Morgan Hall

The Ashland Beacon

   Recently, Girl Scout Troop 1100 did a red eye tour bus trip to the nation's capitol. They departed Ashland Friday evening, spent all day in Washington, DC on Saturday and returned home early Sunday morning. 

   Troop 1100 Leader Melissa Dillon shared her sentiments regarding the bus ride home, "I am on my way back from a day at DC with our Girl Scout troop. I am in the back seat of a charter bus, tears streaming, listening to girls giggle as I  scroll through pictures their parents posted of all the fun they had today."

   In DC, the girls had opportunities to see many different landmarks and museums.  Additionally, they invited the boys from Troop 1100 to tag along for the roadtrip. This was an opportunity for whole family to experience DC together with their scouts. 

   "We had so much fun in DC. We saw the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Memorial, the Declaration of Independence, WWII Memorial, the Boy Scout memorials, the Washington Monument, the White House, American History Museum, National Archives, US Capitol, too many government administrative buildings to mention, and several other memorials/statues that I know I’ve forgotten. I tried bubble tea for the first time, watched” ET near/in the Capital Arena, toured some of Chinatown and ate some super delicious Chinese food, where they pulled and made the noodles right in front of you! Some of my favorite sites were the flag that inspired the National Anthem, as well as original founding documents and Lincoln’s hat," added Dillon. 

   These girls have been waiting for this road trip for two years. Like most of us, The pandemic threw a wrench in the works with Covid restrictions and travel. But these young ladies were adamant to make the road trip happen this year. The trip was entirely paid for from Girl Scout cookie proceeds. "I am so proud of these young ladies, from working so hard to meet their goals, pushing along even when Covid tried to get in the way,  and for their incredible behavior on display today," said Dillon. 

   "I am entering my sixth year as a Girl Scout leader and my tenth year in scouting leadership. My goal has always been to bring opportunities to youth who otherwise would not have them and to help young boys and girls realize their potential as leaders of tomorrow. Through the years we have done a lot together, but this was the dream. And we did it!” exclaimed Dillon.

   Girl Scout Madi Barlow got some of her own fun in on the trip. Madi got on the bus and asked the driver to honk the horn and scare her sister, Delilah. “I liked to see the Washington Monument and when the bus driver honked the horn at my sister,” shared Madi. She giggled for 30 minutes after succeeding in scaring her sister.

   Like most organizations, many hands make light work. "I am so grateful for everyone who made this happen. Thank you to my co-leaders, to our parents, to district leadership and to community leaders like Diamond Lewis, who swooped in at nearly the last minute when our previous pickup point was fell through," shared Dillon. It truly takes a village to support this Girl Scout Troop. 

   Lastly, Dillon wanted to say thank you to everyone who bought a box or more - whether you live here locally or had them shipped. "I wish you could hear the pure joy I am hearing. I can’t wait to share with you some of what we did today. It would not be possible, if not for your generosity."

   Girl Scout Troop 1100 began meeting again Monday, September 12. They meet every Monday from 6-6:45 p.m. at Second Freewill Baptist Church, 2121 29th Street.There will be programming for Grades K-8. The Troop 1100 Girl Scouts go to Ashland Independent Scools, Boyd County, Ironton, and home-school. The girls have earned the Girl Scout bronze and Silver Awards. They have spent the night in the zoo, traveled to DC, and partnered with leaders and agencies on hundreds of hours of community service projects. Membership is only $25 and financial assistance for dues and uniforms is available. 

   "Our focus is leadership and learning by doing, building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place," said Dillon.

   In conclusion, it's always a good day when the sun sets on the horizon and all you can hear are the happy giggles of children. 

Grace Philips

The Ashland Beacon

   Each year on the third weekend in September, the visitors to downtown Ashland swells by as much as 30,000 in number for Poage Landing Days.  It has been designated as one of the top 25 Downtown Festivals in the State of Kentucky by the Kentucky Main Street Program.   Since its beginning in 1990 the festival has grown to a three-day/five-block event.  The event began as a way to honor the founding family of Ashland…the Poage Family and to showcase Ashland’s rich heritage in the community where it was originally called “Poage Landing”  There is something for everyone…nonstop music on two stages, crafts, vendors, food, children’s activities, and even a stunt circus this year.  The fun and festivities gets underway Friday, September 16 at noon and will run through Sunday, September 18 at 6 p.m.  

   Christy Meade is in her sixth year as president of the event. “We try to look at what works, what needs improvement, what can we add to make the community’s experience more enjoyable each year.” She goes on to say, “For me it’s about what can we provide to our community for free.  Not everyone can afford expensive show tickets but one weekend a year the Poage Landing Days Festival can give them an opportunity to come downtown listen to some great music, watch this year’s show and enjoy the festival atmosphere.”

   New to the festival for 2022 is an Artist Demonstration Area located on Broadway Square.  This will feature a number of different artists throughout the weekend sharing their talents with festival-goers.  The Children’s Pageant will also be held on Broadway Square this year on Saturday from 3-5 p.m. with onsite registration at 2 p.m. 

