Greater is He That is in Me Beacon Writer Celebrating Miracle Anniversary

Greater is He That is in Me
Beacon Writer Celebrating Miracle Anniversary

Deidra Bowling-Meade

The Ashland Beacon

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God will carry you through the storm. Isaiah 43:2

What do you do when the unexpected happens and things are out of your control?  Your life just keeps getting hit with tragedy from being in an accident, scarred physically and mentally, facing financial turmoil, and not knowing what the future holds.  Would you give up? How can you stay standing when things around you seem to be falling apart? 

 

Pamela Hall faced an unexpected tragedy on September 7, 2017 that changed her life forever. Hall recalled,  “I drove to the end of my street in Cannonsburg and across Route 60 to Burger King to get a sandwich. As I was driving back across Route 60, I supposedly ran a red light and was hit by a truck on the passenger side. The first responder who got to me first, whom I’ve known for over 25 years, didn’t recognize me.

My husband, Tim, had heard all of the sirens and texted me to see if I was okay. When I didn’t respond, he called. A police officer saw my phone and called the number back, telling Tim about the accident and that I was injured. When Tim got to the scene at the end of our street, the first responder realized it was me that he’d been treating. They told Tim that I shouldn’t have lived.”

Less than 15 minutes from her home and doing the simplest task of running to get food turned into a day of total chaos.  Hall continued,  “I was airlifted to Cabell Huntington Hospital in an unconscious state. They wouldn’t allow Tim to see me before they got me in the air. When he arrived at the hospital, he was told that I had broken ribs, two fractured vertebra, a lacerated kidney, a broken left arm, a wound on the inside of the arm caused by my arm falling out of the window and the vehicle rolling on my arm, and a brain bleed massive enough to cause speech impairment.

 When they let him back to see me, he walked past the treatment room because he didn’t recognize me. We’ve been married over 30 years and known each other since second grade. When he walked into the room, they were unwrapping the bandage that the paramedics had put on my arm. One technician asked the other if they were going to try to save my arm since the wound was so massive. Tim spoke up and told them, ‘Yes, we are saving her arm, and there’s no further discussion about that. Are we clear?’”

Can you imagine being battered beyond recognition and someone still thinking that a part of you isn’t worth saving? Thankfully, not only did Pam’s husband fight for her but a higher power intervened on her behalf. 

Hall shared, “They were going to drill a hole in my skull to relieve pressure from the brain bleed. The doctor finally decided to monitor me overnight and unless it had to be done emergently through the night, he would re-evaluate and decide the next morning whether to do the procedure. The next morning when the doctor came into the ICU room, he told Tim that he wasn’t sure what had happened, but the bleed was now only about a thimble full in size so no procedure was needed. I also stopped passing blood from the lacerated kidney the day after the wreck. 

I never had any problems or pain from the fractured vertebra, and to this day I can’t tell you where my ribs were broken. I never had the first pain from them. The doctor may not have been sure what happened, but I know exactly what happened. People were praying for me, and God touched me! I am a miracle!”

Hall spent a total of four days in the ICU and 10-12 days in the hospital.  She was mostly sedated when in the ICU and had no recollection of the wreck.  The one thing she did remember was the power of prayer. Hall shared, “When I would occasionally wake up, I would see people who had come to pray for me.”

The road to recovery was long and difficult.  Hall still had to worry about the possibility of losing her arm, but prayer once again got her through.  Hall explained, “Surgery was performed on my arm to clean up the wound and put in a plate just above my wrist where it was broken. They put a wound vac on my arm to help promote healing. I had very little flesh on the inside of my arm. The main tendon was showing through.

