I know someone sent a note regarding a new cafe or restaurant (it specifically mentioned vegetable soup), although I’ve searched my files and e-mail and can’t seem to find it. I suspect the information is hiding in plain sight, but it has eluded me after a thorough search.

If this was from you ... send it again or give me a call.

Just beyond sight

The owner of The Paperback Exchange pointed out two small businesses that have been doing business in Ashland since long before I started roaming around here and I’ll admit I was a little bit surprised by their presence (we’ll make hiding in plain sight a minor theme this week).

Local folks have actually been getting their hair cut at Shear & Razor Styling Shop since before I was born. The business was established in 1960. Pete Cox has been working there since 1966 and Woody Horne came along in 1975.

I popped my shaggy-haired self into the shop briefly and the guys told me they’ve been doing business by appointment for so many years, anyone who might need them knows where they’re at. The shop number is (606) 324-5667.

And, Cinderella Beauty Salon has been in business since the days of the first lunar landing. The salon, which was closed when I happened by, is owned by Cora Franklin and can be reached at (606) 325-3930.

Both are next to/between the FoodLand and Rite Aid just off 13th Street. I’ve been in that plaza hundreds of times and had no idea they were there, even though there is a rather large sign pointing people their way.

A busy man

Someone informed me that the Ashland business community lost one of its long-standing members recently with the passing of Carl Lunsford, owner/operator of Ashland Vacuum on 29th Street.

I never met him, although he had a reputation of being able to fix anything designed to clean a carpet or floor. A couple of reporters from this newspaper had approached the man hoping to write a business-feature story about him, but Lunsford declined the offer, and told the journalists he was already busy enough.

20 years at ATC

Ashland Town Center shoppers have already been enjoying the benefits of the mall’s 20th Anniversary celebration, which began last week with a big “sidewalk sale,” as well as the Taste Of Ashland event on Saturday. The anniversary events continue through Friday with $20 Ashland Town Center VISA gift cards for those who spend $150 or more.

For more information, visit www.ashlandtowncenter.com or call (606) 324-1100.

Free training

Hospitality and service training will be the focus of a free Shining Star workshop by instructor Michelle Spencer from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Jesse Stuart Foundation on the corner of Winchester Avenue and 17th Street in Ashland.

The training is best suited for businesses with frontline employees including restaurants, lodging, attractions, schools, government agencies and tourism-related facilities. Refreshments will also be provided by the Ashland Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

For more information or to pre-register, visit www.kysbdc.ecenterdirect.com or call (606) 329-8011.

40 years

The folks at Highland Floor Covering are renovating their showroom and warehouse in conjunction with their 40th anniversary of doing business in the area. The business remains a family operation under the guidance of husband and wife Darrell and Louise Green, and son Chad. The changes at their large retail showroom at 2141 Winchester Ave. in Ashland are expected to be completed by mid-November.

The business is open from 9 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, offering a selection of name-brand flooring products including carpet, laminate, vinyl, ceramic, area rugs and installation services.

For more information, call (606) 324-9675 or (800) 788-3845.

Halloween at Kyova

The annual Safe Trick or Treat at Kyova Tri-State Mall and Lifestyle Center along U.S. 60 in Cannonsburg is Oct. 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. and local merchants are welcome to join in the tradition of handing out Halloween treats in the safe-for-kids environment.

The local mall had an estimated crowd of 3,000 last year, and tables are provided free of charge to participating merchants, with the only requirement being each table provide plenty of treats, as well as any business-related information. For more information, call (606) 928-3835, ext. 202.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.