6/15/07 Fountains, Snakes, Book Sale, Black Belts

Summer is here, school is out, and the pool is open everyday! I’m sure that it will go as quickly by as other summers. Open days without schedules seem to devour the hours, and before we know it September will be here. Lightening bugs are out at night and it’s hard to get the children to bed before 9 o’clock.

Blue skies prevailed for another beautiful Strawberry Faire. All those wonderful trees at Randolph Macon help make it such a shady event. How about all those kiddies swimming in the fountain? They look like future Randolph-Macon professors to me!

Congratulations to Josh Sanders who received his black belt at Old Dominion Martial Arts here in town! Josh has been training with Master Oliver there since he was 4 years old, and has absolutely loved the program. His mom, Tish, says that Old Dominion teaches their students great self-discipline and confidence.

I’ve got an easy way to support your local Ashland Library. Clean out your bookshelves and take all those books that you haven’t read in ages over to the Library now before July 2 for the 4th of July Book Sale. This great sale takes place inside the Hanover Arts and Activities Center on July 4th while all the celebrations are taking place on the front lawn. It’s really a wonderful sale, but you’ll want to get there early. Add to your children’s bookshelf. Find some good books to read this summer! You never know what treasures you’ll find for fifty cents. The sale goes from 9am to 2pm.

There’s a great new shop right by the Ashland Library. Check out Lady Grey’s selection of new and antique home furnishings if you’re over that way.

Now that the hot weather is here, you don’t have to live in the country to have some snakes in your yard. Please watch where you put your hands and feet, especially in any of the parks or walking trails around town. I’ve heard reports of copperheads, black snakes, and garter snakes from neighbors and friends in Ashland.

Town Council will meet this Tuesday, June 19th at 7pm in Council chambers at Town Hall. On June 5th, Town Council voted to defer making a decision on the Lowes rezoning until their next meeting. Many people are opposed to a Lowes building on the property behind Slash Cottage for several reasons, but the main one seems to be that the building is large for a relatively small piece of land. Residents of Slash Cottage are also concerned about the noise from daily operations, and added traffic to the intersection of Rt. 1 and Ashcake Rd. If you’ve got concerns or questions, please contact your town council members. You can go to the town website: www.town.ashland.va.us, or call 804- 798-9219.

Come out to the Ashland Skate Park on Saturday, June 23rd at 10am, for a Skating Competition sponsored by the Ashland Police Department and Dominion Skateboard. Categories include Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Best Trick Competition. This event is limited to 20 participants per division, and you should arrive at the park by 9:30 am. Helmets are required. Call the Ashland Police Department, 804-798-1227, for more information.

As the haze rises in the morning, announcing another humid Virginia day, I hope that you all will appreciate having your own personal sauna and enjoy the summer! Call or email me with your news and special events. Do you know of a non-profit that needs some help or is having a fundraiser? Call me at 804-310-5320 or email ashlandnews@gmail.com Have a great weekend!

6/8/07 End of School, Summer Camp, Train Whistles

Does anyone in your home know how many days are left of school? In our house, there are some children who can tell you almost the exact number of hours of instructional time left before the end of the school year. I have mixed feelings about it. At the end of my oldest daughter’s first year at Henry Clay, we stood and watched as all the teachers came out to wave good bye to the buses. I found myself getting choked up thinking about the bitter-sweet end of the school year. Even with the expanse of summer laid out ahead, saying goodbye is tough, especially when it’s goodbye to teachers who care so much about our kids. I’d like to say thank you to the teachers and staff of Henry Clay, Gandy, Liberty, and Patrick Henry, for another year- well done.

Everyone must know by now that The Strawberry Faire is tomorrow-Saturday, June 9, 2007 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Randolph Macon College. I promise you that you will not be disappointed if you take the time to stroll down Henry Street. Not only will you see neighbors and friends, but you’ll certainly find something that you need. Strawberries are actually packed with vitamins, fiber, folic acid, and calcium…so, I think that means that strawberry shortcake is healthy don’t you?


Summer Story Time at the Ashland Library begins this week on June 11 and goes until August 14. Mondays have Mother Goose story time at 10a.m., and Family (all ages) at 10:45. On Tuesdays there’s Toddler story time at 10 a.m. and pre-school at 10:30. The cool library is a great place to spend some time in the summer. Don’t forget to sign up for the Summer Reading Program while you’re there.

