Halls Close Today

Good morning, Ashby residents!

To those of you that are still in the building right now, don't forget that building closes at 5 pm today. Only one person currently has permission to stay until Saturday. If you need to talk to me about this- then let me know!

Remember the following things for your check-out:

1. Unplug all your appliances.

2. Close and lock your window.

3. Close your blinds.

4. Take out your trash.

5. Turn out your lights.

6. Close and lock your door.

We will see you in January!

Have a great break!!

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Ashby Hall Tshirts

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Two days of finals left and then you're free for a month! Woo hoo!

This is just a heads up to let you all know that hall t-shirts will be for sale/order when you return in January. They will cost $15 and have text/pictures on the front and back.

So, if you want to show your Ashby pride and have a hall t-shirt, make sure you bring back $15 with you from break so you an order your t-shirt! We will be taking orders during the first week of the semester!

Good luck on your finals today,

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Saturday Graduation

Good morning, Ashby!

I hope finals are still going well. You are getting one day closer to that winter break- get excited! Keep up the hard work.

As some of you may be aware, graduation is this Saturday morning. What you may not know is that if you need to stay (band, cadets, helping with graduation, etc.) you need to notify me in order to be allowed to stay in the building on Friday night.

So, make sure you email me at kolkmeka@jmu.edu ASAP if you need to stay in the hall!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Exam Week Tips

Good morning, Asbhy!!

Here are some things going on this week throughout campus that you may not know about, but that you should take full advantage of as a student!

1. Starbucks is open 24 hours. We know you'll be up late studying, so go enjoy some coffee or hot chocolate.

2. Study@Warren.Festival.Taylor. Study all night at Warren, Taylor, or The Festival! Sunday through Tuesday during finals week. There will be free food from 10pm-12am and 2am-4am.Take advantage of the quiet study locations with meeting rooms and study group areas.

3. The libraries are open 24 hours a day for studying any time of the day that you need it!

4. Residence hall across campus are currently under 23 hour a day quiet hour restrictions. So, you can have group study sessions in the quiet in a friend's room if you need to.

5. Book buy-back at the bookstore. Take your textbooks that you don't want to keep and take them back to the bookstore to get some of your money back...yes, money for the holidays!!

Good luck with your finals!

Until next time..

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

I hope you all enjoyed the snow we had this weekend- it is certainly beautiful out on the quad with all the snow on the ground! I also wish you all the best of luck in your finals this week!

Just a few items of maintenance:

1. Remember that quiet hours are in effect. There should be no disturbances at all during the day or night. The house of noise/relaxation is from 9-10 PM each night.

2. The residence halls close this Friday, December 11 at 5 PM.

3. Make sure you sign up with your RA for a check-out time at least 24 hours in advance to your check-out!

Have a great week.

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!

We're back for our last Free for All Friday of this semester! Consider taking some time out this weekend to go take a study break and enjoy yourself for a little while! Here's what is going on this weekend:

Friday

Harrisonburg Christmas Parade with MRD's, 7:00 PM, downtown Harrisonburg

Saturday

Group Voice Class Recital, 3:00 PM, Room 142 in Music Building

Moonlight Holiday Festival, 5:30-8:30 PM, Arboretum, $10

Fifth Annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, 7:50 PM, Muhlenberg Lutheran Church

Friday and Saturday

The Time Traveler's Wife, 7:00 PM, Grafton Stovall Theatre

Gamer, 9:30 PM, Grafton Stovall Theatre

Sunday

Holidayfest, 4:00 PM, Wilson Hall, $8 and $10

Horizon Band Concert, 6:00 PM, Anthony-Seeger Hall

Wii Tournament, 6:00 PM, Highlands Room in Festival

Lots of holiday fun this weekend....enjoy! And remember to eat right, get lots of sleep, and study hard! Good luck on your finals!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

House Cup

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Next semester here in Ashby we will be having a House Cup competition that will run throughout the semester.

The RAs and I are still in the process of working out the details, but here's what you need to know:

1. Attend your community meeting this week to help determine your hall's "house" name.

2. Points will be earned for going to floor meetings and programs next semester.

3. Some sort of reward will be given to the "house" or floor that earns the most amount of points throughout next semester!

Best of luck!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Music with Todd

Good morning, Asbhy!!

This evening at 7:00 PM in the TV Lounge, our housekeeper will join several Ashby residents in providing a musical concert for our own enjoyment.

Todd has joined Ashby this year after our own housekeeper, Amy, fell ill earlier this year. Todd has served Ashby well and I think it's safe to say that we have all enjoyed having him as a part of our community.

Please consider coming to this program tonight and seeing a special side of Todd that he is sharing with us at this program.

Until next time,

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

PS. GOOD NEWS- The TV is fixed!

World AIDS Day

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Today is not a day to celebrate, but instead a day to be proactive and to honor those lost. Today is World AIDS Day.

According to worldaidscampaign.org, More than two million AIDS related deaths reported globally in 2008 - two million children under the age of 15 now live with HIV. This is an astonishing figure, and one that I hope we all have faith will be reduced. To learn more information about this day of honor, remembrance, and action, click here.

Today on campus, there will be a World AIDS Day quilt display and info table outside of the Warren Post Office from 11:00 am- 2:00 pm. Take some time to go check it out.

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Welcome Back, Ashby!!!

I hope you all had a nice and relaxing Thanksgiving Break and that you're ready to head into the home stretch over the next two weeks!

Just a few reminders for this week:

1. Floor meetings will take place this week to discuss closing for Winter Break. Make sure you attend this meeting so you know the procedure for hall closing.

2. Quiet hours begin this Friday at 8:00 PM. There will be no warnings. It will be 23 hour quiet hours. During this time you must keep your voice to a whisper in the hallways and music must not be played loudly. There will be one hour of noise from 9:00-10:00 PM each day.

3. Telecom should be coming to look at the TV this week. Sorry for the delay- hopefully it will be fixed soon!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Asbhy!

Since we won't be around this weekend for activities on campus, I have none to post.

However, I don't want to give up hope Free for All Friday! So, let's take some time and post ideas in the comment section about our favorite part of Thanksgiving.

I'll get us started. My favorites are the FOOD and taking time out to remind people how THANKFUL I am to have them in my life. Plus, lots of quality time with family is always nice.

Have a safe and restful break! We'll see you back here in a week!

Until next week...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Football Stadium Construction

Good morning, Ashby Hall!

Just a few notes about the football stadium construction and how it may effect you on campus in the coming weeks:

• The pathways between Godwin and the stadium and the stadium and the parking garage will both be closed during construction. This means that beginning when you get back from Thanksgiving break you will now need to walk around Godwin to get to the lake area. If you have classes in Showker, this will be important for you to know!


