Stop the (Printing) Presses: Minuteman Press of Ashland & Downtown Ashland Association Launch Apparel Collaboration

Ashland Halloween apparel printed by Minuteman Press of Ashland

Just in time for the holiday season, Minuteman Press of Ashland and the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA) are teaming up to put shirts on the backs of Ashland fans—literally. Through a new collaboration, downtown’s favorite seasonal events like 31 Days of Ashland Halloween, Light Up the Tracks, and Ashland Train Day are getting a fresh look with custom apparel, available online and through on-the-spot printing.

“From the moment Minuteman Press Ashland partnered with the Downtown Ashland Association, sparks have been flying,” said Caroline Sweeney, owner of Minuteman Press of Ashland. “Together, we’ve turned creativity into community impact—from fresh apparel to curated campaigns that spread DAA’s mission and keep Ashland repping.”

Songs from the Center of the Universe apparel by Minuteman Press of Ashland.

The first chance for fans to snag these new looks will be Saturday, September 27, when Minuteman Press brings its mobile printing truck to the Songs from the Center of the Universe concert. Guests can order from Minuteman’s custom DAA store online—or print their gear live at the event. Concert-goers will even find exclusive “alumn tees” featuring past performers, perfect for wearing immediately while dancing under the stars.

September 27 also coincides with the Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Explore Ashland Day. Hundreds of Scouts will flood downtown to learn about the historic town and earn their Explore Ashland patch. For those who aren’t Scouts but still want to show their Ashland pride, Minuteman Press will be offering special tees featuring the Scout-designed logo.

This collaboration doesn’t stop at apparel. As part of Minuteman Press of Ashland’s September Mail-a-thon, DAA is mailing postcards to every home in Ashland, sharing plans for a safe, festive, and free 31 Days of Ashland Halloween. “Mailing is not dead!” Sweeney said recently on K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes radio show. “Paper mailing can still make a big difference in our communities.”

Light Up the Tracks apparel by Minuteman Press of Ashland

In fact, Minuteman has already reimagined DAA’s Halloween logo into a bright orange shirt—helping families stand out in the downtown crowds during spooky season. And with Halloween serving as the unofficial kickoff to the holidays, Minuteman has also released Light Up the Tracks designs early, so fans can order their gear and be glowing in time for the Grand IlluminAshland on Saturday, November 22.

Best of all, a portion of all apparel proceeds are donated back to Downtown Ashland Association, an accredited Main Street America™ non-profit working tirelessly toward a strong and vibrant future for Ashland. From marketing initiatives and special events to business engagement and historic preservation, DAA contributes to the town’s vitality by deploying its time, funding, and voice on behalf of the community.

From apparel to postcards, Minuteman Press of Ashland and DAA are proving that creativity, community, and collaboration are always in style.

Ashland Halloween is 31 Days of Spooktacular Fun, Safety, and Community Spirit

If you’ve ever strolled through Ashland in October, you know there’s something truly magical about Halloween in the Center of the Universe. From the fiery autumn leaves glowing along the upcoming Fall Line Trail to the laughter of costumed children skipping across historic sidewalks, Ashland has long been the heartbeat of Halloween in Central Virginia. This year, thanks to the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA), neighbors, sponsors, and volunteers, the Halloween season is shaping up to be not just spooktacular but also safer than ever.

Nicole Dillon of Breemar Flower Farm with her festive family during Halloween in Ashland.

For decades, Ashland’s charming train town setting has drawn thousands of families to its picture-perfect neighborhoods for trick-or-treating. “Ashland Halloween is hands down one of my favorite nights of the year—the spooky trains rumbling by, candy shoots on every porch, and the incredible decorations that bring our community to life,” shares Nicole Dillon of Breemar Flower Farm. “I’m thrilled to sponsor this celebration and be part of a night where memories are made, neighbors come together, and the magic of Ashland truly shines!” Realtor Nate Simon echoed the sentiment, saying, “My family has enjoyed Ashland Halloween for years, and it has become one of our favorite yearly traditions. It is so much fun with everyone making memories, and the streets are filled with amazing costumes and thoughtful decorations. That incredible energy is what inspired me to sponsor this year’s celebration.”

