Ashland yearbook committee hard at work
By BILL DORAN
Not a week goes by that there isn't something to do with Ashland's 150th anniversary. What many people don't realize is the number of people involved in the planning and production of these events. One example of this is the Ashland Yearbook Committee. Members of the Ashland Yearbook Committee meet to review submissions, which are due April 1.
The committee is made up of 77 volunteers that are broken down into 17 committees. Some of the committees include: the school committee, the church committee, the business committee and the editing committee.
"We want everyone who has ever called Ashland home to submit stories," said Tucker. "We want people who have ever lived here, whether it was for six months or 60 years. This includes former Randolph-Macon college students or just renters who may have been here while they were having a house built in the county. This includes the surrounding areas as well. Anyone who has ever lived in the 23005 zip code needs to be in this book."
Tucker even asked this reporter if he had ever lived in Ashland. I told her I lived here for four months back in 1991. "You are part of the problem. You should be submitting a story. I can't stress this enough, we want everyone to be included in this book."
The deadline of April 1 for submissions is fast approaching. "We know many people are writing their stories, but we need them all to hurry up," stated Tucker. "We need organizations to put together their history. The garden clubs, the Lions Clubs, Ace's and other non-profits need to submit their entries."
Submissions have been coming in on almost a daily basis, and the editing committee is hard at work getting them ready for publication. "When I get another envelope in the mail, I am so excited," said Tucker. "It is like Christmas morning."
"Easter is coming up on March 23," said committee member Betty Carol Stevenson. "This is a great opportunity to put your story together and get family photos done. We have been reaching out to alumni associations to find people. If anyone knows of anyone that should be in this yearbook, please get on the phone and get the information to them."
The committee has been putting this together since December. The mailings of forms went out to every resident and business in the community in mid-January. The committee has been holding writing workshops at the Library over the last few months as well. The next one will be March 20 from 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
The basic guidelines for submission are, 300 words per household (if you need to go over this limit it will cost you 10 cents a word). Each story should be signed "submitted by." Stories must be typed on plain typing paper and double-spaced. Submit an unframed picture not to exceed 11 by 14 (write a caption identifying those pictured, including your name and address and tape it to the back of the picture.) Indicate if you want the picture returned.
Remember that your picture and story will be included in the book absolutely free to you. You can reserve your copy at the early bird price of $55. After the books arrive next spring, the cost of the books will go up.
You can find information at ashland150.org or call Susan Tucker at (804) 798-7123.