support Relay For Life!

It’s Homecoming this weekend as your Patrick Henry Patriots to take on Thomas Jefferson this Friday night at 7pm at home. Come out to see the game and the Homecoming Court.
Bob Krick of the National Park Service will be at the Ashland Library on Tuesday, October 25th at 7:00 p.m. He is a recognized authority on the Civil War in the Richmond Area and he will talk about the Civil War’s effect on the Ashland area, including details about everyday life and the impact of the military involvement.

Dolly, the dog who loves people to read to her, will be returning to the Ashland Library on October 25^th at 7pm. Call the library with more information and to schedule time for your child to read to Dolly: 798-4072.

It’s supposed to be another gorgeous weekend, so come out to cheer the 8th Annual Ashland Harvest Run on Saturday, October 22, 2011. The 10 K race begins at 9:00, with the 5k following at 9:15. This year, the race proceeds will benefit Hanover Habitat for Humanity and Patrick Henry Family YMCA- two very important organizations. For more information, or to register for the race, please go to http://www.ashlandharvestrun.com/ or call 690-1259.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. We have another beautiful weekend ahead of us- enjoy it!

10-06-11 Missing Playground, Tiger Trot, Harvest Run, Baby Finn

Ashland, you just don't know how fickle I am. You don't know how many times I've almost thrown in the towel, how many times that I've said: 'I just can't think of anything to write." Do you know how many times I've been teased for my over-use of the word "lucky?" Do you know how many times my father has fussed at me about all the exclamation points? Here I sit, a jaded Ashlander complaining about the trains & my hectic life, and then something like this happens.

The playground at Pufferbelly Park has disappeared. Not just a swing to be repaired, not a slide to be replaced, but the whole thing. It is gone, like it was never there in the first place. The citizens of Ashland are rather vigilant, and yet, not one person that I've spoken to witnessed the removal. Kellan Morris has some suspicions about an alien abduction, and until we hear otherwise, that's what we're going with. I have a jar of sweet pickles that I made this summer for the first person who tells me where it went.

It’s Family Movie Morning at the Ashland Library this Saturday, October 8^th at 10:00am. Snacks will be provided! Dolly, the dog who wants to be read to, will be back at the Library on October 11^th and the 25^th at 7pm. Call the library with more information: 798-4072.

Happy birthday to Jill Voekler who celebrated her birthday this past Saturday at Maplewood in Elmont!

Now that the rains have gone, it’s a perfect time to get outside and walk or run around town. Sign up now for the 2011 Henry Clay & Gandy Tiger Trot to be held on Saturday, October 15^th. The kids’ races begin at 8:00am & the 5K begins at 9:00am at Henry Clay Elementary. You can register online at http://www.raceit.com/ or pick up a registration form at either school. We are only a good town if we have good schools- help support them.

The Tiger Trot will be great training for the 8th Annual Ashland Harvest Run on Saturday, October 22, 2011. The 10 K race begins at 9:00, with the 5k following at 9:15. This year, the race proceeds will benefit Hanover Habitat for Humanity and Patrick Henry Family YMCA- two very important organizations. For more information, or to register for the race, please go to http://www.ashlandharvestrun.com/ or call 690-1259.

This past Sunday was a happy day on Center Street, for sweet baby Finn Robert Morris was baptized by Father Chris at St. Ann’s. Surrounded by his Ashland friends and family, Finn laughed and smiled, and we were reminded of what really matters in life. We look forward to watching Finn grow up, to see him become an Ashland kid and enjoy a COTU childhood.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Go solve that mystery- find that playground!

9/22/11 Autumn Birthdays, Road Races, Reading Dogs, Hometown Football Games

Goodbye linen, madras, and seersucker; hello corduroy, plaid, and wool. This cool weather is always a welcome change as we put away the bathing suits and start thinking about campfires and football games. Autumn is a wonderful time of year in the Center of the Universe. I hope you find some time to get outside and enjoy it!