• Parking in Godwin parking lot will be limited. Also, work trucks will be coming in and out of that area. You may want to avoid that area as traffic flow may be heavier.


• Major demolition will be done when we return from Winter Break.

Mainly just be cognizant of the changes happening on campus and be on the lookout for changes coming to the stadium soon! Go Dukes!

Until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Residence Life Basketball Challenge

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Baby Mall

Good morning, Ashby!

I have news of an exciting program coming to campus after we return from Thanksgiving break!

On December 3, 2009 from 4:30-6:30 pm in the Shenandoah Hall Multipurpose Room, the Baby Mall will be open to all of you! The Baby Mall is an interactive program where participants get the opportunity to buy everything they could hope their expected child could need or want. It's a fun way to consider what you need and what you can get for the dollar.

Go take part in this simulation experience and learn a clear lesson in what may be ahead for you in the future...it should be a great experience!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

And The Winner Is...

Good morning, Ashby!!!

How beautiful was that sunshine all week??? I loved it!

A big congratulations to Sami Noble for winning the Mario Kart tournament on Sunday evening. She beat out three rounds of competition for that championship and it was well earned! Thanks to everyone who came out and played: Andrew, Michael, Sami, Holly, Erin, Yvette, and Maggie! It was funny spending a few hours with you all.

As our semester comes to an end, it's time for us to start looking forward to next semester....what would you all like to see happening in the hall next semester? Another Mario Kart tournament, dodgeball, kickball, etc. Let's hear it in the comment section. Get creative!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!

It's time for another Free for All Friday! Thanks for the contribution last week, Anonymous! Keep them coming in the comment section!

Friday

Women's Basketball vs. California (Pa.), 7:00 PM

Saturday

Valley Collegium Concert, 8:00 PM, Muhlenberg Lutheran Church

Friday and Saturday

Final Destination, 7:00 PM, Grafton-Stovall Theatre

Student Dance Concert, 8:00 PM, Godwin Hall Studio Theatre, $8

Shooting You, 8:00 PM, Theatre II

Julia & Julie, 9:30 PM, Grafton-Stovall Theatre

Sunday

JMU German Lied Seminar Class Recital, 5:00 PM, Anthony-Seeger Auditorium

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Mario Kart Tournament Bracket

Good morning, Ashby!

Here is the bracket for the Mario Kart tournament on Sunday night. We will begin playing at 9 PM. Each "round" will consist of one race. If you win the race, you will move onto the next round. The finals will be a series of 4 races. The player who scores the most points over 4 races will be the Ashby Hall champion!

Round 1:

Andrew vs. Lauren

Pooj vs. Bekka

Erin vs. Holly Smith

Kaye vs. Maggie

Yvette vs. Diana M.

Michael vs. Jacqulyn

Nas vs. Sami N.

Patrick vs. ME (not sure who this is!!)

You can also find a bracket posted outside of my apartment door on the 2nd floor.

See you Sunday night!

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Happy Veteran's Day

Good morning, Ashby!!

Today is Veteran's Day here in America. It's a day where we take the time to honor those veterans of our armed forces that fight to protect America's freedoms every day.

This past Sunday, JMU and Rockingham county dedicated a new memorial to our very own veterans from here in Harrisonburg. The new memorial is near Memorial Hall at the new softball stadium. Consider taking the time to walk down Cantrell Ave and check out the memorial.

Thanks to all of our veterans- we're thankful for the fight you continue to make every day for our freedoms!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Turkey Time Tuesday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

As Thanksgiving break quickly approaches, I want to spend some time preparing us for the first official closing of the building for the year.

Here are a few helpful hints to make sure you have a successful check-out for Thanksgiving break:

1. Make sure you sign-up for an appointment with your RA to check out. Signs will be posted outside their room next week.

2. Make sure you keep your check-out time and leave the building immediately after checking out with your RA.

3. Read all of the guidelines that will be given to you by your RA at your floor meeting this coming week. It will tell you which things need to be unplugged, what needs to be taken home with you, etc.

4. Be thankful!!! Don't forget to take some time this year to remember all that you're thankful for in your life- family, friends, JMU, Ashby Hall, health, laughter, etc.

5. Get some sleep! As always I encourage you all to keep getting sleep. I know you're working hard, but your sleep is important, too! You need it to stay healthy!

Let me know if you have any questions about Thanksgiving check-out.

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!

A few items of maintenance this week:

1. Don't forget about Mario Kart Wii Tournament happening on Sunday, November 15 at 9 pm in the TV Lounge. Sign up in the lobby by Friday at 5 pm.

2. Be paying close attention for a floor meeting coming soon from your RA! These meetings will be to discuss the hall closing for Thanksgiving break. The hall will close on Saturday, November 21 at 7 pm. It will re-open Saturday, November 28 at 4 pm. Your RA will provide you with details on how to check out, what to do before you leave, etc.

3. The end of the semester is coming! Make sure you're getting sleep and taking care of yourself. A break is almost here- you can do it!!!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!

We're back for another Free for All Friday!

Here's what is up for this weekend:

Friday

Funny Freakin' Friday, 8:00 pm, TDU

Fiesta Night, 10:00 pm, TDU

Saturday

Football vs. Maine, 3:00 pm, Bridgeforth Stadium

Men's soccer vs. Towson, 7:00 pm

Friday and Saturday

JMU Opera Theatre- "Carmen", 8:00 pm, Wilson Hall, $8

Sunday

JMU Percussion Ensemble Concert, 3:00 pm, Music room 103, $2

500 Days of Summer matinee, 3:00 pm, Grafton Stovall Theatre

Enjoy your weekend!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

JMU Opera Theatre- "Carmen", 4:30 pm, Wilson Hall, $8

Mario Kart Wii

Good morning, Ashby Hall!

Based on the response from the post on Tuesday, I will go ahead with plans for the Mario Kart Wii tournament. We will set the date as Sunday, November 15. We will plan for 9 pm in the TV Lounge.

I will put a sign-up sheet in the lobby. We will play 1 on 1 until we have a champion. Make sure you tell your friends about the tournament. You need to be signed up at the latest by 5 pm on Friday, November 13 so that I can create the bracket for the tournament.

May the best driver win!!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

No One Likes a Piggyback

Good morning, Ashby!!

Today I'd like to share some information about a habit called piggy-backing. This is when you let someone you don't know or recognize into the building with you when you enter or exit the building. I know it is a natural habit to hold the door open to someone. However, this is a safety issue.

Here are a few tips on how to keep from allowing someone into the building that doesn't belong:

1. Ask them if they live in the building. If they answer no, tell them they'll need their friend to come escort them.

2. Shut the door behind you when you leave.

3. If you hit the handicap button to open the door, make sure it closes before someone comes in after you in the building.

