5/12/08 School's Over, Heat's On, Birthday Candles Blown Out

The three “H” sisters have returned to Ashland for the summer. Did you forget about them? Hazy, Hot, and Humid arrived just last week and have taken up residence in our sweet town. Be nice to them and try to get along; sometimes they don’t leave until the middle of October!

A cool place to be in the summer is the Ashland Library. The Summer Reading program began June 7th and continues through August 16th, so stop by to sign up yourself and your kids. Keep them reading through the summer, and keep checking the library’s website to see what’s going on: http://www.pamunkeylibrary.org/ashland.htm.

Three cheers to the Ashland Little League, who ended their season in a sauna. It’s another wonderful example of a volunteer organization that exists solely for the kids. Machine Pitch had their Championship game on Saturday June 7th between the Braves and Dodgers, with the Dodgers winning 12 - 10. The win sealed the Dodgers in first place for the season and the Braves in second. Congratulations to Ronny Maier, whose home run helped the Dodgers clinch their win!

Big birthday wishes to Katelynn Brown who turned seven on June 8th, and Jo Ann Hunter who turned 26 on June 9th!


The Ashland Girl Scout Service Unit spent the night rock-climbing recently at Peak Experience in Midlothian. While I’m sure they got little sleep, they had a fun experience. Many thanks to all the moms who chaperoned. We hope they got to get a nap the next day!


Congratulations to the new PTA presidents for the 08-09 school year: Monica Klisz at Henry Clay, Donna Brooks at John Gandy, and Debbie Algiano at Liberty Middle. If any of these women ask for your help in the months to come, I hope you’ll volunteer your time. Their commitment to our children makes a huge difference in our schools.


The Fifth graders at Gandy put on a great show last week. Their talented music teacher, Susan Winkler, has raised recorder music to a new level. I am always impressed, and often have tears in my eyes, when I see how hard these kids of worked and how much they love what they are doing. Ms. Winkler has been the 5th grader’s music teacher since they were kindergartners at Henry Clay, so it was a poignant evening as she wished them good luck at Liberty next year.

Well, my mother is thoroughly disappointed in me as I have no tomatoes growing in my garden this year. I will have to depend on the kindness of friends (and the Ashland Farmers Market) to get my family through the summer and not suffer from a lack of lycopene. Let me know your Ashland news! You can reach me by phone or email: (804) 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!

6/5/08 Strawberry Faire, Ashland Pool, Tim Russert Serves Up Leftovers

I hope you’re all ready for the Strawberry Faire this weekend. Did you clean out your wagon? I’ve read that strawberries are packed with vitamins, folic acid, fiber, and calcium, so I think that means that strawberry shortcake is good for you! The Faire starts at 10 am, and you can park at either Henry Clay or Gandy Elementary Schools and catch the bus over to the RMC campus. For you Richmond readers, Amtrak has $13 tickets available from Staples Mill to Ashland. Visit http://www.amtrak.com/ for details.

Happy Birthday to Kate Melson who turns 9 on June 10th!

If you’re looking for some summer activities for your kids, consider the Hanover Arts and Activities Theater Camp. Lorie Foley returns this year as director to lead her talented actors and actresses in “The Wizard of Oz”. Camp will run July 14th through August 14th, and there are two different sessions: one for 3rd through 9th graders, and one for 1st and 2nd graders. Go to http://www.hanoverarts/ for more information and a registration form.

Remember to go to the Ashland Library where Jim Scanlon will present a “History of Randolph-Macon College” at 10:00 am this Saturday. Enjoy a breakfast of strawberries and learn about R-MC, which is such an important part of our sweet town. After that, just walk over to the Strawberry Faire. Prof. Scanlon’s presentation is sponsored by the Pamunkey Regional Library. Call 798-4072 for more information.

The Ashland Farmer’s Market is getting rave reviews this year. I’ve heard people comment that it’s better than some found in Richmond. The cut flowers will last for days on your kitchen table, and you won’t find any better tasting veggies anywhere. They’re open each Saturday from 9 am until noon behind Town Hall.

The Ashland Pool has opened for the season on the weekends until school gets out. Hunter Hoy has returned as manager which means we’re in for another perfect summer, where we can close our eyes and pretend that we’re in the south of France. On Fridays, the pool is open from 4:30 until 9:00 pm, and then Saturday and Sunday it’s open from 11:00 am until 8:00 pm. Regular hours will begin Tuesday, June 17th, with free admission for all school children. Admission is $4 per person during the week and $7 per person on the weekends. Season passes are also available at Town Hall. Call 798-2520 for more information.