Also at the Ashland Library on Thursday June 14 at 7:00 p.m., Ms. Wisteria Perry with the Pamplin Historic Center will talk about the connection between quilts and the Underground Railroad, and the impact they had on African-American history. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library. Refreshments will be served.

Come out and have Lunch on the Lawn in front of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center every Wednesday around lunchtime. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs, enjoy the shade and watch the trains go by on those brand new rails.

As thoughts these days turn to summer activities, consider the Children’s Musical Theatre Camp at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. This camp is for rising 3rd though rising 9th graders and will take place Mon- Thurs from July 15th to August 16th from 3-5 p.m. The talented Lorie Foley is the camp director, and the young actors will stage a production of the “Pale Pink Dragon” at the end of camp. Incidentally, the “Pale Pink Dragon” was the first play that Lorie ever performed in, so this production must have the power to inspire talent and encourage the creative spirit. Registration forms and information are available at www.hanoverarts.com.

Delegate Frank Hargrove and Jon Hatfield, Executive Director of the VA War Memorial Foundation gave an excellent presentation at the Ashland Library on May 24. The video on the battles of Okinawa gave first person accounts from veterans, who spoke about how they felt going into the battle and their experiences. We can only continue to learn from those who have lived before us. The stories of veterans all around us are so important to hear.

The Ashland Planning Commission meets on Wed., June 13th, at 7pm in the Council Chambers at Town Hall.

Certainly Ashland is centered on the train tracks that run through town. Our town is frequently divided by the rumble of a freight train, or the slow swish of Amtrak. One of the sweetest sounds that I’ve ever heard is the whistles of two approaching trains. They can sound as if the trains are speaking, or singing to one another as they approach the town from different directions. Late at night it sounds like a lullaby to me, and reminds me of how fortunate I am to live here. Call or email me and share your stories of Ashland. Tell me about your wonderful neighbors, your fundraising events, or a new grandchild. 804-310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com Have a wonderful week!

6/1/07 Memorial Day Silent March, Town Hall Staff, Strawberry Faire, Ashland Library, Relay for Life

I submitted this column late this week because I had to write about one of the best, but hardly known, ways to celebrate Memorial Day in Ashland. For the past four years, our family has attended the Silent March that is sponsored by the American Legion Ashland Post # 206. The procession from the Ashland Library down Hanover Ave. to Woodlawn Cemetery is a small but reverent group. This year they were joined by a Jr. ROTC Color Guard, Boy Scout Troop # 789 from Beaverdam, and a handful of dedicated followers. Under the shade of a giant white oak, the 155 names of Ashland and Hanover war dead were read, and the clear notes of a bugle playing taps (by Michael Voss) echoed across the quiet field. One of the Boy Scouts, Joe Mallory, heard a long gone cousin’s name read with the list of war dead from the Civil War. If you think about it, try and make a note to remember it for next year.

Cathy and Charles Waldrop hosted their annual Memorial Day picnic to the delight of many friends and families. Their yard is always a welcoming place to be where the desserts almost out-number the side dishes!

Join your friends and co-workers for “Lunch on the Lawn” every Wednesday during the summer. This event started May 30, but will run through August 29th. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful front lawn of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, located at 500 South Center Street in town.

We are lucky to have such helpful and accommodating staff at Town Hall here in Ashland. The Ashland Pool opened this weekend, and everyone rushed to get their passes before the Treasurers Office closed. When faced with a line out the door at 4:30 on Friday afternoon, the staff patiently snapped pictures for pool passes and gave lollypops to tired kids. They were still laughing when the last folks left at 5:30. I hope they all had a relaxing weekend! The pool looks great, by the way, with lots of beautiful flowering hibiscuses.

Don’t forget, the Strawberry Faire is next weekend, June 9, from 10am to 5pm. It’s an event not to be missed. You can park at either Henry Clay or Gandy Elementary and catch the shuttle bus over to the streets around Randolph-Macon.

The Ashland Library is a cool place to go on a hot summer day. Summer Story Time at the runs from June 11 to August 14. Mondays have Mother Goose (6-24 months with an adult) story time at 10am, and Family (all ages) at 10:45. On Tuesdays there’s Toddler (2yr. olds) story time at 10am, and Pre-School (3-5 yr. olds) at 10:30

If your kids are a bit old for those story times, then send them over for Teen Movie Night on Friday, June 8th from 6-8pm at the Ashland Library. Pizza will be served.

