Olive Hill: Carter Childcare West Opens - "Like going to grandma's house"

The staff and owners of the new Carter Childcare Westin Olive Hill had a ton of details to tend to before opening their doors and hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce, with rules and regulations related to Covid-19 complicating matters even more.

The facility, conveniently located at 333 Warrior Drive (Building 1) between West Carter Middle and West Carter High School, is now divided up into sections to be enjoyed according to age groups as they welcome children from birth to 12 years old. At maximum capacity, the center has space and resources for 70 children.

“I want it to be like a home environment for children – Like going to grandma’s house,” said Shelby Riley, who will serve as Co-Director alongside Director and lifelong friend Sheila Porter. Both Riley and Porter will have their own grandchildren among the little ones they’ll be caring for.

Porter and Riley, along with owners Ed and Shawna Messer, all graduates of West Carter High School, will be open at Carter Childcare West from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and encourage parents to simply drop by to learn more about what they have to offer.

The center will be proving snacks, breakfast and lunch meals according to the USDA program.

“They will be fed. We want them to leave here feeling like it’s home away from home,” Porter said with a smile, explaining proper nutrition is a major concern for parents seeking childcare.

The new center features an indoor playground, along with a full kitchen and laundry, and meets all ADA requirements for handicap access. Staff members are trained and experienced working with autistic children as well as those with special needs. A pediatric defibrillator is in place, and staff members have all been trained in CPR and first aid.

Carter Childcare West also participates in Kentucky’s Child Care Assistance Program, which provides financial assistance for families who qualify according to financial guidelines.

Riley and Porter emphasized that Carter Childcare West is more than a simple babysitting service. “We are an early learning center,” Riley said, explaining they work with children to prepare them to enter Kindergarten.

“We wanted to open this to help our hometown grow,” Riley said, prompting immediate nods of agreement from everyone in the room.

Co-owner Ed Messer added, “We would like to thank Allen Wilson for making available such a wonderful facility. We would also like to thank Mark Strother and the Commercial Bank Of Grayson for making this all possible!”

For more information about Carter Childcare West, visit the facility at 333 Warrior Drive (Building 1), call 606-315-0111, or visit:

www.carterchildcare.com

Story and Photos by TIM PRESTON Carter County Post

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Tribute for Bernadine Wolfe April 5, 1943 ~ May 10, 2021: Malone Funeral Home

Bernadine Wolfe, 78 of Garrison went to be with her Lord on Monday, May 10, 2021 at her residence.

Bernadine was born April 5, 1943 in Ashland, KY a daughter of the late Elbert and Olive Prise Hamm. She was a homemaker and a 46-year member of Lower Grassy Church of Christ.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother who raised her from birth, Mollie Prise and two sisters, Jackie Grimm and Ruby Campbell. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Carlos Wolfe; one son, Stephen (Darla) Wolfe of Grayson; two daughters, Debbie (John) Thacker of Russell, KY and Chastity (Justin) Miller of Stryker, OH; two sisters, April Evans of Ashland and Donna Lewis of Raceland, KY; one brother, Bill Hamm of Greenup; three grandchildren, Ethan Hartsell, Molly Allen and Andrea Ferguson; three great-grandchildren, Colt Hartsell, Violet Ferguson and June Allen.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, 11:00 a.m. at Malone Funeral Home with Roger McGlone and Aaron Keaton, ministers. Burial will be in the Boone-Grassy Cemetery. Friends may call Wednesday from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. and after 9:00 a.m. Thursday.

To leave a condolence or memory of Bernadine, go to www.malonefuneralhome.com. COVID-19 restrictions will be observed.

Memory Days: Events & Happenings

Thursday May 27th – Sunday May 30th 

(Tentative Schedule Subject to change)

Thursday May 27th:

• Window Display Judging at 1:30 PM, Wilson-Stinson Homemaker’s Club. Register, call 474-4401
• OPENING CEREMONIES at 6:00 PM, Main Stage, Main Street, Welcoming Address, Awards, National Anthem, JROTC Salute and ribbon cutting.
• FAMILY FUN NIGHT with Rock Climbing Wall from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM Behind Horton & Brown Pharmacy on Main Street, price is $5.00. Free Children’s Inflatables from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM (Location TBD). Oak Grove Church of Christ will be providing one FREE Snowie per child.
• MAIN STAGE ON MAIN STREET PERFORMANCES: Dance with Hope Studio at 6:30 PM, Center Stage Studio at 7:00 PM, Cosmic Cheer with Amy Damron at 7:30 PM, Cats Gym with Kelly Littleton at 8:00 PM.
• MUSIC ON MAIN STREET: Elijah Boggs at 8:30 PM
• FOOD VENDORS on Pomeroy Street and Commercial Bank Parking Lot. 