Happy birthday to Father Chris Haydinger, who celebrated his birthday this past weekend. We are so glad that he's here in Ashland, and keeping those Catholics in line with his faith, dedication, and sense of humor.

If this cooler weather has rejuvenated your walking or running, sign up now for the 2011 Henry Clay & Gandy Tiger Trot to be held on Saturday, October 15^th. The kid's races begin at 8:00am and the 5K begins at 9:00am at Henry Clay Elementary, and you can register online at http://www.raceit.com/ or pick up a registration form at either school.

Birthday wishes also go to Lorie Foley, our favorite director of anything! Her non-stop energy and creativity continue to enrich our little town and make us smile.

The Tiger Trot will be great training for the 8th Annual Ashland Harvest Run on Saturday, October 22, 2011. The 10 K race begins at 9:00, with the 5k following at 9:15. This year, the race proceeds will benefit Hanover Habitat for Humanity and Patrick Henry Family YMCA- two very important organizations. For more information, or to register for the race, please go to http://www.ashlandharvestrun.com/ or call 690-1259.

Dolly the dog returns to the Ashland Library Tuesday, September 27 ^th at 7pm. Dolly is a trained listening dog who will listen as your child (ages 5-8) reads a book to her. This is a wonderful way to encourage good reading habits and help the child who is struggling. Call the Ashland Library to schedule a reading session: 798-4072. Dolly is sponsored by the Ashland Library and Sprite’s HERO.

Go watch a game this weekend: Patrick Henry plays Lee-Davis at home this Friday at 7pm, and the Randolph-Macon Women’s soccer take on Randolph College at home on Saturday at 2pm. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com . Have a beautiful weekend!

9/15/11 Street Party, CJ Art Auction, Football, BBQ

One of the reasons that I like Ashland so much is its oddities. Has anyone else seen the chicken and her friend, the duck, strolling near the 7-11? They seem very content together, and I was wondering if they are pets or if they just happened to find a backyard they like.

Happy birthday to Rachel Reynolds who celebrated her birthday just the other day! Rachel is busy getting ready for the CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation’s Art Auction to be held Friday, September 30^th from 7 to 11pm, at the Cultural Center at Glen Allen. I know that many of you remember her daughter, Charlotte, who passed away almost two years ago from a brain tumor. The CJ’s Thumbs Up Foundation raises money to help families of children with chronic and life threatening illnesses. You can find out more at http://www.cjstuf.org/.

It’s very hard to believe that we’re looking at the End of Summer Street Party this weekend! Come dance outside one last time before the cold weather gets here to Ron Moody and the Centaurs from 6 to 11pm behind the library. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Children 12 and under are free with adults.

I love having the R-MC students back on campus these days, and I love all the activity that happens on the weekends. Come out to cheer for the football team as they take on Shenandoah at 1pm, and try to keep this winning streak that they’re on! Women’s soccer also plays at 2:30 at home against Hollins College. Go Jackets!

And if that wasn’t enough to do this weekend, the 40^th Annual Ashland Kiwanis Club Barbecue is on Saturday, Sept. 17^th from 4-7pm. There will be live music, a classic car show, and lots of fun door prizes. This is a major fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club which is such a valuable community group. Tickets are available at Union First Market Bank branches in Ashland, Luck Chevrolet, Cross Brothers Grocery and from any Kiwanis member. You can also buy tickets at www.eventbrite.com/AshlandKiwanis. For more information, call (804) 627-1003 or email jmcdaniel@bbvirginia.com.

The weather should be beautiful this weekend. I think that the heat & humidity may be gone, but you never know. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Enjoy this prelude to autumn!

9/8/11 The End of Summer, Tiger Trot, Kiwanis BBQ, New Yellow Jackets

The summer ended the way most summers end, with a final whistle at the town pool and the slow departure of kids from the water. Those Ashlanders do not like to be alone: they celebrate endings and beginnings together. There are frequently not enough chairs, or plates, but that doesn’t seem to matter because no one is ever left without food or conversation.

