Once a Tomcat… Always a Tomcat

Once a Tomcat… Always a Tomcat

Davis Returns to Roots as the New Head Coach of Ashland KittensDavis Cheers her team on from the sidelines
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
 
   For as long as Stacy Franz Davis can remember, basketball has always played a huge role in her life. Davis’ love for the game developed at a very young age and has since flourished into an unquenchable desire to help others develop that same passion.
   At age 10, Davis took the courts for the first time and hasn’t seemed to ever put the ball down since. Growing up, young Davis had many role models and sources of inspiration. Davis shared that the biggest role models were her grandparents… “Murmur (Glwanda Franz) and Granddad (C. Wayne Franz M.D.),” noted Davis. “From a very young age, I have always looked up to my grandparents. Growing up and living next door to them, I always spent a lot of time with them. They were the two faces I saw at every event during my childhood. They were the most caring and kind people you could ever meet. They were my heroes. From a very young age, they taught me through their actions that the values of integrity, perseverance, hard work, determination, and passion were needed in all aspects of life to succeed,” added Davis. Having a role model is so important and vital to the development of our youth. A role model provides a positive influence to give everything your absolute all, encourages you to pick yourself up and try again in the face of adversity, and most importantly loves and guides you through any obstacles that life may throw at you. Davis certainly had two of the best role models that anyone could have been blessed with in life.
 
 
    Davis’ basketball career continued through her middle and high school years.  Davis played ball within the Ashland Independent School system all the way up to her graduation at Paul G. Blazer High School. She then went on to play basketball at Transylvania University on a basketball scholarship, which she received her senior year a Paul G. Blazer High School. During her years at Transylvania University, Davis impressed everyone with her talent, determination and love of the game. Her experience as a point guard earned Davis many awards and recognitions. Davis was named Most Valuable Player and Best Defensive Player. Davis also earned the honor of being named to theMid-South All Region Team. As Davis’ senior year at Transylvania University was quickly coming to a close, she realized that she wanted to pursue coaching. “It wasn’t until I began working with the Don Lane basketball camps and teaching the youth the skills and fundamentals of basketball that I realized I wanted to coach. I realized that my career as a player was eventually coming to an end, but my passion for the sport was still just as strong as ever. I realized that I really enjoyed teaching others about the game,” shared Davis.
   After college, Davis began coaching the elementary level at Catlettsburg Elementary School and Summit Elementary School. Davis continued her coaching career at the middle school level by coaching Boyd County Middle School’s Seventh Grade Boys Team. It wasn’t until later that Davis was offered the position as freshman coach at Boyd County High School and later worked under Pete Fraley as the assistant varsity coach from 1997-2005. Davis continued her coaching career and soon found herself coaching at Ashland Middle School.  Throughout the years, Davis had the opportunity to help shape the skills and minds of countless young ballplayers. Davis instilled in them what she considers the most important characteristics of any young ballplayer, “One must have a good sense of awareness about the game. Determination, confidence, being coachable and passionate about the game is a must. Being a great teammate is also of great importance. To be a good ballplayer, you have to embody all these characteristics, as well as have a certain degree of mental toughness about you.  The ability to self-motivate, and of course, be competitive plays an important role in any sport,” noted Davis.
   Davis now finds herself living her dream come true. Recently, Davis was offered the position of head basketball coach for Paul G Blazer’s Kittens. For Davis, this opportunity is a dream come true and one that she doesn’t take lightly. “It is an honor and privilege to be chosen as the head coach of the Ashland Kittens. To have this opportunity to coach at my alma mater is truly a dream come true. I am beyond blessed. This coaching position opened up at the right time in my life. I know it’s all just part of God’s plan,” stated Davis. As a former Tomcat herself, Davis takes great pride in being able to don the maroon and white again. “I am so excited to be able to give back to the school, program, and community that has played such a big part in helping define who I am today. My hope is that I can have the same impact on these athletes.” Davis has described her time at Ashland as a student athlete, “I have shed so much blood, so much sweat, and so many tears for the Maroon and White.  It is my goal to instill those same qualities in our current and future Kittens. I want them to understand that it is a privilege to be a student athlete at Ashland Blazer High School.”
   Up until now, Davis has typically coached boys basketball, so making the switch from boys to girls brings with it a new set of challenges. “Girls tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves more and have a real desire to be accepted. For girls, it’s a bit different because they want you as a coach to know them as a whole person and not just a player. I’ve also noticed that girls are more afraid to fail and need more bonding time to grow as a team. I love that they have that need to bond more as a team.” For Davis, this brings back some of her most fond memories of her own basketball journey through the years, “There is just something so special about the bond you make with your teammates. My fondest memories are from the true friendships and bonds that formed with my fellow teammates. All our times on the bus, locker-room chats and overnight trips make for some of the best memories that I will forever cherish.” The team has a motto now that Davis is the head coach for the Ashland Kittens, “Our team motto is all about sisterhood. We achieve through various team building/bonding activities. I’m a firm believer in team bonding.” Team bonding occurs not only on the courts but off the courts, as well. “We do team activities, team sleepovers, team lock-ins, team community events, meals as a team, and even team movie nights. All of these provide the girls with an opportunity to really get to know the sisters that they share the court with,” noted Davis.
   Davis has big plans for the Ashland Kittens in the years to come. To start out, Davis wants to make sure that the team grows both on and off the court and they all develop an understanding of this new coaching system. Davis stated, “I want to build a championship level program. A program that not only establishes core values for the team but one that is also active in the community. I want these girls to really understand what it means to “RepTheA” and to take pride in wearing maroon and white. I want us to have the program that makes it as a state contender year in and year out—a program that our athletes, our school, and community can take pride in.” One thing is for certain, Davis truly understands what it means to be a Tomcat and bleed maroon and white down to her core. This season is sure to be an exciting one with Davis at the helm, and we can’t wait to see what those Kittens can do.

