Greenbo to Host Hand-Crafted Weekend April 13-14

By: Kathy Clayton

The Ashland Beacon

                Pottery, quilts, jewelry, musical instruments, and more will be on display during the Hand-Crafted Weekend April 13-14 at Greenbo Lake State Park.

                “The quilt show at Greenbo is a long-standing tradition, and it is still the anchor attraction of Hand-Crafted Weekend,” said Anne Stephens, Community Arts Agent for the Greenup Cooperative Extension Service.

                The event runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday and includes demonstrations by the artisans. Musicians will perform near the end of the day, with a performance by the Rail City Dulcimer Society at 3, and a music showcase from 4-6:30 featuring a big fiddle concert. There is no admission. Sunday’s hours are noon until 4.

                “While some artisans will have items for sale, the focus of the event is educational,” Stephens explained. She said the 2024 event is adding classes to get participants involved in art-making. “If you are a Facebook user, you can find links for tickets – some classes are free, and some have fees for supplies.” Tickets for the classes are offered through Eventbrite on the Facebook page.

                “Saturday’s classes include an art hike, making a nature ornament or charm out of resin, basket making, and a chair-bottoming class – bring your own chair,” she said. “Sunday’s classes are decorative pie crusts, beginning wood carving, and clay pinch pots. All instructors are professionals with lots of experience.”

                Stephens explained that the art hike will allow walkers to pick forest items such as sticks, twigs and leaves, which is not usually permitted on state park property, and bring them back to the lodge to create their own project. “The hiking group will enjoy lunch together, then go back to the trail to ‘give back’ their artwork. This will be a special experience for anyone who loves art and nature.” Call Anne Stephens at the extension office, 606.836.0201 for reservations, or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

                Silver Run Ranch will be back with alpacas and a demonstration of weaving custom pieces. “Kevin Toney is the caretaker of a herd of alpacas that he sheers, spins the wool into yarn, uses natural dyes to make beautiful colors to make his blankets, shawls and other items.”

                Among the fascinating Appalachian artists are luthiers – instrument builders. “CW Parsons and Company will be creating guitars, and John Ryster will build fiddles, displayed in the various stages of the building process,” Stephens noted.

                Stephens said most of the craftspeople setting up in the Jesse Stuart Lodge are from Greenup and surrounding counties and will represent a wide variety of art – pottery, jewelry making, instrument making, painting, quilting, sewing and knitting, and many other art forms that are related to traditional Appalachian living.

                “One new feature this year is the Russell Vocational/Technical School’s welding program, which recently won a national award for their artistic use of welding to create sculpture,” Stephens said.

                Among the artisans displaying their skills is Jill Robinson, who was awarded the 2018 Kentucky Foundation for Women Activism Grant, which allowed her to become a full-time artist. She works with the award-winning team Welding Rodeo.

                The Angler Cove restaurant at Greenbo’s Jesse Stuart Lodge will be open for lunch and dinner Saturday and the Sunday lunch buffet.

                “All of our artisans are skilled, talented and creative, and enjoy sharing their knowledge and experience with the public,” Stephens declared. “We look forward to seeing people come out and get involved in the artistic process.”

Bill Bradley: A Lifetime of Basketball Dedication Honored in Kentucky's Court of Honor

 BY JAMES COLLIER

THE ASHLAND BEACON

Bill Bradley has dedicated over half of his life to the game of basketball.

After all the veteran coach gave to the game before calling it quits in 2022, the game decided to give back with Bradley’s induction in the Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches’ Court of Honor. Bradley was joined by Dupont Manuel’s Stacy Pendleton and Leslie County’s Larry Sparks for this year’s class.

“The Court of Honor was especially grand,” Bradley said. “One has to first to be nominated and then accepted. It’s good to know you’re appreciated, meaning the time and effort that was put in all of those years. I was able to go in with Stacey Pendleton. We coached the Ky/Ohio All Star game together.” 

Bradley’s resume speaks for itself. He started at Holy Family, the school where his playing days took place from 1970-73. Bradley’s first coaching job was with the Fighting Irish where he worked as an assistant for three years before taking control of the reins for three more.

Bradley joined Boyd County’s boys’ program under Roger Zornes as an assistant from 1986-2001. In 2001, Bradley would take what became his final job assignment for his career, becoming the head coach for the Ashland Kittens.

Bradley’s first year with the Kittens finished at 21-10, 64th District Tournament runners-up and a berth into the 16th Region semifinals where they fell, 62-40 to West Carter. Bradley led the Kittens to the region finals in 2011, but they fell 57-45 to Boyd County, ending their season at 26-5.