The Summer Reading Program begins Saturday, June 9th, and is a great way to keep your kids, and you, reading through the summer. Prizes are awarded when participants reach their reading goals. Call the library at 798-4072 for more information on any of these events.

Here’s a last minute event, but a worthwhile cause: the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life takes place today, Friday June 1 beginning at 6pm and goes through the night to Saturday morning at 6am. Come out and donate or just support the walkers who will walk to remember or honor the victims of cancer.

Please let me know if you’ve got some news to share. There’s so much that make Ashland such a great place to live: babies, baptisms, church events, school news, scouting awards, everyday heroes, and remarkable tales. What’s the most remarkable thing you’ve seen in Ashland? You can reach me by phone: 804-310-5320,or email: ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great weekend.

5/25/07 RMC Bells, Street Party, Kate Melson, CRG Mtg., Soccer, RMC KA

This past Thursday, a few minutes before 2pm, I walked out into my back yard to here the bells at Randolph Macon playing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. Those bells have been a real joy to listen to since their installation almost a year ago. Not only do they sweetly chime the hours, but apparently they play popular favorites as well.

Mark you calendars early for the 25th Annual Strawberry Faire coming Sat. June 9th on the streets around Randolph-Macon from 10am to 5pm. It’s so nice to have those streets closed off to traffic and be able to stroll along with your wagon or the friends that you’ll need to help carry home all the good things to be found there: hanging baskets, flats of strawberries, hand-made crafts, antiques, and plenty of strawberry shortcake. Linger a while and listen to some great music and cheer on the contestants in the Little Miss and Mr. Strawberry.

From all the essays in the Ashland Library, you know that we’ve got some kids in our town who are involved citizens and who really care about this place. Here’s what Kate Melson, a second grader at Henry Clay Elementary has to say about Ashland: “What I like about Ashland is that I have the best town and everybody is nice. We have a great community. We get to bike ride and I walk my dog. Especially, I like my parents and my wonderful teacher, Miss Smith at Henry Clay. She is very nice and caring. I love Ashland very much! I'm so glad to be here.” We sure are glad that you’re here, Kate!

What a time we all had this past Saturday at the Street Party! We look forward to them every summer, and you couldn’t have asked for a better evening to be out under the stars. The weather was cool, like a California evening, and the waxing crescent moon paired up with the planet Venus for a stunning backdrop above the Library. The band, Alibi, was lively and talented, playing a wide variety of music from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Jimmy Buffet to Keith Urban. A surprising benefit from the work on the train track was that the trains crept through town and didn’t drown out the band. As usual, the dancing was slow to start. Maybe people wait for the sun to go down and shadows to fall, or to have a glass of wine before they try out the dance floor, but I am always impressed by the talent that is eventually displayed. Lee and Amanda Sloppy are an especially enjoyable pair to watch.

There was beer- poured by the Ashland Jaycees, wine from James River Cellars, food from the Smokey Pig, and ice cream from the Club Car. Tabitha Boothe painted faces for three hours as a representative of her beloved Ashland Community Preschool. Her children, Dalton, Lane, & Emily, enjoyed the fun and displayed wonderful patience as well. There were babies and kids everywhere, a moon bounce to help tire them out, balloons from TownHound.com, and a wonderful pot-bellied pig to giggle and point at. We had to leave around 9pm as our baby had fallen asleep, but we walked away smiling and laughing from such a great evening with good friends. What could be better? Mark your calendar for the next Street Party on July 21st, and check out the pictures on http://www.townhound.com/.

Wish A.C. Bruce a Happy Birthday if you see him this weekend!

On May 30th, at 7pm at Ashland Library, The Citizens for Responsible Growth will be holding an open meeting for all Ashlanders regarding the application from Lowe’s to build a home improvement store on Route 1 behind Slash Cottage. Mayor Faye Prichard will be in attendance. Whether you support Lowes or not, your opinion is important to the town and your voice should be heard.

There were some sad faces Sunday afternoon as the U6 division of the Ashland Youth Soccer wrapped up its final games on the beautiful fields of Poor Farm Park. It’s been a great spring season and the players of Bob Brown’s team were disappointed to hear that Bob will not be returning to coach in the fall. His daughter Madison was drafted by the Kicker’s Travel Soccer Team and won’t be returning to recreation soccer. They will both be missed by many.

