Town has a lot to offer residents
March 24, 2006 (Joan Tupponce, Richmond Times Dispatch)
No one loves a parade more than Anthony Keitt.
Each year, he and his wife stake out their perfect spot for both Ashland's Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration and Olde Time Parade.
"I enjoy the fact that these parades are a gathering for many members of the community," said Keitt, an Ashland resident. "One of the nice things about the Fourth of July parade is that you can bring your dog and walk along in the parade. Any other place, you might say to yourself, 'This is corny,' but in Ashland, it just fits."
Amenities in Ashland are as diverse as the interests of its residents. The town offers everything from literary selections at the Richard S. Gillis Library to the trendy Skateboard Park where skateboarders regularly practice their ollies and 180s.
Ashland police Capt. Ralph Johnson has a son who frequents the park.
"He's been skateboarding for eight years and goes to the park two to three days a week after school and on Saturdays," Johnson said. "He likes the new equipment there."
Skateboard Park is one of eight parks in the town. The largest is Carter Park, where recreational activities abound. The 14-acre park features a municipal swimming pool, sand volleyball court, a half basketball court, a playground area and picnic shelter.
Residents also frequent DeJarnette Park, where they can relax with a picnic lunch or fish in a 1-acre pond.
Fitness is the focus at the town's two YMCAs and Ashland Skateland, a locally owned and operated roller-skating rink that is home to the Central Virginia Youth Roller Hockey League.
On Saturdays, the attention turns to the movies. Each week, dozens of people line up at the Ashland Theater, a restored art deco movie house from the 1940s, for a few hours of Hollywood magic. Local businesses sponsor the films to help benefit the Hanover Humane Society.
"It's fun to be in the old theater," said Suzanne Wolstenholme, president of the Hanover Humane Society and owner of Homemades by Suzanne, a local cafe/catering business.
"It's a different experience for many people. It's not elaborate. It's a small-town theater. They don't make these one-screen theaters any more."
The Hanover Arts and Activities Center also uses the theater for events.
"We work with other nonprofit groups in the area, providing meeting space and promoting events," said Faith Boyle, executive director.
One of the most anticipated events is the Ashland Musical Variety Show, put on by the residents of Ashland and Hanover.
"There's no talent required," Boyle said with a laugh. "For the last show, we had 300 cast members and behind-the-scenes folks."
Some of the acts are touching; some are campy.
"Last year we had the men dressed up in drag dancing to 'Proud Mary,' " Boyle said. "We also have a hometown segment where three people get together and poke fun at the town and county leaders through music."
Residents enjoy what the town has to offer families, Boyle added. "There are lots of opportunities to get together with your neighbors."
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO
MEMO: SPECIAL SECTION: EXPLORING ASHLAND