Sweet Christmas Memories

By:  Ellen Keaton

Ashland Beacon

What comes to your mind when you hear the word Christmas?  I think of several things … the baby born in a manger, Jesus, the twinkling lights everywhere, and my family. As I get older, I seem to remember things from the past and realize how amazing they were. Christmas is one of those. My mom was the oldest of four children born to Ollie James and Gladys McCarty. My Grandpa Ollie died on the USS Hoel during World War II when Mom was only five years old. They grew up very poor in an old two-story log house on Davis Branch in Kentucky. Each of the McCarty children eventually got married and left home to start their own families, and Granny remarried Edward Hicks, who was known to all of the grandchildren as “Paw Ed.”    

There was one time of year that everyone came back to that old log house where they still lived … Christmas.   The memories are as vivid in my mind today as then. The house had no modern conveniences, heat, running water, bathrooms. You could smell the wood burning in the open fireplace in one room and from the potbelly stove in the other. A fresh cut pine tree stood in the corner. It wasn’t one of the perfectly shaped trees that you see on the lot.  Instead, it was one that Paw Ed had gotten on the hill, cut down and dragged in. From the time I could remember, the tree had bubble lights on it every year. I was always intrigued with how they worked. There was always so much food, turkey and dressing and all that went with it.

It was the one time of year that all the cousins were together in one place… and there were a LOT of cousins. I can’t remember not going to Granny’s at Christmas. We always had presents and of course none of us kids wanted to eat because we just wanted the presents. They weren’t expensive gifts; many of them were clothes that were handmade with lots of love. It didn’t matter because we were family — alive, healthy and together. Even today, whenever any of the cousins are together, we all remember the Christmas’s in that old log house and the love that was there.

The years came and went, and we all grew up and started our own families. Paw Ed was diagnosed with cancer and there was one last Christmas together.   As I think back today, it’s hard to believe that was 46 years ago this Christmas … I remember it so clearly.  My first child was five months old, which meant there were five generations at that Christmas dinner.  Years went by, and each of us was so busy with our own families that we just didn’t get together again.   

A few years ago, after only seeing each other at too many funerals, everyone decided it was time to have a family Christmas again. We gathered at a church fellowship hall because the family was so large now.  There were 89 of us there that night, which still didn’t include everyone.  It was almost as if no time had passed at all. There was laughter, kids everywhere, too much food and most importantly, family.  The last time we were all able to gather was in 2019, and at 99 Granny was still able to attend. That year there were children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren.   This year Granny is 102 years old, and there are six generations of McCartys totaling well over 100 direct blood descendants of Ollie and Gladys McCarty. What a blessed family I have! 

As I look back, it wasn’t the “things” we had in life growing up that made Christmas special, but rather the family and the love.   I am guilty of wanting the “perfect” Christmas …. you know like the ones you see on television. The ones where the houses are perfectly decorated, everyone is dressed in their best clothes sitting down to a beautiful table. I have figured out life isn’t a Hallmark movie and sometimes it is messy and out of control. I wouldn’t trade the memories I have of Christmas with the McCarty clan for anything.

This Christmas think about the important things in life … the baby in the manger and the memories you are making for your children and grandchildren. Don’t stress about the things around you and remember those who helped shape your life. I will gather with my mom and our family, which by the way has grown to quite a crew over the years.   I will also visit with Granny at the nursing home with my grandchildren, and cherish the memories from my childhood — thankful to have one more Christmas with this amazing woman.  

Booming Businesses at the Camp Landing Entertainment District

By: Sasha Bush  

The Greater Ashland Beacon   

 Since the arrival of Camp Landing, Boyd County has really been booming. New businesses are coming into the county all the time. On Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, Camp Landing Entertainment District welcomed four new businesses to its ever-expanding venue. Elisabeth Camp, one of the owners of Camp Landing, spoke with us about these exciting new arrivals. “We are super excited about these new businesses here at Camp Landing. Some of them have been open but didn’t get to have their official grand opening until now.” With so many exciting things happening at Camp Landing, Saturday is sure to bring with it an excellent opportunity for everyone to check out all that this establishment has to offer, while checking out some unique new locally owned businesses.  

The day started off at 11 a.m. with the ever so popular Loco Fresh grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. Loco Fresh comes from very humble beginnings. Originally, Loco Fresh was in West Side of Huntington, where owners Sam McGuffin and Jonah Mathis began selling fresh produce out of a garage. Mathis shared, “We had friends of ours come and ask us if we could cut up their watermelon for them. We said sure we can do that. So, we began cutting up fruits and eventually came up with a menu of various fruit cups and such.” Mathis went on to add, “After that, we evolved into a restaurant space in our old garage there and we offered fruit cups, salads and various produce.” Eventually, Mathis and McGuffin realized that they had outgrown their garage space, and it was time to expand.  

