Firestarter Gwen Akers Lights Sparks in the Community

 Deidra Bowling-Meade

 The Ashland Beacon

“One tiny flame could make so many other flames; one tiny flame could set afire a whole world.”  Anne Rice

Did you know it only takes a spark to get a fire going?  Fires can be dangerous, yet some are worth burning.  This is the case for 19 year old Ashland native Gwen Akers, who is blazing a trail for Kentucky and our area through her writing.  Akers was recently awarded the 2023 Kentucky Foundations for Women Firestarter Award. This award “honors artists ages 18 to 25 who are taking risks in the creation of new art, involved in social justice/community engagement, and who demonstrate a developing feminist voice, including new insights and visions and/or fresh approaches to feminist topics or art for social change.”

Akers is a sophomore English Education major with a minor in Spanish at Morehead State University and a 2022 graduate of Paul Blazer High School.  In addition to getting her degree, Akers also writes for the Morehead Trail Blazer and The Ashland Beacon.  She enjoys writing fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry. Akers was selected as a 2023 Firestarter “for her work writing on topics such as Appalachia, heritage, family connection, rural communities, connection to place and mental health. She has had work published in Still: The Journal, and also has a piece forthcoming in an anthology from Fireside Industries focused on the devastating flooding in Eastern Kentucky.” 

Akers was nominated by her former professor and mentor, Amy Richardson.  Richardson praised Akers, “I met Gwen at the inaugural Ironwood Writers Studio at the Hindman Settlement School in June 2022. She stood out to me through her efforts to ensure the weeklong experience was exemplary for every member of the community of younger writers built during that time. I was fortunate to see her come to MSU as a freshman the following fall where I was teaching, and then move into an internship with the Ashland Beacon where she has written some beautiful articles highlighting happenings across the region. Gwen’s eagerness to step in where she is needed and enthusiasm to promote good things happening in our Appalachian community demonstrate what a gem she is. It was such an honor and pleasure to nominate her for a KFW Firestarter Award and a true joy to learn she won. Being able to acknowledge and celebrate a young person who is stepping up to advocate and fight for our region is one of the best moments of my life.”

Karen Scalf, who was Akers’ high school English teacher, saw the potential Akers had with writing. Scalf stated, “Gwen Akers was a true joy as a high school writing student of mine. She is the perfect combination of persistent and talented. She is so deserving of this Firestarter writing award and will carry the mantle well for young Appalachian writers. When I was on Spring Break a few years ago, I saw the information for the inaugural Ironwood Writer’s Workshop for young teen writers at esteemed Hindman Settlement school and immediately contacted Gwen. She was accepted and flourished there. I expect she will continue to embark on important creative endeavors while always giving back to her community. She is a fantastic writer and a wonderful young woman. As her former writing teacher, I am delighted in her accomplishments this far. Gwen Akers is a determined and delightful writer and human being.”

Akers’ spark for writing happened at an early age.  Akers remarked, “Writing has been a part of my life almost as long as I can remember. I love the flexibility and freedom of writing--its ability to tell stories but also craft us a window into another world (or give us a closer look at our own). Truly, I just love stories. I love hearing and writing about the stories that are all around me, and delving deeper into the rich history, ancestry, and imagination of our area.”

Akers’ passion for storytelling and the people around her have made her writing stronger.  Akers’ expressed her gratitude for being selected for the Firestarter Award, “To be selected for this award was truly amazing for me. This has opened up so many connections and relationships that I cannot wait to explore. I was invited to attend the Kentucky Foundation for Women's Day in Louisville, Ky. At the celebration, I was able to meet and talk with several other young artists and mentors. I am so grateful to be a part of a community of budding and blossomed artists all across Kentucky. I am grateful to have been selected to represent my area and my home--and I hope that I can continue to do so!”

Akers clearly wants to make a difference. That small spark has become a burning flame shining brightly for others to see.  Congratulations Gwen Akers on your writing achievements.

Engaging in the Right Conversations

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

Thanksgiving is just right around the corner and with that brings about an attitude of gratitude. Living in such a fast-paced world, it is often easy to forget just how fortunate we are and that others around us may not be as fortunate. Thankfully, this is the season that really seems to put everything into perspective and serves as a reminder to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Jeremy Holbrook, Executive Director of The Neighborhood, doesn’t need a holiday to remind him of this because Holbrook exercises his compassion for others on a daily basis. “After becoming the Executive Director of The Neighborhood two years ago, I’ve learned so much about our in-need, at-risk, and displaced citizens in our community.  In 2022, we had over 33,000 individual check-ins at The Neighborhood — people needing services from our partnering agencies. Some of those people needed a warm shower, hygiene supplies, a haircut, clothing, or even help entering the housing assistance program. Most of them came to get a warm meal from The Ashland Community Kitchen, but all of them needed help,” explained Holbrook.