Excuse me for a minute while I stand on my soap box and shake my finger at Mr. Tim Russert. We were so delighted that Randolph-Macon got the host of “Meet the Press” to be their speaker at graduation this past weekend, until we found out that he’s given the exact same speech at least two other times at different colleges. It was a bit disappointing. R-MC deserved an original commencement address.

By the time you read this, school will have just about a week left. I know you must get tired of me saying it, but we’re really lucky to have such good public schools here in Ashland. Be sure to let me know of any graduates who need congratulating! You can reach me at 310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!

This rainbow was over Ashland Sunday evening. Look, the pot of gold on the left side must be at Gandy, and the pot of gold on the right must be at Henry Clay. (Or maybe Rob & Sharon Stiles' house. Anyone got a shovel?)

Friday, May 30, 2008...News Flash... Neon Lights still Working at Ashland Theater

The lights of the Ashland Theater were lit up last night, which led us to wonder why. We were curious and had to go up to the doors and peer inside. No one was there, but the inside doors to the lobby were open. I had hoped that we would see the real estate agent shaking hands with some proud new owner, but the "For Sale" signs are still there. Maybe it was all bright and shiny to add to the festive spirit felt by the soon-to-be graduates of RMC. I'm sure Ashland's Finest were busy last night with the numerous parties that were held (fireworks!) in anticipation of their big day today. We got the scoop from the night watchman at Randolph-Macon, who was standing guard over the hundreds of chairs for the ceremony, that Tim Russert wasn't planning on leaving DC until 2 hours before graduation. We think that's cutting it a little close, Tim.

The other possibility is that it could have been the ghost...

5/29/08 Sunshine & No Humidity, Luck of the DAR, Strawberry Faire on the Horizon

We could not have ordered a more beautiful Memorial Day weekend. It was like we were living in Southern California! We rode bikes everywhere, swam in the cold water at the Carter Park Pool, and talked to our neighbors at Cathy & Charles Waldrop’s annual Memorial Day Picnic. We were also lucky enough to get to join in the Ashland Memorial Day March from the Library to Woodlawn Cemetery to remember those who gave their lives so we might live in peace.

The Ashland Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday from 9 to noon in the parking lot behind Town Hall. There are beautiful local cut flowers and those Hanover tomatoes should be appearing soon, and we can all start eating BLT’s again.

Congratulations to Carleigh Luck who was chosen by the administration at Elmont Elementary school to receive the Good Citizenship Award from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Carliegh is continuing a long-standing tradition of the Luck’s being good citizens in Ashland. This came as no surprise to us!

Ashland Strawberry Faire is this coming Saturday, June 7th from 10-5pm on the streets around R-MC. It’s so nice to have the streets shut off from traffic and be able to stroll along. Bring your wagon or some friends to help carry home all the good things to be found there: hanging baskets, flats of strawberries, hand-made crafts, Windsor chairs, antiques, and plenty of strawberry shortcake. Stay and listen to some great music and cheer on the contestants in the Little Miss and Mr. Strawberry Contest.

Before you go to the Faire, go to the Ashland Library where Jim Scanlon will present a “History of Randolph-Macon College” at 10:00 am. Enjoy a breakfast of strawberries and learn about R-MC, which is such an important part of our sweet town. After that, just walk over to the Faire! Prof. Scanlon’s presentation is sponsored by the Pamunkey Regional Library. Call 798-4072 for more information.

Congratulations to Annette Adler who was recently named Insurance Woman of the Year by the Insurance Women of Richmond Association. Annette was recognized for making a difference in their association, the insurance industry, and her community. Here in Ashland, Annette is on the board of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center where she creates and publishes the quarterly newsletter.

I am worried about this study that VDOT is conducting about the possibility of eliminating passenger train service from Ashland and the Staples Mill station. I hope that we’ll all take the time to write a letter or attend the public input meeting in September to let Amtrak know what a big mistake that would be. One of the sweetest sounds that I’ve ever heard is whistles of two approaching trains. They sound as if they’re speaking, or singing to one another as they approach the town from different directions. At our house, we think it sounds like a lullaby at night and we’re reminded of how fortunate we are to live here. You can email your comments about this possible travesty to drpt.pr@drpt.virginia.gov.