This is for your own safety that I share this information. We do not want strangers coming into our building or even guests coming in without their escort. No one likes a piggyback!

As always- come see me with any questions!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Hall Social Planning

Hello everyone,

In the coming weeks we will have a final Hall Social planned by me for this semester.

Let me hear in the comment section what you'd like to do.

I was thinking maybe a Mario Kart Wii tournament. However, I want to hear from you too- what would you like to do before close out this semester!!

Let's hear those suggestions!!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

This Monday we're actually going to discuss an issue of maintenance.

I saw the sign on the door to the laundry room downstairs. Thank you to whoever put it there so that others would know and not slip on the water.

I wanted to spend today's post on putting in maintenance requests. This is something that all of you have access to do so that you don't have to depend on myself or the RAs to do it for you.

Here's what you do.

1. Go the ORL website and click on maintenance requests. Or, just click here.

2. Log-in to the site

3. Choose the correct category of request you'd like to make: lock changes, lights, extermination, etc.

4. Enter the maintenance request.

However, there are a few issues that can not be put into the system and are taken care of in a different way.

1. TV, phone, internet- call or email Telecom to take care of these issues

2. Laundry- there is a contact number on the machines and on the wall of the laundry room for Caldwell-Gregory. They come take care of our laundry issues.

3. Vending- there is a number on the vending machines. If one ever stops working or takes your money without giving you what you paid for- then call this number.

Any questions? Let me know!!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!!

We're here for another Free For All Friday! Below you'll find a list of all the things happening on campus this weekend....enjoy! And, Happy Halloween!!!

Friday

Volleyball vs. Georgia State, 7:00 pm

Franc Ambroslo's Broadway, Wilson Hall, 7:30 pm, $12 tickets

Friday and Saturday

Bruno, Grafton Stovall Theatre, 7:00 pm

Orphan, Grafton Stovall Theatre, 9:30 pm

Saturday

Men's Basketball vs. Philadelphia, 3:00 pm

Fall Color Carriage Rides, Arboretum, 2-6 pm, $10 tickets

Volleyball vs. UNC Wilmington, 7:00 pm

Sunday

JMU String Chamber Ensemble Concert, Anthony-Seeger Auditorium, call 540-568-3481 for more details

Be safe and have fun this weekend!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Trashy Thursday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

This is a public service announcement about trash. Get excited!

Just remember that the trash cans in the hallways and kitchen are not meant for your personal trash. I appreciate those of you that have come to me with the concern about the trash in these locations. For those of you who have been putting your trash here, please discontinue doing so.

Always remember that if you have concerns about the hall including trash, the TV downstairs, noise levels, etc. you can always come and talk to me or an RA on staff.

Have a great Thursday!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Wipe Your Hands...Don't Get Sick!

Good morning, Ashby!!

This fluctuating weather outside reminds me that it is flu season around here and many of you are sick right now. Don't forget that the Health Center here on campus is staffed M-F 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with nurses and doctors to see you if you need them. Don't be afraid to call 540-568-6178 to set up an appointment with them.

If you feel like you have seasonal flu or cold symptoms, feel free to click here for some tips on self-care.

Remember, most important is: adequate sleep, washing your hands, coughing into your elbow/sleeve, etc.

Let us know if you need anything, but the best method to get better is to drink lots of fluids and get some rest! I hope you all stay healthy and feel better soon if you're feeling ill!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

True Colors Tuesday

Good morning, Ashby!!

After the poll last week, I am gathering that you're all very busy with school work right now. For that reason, I'm planning a bit of a study break for you all.

I'm not sure if any of you have ever heard of True Colors. It is a personality inventory which will denote your personality as a certain color. It will help you to understand how your personality comes to life in school, work, personal relationships, with your family, etc. This will be a fun program for you to come learn more about YOURSELF!!!

The program will take place next Tuesday, November 3 at 8 PM in the TV Lounge. Stefanie Mancuso for Fraternity/Sorority Life will be coming in to put on this program.

So, come take some time out for yourself and have fun learning what your true color is...

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

For this maintenance Monday, we need to briefly talk about the fire alarm that happened this past Friday.

It took quite a few of you a long time to come out of the building. In the future, you need to get out of the building as quickly as possible. This alarm was not a drill, and was not planned. It was a true alarm. Whenever there is an alarm going off in the building, you need to exit the building as quickly as possible.

When you exit out of the front door, you need to walk across the quad and stand in front of Spotswood Hall. When you exit out the back door, you need to walk across the parking lot and stand by Gifford Hall.

If you ever have any questions about what to do during an alarm of any sort, please feel free to ask!

Enjoy your week. Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

We're here for another Free for all Friday where we'll share events taking place on campus this weekend. Without further ado...

Friday

Volleyball vs. Delaware, 7:00 pm

Field Hockey vs. William & Mary, 7:00 pm

Friday and Saturday

The Ugly Truth, 7:00 pm, Grafton Stovall

Funny People, 9:30 pm, Grafton Stovall

Saturday

Parade of Champions, all day, Bridgeforth Stadium, $10

Volleyball vs. Towson, 7:00 pm

Sunday

JMU Symphony Orchestra, 3:00 pm, Wilson Hall, $10

Field Hockey vs. Old Dominion, 1:00 pm

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Sporting a Tee

Good morning, Ashby!!!

I know you all love to sport your t-shirts as a way to show pride for an organization belong to. Well, what about Ashby?? We certainly need a t-shirt, right?

Well, now is the time to involve yourself in the process of building the design. Here's what you need to do:

1. Sketch up a t-shirt design for Ashby Hall

2. Turn it in to CAB Floor Representative, Erin

3. Do it by October 29

I can't wait to see all the designs! Best of luck!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Boo....Pass It On

Good morning, Ashby!!!

I was so glad to hear from one of the RAs in their one on one this week that there is a fun game of boo'ing going on around the hall right now. For those of you that have no idea what I'm talking about...hopefully you'll understand shortly.

Boo'ing is a fun Halloween-time game that friends can play with one another to pass along random acts of kindness. The fun is to leave a fun Halloween poem, an anonymous note letting them know they've been boo'ed, and then a bag of candy as a treat. Once you have been boo'ed the most fun is to then boo 3 other people and pass on the random kindness.

Click here to see some example of boo poems that can be attached to the bag of candy.

Click here to read more about boo'ing and the fun behind it.

I hope some of you will consider passing along this fun to those outside of Ashby as well. I hope we can use this as an opportunity to spread fun and good cheer to the campus as a whole. I am so proud of you all for spreading this fun to one another and doing such random acts of kindness for each other.

