3/11/10

I think we're done with this winter! I heard frogs in the creek the other evening, and woke up this morning to geese flying north. By the time you read this, I feel certain that the daffodils in Eric & Carrie Hendrickson's yard will be blooming. The redbud trees can't be far behind and soon that bright, bright green of spring will cover our town, and we will sleep with the windows open a few inches.

Here's a little gossip: did you hear that Sissy Spacek was at the Ashland Coffee and Tea the other night? Everybody wants to be an Ashlander these days!

There are lots of March babies to celebrate! Riley Dull had a party on March 4th, and her mom, Chris, gets her presents on the 14th. Julia Chambers celebrates on the ides of March- the 15th! Happy Birthday to all these girls!

On Wed., March 17th, Alice in Wonderland comes to the Cobb Theater at Randolph-Macon. This new version is directed by Emily Arnold as her senior project in drama, and promises to be a delightful show. Tickets are $5 to the general public, $2.50 for children (12 and under). The Drama Department box office phone line opens March 8. Call (804) 752-7316 for reservations.The proceeds of both shows will go toward CJ's Thumbs Up Foundation. Additional donations welcome at the show.

You should sign up right now for the Railroad Run 10K if you haven't done so already! This year's race will be held on Saturday, April 10th and will host the Second Annual Green Fair that was so much fun last year. The race begins at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, as usual, but will follow a new and improved course through our picturesque town. Sign up on-line at http://www.hanoverarts.org/.

The performance of "We Were There: History through the Arts" has been rescheduled to March 26th & 27th at 7 p.m. at the Blackwell Auditorium on the campus of Randolph-Macon College. Come to this FREE event and enjoy the stories and songs of Ashland & Hanover County residents.For more information contact The Hanover Arts and Activities Center at (804) 798-2728. http://www.hanoverarts.org/.


Our Firehouse Theater will show "Cinema Paradiso" this Saturday night at 7:30pm. This Italian film won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film at the 1989 Academy Awards. Come see this brilliant film in your backyard! Tickets are $6, and there are refreshments available for purchase. The Firehouse Theater is located at the old firehouse at the corner of Hanover and Duncan St's, across from Town Hall.

Award winning actress and playwright Gene Glave will present her one woman show "Mammalogues" on Sunday, March 14th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for the public and free to Randolph Macon students with RMC ID and will be available at Homemades by Suzanne, Cross Brothers Grocery in Ashland and at the R-MC Bookstore.or more information call: 798-6556.

There is theater all over the place, Ashland! You're such a cultured town!
Tracy Brown, did you think I forgot your birthday? I hope you had a wonderful day on the 10th and got lots of presents!

Here's your assignment this week, COTU residents! Go outside, remember those flowers that you planted last year. Find a seed catalog and order something. Walk to the Feed Store or Southern States, and plan out your garden. You could plant some sweet peas this weekend! Dust off you back porch. Pretty soon we will be sitting out there, watching the evening stars come out. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great week!

3/4/10 Finding What You're Looking For and Heros all Around Us

I almost ran off and joined the Coast Guard this week. Why the Coast Guard, you ask? Why not the circus? I have never been as sure of anything as I am that I could free-fall out of a helicopter into a hurricane to rescue boaters. I just know I could. I have dreamed about it for years, confident that I missed my calling, and last week I called the recruiter to tell them that I was ready. My father said that I obviously had too much free time on my hands.

I didn't leave because an old friend suggested that I look in my backyard to cure my longing. Will I ever learn? How many times does this lesson have to hit me over the head before I drive my family & friends crazy? Can I not be content to find a way to make this piece of the world a little better? Do I have to solve big, glamorous problems like sinking ships, hurricanes and floods? Can I not find satisfaction in our Ashland problems? Can I not be content to help find a coat for a child or help raise money for our old Arts & Activities Center?

In Thornton Wilder's play, "Our Town", a main character asks, "Do any human beings ever realize life while they're in it?--every, every minute?" No Emily, they do not. Even though I tell people all the time to appreciate this sweet town that we have, I do not take my own advice.
Look at these wonderful celebrations all around us!

Peyton Luck, son of Ross & Corinne Luck of Lower Ashland, received the highest Cub Scout award this past weekend: the Arrow of Light Award, and is now off to join Boy Scout Troop #700 in Ashland. He'll be an Eagle Scout before we know it.

