Why Ashland?

In January 2006, the Salvation Army released the list of locations approved for the construction of a Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. As I opened the e-mail announcement, I wondered if one of these state-of-the-art centers would be built in Cleveland or Akron, or maybe Toledo or Youngstown, big cities with impoverished neighborhoods, just the kind of setting that Joan Kroc’s bequest was meant to serve, or so I thought. When I scanned the list of the winners, I was surprised to see that Ashland, Ohio was selected. A lovely town, yes, but why a Kroc Center in Ashland?

Six months later, that oft-repeated question became mine to answer when my husband Larry and I were given the responsibility to develop the RJKCCC in Ashland, Ohio. If I had a quarter for every time I’ve been asked that question over the last nine years, I could treat the town to Happy Meals – or Coneys and root beer from the A & W. I can’t speak for the hows and whys of the selection process. But in retrospect, I do know why Ashland is the home of a beautiful Kroc Center.

There is a Kroc Center in Ashland because of B.J. Brown. This die-hard Cleveland Browns, Indians and Cavs fan has cerebral palsy, and the old facility was not accessible for wheelchairs. Once B.J. became too heavy for his father to carry up the Salvation Army’s stairs, he could no longer attend programs there. But now, with a perfect record for church attendance and a broad smile even in the face of Cleveland defeats, the light in B.J.’s eyes shines throughout the Kroc Center.     

The Kroc Center also came to Ashland, Ohio for Trudy. With the support of ACCESS, Hospice, and Salvation Army staff, a dying journey that began in the Sacred Space at the RJKCCC brought faith, companionship and reconciliation to the final weeks of Trudy’s life.

And that’s not all. Because of the Kroc Center, Ashland’s children can leave their stifling apartments and stand for hours under the Tumblebuckets in RJ’s Spraypark on a hot and humid day – yes, soon! Women (and sometimes men) of all generations can pull up a chair to the knitting circle, creating community conversation accompanied by the rhythm of clicking needles. Young people can learn the basics of food preparation, gardening, or archery, and even the family dog can develop good manners in Puppy Pre-School. I just finished proof-reading the next program guide (available April 24) – there’s no way anyone can say, “there’s nothing to do in Ashland” this summer.

Has it made a difference? Ashland Times-Gazette editor Ted Daniels had this to say upon the first year anniversary: “In one short year, the Kroc Center has become such an integral part of the community that it's difficult to imagine Ashland without it. Perhaps that is the most fitting testament to its first-year success.”

Mrs. Kroc wanted these centers to level the playing field of opportunity so all children could reach for the stars. Yet so far, none of the children who’ve played soccer at the Kroc Center have advanced to the World Cup. None of its budding instrumentalists have performed at Carnegie Hall. No one from the afterschool program has been accepted at Harvard. Those may have been Joan Kroc’s lofty dreams for her legacy gift, but I’m happy to see young people playing middle school soccer, performing (soon) in Archer Auditorium, and beginning classes at AU. And, beyond specific achievements, I’m thrilled to see the development of character, confidence, and hope in children and adults, for as Christopher Reeve believed, “Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.”

Someone recently asked me why Mrs. Kroc chose Ashland. I explained that the McDonalds heiress died long before the sites for the new centers were chosen. But I believe that if she was able to spend just one day at the Ashland RJKCCC, she would be pleased with the choice. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if we’d hear her say, “I’m lovin’ it!” As it completes its sixth year of operation, I’m grateful to its donors, guests, staff, and supporters for making Ashland the perfect place for a Kroc Center. 

Ashland's Hidden Treasures

On days slightly more temperate than we’ve been experiencing in February 2015, the lovely Madelyn Simone and I like to visit the playground at Cahn Grove Park on Ashland’s Southeast side. When I finally coax her off of the swings, we usually head back home, but if an act of true love ever allows warm weather to return to Ashland’s own version of Arendelle, we’re going to spend a day in the park’s neighborhood. Yes, I’ve watched “Frozen” one too many times, but “baby, it’s cold outside.”