But with crowds gathering near the train tracks, rail-side restaurants, and downtown shopping, the need for safety has grown just as quickly as the piles of candy on every porch. Downtown Ashland Association is stepping up with a creative plan: fundraising for candy, amplifying 31 days of family-friendly events, promoting train safety, and giving gifts to homes that join the official Trick-or-Treat Map and Scavenger Hunt—all designed to keep Ashland’s Halloween on track and away from the trains.

Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert at historic Hanover Arts and Activities Center

“With railroads crossing our state and traveling through our communities, rail safety in the Commonwealth is a priority for VPRA,” added DJ Stadtler, Executive Director of Virginia Passenger Rail Authority. “Whether you are traveling on board one of our trains or crossing a railroad track, it is important to remember that if you see a track, you should expect a train. Practicing safe behaviors whenever you are near a track, in a station, or on a train can save your life.”

That focus on safety is matched with a big helping of neighborly generosity. At the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert on Saturday, September 27, local musicians and Ashland Song Contest winners will take the porch stage at the Hanover Arts and Activities Center while vendors line the lawn. Instead of paying booth fees, each vendor will donate a 300-piece bag of candy—directly supporting Ashland homes most overrun by trick-or-treaters. Amtrak Virginia will also be there with train safety tips, giveaways, and even the chance to win free tickets.

Off the Rails Craft Beer Festival: Brews, Boos, and BBQ!

DAA’s clever candy plan doesn’t stop there. Those bags of donated candy will be distributed to Ashland residents on October 25 at the Off the Rails Craft Beer Festival: Brews, Boos, and BBQ! Neighbors who show proof of residence can collect free candy, with priority for homes on Center Street and Railroad Avenue. Families are encouraged to linger on the historic lawn, enjoying craft beer, barbecue, artisan shopping, and live music from Buckville Hootenanny. “At Islamorada Fish Company, we believe that community events like these play a vital role in bringing people together and creating lasting memories for families and children.” said Islamorada Fish Company Restaurant inside Bass Pro Shops. “By sponsoring this event, we aim to contribute positively to these efforts and demonstrate our commitment to the well-being and happiness of our local community."

Of course, Ashland Halloween isn’t just one night—it’s a month-long festival of pumpkins, costumes, and community connection. From October 1 through 31, visitors can browse a full calendar of events at AshlandHalloween.com. With concerts, haunted history tours, shopping specials, and more, the celebration has something spooky and sweet for everyone—without cramming it all into one night. 

Ashland Halloween scavenger hunt prize winners with their glowing rewards.

Generosity is also glowing—literally—thanks to DAA’s giveaways. Ashland Halloween yard signs will be available at the Ashland Feed Store starting September 29 for any local home to keep and display, with 200 up for grabs. The first six homes to sign up for the Trick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt will also receive glow-in-the-dark wands to help light the way for children and guide them safely toward candy stops away from the tracks.

RED VEIN Haunt is adding thrills to the season with a raffle for four Fast Passes to their legendary haunted attraction at Hanover Vegetable Farm. With movie-quality sets, live actors, and immersive scares, RED VEIN is not for the faint of heart. Raffle tickets are just $10, with proceeds supporting DAA’s nonprofit mission.

Randolph-Macon student volunteering during Halloween in Ashland

Adding to the spirit of giving, Randolph-Macon College’s SERVE Program is rallying student volunteers to support Ashland residents on Halloween night. These students will help neighbors hand out candy, offer homeowners a well-deserved break from the steady stream of trick-or-treaters, and delight children with light-up games and sticker prizes. It’s another reminder that Ashland’s magic doesn’t just come from candy and costumes—it comes from neighbors, young and old, working together to keep traditions bright and community connections strong.

Even local businesses are stepping forward to keep the magic alive. Minute Man Press of Ashland is printing postcards to ensure every Ashland home knows about these efforts and is also producing bright orange Ashland Halloween apparel to help families stand out in the festive downtown crowds. “Our decision to participate as a sponsor stems from our deep dedication to supporting the community,” Bass Pro Shops shared, “Fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for children, and promoting fun and festive activities for all attendees.”

