News4U December 2025 by News 4U Magazine

DECEMBER

Check out the events coming to Evansville in

Local organizations offering warmth, relief, and support for families this

The

INTERVIEW:

Publisher and Operations Manager Brian Buxton brian@news4uevv.com

Managing Editor & Writer Amy Bradford amy@news4uevv.com

Account Representative and Graphic Designer Amy Bradford amy@news4uevv.com

Production Manager, Designer & Layout Artist Olyvia Symon olyvia@news4uevv.com

Graphic Designer, Social Media & Client Management Maddy Williams maddy.news4u@gmail.com

Contributors

Amelia Adkins, Rachel Budde, Amy Bradford, Paul Bragin, Jason Brown, Danny Browning, Brian Buxton, Magen Coates, Jeremiah Galey, Jim Johnson, Tom Leggett, Jabez Martinez, Landon Miller, Marisa Patwa, Christopher Rowe, Lindsay Scott, Lane Siesky, Zach Vaughn, Lindsey Williams

A

QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

December has a way of asking us to slow down, even when we resist it, and it sure is tempting to resist. Between the deadlines, the gatherings, and the holiday rush, it’s easy to treat this season like a finish line. But when we finally allow ourselves to exhale, something softer begins to appear: gratitude, perspective, and that quiet kind of joy that doesn’t need to be loud to be felt.

I’ve learned over the years that being still and intentional doesn’t come naturally to me. I tend to move fast, chase the next story, and fill every blank space on my calendar. But the older I get, the more I realize that the moments that truly shine are the ones spent in reverence– for people, for experiences, for this little corner of the world we call home. It’s a relatively new perspective for me, and I don’t always stick to it, and truth be told a younger me would have considered this way of life sort of boring (laughing, but seriously), but the more I practice this, the happier I am.

This month’s issue is full of that spirit — a mix of celebration and reflection that captures what makes Evansville special. You’ll find an article on local Instagrammable spots (a personal favorite of mine), a delicious Christmas feast recipe that’s perfect for your holiday table, a guide to our city’s best nightlife, and even an exclusive interview with Don Mattingly, a hometown legend. And of course, our contributors have packed in even more stories, events, and local love to carry you through the close of the year.

So wherever this December finds you, whether it’s running from one gathering to the next or curling up with some coffee or cocoa, take a moment to pause. Breathe. Reflect. There’s beauty in the stillness, and even more in the gratitude that follows.

See you in the next year,

Amy Bradford

TRI-STATE

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE

Check out News 4U’s Live Music Schedule for the latest performances happening in the Evansville area! Whether you're planning a night out with friends or just want to catch some live entertainment, we've got you covered. Stay updated and never miss a great show! Follow these venues on social media for updated event times, changes, or more information.

EVANSVILLE:

Bally’s Evansville – Piano Bar at Cavanaughs

421 NW Riverside Dr., Evansville, IN • (812) 433-4000

facebook.com/ballysevansville casinos.ballys.com/evansville/cavanaughson-the-river.htm

December 4 – EJ Simmons

December 5 – Bob Green

December 6 – Bob Green

December 10 – Bob Ballard

December 11 – EJ Simmons

December 12 – Bob Green

December 13 – Caleb Thomas

December 17 – Bob Ballard

December 18 – EJ Simmons

December 19 – Bob Green

December 20 – Bob Green

December 24 – Bob Ballard

December 26 – Bob Green

December 27 – Bob Green

December 31 – Closed for private event

Bokeh Lounge

1007 Parrett St., Evansville, IN • (812) 909-0388

facebook.com/BokehLounge/

December 3 – Nick Hamilton, 6pm

December 5 – DJ AP, 8pm

December 6 – JEB, 8pm

December 7 – Sunday Jazz w/ The Sidemen, 2:30pm

December 10 – Nick Hamilton, 6pm

December 12 – Pieces of the Day, 8pm

December 13 – The Ridge Runners, 8pm

December 14 – Sunday Jazz w/ The Hip Replacements, 2:30pm

December 16 – Bokeh Poetry Night, 7pm

December 17 – Nick Hamilton, 6pm

December 18 – Blues and Jazz Open Mic, 6pm

December 19 – Lindsey Williams (5:30–8) & DJ Gunn (8pm)

December 20 – Holiday Brunch w/ DJ Chidi 11–3 / Drift 8pm

December 21 – Bokeh Big Band Holiday Show, 2:30pm

December 23 – Corduroy Orbison, 7–11pm

December 24–25 – Closed

December 26 – Happy New Month, 8pm

December 27 – Karaoke With Nathan, 8pm

December 31 – Nick Hamilton (5–8pm) & The Pits (8pm) NYE Bash

Evansville Eagles Aerie 427 (Social Club) 6000 Old Boonville Hwy., Evansville, IN • (812) 477-9208

facebook.com/foe427

December 6 – Ricochet, 7:30pm

December 12 – Trivia, 7pm

December 13 – Metro Ballroom DJ Dance, 7pm

December 20 – Kelly Turley, 7:30pm

December 27 – Hooligans, 7:30pm

December 31 – Dave Lutz Band, 7:30pm Havens Bar (Newburgh)

300 W. Jennings St., Newburgh, IN • (812) 518-4007

facebook.com/Havensbar300000

December 5 – The Honey Vines, 7pm & Karaoke, 9pm

December 12 – Karaoke w/ DJ Popdad, 9pm

December 19 – Karaoke w/ DJ Popdad, 9pm

December 26 – Karaoke w/ DJ Popdad, 9pm

December 27 – Comedy Night, 7pm

Lyles Sports Zone

1404 E. Morgan Ave., Evansville, IN • (812) 425-7729

There’s never a cover charge!

December 2 – Michelle Shelton, 7pm

December 5 – Karaoke w/ Mark Simpson, 7pm

December 6 – Beyond Blue Blues Band, 8pm

December 7 – Soups & Spirits 11am / Open Mic 7pm

December 9 – Michelle Shelton, 7pm

December 10 – Rigdon & Jines, 6pm

December 12 – Karaoke w/ Mark Simpson, 7pm

December 13 – Descent, 8pm

December 14 – Soups & Spirits 11am / Open Mic 7pm

December 16 – Michelle Shelton, 7pm

December 19 – Karaoke w/ Mark Simpson, 7pm

December 20 – Hellcats, 8pm

December 21 – Open Mic, 7pm

December 23 – Michelle Shelton, 7pm

December 26 – Karaoke w/ Mark Simpson, 7pm

December 27 – Bobby Clark Band, 8pm

December 28 – Open Mic Night, 7pm

December 30 – Michelle Shelton, 7pm

Mojos Boneyard

4920 Bellemeade Ave, Evansville, IN (812) 475-8593

facebook.com/mojosboneyard

December 4 – Danny & The Jons

December 6 – Matt “The Rattlesnake” Lesch

December 12 – Mike Zito

December 18 – Danny & The Jons

December 19 – Davy Knowles

December 20 – Jeremiah Johnson

Primetime North 12301 Hwy 41 North, Evansville, IN • (812) 202-7920

facebook.com/ptnorth41

December 5th – Christmas Karaoke, 8:00pm – 11:00pm

December 6th – Dueling Guitars, 7:00pm –10:00pm

December 12th – Cameron Smith, 7:00pm –10:00pm

December 13th – Jed Guilliame, 7:00pm –10:00pm

December 19th – The Honey Vines, 7:00pm – 10:00pm

December 20th – Maggie Hollis, 7:00pm –10:00pm

December 26th – Crosby & Nellis, 7:0010:00pm

December 27th - Bubba Wiggles, 7:00pm –10:00pm

Watch their Facebook page for updates!

