DAA Executive Director Featured on Partners for Better Communities Podcast

Downtown Ashland Association’s Executive Director, “Coach” Antonio Miller, recently joined Douglas Jackson of the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development on Partners for Better Communities, episode 67: A Conversation with Antonio Miller.

Recorded in the heart of the Center of the Universe while 37 Main Street directors from across the Commonwealth gathered in Ashland, this inspiring episode offers a firsthand look at Ashland’s community spirit and the powerful impact of the Virginia Main Street program—celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.

Coach Miller, who joined the Downtown Ashland Association in 2024, reflects on the town's charm, diversity, and momentum:

“Ashland is three-dimensional… It’s the biggest little town you’re gonna come across. Anybody that visits is probably gonna run into somebody like themselves. You can find a bit of yourself in Ashland no matter who you are.”

The episode highlights how Ashland’s kindness, connectivity, and community leadership—especially its dedicated board and volunteers—create fertile ground for growth.

“That kindness allows me to shorten my learning curve, optimize my approach to how I want to steer the growth of our Main Street… It starts with that kindness.”

He shares his gratitude for the dream team around him, including the board that took a chance on someone new to the role, and partners like Louise Keeton, who, in his words, “Doesn’t believe in 99%. Most people would take that A and say, I got an A. But she wants to make sure she's putting her best forward all the time.” This team of community crusaders is working tirelessly on behalf of downtown Ashland thanks to leaders like “Coach” Antonio Miller.

For anyone interested in building better communities, especially through the lens of historic preservation and economic revitalization, this is a conversation not to miss.

🎧 Listen now: A Conversation with Antonio Miller – Partners for Better Communities, Ep. 67

In Memory of Bob Brown

Bob Brown during the The Cross Bros. Return in 2012.

Downtown Ashland has lost one of its guiding lights.

Bob Brown, former Board Member of Downtown Ashland Association and longtime Chair of the Design Committee, passed away—leaving behind a legacy that has shaped the heart and future of our town. A gifted urban planner, architectural artist, and true visionary, Bob was not only a brilliant mind, but also a kind and generous soul who made Ashland more beautiful, more walkable, and more welcoming for all.

Since 2012, Bob dedicated himself as a volunteer with Downtown Ashland Association, serving seven years on the Board of Directors and ten years as Chair of the Design Committee. His work through the committee honored Ashland’s historic charm while advocating for thoughtful, inclusive public spaces. Every brick, bench, and bloom that graces our downtown is, in some way, touched by Bob’s influence.

Before lending his talents to Ashland, Bob led award-winning revitalization projects in Hoboken, Winston-Salem, and Hartford. A Princeton-educated architect and passionate urban planner, he also taught future city builders at the University of Pennsylvania. But his greatest joy came from the community he built right here in the Center of the Universe with his beloved wife, Mary Lou.

Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park coming soon to historic downtown Ashland thanks to visionaries like Bob Brown.

As Chair of the Ashland Planning Commission—where he served for nine years, four as Chair—Bob played a pivotal role in updating the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. For this and so much more, he was honored with the Ashland Citizen Leadership Award. Bob’s work laid the groundwork for present and future projects like the Railroad Avenue streetscape, enhancements around Town Hall and the historic train station, and the vision for the Mid-Atlantic Railroad Park.

His vision didn’t just shape our streets—it inspired a community. Bob believed in the power of places and in the people who inhabit them. His loss is deeply felt, but his legacy will endure in every thoughtful detail he helped design and every person he mentored along the way.

Services will be held Saturday, June 7th at 2pm at St. James the Less (125 Beverly Rd, Ashland, VA 23005).

Downtown Ashland Associaton’s reception in honor of Bob Brown in 2022

Ashland Song Contest Returns for an Encore

2024 Ashland Song Contest winner Ginny Ray

The spotlight is back on Ashland’s musical talent as the Ashland Song Contest returns for an encore! Following the chart-topping success of its inaugural year, this one-of-a-kind contest invites musicians, lyricists, and dreamers of all ages to sing the praises of Ashland, Virginia—affectionately known as the Center of the Universe.

Last year’s debut was music to our ears: 14 original songs were recorded live at Ashland Fourth Fridays in Slipped Disc recording studios, just a heartbeat away from the historic Ashland Theatre. Each submission became part of the community’s soundtrack, culminating in the album Songs from the Center of the Universe, now streaming on all major platforms—thanks to local music legends, Free Jambalaya.