Then came 2012. Ashland steamrolled its way to Bradley’s first 16th Region title with a 55-44 win over Boyd in the championship. Ashland went 29-7 that season and was 22-0 in region play. Ashland fell to Magoffin County in the opening round of the Girls Sweet 16. But it was only the beginning as Bradley’s Kittens would go on to win four consecutive 16th Region titles which included a Final Four appearance in the Sweet 16 in 2014.

Bradley defeated fellow Court of Honor and colleague, Hager Easterling in the region championship in 2014, defeating East Carter 45-41. Regardless of the outcomes in their multitude of meetings, many in elimination games, the duo’s relationship etched in stone by basketball remains as strong as ever.

“First class guy all the way, both on and off the floor,” Easterling said. “He’s a person I always enjoyed talking to then and still do today. Always did a great job at preparing his kids to compete against you. You weren’t going to out coach him.”

Pete Fraley was another fierce competitor Bradley faced throughout his career. Fraley worked at the helm of the Kittens district rival, Boyd County before hanging it up after this season. Fraley and Bradley started as assistants under Zornes with Boyd boys’ basketball before both moved into the girls ranks as competitors.

“Bill is one of the most deserving people I know to be inducted into the court of honor,” Fraley said. “Not just for girls’ basketball but for what he done at Holy Family as well as an assistant at Boyd. He coached freshmen basketball at Catlettsburg and was the girls’ softball coach at Boyd. I still feel the boy’s staff at Boyd during their hay day was one of the best in the state. Roger was the captain of the ship, but he had good assistants too. Bill was one of the best. Always quick-witted in the heat of the battle.” 

Bradley and Fraley met 80 times over their storied careers including five times for the regional championship with the last coming in 2022, when Fraley’s Lions won 51-35 in Bradley’s final game.

“I always looked forward to our games,” Fraley said. “You had to be on your toes and bring your A game when you coached against him.”

Another of Bradley’s region foes was Mandy Layne from Russell. Much like Fraley, Bradley and Layne often found each five times in the regional tournament. During the 2022 tournament, Bradley’s Kittens notched a three-point win over the Red Devils in what would be the final chapter between Bradley and Layne and their 28 meetings.

“Bill is one of the good guys,” Layne said. “He is not only a great coach, but also a great friend. During the game, we competed, but afterwards, we were usually laughing and joking.”

Layne, who is the most tenured coach in the 16th Region after the retirement of Fraley, said the longevity of Bradley’s career speaks volumes for what he meant to the game.

“Sustainability in any sport these days is a very difficult thing to do,” Layne said. “In order to build a successful program and sustain it over many years makes you one of the best to ever do it. He will always be one of the best to ever do it.”

Bradley tallied 405 wins over his storied career but said his success was directly related to those players around him.

“99% of true coaches would say, it's about the family of teams I was part of,” Bradley said. “I was extremely fortunate enough to be a part of remarkable things.  The opposing coaches I became pals with, the championship squads, the awesome staffs and players that I will never forget. From the All-Staters to the last player that got put into the game, they were all special.”

As Bradley reflected on his time in the game, the memories he had were too many to count or even remember, even as he sifted through all the memorabilia he stored away in the attic after retiring. But one picture remains on his desk still today that stands out over all others.

“Only thing I keep on my desk is a picture my daughter Morgan someone took as she is dribbling the ball after a steal in the regional finals, with me in the background watching,” Bradley said. “Made me realize my proudest was coaching her.”

Bradley said his message to those who worked with him and played under him has always been the same thing, play the game with respect and the rest will take care of itself.

“I was a loyal, total team player on the staffs I was lucky to be on when I was an assistant at Boyd,” Bradley said. “At Ashland, our gals were taught by me and my great staffs (whom I don't talk about enough) to play the game right. Play it hard, with great discipline and always put team first above individual stats.” 

Brightening Futures:

Kentucky Power Cultivates a Passion for Reading

By: Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

In a world that seems to be infatuated with screens and distractions, fostering a love for reading at a very young age is more vital than ever. The benefits of instilling this passion early cannot be overstated as it sets the stage for a lifetime of learning, creativity, and cognitive development. Studies show early exposure to books fosters empathy and emotional intelligence. Through stories, children encounter characters from diverse backgrounds and situations, promoting understanding and compassion. They can learn to navigate complex emotions and develop the ability to relate to others, which is a crucial skill for building healthy relationships later on in life.  Additionally, a love for reading can spark curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, which seems to be an almost lost art due to children spending most of their time staring at a screen.  Children who are avid readers are more likely to excel academically as reading enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and concentration. These are important skills to master that will benefit them in all walks of life well into adulthood.