Speaking of soccer, Henry Clay Elementary was the lucky recipient of two soccer goals from the Richmond Strikers Soccer Club. On hand to assemble the goals were Alan Abbot, Greg Calabrese, Mike Spence, Bryan Cline, Sharon Stiles, and Keith Hunter. Many thanks to these parent volunteers.

Randolph-Macon’s graduation is this Saturday, June 2nd. Ashland is a little quieter over the summer without the students, but we miss their energy and community involvement when they’re not here. A good example was the Kappa Alpha fraternity who spent much of a Saturday putting together the new playground equipment for St. Ann’s Catholic Church, under the guidance of parishioner Dave Kliz.

Thank you so much to everyone who has mentioned that they’ve read this column and enjoyed it! I’m having a great time putting it together and hopefully will improve as time goes by. We’ve got a wonderful town with lots of interesting people, so there’s no shortage of interesting stories and fun events. Let me know if you’ve got a graduate to brag about, a new baby to welcome, or a neighbor who makes this world a better place. You can reach me at 804-310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com Have a great weekend!

5/18/07 Plant A Row for the Hungry, Street Party,

What a beautiful spring we’re having this year! We’ve had green days of low humidity and over-night showers to keep the pollen down. Irises and azaleas are blooming all over town, and it’s been hard to get the kids to come inside in the evenings.

The Ashland Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday behind the Town Offices from 9:00 am to noon. Get there early to find the sweetest organic strawberries and maybe some spring peas. Those legendary Hanover Tomatoes should be appearing in a few weeks.

Honoring Our Veterans- This Thursday, May 24th at 7:00pm, Delegate Frank Hargrove will be speaking at the Ashland Library. Refreshments will be served and the event is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

As the parking lot in the Hanover Shopping Center is under construction, don’t forget that some restaurants are still open, or “abierto”, for business!

While you’re planting your garden this spring, consider planting a row for the hungry. The Central Virginia Food Bank is asking for gardeners to help stock their shelves with healthy vegetables this summer. Collection boxes will be available throughout the area starting in June. Call Annette Pelliccio for more information: 798-9280.

‘Hope to see everyone tomorrow (Sat.) night from 6pm to 11pm at the 1st Street Party of the summer behind the Ashland Library. There’s hardly a way to have more fun in town on a Saturday night then to come and dance with your neighbors.

Memorial Day is coming up soon, and although it’s usually a great day for picnics and cookouts, think about setting aside some time to remember our veterans who sacrificed their lives so we might live in the wonderful country.

These beautiful days won’t last for long. The heat and humidity of our tropical summers will be upon us shortly. Leave the car at home and walk around your beautiful town while the air is sweet and the flowers are blooming. Drop me a line if you’ve got any Ashland news that you need to spread. Call me at 310-5320 or email ashlandnews@gmail.com Have a great week! Meriwether

5/11/07 Blue Moon, Street Party, MOPS, Flippo Gallery Show

Did you know that there’s going to be a Blue Moon this month? A “blue moon” is the term given to a second full moon in one month, and it doesn’t happen very often, so that’s why we say, “Once in a blue moon!” There was a full moon on the 3rd, and there will be another one on the 31st. A perfect place to view this celestial event is the Keeble Observatory at Randolph Macon which is usually open on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 10pm. Call the Keeble information line at 752-3210 or contact Prof. George Spagna at 752-7344 to make sure that it’s open.

Are you ready for Mother’s Day? You’ve got a day or so left to find something special for your mom, wife, or daughter, plus you don’t have to leave town to find something nice. We have so many great shops right here.

Andrew Datovech celebrated his sixth birthday with one of the best ice cream sundae parties that Henry Clay Elementary has seen. A good time was had by all.

Don’t forget! The Ashland Town Council Meeting is this Tuesday, May 15th at 7pm. You can find out what’s on the agenda by calling the town at 798-9219.

The First Street Party of the Season is this Saturday May 19th, 6 to 11pm behind the Ashland Library. The music will be provided by Alibi- lots of classic rock and roll from the 60’s to the 90’s. You should see how many good dancers we have in Ashland. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and come hungry for some barbeque from the Smokey Pig. Admission is $5 for adults; children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Visit www.ashlandstreetparties.com for more information.