The first-place winner, then 13-year-old Ashland native Ginny Ray, proved that hometown pride and talent start young. Her heartfelt hit, “You Already Know,” landed her a professional recording session, a performance on Ashland’s biggest stages, and radio play on K101.2 POP through The Barry Farmer Morning Show with Sharron Lizzy—a nationally syndicated program that gave her voice a national stage.

Matt Treacy of Free Jambalaya

“The Song Contest was an incredible experience, and one that makes me proud to be working in Ashland,” said Matt Treacy of Free Jambalaya. “We expected a handful of entries—and got 25 high-quality, heartfelt songs. It’s clear this town has talent, and I can’t wait to hear what Volume 2 brings.”

🎤 Now, it’s your turn to take the mic. Whether you’re a toe-tapping troubadour or a lyric-loving local, this is your moment to let Ashland inspire your next big hit. Enter the Ashland Song Contest at AshlandFourthFridays.com by Sunday, July 27, 2025, and your voice could join the chorus of hometown stars.

🎵 PRIZES INCLUDE:

📜 ENTRY DETAILS:

  • Submit your original song at AshlandFourthFridays.com by Sunday, July 27, 2025

  • Songs must be family-friendly, original, and reference the Town of Ashland

  • Winner announced at Ashland Fourth Fridays on August 22 at 5 PM at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion

Need some lyrical inspiration? Dive into Ashland’s past and present with:

May Ashland Fourth Fridays Marvels

Ready to step into a summer of rhythm, flavor, and family-friendly adventure? Then mark your calendars for Ashland Fourth Fridays on May 23 from 5–8 PM! Whether you're a local or hopping off the Amtrak Virginia for a weekend getaway, this event is your one-way ticket to joy in the Center of the Universe.

🌸 Something for Everyone (Even Your Sweet Tooth)

From the moment you arrive at Ashland Town Hall Lawn, you’ll be greeted with smiling faces, vibrant local vendors, and entertainment that’ll have you dancing in your picnic blanket. This event is super walkable, so wear comfy shoes and wander through food trucks, family games, craft tents, and irresistible aromas that fill the evening air.

🍽️ Farm-to-Fork Fare & Flavors from Around the World:
World class-culinary m

  • Monique’s Crepes – Made-to-order sweet & savory French-style crepes

  • Good Vices Ices – Fruity, refreshing water ice made with real fruit

  • Los Changos – El Salvadoran street eats like pupusas, tacos & more

  • Charles Kitchen Caribbean – Curry shrimp, vegan crab cakes, stewed chicken, and plantains that’ll transport your taste buds

  • Farmview Creamery – Farmer-owned ice cream and flavored milk straight from the source 🐄🍨

  • Mama Vicky’s Lumpia – Filipino BBQ skewers and savory-sweet lumpia that’ll leave you craving seconds

🎭 Live Entertainment That'll Make You Tap Your Feet (and Your Heartstrings!)

Kick off the evening with back-to-back performances from Ashland Dance Academy starting at 5 PM at the Ashland Town Hall Pavilion. These pint-sized performers bring big energy in ballet, hip-hop, and musical theatre styles. Stop by for a photo-op with Glenda the Good Witch beside the “Welcome to the Center of the Universe” mural at 110 Thompson Street 🌟✨

The Generations Trio playing the New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball

🎷 Then, get jazzy with The Generations Trio, Richmond-based musicians who blend classic jazz with modern vibes. Their renditions of legends like Miles Davis and The Beatles will have you swaying under the setting sun. Whether you're on a blanket or a lawn chair, you’ll feel the groove all the way down to your toes.

🧙‍♀️ Ghosts, Ghouls & Glimpses of the Past 👻

May 23 marks the season debut of Ashland Haunted History Tours! Choose your adventure:

  • Spirits of Railroad Avenue: Lantern-lit lore along the tracks

  • Stranger Than Fiction: Delightfully weird and eerie stories you won’t believe
    Tours depart from RED VEIN Escape, where you can book an immersive game before or after your historical haunt!