   If you love music, then Poage Landing Days is the place to be.  There will be two stages this year.  The Armstrong Stage, located on Winchester Avenue, will feature the best in local and regional bands each day.  The 16th Street Stage is located between Winchester and Greenup Avenues on 16th Street.  If you are a wrestling fan, FTC Wrestling will be at this stage on Friday night.   

   Pam Tillis will headline the festival this year.  She has sold more than seven million records and boasts six No. 1 radio hits to her credit.  Her signature song “Maybe It Was Memphis,” has proven to be timeless. “It’s a hard thing to put your finger on,” she said, describing the enduring appeal of “Memphis.” “It’s a great melody and a cinematic lyric. It’s romantic, but it rocks. And it’s a great vocal vehicle.” Not only did Country fans agree, so have several other aspiring artists. Contestants on both American Idol and The Voice have used the song to showcase their talents.  “In many ways this part of my career is more fun because it feels like the pressure’s off,” says the CMA Female Vocalist winner. “I feel much more relaxed and I can just enjoy the journey a little bit more.”  Pam Tillis will take the stage at 9 p.m. with Paul Pace opening the evening at 7:15 p.m.

   The craft tent has long been a favorite among attendees. This year there will be over 40 different crafters featured. Lory Scarberry has been working with the craft vendors since 2015.  “Art prints by local artist, themed mini corn hole boards, wreaths, wood crafts, hair bows,….all of these and many more will be found under the craft tent.  I love that you can shop for every holiday from Halloween to Christmas”   Lory says for her personally she is most excited to see the crafters again.  “The BEST people are those that put their soul into what they do and you see that through every booth you shop.”  

   Items in the craft tent are all handmade by local and regional crafters.  However, there will be many other vendors lining the street during the weekend.  Christy Meade, Festival President reinforces the need to shop local. “The last few years have shown us the importance of supporting local small business.  When you attend a festival, buy something from a vendor that is there.  These vendors are local small businesses and depend on the community’s support.”

   One of Poage Landings' main priorities is family and children. At the end of the day it is all about family.  The main effort of the committee is to keep all family activities free for every child to enjoy.  This year the children’s activities will take place in the 1700 block of Winchester Ave.  A number of different amusement activities are planned for the children and will begin at noon on Friday and 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday Skateboarding is now very popular in the area.  The Southern Fried Cone Fest draws kids from all over the tristate and beyond.  You can watch them fly through a downhill ramp at 17th street as they compete for prizes. 

   The Cincinnati Circus! Our Big Circus Show is an astounding mixture of fun, comedy, agility, and skill. It features Stilt Walkers, Jugglers, Magicians, Fire Eating, and Aerial Acrobatics on a Flying Trapeze! All of this is in the hands of the Ringmaster who takes you from one amazing talent to the next! We even have a Wheel of Destiny, Chair Stacking Show, and Trampoline Wall!!! We have all the great Circus acts!  You can see the Cincinnati Circus Stunt Show Saturday and Sunday in the 1700 Block Parking Lot beside Retina Associates and the Henry Clay Building.  There will be a number of shows each day.  

   An event of this size takes a dedicated committee and group of volunteers to be successful.   It is not an easy job, but one that is very fulfilling to see everything come together.  In closing, Meade says, “this would not be possible with the support from local business sponsors and the City of Ashland. We are totally funded by these contributions.  Their support is what brings Ashland alive for these 3 days in September.”  

   Bring your family and spend the weekend with old friends, make some new ones, and experience what downtown Ashland has to offer.  For a complete schedule of events and additional information you can check out the festival’s website poagelandingdays.com. 

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

   It truly is a beautiful thing when people come together for the sole collective purpose of benefiting someone else. Tom Vilsack once said, “People working together in a strong community with a shared goal and a common purpose can make the impossible… possible!” 

   On Tuesday August 25, two rival schools, Boyd County and Fairview, joined forces during a scheduled volleyball game to help raise funds for Corissa Conley, a fellow former volleyball player who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 18. All proceeds raised (except entry fee) during the night’s game and other efforts to raise funds that night went directly to the family to help with the cost of ongoing medical expenses and travel expenses. Together both teams raised a total of more than $2,000 in addition to gift cards and other items that the family might find useful.

   “When we were informed that both of these teams would be coming together and having this benefit game, we just couldn’t have been more proud to be a part of this community. I’m not sure if we can even put into words just how much it meant to us and to Corissa,” said Corissa’s father, Gary Conley. He continued, “Corissa played her entire volleyball career under Coach Lambert, and she also played travel volleyball under Coach Neltner. So, for both of these teams to join together and use one of their scheduled games in honor of Corissa was just something so special to her.” 

   Conley’s mother, Nicole Ann Conley took to Facebook shortly after the event ending and made the following statement, “Most of the time, I’m very good with finding the right words to say. Throughout this journey with Corissa, I have struggled to find the words or to even just talk about the different things that we have been going through. I could have never imagined how much our town, community, teachers, friends, coworkers, coaches, and family would be there to support to us. To use the word support seems so small because what everyone has done for us this past several months has been nothing short of miraculous. Please know how grateful our family is for all the amazing, wonderful, and generous things that every person has done to support Corissa. We truly could not have gotten through any of this without all of you.”