Friday May 28th:

• GRAYSON FIRE DEPARTMENT BBQ Grayson Volunteer Fire Department BBQ & Catfish Fry from 4:00 PM until food runs out, $14.00 for Adults, $9.00 Veterans & Seniors, Kids 10 and under FREE. Fire Station 3rd Street.
• RETAIL & ARTS VENDORS open 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Pomeroy Street and Commercial Bank Parking Lot. 

• ECHS GRADUATION PARADE Class of 2021 Graduation Parade at 5:00 PM, Main street.
• ICE CREAM SOCIAL  FREE Ice Cream while supply lasts at Bayless Presbyterian Church beginning at 5:00 PM,  2nd Street on church lawn.
• NEW!! MEET FOOD NETWORK CHAMP JASON SMITH Champion of “Holiday Baking: on Food Network; Jason Smith will be on hand for autographs from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Vendor’s Tent Area. 

• CELEBRATE THE EARTH ART SHOW Grayson Gallery & Art Center celebrating their 10 year anniversary with Art Show & Sale from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• MUSIC ON MAIN STREET: Acousticats at 6:15 PM, Carrier at 7:20 PM, City Heat at 8:30 PM

Saturday May 29th:

• NEW! HELICOPTER RIDES, $35.00 each. Carol Malone Blvd and Academic Parkway in front of KCU.
• MEMORY DAYS 5K RUN and WALK from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM, Run starts at 8:00 AM at The Commercial Bank Parking Lot and benefits Relay for Life. Contact 606-255-0111 to register.
• KIWANIS MOTOCYCLE SHOW from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Judging at 10:00 AM. Old Ralph’s parking lot, $20 entry fee for participants which includes a T-Shirt. To register call 606-207-6774, 606-255-6359, or 606-255-0297 to ensure proper T-Shirt size, Additional T-Shirts are $15.00. Funds go towards a wheelchair accessible swing at new park. 
• RETAIL AND ARTS VENDORS OPEN! open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on corner of Carol Malone and Main Street, Food Vendors on Pomeroy Street and Commercial Bank Parking Lot. 
• MEMORY DAYS CAR SHOW from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Prichard Elementary Parking Lot, $10 entry fee for participants. Contact Carter County Cruisers to register at 606-286-7327.
• 20th ANNUAL DOG JOG at 10:00 AM on the corner of Hord & Main Street, $15.00 entry fee for participants and includes a T-Shirt. Contact All Creatures Veterinary Care at 606-474-5146 to register.
• FREE CHILDREN’S TRAIN RIDES from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at First Church parking lot corner of Pomeroy and 2nd Street.
• INFLATION STATION at 10:00 AM until dark, location TBD, $5.00 all day wrist band, Extreme rides $5.00 each.
• GRAYSON LIBRARY BOOK SALE by the Friends of the Library, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Grayson branch, 116 W Main Street.
• NEW! Grayson Sports Park presents GRAYSON BASEBALL CLUB TOURNAMENT from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the NEW Grayson Sports Park, Robert & Mary Avenue.
• CELEBRATE THE EARTH ART SHOW at Grayson Gallery & Art Center celebrating its 10 year anniversary with an Art Show & Sale from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
• PARADE LINE-UP begins at Noon at the Old Estep’s, US 60 West of Downtown. To register for the Parade call 606-474-4401 or visit The Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
• 50TH ANNUAL MEMORY DAYS PARADE AT 1:00 pm, US 60 & Main Street, “ALL ROADS LEAD BACK TO GRAYSON”, Sponsored by The Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce, Emcee Jill York & Mike Nelson
• NEW! MUSIC AT THE CITY BUILDING: Evergreen at 3:00 PM
• TREE SCULPTURE DEDICATION at 3:30 PM by Woodcarver Larry Porter at the City Building.
• MUSIC ON MAIN STREET: The Vindicated at 5:00 PM, Bad Decision at 6:15 PM, Shelby Lore at 7:30 PM, Dustin Burchett at 8:30 PM.

Grayson Gallery & Art Center "Celebrate the Earth, Appalachia!" Art Show - Friday, April 30, 2021

The Grayson Gallery & Art Center will present “Celebrate the Earth, Appalachia!” in honor of Earth Day and beyond with an opening reception for artists and the public on Friday, April 30, 2021 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. 

A special focus on handmade items from the submissions of over 25 artists from across the Eastern Appalachian Region,  the exhibit will feature more than 6o pieces of original art including assemblage, collage, mixed media, mosaics, gourd art, sculpture and fiber art in addition to earth-themed paintings and photographs.  Art by the students of Valerie Everman in the newly-named “Doug Anglin Art Education Program”, funded by the Anglin Family Trust will also be on display back in the Kids Korner.  

