Sasha Bush

The Greater Ashland Beacon

    “All children need is a little help, a little hope, and someone who believes in them,” Magic Johnson couldn’t have said it any better! Every child deserves to have someone that believes not only in what they can do currently but rather what they can accomplish when someone believes in their capabilities.

Amy McGuire, the Director of Special Education for the Russell Independent Schools, shares in Johnson's belief and took it upon herself to turn dreams into actions in 2016, McGuire had a dream of offering a baseball program that would allow ALL children regardless of their age or medical condition to have the opportunity to experience what it is like to be on a team and to be treated just like everyone else. 

     Through her passion for working with children with special needs, McGuire organized a partnership with the Russell-Flatwoods Little League to start up a baseball team in 2016, that would allow children with any physical and/or intellectual challenges from kindergarten to grade 12, (ages 4-22 years) to experience the beloved game of baseball. This league earned the name Challenger League. Taylor Stumbo, who works very closely with the Challenger League told the Beacon, “The inspiration for this league is derived from the children themselves; to allow them the same joys other children find in team sports. This a place where the children as well as the parents are just happy to have their child healthy and experience the joys of having a crowd cheer them on. It is set up in a way to hopefully be peer-driven so the entire community reaps the benefits.”

      In 2017, McGuire partnered with the high school basketball teams at Russell to do the same, so that the children could have the opportunity to experience what it is like to be on the court and so that they had something to do in the winter months as well. It wasn’t until 2019 that McGuire was able to partner with Page Maze and the AYBL to create the first combined league. It was during this time that the games were played during the halftime varsity games so that the entire community could cheer these amazing children on. It was truly a sight to behold. There is nothing greater than that of a child grinning from ear to ear doing something that they love.      Unfortunately, once COVID hit in 2020 the Challenger League had to put all games on hold due to the delicate nature of their children and how vulnerable they could be to getting sick. 

     “It is my mission now to hopefully bring this program back and get the word out that we are here and looking forward to working with these children. Programs such as this not only provide an opportunity to make lifetime memories for these children and their families but also o the volunteers and fans as well. Plus, with this being peer drove with their classmates it allows for more inclusivity to form relationships outside of a school setting,” noted Stumbo. He hopes that everyone will come to realize just how valuable a league such as this can be, to not only our children but to our community as well. “It makes all the difference in the world. I have seen firsthand what programs such as this can do for a kid just look at my son, Gavin, who has Down syndrome. He started in this program when we moved into the district back in 2018. There is no doubt it helped ease the transition of switching schools. The relationships made from the program allowed him to be where he is now, which is the team manager for the Russell Red Devils Boys Basketball team,” added Stumbo. 

      Thankfully now that COVID seems to have settled down the Challenger League plans to be up and running again very soon. Signups are currently going on right now thru Friday, Nov. 11. The league plans on having one game per week that will be played Saturday mornings. For any information on how you can sign your child up, you can contact Taylor Stumbo at 606.232.7132 or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Even if you don’t have a child to sign up, Stumbo encourages everyone to come out and watch just how amazing these children truly are and just cheer them on. “The best thing anyone could do is just come out and cheer these children on. Every single one of them deserves to a have packed gym of people rooting them on,” concluded Stumbo.

Morgan Hall

The Ashland Beacon 

       Let me introduce you to Nancy Compton. She is the Master Instructor at Ashland Area Tai Chi and Kung Fu. She was born in Ashland Kentucky in October 1954 as Nancy Coleman. She graduated from Blazer HS in 1973 and from UK in 1978 with a BS in Nursing. "After graduation from college, I stayed in Lexington KY, married, and began raising a family. In 1985, when my firstborn son was five, I began looking for a martial arts school to enroll him in.

We both had become fascinated with the martial arts that we saw being performed by stars such as Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Jackie Chan, and others. After a short and uninspired try at a karate class there in Lexington, I was forced to look further and found a Chinese martial arts school called Four Seasons on Southland Dr. It had been founded by an immigrant from China, Dr. Winglock Ng (also known as John Ng) about 10 years prior. When we walked into their school and saw what they were practicing there (Kung fu and Wushu) we were enthralled and had the feeling that we had found our new martial arts home, Compton explained.