Many people fail to realize that it's okay to need help. Holbrook shared, “We have all needed help in different seasons of life. Maybe we're in a blessed season where we have the opportunity to become the helper, but oftentimes even the helpers need help too. It doesn't make us “needy”; it makes us human.   I find that there are many more things that make us similar than make us different.”

Over the past couple of years, Holbrook shared he has often wondered just what “the tipping point” might be for a guest of The Neighborhood to move from needing the daily dose of food and supplies to getting to the point where they understand and believe that they have the capacity to become employable, self-sustainable, and an equally contributing member of our community.

Encouragement and hope can the change world. Holbrook explained, “I know that there have been so many times in my life when I've made a mess of things. It was the encouragement and advice of people, who genuinely had my best interest at heart, who picked me up, dusted me off, and set me back on a healthier path. It's that mindset and belief that caused me to question: ‘Why are the people who come in to get a meal from the community kitchen NOT utilizing the other available resources from CAReS like housing assistance, and the amazing resources and programs that Pathways provides?’”

It was at that moment Holbrook realized … “What if we haven't been engaging in the encouraging conversations? What if we haven't reminded these delicate people they have the capacity to change things for the better?” Holbrook went on to add, “Imagine the difference that could be made from being handed your breakfast tray, sitting down, and eating your meal to instead being welcomed to the table by someone who was there to encourage you, get to know you, hear your story, and remember your name a week later and ask you important questions about your progress.” After coming to this realization, Holbrook got to work on a new project that he is very excited to share.

The Table Project (www.TheTableProject.org) is a new program, hosted by The Neighborhood, which is asking for volunteers to sit with the guests during a meal to start friendly and encouraging conversations. The Ashland Community Kitchen serves three meals every weekday. “We will have monthly volunteer training, which will be an email or YouTube video that will help our volunteers learn about the resources provided by the agencies in The Neighborhood and will serve as discussion points for the clients,” Holbrook noted.

The goal of Holbrook’s Table Project is to see people move from homelessness to housing programs, desperation to development, and brokenness to breakthroughs. “We desire our clients to become employees to local businesses as we are also in the process of renovating space at The Neighborhood for evening classes for soft-skill development, financial literacy, and career training. And, we believe that it's going to take relationships to accomplish this mission,” Holbrook stated.

Of course, with every new project comes the real need for support from the community. The Table Project is seeking volunteers. Holbrook explained, “We are looking for people who would like to encourage others: People who can sit at the table, learn about others, hear their story, and give the gift of hope, direction, and support.” Holbrook has set a goal of having 100 volunteers spend two meals a month with the clients. Breakfast will take place from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., lunch will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., and dinner will be from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. “Over the past month, we've already had 50 people sign up to help! We would love to invite anyone to become a partner of this program!” stated Holbrook. You can sign up to become a volunteer at www.TheTableProject.org.

Pink is the New Black

Tim Holmes

The Ashland Beacon

   Ashland area shoppers preparing for “Black Friday” savings now have a brand-new tradition and color to celebrate this holiday season.  The “Pink Weekend” is Ashland’s newest “shop local” event, beginning Friday, November 17 through Sunday the 19.  Pink is more than just a prelude to the shopping season.  It’s a true picture of collaboration over competition among Ashland area local businesses.

   Through a partnership between SoAsh Haberdash, Local Mercantile, and Visit AKY, Pink has brought together 46 locations to shop from in the areas of Ashland, South Ashland, downtown Russell, and Camp Landing. This First Annual Pink Weekend encourages shoppers to think local first when approaching the holiday season.

   Through thoughtful and creative planning, these businesses also agreed to offer shoppers valuable incentives for participating in the Pink Weekend.  With the help of a “passport,” shoppers can chart which stores they have visited as evidence of their support and qualify them for available prizes.  Using this passport is important in order to be included in the various drawings for prizes during the course of the weekend.  Participating locations will have a limited number of “official” passports, so you will want to get yours today by stopping by any of the stores listed.  There is also a digital option with a leaderboard found on Visit Ashland KY website: www.visitaky.com/pinkweekend.