Here’s my plan when the weather decides to cooperate. We’ll start our day at The Dairy Bar with some home-cooked breakfast, although I do really like their French fries and the burgers with grilled onions. We’ll miss seeing Alan Hart at the grill, the big-hearted owner who died in late December, but the regulars will still be at their favorite tables. We’ll make our car payment to the welcoming people at Directions Credit Union, and then we’ll spend some time at the playground, where I’m going to teach this child to “pump” so I don’t have to push her on the swing for hours on end.

As a bribe to get her off the swings and across the street, I’ll give her a dollar and let her roam the aisles of the Family Dollar store to see what she’ll choose from its assorted merchandise. I’m hoping to talk her into bubbles instead of candy - we’ll see how that goes. By then, the pizza  ordered from Donna D’s should be ready, and we can head back to the park with our delicious lunch for more outdoor play.

After another stint at the playground, we’ll wander over to Ashland’s great pie restaurant, AKA the Lyn-Way. Will they have any raspberry pie, or will I have to settle for apple pie a la mode – or maybe coconut cream? I’ll convince Madelyn to order something I like, because she’ll end up eating mine anyway. Who can resist, “Can I taste yours, Nana?”

Our last visit to Cahn Grove Park was cut short by the arrival of heavy rain, but that won’t send us hustling home if the skies open up again. Instead, we’ll visit the new location of Local Roots Market at 1221 Cleveland Avenue. This wonderful cooperative of farmers, producers and consumers first gathered in the South Street warehouse, and then spent some time out on Route 60. But they’re back in town, and it’s now a gathering place for all kinds of locally-produced items and fascinating, friendly people.

You never know for sure what you’ll find on the shelves of Local Roots, but their Facebook postings alert their friends to the arrival of new items nearly every day. They carry an assortment of gluten free treats, locally grown produce, and yummy baked goods. You can also purchase Ecuadorian tamales (call ahead for availability), free range eggs, Millie’s essential oils, and Miss Kitty’s low suds laundry detergent. If you’d rather do some gift shopping, they display a wide variety of items from local crafters and artisans, and they’re now stocking books written by Ashland authors, including yours truly. It makes my day when Madelyn looks at one of my books and says, “That’s your picture, Nana,” so we’ll be sure to check out the book display. She may even notice her picture on the cover of “Family Ties: Reflections of a Smitten Grandmother.”

There’s one last critical stop before we head for home. The meat counter at the Cleveland Avenue Market will save my marriage as it provides the answer to the perpetual question, “What’s for supper?” That, along with a take-out pie from the Lyn-Way and we’ll be good to go.

Can’t wait till summer? While the park may be in hibernation for a few more weeks, its neighboring businesses are open and inviting. Pies are in the oven at Donna D’s and the Lyn-Way. Local Roots has heat, wi-fi, music and Miller’s Creamery Caramel Corn, so who needs summer? We’re supposed to have a tropical heat wave today (in the 20s), so maybe I’ll see you out and about at one of these hidden treasures here in Ashland, Ohio.  

A University Town

There’s excitement in the air on Saturdays as nearly 5000 people stream into Jack Miller Stadium for Ashland University football games. That same electric atmosphere is felt at the women’s basketball games, as Sue Ramsey will coach her players to victory one last season before retirement.

Visits to the Coburn Gallery engage our artistic senses, and community conversations with the Center for Civic Life are invigorating. The Center for Non-Violence raises an important voice as well, extending the gift of mediation as it seeks reconciliation in matters small and large. The “town and gown” music ensembles, the theater productions, and the annual Madrigal Feaste all add to the ambiance of a college town in mid-Ohio.  

Yes, Ashland University and Ashland Theological Seminary were two of the main reasons Larry and I remained in Ashland after we completed our service at the Salvation Army Kroc Center. Sure, Ashland is someplace special and also the self-described world headquarters of nice people, but I’m not sure that would have been enough to sway our decision towards Ashland had the buildings on Claremont and College Avenue or 910 Center Street (the seminary) been vacant. Our lives are enriched because we live in a college town.