    Time passed and Comptons' son was excelling, "My son flourished in his new Kung fu classes, and after watching him for a few months I said to myself, “This is not a spectator sport…I need to be doing this, too!” And so I started training as well.  I was 30 years old and had two small children at that time. Shortly after we started training at Four Seasons, Dr. Ng’s top instructor, John Dufresne, started his school called International Kung Fu and Wushu Academy. We followed him there and trained there until the late 1990s. During that time both my son and I achieved Master's level status (second black sash). In the year 2000, due to a divorce and other life changes, I returned to Ashland and continued Compton.

     Compton returned to Ashland, "After getting settled back in Ashland, I wanted to start practicing Kung fu again, but I could not find anyone within an hour or so radius that had a good school. So I began traveling back and forth to Lexington once or twice a month and training with my Lexington martial arts peers. I did this for several years and then started a Tai Chi class in April 2006. I added the Kung fu classes in January 2008. I was teaching out of the fellowship hall in my church at that time. I also trained with Grandmaster Rusty Gray from Nashville for several years. In 2014, we moved to 120 17th Street in Ashland and that’s where we’ve been located until the end of this August when we moved to Catlettsburg. We started our classes there in September, said, Compton.

     Recently, the school needed to relocate to a new building, Compton shares, "The reason for our relocation was because there were ongoing issues with the integrity of the building, so our landlord there (Paul Castle) decided it best not to renew our lease. At that time (July) he released us from the lease agreement and we began our search for a new location.  My sister (Christy Reaves) suggested looking in Catlettsburg, so I contacted Rex Castle who is a retired police officer and former student of mine, and a current commissioner for the city of Catlettsburg, to try to assist me in finding a place there.  He informed us that there was a vacancy just across the street from city hall, located at 2614 Louisa St. We met with the owner, Greg McCaine, and within a couple of days made an agreeable lease arrangement." 

     Compton explained how the school has changed post-pandemic, "Before the Covid pandemic, we had 40-50 students.  We have never been to a very big school because our style of martial arts is not widely practiced in this area. However, the pandemic has taken its toll on us, as it has on so many others. At the time of our move, we had about 20 active students.  Since the beginning of our classes in Catlettsburg in September we have enrolled about 10 more students, so current enrollment stands at about 30.  The new location is great because we are right in the middle of downtown Catlettsburg and have great visibility. The layout of the new school is much better for the practice of our martial arts, and our new landlord (Greg McCaine) has been very accommodating to us. He has worked very hard to get the place ready for us, both inside and out."

    If you were wondering what the school offers, Compton has the answers for you, "Currently, we offer classes in Tai Chi and Kung fu, including San Shou, for kids and adults. Our current classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and we have Saturday classes from 11:00-2:00 p.m.  We are planning on offering more classes on Monday and extending our Saturday hours, to include possible classes in Wing Chun and Qigong."

     Earlier this month their school had a grand opening and ribbon cutting, "The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, which took place on October 1st, with the Ashland Alliance and Catlettsburg mayor Faith Day, went extremely well with about 75 in attendance. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, we performed Tai Chi and Kung fu demonstrations, along with a traditional Chinese lion dance, which is believed to bring good luck to a new school or business. Hopefully, our arrival in Catlettsburg will herald the arrival of more and much needed new businesses there and we may be invited to come to perform for their grand openings. We are planning to do one at our school on Dec 3rd to bring luck to all who see it for the holiday season."

     Compton is elated to share, "We are loving and are flourishing at our new location in Catlettsburg and plan on being there for a long time to come. When I first started school back in April 2006, it was just me. I was a single mom working full time for the VA, but I ended up having to teach Tai Chi and Kung fu three evenings a week and on Saturdays. I have brought eight students to the black sash level, three to second black, and two to instructor status. Those two are Gus Burcham, who started like me, a single parent training on the side because of his love for Kung Fu, and is now my head instructor. Also, Jude Garner, who started with me at about 9 years old and is now teaching my kid's beginner to intermediate classes.  I also have several students that are “teacher assistants”, because I train them early on how to teach and to help others learn.  This is what the joy of teaching is all about!"