Six Strings on Franklin 2131 West Franklin St., Evansville, IN. • (812) 401-1699

www.facebook.com/sixstringsonfranklin

December 4 – Michelle Shelton Music

December 5 – Fly2k

December 6 – Matthew Lunsford

December 7 – Exit Wounds

December 11 – Beau Tatum

December 12 – Cynthia Murray

December 13 – Nick Hamilton & Isaac Rudd and the Revolvers

December 18 – Jonathan Len

December 19 – Michelle Shelton Music

December 20 – Jeff Ricketts and the Dirt Road Band

December 26 – Kayla Yeh

MORE LIVE MUSIC SPOTS

Arcademie

Arts Council of SW Indiana (closing; Fine Art Sale through Dec 23)

Bally’s Evansville – 421 Lounge

Bastoni Italian Restaurant (Newburgh)

Buds Rockin’ Country Bar & Grill

Café Arazu (Newburgh)

Cap & Cork (Henderson)

Crickets (Newburgh) Damsels

Dontae’s Highland Pizza Parlor

Entwined Wine & Cocktail Bar

Farm 57 (Closed for season)

Fidel’s Bourbon Bar (Closed for relocation)

Frankie's Restaurant & Bar

Havens Bar (already included above for schedule)

Hilltop Inn

Industry Bar

Jacobs Pub

KC’s Time Out Lounge

December 27 – Tony Henning / Caleb Lake

December 31 – That’s What She Said

Hornet’s Nest Restaurant & Bar

Main Street Food & Beverage Food Hall

Marida Kurdish & Turkish Cuisine (Newburgh)

Marina Pointe (Closed for season) Mo’s House

O'Brian’s Evansville

December 11 – Danny & The Jons WATCH THEIR FACEBOOK FOR SCHEDULES OF EVENTS!

Patsy Hartigan’s Irish Pub

Playa Azul Mariscos Estilo Sinaloa

Ray Leo’s at Lamasco (opening soon)

Reitz Home Museum (Closed for season)

RJ’s Restaurant and Bar (Boonville)

Smitty’s Italian Steakhouse

Spankey’s Una Café

Stoner’s Grill (temporarily closed)

The Dive Barge (Closed for season)

The Frontier Restaurant and Bar

The Main Event

The Rooftop

Tiki on Main

Your Brothers Bookstore

DECEMBER CONCERT & EVENT GUIDE

UE ACES MEN’S BASKETBALL VS BALL STATE CARDINALS

FORD CENTER / DECEMBER 3

Cheer on the UE Aces Men’s Basketball Team as they take on the Ball State Cardinals in an exciting non-conference showdown at the Ford Center! Feel the energy of the crowd, the rhythm of the band, and the spirit of Purple Aces basketball as the hometown team hits the court for a night of fast-paced, hard-fought action. Don your purple and white and be part of the excitement!

EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS HOCKEY: TEDDY BEAR TOSS

FORD CENTER/ DECEMBER 5

It’s one of the most heartwarming nights of the hockey season— Teddy Bear Toss Night! Join the Evansville Thunderbolts as they hit the ice for an unforgettable evening of fun and giving. Bring a new stuffed animal to toss onto the ice after the Bolts score their first goal—all donations go to local children and organizations in need. Season ticket holder doors open at 6:00 PM, general doors at 6:15 PM, and puck drops at 7:00 PM. Enjoy $3 Bud Lights before the puck drop and help fill the rink with holiday cheer!

EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS HOCKEY: MICKEY & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS GAME

FORD CENTER/ DECEMBER 6

Celebrate the season with a touch of Disney magic at the Mickey & Friends Christmas Game! Join the Evansville Thunderbolts for a night of festive hockey fun featuring holiday music, family-friendly entertainment, and special Mickey & Friends Christmas jerseys worn on the ice. Season ticket holder doors open at 6:00 PM, general doors at 6:15 PM, and puck drops at 7:00 PM. Enjoy $3 Bud Lights before the puck drop, and stick around for the postgame specialty jersey auction. Bring the whole family for a night filled with cheer, hockey, and holiday spirit!

EVANSVILLE PHILHARMONIC: PEPPERMINT POPS VICTORY THEATRE/ DECEMBER 6-7

There’s nothing quite like the magic of the holidays, and the Peppermint Pops Christmas Concert is the perfect way to capture that festive feeling. Join the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra at the Victory Theatre as they fill the hall with the joyful sounds of the season—from beloved carols that stir the heart to merry favorites that make you want to sing along. Rich voices and lush orchestral arrangements will bring the spirit of the season to life. Guests are encouraged to bring a monetary donation for the Tri-State Food Bank to share the joy even further.

DECEMBER CONCERT & EVENT GUIDE

THE CHILDREN’S NUTCRACKER

OLD NATIONAL EVENTS PLAZA/ DECEMBER 12-13

A delightful holiday favorite designed especially for young audiences! The Children’s Nutcracker brings Clara’s magical adventure to life through enchanting dance, colorful costumes, and a story that sparks every child’s imagination. The performance features live music by the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Roger Kalia, Music Director & Conductor—a perfect introduction to the magic of ballet and the wonder of the season.

BALLET INDIANA PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER

VICTORY THEATRE/ DECEMBER 13-14

Ignite your imagination with holiday magic! Ballet Indiana’s annual production of The Nutcracker continues to captivate audiences year after year. This timeless Victorian-era tale of Clara, the Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier, and the Sugar Plum Fairy unfolds in a dazzling display of exquisite costumes, grand sets, and enchanting choreography. Let your sense of wonder reignite as childhood dreams return—inviting you to imagine again!

STRAIGHT NO CHASER: HOLIDAY ROAD

OLD NATIONAL EVENTS PLAZA/ DECEMBER 14

Get ready for an unforgettable night of harmonies, humor, and holiday cheer as Straight No Chaser returns to Evansville for one night only! The RIAA-certified Gold a cappella group brings their signature blend of smooth vocals and playful personality to the stage with the Holiday Road Tour, inspired by National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Celebrate the season with fan favorites and fresh tracks from their new album, Holiday Road.

UNIVERSITY OF EVANSVILLE ACES VS BELMONT BRUINS

FORD CENTER/ DECEMBER 16

Catch the UE Aces Men’s Basketball Team as they battle the Belmont Bruins in what’s sure to be an electrifying matchup at the Ford Center! Feel the excitement as the Aces take the court with high energy, teamwork, and the roar of the home crowd behind them. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the game, this is the perfect way to experience the thrill of college basketball right here in Evansville.