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Time Out Tuesday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Okay, so we're taking a time-out today. Participation on this blog seems to have dropped off a bit from what it used to be and I'm left wondering why that is??

Take some time to take the poll over on the right hand side bar (--------> over there).

If you select "other", please leave a comment in the comment section letting me know what it is that fits the other category for you.

No matter what you choose- please leave a comment letting me know what you'd like to see here on the blog that isn't here currently! What do you need that you're not getting???

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

I hope you all had a great Homecoming weekend.

Here's a very quick Maintenance Monday:

1. The heat has been turned on in the building. Please keep yourself warm as it continues to get colder outside.

2. This weekend the trash cans in the hall were over-flowing with garbage. In the future, please do not continue to pile trash in the can. Please take it to the basement trash room.

3. The housekeeping staff has asked that you all not leave trash out on the front porch. It may attract animals that we don't want coming up on the porch.

4. As it is the middle of the semester- please make sure you are taking care of yourself. Eat full meals and get lots of sleep! Let us know if you need any help!!

5. We need someone for Teaser Tuesday tomorrow! If you would like to be featured, email 5 random facts about you to ashbyhall@gmail.com

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!!

As always, here is the rundown of weekend events on campus:

Friday, 5:00 PM, Homecoming Parade on Duke Drive

Friday, 6:00 PM, Pep Rally/Sunset on the Quad

Friday, 7:00 PM, Women's Soccer vs. Old Dominion

Saturday, 8:00 AM, Dukes 5K Walk/Run

Saturday, 3:30 PM, JMU football vs. Villanova

Saturday, 8:00 PM, CMSS Step Show, Wilson Hall

Friday and Saturday, 7:00 PM, The Hangover, Grafton Stovall

Friday and Saturday, 9:30 PM, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Grafton Stovall

Sunday, 1:00 PM, Field Hockey vs. N. Carolina

Sunday, 1:00 PM, Women's Soccer vs. William & Mary

Sunday, 3:00 PM, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, Grafton Stovall

Let us know in the comment section if you're aware of other things happening on campus this weekend!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Vote Ashby!

Good morning, Ashby!

I hope some of you were able to get out yesterday and attend Commons Day! Hopefully you enjoyed the funnel cake, too!

Today I'd like to encourage you to go vote for the Ashby Hall banner that is entered into the banner contest. Some residents of Ashby got together two weekends ago to paint a banner for Ashby Hall. It looks great and needs more votes on the homecoming website. It's pictured below.

Click here to go vote. You can view all of the banners entered, but put your vote in for our hall- ASHBY!

Have a great rest of the Homecoming week! And thanks to all that helped with the banner- it looks great!!!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Greatest Day on Earth

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Here goes a shameless plug and a fun way for you to get out and enjoy this Wednesday!

Today is the Greatest Day on Earth- aka Commons Day for Homecoming week.

Commons Day is a big festival full of free stuff for you to get out there and enjoy. It will take place from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on both sides of campus. On this side of campus it will happen on the Commons outside of D-Hall. On the East side of campus, it will take place outside of Festival on the lawn area.

Included in the days festivities are: a contortionist, a juggler, face painting, funnel cake, popcorn, cotton candy, sno cones, a cake walk, wood cut-outs of the Duke Dog, a lion and tamer, and an elephant, and much, much more!

So, come out to enjoy yourself today and get some awesome, free stuff!!!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Teaser Tuesday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Last week's Tuesday Teaser was about first floor resident Bekka Laird!! Congrats to Michelle who guessed it correctly!

Here are the facts about this Tuesday's Teaser:

I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio

I have two brothers

I love to bake cookies, cupcakes, lemon bars, etc.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

I live on the second floor.

Take a guess and leave a comment in the comment section!

If you'd like to be featured next Tuesday, email 5 facts about you to ashbyhall@gmail.com

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

I hope you all had a terrific weekend and you were able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather on Sunday. For those of you who had family visiting, I hope you had a nice time showing your family around campus.

It's time for another new week here in Ashby. We only have a few items of maintenance to take care of:

1. Remember that this week is Homecoming. Click here to visit the homecoming site and see a list of all the events available to you this week. Make sure to get out and have some fun this week- you deserve it!

2. Sex and Pizza program on Wednesday night at 8 PM in the TV Lounge.

3. If you would like to be the Tuesday Teaser, please email us at ashbyhall@gmail.com. In your email, include 5 random facts about you!!!

I think that's it for now.

In the comment section today, let us know what Homecoming event you plan to attend this week!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

We're back for another Free for All Friday here in Ashby! Below you will find the events going on around campus this weekend.

Friday-

Ice Age 3, Grafton Stovall Theatre, 7:00 PM

Field Hockey vs. VCU, 7:00 PM

Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood (from Whose Line is it Anyway?), Wilson Hall, 8 PM

Tickets are $20, 35 and 40

Peter Boie- Magician for Non-Believers, 8:00 PM

Public Enemies, Grafton Stovall Theatre, 9:30 PM

Saturday-

Football vs. Richmond, 12:05 PM

Mens Soccer vs. George Mason, 7:00 PM

Volleyball vs. George Mason, 7:00 PM

Ice Age 3, Grafton Stovall Theatre, 7:00 PM

Fall Plant and Bulb Sale, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Arboretum

Family Weekend Pops Concert, Convo Center, 8 PM, tickets are $11

Public Enemies, Grafton Stovall Theatre, 9:30 PM

Sunday-

Fall Plant and Bulb Sale, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Arboretum

Let us know in the comment section if you're aware of any other events on campus this weekend.

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Thinking of You Thursday

Good morning, Ashby!!

As some of you know, our housekeeper, Amy, has been in the hospital for some time now.

I have an address for her at UVA Hospital if you would like to send her a note or card to let her know you are thinking of her. Below is her address.

Amy Simmons

UVA Health South

Rehabilitation Hospital

515 Ray C Hunt Drive

Charlottesville, VA 22903

Att: Amy Simmons 217-B

Please take this Thursday to let her know that we are thinking about her.

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Under The Big Top

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Beginning this Sunday evening, JMU will celebrate Homecoming 2009- Under the Big Top!!

I wanted to give you all a rundown of the events for the week so you all can attend them all and live up the JMU Dukes spirit!

Sunday- Bonfire and Homecoming Kick-off

6:00 PM on the Festival Lawn

Monday- Banner contest begins

Go check out the Ashby banner (they'll be hanging outside of Godwin)

Tuesday- Madison Games

3:00 PM on the Godwin Field

Wednesday- Commons Day

11:00 AM on the Commons and Festival Lawn

Thursday- Madison Cafe

10:00pm -12:00 am in TDU

Friday-

Parade- 5:00 PM on Duke Dr

Pep Rally/Sunset on the Quad- 6:00 PM on the quad

Saturday-

Football game- 3:30 at the stadium

CMSS Step Show- 8:00 in Wilson

I hope to see you all at some events! Click here for more information on all the events.