     If you are not familiar with the practices of Tai chi or Kung Fu, Compton gives us. break down, "Training in Tai Chi and Kung fu is a wonderful and fulfilling way to develop a healthy mind and body, it is something that can become a healthy way of life for people of any age. Tai Chi is a very relaxing and healing activity.  Research has shown that it is beneficial in the treatment of numerous conditions and so it has been recommended by the Harvard Medical Center and the Mayo Clinic for the alleviation of such ailments as arthritis, back/joint pain, fibromyalgia, stress-related conditions, high blood pressure, and even diabetes.  Both Tai Chi and Kung fu help to develop mind/body coordination, and alsohelps improve balance, reflexes, focus, self-discipline, and self-confidence. Learning self-defense is crucial for students, to avoid being harmed during a possible attack. We accommodate people of varying ages and mental capacities. I have taught kids from the ages of 3 to 90, some autistic, some with Down’s syndrome, dementia or otherwise mentally challenged."    

     Compton loves being a teacher and it shows in her work and her student's performances. "Teaching Chinese martial arts has been an extremely rewarding avocation. It has been very rewarding to help people to develop abilities and confidence in themselves that they didn’t believe were possible. In our school, training is modified as needed to help everyone to progress and benefit physically and mentally. My students are encouraged early on not to say “I can’t do this or that”. They are taught to say “I am trying/working hard”. The literal translation of Kung fu is “hard work and patience”; the literal translation of Wushu is “martial arts”.  This is why Kung Fu Is the grandfather of most martial arts, such as Taekwondo, karate, aikido, Krav Maga, jujitsu, Muay Tai, kickboxing, and many forms of MMA.  They are all part of the evolution of the Chinese martial arts of Kung Fu," exclaimed Compton 

     If you are interested in attending or bringing your child to attend a class, please contact Nancy Compton at 606.465.0317. If anyone would like to help with their relocation expenses you can donate to gofundme on Facebook under Kungfu School Relocation organized by Nancy Compton. 

Sonya Newman

The Ashland Beacon

     With October comes the chill in the air, the leaves changing from green to vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges, and the honoring of pastors everywhere during Pastor Appreciation Month. Churches big and small are celebrating their pastors in all sorts of ways. They’re showing them how much their hard work, dedication, and commitment to their calling are appreciated by their congregation. Faith Baptist Church of Westwood is no exception, as they pour their appreciation on Gary Newman, who has been the Pastor of Faith since October 2018.  Since accepting the call to pastor and lead a congregation, Gary has poured his heart and soul into encouraging the members of Faith and growing ministries old and new. 

“Two years ago, I challenged the congregation right smack dab in the middle of Covid that everyone in the church should have a ministry that was purposed to reach people with the Gospel of Jesus and would serve the Westwood Community,” Newman shared, “I see these as the vital elements of a small congregation that overachieves. That’s what my vision for Faith is: a small church that does gigantic things.”

     Newman led by example, as he established a new ministry of worship called the  ReFuel Worship Project. Since January 2019, the first Saturday of each month is designated for ReFuel, which is a reflection of Newman’s heart.  “When I first arrived at Faith, I wanted to be fed and I wanted to have a service that was centered around worship,” he explained, “so we try to bring in guest preachers, and sometimes singers, and everything we do in this service is centered in worship. We testify to worship, we pray to worship, and  we hear the preached Word in worship”  It’s my favorite time of the month!”

     First Baptist Church of Grayson Pastor, Josh Schmidt agrees. “Being a part of ReFuel has been some of my favorite moments in ministry.  No stress, no pressure, no reason to perform for anyone else than Lord Jesus,” Schmidt explained, “Pastor Gary has been such a blessing to me.  I look forward to preaching at Faith again!”

     In addition, to ReFuel, Faith has added a production ministry as the result of the heartfelt calling of one of the congregation members, Tracey Rowsey said he’d always wanted to do a podcast. What started as a small podcast evolved to be a huge outreach, that produces weekly programming that is community involved and gives gospel opportunities. Rowsey and Newman partnered to create shows for the Fairview coaches to talk about their programs and continue being involved in the community. They did the Daniel Armstrong Show, the Mo Mullins Show, and the Roger Newton show.  “Pastor Gary gives unconditionally to his church family and the community of Westwood.  He spends many hours helping the school athletics program with Public Address announcing, hosting Fairview coaches shows, just encouraging participants,” Roger Newton explained, “He exhibits love and care for the school and Westwood! I was blessed to have him host my coaches show and get to know him deeper and see his heart for meeting the needs of others.”