It’s easy to take these many benefits for granted, including the economic impact of its hundreds of students and staff members. So when headlines report financial concerns at AU, we have to pay attention, for the health of the university directly impacts the Ashland community.

Like other educational institutions, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations, Ashland University must pay attention to the financial bottom line in its decision-making. As interim university president, Dr. William Crothers has been tasked with developing a fiscally and academically strong university for the future. To do so, an overall academic prioritization of departments is in process.

But before that was completed, cuts were made in the name of fiscal responsibility. Those current cuts, reported in the Times Gazette on September 26, were operational decisions, for Crothers noted that over time, the university had hired too many people. Crothers explains: “It’s all strategic. We are not cutting the budget when we do the prioritization, we are simply reallocating money . . . whereas I am cutting the budget [now] and getting us back to a solid financial state.”

The university’s actions have led to a fair share of finger-pointing, and have raised questions about the decision-making process as well as the university’s ability to maintain its distinctive academic degrees, smaller classes and personal attention to students, all valid concerns. How much extraordinary can happen on ordinary days (current branding) if faculty are terminated and open positions left vacant? Tough questions.

Those cuts mean that fifteen faculty members will be without employment at the end of the school year. They are not the first to lose their jobs at AU, as other employees have walked that difficult road over the past few years, but this is the first large cut to faculty. The frustrating irony is that the goal of long-term sustainability for the university causes good people to suffer. We are personally connected to these good people. They live among us, worship among us, and teach our children. One in particular has been a tremendous influence on the life of my son. Thanks, Tim, for who you are and what you do, words that can be spoken to other departing faculty members as well.

As disheartening as the lay-offs seem, I am glad the university gave advance notice, allowing these good people to begin their next job search with adequate time to find other employment. As HR departments often advise, university leadership could have sent security guards to the classroom on the last day of the semester with personalized pink slips and cardboard boxes, but they didn’t, a small grace.

It’s time for the people of Ashland to stand in the gap for our brothers and sisters of the university community. “Live United” is more than a United Way slogan – it is the way we live. Here’s to speedy job offers for our friends, thoughtful dialogue among stakeholders, full enrollment and fiscal responsibility for the university, and a gridiron win over Malone. AU strong, Ashland strong.

A Satisfying Benediction

In June of each year, the Salvation Army commissions new leaders from its College for Officers’ Training. After two years of study and hands-on experience, these graduates receive their diplomas in recognition of their achievement, and are also given their first assignment in front of a couple of thousand of their friends and family members. There is a great deal of speculation as to where they might be placed, but the exact location remains secret until they hear of their new assignment from Salvation Army leadership.

During this year’s public “great reveal,” Commissioner Barry Swanson, the eastern territory’s leader, decided to describe the community prior to announcing the location. An urban center of great historical significance, one of the top ten micro-cities in the United State, a community at the headwaters of the St. Lawrence Seaway – each descriptive statement gave a clue as to where that first assignment would be. One of my favorite was the town that hosts the largest chainsaw carving gathering in the U.S. (Ridgeway, Pennsylvania).

How is a community described by those who have lived there forever, or by visitors stopping in for a day or two? Is it best known by its physical characteristics (river, rolling hills, scenic view), its history (a Revolutionary War battle), or its manufacturing (steel, automobiles)? Or is a community best known for its festival, such as Mike the Headless Chicken Days in Fruita, Colorado, Eeyore’s Birthday Party in Austin, Texas, or the Twins Day Festival in Twinsburg, Ohio?

How do we describe our community? Fortunately, we haven’t been slapped with the moniker of the Mistake by the Lake (Cleveland) or the Armpit of the East (Buffalo). Having lived near both of those cities, the label is uncalled-for, as there is much to celebrate in both locations. Titles are deceptive, for I’ve also lived in the City of Brotherly Love, where crime was rampant and love was often absent.

