Brady Ross and the Route 23 Band: Never Give Up

Striking Chords and Hearts All Across the Tri-State

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

   April showers bring May flowers. April is often the month that most people associate with springtime, rain, and that cool Spring weather that is just the right temperature. The month of April is so much more than just that. What many may not realize is that April like most months is packed full of an entire plethora of unique holidays and awareness events. International Guitar Month is observed in the month of April and is the perfect time to strike some chords and produce some exquisitely sweet melodies.

   Brady Ross is a local musician who has been playing the guitar since he was just five years old and even started his own band at the age of 13. “My grandfather Bruce Roar was always such an inspiration to me growing. He taught me how to play at a very young age. As I got older, my main inspirations for writing songs and playing guitar would be Stevie Ray Von and Joe Bonamassa,” Ross reminisced. Axis was the name of Ross’s old band, and they played in and around the Tri-State for many years.

   Over the years, Ross’s musical talent continued to strike chords in the hearts of those throughout the community. Recently Ross decided to create a new band… The Brady Ross and Route 23 Band. Ross noted that the inspiration behind the naming of his band came from a famous artist along Route 23 and that he and his bandmates hope to one day follow in their footsteps. The band is made of five members:  Brady Ross- lead singer and lead guitarist, Jacob Willis- rhythm guitar and vocals, Logan Cooper- slide guitar, fiddle player and rhythm guitarist, Steve Entler- bass player and vocals, and Ian Gehringer- drummer. “We play a mix of Americana/southern rock. We have an album of 10 originals called True Identity on EVERY platform such as: Apple Music/iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Pandora, Amazon, etc. Our personal favorite song is ‘Pray For Me,’” shared Ross.

   The band’s favorite thing about performing on stage is being able to see the crowd and feed off their energy. For Ross personally, his favorite thing about performing on stage is being surrounded by his band, performing under the lights and monitors, and just having that moment where everything is “in sync.”  Ross added, “My favorite thing about the music business is most people work all day, including myself, but you can play music, doing what you love, for fans… for everyone, and you get paid to do something that you love. What’s better than that?”

   Since the band’s formation, they have been able to record a new album at 1705 Studios that was released in February of this year.  “We have a few upcoming gigs planned. A local tri-state BBQ brawl in Raceland Ky, Library Con for the Greenup Library, and Old-Fashioned Days in Greenup, Ky. We have others in the process but not yet confirmed,” declared Ross. “Often times the hardest part about getting involved and staying in the music business boils down to being able to find the right gigs at the right times. Getting noticed by people is a big part of it,” added Ross. For anyone who is just starting out, Ross had a few words of wisdom to share, “First off… NEVER give up on your dreams! The path to success is like a long and bumpy dirt road, but you just gotta keep traveling and never give up on what you love doing.”

The 40 Day Challenge

Holy Family Early Childhood Classes Celebrate Lent

Deidra Bowling-Meade

The Ashland Beacon

   “Prayer, fasting and alms giving; we are meant to repent. Forty days of sacrifice, being super, extra nice. This is Lent. This is Lent.”  The children at Holy Family School in Mrs. Ward’s Montessori class could be heard joyfully singing these words of praise.  The children learn from an early age the importance of giving their best for God. The Holy Family Early Childhood classes, which consist of Ms. Nancy Redden’s Playschool department, Mrs. Gretchen Ward’s Montessori Program, and Mrs. Julie McCoy’s Preschool, shared the importance of Lent with their students.  All the students from these classes were eager to learn and shared experiences that they will remember for a lifetime.

   Lent lasts for 40 days and is observed by many Christians. Lent goes from Ash Wednesday to Good Friday and is a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection, also known as Easter.  Lent is meant to be a time of repentance. These 40 days are set aside to praise and worship the Lord, read the Bible more, pray more often and have a deeper intimacy with the Lord.