Minute Man Press of Ashland’s bright Ashland Halloween apparel

Embrace Treatment Foster Care emphasized the deeper meaning behind the festivities. “With every trick-or-treat that is handed out, please remember the importance of community—it brings joy, safety, and a sense of belonging,” they said. “Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about fostering or if you or your business would like to work alongside Embrace to help spread the word on the need for foster parents.”

This October, Ashland proves once again why it’s called the Center of the Universe. By blending creativity, community spirit, and just the right amount of spooky fun, Downtown Ashland Association is making sure Halloween is more magical, memorable, and safe than ever before. From candy-filled concerts to pumpkin-lit porches, neighbors and visitors alike can find everything they need for a spooktacular October in downtown Ashland at AshlandHalloween.com

Live From the Lawn: Ashland Neighbors Strike a Chord with Free Concert

Crowds gather to watch live music performed on the lawn of the historic Hanover Arts and Activities Center

On Saturday, September 27, neighbors and visitors are invited to gather on the lawn of the historic Hanover Arts & Activities Center for the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert, a free outdoor celebration of music, art, food, and community spirit.

Beginning at 11 AM, guests are invited to cheer on the Ashland Song Contest winners as they perform their original anthems live on the lawn. Each song will be recorded by Free Jambalaya for streaming on major platforms—and played on K101.2 POP Richmond for the whole region to enjoy. Visitors can picnic on the lawn with farm-to-fork flavors, shop for unique arts and crafts, and celebrate Ashland’s small-town creativity. Virginia Girl Scouts will also have the chance to earn their special Ashland Girl Scout Day patch.

“We hope the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert will not only entertain and educate everyone about our rich history, but also introduce them to incredible small businesses, artists, and chefs,” said Louise Keeton, Director of Operations for DAA. “You know we want to make earning an Ashland Girl Scout Day patch more fun than ever and show off why downtown Ashland considers ourselves the center in the Center of the Universe!”

Ashland Girl Scout Day patch

The day will also bring special partnerships and interactive fun. Amtrak Virginia will host a booth to meet Virginia Girl Scouts and highlight September as Rail Safety Month, reminding everyone: See Tracks, Think Train. Amtrak is also sharing tips for enjoying Virginia’s breathtaking fall foliage by train—and offering 15% off tickets with the Virginia Anytime Fare at amtrak.com/Virginia15.

Minute Man Press of Ashland is rolling in with their custom apparel truck, offering Songs from the Center of the Universe gear on demand. Not everyone can earn the official Virginia Girl Scout patch, but neighbors can still take home the commemorative patch design, printed right on site.

Colette Maranda teaches at Ashland Dance Academy headquarters - 110 Thompson St - during Ashland Girl Scout Day 2024

Downtown Ashland brick and mortars are offering even more ways for Scouts to earn their Ashland Girl Scout Day Patch with deals like Free Limeade and Chocolate Mint Brownie with a lunch purchase at Homemades by Suzanne, drop-in crafting at the Ashland Branch Library, cookie decorating at Sugar Fix Bakery, local history at the Ashland Museum, and free dance classes at Ashland Dance Academy. “We had a blast last year,” delights Ashland Dance Academy’s Colette Maranda. “It felt like 300 scouts came through 110 Thompson!”

While downtown Ashland prepares to host hundreds of Girl Scouts, Ashland Song Contest winners are warming up their vocal chords and tuning their guitar strings for a full day of original music. Community favorites like Tim Nelson, John Rock, and Brad Tuggle will play their Ashland-inspired tunes live before Victor Gottlieb leads the crowd through 10 new Ashland Songs, including one song titled “Welcome to Ashland: Girl Scout Cookies.”

Grand prize winner Tammy Hart Mosby kicks off the show with her song 1800-Ashland where she will be presented with an award and a $300 check. She expressed her gratitude during an interview on K101.2 POP Richmond’s Happy Hour Vibes, sharing, “Winning the Ashland Song Contest is the honor of my life.”