This column is over a year old! Have you enjoyed it? Voice your opinions- email me at ashlandnews@gmail.com or give me a call at 310-5320. Have a great week!

3/22/08 Dr. Miller Moving Up, Maniac Tom Grant, Memorial Day March,

Congratulations are due to Dr. Patricia Miller who was recently appointed Assistant Director of Early Education for Hanover County Public Schools. Dr. Miller has been principal of John M. Gandy Elementary, and will be leaving behind a school that has flourished under her leadership. It is fortunate that all the children in Hanover can now benefit from her expertise, dedication, and genuine love for education, but I am sad for my kids and for Gandy. In my heart I knew that she was bound for higher things; you can’t be a bright star like that and not move upwards. And even though she will only be across the parking lot, she will be greatly missed. Well done, Dr. Miller, well done.

Oh, Saturday night was beautiful! Those Street Parties are so much fun. Food, music, dancing, friends, and a full moon over-head. How could it get any better? Well, maybe if my friends danced more. We just seem to stand around and talk, in a rural kind of way. I was blow away by Charles Hartgrove (Town Manager) and the God Fearin’ Snake Handlers. They were wonderful and I hope we get many more chances to listen to their music this summer. The talent in this town never ceases to amaze me. The next one will be July 19th- put it on your calendar.

Happy Birthday wishes go out this week to Mike Spence and AC Bruce! I hope they both have a great day and get lots of good presents.

I think we all knew that Tom Grant was a maniac, but now we have official proof. Tom just completed his third marathon in three months, which gives him membership in the Marathon Maniac Club. I have heard stories about wild parties and secret handshakes, and hope that Tom will remember her friends back in Ashland as he readies himself for fame and glory.

Before you have your cookout this Memorial Day, come walk in the 7th Annual Memorial Day March which leaves the Ashland Library at 1pm for a silent march down Hanover Street to Woodlawn Cemetery. This event, hosted by the Ashland American Legion, is to remember and honor those service men and women from Hanover who gave their lives defending our freedom. “We do not gather to glorify war.” This is really a beautiful event. Make sure your kids know why they got the day off from school.

Tim Russert, of NBC’s “Meet The Press”, will be in town this week to speak at RMC’s commencement on May 31st. Congratulations to the class of 2008! I hope that as you make your way through life, you’ll think of Ashland as your home once. We certainly thought of you as our kids while you were here.

I hope that everyone has a wonderful week. Soccer is finished for us, so we’re relaxing this week and getting ready for Ashland Barracuda swim practice to begin. I bet that pool will be cold when it opens. The blue lip rule will hopefully be in effect. Hats off to the Ashland Youth Soccer League! These volunteers always run a wonderful season. Stay dry, stay warm- don’t put those sweaters away yet. Call or email me with your Ashland stories: 804-310-5320, or ashlandnews@gmail.com. A record of these columns can be found at www.ashlandnews.blogger.com.

3/15/08 Goodbye Cobblestone, Rabbits Dancing, First Street Party of Summer, Invest in a Pair of Galoshes

The 150 Clunker Cruise was a perfect event this past Saturday, with an assortment of bikes- all shapes, sizes, and ages- that toured through town escorted by Ashland‚s Finest. The group even crossed Rt. 1 and stopped for ice cream at the Dairy Freeze. What a great way to spend a Saturday evening! I know there are many people who hope this event returns. Joel Street outdid himself, and we will miss him and Cobblestone Bicycles. Center Street will not seem as bright without the splash of colorful jerseys and the sparkle from polished frames. Bike riders always remind me of butterflies, so quiet as they fly down the street.


This evening, May 15th, Roseanne Shalf will present a lively, entertaining, and informative history on the town of Ashland. Come and learn how to answer those out-of-town guests who ask, "Why is it named ‘Slash Cottage’?" The presentation will begin at 7 pm at the Ashland Library with refreshments provided by the Friends of the Ashland Library.


The Concert Ballet of Virginia will present “Peter Rabbit” at the Henry Clay War Memorial this Friday, May 16th, at 7pm. The evening will begin with the instillation of the 08-09 PTA Officers and a concert by the Neighborhood Children’s Choir. Tickets are $4 each in advance, and $5 at the door. Advance tickets are available at Henry Clay.