   Conley currently attends Ashland Community and Technical College and just began her second year in the school’s cosmetology program. Conley’s father stated that, “from the beginning of her diagnosis she was very adamant that she would start back to school this year and she did just that.” 

   I asked Conley’s father what the first word was that came to mind when he thought of his beautiful daughter. He declared, “The first world that comes to my mind when I think about my daughter is the word brave. Throughout all of the ups and downs that she has encountered during her fight with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Corissa has maintained a positive attitude and has not let her diagnosis stop her. Corissa is a funny, loving, caring and beautiful person. She loves her family and has the best support system a person could ever have.” 

   Both of Conley’s parents shared that “like most families we didn’t have a clue about what Hodgkin’s Lymphoma was and we sure didn’t expect our children to have it. It is most common in young woman between the ages of 18-25 and for the most part is treatable with chemotherapy and radiation.” 

   Boyd County and Fairview Volleyball teams aren’t the only groups within our very kind and caring community that have stepped up to help the Conley’s through this daily struggle. “There have been other events held for her and we are thankful to each and every person who has given to our family. The Westwood Givovanni’s held an event where they gave a portion of the sales to Corissa. We have had people sell t-shirts to help raise funds for Corissa and our places of employment have even come together and given to our family. Her former bosses at Clark’s Pump-n-Shop had a small fundraiser as well and the funds raised from that event were matched by the owners. This small community has rallied around Corissa and supported the entire family. We cannot be more grateful for what everyone has done along with the prayers and daily support she receives,” stated Gary Conley.

Deidra Bowling-Meade The Ashland Beacon Do you have a purpose? Are you making a difference? Why am I here? Our country has been battling the effects of Covid-19 these last two years, and it seems that most people have shut themselves off from society. Their drive is less, and they are complacent with life. That’s not the case with Ashland native, Christian Villers. The pandemic inspired Villers to achieve success with his first published book titled Divineplan, as well as develop a clothing line and website. Villers shared his testimony stating: “A pivotal moment for me took place at the start of the pandemic. It was during this time that God opened my eyes and helped to see what this life is really about. Initially, I felt Him calling me to use my creative abilities for His glory, and to do so through an apparel brand. This brand (also called Divineplan) was built during the early months of the Covid lockdown and launched in June of 2020. At first, I thought that Divineplan was only going to be a clothing brand. I really had no plans to write a book, but it was early in this process where I began to see that God had way more in store.” Villers continued, “Through Divineplan and the reach that the company had on social media, I was given the opportunity to connect with people all across the globe. These people would message me about things they struggled with, and I would use these messages as an opportunity to share with them the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. Afterwards, these individuals let me know how much my writing helped them. They would tell me how the messages encouraged them to follow God’s purpose for their life. It was during this time that I felt God calling me to write. Writing is something that I have always enjoyed, but through these interactions, He showed me that this is something He has called me to do. Around this time, I began the process for this book. After 15 months of a ton of prayer, reading, and work, by His grace alone, the book was published this summer. What I hope to achieve through Divineplan, is pray that others are inspired to live a life of eternal significance. In a world that encourages people to pursue temporal desires, I pray they understand that true fulfillment is found in Christ alone and that everything they have, they have been given to glorify His name. If just one person comes to know Jesus through the company or book, then all that has gone into this was worth it.” On September 6, the study guide for Villers’ book will be available for purchase. Villers said, “The study guide is filled with thought-provoking questions and would make an excellent addition for any youth or adult group looking for something inspirational to use. Through both the book and study guide, readers will come to understand that there is something much greater to be pursuing. They will be inspired to make the most of their short time on earth by doing so for the glory of Jesus Christ.” Both the book and study guide will encourage others to find their purpose in life. We all have a purpose; it’s important to realize that God has a purpose and plan for each of us. Amazon reviews on Divineplan have been positive. Sam Whatley, author of Meek Like a War Horse, was “astounded” after reading it due to “the author’s understanding of Christan principles and his age. Christian Villers is 23.” Whately continues, “This book can be read by not-yet-believers seeking truth in the chaos or by veterans of years of Bible study who still want to go deeper. In my opinion, this presentation of the Gospel rivals anything I have read or heard from Dr. David Jeremiah, Dr. R.C. Spourl or any other pastor or theologian.” Villers didn’t publish a book or start a clothing line for fame or money. Villers lives each day to fulfill what the Bible teaches us in Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Villers travels around the area to share his testimony with others. He has also set up his book at local events and conferences. Villers humbly proclaimed, “Everything good in my life is because of Him, and He is deserving of all the glory that my life can bring to Him. I would also like to thank my family. Words can’t describe how blessed I am to have them in my life. Thank you as well to the Ashland community. Your support means the world!” If you are looking for encouragement and finding purpose, make sure to follow Christian Villers on social media and learn more at his website: mydivineplan.com. You can also contact Christian Villars at his email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Divineplan can be purchased on Amazon.com or locally at Broadway Books (Located at 1537 Winchester Ave). The study guide will be available starting September 6.