Community Spotlight

If you’ve visited Sports Page Grill in Downtown Ashland, you’ve probably met Susan Lovelace and Meghan True. The pair have been serving customers in the dining room for the past two years.  Lovelace says, “I love the homestyle atmosphere at Sports Page. The staff here works as a team, and we have so many regular customers.”

This duo spends six to seven days a week taking care of customers! True explains, “We do it all here. I love the fast-paced environment. We might be seating customers, waiting tables, running food, taking orders, washing dishes, or anything else that needs to be done. We like to stay busy.”

Lovelace and True would never be accused of taking it easy. Both are graduates of Patrick Henry High School, Lovelace in 2020 and True in 2021. Lovelace is near completion of her degree from Reynolds Community College, with plans to transfer to Virginia Commonwealth University and become a dental hygienist. True begins coursework in January to become an ultrasound technician.

With big dreams and their strong work ethic, we are sure of Susan Lovelace and Meghan True’s ongoing success. Catch this dynamic duo in the dining room at Sports Page Grill while you can!

Ashland Halloween 2022

A weekend of special events and spooky fun for all ages!

Ashland Halloween invites ghouls and goblins to a four-day event series in Downtown Ashland—Friday, October 28 through Monday, October 31, 2022. Local businesses will host quaint and quirky events, while Victorian homes take on a spooky glow for the long weekend.

“We invite you to explore the mysteries of historic Downtown Ashland,” said Maggie Longest, Executive Director of Downtown Ashland Association. “It is sure to be a spooktastic Halloween weekend in the Center of the Universe!”

There are bewitching events for children and adults alike, including:

Huddle Up Concert Schedule

Fall Concert Series: Sept 9 - Nov 12

Huddle Up Sports Bar announces a fresh fall lineup of concerts and events. Popular local bands top the list, making Friday and Saturday nights in Downtown Ashland a guaranteed dance party!

The Fall Concert Series runs September 9 to November 12, 2022 with all shows beginning at 8pm. Email huddleup407@gmail.com to reserve a table. All concerts $8-10 cover charge.

Friday, September 9 — InsideOut Party Band

Saturday, September 10 — Exit 38

Friday, September 16 — Kenzie Band

Saturday, September 17 — Country line dancing

Friday, September 23 — Main Street Station

Saturday, September 24 — Double Down

Friday, September 30 — Nobody’s Poet

Saturday, October 1 — Cobalt Whiskey

Friday, October 7 — KOS Band

Saturday, October 8 — Klaxton Brown

Friday, October 14 — DJ Chad Rock

Saturday, October 15 — En’Novation

Friday, October 21 — Inside Out

Saturday, October 22 — Shades of Gray

Friday, October 28 — Flat Elvis

Saturday, October 29 — HonkyTonk Heroes

Saturday, November 5 — Mashup & Cozy Condition

Friday, November 11 — DJ Chad Rock

Saturday, November 12 — Exit 38

Refunkit Celebrates 10 Years

At Refunkit, you’ll find uncommon wall art, sculpture, home décor, jewelry, yard/garden art, candles, kitchen items, art kits, locally made food and hot sauces, cards, lighting, clothing, accessories and so much more. As one loyal customer described it, “I always find exactly what I didn’t know I was looking for.”

Originally owned by three artists who enjoyed refunking furniture, household items, lamps, mannequins and more, Refunkit has evolved into a destination shop hosting more than 80 local artists’ handmade works. This month, they are celebrating 10 years in Ashland.

Owner Wendy Doyle and Sharon Stiles, who joined the team in 2016, are a constant presence at the shop.  Doyle said, “Our hope is that everyone walking in Refunkit is delighted and inspired by the many handmade things you won’t see in other places. With so much to look at and an inventory that changes weekly, there’s always something new to experience.”

Refunkit will be celebrating their anniversary on September 23 from 5-8pm in conjunction with Ashland Fourth Fridays.  The shop will be open to visitors, plus dancing in the courtyard with DJ Sunny Girl spinning the tunes. Everyone is invited to the party!

Doyle and Stiles said, “As we celebrate 10 years of Refunkit, we want to thank our customers and artists, our families and the Town of Ashland for your constant support.”

Refunkit is located at 120 Hanover Avenue, Ashland, VA 23005 (804-822-5758). Follow them on Facebook and Instagram @refunkit or refunkit.com.

Community Spotlight: Bob Brown

Downtown Ashland Association recently hosted a reception to honor Bob Brown’s two decades of volunteer service to the Ashland community.  Brown has served as a volunteer with Downtown Ashland Association since 2012, including serving seven years on its Board of Directors.  In addition, Brown has served as Chair of the Design Committee for ten years.  The Design Committee celebrates historic character in downtown and advocates for inviting public spaces. 

Prior to 2012, Brown served nine years on the Town of Ashland's Planning Commission, including four years as Chair. A crowning achievement was his role updating the Town's Comprehensive Plan which is the governing document for future planning and land use decisions in the town. Brown was awarded the Ashland Citizen Leadership Award to recognize his achievements on the Commission.

Brown is a Princeton-educated architect but insists that his passion and skill has always been in urban planning.  Before Bob and his wife, Mary Lou, retired to the Ashland area, he spent his creative career rehabilitating the downtowns of Hoboken, New Jersey; Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and Hartford, Connecticut. He also spent time sharing his knowledge with future generations as he taught urban planning at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Brown's work for Downtown Ashland Association has inspired the streetscape you see today on Railroad Avenue, at Town Hall, and around the historic train station. He contributed to plans for future upgrades on England Street and the upcoming Railroad Park. Bob’s work has directly shaped the form and function of our town. We will forever be grateful for his dedication and service.