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS

OLD NATIONAL EVENTS PLAZA/ DECEMBER 18

Celebrate 40 years of America’s favorite holiday tradition with Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis. This Grammy Award–winning production brings the magic of the season to life with 15 talented musicians performing over 20 instruments, all set against a stunning backdrop of multimedia effects. Experience the signature Mannheim sound and timeless Christmas classics in a performance that’s both immersive and heartwarming…a holiday event you won’t want to miss.

LINDSEY STIRLING: THE SNOW WALTZ TOUR

FORD CENTER/ DECEMBER 18

Award-winning rock violinist, dancer, and media powerhouse

Lindsey Stirling brings her dazzling Snow Waltz Holiday Tour to Evansville! Currently on a world tour promoting her hit album Duality, Stirling blends virtuosic violin performances with highenergy dance, aerial acrobatics, and breathtaking holiday visuals. A multi-platinum artist and viral sensation with nearly 30 million followers, she transforms beloved carols and original works into a genre-defying celebration of the season. Experience this magical holiday spectacular that enchants audiences of all ages.

EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS: HOCKEY HOLIDAYS

FORD CENTER/ DECEMBER 20

Celebrate the season on the ice at the Hockey Holidays Game! Join the Evansville Thunderbolts for a festive night packed with holiday music, photos with Santa, and plenty of seasonal surprises. It’s the perfect way to mix Christmas cheer with thrilling hockey action the whole family will love. Season ticket holder doors open at 6:00 PM, general doors at 6:15 PM, and puck drops at 7:00 PM. Enjoy $3 Bud Lights before the puck drop and make this holiday hockey night one to remember!

UNIVERSITY

OF EVANSVILLE ACES VS DRAKE BULLDOGS

FORD CENTER/ DECEMBER 21

Spend your Sunday afternoon courtside as the UE Aces Men’s Basketball Team takes on the Drake Bulldogs in an action-packed Missouri Valley Conference matchup! The Ford Center will be buzzing with energy as the Aces look to defend their home court with hustle, heart, and precision. Grab your purple gear, bring the family, and cheer loud, this is college basketball at its best!

EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS HOCKEY: NEW YEARS EVE GAME

FORD CENTER/ DECEMBER 31

Ring in the New Year with the Evansville Thunderbolts at their spectacular New Year’s Eve Fireworks Celebration! Enjoy highenergy hockey, festive fun, and an incredible fireworks show as the countdown to 2026 lights up the night. Season ticket holder doors open at 6:00 PM, general doors at 6:15 PM, and puck drops at 7:00 PM. Grab $3 Bud Lights before the game and stick around for the post-game specialty jersey auction—a thrilling finale to the year, Thunderbolts style!

DECEMBER

HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Local resources offering assistance this holiday season

The holiday season can be an especially tough time for families facing financial difficulties. Here’s a look at just a few of the community resources available this holiday season to help families in need.

Mobile Food Pantry

If you're facing hunger and need assistance with food, the Mobile Food Pantry is a crucial resource in our community. The pantry travels to various locations throughout the region to provide free food. You can pick up food at the following sites:

Wednesdays: 2:30 pm to 3 pm at ECHO Clinic, 315 Mulberry St., Evansville, IN. ECHO Clinic (401 John St., Evansville, IN): Food bags are available Monday through Friday. Saturdays: 10 am to 11 am at 4233 Meddle Dr., Newburgh, IN 47630.

Sundays: 1 pm to 1:30 pm at 1301 Mills Avenue, Boonville, IN 47601, and 1:30 pm to 2 pm at Boone Square, Boonville, IN 47601.

For more details or to inquire about the program, call 1-888-61-WE CARE between 8 am and 8 pm.

Clothing Assistance at Evansville Christian Life Center

The Evansville Christian Life Center (ECLC) is another important local resource for families in need. ECLC provides clothing assistance to individuals and families who are struggling to afford essential items. Their Clothing

Closet is open to the public and offers a variety of clothing at no cost. This includes winter clothing, shoes, and other essentials for adults and children. This season, with colder weather on its way, the ECLC’s clothing assistance program is especially helpful for families who need warm coats, sweaters, and other cold-weather gear.

For more information about clothing availability or other services, visit the Evansville Christian Life Center at 509 South Kentucky Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714 or call them directly for details on hours of operation and how to access their resources. 812-423-9222

Angel Tree Program

For families in need of help during the holiday season, the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program offers a way for community members to provide Christmas gifts to children and adults with special needs. Families who are referred by social service agencies or schools can sign up to receive gifts for their children (ages infant to 17) and special needs adults.

The process involves community members selecting an “angel” tag from Angel Trees located at local malls and organizations, purchasing the requested gifts, and returning them to the Salvation Army for distribution. These gifts will be available for pick-up just before Christmas. To participate, families must first be referred by a social service agency.

For more information on the Angel Tree Program or to apply for assistance, visit the Salvation Army’s website or contact the organization directly. https://centralusa. salvationarmy.org/evansvilleIN/

How to Get Help

If you or someone you know needs assistance this holiday season, these local resources are here to help. Whether you need food, warm clothing, or assistance providing holiday gifts for your children, these community organizations are dedicated to making sure no one is left behind. Make sure to reach out early to ensure you receive the support you need, and don’t hesitate to ask for help — your neighbors and local organizations are ready and willing to assist you during this special time of year. For more details or to sign up for assistance, please visit the Salvation Army’s website or contact the organizations directly.

Donate

Donations of food, clothing, coats, and money help ensure that no one faces hunger or goes without warmth during the winter months. Whether you donate to one of the organizations listed here, or another favorite charity in our community, every donation makes a difference. In addition to material donations, volunteering your time to help distribute food, clothing, or gifts is another impactful way to give back. The holiday season is a time for kindness and generosity, and your contribution—no matter how big or small—can help brighten someone’s holiday.

EPEPPERMINT POPS

POPS In Harmony

Brings Holiday Magic to

Theatre

By News 4U Magazine

vansville’s most beloved holiday tradition returns this winter as the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra presents Peppermint Pops on December 6 and 7, 2025, at the historic Victory Theatre. Each year, this concert ushers in the season with a sparkling mix of classic carols, Pops favorites, and spirited sing-alongs, creating a festive atmosphere for families and music lovers of all ages.

Under the direction of Music Director Roger Kalia, the 2025 Peppermint Pops promises the ideal blend of nostalgia and fresh energy. Kalia’s programming is known for weaving together the warmth of traditional holiday melodies with lively orchestral arrangements, ensuring the evening feels both timeless and new. From sweeping

cinematic sounds to jazzy, toe-tapping numbers, every moment is designed to capture the magic of the season.