Celebrating A Cancer-Free Christmas

Celebrating A Cancer-Free Christmas

By: Lisa Patrick

Ashland Beacon

 briar

       About two and a half years ago, Briar Howell and her family got some horrible news. Three-year-old Briar had been diagnosed with leukemia. Although her parents tried to keep everything as normal as possible, there were some things that just could not be the same. But this year, “Warrior Princess” Briar has beaten cancer and is looking forward to the first “normal” Christmas in her memory.

 

       Briar’s mother, Gina Howell, said that it’s nice to be able to get back to a “real normal.” They’ve spent the past couple of years scheduling all of their activities around chemo treatments and trying to estimate the days that Briar might be feeling bad so that they would be at home, especially during the week when she was on steroids. However, Briar “never complained” about any of it. Howell said that she was “just as happy as could be” even when she was in treatments or when she was sick or in pain. Her family and the staff at HOOPS Children’s Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia where Briar went for treatments were amazed at how brave she was through her entire battle against cancer. The HOOPS staff were the ones to give Briar the nickname, “Warrior Princess.”

       Christmas the past couple of years has looked pretty different for the Howell family. The first Christmas after her diagnosis, COVID precautions were in place. When added to the immunity complications that Briar was experiencing, the family opted to stay home and open gifts with family through FaceTime. Last year, they did get to visit with family for Christmas, but Briar had to wear a mask the entire time. This is one of the things that she is glad to be rid of after beating cancer. She gets to go places and “not be the only kid wearing a mask.”

       Back in September, Briar got to “ring the bell” at HOOPS signifying the end of her chemo treatments. The entire community celebrated with her and her family. They created a huge parade that went from Bridges Church on Diedrich Boulevard all the way to Super Quik in Flatwoods. There were people lined up all along the route waving and cheering, and she got to see some of her friends from school in the crowd.

       When asked what she is most excited to do now that she has finished all of her cancer treatments, she proudly exclaimed, “Eat salad!” This was something that she was only allowed to do at home before finishing her treatments. When neutropenia was an issue, they had to make sure that “everything was washed very well” before she could have a salad. Now, she is excited that she can order a salad at a restaurant.

       This year, Briar got to go to Disney World courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and was “treated like royalty,” per Howell. She never had to wait in line for the characters or the rides, so the family just went “nonstop the whole time.” While at Disney, Briar saw the toys that she decided she would ask Santa Claus to get her for Christmas. On Christmas morning, Briar received the Rapunzel and Cinderella castles that she had started dreaming about months before.