   Mrs. Ward and Mrs. McCoy talked to their students about showing kindness toward others and to give with a grateful heart. Students in Ms. Nancy’s Playschool created a Lent chain. Ms. Amy led the class each day at circle time by having the students say or do what was on the loops of the chain.  Ms. Nancy explained, “An example was to make a card for someone we love, show kindness to friends, or pray for Mommy. The students were also told Lent is essentially an act of prayer spread out over 40 days to bring us closer to God. It’s a time to work on personal discipline in general. Instead of fasting, they can be doing something positive like exercising more, praying more, or being nicer to family and friends.”

   In addition to learning about Lent, the Holy Family Early Childhood classes used the observation of Lent to conduct a community service project to help Two Hearts Pregnancy Care Center. The teachers wanted to gear a project toward little children, and with it being spring the thought of new beginnings came to mind. The classes collected baby items to give to new mothers. The students enjoyed bringing in the items. 

   Chloe Goodwin exclaimed, “It maked me happy to help babies!”

   Aeryn Andrada said, “ It’s kind to help; it makes us happy when we give.”

   Brenleigh Chaney added, “It’s good to share.”

   The introduction to Lent and the service project were successful.  Ms. Nancy discussed the overall outcome, We wanted to teach our kids to share joy with others and to think past the excitement surrounding their Easter goodies. Best of all, this can be one of the most fulfilling things to do for Easter. Research shows you will experience longer periods of happiness when you give to others. We should be renewed in our compassion for those who are hungry, suffering, or otherwise in need.  It’s about reaching out to others and helping them without question as a way of sharing the experience of God’s unconditional love.”

Ashland Native Ali Wilcox Tackles Kidney Disease with Positivity, Perseverance, & Purpose

Deidra Bowling-Meade

The Ashland Beacon

   Imagine spending your life chronically ill from grade school into adulthood, going to doctor after doctor not knowing what is wrong and trying to find answers.  You find out in your early twenties that you now only have one functioning kidney.  Could you remain positive and hopeful?  How would you live your life?

   The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) recognizes March as National Kidney Month. According to the NIDDK, kidney disease is often referred to as a “silent disease,” because there are usually no symptoms during its early stages.  As many as 90% of Americans who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) don’t know they have the disease until it is very advanced.  Ashland native Ali Wilcox has experienced an ongoing battle with kidney disease.

   You may recognize the name Ali Wilcox from her Ashland history or her successes as an educator and basketball coach. Wilcox is a 2009 graduate from Paul Blazer High School and the daughter of Jeff and Kristy Wilcox.  She taught at Wurtland Elementary School in Greenup County from 2015-2022 and currently teaches third grade at Oakview Elementary in Ashland.  During the 2022-23 school year, Wilcox coached 8th grade basketball at Ashland Middle School and was junior varsity and varsity assistant girls basketball coach at Ashland Blazer High School.  Ali doesn’t let her illness slow her down; her resilience and positivity in her everyday life shine through.

   Wilcox described her illness, “I began having kidney stone issues when I was in elementary school, but it was misdiagnosed until I was a freshman in college. At that time, I was blessed to be introduced to Dr. William Boykin, who has guided my care since that time. I have a metabolic disease, which causes my body to produce an exorbitant amount of kidney stones. Even with the correct medicine that Dr. Boykin prescribes, my body will still produce them. Because of that, I’ve had numerous kidney stone surgeries to remove multiple stones at a time, but for the most part, I just pass the stones on my own when I’m able. My major surgery, which was a left nephrectomy, occurred on November 11, 2014. My left kidney was damaged (non-functional) due to the number of stones and scar tissue, so it had to be removed. There were some severe complications during surgery, and Dr. Boykin saved my life that day and was so careful to make my 12-inch scar as minimal as possible.”

   Ali fought every step of the way but did struggle at times. “Probably my lowest moment during this journey (besides my long recovery with my nephrectomy) was in December of my sophomore year of college. I underwent another kidney stone surgery, from which I did not recover quickly. When the semester resumed in January, I was physically unable to return to UK. I had to stay at home here in Ashland in order to recuperate and get well. That put me behind an entire semester of college and meant I had to miss UK Basketball! That was a really hard time for me. But, my parents didn’t let me sit at home and feel sorry for myself. After I recuperated and was feeling better after a couple of months, I got a job and spent the semester working here in Ashland. I happily returned to UK when summer school started that May and resumed my college career, definitely feeling much better,” stated Wilcox.