Adding extra star power this year is guest vocalist Ben Davis, a Tony-honored Broadway actor and accomplished concert performer. Davis brings a rich baritone voice and commanding stage presence shaped by an impressive career on some of the world’s most iconic stages. His Broadway credits include Dear Evan Hansen, A Little Night Music alongside Elaine Stritch and Bernadette Peters, Les Misérables, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Violet. He earned a Tony Honor and Ovation Award for his role as Marcello in Baz Luhrmann’s La Bohème, a performance that helped cement his reputation as one of Broadway’s standout vocalists.

Beyond the theatre world, Davis is a seasoned concert artist, having performed with the Boston Pops, Los Angeles Philharmonic, RTE Orchestra in Dublin, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and more. His versatility (effortlessly moving between musical theatre, classical repertoire, and orchestral pops) makes him a perfect match for the Peppermint Pops stage. Evansville audiences can expect powerful solos, soulful seasonal favorites, and a few surprises tailored to the Philharmonic’s lively holiday style.

One of the most cherished moments each year is the audience sing-along, when the Victory Theatre fills with voices joining together on familiar holiday classics. Whether you can hit every note or prefer to blend quietly into the chorus, the experience feels like the heartbeat of the season.

The Victory Theatre itself adds to the magic. Fully decorated and glowing with

holiday charm, it sets the scene for an evening of connection and celebration. Peppermint Pops has long been a tradition for many Tri-State families, and this year’s pairing of world-class musicianship and Broadway-caliber vocals will make the 2025 concert one to remember.

With festive favorites, orchestral sparkle, and a star guest artist who brings undeniable presence and talent, Peppermint Pops 2025 promises an uplifting musical celebration that captures everything we love about the holidays.

Tickets are expected to sell quickly, so gather your loved ones, mark your calendars, and let the Evansville Philharmonic fill your December with the sweetest sounds of the season. Visit www.evansvillephilharmonic. com for more information.

Vocalist Ben Davis

Roger Kalia,

INTERVIEW:

Don Mattingly

WITH BRIAN BUXTON

Over the years, Evansville has been the home of several people who became famous in their respective professions. But very few can legitimately be considered a legend. In this author's opinion, that title is appropriate for Don Mattingly. After graduating from Reitz Memorial High School in 1979, he still holds the Memorial records for hits (152), doubles (29), triples (25 – still a state record), RBI (140), and runs scored (99). Mattingly played his entire professional baseball career with the New York Yankees, becoming one of the franchise's most iconic players of the 1980s. He was of the best first basemen in the game, as well as a formidable contact hitter with great power. He served as captain of the Yankees from 1991 through 1995, when he retired as a player. He arguably was the best player in MLB from 1984 to 1989, averaging 27 homers and 114 RBIs while hitting .327/.372/.530.

Mattingly was named to the American League (AL) All-Star team six times. He won 9 Gold Glove Awards (an AL record for a first baseman), 3 Silver Slugger Awards, the 1984 AL batting title, and was the 1985 AL Most Valuable Player. He is one of only 11 players to win at least 9 Gold Gloves and an MVP, and remains one of just three players in MLB history to hit home runs in eight consecutive games. He finished his career with a .307 average, making him one of just eight first basemen in MLB history to hit at least .305 with 200 homers. Mattingly has one of the best career fielding percentages of any player – ever – at any position. His .9959 percentage means that every 1,000 times the ball came his way, he made only four errors. The Yankees later retired Mattingly's uniform number (23), making him the only Yankee (and

commonly cited as the best Yankee) to have his number retired without having won a World Series with the team.

After retiring as a player he managed the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2011–2015, and the Miami Marlins from 2016–2022. He also coached the New York Yankees from 2004–2007, the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2008–2010, and most recently was the bench coach of the Toronto Blue Jays from 2023–2025. His time in Toronto put him in the first World Series of his 44 year career, spanning 5,326 Major League games. Although The Blue Jays played an amazing 7 games, the championship was clinched by the Dodgers. In my opinion that doesn’t overshadow the fact that Mattingly’s coaching produced some of the best offensive performances by any team in the 2025 postseason. In addition to winning the American League pennant for the first time in 32 years. Mattingly is once again on the ballot for the 2026 Hall of Fame. Voting results will be announced live on MLB Network at 6:30 pm CST, on Dec. 7th.

With me citing all of the above statistics you’d think I was a baseball fan, which I’m not. But I am a Don Mattingly fan. Other than watching a few World Series over the years, I have never followed baseball. However, I am lucky to know “Donnie Baseball” on a personal level since 1999. The first time I met him was because of a car he was driving, and our shared love of cars was a continuing theme in our friendship and professional relationship. He was a long-time client of my previous business, but he has also been one of the most humble, down to earth and genuine people I’ve had the pleasure to know. He has always been willing to accommodate

anything I’ve ever asked him to do (including this interview), and he has always been supportive of my various ventures. In this article I wanted to champion not only his professional accomplishments, but also Don Mattingly as the genuinely good person that he is. Evansville and all his fans are proud of him! The following is from an interview held Sunday, November 16th, 2025.

BB: What are your thoughts on the past year?

DM: “It was a magical run in Toronto – going from last to first then having that group, a lot of the same guys, just turn to the corner and come together. The team aspect was cool. Through the course of the season all of Canada got excited about the team and about baseball. It felt magical. In the playoffs the US caught on, saw the team for what they were, and got behind us.”

BB: What was your reason for leaving Toronto?

DM: “I kind of knew at the beginning of the year this was what I was going to do, It’s what I went to Toronto for. And they wanted me, which is always a good feeling. I felt like it was the right time, John (Schneider) was a young manager just starting out and they wanted an experienced manager next to him. I didn’t want to be somewhere just hanging on, I wanted to feel fulfilled with what I was doing. And as the team grew, I felt my goals were met. I talked with my family also and it was the right time. If we have the chance to do it again, we will. Louie (his youngest son) turned it around this past year as he was a part of it. He was into baseball this year and was able to be there. It’s kind of the first year that he’s old

enough to hang around the ballpark, be on his own, be in the cages, be on the field.”

BB: Ideas for the future? Would you like to continue coaching?

DM: “Right now I want to stay in the game in some capacity. I don’t know what that is. I have opportunities in front of me that we are weighing as a family.”

BB: If you could choose your next job, what would it be and with what team?

DM: “Best way to answer is the same as with Toronto – I thought I’d be done after Miami and then someone calls and wants you. If someone calls, and that could be anyone, that has a legitimate shot at winning and wants to win and wants me, and it fits with the family then I’ll do it.”

BB: Thoughts on the Hall of Fame?

DM: I’m actually hoping I get in this year. I’d obviously love to get in and I’ve gotten old enough that I feel like I played with a lot of players in the Hall and held my own. I don’t feel there’s any pitcher in there I couldn’t hit. And if I were on the field with any of those guys I feel I wouldn’t be out of place.”

BB: Is there anything about your career that surprised you?