   While most businesses during the holidays are focused on how to win out over the competition, the local business owners participating in Pink celebrate the inclusive nature of this event.  A very thankful participant, Jackie Slone, of West End Jewelers in downtown Russell voiced, “Being a resident of Ashland while owning a business in Russell, Pink has afforded me a chance to collaborate, as opposed to competing with other jewelers in the area. This event empowers all of us to work and market together as a team, rather than compete.”

   The Pink Weekend began as a vision by Laura Geremia of South Ashland’s SoAsh Haberdash. Collaborating with her colleagues Christina Wamsley and Haley Layman, Geremia found inspiration for Pink through her involvement with The Boutique Hub. The Hub is the world's largest boutique community in the industry.  It’s primarily an online community where boutique retailers find support and resources, sharing ideas on industry trends, eCommerce approaches, wholesale brands, and more.

   So… what is the true value found in shopping locally or taking part in the Pink Weekend? Basically, our city wins when we choose to shop locally.  Local consumers shopping local first is literally a gift to the city.  This helps to stimulate our regional economy, which in turn aids in helping to create and retain valuable jobs, supports families, and overall strengthens Ashland’s sense of community and culture.

   Making the decision to shop local by being a part of the Pink Weekend is truly an expression of our community being proud of our past, and consciously choosing to thrive for a bright future. In other words, everyone wins when a community shops locally first.

   For more information on The Pink Weekend and to prepare for this ultimate local shopping weekend, reach out to participating businesses listed, or log onto Facebook and follow Visit Ashland KY.

A Jolly Good Time Set for November

Gwen Akers

The Ashland Beacon

Christmas is coming in November at Sunshine Soul Photography in Ashland, Ky.

Ever since their first Pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus went over so well in 2018, Jammie Adams has continued that tradition, and this year is celebrating the 5th anniversary of the Free Photos with Santa event. This year’s celebration is set to occur on Nov. 18, from 3 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the 3rd floor of the Camayo Arcade.

“I started it [the pictures] wanting to have something for kids and especially [for] people that may not have the means to go and have commercialized photos done,” explained Adams. “I wanted to offer something fun and free for families to come in, and get their photo with Santa.”

A hot chocolate bar, kid-friendly crafts and activities, story time and special time with Santa and Mrs. Claus are just a few of the perks of the event — and it will definitely be a “jolly good time.” After visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, each child will receive a gift or treat from the two.

Adams is the owner and founder of Sunshine Soul Photography. She has been in Ashland for three and a half years and came up with the idea of Photos with Santa from watching parents unable to get their children’s picture with Santa due to cost. Adams hated that such an integral part of the Christmas experience was littered with obstacles. Coupled with her love for photography and the Christmas season, Adams came up with the free event.

“Last year, we had a line all the way down three flights of steps, down my hallway, out the front door to the arcade,” detailed Adams. “It's a pretty big, fun event. We always have a good time with it.”

Completely run by volunteers, and featuring both Santa and Mrs. Claus who are past teachers — the photos are meant to be a great experience for the children present. Santa Claus himself was Adams’s own 5th-grade teacher at Coal Grove Elementary School and now spends his time bringing light to the season.

Chastity Pennington has known Adams for around 11 years and has been helping her with the Picture with Santa event since its beginning. In her past work experience as well as her current job as a site manager at a daycare, Pennington is well aware of just how difficult Christmas can be for low-income families. She could not be more thankful that she and Adams are able to help these families and give them the Christmas they deserve.

“She [Adams] has put her heart and soul into this,” glowed Pennington. “This is 100% free, and she tries to make it the best for everybody.”

 Last year, over 400 children were in attendance, and this year they are forecasting close to 1,500 children and families. Children will have the chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and will be able to talk to them besides just getting their picture taken. Adams expressed that in years past, children have even brought lists to read to Santa and Mrs. Claus, or simply just spent their time asking them questions about the season.

“It’s not just a wait in line, get a photo, leave, quick kind of thing. They get to take their time with Santa and talk to him if they want to,” commented Adams. “I think the whole experience in itself is what makes the event what it is every year.”

The goal is that each child has a memorable and jolly time that will make even Frosty the Snowman smile. To come see for yourself, come check out the most wonderful event of the year on the third floor of the Camayo Arcade on Nov. 18!