   Throughout her journey, Ali had a strong support system.  Her parents, brother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all rallied around Ali in total support from day one. She also has the most devoted friends who have been there for her throughout. “Their love and support during all of my trying times have been indescribable and something that I am forever grateful for,” commented Wilcox.

   The family unit played a key role in Ali’s recovery and continues throughout her life.  One of the most touching pictures taken was of Ali with her brother Robby after Ali came out of surgery.  Robby bent down to Ali, and they both gave a thumbs up. He wanted to assure her everything was going to be alright.  The siblings have a close relationship, and it shows as they stick together through thick and thin.  “My brother continues to this day to be one of the people who is always right by my side during everything. Robby and my parents are always making sure that I am taking the best possible care of myself.” 

   Ali’s mother, Kristy Wilcox, shared how difficult it was to witness her daughter being sick, yet their faith saw them through.

   Kristy remarked, “Every parent who has had a sick child, especially one with a serious chronic illness, knows how scary it is. It was difficult as parents to see her in so much pain without having a diagnosis. There was a lot of uncertainty with her diagnosis, and we knew she had a tough road ahead of her, but we also knew that she was in the best hands possible. So, the fear was real from a parental standpoint, and still is every day, but having the right doctor on board is comforting.

   Her journey requires a lot of faith from all of us. We have to have faith in Dr. Boykin, and we do. We know that she is receiving the absolute best care here in our little community---better than she would receive anywhere, and we’ve even been told that from doctors at larger hospitals in much larger cities. We have to have faith in God, and this comes from prayer, a strong faith foundation, and a supportive church family. We also have to have faith in Ali that she does the things necessary to keep herself as healthy as possible, and this is something that she (thankfully) has always done on her own. It’s tough as parents sometimes to not micromanage her healthcare, but she’s an adult, and she is so devoted to keeping herself as healthy as possible that it isn’t something we have had to do.”

   Ali had to make changes in her life due to having one kidney; she has to make conscious choices daily and continue to monitor her health.  Ali explained, “People live normal lives with one kidney every day. The issue is whether or not the one remaining kidney is healthy. At first, my right kidney was not very healthy. But Dr. Boykin monitors me often, scans me when necessary, and ensures that the same issue is not happening with my remaining kidney. So far, my bloodwork and other kidney tests seem to be improving. The one thing I must be careful of is pain with a kidney stone. I know from familiarity how large they are. When a person has two kidneys, if a stone gets lodged, the other kidney takes over. When a person only has one kidney, if a stone gets lodged, it’s life-threatening. I must be more diligent about contacting Dr. Boykin and getting to KDMC immediately should I feel a stone becoming lodged. That’s the biggest difference for me with having one kidney. I eat healthy, exercise, watch my sodium intake, drink a lot of water, and do those things on a daily basis as well.”

   Ali’s daily journey is an inspiration to everyone she meets as she approaches every aspect of life with positivity and a sincere heart. Kristy Wilcox praised Ali by saying: “Ali defines positivity. She always has a smile on her face, and she sees the good in every person and in every situation. She passes kidney stones like it’s nothing; she endures pain almost daily; yet, most people would never know her situation unless you know her story. She sees each day as an opportunity to make an impact on someone, and I would venture to say that rarely a day passes where she doesn’t positively influence somebody. I am proud of her in every way: her faith, her attitude, her lifestyle, her success and passion as a teacher and as a coach, her devotion to her family and friends, her positive influence, and her love of life----I could go on and on. She’s a true inspiration.” Her father, Jeff Wilcox stated, “I’m proud of Ali’s resilience, self-confidence, and success in several aspects of her life.  But, most of all, I am proud of her unwavering perseverance and positive attitude while tackling obstacles, big and small in her life.”