After my release from the hospital, I was going to KDMC to the Wound Center three days each week for several months to change the wound vac dressing on my arm, an excruciating procedure.  I was referred to a doctor in Louisville, a specialist that does only hands and arms, and had two more surgeries there. The specialist scheduled the first surgery there, to cover the tendon. He explained that it had to be covered with live tissue, not synthetic material. He would determine during the surgery if there was enough tissue remaining on my arm to cover the tendon. If not, he would harvest tissue from my hip or thigh. I was dreading that because I had heard that it was extremely painful. Three days before the surgery, I was told at the Wound Center to be aware that the specialist would indeed have to harvest tissue. There was not enough flesh left to cover the tendon. However, the day before the surgery, there were at least five churches, if not more, that had special prayer for me during their Sunday service. On Monday after the surgery, the specialist came into the recovery room with a big smile on his face, telling me that he was able to get the tendon covered with the tissue that was there so he didn’t have to harvest any. Another miracle!

I had one more surgery with the specialist, where he did a skin graft to close the wound. He took a small rectangle of skin, the very top layer, from my thigh, about the size of a cell phone. It was relatively painless and healed very quickly. It isn’t even noticeable on my thigh that any skin was taken. I have a terrible scar on my arm, but still have an arm and about 90%-95% functionally. I’ll take it!”

Not all of the miracles that occurred were physically related. Hall was off work nearly five months without pay; she was the main source of income for the family.  Hall gave praise, “We never asked anyone for a penny, but people came out of the woodwork to give to us. Family members, friends, neighbors we didn’t even know, even classmates that I had graduated high school with nearly 40 years previous to my wreck. People brought food they had prepared, groceries and even money, to give to us. Friends held a benefit at church. A friend loaned us a vehicle until we could purchase another. We weren’t late on anything. It was amazing!”

God directed people to the Hall family who served as sources of encouragement for them. Hall continued, “Phone calls, visits, texts, and cards from friends, some that were even friends of my parents, kept me uplifted during this time. A dear friend who is like a sister to me came every day until I was out of ICU, then continued to visit every few days for months. A beautician friend came and washed my hair while I was still in ICU. I had pieces of glass from the broken window and dried blood still in my hair, so it was a big deal that she came and did that.”

Hall received some advice from a preacher friend who came to visit her.  Hall recalled, “He told me that he’d been watching the Weather Channel to keep up with news concerning a hurricane that was hitting Florida at that time since he had family that lived there. He said he had a difficult time understanding why the weather broadcaster would go outside to broadcast in the hurricane force winds instead of staying inside in the relative safety of the studio as he reported. He said it finally hit him that the reason was because the broadcaster had convinced himself that when the storm was over and the winds were gone, he would still be standing. My friend grinned at me and said, ‘Pam, that’s what God is saying to you today. When this storm you’re going through is over, and the winds that are tossing you to and fro are gone, you will still be standing because God’s hand is upon you!’ And as he said, I am still standing six years later!”

God had a plan and continues to use Pam Hall for His work and glory. She serves as a writer for the Ashland Beacon and Account Executive with Kindred Communications.  One of her greatest achievements is her vocal and songwriting ability. She was part of the trio called New Journey with Nancy Banfield and John Darin Rowsey. Hall has had her songs recorded by The Cathedrals, Karen Peck & New River, the Guardians and others. Hall has also served as a guest speaker at several churches and women’s retreats to share her miracle story. 

Hall concluded, “Although it was the most harrowing experience of my life, there were so many things that were just a ‘God wink,’ so to speak. He made Himself real. As for advice for those going through hardships, just remember that it won’t last forever. God is faithful, and He won’t drop you!”

Hall’s story are a reminder from the words of a song titled “Praise His Name,” by Jeff and Sheri Eastering,

When you're up against a wall
And your mountain seems so tall
And you realize that life's not always fair
You can run away and hide
Let the old man decide
Or you can change your circumstances
With a prayer
When everything falls apart
Praise His name
When you have a broken heart
Raise your hands and say
"Lord, You're all I need
You're everything to me"
And He'll take the pain away

When it seem you're all alone
Praise His name
When you feel you can't go on
Just raise your hands and say
"Greater is He that is within me"
And you can praise the hurt away
If you'll just praise His name

Hall continues to praise God’s name for His faithfulness, mercy and love.  Hall made it through her storm because she realized God is greater than any trial she will ever face. We are thankful to have Hall a part of the Beacon family. 