This one-of-a-kind event is made possible through the generosity of Ashland’s neighbors. From original songs inspired by Ashland’s charm to farm-to-fork food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, and local businesses, the concert showcases the heart of the Center of the Universe. Thanks to the incredible support of the Downtown Ashland Association (DAA), donations from the community have funded a $300 grand prize for the Ashland Song Contest winner, ensuring that artists are celebrated and supported right here at home.

“Downtown Ashland is blessed to inspire artists and call so many neighbors,” added ‘Coach’ Antonio Miller, Executive Director of DAA. “Our community is literally paying them back with their generous donations. Now we’re not only able to offer a hefty Ashland Song Contest grand prize, but also invite and pay more musicians to play live at future free events.”

DAA invites sponsors to step in and make a lasting impact on Ashland’s cultural life. Sponsors receive exciting benefits—including their logo featured on Song Contest materials and marketing that reaches millions—while supporting future free artistic programming for everyone to enjoy.

✨ Grand Prize Sponsor ✨

$300.00

Step into the spotlight and power the Ashland Song Contest!
✔️ Your logo on our website + all contest marketing
✔️ Spotlight placement in our Get Centered newsletter
✔️ Complimentary vendor space at every DAA event including the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert (except Train Day) – reaching 15K+ in-person fans + millions of media impressions

Purchase

✨ Honorable Mention Prize Sponsor ✨

$100.00

Celebrate local talent and get noticed in the process with the Ashland Song Contest!
✔️ Your logo on our website + all contest marketing
✔️ Spotlight placement in our Get Centered newsletter
✔️ Complimentary vendor space at the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert – reaching 1K+ in-person fans + millions of media impressions

Purchase

✨ Album Sponsor ✨

$50.00

Put your business center stage at the Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert!
✔️ Your logo on our website + all contest marketing
✔️ Spotlight placement in our Get Centered newsletter
✔️ A ticket to Happy Hour Vibes Networking and Recording Party

Purchase

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Songs from the Center of the Universe Concert
📍 Hanover Arts and Activities Center Lawn – 500 S Center St, Ashland
🗓️ Saturday, September 27, 2025
⏰ 11 AM – Free and open to all!

Your Path Counseling Center launches Empowering Women: Veterans' Support Group

Ederis Martinez-Cunion, MS, LPC, NCC of Your Path Counseling Center
Press release provided by Your Path Counseling Center

Your Path Counseling announced today that they will be launching their Empowering Women: Veterans' Support Group. This is made possible by a grant from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. The grant dollars provided by the state will enable female veterans or active duty members to participate in six months of free Group Therapy services utilizing the Seeking Safety curriculum, as well as financial literacy training. Seeking Safety is an evidence-based group therapy curriculum shown to help individuals with PTSD and other mental health disorders build the coping skills necessary to manage a range of topics, such as coping skills, healthy relationships, setting boundaries, and self-care. Participants will have the option to participate in daytime or evening in-person group sessions held at local libraries in Hanover County. 

Affirming decor at Your Path Counseling Center

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 22% of all suicide deaths in the U.S. are Veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has ranked suicide prevention as one of its top priorities. In an effort to reduce suicide and opioid addiction, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services solicited applications for community-based grants to collaborate with state, local, community organizations, public and private institutions, and other service providers to develop programs to prevent suicide among service members, veterans, and families. Organizations were asked to develop programming to address the specific needs of Women Veterans, Homeless Veterans, Justice Involved, Caregiver Support or Financial Stability/literacy. 

After reviewing the current programming provided by the VA and other organizations participating in the SOS program, Your Path Counseling Center decided to pursue a grant to fund an in-person mental health group for female veterans in Hanover County and surrounding areas. Virginia is home to over 110,000 women veterans, with an increasing number living in Hanover or the surrounding counties. 47% of veterans report the transition from military to civilian life as “some what”, or “very difficult”. It is common for transitioning veterans to struggle with feeling disconnected from friends and family, paying bills, accessing health care, finding a job, and adjusting to the lack of structure that comes from civilian life. Research shows that the Seeking Safety (SS) group that Your Path Counseling Center will be offering is effective in reducing the symptoms related to PTSD by helping veterans become present-focused while building additional coping skills to enhance distress tolerance and affect management.  Your Path will also incorporate a financial literacy component into the program due to the strong correlation between mental and financial wellness. 

