Stories from the Center of the Universe

Episode 229: Courtney Caldwell - Ashland Movie Theatre - DAA

In the latest Downtown Ashland Association episode, Paul talks to Courtney Caldwell. Courtney was involved in Round 1 of the DAA episodes because she hosted us at the Ashland Theatre. Courtney is the manager at the iconic Ashland landmark which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year. Courtney and Paul talked about the types of events at the theatre and one in particular that was inspired by her nephew. They talked about how the theatre helps people make memories and the impact it has on the community. Courtney was born in Roanoke and went to high school and college in northern Virginia. She spent eleven years on Broadway in behind the scenes roles and has a Masters in Arts Management.

Episode 228: Bill Gatewood - DAA

Bill Gatewood joins Paul for a Downtown Ashland Association episode. Bill and Paul talked about how he got involved with the organization which led a discussion about Train Day in Ashland. They also discussed what brought Bill to Ashland originally and then how he served the town as a police officer for almost thirty-five years. Bill continues to volunteer in the Center of the Universe and told Paul how interested folks can volunteer with the Downtown Ashland Association.

Episode 227: Carlene Bass

Carlene Bass has lived in Ashland for 87 of her almost 90 years on this earth! Her Dad, a traveling salesman (and a great gardener,) moved the family from Caroline to Ashland in 1935. Paul and Carlene talked about growing up post Depression, graduating from Henry Clay High School and going to what is now Mary Washington University to become a teacher. They also discussed memories about World War 2, her teaching career, a story about a very good friend and ended by talking about her family.

Episode 226: Barclay DuPriest

Ashland Icon Barclay DuPriest joins the podcast. Barclay was born in Richmond, but grew up on a farm in Burkeville, Virginia. She told stories about the farm including the first time she ever saw Rob DuPriest. She talked about Crewe HS, attending Randolph Macon Women’s College and then marrying Rob and moving to Ashland. She told Paul about living in Ashland and included a story about a time capsule. She spoke to Paul about her time at Hanover Academy and then she talked about her last 38 years when she has been the Bookstore Manager at Randolph Macon College. They talked about her son Tad … how incredible he was, how he lives on and how they tragically lost him in 1992. They finished by talking about travel companions, her ailments, her awesome grand daughter Sydney and with Barclay giving a heartfelt thank you to everyone.

Episode 225: Jeremy D. Simmons

Jeremy Simmons comes to the podcast courtesy of Helen Emerson (Episode 205). Paul met Jeremy at Jeremy’s studio in Richmond where Jeremy plays and produces music. Growing up, Jeremy played some sports, but he was playing music at the early age of six and has been ever since. Paul and Jeremy spoke about talking with strangers and he quoted Dr. Seuss. Jeremy plays in and manages two bands while also producing for other bands. They finished by talking about his wife of fourteen years, Michelle.

Episode 224: Kate Chenery Tweedy

Kate Chenery Tweedy, cousin of Silent Rob, joins the podcast to discuss Secretariat for Virginia and her story. Kate’s mom was Penny Chenery who was the force behind all things Secretariat who many consider the greatest race horse of all time. Kate talked about growing up in Colorado, but visiting Virginia often. She talked about going to boarding school, college and she told Paul the story of The Meadow and her grandfather. She spoke about being at the Belmont as Secretariat won the Triple Crown in 1973 and the movie they made about Secretariat. They finished by discussing what Kate is up to currently and about her daughters, Elena and Alice.

Episode 223: Reflections on Episodes 151-220

Paul and Rob take a look back at a larger grouping than in the past .. Episodes 151-220.

Episode 222: Teresa Lopez de Ocanas

In the third installment of the Downtown Ashland Association series, Paul welcomes Teresa Lopez De Ocanas to the podcast. Teresa, her husband, Edgar, and their family run Los Regios which is a Latino market located at 109 S. Washington Highway in town. Teresa said they started the business about a year ago and they have multiple items from several different countries. They’ve also added a food truck and are currently expanding what the store has to offer. Teresa is also very busy in the community and has several other business ideas she would like to pursue.

Episode 221: Erika Johnson

Erika Johnson lived in the east end of Henrico and then her family moved to Hanover when she was in elementary school. Erika and Paul know each other from working together a while ago at a large Richmond area employer. They discussed her career path from start to now and her love for music and how it helps put you in the moment. They are both UVA grads and they talked about Erika’s experience at UVA especially her choice of major and her sorority.

Episode 220: Rich Dalton - Part 1

In the first installment of a 3 part series, Rich Dalton joins Paul to tell his story. They talked about growing up across the east coast, losing his dad at an early age and what a typical day is like for him currently. They touched on his journey from high school to the U.S. Marine Corps to law enforcement. In the second installment, we’ll dive into other topics of a man who has lived several lives before age 50.