Poage Chapter DAR Make Important Donations

Poage Chapter DAR Make Important Donations

Pamela Hall

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The mission of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) organization has always been a dedication, not only to historical preservation, but also to education and patriotism. The Poage Chapter DAR here in Ashland excels in accomplishing this mission, and has been especially busy in this regard in recent months.

The Poage Chapter DAR has donated several American flags to various organizations in an effort to fulfill a mission of their own called “Sparkle and Shine for the Red, White, and Blue”. The goal is to make sure the American flags that are flown are in good condition and fly proudly. Flags have previously been donated to the C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum, as well as to the City of Ashland, just to name a few. The flag donated to the City of Ashland was a flag that had actually flown previously over Constitution Hall.

 

The Flatwoods Branch of the Greenup County Public Library is the latest recipient of an American flag donated by the Poage Chapter DAR.

“We are honored to display the American flag with pride,” stated Timothy Gampp, Greenup County Library Director, “knowing that it was donated by an organization as esteemed as the Daughters of the American Revolution. The donation not only enhances the physical space of our library but also strengthens the sense of unity and patriotism that our patrons feel when entering our doors.”

A flag dedication ceremony was held at the Flatwoods Branch Library with Greenup Boy Scout Troop 168 participating. The involvement of Scout Troops for flag dedication ceremonies such as this, and also flag retirement ceremonies that are occasionally held, is part of the fulfillment of the mission to promote education and patriotism.

“We like to involve Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops as much as possible,” said Cheryl Spriggs, Regent of the Poage Chapter DAR. “It gives them the opportunity to learn first hand about patriotism and also to put it into practice.”

The Poage Chapter DAR made another important stride toward meeting the goals of education and patriotism with the donation of a Braille copy of The Constitution of the United States of America to the Kentucky School for the Blind Library in Louisville. The Poage Chapter had previously donated a Braille American flag with the Pledge of Allegiance to the facility as well.

“We believe everyone should have the opportunity to read The Constitution of the United States,” Spriggs explained, concerning the importance of the donation. “This donation is to insure that those who read Braille are afforded that same opportunity.”

The Poage Chapter DAR is now gearing up for Constitution Week, September 17 – 23. This year marks the 236th anniversary of the signing of The Constitution of the United States of America. It will be commemorated with a Bells Across America ceremony on September 17 at Broadway Square on 16th Street in Ashland. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to exercise our freedom by reciting the Preamble to The Constitution. That will be followed by ringing a bell for approximately one minute at 4 p.m., the time that The Constitution was signed. At 3:30 p.m., Poage Chapter DAR members will begin to distribute copies of the Preamble for the group recitation, along with handing out bells.

There is also a display in the window of the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center for Constitution Week put together by the Poage Chapter DAR. The beautiful arrangement will be on display through September 25 and everyone is encouraged to stop in to view this celebration of our freedom.

As you can see, the Poage Chapter DAR is deeply involved and active in the community. In addition to the various donations of the American flags, they place flags and wreaths on veteran graves. They also conduct events for veterans, such the Viet Nam Veterans Luncheon that was held in May, and the upcoming Veteran Stand-Down on October 4. More details will be forthcoming concerning that event.

Thank you, Poage Chapter DAR, for your important work in the community. Timothy Gampp, Greenup County Library Director, said it best:

“Their support underscores the importance of community engagement and collaboration in creating a better tomorrow for all.”

Music at Poage Landing Days

Music at Poage Landing Days

Kathy Clayton

The Ashland Beacon

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                Music has always been a big draw at the Poage Landing Days Festival with nationally-known acts interspersed with well-known local bands. This year is no different with a weekend full of all types of music for any taste but featuring a classic country lineup on Saturday night.

                “We’re running entertainment on two stages,” said Christy Meade, President of the Poage Landing Board of Directors, “the main stage on 16th Street and the Armstrong Stage on 14th Street. Saturday’s will feature Nashville recording artist Mark Chesnutt. Rodney Crisp and his Honky Tonk Dance Band will open for him.”