The performance of "We Were There: History through the Arts" has been rescheduled to March 26th & 27th at 7 p.m. at the Blackwell Auditorium on the campus of Randolph-Macon College. Come to this FREE event and enjoy the stories and songs of Ashland & Hanover County residents.For more information contact The Hanover Arts and Activities Center at (804) 798-2728. http://www.hanoverarts.org/.

One of my favorite movies is coming to our local Firehouse Theater this Saturday! "Singing in the Rain" will be shown at 7:30pm. Tickets are $6 for the shows, and there is popcorn, candy, and drinks available at the concession stand. It is simply wonderful to have a movie theater that you can walk to.

Happy 4th Birthday to Katie Thompson of Beaverdam on March 9th! Shine on Katie! I hope your birthday is the best day ever.

This praise is a little over-due, but our Ashland Police Department has some dedicated officers. Back in January, Sergeant Hicks, Officer Bonistalli and Officer Gray responded to a house fire on Henry Clay Road, and before the fire department could get there they had used their own fire extinguishers to keep the fire from spreading to the rest of the house. They also located a person trapped on the second floor and were able to direct the fire fighters who immediately rescued the gentleman who was alive and ok. See? In our own backyards, Ashland.

I really don't know how I forgot- maybe it was this long winter that we've had. Our happy existence is here. Sometimes we stand too close and let the everyday trials cloud our vision. We are all meant to be here, at the Center, we are all here for a reason. Find something to celebrate this weekend. Be content.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a beautiful week.

2/25/10 A Taste of Spring, Hanover Idols, RRR

I hope you all stayed outside as much as possible this past weekend. I am amazed at the amount of snow that melted, and the amount that is still hanging around! I just love seeing the sidewalks again, and any moment now you'll hear that "ping" of the R-MC baseball team in the batting cage. Spring must surely be right around the corner. We just have to get through March, and we'll be golden.

You should sign up right now for the Railroad Run 10K if you haven't done so already! This year's race will be held on Saturday, April 10th and will host the Second Annual Green Fair that was so much fun last year. The race begins at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, as usual, but will follow a new and improved course through our picturesque town. Sign up on-line at http://www.hanoverarts.org/.

There's lots of interesting things coming to our sweet college in the next few weeks. Award winning actress and playwright Gene Glave will present her one woman show "Mammalogues" on Sunday, March 14th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for the public and free to Randolph Macon students with RMC ID and will be available at Homemades by Suzanne, Cross Brothers Grocery in Ashland and at the R-MC Bookstore.or more information call: 798-6556.

The Central VA Masterworks Chorale invites you to the 3rd annual Bal de Chorale, Sunday, March 21, 2010, beginning at 6:00 pm. Celebrate the arrival of Spring as you enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine, raffles, and a live music auction. The Bal will be held at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, 500 South Center Street, Ashland. Tickets are $55 in advance, $75 at the door. For tickets or more information, please call 804-368-7276.

Happy Birthday to Kathy Abbott who celebrated her birthday last week, and some loud cheers to Rodney Bardwell & Jackson Proffitt who will both open a few presents this weekend.

The Hanover Idol Competition took place this past weekend and exhibited some of our amazing talent here in Hanover County. The winner of the Hanover Junior Idol was Abram Dean Lunsford, and Runner Up was Faith Gitchell. The winner of the Hanover Idol was Ammie Mines-Derricott and the co-runners up were Kristen Wilson & Jamie Flanagan. Congratulations to everyone who competed! Stay tuned for the first public appearance of these winners!

And a Happy Belated Birthday to Dr. Patricia Cook! You may have seen Dr. Cook's traveling party on their scavenger hunt around Ashland this past weekend; I think everyone had a good time.

We've almost done it. We've almost gotten through this winter from 1915. February is just about out the door, and March is blowing our way. I hope that our patience and sacrifice during this snow will ensure us an easy spring. I'd like lots of daffodils and some baby frogs to sing me to sleep at night, please. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a great week!

2/17/10 Snow Blindness, Another Busy Weekend, No More Cakes

The snow is hurting my eyes. I don't like this bright, white light that reflects off the ground these days. It's garish, like fluorescent lights in a cafeteria, and makes everyone looks pale and ashy. I miss that soggy Ashland ground, and the soft Virginia sunshine that we know & love so well.

Casino Night at St. Ann's was a brilliant success thanks to it's amazing coordinators: Lorie Foley & Jackie Plank! It was nice to see our favorite auctioneer, Marlynn Turner, working that audience and increasing those bids! The food was comforting, the 70's outfits greatly entertaining, and lots of money was raised to fix the parish hall roof. A good time was had by all.