DM: “You set out a goal you want to play in the Majors. You don’t know if you’re good enough and as you go through the minors and are doing well and moving up, but you still don’t know how good the players in the

Majors are. As I got closer I felt like I’d make it. The guys I played with made it to the Majors and did well so that part gave me confidence, and to reach that goal was awesome. Then once you get there you want to prove you belong. The biggest surprise was the power and the home runs. The power thing kind of came out of the blue. That’s the one thing that surprised me. But you always think you should have been better. I look back at all the training methods they have today that we didn’t then. It’s all pretty scientific. I think I would have been better if I had played later. I should have been better – done less of this or more of that. I evaluate things like that.”

BB: What’s the best attribute for success in baseball or life?

DM: “It’s hard to think about just one. You have to love what you do. That helps a lot. It could be cars, the stock market, real estate. If you love it you put time into it to be successful, but it doesn’t feel like work. I loved baseball, loved practicing and hitting and taking ground balls. You have to believe in yourself. You will always have a lot of people telling you that you can’t do this or that. You can’t listen to that. You have to keep going until you figure it out.”

BB: What lessons did you learn from baseball?

DM: “So many. Sports in general gives you a great foundation. There’s a lot of great things you learn from sports. The thing about baseball is in order to be really, really successful, you fail 70% of time as a hitter. You’ll go through time where it doesn’t go well. You will get knocked down and beaten – you learn from it and move on. Keep going. There's a lot of lessons to be learned from winning and how you handle that. How you treat people in that aspect. Treating people with respect all the time - whether you win or lose. I learned how to treat fans from other players. Some I said ‘I want to be just like that.’ Others I didn’t like the way fans were treated. You take the good and learn from it. You see the bad and let that go and move on from that. Always learn from everything you do.”

yourself short. Set high standards and goals. Always try to get to the top.”

BB: What would you like to be remembered for?

DM: “At the end you want to be remembered for treating people right. Treat people with respect. Give respect to people because we are all the same. I treat everyone the same - from the team owner to the doorman. They’re all the same to me. And hopefully be able to give something back in life. To the game and community –you should always try to give to others.”

BB: Is it easier to win or lose?

DM: “It’s hard to win, and you can win at different degrees. And losing is harder on you than winning – overall I’d rather win. It’s easier and harder at the same time. You try to max out your ability every year. Be as good as you can possibly be. Get the most out of your body and yourself. Shoot for the stars and you might land on the moon. Don’t sell

BB: Tell us about Mattingly Charities (founded in 2007) www.mattinglycharities. org

DM: “We started off growing the way we wanted to grow. If you helped one kid you’ve done something. And we always want to help the kids who need it the most. Lately we’ve moved into focusing on education over sports. Education is something that’s important to give the kids we want to reach - the most underserved. And it’s something everyone benefits from. We want to give them an opportunity to make good decisions and let them know there are people out there who care, and they have places to go for help. We want to help any way we can to give these kids a better chance.”

BB: In closing?

DM: “Lori and I really appreciate everyone following the Blue Jays. We appreciated getting the texts, the messages and calls cheering us on. It’s a good feeling to get a lot of people involved with the game. We are grateful for that.”

HOW ABOUT A GAME OF “I SPY”?

Which of you have the sharpest eyes!? The staff at News4U has partnered with 3 great local businesses to give away three great prizes to three of you!! And how might you win, you may ask? Just find the emojis that are hidden somewhere in the magazine to be entered into a drawing for each prize! Once you find the emoji, email us a pic of that emoji to prize@news4uevv.com, and your name will be put into a drawing for the corresponding prize. You can only enter one time per emoji, but you can win more than one prize if your name is drawn. Winners will pick up their prizes at the businesses listed!

1. Kipplee's: find their stromboli emoji and enter to win a $25 gift card to the restaurant!

2. Deerhead Tavern: find their pizza emoji and enter to win a $25 gift card to the restaurant!

3. Prime Time: find their burger emoji and enter to win a $25 gift card to the restaurant!

Start searching and good luck!

SWhich Grocery Stores Are Open on Christmas Eve & Day?

topping by a grocery store during the holidays may not be a quick and simple affair. If you don’t do your research, you might find yourself pulled up to a deserted parking lot or have the doors locked on you, having just missed closing time. Rather than crisscrossing town looking for an open store to sell you the item no one remembered, consult this list to prepare for any last-minute needs. Here are the stores that will be open on Christmas Eve and Day 2025, and those that are committed to remaining closed.

1. ALDI

6434 Oak Grove Rd, Evansville, IN 47715 214 Rosenberger Ave, Evansville, IN 47712 (855) 955-2534

Christmas Eve: 8:30am - 4:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

2. B&C Discount Outlet in Eastgate Shopping Center 1628 2nd St, Henderson, KY 42420 (270) 212-9000

Christmas Eve: 8:00am - 4:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

3. Buehler’s IGA

2220 E Morgan Ave, Evansville, IN 47711 (812) 475-6730 4635 N First Ave, Evansville, IN 47710 (812) 467-7255

Christmas Eve: 8:00am - 6:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

4. Costco 1201 Cross Pointe Pl, Evansville, IN 47715 (812) 909-6572

Christmas Eve: 9:00am - 5:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

5. Crossroads IGA / Shell gas station - Lloyd Expwy. 5401 E Lloyd Expy, Evansville, IN 47715 (812) 471-2815

Other IGA store hours vary by location.* https://www.iga.com/ Christmas Eve: 6:00am - 10:00pm Christmas Day: 6:00am - 10:00pm

6. CVS

Christmas Eve & Day: hours vary by store, some locations open 24 hours* https://www.cvs.com/

7. Dollar General*

https://www.dollargeneral.com/ Christmas Eve: 8:00am - 9:00pm for some locations Christmas Day: Closed

8. Dollar Tree*

https://www.dollartree.com/locations/in/ evansville/

Christmas Eve: 8:00am - 9:00pm for some locations Christmas Day: Closed

9. Family Dollar*

https://www.familydollar.com/ Christmas Eve: 8:00am - 10:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

