How One Woman Is Bringing Adventure and Empowerment to Eastern Kentucky Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon   Somewhere between a forest trail at sunrise and a yoga mat rolled out under open sky, a movement is growing—and it’s led by women who aren’t waiting for permission to explore. Women Who Explore is part adventure club, part sisterhood, and all about stepping outside your comfort zone. And in Eastern Kentucky, that movement has found an energetic new leader in Karen Pierza

Restoring the Community with Caring Hands Community Cleanup Day with Advocates for Appalachia Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon   When taking a winter drive through the Appalachia region, one may see open rolling hills clustered with barren tree lines and frost-covered pines, inviting us to gaze upon its glory. Snuggled in the hills are the cities and communities that make the mountains and foothills their home. Ashland, Kentucky, boasts one of the most colorful and diver

A Season of Giving and Encouragement Christmas with the Brothers Forgiven Ministry Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon              Every year millions of people fill stores throughout the world in search of gifts and souvenirs to presents to loved ones in exchange for the holidays. Where we find ourselves tethered to a sofa listening to relatives pass stories of their childhood, others may not be so fortunate as to have the same Christmas celebration available to them. Pres

In Recognition of Great Accomplishment Heather Moore-Frame Invited to the Kentucky Academic Standard Revision Team Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon             As we move into the new year, many begin taking account of where they are and what they may have accomplished for the last 12 months. Each year a many set a goal for themselves and work towards that goal with the intent of surpassing their expectations. With each new year come the occurrences and highlights that w

Ashland Town Center Serving the Community With Joann Building Space Rebecca Hemlock The Ashland Beacon   In a move that underscores the growing importance of local entrepreneurship, the Ashland Town Center opened its doors to a thriving array of small businesses this season, offering dedicated space for crafters and artisans across the tristate area. The goal is simple but powerful: give local creators a bigger stage to reach more customers, while giving shoppers a chance