Signing off until tomorrow...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Tuesday Teaser

Good morning, Ashby!

Last week's Tuesday Teaser was RA Emily Samulski!

Here are the clues for this week's teaser...

I live on the first floor I love to make lasagna I love to eat snails I watch tons of junky reality tv I believe in ghosts

Any guesses? Leave them in the comment section and I'll let you know if you're right or not!

Until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Just a few things to note today:

1. Don't forget to remove things from the shelf in your closet as was noted in the email sent last week. The fire marshal will be coming back through to check in the coming weeks.
2. Check out the CAB bulletin board downstairs to see upcoming programs and give suggestions for programs you want to see happen in Ashby!
3. Good work with the fire alarm tonight- make sure you leave the building as soon as you hear the alarm. Also, if you exit the front door, you need to go to the other side of the quad by Spotswood. If you exit the back door, you need to go across the parking lot to Gifford.
4. Pizza and Trivia Night on Wednesday at 7 PM in the TV Lounge.

That's it for now.

Signing off until time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

First things first....Happy World Smile Day! Stop by my apartment today between 3:00 and 5:00 pm to pick up a little surprise from me to you!!!

Second, here is the normal routine for the day... the free for all of events for this weekend.

Friday, Block Party in the 'Burg, 4:00 pm, Downtown Harrisonburg

Friday, JMU Brass Band, 8:00 pm, Wilson Hall, tickets are $8 and $10

Friday, Funny Freakin' Friday with Ace Guillen, 8:00 pm, TDU

Friday, Fiesta Night, 10:00 pm, TDU

Saturday, Cookie Dough and Banner Making for Homecoming, 7:00 pm, TV Lounge

Saturday, Volleyball vs. VCU, 7:00 pm

Friday and Saturday, I Love You Beth Cooper, 7:00 pm, Grafton-Stovall

Friday and Saturday, Drag Me to Hell, 9:39 pm, Grafton-Stovall

Sunday, W. Soccer vs. Georgia State, 1:00 pm

Sunday, JMU Wind Symphony, 3:00 pm, Wilson Hall, tickets are $4

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

A Smile's Worth a Thousand Words

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Some of you may or may not be aware that this Friday, October 2 is World Smile Day. Click here to find out more information on the history of the day.

The question is...how will you celebrate the day? How will you do an act of kindness and help one person smile on Friday?

Here are a few ideas:

- Draw smiley faces in chalk on the sidewalks outside of the building

- Wear and pass out stickers with a smiley face on it

- Write someone a note listing all the reasons they make you smile

- Pay a compliment to someone you wouldn't normally give one to- making them smile

There are TONS of other ideas...and I know you all can come up with some, too! So, let's hear it. What ideas do you have? Leave a comment in the comment section to let us know how you will celebrate this year.

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

PS. Be on the lookout for a special World Smile Day treat coming your way!

Dare to be Remarkable

Good morning, Ashby!!!

As some of you know, the Office of Residence Life hires 200+ Resident Advisers for each school year to staff in their residence halls. We are looking for students with leadership skills, integrity, a desire to be involved on campus, who enjoy living on campus, and who want to enhance the experience of other students living here!

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Once again we are headed into the hiring season here in ORL. As you begin to think about your housing options for next year, please consider becoming a RA. Here are some of the best benefits:

• Top notch leadership experience
• Two weeks of training to network within campus
• Direct impact on the experience of other students
• Opportunity to live on campus for another year
• Receive a paycheck for approximately $442 a month
• Get your own room
• Develop skills in mediation, program development, community building, confrontation, communication, and much more!
• Interact with students in the halls ranging from 67 residents to 400+ residents
• Meet TONS of new people!
• An AWESOME purple shirt
• Dare to be remarkable....as our theme for this year says!!!

Applications to be a RA will be available starting December 1 and are due January 15. You can find the application by going to the JMU ORL website. If you would like more information on becoming an RA for next year, click here.

If you have questions- please feel free to come see me or ask one of your RAs in Ashby!

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Teaser Tuesday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Congratulations to Michael and Emily who correctly guessed last week's Tuesday Teaser to be Michelle Melton!!!

Here are the facts for this week's Tuesday Teaser. Leave a comment in the comment section letting us know who you think it is:

1. I have a twin sister.

2. I watch "The Santa Clause" every Christmas season.

3. My favorite spot in DC is the National Cathedral.

4. I love photography.

5. I would love to visit the United Kingdom, especially Oxford, London, and Edinburgh

Signing off until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Just a few short things this morning:
1. It was so good to see that so many of you turned out for the Chinese Picnic! Check out the slideshow below courtesy of Emily!

2. We have a Got Housing? presentation at 7 pm on this Tuesday in the TV Lounge. An employee from Residence Life and another employee from Off-Campus Life will come to Ashby to discuss your housing options for next year! Make sure you come on down to the lounge to hear all the information you need!

Leave a comment in the comment section to let us know your favorite part of the Chinese Picnic on Friday!

Until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

I hope you all are ready for another exciting weekend. As always you can find a list of events going on around campus this weekend below in the post. If you know of something else going on- let us know in the comment section!!

Friday, Field Hockey vs. Towson, 7 PM
Friday, "The Woman Who Always Got What She Wanted", Theatre II at 8 PM
Friday, Aziz Ansari, comedian, Memorial Hall, 8 PM
Friday and Saturday, My Sisters Keeper, 7 PM Grafton Stovall Theatre
Friday and Saturday, Transformers 2, 9:30 PM Grafton Stovall Theatre
Saturday, "The Woman Who Always Got What She Wanted", Theatre II at 2 and 8 PM
Saturday, Womens Soccer vs. Towson, 1 PM
Saturday, Mens Soccer vs. Northeastern, 7 PM
Saturday, Cello performance, Wilson Hall Auditorium, tickets $5, 8 PM
Sunday, Womens Soccer vs. Towson, 1 PM
Sunday, Field Hockey vs. Delaware, 1 PM
Sunday, Piano performance, Wilson Hall auditorim, free, 2 PM

Until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Lights, Camera, Action!

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Unfortunately, I will be out of town for the Chinese picnic that is taking place on Friday here in Ashby! Normally if I was there I'd be taking pictures and then put them into a slideshow here on the blog for you all to see! That's where you come in.

I'm hoping to see some pictures and hear some stories of what happened at the picnic and I'd like to recruit you to help me out. Your mission: take the most action-packed, memorable photos at the picnic on Friday and email them to me at ashbyhall@gmail.com. After all of the photos are submitted, I will select a winner who had the best photographs (though I will post all submitted photos into the slideshow) and there may be a special prize in it for you!