       This Christmas, the family also got to see Briar sit on Santa’s lap for the first time since she was three. She got to talk with Santa at both the Marathon Fire Department Christmas party and the Wurtland Fire Department Christmas party. Besides getting to see Santa Claus, Briar was also excited that “the Grinch came to school” even though it was “just someone dressed up.”

       Briar spent this Christmas with all of her family (“without masks!”), and she was most excited to “see Grandma and Papaw.” She left sprinkle cookies and milk for Santa and made reindeer food and left some carrots for his reindeer. She got to spend “lots of time with family.”

       The day after Christmas, the family went to Florida with some of their friends where her brother, Noah Danner, will play baseball again. Going into the New Year, the family is most looking forward to Briar having surgery on January 16th to get her mediport removed. Right now, Briar is still having to take antibiotics three times a week because of the port but will be able to stop them once it is out.

       Howell said that without the support of the community, “we may not have gotten this far.” She said that all of the fundraisers and financial support that the family has been blessed with made it possible for them to be able to pay all of Briar’s medical bills “so far.” This was such a “huge blessing” because “even if we had set up monthly payments, it would have still been more than our mortgage.”

       Briar’s family considers her to be “nothing short of a miracle.” Even though she went through such a “terrible time,” she was “such an inspiration to others” that they “can’t wait to see what she does in the future.”

       Briar will still have to get monthly blood work done to watch for signs that the cancer may come back, but it still does not dampen her spirits. A few days before the holiday, Briar said, “Mom, do you know what I want the most for Christmas? Joy with my family.”

Sweet Christmas Memories

Sweet Christmas Memories

By:  Ellen Keaton

Ashland Beacon

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What comes to your mind when you hear the word Christmas?  I think of several things … the baby born in a manger, Jesus, the twinkling lights everywhere, and my family. As I get older, I seem to remember things from the past and realize how amazing they were. Christmas is one of those. My mom was the oldest of four children born to Ollie James and Gladys McCarty. My Grandpa Ollie died on the USS Hoel during World War II when Mom was only five years old. They grew up very poor in an old two-story log house on Davis Branch in Kentucky. Each of the McCarty children eventually got married and left home to start their own families, and Granny remarried Edward Hicks, who was known to all of the grandchildren as “Paw Ed.”    

There was one time of year that everyone came back to that old log house where they still lived … Christmas.   The memories are as vivid in my mind today as then. The house had no modern conveniences, heat, running water, bathrooms. You could smell the wood burning in the open fireplace in one room and from the potbelly stove in the other. A fresh cut pine tree stood in the corner. It wasn’t one of the perfectly shaped trees that you see on the lot.  Instead, it was one that Paw Ed had gotten on the hill, cut down and dragged in. From the time I could remember, the tree had bubble lights on it every year. I was always intrigued with how they worked. There was always so much food, turkey and dressing and all that went with it.

It was the one time of year that all the cousins were together in one place… and there were a LOT of cousins. I can’t remember not going to Granny’s at Christmas. We always had presents and of course none of us kids wanted to eat because we just wanted the presents. They weren’t expensive gifts; many of them were clothes that were handmade with lots of love. It didn’t matter because we were family — alive, healthy and together. Even today, whenever any of the cousins are together, we all remember the Christmas’s in that old log house and the love that was there.

The years came and went, and we all grew up and started our own families. Paw Ed was diagnosed with cancer and there was one last Christmas together.   As I think back today, it’s hard to believe that was 46 years ago this Christmas … I remember it so clearly.  My first child was five months old, which meant there were five generations at that Christmas dinner.  Years went by, and each of us was so busy with our own families that we just didn’t get together again.   

A few years ago, after only seeing each other at too many funerals, everyone decided it was time to have a family Christmas again. We gathered at a church fellowship hall because the family was so large now.  There were 89 of us there that night, which still didn’t include everyone.  It was almost as if no time had passed at all. There was laughter, kids everywhere, too much food and most importantly, family.  The last time we were all able to gather was in 2019, and at 99 Granny was still able to attend. That year there were children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.   This year Granny is 102 years old, and there are six generations of McCartys totaling well over 100 direct blood descendants of Ollie and Gladys McCarty. What a blessed family I have! 