The Ashland Farmer’s Market is open every Saturday through the summer behind Town Hall from 9 to noon. Shopping there is one of the easiest ways to support our local growers. Not only does everything grown in Hanover County taste better, but every penny that you spend goes directly to the farmer. You’ll find lettuces, herbs, honey, eggs, spring vegetables, cut flowers and potted plants. You’ll also see your neighbors and catch up on all the town news.

Come out to Poor Farm Park next Sunday, May 25th at 2pm. for a guided wildflower tour by Naturalist Shirlea Pemberton. Follow the road all the way to the end and meet Ms. Pemberton at the amphitheater, one of the prettiest sites around. For more information, call 798-1197.

I hope to see you this Saturday at the first Street Party! Tickets ate $5 in advance and then $10 at the door for adults. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. The party begins at 6pm, with an intro by The God Fearin’ Snake Handlers (featuring out own town manager Charles Hartgrove) and then music by King Edward and the B.D’s. You can find tickets all around town. Visit http://www.ashlandstreetparties.com/ for more details.

The PTA at Henry Clay could use a little help this Saturday morning, May 17th, at 9am. They were awarded a grant for a designed out-door classroom & lunch area called the "Cub's Cafe". Sarah Datovech is in need of volunteers to help put in the plants and get this garden ready before the end of the school year. Please give her a call if you can help, or just show up with a shovel- 752-6175.

Stay dry in all this wet weather. Think of those dry days of August that will be here soon. Call or email me with your Ashland news! I can be reached at 310-5320 or ashlandnews@gmail.com. You can find a record of these columns at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/. Have a wonderful week!

5/8/08 Farmer's Market Ushers in Spring, Dancing at the Library, Planting Trees and Quick Chicks

This has to be one of my favorite times of year in Ashland. The humidity hasn’t set in yet, and everything is green, green, green. The Farmer’s Market returned last weekend with its wonderful fresh vegetables, farm eggs, flowers and herbs. Everyone is out in their gardens, and the neighborhood sounds of birds, lawnmowers, and laughing children last until late in the evening. If you have a moment, stop and look around you. Do you know how lucky you are to be living here?

Hurry up and get your tickets for the first Ashland Street Party coming next Saturday, May 17th. Tickets ate $5 in advance and then $10 at the door for adults. Children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. The party begins at 6pm, with music by King Edward and the B.D’s. I promise that you’ll have a great time, especially if you wear your dancing shoes. You can find tickets all around town. Visit http://www.ashlandstreetparties.com/ for more details.

Plant 150 is an effort to plant 150 trees this year in honor of our sweet town’s birthday. We’re decorating! These trees will be the balloons and streamers that you hang for your children’s birthday parties. If you don’t need another tree in your own yard, consider purchasing and donating one to be planted around town.

The trees are $15 each and the order form is available at http://www.ashland150.com/.

Come join the Ashland 150 Clunker Cruise. It takes place on Saturday, May 10 at 5 pm starting at Cobblestone Bicycles (102 South Railroad Ave., Ashland). No, it's not 150 miles. It doesn't even approach 150 km. It's just an easy two-wheeled tour around our fair town, with attitude. Any type of bike is appropriate for this cruise. You should come out just to see what Jeff Reihl will be riding. I’m sure it will be something fascinating, and possibly home-made. If you have any questions, call or stop by at Cobblestone. http://www.cobblestonebikes.com/.

The Ashland Runner Girls succeeded in conquering yet another road race this past weekend. Kathy Abbott, Tamra Bardwell, Laura Boone, Tracy Brown, Jo Ann Hunter, Monica Klisz, Corinne Luck, Susan Spence, and Tammy Proffit traveled to Frederick, MD to run as a relay team in a marathon to benefit the United Way and Special Olympics of Maryland.

I think the Olympic trials must be next on their list.

The deadline to register for the Patrick Henry Half Marathon Training Team has been extended to May 10th! You still have time to get in shape to run this great race, guided along the way by some attentive and energetic coaches- including, ahem, myself. Visit www.quickteams.com/rrrc-hmt for information and to register. You’ll never know how great running will make you feel until you try it.


Finally, no, I don’t think that the Ashland Movie Theater is really haunted, and in no way would I want to put off a potential buyer. I just like to imagine a spirit sitting in the seats watching a ghostly feature. I miss going to that theater so much that I have to find some way to write about it. It breaks my heart to think of it empty and silent. Sigh.



Get outside and breathe this wonderful air this week! Call or email me with any Ashland news: 804-310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. You can find a record of these columns at http://www.ashlandnews.blogspot.com/.