So, let's see those photographs! Don't forget:

Chinese Picnic

Friday, September 25

6:00 PM on the Quad (rain location: TV Lounge)

Until next time...

Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Where You At Wednesday!!!

HEEEEELLLLLLOOOOO out there!!!

This must be a busy week for you Ashby residents out there because no one guessed yesterday's Teaser Tuesday and only one person came to the RA Info program last night! I have higher hopes for Ashby- hopes that mean more than just one person wants to be an RA for next year.

So, here's the deal. Do you think you know who yesterday's Teaser Tuesday was?? Make a guess in today's comment section.

Want to be an RA next year, but either forgot about or missed the meeting last night? Let me know in the comment section and we can schedule a new meeting time so that I can get all the information to you all! Being a RA is a great experience, some of the best leadership on campus, and just flat out fun!!!!

See you in the comment section!

Until next time....
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Teaser Tuesday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Thanks to those of you that left a note in the comment section yesterday...glad to know you're out there! Keep the comments coming- it's fun to see you all out there!

As for today's teaser...here we go....

I live on the first floor of Ashby.

I was president of the Music Honor Society at my high school.

I hate canelloni, a type of pasta.

My favorite place in the world is called Necochea.

I have been through 43 ecosystems all in one day.

If you think you know who this is, leave a name in the comment section. Tomorrow I will post who today's Tuesday Teaser is about....if you're interested in being featured in a Teaser Tuesday, send an email to ashbyhall@gmail.com.

Until next time....
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Here we are for another Maintenance Monday. Without further ado, here we go!

1. Dare to be Remarkable.....come find out more information about the RA job! Are you thinking you might want to be a RA next year? Then come to the RA Info program on Tuesday night here in Ashby! It will take place on Tuesday, September 22 at 9 PM in the TV Lounge. Find out important information about the application timeline, the FUN of the RA job, how much you'll be paid, etc.

2. First all-hall social this Friday! This Friday, September 25 at 6 PM on the Quad, your Community Activities Board will host a Chinese Picnic. You won't want to miss it!

3. 10% coverage. Don't forget that no more than 10% of your door or any wall in your room should be covered by posters and things. This is a fire code violation and you could possibly be fined for it when the Fire Marshall comes through. Also, don't forget: no candles, no corkboard, no extension cords, no halogen lamps, etc. Check out the calendar for a full list of fire code violations.

4. First day of Autumn!!!! This Wednesday marks the first day of Autumn. This is what I believe, to be the most beautiful season of the year here in the Shenandoah Valley. Get out and explore! Let us know in the comment section if you have any plans to get out this weekend and explore the valley!

That's it for now. Until next time....
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

PS. I've heard a dirty rumor that "not that many people" look at the blog. Let's prove that rumor wrong...let me know if you're out there by posting in the comment section.

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!

We're back for another Free for All Friday where I will share a list of events available to you on campus this weekend. I hope you will take some time out of the hall and enjoy a campus event this weekend!

Friday, Jumanji Movie on the Lawn, 9 PM on the Festival Lawn
Friday and Saturday, Away We Go, 7 PM at Grafton Stovall Theatre
Friday and Saturday, Year One, 9:30 PM at Grafton Stovall Theatre
Saturday, Old Trees Tour 8 AM - 5 PM in the Arboretum
Saturday, Field Hockey, 1 PM at JMU
Saturday, JMU American Choral Directors Association Choralfest at 5 PM at Harrisonburg High School
Saturday, Football, 6 PM at Bridgeforth Stadium
Sunday, Field Hockey, 1 PM at JMU
Sunday, Mens Soccer, 2 PM at JMU

Leave a note in the comment section if you know of anything else taking place this weekend!
Until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Coming to a TV Lounge Near You!

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Thank you to those of you that emailed in letting us know that you'd like to be spotlighted on a Tuesday Teaser. It's not too late...so send in your emails to ashbyhall@gmail.com

As for today, I am proud to announce that tonight will be our first Community Activities Board meeting of the year. We will meet at 5 PM in the TV Lounge of Ashby.

We will be discussing the upcoming Hall Social, quiet hours within the hall, decorating our Hall Banner for Homecoming, and much much more! So, if you want your voice to be heard...please come out to the meeting tonight- it's open to any Ashby resident!

Have a great Thursday, Ashby!
Until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Dumbledore's Army vs. Jedi Masters

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Congrats to Bekka and Emily who correctly guessed that yesterday's Tuesday Teaser was Mike A. Remember to email us at ashbyhall@gmail.com if you are interested in having clues about you listed in the next Tuesday's Teaser!

On Tuesday night we had some fun here in Ashby with a game of Capture the Flag between Dumbledore's Army and the Jedi Masters! Thanks so much to everyone who played. The game ended in a tie after an hour of playing, but it was fun to see everyone out on the quad having a good time.

Check out pictures of the teams below.

Jedi Masters

Dumbledore's Army

Leave a comment in the comment section if you have a game or activity you'd like us all to do together as a hall!

Until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Teaser Tuesday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Today kicks off a new fun 'teaser Tuesday' game here on the Ashby blog!

The teaser is that I will give you some clues about a resident that lives here in Ashby Hall. Your goal is to guess who I am describing. I have two goals with this new game- learn more about your fellow Ashby residents and have fun in the meantime. Leave your guess in the comment section below. Who knows, maybe one day we'll be giving 'teasers' about you!!!

Tuesday Teaser

• I am male.
• I lived in Ashby last year.
• I live on the second floor.
• My birthday is October 23.
• I am on the Community Activities Board this year.

Enjoy! Leave a comment in the comment section with who you think today's teaser is all about. If you're interested in being next week's Tuesday Teaser, come see me in my apartment- 212!

Signing off until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!!!

I hope you all had a great weekend- I know I did! Now, it's time to gear back up for another week. Here we go with another Maintenance Monday.

1. On Friday, I asked for you all to leave a comment with your name so you could be submitted for cookies....well, the winner is Michael. I'm assuming this is Michael A. from the 2nd floor. If so, come by my apartment on Monday night between 10 and 11 PM. Your sugar cookies will be waiting for you. As for the rest of you, you'll want to stay tuned for a new, fun, Ashby Hall challenge on Tuesday!
2. This week is Housekeeper Appreciation week. Say THANKS to the housekeeping staff...they deserve it!!
   
3. Make sure you sign up for Dumbledore's Army or Jedi Masters tonight...you won't want to miss out on the fun that is coming!
4. Our first hall social, a Chinese Picnic, will be coming your way on Friday, September 25 at 6:00 PM. Watch for more information coming your way!
   