As I look back, it wasn’t the “things” we had in life growing up that made Christmas special, but rather the family and the love.   I am guilty of wanting the “perfect” Christmas …. you know like the ones you see on television. The ones where the houses are perfectly decorated, everyone is dressed in their best clothes sitting down to a beautiful table. I have figured out life isn’t a Hallmark movie and sometimes it is messy and out of control. I wouldn’t trade the memories I have of Christmas with the McCarty clan for anything.

This Christmas think about the important things in life … the baby in the manger and the memories you are making for your children and grandchildren. Don’t stress about the things around you and remember those who helped shape your life. I will gather with my mom and our family, which by the way has grown to quite a crew over the years.   I will also visit with Granny at the nursing home with my grandchildren, and cherish the memories from my childhood — thankful to have one more Christmas with this amazing woman.  

Booming Businesses at the Camp Landing Entertainment District

Cowboys and Angels

Booming Businesses at the Camp Landing Entertainment District

By: Sasha Bush  

The Greater Ashland Beacon   

 Since the arrival of Camp Landing, Boyd County has really been booming. New businesses are coming into the county all the time. On Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, Camp Landing Entertainment District welcomed four new businesses to its ever-expanding venue. Elisabeth Camp, one of the owners of Camp Landing, spoke with us about these exciting new arrivals. “We are super excited about these new businesses here at Camp Landing. Some of them have been open but didn’t get to have their official grand opening until now.” With so many exciting things happening at Camp Landing, Saturday is sure to bring with it an excellent opportunity for everyone to check out all that this establishment has to offer, while checking out some unique new locally owned businesses.  

The day started off at 11 a.m. with the ever so popular Loco Fresh grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. Loco Fresh comes from very humble beginnings. Originally, Loco Fresh was in West Side of Huntington, where owners Sam McGuffin and Jonah Mathis began selling fresh produce out of a garage. Mathis shared, “We had friends of ours come and ask us if we could cut up their watermelon for them. We said sure we can do that. So, we began cutting up fruits and eventually came up with a menu of various fruit cups and such.” Mathis went on to add, “After that, we evolved into a restaurant space in our old garage there and we offered fruit cups, salads and various produce.” Eventually, Mathis and McGuffin realized that they had outgrown their garage space, and it was time to expand.  

On Oct. 1, 2021, Mathis and McGuffin moved into their current location at Camp Landing and were met with excitement and support from the community. The fruit cup business was certainly booming. Both Mathis and McGuffin have since received several requests to carry other culinary items, such as burgers. Loco Fresh has heard your request and has now revamped their restaurant with not only a fresh new sign but also a fresh new menu. Loco Fresh’s new sign now reads “Loco Fresh- Burgers and Brews.” Loco fresh will now be offering a variety of brews, some of the best fries in the area and fresh burgers. “Our burgers are fresh 100 percent beef, never frozen patties!” pointed out McGuffin. But, don’t fret! Loco Fresh will be staying true to its original roots and will continue to offer their delicious fruit concoctions when fruit is season. The owners of Loco Fresh believe if it isn’t Loco Fresh… It can’t be crazy good for you!  

Hillbilly Hibachi also had its official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Hillbilly Hibachi is owned by Adam Brown and Travis York. Both Brown and York are just two country boys who had a dream of sharing their Japanese-inspired dishes without all the formalities and fancy antics you might find in a more traditional Japanese restaurant. Not only do these two country boys offer some of the best food around, but they are also one of the biggest supporters of our community and local youth. Hillbilly Hibachi is always hosting fundraisers for various people, groups and organizations within our community.  

The fun didn’t stop there! Camp Landing wasn’t done wowing us with their unique new businesses. At noon on Saturday, Cowboys and Angels held their official grand opening. Cowboys and Angels is owned by Jason Camp and his lovely wife Elisabeth Camp. Cowboy’s & Angels is truly a unique and authentic western wear store. They offer a great selection of boots and western themed clothes. They cater to all ages from babies to adults. You will find some of your most favorite brands of western wear, which include brands such as Ariat and Hooey. If you are a fan of the insanely popular TV series Yellowstone, you will love all that Cowboys and Angels has to offer. Elisabeth Camp shared, “We get shipments every week, so we are constantly getting new items.” Something unique to Cowboys & Angels is that you can get a free ride on their mechanical bull if your purchase totals $100. You can also ride the mechanical bull even without a $100 purchase for a small fee of $5 per a ride or 5 rides for $20. The best part is that it is fun for all ages.  