The public will be able to cast their vote for the “People’s Choice” award and the GGAC Board Choice as well as the Brandon Click Memorial award, each a $50.00 prize will be given during an Awards & Announcements Ceremony at approximately 7:30pm. One important announcement will be details about “The Local Crowd” (TLC), an upcoming crowdfunding campaign.  The TLC kick-off is set for May 1st and will be the very first public appeal for donations from local supporters to both enhance & expand the Grayson Gallery’s current programs and to fund future sustainability of the 501c3, non profit corporation.

Live music will be by “Three’s Company Blues”, who will be performing throughout the evening.  Per the band’s media release: “Three’s Company Blues is a trio from Charleston, West Virginia, playing classic covers you forgot you loved, as well as our own blues/rock style originals.  The band was born of our driving desire to play music and keep the blues alive.  What began as a fun side project among friends quickly turned into a serious, focused celebration of our passion for the blues, rock and roll, and celebrating expression through music.  We recently took that passion to the 2020 Huntington Blues Society’s 6th Annual Blues Challenge and took first place.  We will be traveling to Memphis, TN to represent WV in the 2022 International Blues Challenge, competing with artists from all over the world.”  

Henna Tattoos will be offered by Miranda Knipp at affordable prices during the gallery show as well.

Refreshments will be from Snowies Food Truck which will be set up outside in the GGAc parking lot selling a variety of foods & drinks including their famous namesake “Snowie” snow cones.  Patrons may ask for a discount coupon from gallery volunteers for meals.

Art will remain on display through the end of May as the featured work on exhibit when the gallery is open during the 50th anniversary of the annual Grayson Memory Days event. 

Festivities begin on Thursday, May 27 in downtown Grayson and continue through Sunday for a Bluegrass Music show presented by RudyBurchett of Rudy fest fame.  A special “soft opening” of the new Grayson Sports & Recreation Park will also take place that weekend with baseball games and more.

For information on volunteering, showing and selling original art, bookings for musicians and food truck opportunities for future events, contact Dan Click, director, via email: graysongallery@gmail.com
—
Dan Click, Grayson Gallery DirectorARTIST/COMMUNITY

Tribute for Courtney Brooke Prather October 12, 1977 ~ April 23, 2021: Malone Funeral Home

Courtney Brooke Prather, 43 of Grayson went to be with her Lord on Friday, April 23, 2021 at University of Louisville Hospital.

Courtney was born October 12, 1977 in Ashland, KY, a daughter of Brenda Stevens Bush and the late Glenn Bush. She was an employee of Cintas and was a member of Willard Church of Christ.

In addition to her mother Brenda, she is survived by two sons, Eli Dawson Estepp and Ethan Drake Dunn both of Grayson; one sister, Toni (Tim) Jobe of Grayson and one brother, Barrett (Courtney) Bush of Grayson, also many family members and friends who will miss her.

Burial will be in East Carter County Memory Gardens. Friends may call Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Family suggest contributions to, Willard Church of Christ, 8946 KY Hwy 1, Grayson KY 41143 or H.E.L.P., Damron Branch, Grayson KY 41143.

To view her services live, leave a memory or condolence visit her tribute page at www.malonefuneralhome.com.

Tribute for Winston Blake Porter January 19, 1995 ~ April 17, 2021: Malone Funeral Home

Winston Blake Porter, 26, of Columbus, OH formerly of Grayson went to be with his Lord Saturday April 17, 2021 at his residence.

Blake was born January 5, 1995 a son of Andy Porter of Wurtland and Veronica Bush Porter of Grayson. Blake was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Vernon Woodford Bush; and paternal grandparents, Denver and Dolly Porter. Blake was a 2013 graduate of East Carter High School. Blake was of the Christian faith and loved spending time with his children. Blake was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan.

Including his parents Blake is survived by his loving wife, Alexandria Wildman Porter; a son, Oliver Porter; three step-sons, Gavin Stuthard, Kaiden Stuthard and Ryker Wildman; maternal grandmother, Laverne Elam Bush of Grayson; a brother, Cody (Courtney) Porter of Winfield, WV; a sister, Whitney (John) Lezu of Flatwoods; an aunt, Christi (Jeff) Thompson of Grayson, two nieces; Savannah Thompson and Alexis Thompson; his best friend, James Daniel Qualls; and a host of friends and extended family who all mourn his passing.

Funeral services will be 7 pm Thursday, April 22, 2021 at the Malone Funeral Home with Bro. Paul Holbrook officiating. Visitation will be 5 pm Thursday until the service hour.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.malonefuneralhome.com.