The St. Ann’s MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is having its monthly meeting this Wednesday, May 16th from 9:30 to 11:30 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Ashland. This is a great opportunity to meet other moms, and to share the ups and downs of motherhood. Call Angela Cicirello for more information- 550-8119.

The Town of Ashland is considering a change to its curbside trash collection. Go to the Town website to fill out an on-line survey www.town.ashland.va.us

From May 6th to June 10, there will be an exhibit of paintings and sculptures by artists Joel Stoehr and Eung Ho Park at the Flippo Gallery at Randolph Macon College (211 N. Center St.-across from the Post Office). Both of these talented artists use their imagination to transform ordinary city skylines and everyday objects into formations that mirror our own human existence. The Gallery is open Monday through Friday, from 10am to 4pm, and on the weekend by appointment. Call 752-3028 for more information.

We are so lucky to be living in such a wonderful town- I’m sure you’ll get tired of me saying that. There are so many things going on that it’s easy to get out and socialize. I have often found that a whole week will go by and I haven’t left town on one single errand because everything that I needed was right here. When I lived in Westmoreland County, I was used to driving at least 30 minutes to get anywhere, and am now spoiled by living in town. Ten minutes to get to Virginia Center Commons? Oh that’s too far! Some days I don’t even want to cross Rt.1.

Call or email me with your news and events. What’s going on in your church this week? I’m sure we’ve got some graduates who need some recognition for their hard work. 804-310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com

5/4/07 Plant Sale, Farmer's Mkt., Pool, Planning Comm. Mtg.

It is a late spring this year- my tomatoes were planted on April 25 and I am sure that I won’t have any ripe by the 4th of July. That was the date that my Uncle always aimed for, but it’s hard with these late frosts that we’ve had. The irises are opening now, and you can see the first real glimpses of shade over our yards; it’s my favorite time of year.

One of the best kept secrets is happening again this year- the 7th Annual Backyard Plant Sale to benefit the Nature Conservancy in Julie Erickson’s back yard. This is a sale full of native plants that are perfectly suited for our Central Virginia climate. Most of the plants are donated by your neighbors or gardens in the area, like Maymont and Lewis Ginter. All of the plants are carefully inspected to avoid any invasive species. I don’t believe you’ll see any morning glory for sale here! The sale starts this Friday May 4th, 4pm-dark and then on Saturday, May 5th 9am-1pm. The sale is at 203 Howard St., 1 ½ blocks west of the tracks in downtown Ashland. You can call 752-7671 or email jberickson@concast.net for information.

I have been waiting for the Farmer’s Market to open ever since Washington’s Birthday, because I’ve always heard that you should plant peas on that day. There’s nothing better than a fresh tilled field and all the bright green shoots emerging from that black Hanover soil. You can find a wonderful selection of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and plants, herbs, honey, and fresh-picked flowers. I would suspect you’ll see some strawberries, organic lettuce, maybe some peas, and lots of potted herbs, perennials, and flowers. Farmer’s Market Opening Saturday, May 5th from 9-12pm. The market is in the parking lot behind the Town Hall in Ashland. Call 804-798-9219 for more information.

Sunday, May 6th is the Spring Choral Concert at Randolph-Macon at 2pm in Blackwell Auditorium, Ashland. The spring performance will focus on African and African-American folk music. Call 804-752-7200 for more information.

Have you joined the Ashland Pool yet? That wonderful manager- Hunter Hoy is back again to make our summer fun and safe. They have talented lifeguards, plenty of umbrellas, and the ice cream truck is usually there at the top of every hour. Call the Town for more information. 804-798-9219

The Ashland Planning Commission is meeting this Wednesday, May 9 at 6:30pm at Town Hall. That’s earlier than usual because they have a lot to discuss: Ashbury is back, but is now called East Ashland and has changed some since we saw it almost two years ago. They’re also discussing the proposed Lowe’s store on Rt. 1 behind Slash Cottage. Come out and give your opinion! The involvement of this community is what sets it apart from the rest. No one could ever call us apathetic.

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7-11. It’s a great opportunity to tell a teacher how much we value the hard work they do!

Don’t forget to stop at those cross walks in town if you see someone trying to cross the street. It would only take a few seconds out of your drive and would greatly increase the happiness of the pedestrians in town.

This column is lots of fun for me to write, but it’s your stories that make it newsworthy. Send me your stories, your news, your favorite things about living in Ashland. Call me at 804-310-5320 or email ashlandnews@gmail.com