Also, if you have ideas for the types of info you'd like to see coming your way...let me know in the comment section.

Signing off until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Hello, Ashby!

Back for another Friday of Free For All'ing. Below you will find some activities taking place on campus this weekend. Let us know in the comment section if you know of anything else going on!

Friday, September 11 at 7 PM, "Divided We Fall" in Transitions
Saturday, September 12 at 2 and 8 PM, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? in Theatre II, cost is $4
Saturday, September 12 from noon- 4 PM, New Image Gallery Exhibition at 131 Grace Street; free
Friday and Saturday, 9/11 and 9/12, Night at the Museum 2, at Grafton Stovall at 7:00 PM
Friday and Saturday, 9/11 and 9/12, The Proposal, at Grafton Stovall at 9:30 PM

Also, check out yesterday's post to get your name in the hat for free cookies. I will draw a name on Sunday night and deliver the cookies on Sunday, too!

Have a great weekend, Ashby!
Until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Hello.....Hello???

Good morning, Ashby!

Some days I wonder if anyone is out there or if it's just me talking to myself!!! If you're out there...please let me know! Even just leave an anonymous comment.

Anyone who leaves a comment today will get some cookies from me on Sunday night. However, if you leave it anonymously, I won't know it's you!!! So, that means you need to leave your name.

Directions on how to get cookies:

1. Go to the comment section.
2. Leave a comment with your name attached to it.
3. Let me know you're out there, throw out an idea for Ashby, shout out some love to your fellow Ashby hall mates, or just say hey!

Signing off until Friday when we free for all ideas of things to do for the weekend...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

PS. Don't forget we have a key-through inspection fire drill tonight at 8 PM. You will be out of the building for about an hour!

First CAB Meeting

Good morning, Ashby!!

Tonight will be our first Community Activities Board meeting at
8:00 PM in the TV Lounge in the basement.

If you are still interested in being on CAB, please come to the meeting tonight and we will work some magic to find you a spot on the CAB- there is room for everyone!!!

Signing off until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Fire Drill....What?!?

Many of you have probably seen the red signs around the hall informing you that we will have a fire drill this Thursday at 8 PM. Here are a few facts you need to know about this fire drill:

1. It is also a chance for the staff to do a safety & security check-through of the building. So, we will be entering each room to check for safety & security hazards (cork boards, extension cords, curtains, etc.)

2. This fire drill will last for about an hour as this is how long it will take us to go through all of the rooms. You will not be permitted back into the building until we have finished.

3. It is required by law that you exit a building when an alarm is sounding- so please make sure you exit the building safely!

If you have any questions or concerns, please see me or another RA on staff!

Until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!!

I hope you all had a weekend full of rest and enjoyed some down-time with friends.

Just a few notes of Maintenance for today:

1. We still have two positions open for Community Activities Board. If you are interested in being either the Community Service or UREC representative, please email me at kolkmeka@jmu.edu by 10 pm tonight.

2. We will have a mandatory Community Activities Board meeting at 8 pm on Wednesday night for all of those who are on the board. We will discuss the first program we will plan this semester and also prepare for our leadership workshop this Sunday.

3. Please sign up for either the Jedi Masters or Dumbledore's Army on the sheets of paper hanging on the staircase on the first floor by the front doors. You won't want to miss out on the fun!

4. Come stop by and say hello! There are still some of you out there that I have not met yet! Please stop by my apartment (212) and say hello! I'd love to meet you!!!

Signing off until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby residents!

Welcome back for another Free For All Friday where we will share ideas of fun things to do around campus this weekend! Without further ado...

Friday- The World of the Ancient Greeks and Romans gallery- Festival- 3:30-5:30 pm
Friday- UPB's Funny Freakin Fridays- 8 pm in TDU
Saturday- AKA Capture the Fun on the Quad- 1-4 pm
Friday and Saturday- UP! showing at Grafton Stovall Theatre- 7:00 pm
Friday and Saturday- New Dance Festival- 8 pm in Duke Hall, click here for more info
Friday and Saturday- Star Trek showing at Grafton Stovall Theatre- 9:30 pm

Know of other things going this weekend? Post it in the comment section!

Signing off until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

The Votes Are In....

...without further ado, here are the winners of our CAB election!!!

President- Michael Aiello
Floor Rep- Erin Daniels
Environmental Rep- Stephen Taylor
Secretary/Treasurer- Diane Abadam

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!!!

For those of you that did not win, please come see me if you are still interested in being a part of CAB. We had some positions not filled and you can fill these spots if you are interested!!!

For our winners, we will have a meeting on Wednesday, September 9 at 8 PM in the TV Lounge. This will give us an opportunity to get together and get to know one another better. Also, we can talk more about what this year is going to look like for our CAB! Finally, don't forget about the MANDATORY CAB Leadership Workshop on Sunday, September 13 from 1-4 PM.

Signing off until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Ashby...It's a Real Trip!

Thanks so much to all of you who came out and voted last night for Community Activities Board!!! The winners will be announced here on the blog on Thursday morning at 8:00 AM!


There are a few pieces of information which I would like to share with you all concerning trips we will host as part of Madison International this year:

1. Devi talked with you all at our opening meeting about the day trip to DC to the National Museum of the American Indian. This trip will take place in mid-October. It will cost you a $10 deposit up front in order to go on the trip. Transportation will be provided for us. If you are interested in this trip, please us know in the comment section today so that we can get a handle on how many students are interested.

2. Devi also mentioned that there would be an opportunity for an Alternative Spring Break trip. We are currently looking for two students who would be interested in being co-group leaders for this trip. This is a position for which you must apply through the CSL office. Your RA will talk more about this in detail at your community meeting this week. If you are interested, please let me or an RA know, or leave a comment today in the comment section!

That's it for today!
Signing off until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Cast Your Vote Tonight

Good morning, Ashby Hall!!!

Today is the day that we elect our Community Activities Board members.

Just a few quick reminders:

1. Voting will take place in the Spotswood Hall office from 8-9:30 pm and in the Ashby Hall office from 9:30-11 pm.

2. You may only cast one ballot.

3. If you vote early, chances are you will receive a snickerdoodle cookie!

4. Information about the candidates is located on the bulletin board in the basement. Make an informed decision!

5. Election results will be announced on Thursday morning!

Any questions? Post it in the comment section or see myself or a RA on staff!

Signing off until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Maintenance Monday

Good morning, Ashby!

Hopefully some of you are joining us today and will take some time to look back at the posts from the past week. If you are joining us for the first time today...hopefully you'll find this blog to be a great resource to you throughout the year. It will be a source of programs, prizes, photos from events in the hall, a way to voice your opinion, a place to discover what is going on around campus each weekend, and much much more!