I’d like to thank the staff of the Ashland Town Pool for another stellar season. The lifeguards blew their whistles with authority, and played with the kids when they were off-duty. The managers were amazing and we felt like we were at the Country Club! A big thanks to Hunter Hoy, Kevin Proffitt, and Mike Rohr.

If you were inspired by those dedicated runners, sign up now for the 2011 Henry Clay & Gandy Tiger Trot to be held on Saturday, October 15 ^th. The kid's races begin at 8:00am and the 5K begins at 9:00am at Henry Clay Elementary, and you can register online at http://www.raceit.com/ or pick up a registration form at either school.

Happy birthday to Daphne Read Gilmore who turns 11 on September 14 ^th!

Mark your calendar now for the 40^th Annual Ashland Kiwanis Club Barbecue on Saturday, Sept. 17^th from 4-7pm. Legend has it that the BBQ recipe is top secret, and is better than anything you’ve ever had before. There will be live music, a classic car show, and lots of fun door prizes. This is a major fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club which is such a valuable community group. Tickets are available at Union First Market Bank branches in Ashland, Luck Chevrolet, Cross Brothers Grocery and from any Kiwanis member. You can also buy tickets at www.eventbrite.com/AshlandKiwanis. For more information, call McDaniel at (804) 627-1003 or email jmcdaniel@bbvirginia.com.

This Friday is Teen Movie & Pizza Night at the Ashland Library. The movie begins at 6pm, and ages 12 to 18 are invited. Bring a friend! Pizza and drinks will be provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

If the world of computers is foreign to you, come to the Computer Basics Class next Monday, September 12^th at 6:30 pm at the Ashland Library to learn how to do basic tasks in Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer.

We’re glad to see all the Randolph-Macon students back on campus this week, with apparently the largest freshman class ever! The Yellow Jacket football team had a great season opener against Methodist College, winning 47-3. Our fingers are crossed for next weekend when the boys in gold and black travel to Averett College. This is our year to beat Hampton-Sydney!

Call or e-mail me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great weekend!

9/1/11 Picking Ourselves Up and Dusting Off...

I don’t know where to start. Since the last time we’ve talked, there have been earthquakes and a hurricane, and I’m wondering if I shouldn’t have bad-mouthed the month of August.

I give my condolences to everyone who is still without power, who lost a beautiful old tree, or who had an old tree fall on top of something. We’ve noticed that most trees seemed to have been blow down by a wind from the north, and there are big patches of sunlight where there used to be shade.

The earthquake was another matter entirely, and I am surprised to find myself startled at any little rattle or rumble that I mistake for another quake. I wouldn’t be surprised if the majority of Ashlanders are sleep-deprived these days; there has been a lot to worry about the past week.

Congratulations to all the soggy runners who finished the Patrick Henry Half Marathon just before Irene arrived! And a big thanks to all the volunteers who stood out in the rain all morning to help. I’ve heard good things about the new course.

If you were inspired by those dedicated runners, sign up now for the 2011 Henry Clay & Gandy Tiger Trot to be held on Saturday, October 15 ^th. The kid's races begin at 8:00am and the 5K begins at 9:00am at Henry Clay Elementary, and you can register online at http://www.raceit.com/ or pick up a registration form at either school.

Mark your calendar now for the 40^th Annual Ashland Kiwanis Club Barbecue on Saturday, Sept. 17^th from 4-7pm. Legend has it that the BBQ recipe is top secret, and is better than anything you’ve ever had before. There will be live music, a classic car show, and lots of fun door prizes. This is a major fundraiser for the Kiwanis Club which is such a valuable community group. Tickets are available at Union First Market Bank branches in Ashland, Luck Chevrolet, Cross Brothers Grocery and from any Kiwanis member. You can also buy tickets at www.eventbrite.com/AshlandKiwanis. For more information, call McDaniel at (804) 627-1003 or email jmcdaniel@bbvirginia.com.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. I hope your Labor Day Weekend is filled with lots of electric light and free-running water.