10. Fresh Thyme Market

1121 Hirschland Rd., Evansville, IN 47715 (812) 909-7063

Christmas Eve: 7:00am - 6:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

11. Gordon Food Services

1500 N Burkhardt Rd, Evansville, IN 47715 (812) 473-0096

Christmas Eve: 7:00am - 4:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

12. Grocery Outlet

1200 N Fulton Ave #1, Evansville, IN 47710 (812) 424-8289

Christmas Eve: 7:00am - 4:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

13. Mckim’s IGA in Mount Vernon 1320 Main St, Mt Vernon, IN 47620 (812) 838-6521

Christmas Eve: 6:00am - 5:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

14. Meijer 2622 Menards Dr., Evansville, IN 47715 (812) 647-2200

Christmas Eve: 6:00am - 7:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

15. Ruler Foods* https://rulerfoods.com/ Christmas Eve: 8:00am - 6:00pm for some locations Christmas Day: Closed

16. Sams Club

6770 E Virginia St, Evansville, IN 47715 (812) 473-2518

Christmas Eve: 10:00am - 8:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

17. Save U More Market in Boonville 220 S 2nd St, Boonville, IN 47601 (812) 897-1814

Christmas Eve: 8:00am - 6:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

18. Schnucks* https://locations.schnucks.com/ Christmas Eve: 6:00am - 5:30pm Christmas Day: Closed

19. Simpson’s Supermarket 1365 Covert Ave, Evansville, IN 47714. (812) 477-5341

Christmas Eve: 7:30am - 6:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

20. Sureway Henderson

504 Watson Ln, Henderson, KY 42420 (270) 826-3292

1600 2nd St, Henderson, KY 42420 (270) 827-3014

1126 S Green St, Henderson, KY 42420 (270) 826-2025

Christmas Eve: 7:00am - 6:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

21. Target

6625 E Lloyd Expy, Evansville, IN 47715 (812) 402-8500

4000 N First Ave, Evansville, IN 47710 (812) 426-2218

Christmas Eve: 7:00am - 8:00pm Christmas Day: Closed

22. The Fresh Market

6501 E Lloyd Expy, Evansville, IN 47715 (812) 402-5361

Christmas Eve: 8:00am - 7:00pm

Christmas Day: Closed

23. Walgreens*

https://www.walgreens.com/storelocator

Christmas Eve: 7:00am - 10:00pm for some locations

Christmas Day: 9:00am to 6:00pm

24. Walmart Supercenter (1&2) & Neighborhood Market (3&4)

1. 401 N Burkhardt Rd, Evansville, IN 47715 (812) 473-1815

2. 335 S Red Bank Rd, Evansville, IN 47712 (812) 424-5475

3. 2500 N First Ave, Evansville, IN 47710 (812) 647-9499

4. 3430 Taylor Ave, Evansville, IN 47714 (812) 471-4243

Christmas Eve: 6:00am - 6:00pm

Christmas Day: Closed

25. Wesselman's Supermarket & Grocery Outlet

700 N. Sonntag Ave., Evansville, IN 47712 (812) 424-3549

1200 N. Fulton Ave., Evansville, IN 47710 (812) 424-8289

Christmas Eve Supermarket: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Christmas Eve Grocery Outlet: 7:00am - 4:00pm

Christmas Day: Closed

Even at those stores committed to remaining open on Christmas, some hours and policies may vary by location. To be certain that you’ll be able to visit your local grocery store, just give your nearest location a call.

Wishing all our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM

THE FACE PLACE OF EVANSVILLE

We are very happy to be celebrating 15 years of service in the Tri-State area. We are also pleased to invite everyone to come visit our new office at 2042 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN. This exciting move couldn’t have come at a better time as we anticipate and celebrate the New Year! We promise that from the moment you step into our office, you will become

immersed in our serene surroundings, you will recognize our state-of-the-art equipment, and you will quickly realize that you are in for a facial aesthetics experience that will be second-tonone. We pride ourselves in combining our luxurious environment, premiere medical spa services and highly trained professionals and the result is nothing less than excellence.

The Face Place of Evansville is a premiere facial and medical aesthetics practice, and our menu of services has been carefully selected to include a variety of our industry’s most coveted services for all our clients. Our Medical Director is Barry W. Ray, DDS, MAGD,

and we have 3 nurse injectors (Sharon Ray, LPN, MS, Angela Bowlds, RDH, LPN, Michele Proctor, LPN) who provide all our services at The Face Place of Evansville. We take our training very seriously and have earned certifications and achieved an advanced skill set from some of our industry’s leading institutions and professional clinicians. We utilize products from the top pharmaceutical companies in the aesthetics world and we are licensed, certified and insured for every service that we provide.

Our impressive list of services are as follows:

• Neurotoxins – Dysport, Botox and Letybo

• Restylane Dermal Fillers

• TMJ and Migraine Therapeutic Injections

• Sculptra Biostimulator

• Kybella

• Skin Pen Microneedling System

• Aerolase Lightpod Neo Laser (36 FDA approved protocols treating Skin Rejuvenation, Hyperpigmentation, Rosacea, Hair Removal, Spider Veins, Angiomas, Acne, Fungus, Psoriasis and Eczema, Scars, and much more)

• Jessners Chemical Peel

• Luxury Facials

• Microblading Semi-Permanent Eyebrow Tattoos

• Glass Facial with Microdosing of HA and Toxins via Skin Pen

• Grandelash Eyelash Growth Serum

We welcome you to call our office, or feel free to stop by anytime. We would love to hear from you and answer any questions regarding our office and the services we provide.

We love what we do, and we strive to collaborate with our clients to ensure that everyone leaves our office believing their

expectations have been fulfilled and that their treatments will result in the best possible outcomes. Most importantly, we promise to always give our very best as we hope to earn and keep your trust for many years to come.

We would like to recognize our amazing patients and take this opportunity to personally thank you all for trusting us through the years. We are so grateful for each and every one of you. To those of you looking for a facial aesthetics home, we welcome you to pay us a visit and we hope to have the opportunity to earn your trust as your facial aesthetics home.

For more information, please call our office at (812) 827-4923. You can also visit our Facebook page at https://facebook. com/thefaceplaceboutique, our website at thefaceplaceevansville.com, and our Instagram page at face_place_2023.

"QUALITY IS NEVER AN ACCIDENT. IT IS THE RESULT OF HIGH INTENTION, SINCERE EFFORT AND SKILLFUL EXECUTION. IT REPRESENTS THE WISE CHOICE OF MANY ALTERNATIVES."

ANGELA BOWLDS, RDH, LPN.

MICHELE PROCTOR, LPN

SHARON RAY, LPN, MS

EVANSVILLE of A TASTE

DOMO JAPANESE HIBACHI

GRILL,

SUSHI

AND RAMEN

This month’s Taste of Evansville is one of my personal favorite spots for sushi - Domo Japanese Hibachi Grill, Sushi and Ramen. And the owner has a long history with Japanese cuisine in Evansville.

Owner Marvin Abadacio honed his considerable skills in preparing sushi at a Japanese restaurant in the Philippines. This experience allowed him to travel and work with various expert sushi chefs in a variety of different restaurants, including Europe and Bermuda, and later at a Benihana in Louisville, KY. It was here he was discovered by a local restaurant owner in 2001 and was asked to serve as chef and general manager of Nagasaki. At the time the restaurant was in its original location, in the strip center behind what is now Mike’s Car Wash (formerly Putt-Putt Golf), on the corner of Green River Road and Vogel. Fun fact = Kabuki was in this location (its second), before the concept changed to Nagasaki in 1986.

Abadacio remained with Nagasaki through their move to 5720 East Virginia in 2003 (the restaurant closed January 14 th , 2014). In February 2007 Abadacio partnered with Joe Ibay to open Zuki East, and a second downtown Main St. location in April 2014. Four years later Abadacio struck out on his own to open Domo in a side room inside the MaT 888 China Bistro restaurant, at 5636 Vogel Road. Opening on November 8th 2018, he remained at that location until August 30 th , 2020, when he began his plans to open his own restaurant serving sushi, ramen and teppanyaki (what people commonly refer to as Hibachi – more on

that later) under one roof. On April 8th 2021 Domo opened at 215 N. Green River Rd., where they operate today. The new location offers 6 Teppanyaki tables, a large amount of table and booth seating, a sushi bar and the only Ramen bar in the city (you will want to sit here for the full Ramen experience).

