National Athletic Training Month - Celebrating Area Athletic Trainers

Doug Calhoun

 Ashland Beacon

Denny Kellington is a name that is rather unrecognizable to most of us, yet he has received votes for MVP of the National Football League for this year. Denny Kellington is one of the Buffalo Bills’ assistant athletic trainers. He was one of several people surrounding Damar Hamlin on the field on January 2 of this year when a nation held its collective breath and uttered collective prayers for the life of Hamlin. Denny Kellington is credited with administering proper CPR to Hamlin after he collapsed following a routine tackle. Without Kellington’s training and expertise as a certified athletic trainer, many believe that Damar Hamlin would not have survived cardiac arrest.

March is National Athletic Training Month and gives us an opportunity to recognize, thank, and celebrate these essential healthcare providers. Our area is blessed with schools and healthcare organizations that recognize the importance of certified athletic trainers as an integral part of their athletic programs. According to Andy Gilliland, MD, sports medicine physician, “The community of Athletic Training in our Tri-State region is special. Our region benefits from their shared knowledge and passion with respect to improving outcomes. They serve our community as first responders, leaders, and mentors. They are the spear point to a very large population-based health initiative being driven by our local hospitals such as King’s Daughters Medical Center and Cabell Huntington Hospital.”

Our athletic trainers not only serve athletes during athletic practices and competitions but are often the liaison between the athlete and sports medicine specialists at our local hospitals. Further, they frequently serve the athlete through education, therapy, mentoring, and even counseling. According to veteran West Carter High School Athletic Trainer Meredith Calhoun, “The most rewarding aspect of my position is celebrating the return of an injured athlete back to playing the sport they love. When an athlete returns to the field or court and I catch a glance from them letting me know all is well, I can get a little emotional.” The athletic trainer also considers other stakeholders in the athlete’s care. Calhoun added, “I am always mindful of the athlete’s best interest above all, but I also empathize with the athlete’s parents/guardians, the coaching staff and the athlete’s teammates. Ultimately, my goal is to treat each athlete with professional care and get them ready to return to play as quickly and safely as possible.”

Dr.Gilliland works closely with many of our area’s athletic trainers and recognizes the quality and professionalism they exhibit. “I have always been impressed with the diagnostic capabilities of certified athletic trainers. They are on par with advanced level allied health professionals. This goes beyond treating musculoskeletal injuries. Their training is broad, and for that knowledge base to be in direct contact with our student athlete population on a daily basis is an invaluable resource.”

The range of our athletic training network spans hundreds of miles and dozens of schools from Johnson County to Rowan County, Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia. They serve athletes from middle school ages through collegiate levels. We are truly fortunate to have such a rich network of capable people protecting our kids. It is a rarity for such a rural area to have such a resource. This is a credit to our community and its schools embracing the athletic training philosophy.

The chances of any of our student athletes facing a situation like Damar Hamlin are statistically slight. But, there is comfort in knowing that athletic trainers are prepared for emergency situations as well as the more common types of injuries our hard-working student athletes may face. Damar Hamlin was fortunate that athletic trainer Denny Kellington was prepared and present. The Damar Hamlin moment has already been etched in many sports fans’ memories. Hamlin had his Denny Kellington. Our student athletes have their qualified, skilled athletic trainers there to serve them. Throughout March as well as the rest of the year, we are thankful for the service of our athletic trainers.

Hope’s Place Chocolate Extravaganza Needs Your Help

Sasha Bush

Ashland Beacon

Hope’s Place Child Advocacy Center is a child-friendly place where victims of sexual abuse and their families can receive services from a team of professionals. These service providers include specially trained physicians, mental health professionals, victim advocates, child protective service workers and law enforcement. All these professionals work together to bring the sexual abuse investigation to a successful conclusion and lessen the trauma experienced by the victim and their family. Hope’s Place Child Advocacy Center is always going the extra mile to make sure that the needs of everyone who might need their services can do so. One way Hope’s Place is able to accomplish this is by fundraising. Fundraising is vital to Hope’s Place and all that they do for this community. It’s about that time of year again for one of Hope’s Place most highly anticipated events of the year… its annual CHOCOLATE EXTRAVAGANZA.

The event first came about when a few board members and a couple employees needed an event to raise awareness and funds for a brand-new Child Advocacy Center (Hope’s Place). In 1998, Hope’s Place had two full-time employees and a part-time employee with an annual operating budget of around $50,000 (barely enough to cover basic salaries for the full-time employees.) Today, Hope’s Place has 13 full-time employees and two part-time employees. At the time, the Chocolate Extravaganza was a unique idea and the perfect way to educate community partners and community members about Child Advocacy Centers and to raise a little money at the same time.