 

                Meade continued, “We want to stress that these concerts are free to everyone. We want everyone to be able to come out and enjoy our family environment with free entertainment. People who don’t have the means to buy concert tickets have the opportunity to enjoy free concerts here. They can bring a chair, relax and enjoy the music.”

                Live music will begin at noon on Friday on the Armstrong Stage featuring Chain Reaction at noon, Against the Grain at 6 p.m. and the Jason Mays Band at 7:45.

                Action on the Armstrong Stage will continue beginning at noon on Saturday, with a new act every hour. Performers include Brady Ross and Route 23, Lee Dean’s Swinging with Elvis show, Barry Frazee, Roscoe and Tilly Mae Riverton, Angie Fletcher, and finishing out the afternoon’s entertainment is Blue Sky.

                Saturday evening’s entertainment will be a treat for country music lovers. Rodney Crisp and his Honky Tonk Dance Band will give fans music to dance to leading up to the featured performer, Mark Chesnutt.

                “Mark Chesnutt is one of country’s true musical treasures,” said publicist Megan Kelley. The singer has had 14 number one singles, four platinum albums and five gold records, and is recognized as one of the most played artists on the radio during the 1990s.

                Fans may recall such hits as “Bubba Shot the Jukebox” and “Blame it on Texas.” According to a press release, his main love has always been performing for a live audience. “It’s the music and the fans that have kept me around this long,” Chesnutt said. He is considered a country music singer in the old-school tradition and has received praise from such notable stars of the genre as the late George Jones and George Strait.

                Sunday’s music will follow the Christian fellowship theme, with performances on the Armstrong stage beginning with Bended Knee at 1 p.m., followed by Sonya Newman, Janetta Blevins, Tyler Waller, and closing up with Outrider at 5 p.m.

                “The volunteers work year-round to make sure we put on a good festival with something to please everyone,” said Meade. “This year’s Poage Landing Days Festival will be a great time, and we hope to see everyone there.”

 StephyKatz Sensory Play

 StephyKatz Sensory Play

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

StephyKatz Sensory Play

             Being a parent is one of life’s most precious gifts. Our lives are changed forever once we hold that adorable little bundle of joy in our arms for the first time. Children are simply remarkable as they begin learning as soon as they are born. As parents, we want to nurture our children’s growth and development. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through sensory play. We are all familiar with the five senses: touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. All five of these senses are vital in all aspects of our children’s growth and development.

 

            The best way for a child or anyone of any age to learn is by experience. Take toddlers for instance… Toddlers absolutely delight in exploring the world around them. The best way for them to do so is by using their senses. Sensory play stimulates, challenges, and encourages the growth of one’s senses. Sensory play also helps build your child’s cognitive skills and influences how your child takes in what they are learning about the world around them.

            When a child is born the senses are not quite fully developed. Children’s senses mature as they grow and discover new things.  The child begins to build nerve connections that in turn encourage growth of the architecture of the brain. One local woman has not only made it her mission to encourage the growth of children’s senses everywhere but has in fact made it into a very successful business.

            Stephanie McKenzie is the owner of a hot new business that not only tantalizes the senses but encourages cognitive growth as well. StephyKatz Sensory Play was founded in July 2022 and was named after a nickname that Stephanie’s sister gave her when she was younger. “It combines parts of my first name with my middle name,” shared McKenzie.

            The inspiration behind StephyKatz Sensory Play is simple… “After years of working with children and seeing the immense benefits of them playing with sensory bins and other sensory items, I wanted to make these items accessible for everyone in the area at an affordable price. You can go online, and most places are charging almost double or more plus shipping. As someone with ADHD myself and sensory-seeking tendencies, I know how important and beneficial sensory play is, and I wanted to share that with my community,” noted McKenzie.

            StephyKatz Sensory Play offers a wide variety of items such as sensory bins that feature all-natural sensory textures, all-natural Playdoh activity boxes, sensory bottles, calming fidgeting bracelets and custom-dyed chickpeas. McKenzie shared, “Everything is handmade other than the activities for the sensory bins. The sensory textures and play dough are handmade by me with all-natural ingredients. While the pieces in the activities are not made by me, I hand-select each item to offer a fun activity that works on fine motor skills, imagination play, and so much more.” McKenzie went on to add, “We love custom orders as well! Some of my most popular sensory bin themes were from custom orders. I also offer bulk orders of sensory textures and play dough.”