So what about Ashland, Ohio? Ashland is someplace special, according to the city website, and Ashland “has benefited from having its city capabilities cloaked in a rural backdrop. The pace of life is less stressful than many large cities and there are plenty of opportunities for enjoyment outside of work.” I can agree with that.

Although I hesitate to say it, while I do understand that Ashland is someplace special, I also recognize that Ashland is an ordinary place. We don’t have majestic scenery, bizarre festivals, or multi-million dollar corporations. We manufacture cookies and shaving cream, not airplanes or blimps. Our citizens work hard, care for their families, and pay their taxes, but there aren’t many millionaires or celebrities among us. We are ordinary.

All too often, “ordinary” gets a bad rap. Even its definition isn’t exciting: “with no special or distinctive features, normal.” While I don’t suggest that we make it our new tag line, “Ashland, Ohio: someplace ordinary,” I’d rather be called normal than abnormal or paranormal.

A similar word is quotidian: “occurring every day; belonging to every day; commonplace, ordinary.” There is a quotidian rhythm to life in Ashland, sometimes a struggle to the young among us, but a gift to those who may not want to drink the kool-aid our fast-paced culture is peddling. It is the gift of an evening stroll on tree-lined sidewalks, attendance at the summer concerts in the park, and the unexpected sound of a horse-drawn buggy clopping down the street.

Walter Martin offers advice to parents: “Help [your children] to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life. Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples and pears . . . And make the ordinary come alive for them.” The ordinary, quotidian rhythm of life can appear to be boring and mundane, but Kierkegaard speaks of the alternate truth: “Repetition is the daily bread which satisfies with benediction.”

Ordinary? Perhaps so. Yet there is value in the constancy of Ashland, as we live united, reflected in the fidelity of faith both proclaimed and practiced. As such, Ashland is a special place: special in its ordinariness, special in its people, and, at the end of the day, special in its satisfying benediction.  

Downtown Magic

I grew up in a New York community about the size of Ashland. As a carpenter, my dad sometimes got hired onto jobs that were out of town, leaving very early on Monday morning and returning late on Friday evening. His absence, along with my mother’s lack of a drivers’ license, meant that our family did a lot of walking, and we’d often head downtown to Grants, Twin-Ton, and Parsons Drug Store. As a teen-ager, I gained the independence of a bicycle, and have fond memories of the hot fudge sundaes at Zeffrey’s, the old-fashioned ice cream parlor on Niagara Street, a taste that’s never been replicated.

My early love affair with Main Street America stayed alive through Urban Renewal and the advent of the big box stores that imposed their identical landscapes across America. Give me a choice, and I’d much rather wander through a community’s downtown than head to the mall. The fact that the home we purchased is within walking distance of downtown wasn’t the deciding factor but it sure is a welcome extra.

Life in small town, downtown America provides an opportunity for small business owners to open a shop with personality, creating a space for gathering, for individualized service, and for living out their dream. It is definitely a risk, as some days the local foot traffic is slow, and money for marketing is in short supply. But a number of new business owners have taken the plunge, and it’s fun to wander through our downtown and get to know our new neighbors.

In Ashland, Virginia, one of our sister communities, the Ashland Main Street Association gives out a “you’ve been noticed” award when small businesses make a difference in the downtown. I love that idea. Kind of like getting a gold star on top of a spelling test. So here’s what I’ve noticed recently.

My “Say Yes to the Dress” obsession has been relegated to the memory of my early grandmothering days, but I’m excited that Jessica Neff of Juliana Bridal has brought the romance of saying “I do” back to our downtown. I dropped in as a bride was seeking The Dress, and what a fun time that was. There doesn’t appear to be a wedding on the horizon for our family at this point, but I’ll be sure to stop back if the need arises, as she carries “mother of the groom” dresses too.