Movies are back this weekend at the Firehouse Theater in Downtown Ashland. Bring the whole family this Friday to see "Lillies of the Field" starring Sidney Poitier as an unwitting helper to a community of German nuns living in the desert. Then Saturday, "The Philadelphia Story" comes to town with Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and Jimmy Stewart. What a classic, classic movie! Both shows begin at 7:30 pm with popcorn and snacks for sale!

The finals of the Hanover Idol competition have been rescheduled to this Sunday, Feb. 21st at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center. The Junior Idol contest starts at 5:15, and the Hanover Idol starts at 7:30. Tickets are $7 at the door. Come early to get a seat and enjoy our incredible home-grown talent!

Here's another example of how we're all sick of the snow: the Randolph-Macon Men's Lacrosse team was out yesterday trying to clean the snow off their field. With snow shovels. One scoop at a time. Fight the good fight, boys, keep at it.

Bring your little kiddies out to the Ashland Library next Wednesday, Feb. 24th, for a Slumbertime Storytime at 6:30 pm.

Take advantage of all the good restaurants that we have in town now! There's wonderful music these days at the Ironhorse & Ashland Coffee and Tea, and our three new restaurants have set out to impress us all. Try Bart's Station Cafe, the Trackside Grill, or Turner & Braggs for your next big date.

If you're wondering why I haven't talked about the impending departure of Ukrop's, it's because it's just too disappointing and upsetting. I don't care what all those "come-heres" say, I loved Ukrop's. Every birthday cake I ever had came from there. It is like losing Thalhimers and Miller & Rhodes all over again. I cried in my pillow when they closed. Martin's- blah. That's how I feel.


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

2/11/10 Snow Snow Snow Snow

I am at a loss. I just am stunned at the amount of snow that keeps falling from the sky. The snow that's on the ground doesn't have time to melt before the next batch arrives. Sleds that used to last for years are getting worn out in two weeks, and the Ace Hardware can't keep snow shovels on the shelf. If you haven't already, take lots of pictures of this white stuff. Our sweet town is absolutely stunning in white, and who knows when it will come again like this.

Casino Night at St. Ann's Catholic Church is this Saturday, Feb. 13th! Come dressing in your fin disco clothes and bid on some of the amazing auction items that Jackie Plank has been collecting. There are ski vacations, Flying Squirrel tickets, tennis lessons- all kinds of fun things. Tickets are $20 per person and available at the door. The party begins at 6pm!

If you see Rosie Morris this week, please wish her a happy birthday! Rosie turned 5 on February 5th and I think there's a big party being planned for this weekend. Have you noticed how many important people are born in Feb? Lincoln, Washington, Galileo, Monica, Rosie...

I know it's hard to think of spring these days, but it will get here eventually, and it will be time for the Ashland Railroad Run! Think of that brilliant green that we see in the early spring! Think of the Red bud trees, the dogwoods- do you remember the Azaleas? What I'm getting at is think of how beautiful our streets will look when you run or walk down them in the Railroad Run. Entry forms are now available on line at http://www.hanoverarts.org/. It will be a wonderful event!

The Ashland Library is always warm on a cold afternoon! Come dressed in your snow boots and jammies for Slumbertime Story time on Wednesday, Feb. 24th at 6:30pm. Refreshments will be served. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library.

Did you hear that George Will is coming to Randolph-Macon on March 4th at 7pm? I'm sure it will be standing-room-only at Blackwell, but find a way to squeeze in if you can. I'm excited to hear what he talks about!

Happy Valentines Day Ashland! I sure do love you. If I was rich, I'd build all kinds of things for you: playgrounds, sidewalks, movie theaters, bandstands. But until I win the lottery, these love letters will have to do.

Call or email me with your Ashland news: ashlandnews@gmail.com, 310-5320. xoxo

2/4/10 Winter Wonderland, We Were There, Gandy Dreams of Spring

When this life is over and my days flash before my eyes, here is what I hope I remember: days of snow, trains stopped on the tracks, and dinner at ElAzteca surrounded by friends. I know that I will miss the ordinary times- when kids cry because there is snow in their gloves, sleds speeding down driveways, and clothes stained with hot chocolate. Big events like wedding and graduations will be harder to remember, and it will be those regular Sunday afternoons that we'll miss most of all. Remember them as hard as you can- they are fast and they disappear quickly.