            Sensory play items are great for all ages. “I feel like the biggest misconception about sensory play is that it only benefits certain people or ages. Sensory play is beneficial for all ages and people with or without sensory needs. Children learn through play and sensory play gives them a space to develop fine motor skills, so they can do things like tying their shoe, writing and zipping their coat. The tactile play that sensory play offers also focuses on building, pouring and mixing, which builds on their ability to use small muscle groups and coordinate movements. Sensory play also fosters cognitive growth, by asking questions, thinking about how things work, and building problem-solving skills. Also, it sparks imaginative play and help children develop their creativity. Many adults enjoy the desk-size sensory bins for the calming aspects sensory play offers. The benefits aren't just limited to children, it can be very beneficial for aging adults as well,” explained McKenzie.

            If you would like to contact McKenzie about her amazing sensory play items, you can do so by visiting her Facebook page under StephyKatz Sensory Play or by calling 740.302.9050. You can also visit McKenzie’s website at: www.etsy.com/shop/StephykatzSensory.

Highland’s Museum is a S.M.A.S.H.!

Highland’s Museum is a S.M.A.S.H.!

Pamela Hall

The Ashland Beacon

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The Highland’s Museum & Discovery Center is Ashland’s very own gem of area culture and history preservation. There are wonderful displays and exhibits that are interesting to visitors of all ages. The Museum is dedicated, not only to preserving the history and culture of our area through these displays, exhibits, and events, but also promoting and providing interactive education experiences and programs. In a step toward the fulfillment of that dedication, there is a new educational program being offered on Thursday mornings at 11:00 called the S.M.A.S.H. Club.

 

The S.M.A.S.H. Club, which stands for Science, Math, Arts, Social Studies, and Health, is designed for children between the ages of two to five. However, everyone in the family may participate in the fun of learning.

“We did a trial run of the program in August,” said Karen Pierzala, Education Coordinator for the Highland’s Museum & Discovery Center. “It was so successful that we decided to continue with it.”

Each week, the program explores one of the subjects that the title represents. The visitors to the S.M.A.S.H. Club will learn about a particular topic within the specified subject for that week.

For example, in August for the week on Arts, the participants learned about American artist Jackson Pollock, who was known for his technique of splashing or splattering paint onto a canvas that was placed horizontally instead of vertically. S.M.A.S.H. Club participants then had the fun and enjoyment of creating their own splash or splatter painting.

For the next five weeks, the S.M.A.S.H. Club has scheduled topics that will be both fun and interesting, which is the best way to promote and encourage education and learning. The S.M.A.S.H. Club schedule and topic agenda for the next five weeks is:

            September 7 – Science: Rain in a Jar

            September 14 – Math: Corduroy’s Button Patterns

            September 21 – Art: Pointillism Painting

            September 28 – Social Studies: Community Helpers

            October 5 – Fruits and Vegetables

The Highland’s Museum is also starting a S.M.A.S.H. Club punch card incentive. Each week that participants attend, their cards will be punched. For every five visits to the S.M.A.S.H. Club, the children will receive a special prize! What’s more fun than that?!

The cost of the S.M.A.S.H. Club events is included in the price of admission to the Museum, or Museum Membership. All S.M.A.S.H. Club activities are included at no extra charge.

The Highland’s Museum & Discovery Center is also a great resource for those who are involved in homeschooling, as well as other school groups. The Museum is currently booking tours and workshops for schools and homeschooling groups. To find out how to schedule a tour or workshop for your group, or for more information on the S.M.A.S.H. Club, contact Karen Pierzala, Education Coordinator, by calling the Museum at 606.329.8888. You may also email her at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Make sure to set aside time to attend the S.M.A.S.H. Club on Thursday mornings at 11:00 at the Highland’s Museum & Discovery Center. You just might learn something new and have fun, too!