Around the corner on Union Street is a short block that’s had a number of reincarnations in the years I’ve been in Ashland. One of its newest tenants is Kimberly’s Closet, a charming space with wonderful consignment finds, as clothing, purses, and shoes fill its shelves and racks. It’s one of those shops where the merchandise changes often, so I may need to put a standing date on my calendar each month so I don’t miss out.

While I haven’t made the plunge yet, Aubrey Bates has opened a yoga and pilates studio in that same block called Studio Rise. Here’s how she describes what’s happening: “A community is forming, a space where, together, we can root into who we are, grow into the potential of who we are meant to be, and shine the light of our discovery into the world we live in.” Love it!

I haven’t been convinced to join that particular community yet, but her words extend beyond the walls of her studio. They embrace a downtown that is breathing, that is connecting people, and that is alive. This weekend is a great time to head downtown to shop, to run into friends, and to sample the unique flavor of downtown Ashland, Ohio. Treat yourself to a cupcake at Enjoy! Stand at attention as the American flag passes by in the Memorial Day parade on Monday morning. And if you didn’t get a chance to belt out “Let it Go” with Elsa from “Frozen” on Friday night as Ashland Main Street hosted its first Walk-in Movie of the summer, mark your calendar for “Ladder Forty-Nine” on June 27^th. Downtown Ashland may not be “the first time in forever,” Elsa’s sister Anna envisioned,” but “there’ll be magic, there’ll be fun” – just look around! 

It's been a good choice

I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen since our retirement party, and she asked me, “Are you glad you stayed in Ashland?” After nearly twenty months of living in our own home in our choice of town, rather than where the Salvation Army assigned us, it was a fair question. And the answer is . . . Yes!

“How do I love thee?” asked poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. “Let me count the ways.” First, unlike those who run off to Florida the day their Golden Buckeye card arrives in the mail, I happen to like snow. Growing up in Buffalo, you get used to it, I suppose. Sledding, snowball fights, snow people, snow angels, and fluffy snowflakes shimmering in the streetlights – much more interesting than beaches and palm trees.

Here’s another reason. After years of packing my own groceries and schlepping them to the car through the snow and slush (a necessary evil of the East coast), I’m glad someone else schleps them to my car and loads them in. Thanks, White Barn, Hawkins and Buehlers, for your extra mile service. To date, I haven’t driven away from Buehlers without my groceries.

I especially appreciate living in a community where the people at the BMV are friendly. I’ve experienced a horror story or two over the years, but on my recent trip to renew my license, the staff was courteous and kind – I like that! They didn’t even make me change the weight on my license. Made my day!

I’m excited for the future of Ashland, as the new schools are built and the community has an accessible, contemporary performance space at the new auditorium. I’m glad for the kids of Ashland, and can’t wait to see the middle –schoolers on their first day in their new digs.

Even though I haven’t been too faithful in my attendance at the study circles sponsored by the Center for Civic Life, I love the community conversations happening these days, especially around the subjects of the arts and our downtown. A community that talks together will grow together into the future. And I’m grateful, too, for the affirmations and actions of faith that permeate our community. We don’t always talk about those things, but they are the underpinnings that strengthen who we are and inform what we do.

And then there’s the university and the seminary, with the richness they bring to our city in so many ways. Sports, art, music, their libraries, entertainment, and thoughtful presentations – there’s a warm welcome at AU and ATS.

Here’s another reason I’m glad we stayed. I’m not living in a retirement community with a bunch of blue-haired old women and paunchy men. Instead, I’m in a real, live, multi-generational neighborhood. I can watch the children play (in the snow), chat with the kids on their way home from school, and catch up with friends at the supermarket (while someone else schleps my groceries).

While I sometimes complain that Ashland lacks the chain restaurants that other locations have, I really like our homegrown eateries, especially the Lynway, the Dairy Bar, and Kelly’s. I’ve got favorites at each, especially the pie. It may not be cutting edge gourmet, but who really likes artichokes and hummus?