On Oct. 1, 2021, Mathis and McGuffin moved into their current location at Camp Landing and were met with excitement and support from the community. The fruit cup business was certainly booming. Both Mathis and McGuffin have since received several requests to carry other culinary items, such as burgers. Loco Fresh has heard your request and has now revamped their restaurant with not only a fresh new sign but also a fresh new menu. Loco Fresh’s new sign now reads “Loco Fresh- Burgers and Brews.” Loco fresh will now be offering a variety of brews, some of the best fries in the area and fresh burgers. “Our burgers are fresh 100 percent beef, never frozen patties!” pointed out McGuffin. But, don’t fret! Loco Fresh will be staying true to its original roots and will continue to offer their delicious fruit concoctions when fruit is season. The owners of Loco Fresh believe if it isn’t Loco Fresh… It can’t be crazy good for you!  

Hillbilly Hibachi also had its official grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Hillbilly Hibachi is owned by Adam Brown and Travis York. Both Brown and York are just two country boys who had a dream of sharing their Japanese-inspired dishes without all the formalities and fancy antics you might find in a more traditional Japanese restaurant. Not only do these two country boys offer some of the best food around, but they are also one of the biggest supporters of our community and local youth. Hillbilly Hibachi is always hosting fundraisers for various people, groups and organizations within our community.  

The fun didn’t stop there! Camp Landing wasn’t done wowing us with their unique new businesses. At noon on Saturday, Cowboys and Angels held their official grand opening. Cowboys and Angels is owned by Jason Camp and his lovely wife Elisabeth Camp. Cowboy’s & Angels is truly a unique and authentic western wear store. They offer a great selection of boots and western themed clothes. They cater to all ages from babies to adults. You will find some of your most favorite brands of western wear, which include brands such as Ariat and Hooey. If you are a fan of the insanely popular TV series Yellowstone, you will love all that Cowboys and Angels has to offer. Elisabeth Camp shared, “We get shipments every week, so we are constantly getting new items.” Something unique to Cowboys & Angels is that you can get a free ride on their mechanical bull if your purchase totals $100. You can also ride the mechanical bull even without a $100 purchase for a small fee of $5 per a ride or 5 rides for $20. The best part is that it is fun for all ages.  

Camp Landing Entertainment District welcomed CB Bears and Things to the rank of already impressive stores located inside. CB Bears and Things unveiled their brand-new business Saturday as well with a ribbon cutting ceremony that took place at 12:30 p.m. CB Bears and Things is owned by John and Beverly Peyton. Beverly Peyton stated, “We offer a variety of over 100 stuffed animals that you can customize with hearts, birth certificates, bags and clothing. We have a little something for everyone.” Among your choices for your animal’s hearts, you can choose from kindness, love, courage or best friends.  

CB Bears and Things will also be offering sound modules that can you pick from to give your animals a voice. You can even make a custom sound module with a special message and make it in your own voice or the voice of a loved one. Children of all ages are sure to love this new addition to the Camp Landing Entertainment District. So, whether you are looking for something to do such as movies, bowling, axe throwing or my personal favorite… SHOPPING… you are sure to find exactly what your heart desires at Camp Landing Entertainment District.  

The Bethlehem Experience
See It with Your Own Eyes December 14-17 

Grace Phillips
The Ashland Beacon

Have you ever wondered what it was like in Bethlehem the night Jesus was born?  There weren’t any photographers, or video to capture the birth…just a chorus of angels, some shepherds and the animals in a smelly barn were there to witness this wonderful event.   From December 14-17, you can experience what that night in Bethlehem may have been like at the Blackhorse Farm. 

Farm owner Jessica Adkins transforms their 6,000 square foot, heated indoor arena into the bustling city of Bethlehem for three magical nights. Adkins says, “Around 2008-2009, I attended a live Nativity scene at Burnaugh Baptist Church with my then boyfriend (now husband), Chris.  I was very impressed.  I knew then, even before having a farm, that I wanted to do something like a Nativity, but more about how an ordinary day turned into the most extraordinary day the world had ever known.” 

This is exactly what you will find at the Bethlehem Experience beginning with registering with the Roman soldiers.  Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem because there was a decree that everyone had to be taxed. You must first pay a “tax” of three cans of food per person to enter the event.  All the food donated will go to area food banks.  This year it will be donated to the House of Grace Food Pantry.

After paying your tax, you will be on a guided tour through a busy marketplace.  It was just an ordinary day to these people …. they had no idea what was about to happen.  You can interact with villagers, learn from the village tradesmen, and sample foods they may have eaten during Biblical times.  The children will love the animals in the village.  There are sheep, camels, donkeys, horses and many more.  Be sure to keep your eyes open, and you may even see the Wise Men seeking the birth of the promised Messiah.  The experience ends just outside the arena with a beautiful live nativity.  There are free refreshments and snacks throughout the tour and a free group photo for all who attend.

“We have about 150 volunteers that help make all this possible,” stated Adkins. As you can imagine, it is a huge undertaking and requires a lot of planning.  Adkins continues, “I started working on this year’s event in March, but the physical work has to be planned around weddings and other events scheduled at the Blackhorse farm and only begins a few weeks before opening evening.” There is still room for additional volunteers if this is something you would enjoy.  You can text Jessica at 606.922.4853 to volunteer. 