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND WILL BE RESCHEULED IN MARCH:

I hope the coming weather isn't enough to shut down "We Were There: History through the Arts." this Friday and Saturday, February 5-6, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the Blackwell Auditorium on the campus of Randolph-Macon College. Residents of Ashland and Hanover County will also participate as storytellers and presenters, and the strong voices of the Ashland Community Chorus, will move us with stories told in song. Admission to the event is free to adults and children, but donations are appreciated and may be made at the door. For more information contact The Hanover Arts and Activities Center at (804) 798-2728. http://www.hanoverarts.org/.

Congratulations to the Gandy Garden Committee who have recently been awarded two grants to begin their work on transforming our school's courtyards into learning gardens! They recieved a $5000 grant from Lowe's and a $500 grant from Hanover Master Gardeners Association. What a beautiful place it will be.

Friday February 12th is Teen Movie Night at the Ashland Library at 6:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library, and pizza will be served. Call 798-4072 for more information.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, Feb. 13th because it's Casino Night at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Get ready- theme this year is "70's Disco Fever in Funkytown." Tickets are available by calling 798-5039, and sign up early beacause child care (but spaces are limited) is available if you need it.

If you see Monica Klisz this week, wish her a Happy Birthday! Monica will begin opening her big pile of presents on Feburary 6th!

Due to the snow, the Hanover Idols Competition has been moved to Sunday, February 21. Junior Idols Competition will begin at 5:15 pm, and Hanover Idols will begin at 7:30pm. Tickets are available at the Hanover Arts & Activities Center (804-798-2728), or on the day of the shows. For more information, please visit http://www.hanoverarts.org/.

One thing that I really like about the snow, besides all the obvious things, is that you can't do anything about it. In this modern age where almost everything can be fixed or bought, it is nice to have something that puts us all on a level playing field. It is a great equalizer. I hope it brings you more happiness than not. Call or email me with your Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Have a wonderful week!

1/28/10 The Center, We Were There, Firehouse Movies

Ok, where were we? Let's get back to sunshine and lollypops, Ashland. I think that we've already had enough sadness for 2010, and we are certainly due our fair share of happiness.

The 22 Hullabaloo at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center was a wonderful party. I hope many of you got to attend, have fun with old friends, and meet new ones. The decorations were astounding, the food marvelous, and the wine poured freely. It was a treat to watch Tom Wulf's video about the Center, and we are so thankful for the all the work that he's done. If you are not a member of the Hanover Arts and Activities Center, I would strongly encourage you to join. It's one of the easiest things you can do to support your community. You can find more information on the website: http://www.hanoverarts.org/, or by calling 798-2728

Friday February 12th is Teen Movie Night at the Ashland Library at 6:00 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Library, and pizza will be served. Call 798-4072 for more information.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Feb. 13th because it's Casino Night at St. Ann's Catholic Church. Get ready- theme this year is "70's Disco Fever in Funkytown." Tickets are available by calling 798-5039, and sign up early beacause child care (but spaces are limited) is available if you need it.

The great history of our country, both the tragedy and the triumph, will be presented in the production of "We Were There: History through the Arts." This event will take place on Friday and Saturday evenings, February 5-6, 2010, at 7 p.m. at the Blackwell Auditorium on the campus of Randolph-Macon College. Residents of Ashland and Hanover County will also participate as storytellers and presenters, and the strong voices of the Ashland Community Chorus, will move us with stories told in song. Admission to the event is free to adults and children, but donations are appreciated and may be made at the door. For more information contact The Hanover Arts and Activities Center at (804) 798-2728. http://www.hanoverarts.org/.

Our condolences to John & Vandi Hodges who are missing John's father who passed away on January 23rd. Mr. Hodges led a wonderful life, from landing on Omaha Beach on D-Day, to later serving as mayor of Williamsburg. He will be greatly missed by his family.

The next movie at the Ashland Firehouse Theater is "Lillies of the Field" starring Sidney Poitier
as an unemployed construction worker (Homer Smith) heading out west who tops at a remote farm in the desert to get water when his car overheats. The farm is being worked by a group of East European Catholic nuns, headed by the strict mother superior (Mother Maria), who believes that Homer has been sent by God to build a much needed church in the desert. An excellent, excellent movie. Curtain time is on February 6th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $6 at the door, and concessions are available, and the Theater is located at the old firehouse on the corner of Duncan St. and Hanover Ave. in Ashland.

Call or email me with your happy Ashland news: 310-5320, ashlandnews@gmail.com. Let's start decorating for Valentines Day- I want hearts and cupids all over the place!