     One of the benefits of a small church with a small congregation, is you get to know and love each member as a family. Gary’s not only invested in a callin but his heart is invested in this congregation. “A few years ago we had been searching for a church. Over the years we visited many. We were invited to visit Faith Baptist Church. We fell in love with the little church in Westwood especially the pastor, Gary Newman,” Church member Tammy Rowsey conveyed, “Is he different from other preachers? Oh yes!! He loves unconditionally, he sees good in everyone, and his heart and smile show the love of Jesus like no other. His sense of humor is over the top. If he doesn't make you laugh something is wrong. He shares the word of God with everyone. I call him, Preacher Man, and this month I cannot express how much our family appreciates him as a Pastor, Preacher, and Friend.” She continued, “As he says, ‘Raise a Prayer, Raise a Praise’ and for the Lord leading us to the little church in Westwood I say Raise a Hallelujah!”

     Ministries are growing, people are learning, the community is being reached, and the church is led by a man with a heart for the Lord, the congregation, and the community. Gary’s vision is for what God can do with a small church in a small community. If Faith Baptist is one of the hidden gems of Westwood, Gary Newman will surely be the one polishing it and preparing it for what’s next. 

Sasha Bush

The Greater Ashland Beacon

The scene is set… it’s a dark, cold, and windy night. There isn’t a streetlight to be found, and the only noise that can be heard is that of a stray dog howling into the midnight air from far away. There is a certain chill in the air, but not a chill brought about by cold weather. Oh no, this chill can only mean one thing… its officially SPOOKY SEASON!  Suddenly you find yourself surrounded by glowing eyes perched upon every stoop as you pass by. You take a deep breath, and that’s when you realize that you are surrounded by jack-o’-lanterns.

For centuries the jack-o’-lantern has long been thought of as an iconic symbol of Halloween, but where exactly did this tradition come from, and why is it that we use pumpkins to carve out these spooky works of art? To understand the history of the iconic jack-o’-lantern we must travel back a few hundred years to rural Ireland which we know to be full of folklore and legends.

One such legend is that of Stingy Jack. Legend tells us that Stingy Jack, once a mere mortal, made a deal with the Devil and then recanted on this deal. In turn, the Devil cursed Stingy Jack to roam the earth for all eternity in total darkness with his only source of light being that of one tiny ember. Over the years the legend of Stingy Jack evolved and intertwined with many other legends and traditions, bringing about the introduction of the first jack-o’-lanterns. During the 1600s, Irishmen would often carve out the insides of potatoes or turnips and place single hot coal or candle inside them. These were then placed outside their homes to help provide a source of light during times of celebration. Occasionally these makeshift lights would be carved to resemble faces to ward off any unwanted intruders. Over the years the legend of Stingy Jack and the tradition of these makeshift lights intertwined into what we know now as jack-o’-lanterns.

It wasn’t until the Great Potato Famine of the 1840s that Irish immigrants arrived in America and discovered a new much larger item to carve their makeshift lights from… PUMPKINS! The Irish quickly discovered that carving pumpkins was not only easier but produced a far greater source of light than that of a turnip or potato. Because of the pumpkin's much larger size, the Irish were able to place more than a single hot coal or candle inside, which in turn produced a much larger light source. Eventually, the tradition of pumpkin carving was adopted by many settlers throughout America and has since grown into the tradition that we all know and love today. The popularity of carving jack-o’-lanterns has certainly grown throughout the years. It is estimated that around 146 million Americans carve these orange delicacies into works of art each year in celebration of Halloween. Pumpkin carving has transformed into quite an art form over the centuries. Every year there are thousands who take part in pumpkin carving competitions at local fairs and festivals, as well as children who take part in contests hosted by their schools. This tradition has become one that is loved by all. Pumpkin carving has been around for a very long time and will continue to be a source of light, memories, and tradition for many years to come.