Everyone must have a reservation to attend.  This allows the organizers to plan for enough parking and a pleasant experience for all those attending.  Reservations are free, but you must pay the “tax” of three cans of food when presenting your ticket.  The average time spent at the Bethlehem Experience is one hour.  Visit blackhorsebethlehem.com to reserve your spot.  Be sure to visit the Q&A section where questions about parking, what to wear, what to expect and ticket information can be found.   

This is truly a one of kind experience.  The Adkins family hopes that it will become a part of your family’s Christmas traditions and will remind everyone about the true meaning of Christmas.  The Blackhorse Farm is location at 18517 St Rt 854 Rush, KY. 

Deidra Bowling-Meade

The Ashland Beacon

     In the words of ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, “turn on, tune up and rock out!” Ashland cover artist Ryan Bonner is a must-see!  He performs classic rock and blues hits at several surrounding venues.  If the name Ryan Bonner sounds familiar to you, it might be due to his other roles in the Ashland community.  Bonner worked as a special education teacher for Ashland Independent School District and serves as assistant basketball coach for the Ashland Tomcats.  Bonner also played varsity basketball and football for the Ashland Tomcats from 2005-2009.

   When Bonner isn’t working, he is playing music and spending time with his wife Chelsea and daughter Lakyn.  Bonner discussed how he balances all the responsibilities, “I play music the first week of April til Thanksgiving.  Then, basketball season starts.  On average, I’m playing every other weekend during that time. There are nights where I might leave the house at 6 p.m, not play til 8 p.m. and then not get home til midnight.  Chelsea is very supportive.  She sometimes brings Lakyn, and she stands out front to dance.  It’s hilarious!”  Bonner jokes, “Chelsea even lets me buy guitars that are way too expensive.  I asked permission.  There’s no way I could sneak that by her!” Bonner’s current guitars of choice are his Martin DC 13E acoustic guitar and Standard Gibson Les Paul electric guitar.   

   Chelsea Bonner shared her admiration of Bonner, “I love Ryan’s heart and passion for music. He is a very talented musician, but he is an even better person. He really enjoys being able to play locally in our hometown and using music as a positive way to bring people in our community together. He has also had fun introducing our daughter, Lakyn, to music. She loves to strum the guitar, play the drums and has a blast when we have family jam sessions! Music has brought so much joy and laughter into our home, and I’m thankful Ryan has the opportunity to share it with others.”

   Bonner started playing live music about ten years ago when he attended college. That’s where he met Nathan and Jonathan Watts. Bonner exclaimed, “I lucked out big time with that!”  Nathan Watts played the bass while Jonathan Watts played drums. The Watts brothers will be coming to the Tomcat Bourbon and Brewhouse to perform with Bonner during his last show of the year in November.  Bonner also started playing with local talent Devon Hale in 2017; they usually perform an acoustic set with 10-12 shows a year.  Currently, Bonner sings and plays lead guitar with the Ryan Bonner Trio.  Steve McGuire plays bass and Graham Leitner plays drums for the trio.  The trio started within the last couple of years after Bonner bought a house in South Ashland.  The neighbor introduced himself, which happened to be McGuire.  They started having jam sessions together, which then led to them booking shows.  

   Bonner’s investment in performing music is growing.  Bonner stated, “I’m having a blast playing! I feel that I’ve made the most growth this summer because I networked and met people to see what makes them successful and go far.  I see a correlation between playing music and being on a sports team.  We work together toward a common goal and building success.  Both require lots of hard work.”  Bonner commends his parents for being an influence on him musically, “They were always playing musicians like Eric Clapton when we rode home in the car. Being exposed to it from a young age, made me realize how much I liked music.”  Bonner also looks up to local artists for inspiration.  Bonner was star-struck when Craig Burletic, who is a local artist and guitar player for Tyler Childers, showed up to hear him play.   Burletic praised Bonner, "Ryan has a great voice, great song selection and can really pick that guitar. Since we've moved to Ashland, he's been a staple in the scene here performing and attending shows."

   Bonner finds the best part of playing music is simply getting friends and family together.  Music will always be part of Bonner’s life, and he is looking forward to the next phase of writing his own material.  Bonner announced, “I hope by spring to have original material.  I just started dipping my toes into writing.  Writing your own songs really expands what you can do.”  Bonner aspires to one day perform on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.  When he eventually retires, Ryan declares, “All I’m going to do is play music and be with my family.”

   Bonner will be joining local artist Devon Hale in Milton, West Virginia on Friday, October 28 at the Venetian from 7 -10 p.m. The address is 1742 Midland Trail U.S. 60. Then, Bonner will conclude his year at the Tomcat Bourbon & Brew House on Wednesday, November 23 from 8 -11 p.m.  Jamming with Ryan Bonner is something you don’t want to miss!  Molly Page, who is a local musician and colleague of Bonner, signified it best, " I really enjoy listening to Ryan as both lead vocalist, as well as when he's doing backup vocals and lead guitar. I think it's really important to show up for the people in your music community- Ryan makes that easy to do!"