   Ali agrees that positivity is key, “I’ve stayed positive throughout my journey and always will. Why not? I’ve received the best care from the best doctors possible. In addition to Dr. Boykin, my primary care physician Dr. Whitney Hunter takes great care of me and is always available for anything I need. I’ve received unconditional support from my family and friends. I’m still here today to tell my story, and I’m going to do it with a smile.”

   We never know what battles others are facing in their lives. Ali Wilcox teaches us to stay positive and persevere through life’s storms.  This March as we celebrate National Kidney month, find ways you can make a difference.  Learn more about kidney disease.  Also, take an extra step and consider organ donation or participate in fundraisers and events for the American Kidney Foundation.

Honoring Heroes of Vietnam

Pamela Hall

Ashland Beacon

The Poage Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a luncheon for Vietnam veterans on Sunday, March 12 at the Ashland Transportation Center. The event was more than just a luncheon, however. It was a “Welcome Home” for many that they didn’t receive 50 years ago.

“Honoring Heroes” was attended by about 60 veterans of the Vietnam War from Boyd, Carter, and Greenup Counties, including one female veteran. Dignitaries at the state level in attendance were Commissioner Whitney Allen from the KY Department of Veterans Affairs, and Mrs. Leslie Miller, DAR National VP General and Honorary State Regent.

Following a welcome by Poage Chapter DAR Regent Cheryl Spriggs and Commissioner Allen, the Chaplain of AMVETS Post 95, Mike Wurts, led those in attendance in the Pledge to the American Flag. Ashland Paul Blazer JROTC performed the Presentation of Colors. Victor Wilson, a local Vietnam veteran, sang the National Anthem followed by the recitation of the Preamble to the Constitution and the American’s Creed, led by Poage Chapter DAR members Marsha Zachem and Teresa Hardesy, respectively. A moment of silence was also observed to honor those who gave their lives.

Ashland Mayor Matt Perkins read a proclamation, designating that the day was set aside in Ashland to honor Vietnam veterans and thank them for their service.

“It was Ashland’s honor to be the host city for the DAR Vietnam Veterans luncheon,” the Mayor stated following the event. “The sacrifices made by our veterans and their families, for our nation, shall never be forgotten.”

One of the most emotional and moving presentations was The Missing Man Table and Honors Ceremony. Five members of the Ashland Paul Blazer JROTC marched in, each carrying a cap from a branch of the military. They circled an empty table with five place settings, drink glasses inverted, chairs draped with a POW-MIA drape, a lit candle and vase with a rose placed in the center of the table. A sixth JROTC member explained the ceremony as each member slowly placed each cap, facing outward, on the table, then saluted. They marched out as the sixth member snuffed out the candle. The beautiful ceremony brought tears to the eyes of many.

Following the delicious meal prepared by Brenda Barnhill Catering, Keynote Speaker Command Sargent Major (Retired, US Army) Mike Maynard honored the veterans. He included some statistics concerning those that served from Boyd, Carter, and Greenup Counties. There were 36 casualties from the three counties; 36 men who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country. Those casualties ranged in age from 19 to 56.

“Recognition…,” said Maynard soberly, “it’s the right thing to do.”

This was the second luncheon that the Poage Chapter DAR has had in Boyd County. They have previously had three luncheons in Greenup County and one in Carter County.

Certificates were given to those veterans attending a luncheon for the first time. As one veteran received his certificate, he moved some to tears as he spoke up about how this was finally the welcome home that they needed.

“I think most people don’t understand the bond that service members have,” said another veteran, Michael Zachem, who served in the US Navy. “It’s a special bond. Veterans share a unique experience, having served our country. This luncheon helps to strengthen that bond.”

“Poage Chapter Daughters are proud to have had a very successful event to honor and welcome home our Vietnam Veterans,” said Cheryl Spriggs. “So many local men and women served our country during the Vietnam War era and we were able to thank them in a very meaningful way. We believe they are all patriots and heroes.”

 National Vietnam War Veterans Day is March 29. It is fitting that we all say a heartfelt “thank you” in appreciation to those who have served our great country and to also remember those that sacrificed their lives. Let us never forget!