I have known Marvin since 2002 and have always appreciated his friendship, as well as his skill in preparing Japanese cuisine. A huge part of sushi is the rice, which he expertly prepares properly (sticky and tender), with the correct balance of rice vinegar, sugar and salt. The portions of fish are sliced perfectly for Sashimi, and large cuts drape the rice for Nigiri. He is also very creative and often prepares the fish with chili oil, smoked, or seared with a flame to bring out the natural oils. Domo is also the only sushi restaurant in town that offers an Omakase option. This is the Japanese tradition of letting a chef choose your entire meal. The word translates to "I will leave it to you." It gives the chef creative freedom for your meal, and the customer a very memorable dining experience. I’m a purist when it comes to sushi and rarely order rolls, and esp. none that are fried or filled with cream cheese or imitation crab. The Omakase is a way to enjoy a very traditional and authentic meal.

Some of my favorite sashimi & nigiri orders are mackerel (Saba), Super white tuna (Shiro Maguro), fatty tuna (Toro), smoked salmon (Sumōku Sāmon), scallops (Hotate), grilled fresh water eel

covered in a savory sweet BBQ sauce (Unagi), octopus (Tako), sweet shrimp (Amaebi), which you should order with the fried heads (fried Ebi) that you eat like a very crunchy potato chip! If it’s available be sure to order sea urchin (Uni), which is light and creamy, and tastes like the ocean smells when it’s very fresh. It has built-in Umami.

Another aspect of the restaurant that Marvin is especially proud of is his authentic preparation of Ramen, which is a dish invented in China but popularized by Japan. The night this article was written Abadacio was there until midnight, preparing the broth for the next days orders. The bones are simmered for hours to extract the flavor from the marrow and the gelatin they contain. Ramen consists of yellow wheat based noodles served in a meat or fishbased broth, traditionally served with sliced pork, dried seaweed, a soft boiled egg, and scallions as accompaniments. The menu offers several choices, including Tonkatsu (pork bone broth), Shoyu (soy sauce based broth), Miso (tofu soy bean broth), Seafood (shrimp and fish based broth), as well as Curry, Beef Yakiniku, Vegetable and Seafood Champon. This isn’t the 99 cent packs you see at the grocery!

If you prefer a more traditional cooked meal with a “show,” one of the six Teppanyaki tables are a great choice. My previous comment regarding the misuse of the term Hibachi refers to traditional Japanese Hibachi being a charcoal heating device “fire bowl,”

and not a cooking style. Teppanyaki is the process of cooking in front of diners on a flat griddle. Dining options include, chicken, steak, shrimp, scallops and lobster, served with fried rice or noodles. Vegetables incl. cabbage, onions, carrots, mushrooms and bean sprouts are common additions to the meal. Domo offers a large variety of Japanese lunch and dinner menu items, incl. soups, salads, appetizers and desserts, plus beer, wine and sake selections. After the closing of Iwataya, Toyota executives came to Abadacio and requested he offer a traditional Japanese menu for them.

Domo also recently began offering traditional Filipino comfort food for lunch only (11am-2pm everyday), and special Filipino dishes every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Check out their Facebook page for more info!

Their hours of operation are: Sun–Thurs: 11am-2pm & 4pm-9pm Fri. & Sat: 11am-2pm & 4pm-10pm

There is a large private parking lot for patron use. You can contact the restaurant by calling the number below, or on Facebook @domosushiandramen 215 N. Green River Rd., Evansville, IN (812) 491-0003 facebook.com/domosushiandramen

My food and dining page can be found at facebook.com/FFKSEvansville

Now Go, Explore, and Eat, Evansville!

ANYTHING ON WHEELS

UNCLE G’S LEMON SMASHERS AND MORE: A SWEET TASTE OF SIMPLER TIMES

When Jay Miles and his partner, Tara, launched Uncle G’s Lemon Smashers and More, their mission was about more than just quenching thirst, it was about bringing back a piece of nostalgia. With 27 flavors of lemonade shakeups, walking tacos, strombolis, chicken bacon ranch sandwiches, and pulled pork sliders, their truck is a colorful tribute to the joys of summers gone by.

Jay’s inspiration runs deep. “Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, there was magic in the air,” he recalls. “Life felt freer, riding bikes, chasing the ice cream truck, and grabbing a cold lemonade shakeup at the fair. It wasn’t just a drink, it was an experience.” He wanted to recreate that feeling for a new generation, giving kids today the same sense of simple happiness that once defined his own childhood.

The truck’s name, Uncle G’s, is a heartfelt

Jerry’s Market and was known by everyone as “Uncle G.” “He treated everyone like family,” Jay says. “This truck is a tribute to his kindness and his legacy. Every shakeup we serve carries a bit of his spirit, sweet, honest, and made with love”.

Jay admits he didn’t come from a culinary background, his previous career was as an electrician, but he poured two years into perfecting his lemonade recipe. Every flavor, from classic lemon to customer favorites like Pickle, Huckleberry, and Hurricane, is balanced with care. “I may not have formal training, but I’ve got heart and a lot of taste tests under my belt,” he laughs.

Starting out wasn’t easy. “People didn’t know what to expect from an electrician selling lemonade,” Jay says. “But I let the product speak for itself. One sip, and people came back.” His ingredients come from local farmers’ markets and butcher shops, reinforcing his commitment to community.

Running a food truck brings its share of challenges, equipment issues, weather, and logistics, but Jay takes it all in stride. “It’s a hustle but seeing someone light up after that first sip makes it worth it.”

Family remains at the heart of everything. Working alongside Tara and their young son, who has Down syndrome, has given

the business even deeper meaning. “He’s my biggest inspiration,” Jay says proudly. “His joy and resilience remind me why I started to bring smiles and spread love.”

For Jay, success isn’t measured in sales or awards, though Uncle G’s has proudly earned “Best Shakeup” two years running, but in the happiness shared at the window. “If I’m making people smile, honoring my dad, and showing my son what heart and hard work can do, that’s success.”

To find Uncle G’s Lemon Smashers and More, follow them on Facebook. One sip, and you’ll understand why their shakeups taste like summer memories in a cup.

See you down the road!

"...I LET THE PRODUCT SPEAK FOR ITSELF. ONE SIP, AND PEOPLE CAME BACK."

WITH TOM LEGGETT

grill

WHAT'S ON THE

A CHRISTMAS FEAST TO REMEMBER

Christmas isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s a feeling — the aroma of roasting meat, the laughter from the kitchen, the sparkle of lights reflected on holiday china. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or an intimate family meal, this menu delivers comfort, flavor, and festive joy.