Active duty and retired female veterans can sign up to participate in the program by visiting www.yourpathcounselingcenter.com or calling 804-798-5327 ext. 0. They will have access to weekly Seeking Safety group sessions designed to help them improve their mental health, coping skills and financial literacy.  If additional services are needed, Your Path is able to provide individual, couples or family counseling as well.

Group Details
Empowering Women: Veterans’ Support Group
Starts Oct 3, 2025
Tuesday  from 6 pm to 7:30 pm at 7527 Library Dr. Hanover, VA, 23069A
Thursday from Noon to 1:30 pm at 201 S. Railroad Ave, Ashland, VA 23005

About Your Path Counseling Center

Founded in 2019, Your Path Counseling Center is a mental health practice based in Ashland, Virginia. It currently has two locations and provides traditional talk and expressive mental health services to children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Your Path Counseling Center is a racially and culturally affirming as well as an LGBTQ+ affirming practice. For more information visit www.yourpathcounselingcenter.com

Homemades by Suzanne Serves Up Fresh Flavors with a Legacy of Love

Homemades by Suzanne in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia

For more than 40 years, Homemades by Suzanne has been feeding neighbors, friends, and families in historic downtown Ashland with comfort food made the way you’d cook it at home—if only you had the time. Now, the beloved café and catering company is rolling out new menu offerings that keep tradition at the heart of every bite while giving folks even more delicious reasons to gather around the table in Ashland, in Richmond, and at events beyond the Center of the Universe.

Suzanne Wolstenholme inside Homemades by Suzanne in historic downtown Ashland, Virginia

Founded in 1982, Homemades by Suzanne started with a simple but powerful idea: give busy families and working professionals a way to enjoy wholesome, homestyle meals without sacrificing quality or flavor. “Around the time I started Homemades by Suzanne, there were a lot of women going back into the workplace,” Suzanne recalls. “If you were tired or wanted to do something after work, there wasn’t a place to stop in and pick up something wholesome to take home for dinner. If you did not want to cook at home, the food choices were very limited.”

From those first take-home dinners, Homemades by Suzanne has grown into one of the region’s most trusted names in catering, boxed lunches, and café dining—always with the same care, love, and local ingredients that built its reputation.

What’s New on the Menu?

Blackfin Crab Cakes at Homemades by Suzannes in historic Downtown Ashland

Neighbors can now enjoy expanded boxed lunch selections—from Backfin Crab Cakes with Key Lime Pie to vegetarian wraps paired with Chocolate Chess Pie—alongside fresh gift bags and trays perfect for family gatherings, holidays, and heartfelt occasions. Imagine sharing Sweet Potato Biscuits with Country Ham, creamy Almond Chicken Salad, or a Bountiful Imported Cheese Sampler at your next get-together.

For events big and small, Homemades by Suzanne continues to shine with full-service catering. Hors d’oeuvres like Sea Scallops Wrapped in Bacon, Miniature Beef Wellingtons, and cocktail Backfin Crab Cakes add a touch of elegance to weddings, retirements, and holiday parties. And for those who love the classics, their famous Chicken Salad and Virginia Baked Ham Biscuits never go out of style.

More Than a Meal—A Legacy

From comfort deliveries for neighbors in need to celebratory trays that make holidays brighter, Homemades by Suzanne has always been about more than food. It’s about connection. It’s about love. And it’s about being part of Ashland’s story for more than four decades.

The café at 102 N. Railroad Avenue is open Tuesday through Saturday until 2:00 PM—the perfect stop for lunch with a friend in the Center of the Universe. Catering and gift bag orders can be placed online at www.homemadesbysuzanne.com or by calling 804-798-8331.

So next time you’re wondering where to find a meal that feels like home—or a tray that turns an ordinary day into a celebration—consider your friendly neighborhood solution: Homemades by Suzanne.