Recognition of Penny Boyd’s community spirit, written by her friend and fellow Downtown Ashland Association volunteer, BJ Zarris.
“Individuals build communities” is a guiding principle which Penny Boyd demonstrates every day in every facet of her life.
Penny is one of many Ashland citizens who make up the backbone of the activities provided to residents and visitors in our town. She is also a uniquely positive and generous person who is proud to live in Ashland and be a productive member of this community. She and her husband, Gary Robertson, live on Center Street along the railroad tracks. In addition to their volunteer activities, they provide an opportunity to view and enjoy art and some humorous artifacts as people walk or drive by their front yard.
After obtaining a degree in Community Development and working as one of the early volunteers with VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America), Penny has engaged in helping people in varied and creative ways. She is a longtime employee of the Virginia Department of Social Services and currently works from home. Her two children are grown and she has two wonderful grandchildren. Even with family and work responsibilities, she has always made time to participate in helpful volunteer activities, and Ashland has truly benefited. After graduating from the first Ashland Citizens Leadership Academy, she served on the Board of Zoning Appeals, is a docent for the Ashland Museum, recently became the Secretary of the Friends of Ashland Library, and has been active in supporting the Ashland Theater.
Penny’s generosity of spirit even conveys to how she shares her space.
The yard in front of her house is always a work in progress and changes with the seasons. She and Gary enjoy finding items to add to the scenery. Penny especially looks for things the children walking by may like and enjoy. Penny’s quirky sense of humor and eye for detail are readily apparent. She loves working in the yard and chatting with passersby. She says one of her favorite things is celebrating Halloween with all the children and families coming by with their wonderful costumes and effusive appreciation for treats; as many as 800 trick-or-treaters have come knocking in years past!
When describing her vision for Ashland, Penny spoke of the Ashland Town Council meetings she attended before COVID. Those meetings were about visiting with and listening to neighborhoods, and striving for equity among citizens of Ashland. She hopes that Ashland will continue to be a welcoming and friendly community while becoming more united, especially in terms of race. For example, she envisions the collaboration of Ashland Museum and the Hanover County Black Heritage Society in order to tell a more complete history of Ashland and to provide a place, a way, to go forward as one diverse but united community.
The Ashland community is strengthened by Penny Boyd’s community spirit and avid volunteerism. Her commitment to our community is recognized by Downtown Ashland Association and our partners.