Speaking of food, I love that our Dairy Queen stays open all year. Not every town is so lucky. After driving home from Wooster in the snowstorm the other night, I treated myself to a Blizzard, and it was worth every calorie. And, in the midst of that snowstorm, the A&W opened. Woohoo! The Coney dogs are calling my name for sure.

There’s more, but I’ll save some for a day when I’m desperate for a column idea. What I discovered is that my early impressions of Ashland were spot-on, as the Olympic skating commentators have been keen to say. It’s been almost eight years now, and I’m still a smitten immigrant, glad to call Ashland home. And the best part? It’s like Lauren Myracle says: “I live in my own little world. But it’s OK, they know me here.” Now if I could just get the lovely Madelyn Simone and her parents to move to Ashland . . .

Walk in the Door

Advice from the Ashland Area Convention and Visitors Bureau:  “Walk in that door you always pass.  Slow down.  Be a tourist in your own town.”  As a semi-recent immigrant to Ashland (starting year #7), I began my days in Ashland with a tourist mindset, stumbling upon many Ashland treasures in the early months of my immigration.  But when the Kroc Center development whirlwind hit, I didn’t take enough time to smell the roses.  So now, with a change in the rhythm of my days, I’m checking out the flowers of our community.

I began with a visit to the art exhibit in the Coburn Gallery at Ashland University.  The photos displayed there were created by local artists, and I was excited to recognize some of the names, including a couple of young friends – wonderful work.  It’s free and open to the public – no lines, no crowds - just art.

My next stop was the seminary.  Did you know that for a minimal charge, local residents can become guest patrons of the seminary and university libraries?   Why do I want to live in Ashland?  This is a community with three libraries and I can access them all!  Yes, I do have one of those new-fangled electronic book devices, but there’s still something about curling up with a real book that’s in my blood.  So I was excited to walk out of the seminary library with one borrowed book and a huge stack of new finds from their on-going book sale.  I’m one happy camper.

Speaking of book sales, one of the regular dates on my calendar has been the quarterly library book sales.  I usually make a morning visit, but poor planning on my part brought me to the doors of the Ashland Public Library with less than 30 minutes to go.  All those books, so little time.  But the trade-off was that I could fill a bag of $1.  I may just end up making two trips to the October sale.

 Other scheduled commitments kept me from visiting our downtown area on the day of the recent car show, but there are many open doors nestled in our downtown blocks that remain open even when no special events are planned.  Home Hardware has so many treasures tucked away in its aisles, and offers a number of services that we may need from time to time.  Don’t forget about 2^nd Street and South Street if you’re taking a walk – many of the small businesses of our community offer unique services and merchandise, as well as friendly conversation, both in the downtown area and scattered throughout the community. 

I confess – I am – we are –so programmed to hop in the car and head out-of-county to shop that we often forget what’s right under our noses.  I’m not quite ready to give up my bargain-hunting visits to Marcs, but I am limiting those to the days I’m on baby-sitting duty in Canton because I’m committed to trying Ashland first.         

Why?  Here is the catch-22 situation for our local merchants and entrepreneurs.  Many have taken a chance on Ashland, opening a small business with limited funds for marketing.  They depend on word-of-mouth advertising, satisfied customers, and local foot-traffic.  When we’re soliciting donations for our favorite charity auction, we hit up our local neighbors and they give generously, yet we don’t always return the favor by shopping locally.  And don’t forget – a percentage of our sales tax dollars help to support our county services.          

If confession is good for the soul, then I’m on a roll. Here’s #2.  I am a football fan.  We lived in Canton for 11 years.  Yet the only time we went to the Pro Football Hall of Fame was when we took visitors from out of town.  I don’t want that to be true of my years in Ashland.  Whether it’s Grandpa’s Cheese Barn, the Parsley Pot, Local Roots, the symphony, the historical museum, the university or the Kroc Center, it’s time we’re all tourists in our own town and walk in a few new doors.  Thanks, AACVB, for that reminder.  Anyone ready for a treasure hunt?