Common Ground Conversations with Ally Layman

05/28/2026

Ticks are no joke and neither is Alpha-Gal Syndrome. Please stay educated on tick prevention and efficient ways to check yourself for unwanted visitors!

For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/index.html

05/15/2026

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Swimming Beach Delayed Opening

Due to ongoing drought conditions the swimming beach at Stowers Branch Recreation Area will remain CLOSED through Memorial Day weekend. The beach opening will be delayed until the lake returns to or nears our normal summer pool elevation.

At this time, the lake is currently several feet below the minimum level required to safely operate the beach. Lake levels are primarily dependent on natural rainfall and watershed inflow. Due to persistent drought conditions throughout the region, we have not received enough rain this spring to bring levels back up.

Our staff is fully prepared to open the beach as soon as conditions allow. A couple of "good" rainfall events is typically enough to adequately raise water levels, but until then, the beach will remain closed for visitor safety. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Conditions can change quickly and we’ll continue to provide updates.

Additionally, current lake water levels and other useful information can be viewed below:
https://www.lrh-wc.usace.army.mil/wm/?basin/twe/bbf

05/12/2026

Today is Election Day in West Virginia!!

No matter where you live, what party you belong to, or what issues matter most to you, your voice deserves to be heard. It only gets heard if you show up and vote.

Change doesn’t happen from the couch.
It doesn’t happen from Facebook comments. It happens when people take a few minutes out of their day and go to the polls. Too many people fought too hard for us to treat voting like it doesn’t matter. Especially here in Appalachia, where people have spent generations fighting to be seen, heard, and taken seriously.

So if you haven’t voted yet, go vote.
Bring a friend. Remind your family. Check on your neighbors. Because whether you’re frustrated, hopeful, fired up, exhausted, or somewhere in between… your voice still matters.

West Virginia, let’s show up!! Go VOTE!

***ELECTION NIGHT REPORTING: Results for each county to be reported to the public on election night starting at about 8:30pm

WV Secretary of State Kris Warner wants to remind the general public that results for each race in all 55 counties can be viewed on election night.

According to Secretary Warner, the WVSOS Election Night Reporting (ENR) website allows the general public to view the results of West Virginia's May 12th Primary Election as they are reported by the county clerks. Polls close at 7:30pm on Election Day. Results from the county clerks usually start being reported on ENR at about 8:30pm.

Click the link for more information: https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/WV/126209/web.345435/ #/summary

05/06/2026

Bittersweet moment for me today. I cast my ballot in Cabell County for the last time.

I was born here, raised here, went to school here, worked here, served here, and built a life here. This community shaped me in more ways than I can explain, so walking into that voting booth today definitely hit a little differently.

As many of you know, Nikkia and I just bought a home in Wayne County, and we’ll officially be moving this weekend. We’re incredibly excited for this next chapter, but man…Cabell County will always be part of who I am, and remain very close to my heart.

One thing I’ll never stop believing. Voting matters. Your voice matters. People love to say their vote doesn’t count, but that’s exactly how people in power hope you feel. Local elections matter especially!! They shape your roads, your schools, your neighborhoods, and your future.

So yes, I was proud to cast my final Cabell County vote today.

Now it’s your turn!!!

Early voting ends May 9th.
Election Day is May 12th.

Get out there!! Be loud!! Make your voice heard!!

05/06/2026

I have been sitting with what’s happening around the nation and this is what I keep coming back to. I’m a community advocate, a former elected official, and someone who got involved in public service for one simple reason, I care. I care about whether people actually have a voice. I care about fairness. I care about what kind of future we’re leaving behind. My community trusted me to serve in office, and that experience taught me how this system is supposed to work.

It’s not perfect. It’s messy. You don’t always win. People don’t always agree. That’s democracy. What we’re seeing right now isn’t just disagreement, it’s something deeper.

When protections in the Voting Rights Act are rolled back, and states move quickly to redraw maps that silence disenfranchised communities, that’s not healthy debate. That’s power protecting itself. And people feel it. They feel the frustration. The exhaustion. The sense that the rules are being rewritten while everyone else is just expected to live with it.

So let’s be honest about this moment. This is one of those times where staying on the sidelines isn’t an option. Because rights don’t disappear all at once, they get chipped away. Piece by piece. Until one day people wake up and realize how much has been taken.

Our communities deserve better than that. Our kids and grandkids deserve better than that. And change doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from people who organize. People who mobilize. People who show up, everywhere it matters. At the ballot box. In our communities. And yes, when necessary, in the streets. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s right.

And here’s the truth we can’t ignore! None of this changes if we don’t vote. Not just once. Not just when it’s convenient. But in numbers so strong they can’t be ignored, can’t be diluted, and can’t be undone. Because when people show up together! Organized, engaged, and determined, power has to respond! And that’s how change happens.

05/04/2026

05/04/2026

05/03/2026

Hey y’all, reintroducing myself, I’m Ally.

A lot has changed recently, but one thing hasn’t, I’m still here, and continuing the conversation.

I’m an Appalachian advocate, a proud q***r leader, and someone who’s never been interested in waiting for a seat at the table, I’d rather help reshape it.

Being part of the LGBTQ+ community has shaped how I show up in this work. Here in Huntington, I’ve advocated for inclusion, accountability, and making sure people feel seen. That journey took me to City Council, and while I recently stepped down, my commitment hasn’t changed.

Right now, I’m still all in on local, state, and federal advocacy. I’m serving as a board member with the People’s Unity Project, organizing, advocating, and working alongside folks to build up our communities.

I’m not someone who shies away from hard moments, and I’m definitely not backing down when it matters. I care deeply about making sure people feel heard, informed, and connected.

This page is where that continues, real talk about real issues, sharing what’s happening locally and beyond, highlighting diverse voices, and yes… bringing good energy along the way.

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are my own. This isn’t my personal life page, it’s a space for perspective, and conversation. Real talk on local, state, and national issues centered on community, connection, and good energy.

04/30/2026

Hey friends! As we head into our busy season, we wanted to share a few quick reminders to help keep our parks safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone:

🚭 All GHPRD parks and facilities are smoke-free. Please use designated smoking areas.

🚫 Yellow curbs mean NO PARKING- these areas are needed for staff access. If located on a city street, violations may be ticketed.

🐾 Please clean up after your pets.

🦮 Dogs must be on a leash unless they are inside a designated dog park.

📌 Prior approval is required before placing any items in the parks (including flyers, trinket boxes, etc.).

🛍️ Only approved vendors may sell products on park property. Applications are available at our office.

🏕️ Shelters are first come, first served unless reserved. If a “Reserved” sign is posted, please vacate the area.

🌱 Please do not park on the grass.

🧹 Help us keep our parks beautiful by cleaning up after yourself.

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to another fun summer season together! Love ya, mean it! 💚