Executive Director of Hope’s Place Child Advocacy Center, Lisa Phelps, shared with us just what this Chocolate Extravaganza is all about: “Individuals, corporations, and local businesses will make Easter baskets and donate them to Hope’s Place to sell at a chocolate tasting event.  At the event, local chocolate vendors donate chocolate samples for Hope’s Place to sell tickets to the public for them to sample the treats. Now, 25 years later and literally almost 10,000 chocolate tasting treats and over 5,000 Easter baskets, Chocolate Extravaganza is a premiere event that engages hundreds of community partners and community members. We promote awareness about child abuse and the free services available at Child Advocacy Centers while selling donated chocolate treats and donated Easter Baskets to fund services for children and families in our communities.  This event brings agencies and community members together for the greater good of children and families, which benefits everyone. We get to know other agencies and the services they have to offer, and we get to know local children and families who might need the services we offer. It is also a great way to get Easter baskets at a great price while helping others!”

“People can help by making and donating baskets. We ask people to make a basket, attach a list of items in the basket and the approximate value. It is helpful if the basket is wrapped in cellophane and ready to be sold. Baskets of any value $5-$250 are welcomed. Themed baskets sell especially well, for example, Paw Patrol baskets, Barbie baskets, movie night baskets, self-care baskets, outdoor fun baskets, baking Fun baskets, etc.  We also welcome volunteers to help at The Ashland Town Center on the day of the event with setup, cleanup and working the event. Volunteers need to pre-register by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or calling 606-325-4737.” noted Phelps. Donations will be accepted until Friday, March 24^th at noon. Baskets can be dropped off Monday- Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hope’s Place, which is located at 1100 Greenup Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky.

Thank you to the wonderful community we live in and their willingness to step up to any challenge. Hope’s Place has been able to raise close to $175 thousand over the years. That money has gone directly to providing trauma treatment services to child survivors of physical and sexual abuse. Each year is a new experience, and each year we meet new people to build partnerships to support children and families. Phelps added, “We are so blessed that our communities have embraced this event and our center so we can continue to offer free counseling services, specialized medical exams, and advocacy services to children and families. Thank you for your time and interest in Hope’s Place CAC!”

Hope's Place Child Advocacy Center serves Boyd, Carter, Elliot, Greenup, and Lawrence counties in Kentucky as well as surrounding counties in Ohio and West Virginia. If you or someone you know could benefit from the services that Hope’s Place has to offer, you can reach out to them at  www.hopesplace.org. You can also call at 606.325.4737 or by calling their toll-free number at 866.325.4737.

Ashland Kentucky is Brewing Up Some Fun

Sasha Bush

Ashland Beacon

Grab your favorite coffee cup and get ready for a week of coffee madness. Ashland, Kentucky is brewing up something special that is sure to perk you up for its first-ever Coffee and Tea Week. Coffee and Tea Week began this past Sunday, and will run through Saturday, March 25, 2023. Whether you like your coffee hot, cold or iced, you are sure to find something that will tantalize your taste buds and send a rush of pure Java-powered adrenaline through your veins.

To get started, you will need to head on over to visitaky.com and print out your Coffee and Tea Week passport. This may look familiar to those of you who took part in any of Ashland’s Burger Week events. The concept is the same. On the passport, you will see a list of each participating coffee or tea shop. Beside each one is a blank box. Your goal is to get every box checked off your list by visiting each participating location.

Once you arrive at each location and have picked out your favorite drink, snap a pic of you holding your purchased item at each location and post it to Facebook or Instagram. Be sure to include the following tags on your photos: #akycoffeeweek and #visitaky. For those who choose to participate, you will be entered to win locally roasted coffee and one of two Ninja Dual Brew Systems with a built-in milk frother. Two winners will be randomly selected from all those who participate and will be notified by Facebook messenger March 27, 2023. During the week of this event, all participating coffee and tea shops will also be having a contest of their own between themselves. Be sure to head back to the visitAKY website and cast your votes for which coffee and tea shop had your favorite drink of the week. Here is a quick rundown of Coffee and Tea Week’s Menu:

606 Coffee Co.- Located at 1525 Winchester Ave.

Indulge in the ultimate coffee experience at 606 Coffee Co. where hot iced and frozen custard blended coffees are expertly crafted to perfection. Proudly featuring locally roasted coffee from Kentucky Mountain Coffee Company, you can be sure that each cup is made with the freshest and most flavorful beans. Whether you prefer a classic latte, decadent mocha, or something more adventurous like their salted caramel pretzel cold brew, you're sure to find a drink that satisfies your taste buds at 606 Coffee Co.

Bubbles N Sweets- Located at 1517 Winchester Ave.

Bubbles N Sweets is the wondrous wonderland of boba where magical milk teas, bubbling boba tea, and even banana coffee await you! Not only do they offer delicious drinks, but you can also find decked-out waffles and gelatin art cakes. Consider this place a one-stop shop to satisfy your sweet tooth.

SKY 37- Located at 1212 Bath Ave. (inside the Sky Tower)

This is your go-to spot for a cup of rich and flavorful Brazilian pour-over coffee. This locally owned and operated coffee shop features one of the coziest interiors and a delicious lunch menu. If you’re looking for a unique and authentic coffee experience, then you will love what SKY 37 has to offer.