Kentucky Power understands the importance of fostering a love of reading at a young age.  This past week, more than 1,200 elementary school students throughout 20 eastern Kentucky counties were fortunate enough to take part in Kentucky Power’s annual reading event on International Read to Me Day, which occurred March 19. International Read to Me Day marks an important occasion for families and communities to celebrate the importance and lifelong impact that fostering a love of reading at a young age can bring. Over 30 Kentucky Power volunteers attended 19 schools across eastern Kentucky and read students Rosie Revere, Engineer written by Andrea Beaty.  The book is a triumphant tale about an innovative young girl, named Rosie, who had big dreams of becoming an engineer and explains how she learns a valuable lesson about the importance of never giving up. Rosie Revere teaches children how to look beyond what others may view as trash and turn it into amazing innovative creations.

Sarah M. Nusbaum, Corporate Communications Manager for AEP, was present during one of the readings that took place at Crabbe Elementary School, and shared, “Kentucky Power has been involved with Read to Me Day for many years now, and we believe in the many benefits that the enjoyment of reading can bring. Our hope is by reading the story of Rosie Revere that we can help spark the imaginations of students from all across Kentucky and by doing so that they might be inspired to pick up another book to read or to have read to them by an adult.” Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in nurturing a love for reading. By making books an integral part of daily life and modeling reading behavior themselves, adults demonstrate the value and joy of literacy. Creating a literacy-rich environment at home with a variety of books readily available further reinforces the importance of reading.

 “Reading is like a gift… a gift that you can open every day. You never know what you will find within the pages of a book.” Nusbaum explained. When children immerse themselves in books, they are transported to new worlds and encouraged to imagine, dream, and explore. Through storytelling, they learn to express themselves articulately and creatively, whether through writing, drawing, or other forms of artistic expression. Fostering a love for reading at a very young age is a gift that keeps on giving. It equips children with the tools they need to succeed academically, emotionally, and intellectually, laying the groundwork for a fulfilling and enriching life. Kentucky Power was proud to play a small role in helping lay this groundwork.  By prioritizing early childhood literacy, we can empower future generations to thrive in an increasingly complex and dynamic world.

Sugar Rush Alert!

Candy Landing Brings Sweets and a Little Bit of Magic to Camp Landing District

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

Camp Landing the Entertainment District has just gotten a whole lot sweeter with the recent grand opening of Candy Landing. Nestled across from Cowboys and Angels Western Wear, this charming candy store promises to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth with its wide array of confectionery delights. This candy store is unlike any other you will ever set foot in thanks to the visionary brilliance of Elisabeth Camp.

Elisabeth Camp is no stranger to brilliant and innovative ideas being the Owner and CEO of Camp Landing the Entertainment District. Both she and her husband Jason Camp have truly transformed the county into a fun, family hot spot that has something to offer everyone. Elisabeth Camp shared, “We have always wanted to have our own candy store. We have candy, small toys, and movie memorabilia. We think that the addition of this candy store is a nice compliment to the entertainment district and as well as the cinema.”

From the moment you set foot inside Candy Landing, you are greeted by a whimsical ambience that transports you to a world of sugary delights. Colorful displays line the shelves, showcasing an impressive selection of candies, chocolates, and nostalgic treats that are sure to get anyone’s attention and fill any sweet tooth desire. You will find classic favorites like gummy bears to unique treats such as freeze-dried candy.

What truly sets this candy store apart from any other is its one-of-a-kind magic elevator! Camp shared, “Our magic elevator is an elevator that we have built inside the store and transports you into the magical land of Candy Landing. It starts out where you find yourself inside our basement, and it’s like a Willy Wonka-style factory. Then, it takes you out through the roof of Camp Landing where you find yourself flying high above Camp Landing and out through Boyd County.” This is a cool experience where you feel like you are actually flying among the clouds above Camp Landing thanks to the incredible aerial footage that was shot for this magical elevator.

This new candy store is sure to quickly become a fan favorite. You can go hop on the magic elevator for just $3 per person, or you get a free ride with a purchase of $10 or more. Whether you need a midday pick-me-up or are searching for the perfect gift for a loved one, be sure to make a stop at Candy Landing and let your sweet tooth lead the way. After all, life is sweeter when you're surrounded by candy!