🛍️ Shop Small, Shine Bright

Local vendors are popping up around the lawn and shops are staying open late. From handmade jewelry and crocheted toys to herbal teas, flower bouquets, and boozy bundt cakes, there’s a treasure for every taste. Here’s just a sampling:

🎨 Love St Studio – One-of-a-kind shrink plastic jewelry
🧶 Twysted Threads – Crocheted animals, hats, and t-shirts
💐 Breemar Flower Farms – Fresh, dried, and seasonal blooms
🛁 Heart and Soap – Artisanal soaps and lotions
🍋 The Faithful Lemon – Fresh-squeezed lemonade & limeade
🍰 Boozy Bundt – Scratch-made, spirit-infused cakes
👓 HeavenlyEyes – Chic eyewear, handbags & wallets
…and dozens more ready to delight, surprise, and support your community spirit 💛

🏛️ Explore Ashland’s Roots

The Ashland Museum is open late during Fourth Fridays to tell the story of our town’s past—one railroad tie and tall tale at a time. From trains to traditions, discover the magic that made Ashland the Center of the Universe.

🎤 Got a Song in Your Heart? 🎶

While you're downtown, stop by AshlandFourthFridays.com and submit your original tune to the Ashland Song Contest! Your song could be the next anthem echoing down Center Street. The winner gets radio play, performance gigs, and a chance at label representation! 🎙️🎧 Deadline is July 27, 2025—let your lyrics locomote their way into Ashland history.

🚄 Take the Train, Stay for the Charm

Riding in from Richmond or DC? Hop aboard Amtrak Virginia and arrive right in the heart of downtown Ashland. With Town Hall just a block away from the station, it's an easy breezy night of local love, dancing, dining, and discovering. Why not enjoy a Center of the Universe Brewing Company Brewski while you’re on board?

🗺️ Full event maps and updates at AshlandFourthFridays.com

🌟✨ Don’t miss this monthly celebration of everything that makes Ashland special—from talented tots to toe-tapping trios, handmade treasures to ghostly tales. Gather your crew, bring your appetite, and get ready to stroll, shop, and support the Center of the Universe.

See you on the lawn, May 23! 🌈🎨💃🛍️🍋🎷👻

Demystifying AI Brings Big Brains and Bigger Questions to Ashland Theatre

Can artificial intelligence actually help you write a resume, map out your next novel, or decode data science? Or are we just feeding the algorithm? Join two of Virginia’s brightest minds as they unravel the mystery of AI in a free community event on Tuesday, May 20 at 6 PM at the historic Ashland Theatre.

Demystifying AI is a live demonstration and interactive conversation designed to make the world of large language models—like ChatGPT—a little less intimidating and a lot more accessible. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already using AI tools in your personal or professional life, this event will help you separate fact from fiction, and science from sci-fi.

The evening will feature Christine Holzem, retired Group Vice President of National IT for the Federal Reserve Banks and current Adjunct Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University, and Dr. Jason Merrick, Professor of Supply Chain Management and Analytics at VCU and internationally recognized expert in decision and risk analysis.

Christine Holzem

Together, they'll explore how emerging technologies like generative AI are reshaping how we work, learn, and lead—with a live demonstration and plenty of time for audience Q&A.

Holzem brings nearly four decades of experience guiding organizations through transformation, from cybersecurity to Six Sigma, from global marketing to IT strategy across the Federal Reserve System. Known for empowering future leaders, she now teaches VCU’s capstone students how to harness tools like ChatGPT to solve complex, real-world problems.

Dr. Jason Merrick

Dr. Merrick, meanwhile, has dedicated his career to decision science and analytics. With over $3 million in research funding and clients ranging from the U.S. Coast Guard to ExxonMobil, Merrick’s work shows how data—and now AI—can support better decisions in critical moments.

“AI isn’t a magic wand,” says Downtown Ashland Association’s Executive Director “Coach” Antonio Miller, “but it can be a powerful partner. The key is understanding when to trust the tool—and when to trust yourself. We can trust Dr. Merric and Christine Holzem are up to the task of demystifying AI and inspiring audiences.”

Demystifying AI is free and open to the public. Whether you’re a student, teacher, small business owner, or simply AI-curious, you’re invited to join the conversation, see a live demonstration of generative AI in action, and bring your own questions to the experts.

And yes—we promise: no pop quizzes from the robots. Learn more at AshlandVirginia.com/DemystifyingAI

EVENT DETAILS:

Demystifying AI
 📅 Tuesday, May 20
 🕕 6:00 PM
 📍 Ashland Theatre, 205 England St., Ashland, VA
🎟️ Free Admission