Blossom Juicy Bar- Located at 500 Winchester Ave (inside Ashland Town Center Mall)

At Blossom Juicy Bar, they are all about the Boba- those chewy delicious little balls that make every drink more fun.  Their team of talented mixologists is constantly concocting new and exciting flavor combinations that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Pour House Coffee- Located at 323 15^th Street and 2201 Lexington Ave (inside KDMC)

Pour House is a beloved coffee shop that has been a staple in Russell, Kentucky and inside King’s Daughters Medical Center for years, and now they’re bringing their expertise to a new brick-and-mortar location in our beloved area known as The District. All their beverages are crafted using only the highest quality ingredients, and their friendly and knowledgeable baristas are dedicated to providing a top-notch customer experience.

The Coffee Doc- Located at 500 Winchester Ave. (inside Ashland Town Center Mall) and 3232 Megan Neyer Way (inside the Ashland Area YMCA)

Are you looking for the ultimate prescription for your caffeine fix? Look no further because this doctor is always in and always takes walk-in patients. The Coffee Doc believes in providing its customers with the highest quality coffee and recipes specially crafted to keep you energized and focused throughout the day.

Tipton’s Traditions Bakery- located at 339 15^th Street

Tipton’s Traditions Bakery provides couture wedding and birthday cakes, pastries, cupcakes and so much more. Tipton’s Traditions has been a staple in our community for many years. If you are looking for a bakery with legendary skills, then look no further than Tipton’s Bakery.

Conquest Books & Coffee- located at 2824 Holt Street

Conquest Books & Coffee provides you with the best of both worlds... a coffee shop filled with handcrafted and uniqueness that is sure to please your palette and a book shop that gives you a true indie bookshop experience. At Conquest Books, you can satisfy your cravings for a good book and a good cup of joe with one stop.

That’s not all Ashland’s first-ever Coffee and Tea Week has in store. The Mill AKY will be hosting Goose Bridle Coffee Roasters for a Coffee 101: An Introduction to Coffee Quality and Coffee Blending class. Goose Bridle Coffee is creating a special blend for AKY Coffee and Tea Week, and you get to help! Spend an evening with Goose Bridle Coffee’s founder, roaster, and mad scientist Dr. Will Stevens. He will be talking about ways you can make better coffee at home and how industry professionals assess coffee quality. Later on, you’ll use your new skills to help pick the AKY coffee and tea week blend! This blend will be sold in Ashland for a limited time, and a percentage of the proceeds will go to benefit the Clark Family Discovery Center at the Highlands Museum!  At the end of the evening, you’ll even take home a bag of Goose Bridle Coffee! The cost to attend this event will be $30.

On March 23, 2023, at 6 p.m., you can join Appalachian Folkology at Broadway Books for a build-your-own tea blend workshop. Come learn about a variety of herbs and the many benefits that they offer. Then, you can build your own custom tea blend that is specific to your needs. This event is free to attend but will have a charge of $15 to build your own tea. Cash or card will be accepted on-site.  

March is BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH
Janice Osborne Dowdy, MS, CCC/SLP, CBIS

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month across the country. Whether you know it or not, you
most likely know more than one person who has suffered a brain injury. The severity of these
injuries can range from what might be labeled a “mild concussion” to severe injuries that result
in permanent disability or death. Strokes, aneurysms, and brain tumors also fall under the
umbrella of a brain injury. A brain injury can also just result from the loss of oxygen to the brain
such as in a situation of cardiac arrest or heart attack.

In 2020, there were 64,000 deaths from brain injury. That breaks down to 176 deaths per DAY.
There are over 5.4 million people living with a brain injury in our country. It is the leading cause
of death and disability in children and young adults, and adults over 75 have the highest rate of
hospitalizations and death. It is also one of the most untreated medical emergencies because
individuals do not seek out treatment in many cases.

More males than females experience a brain injury. Motor vehicle and bicycle accidents, as well
as falls, make up the largest percentages of mode of injury. Domestic violence, physical attack,
and sports-related incidents also contribute significantly to the injuries.
The GOOD NEWS…..individuals can continue to improve following injury and be productive
members of society returning to their previous life roles with intervention and therapy services
that are specifically targeted towards the deficits they may experience with memory, attention,
problem solving, reasoning, self-care, balance, and ambulation, as well as addressing the
emotional factors resulting in such injury.

This art project “Bloomin’ Brains” was completed by survivors of brain injury to celebrate Brain
Injury Awareness Month and celebrate the fact that although their brains may have been
“broken” in the process, they are “blooming” back beautifully!

Janice Osborne Dowdy is a medical speech language pathologist and certified brain injury
specialist treating individuals at NeuroRestorative Ashland, in addition to traveling the country
to provide education to clinicians and physicians about brain injury rehabilitation. She can be
contacted at 606-928-0106 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..