Each Monday we will gather here and I will share with your some important facts for the week- we'll call it Maintenance Monday! Stay tuned to the end of the post...you won't want to miss an opportunity to get to know some other people in the building!

Maintenance Monday Items:
1. Tomorrow, September 1 from 8:00-11:00 PM will be the Community Activities Board Elections in the RA Office. Candidate information is posted on the Bulletin Board in the basement.
2. Tomorrow, September 1 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM is the Student Organization Night, and it will take place on the UREC Turf. This is the night when all of the student organizations from around campus will be in one location for you to shop around and find a group that interests you! Consider getting involved- ask me or your RA for more details.
3. This week your RA will be hosting mandatory community meetings. Keep your eyes peeled for information on when this meeting will take place. You won't want to miss it.

That's it for today. Now for the fun of the day. Today in the comment section, I hope you will consider introducing yourself to the rest of us. I'll start.


My name is Katie Kolkmeier. I am a second year graduate student here at JMU. I am getting a Masters of Education in College Student Personnel Administration. In layman's terms- counseling and development of college students. I went to undergrad at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky and majored in Psychology. I was born and raised in the northern tip of Kentucky in a town called Erlanger. I have 2 brothers- one older and one younger. My older brother just got married this past summer and my younger brother is a junior in college. I enjoy baking (which you all will benefit from throughout the year), working with college students, utilizing the Internet and technology (hence this blog), listening to music, and reading inspirational books. You can find me up on the second floor right off the staircase!

Now, it's your turn. Click on "comments" and introduce yourself to the rest of us.

Signing off until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Elections...Read All About It!

Good morning, Ashby!!

Well, the applications are in and here are the nominees for each of the Community Activities Board positions. The elections will take place on Tuesday evening, September 1, from 8 to 11 PM in the hall office. You can also find more information about these candidates on the bulletin board downstairs beginning on Sunday morning!!

SHAPE Rep/President:
Micahel Aiello
Yagub Alizada
Diane Abadam

Floor Representative:
Yagub Alizada
Erin Daniels
Angelina Loverde

Environmental Representative:
Stephen Taylor

SGA Hall Senator:
Patrick Elwell

Secretary:
Diane Abadam


Have a great rest of the weekend and I'll see you back here on Monday morning!

Signing off until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Free For All Friday

Good morning, Ashby!

Fridays here on our blog will be used to 'Free for All' ideas of what there is to do this weekend on campus. We want you to stay active and involved here on campus and having plenty of activity to keep you occupied on the weekends!

Here's what is coming up this weekend- make sure you check it out. If you know of any other campus-sponsored activities going on this weekend, please post it in the comment section and consider bringing some of our Ashby friends along with you!

Elena's Community/Door Wedge program- Friday at 8 PM
Red Relaxation in Transitions (in Warren Hall)- Friday from 6-8 PM
X-Men Origins: Wolverine showing at Grafton Stovall Friday and Saturday at 7 PM (cost is $2.50 for movie and 50 cents for popcorn)
Angels and Demons showing at Grafton Stovall Friday and Saturday at 9:30 PM (cost is $2.50 for movie and 50 cents for popcorn)
Meet the Dukes Day- Saturday from 9 AM - 1 PM in Bridgeforth Stadium
Polar Research Presentation and Video- Saturday at 2:00 PM in John C. Wells Planetarium
John's Madison Grill Community program- Saturday at 4:45 PM
Edgar's Community/Door Wedge program- Saturday at 6 PM
DST Date Auction in Festival Ballroom- Saturday at 7 PM

Have a safe and fun weekend, Ashby!

Until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Ashby Wants YOU!!!

Good morning, Ashby!

This is just a quick and friendly public service announcement to remind you that Ashby needs YOU!!!!

Applications for Community Activities Board are due Friday, August 28 at 8 PM either to your RA, me (the HD), or under the office door. Campaigning begins on Saturday and elections are on Tuesday!

Check out the bulletin board in the basement for further information on all the positions available!

Until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Two- Timing Wedgie

Good morning, Ashby!!!

Thanks to those that came by my apartment yesterday to enter your name in the drawing for the cookies. I really enjoyed getting to talk with each of you, learn your name, and learn a bit more about you. If you are tuning in for the first time today...it's not too late! Come by my apartment and introduce yourself anyway! You never what I could have in store for you. So, stay tuned! I will announce at the end of today's post who the winner of the cookies is from yesterday.

As for today- I'm glad to bring you a short slide show of the pictures from the 2nd floor Two-Timing Wedgie community program last night! Thanks to Emily's residents for allowing me to take some pictures and for coming out to the program. Want to see your picture on the blog? Come to some programs and that might just happen! Enjoy the photos...

And the winner of yesterday's cookie drawing is...

Cristal Llave

Cristal, you can come by this morning to pick up your cookies or come to the Ashby hall office during duty hours tomorrow night to pick up your cookies.

As for the rest of you...hit up the comment section today and let us know you're out there! Tell us your name, what floor you're on, and one thing you're most excited about this year in Ashby!

Until next time...
Katie, Ashby Hall Director

Sweet HD Treats

Welcome back to Day 2 here at Ashby Connections. Thanks for joining us!

Last night at the Community Activities Board interest meeting I promised some of you that if you checked in today, there may be a treat in it for you! You're probably wondering what it is. Well, I'll let the picture speak for itself...


Here's what you need to do in order to get these cookies. Come by my apartment (212, up on the 2nd floor) between 3:00 and 4:00 PM this afternoon (Tuesday, August 25) and meet me! When you come introduce yourself to me and tell me a bit about yourself, I'll enter your name into a drawing to win this basket of cookies.

So, come meet your Hall Director and have a chance at winning some cookies!

Signing off until next time...
Katie K.
Ashby Hall Director

Welcome To Ashby!

Hello, everyone!

It feels great to finally have everyone moved into the building and ready to start the year! We hope your move into the building was smooth and you are as excited as we are to be in Ashby this year.

We have created this blog to help keep all of our communication for the year as clear as possible. You can look forward to the following features to appear throughout the year: slide shows with photos from Ashby Hall events, polls and surveys to better meet your needs as the residents, a calendar with upcoming programs and meetings, countdowns to important events, announcements about new programs coming your way, and much, much more!

Make sure to continue checking in periodically throughout the week for updates from us about the happenings of Ashby Hall this year!

For now, please add a suggestion to the box below (click on the "See all 1 suggestions" link to add a response) to give us some ideas for our all-hall social to happen in the month of September. Some ideas include a kickball tournament, a game of American football, a Tates of the World food sampling, etc. We will take these responses and then create a poll and let you all vote on what you want to do here in Ashby!

Signing off until next time...
Katie
Hall Director, Ashby Hall