Camp Landing Entertainment District welcomed CB Bears and Things to the rank of already impressive stores located inside. CB Bears and Things unveiled their brand-new business Saturday as well with a ribbon cutting ceremony that took place at 12:30 p.m. CB Bears and Things is owned by John and Beverly Peyton. Beverly Peyton stated, “We offer a variety of over 100 stuffed animals that you can customize with hearts, birth certificates, bags and clothing. We have a little something for everyone.” Among your choices for your animal’s hearts, you can choose from kindness, love, courage or best friends.  

CB Bears and Things will also be offering sound modules that can you pick from to give your animals a voice. You can even make a custom sound module with a special message and make it in your own voice or the voice of a loved one. Children of all ages are sure to love this new addition to the Camp Landing Entertainment District. So, whether you are looking for something to do such as movies, bowling, axe throwing or my personal favorite… SHOPPING… you are sure to find exactly what your heart desires at Camp Landing Entertainment District.  

From December 14-17, you can experience what that night in Bethlehem may have been like at the Blackhorse Farm.

The Bethlehem Experience: See It with Your Own Eyes December 14-17

 

The Bethlehem Experience
See It with Your Own Eyes December 14-17 

Grace Phillips
The Ashland Beacon

Have you ever wondered what it was like in Bethlehem the night Jesus was born?  There weren’t any photographers, or video to capture the birth…just a chorus of angels, some shepherds and the animals in a smelly barn were there to witness this wonderful event.   From December 14-17, you can experience what that night in Bethlehem may have been like at the Blackhorse Farm. 

 

Farm owner Jessica Adkins transforms their 6,000 square foot, heated indoor arena into the bustling city of Bethlehem for three magical nights. Adkins says, “Around 2008-2009, I attended a live Nativity scene at Burnaugh Baptist Church with my then boyfriend (now husband), Chris.  I was very impressed.  I knew then, even before having a farm, that I wanted to do something like a Nativity, but more about how an ordinary day turned into the most extraordinary day the world had ever known.” 

This is exactly what you will find at the Bethlehem Experience beginning with registering with the Roman soldiers.  Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem because there was a decree that everyone had to be taxed. You must first pay a “tax” of three cans of food per person to enter the event.  All the food donated will go to area food banks.  This year it will be donated to the House of Grace Food Pantry.

After paying your tax, you will be on a guided tour through a busy marketplace.  It was just an ordinary day to these people …. they had no idea what was about to happen.  You can interact with villagers, learn from the village tradesmen, and sample foods they may have eaten during Biblical times.  The children will love the animals in the village.  There are sheep, camels, donkeys, horses and many more.  Be sure to keep your eyes open, and you may even see the Wise Men seeking the birth of the promised Messiah.  The experience ends just outside the arena with a beautiful live nativity.  There are free refreshments and snacks throughout the tour and a free group photo for all who attend.

“We have about 150 volunteers that help make all this possible,” stated Adkins. As you can imagine, it is a huge undertaking and requires a lot of planning.  Adkins continues, “I started working on this year’s event in March, but the physical work has to be planned around weddings and other events scheduled at the Blackhorse farm and only begins a few weeks before opening evening.” There is still room for additional volunteers if this is something you would enjoy.  You can text Jessica at 606.922.4853 to volunteer. 

Everyone must have a reservation to attend.  This allows the organizers to plan for enough parking and a pleasant experience for all those attending.  Reservations are free, but you must pay the “tax” of three cans of food when presenting your ticket.  The average time spent at the Bethlehem Experience is one hour.  Visit blackhorsebethlehem.com to reserve your spot.  Be sure to visit the Q&A section where questions about parking, what to wear, what to expect and ticket information can be found.   

This is truly a one of kind experience.  The Adkins family hopes that it will become a part of your family’s Christmas traditions and will remind everyone about the true meaning of Christmas.  The Blackhorse Farm is location at 18517 St Rt 854 Rush, KY.