PRIME RIB WITH AU JUS

Ingredients:

• 1 standing rib roast (6–7 lbs), bone-in preferred

• 2 tbsp kosher salt

• 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tsp onion powder

• 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped

• 1 tsp thyme leaves

• 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

For the Au Jus:

• 2 cups beef broth (low sodium)

• ½ cup red wine (optional)

• 2 tbsp roast drippings

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Prep: Bring roast to room temperature for 2 hours before cooking.

2. Season: Mix salt, pepper, herbs, and olive oil into a paste. Rub evenly over the roast.

3. Sear: Roast at 500°F for 15 minutes to create a golden crust.

4. Roast: Reduce oven to 325°F and cook until internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare (about 2–2½ hours).

5. Rest: Tent loosely with foil and rest 30 minutes before slicing.

6. Au Jus: Deglaze pan drippings with red wine, add broth and Worcestershire, and simmer for 10 minutes. Whisk in Dijon if desired and season to taste. Serve warm.

BUTTERY MASHED POTATOES WITH HOMEMADE GRAVY

Ingredients

• 4 lbs Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cubed

WITH JIM JOHNSON

• 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional: 2 cloves roasted garlic or ¼ cup sour cream

For the Gravy

• 2 tbsp roast drippings or butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups beef or chicken broth

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

Directions:

1. Boil potatoes in salted water until forktender (15–20 minutes).

2. Warm cream and butter in a saucepan.

3. Drain potatoes and mash, gradually adding the warm cream mixture.

4. Season and stir in garlic or sour cream if using.

5. For gravy, whisk butter and flour over medium heat to form a roux. Slowly add broth, stir until thickened, and season.

GARLIC-PARMESAN ASPARAGUS

Ingredients

• 2 lbs asparagus, trimmed

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

• Salt, pepper, and lemon zest to taste

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet.

2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

3. Add asparagus and sauté 5–7 minutes until tender-crisp.

4. Sprinkle with Parmesan, lemon zest, salt, and pepper before serving.

PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE YULE LOG

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup flour

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

• 4 eggs

• ¾ cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 tbsp melted butter

Filling:

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• ½ tsp peppermint extract

• Crushed candy canes (optional)

Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 tbsp butter

Directions:

1. Bake at 350°F in a parchment-lined 10x15-inch jelly roll pan for 10–12 mins.

2. While warm, roll the cake in a towel dusted with powdered sugar; cool completely.

3. Whip filling ingredients to stiff peaks. Unroll cake, spread filling, and re-roll.

4. Chill for 1 hour.

5. For ganache, pour hot cream over chocolate chips and butter, stir until smooth. Spread over cake and decorate with powdered sugar, mint, or candy canes.

If you’d like more ideas or special requests, reach out to News 4U and Jim will include them in next month’s column.

Jim Johnson has won 78 Grand Championships on the BBQ circuit and is a founding member of the Kansas City BBQ Society (International Outreach Team). In addition, Jim has taught American-style BBQ in over 40 countries worldwide.

He's also cooked at U.S. embassies and often feeds the troops at military bases. Just recently, Jim served 2500 BBQ plates for the Minnesota Air National Guard and for the Scott Air Force Base. As if all that wasn't enough, he helps to feed numerous nonprofits in the Evansville area.

Restaurant

WITH BRIAN BUXTON

KEEPING

411

YOU UP-TO-DATE

ON THE COMINGS AND GOINGS OF AREA DINING ESTABLISHMENTS

The restaurant business is a rough road, and success is far from guaranteed in a business with many challenges and very narrow margins for profit. A study by Ohio State University found that 60% of new restaurants didn't make it past the first year, and 80% closed within five years. It's not a venture for the weak.

Here's a list of local spots we've recently lost, others that have recently opened, and some to look forward to in the coming weeks.

RECENTLY CLOSED:

SEPTEMBER:

Don Juan Authentic Mexican Grill at 4011 IN-261, Newburgh, IN (Sept. 2nd)

Bob Evans at 1125 N Green River Rd., Evansville, IN (Sept. 8th)

Lonestar BarBQ at 2403 Washington Ave., Evansville, IN (Sept. 27th)

That Place at 2630 US-41 North, Henderson, KY (Sept. 30th)

OCTOBER:

Lizzies Diner at 1420 Breckenridge St., Owensboro, KY (Oct. 3rd)

The Zone by Mary Scotts at 434 Plaza Dr., Mt. Vernon, IN (Oct. 7th)

Salsaritas Newburgh at 4077 IN-261, Newburgh, IN (Oct. 16th)

NOVEMBER:

Hush on Main at 323 Main St., Evansville, IN (Nov. 5th)

RECENTLY OPENED:

SEPTEMBER:

Exotic Snack Guys at 800 N. Green River Rd., Evansville, IN

Posh Sweet Treat Creations at 401 SE 6th St., (Welborn Plaza), Evansville, IN

7 Brew Coffee at 4930 S. Frederica St., Owensboro, KY

Junebugs Farmstand at 9219 Baumgart Rd., Evansville, IN

Gigi's at 48 South Holloway St., Henderson, KY

Agape Boba Tea & Sweet Heaven at 5310 Pearl Dr., Evansville, IN

Kates Café at 5625 Pearl Dr., Evansville, IN

Diamond's Diner at 315 E. Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN

Bastoni at 8000 Bell Oaks Dr, Newburgh, IN

OCTOBER:

The Wine Vault (moving) at 423 Metro Ave.Evansville, IN

Wonder Whip at 2600 Frederica St., Owensboro, KY

Bodine's Newsstand at 900 Main St., Evansville, IN

The Main Event at 217 Main St., Evansville, IN

Mi Valle Carniceria Butcher Shop & Market at 5614 E. Virginia, Evansville, IN

Red Swing Coffee at 1420 Breckenridge St., Owensboro, KY

Dutch Bros. Coffee Co. at 2421 Menards Dr., Evansville, IN

Metro Diner at 945 N. Burkhardt Rd., Evansville, IN

NOVEMBER:

DiMaggio's Italian Pizza at 3848 N First Ave., Evansville, IN

L&K Hometown Café at 920 Main St., Evansville, IN

Sabor Bueno at 800 N. Green River Rd. (Café Court), Evansville, IN

Steak & Take Grill at 4960 State Route 261, Newburgh, IN

BACK TO THE

basics

Magen Coates

My name is Magen, I am 38, married to an amazing man, and have 6 wonderful children. I am passionate about teaching others how to raise healthy, thriving poultry. I am an avid gardener who enjoys canning homemade jams, jellies, and salsa, and sharing what I grow with my local community. For me, it’s all about living simply, working with my hands, and passing those skills on to one another.

in what we’re doing, and stress takes the wheel. There are lists to check off, lights to hang, and places to be. Instead of spending time with the ones we care about, we’re bouncing from store to store searching for the “perfect” gift.

I have learned the real magic happens when we slow down. When we stir dough with our kids, even though it’s sure to make a mess. Gather eggs together for breakfast in the morning, and pausing to watch a hen sun bathe in a rare patch of winter sunlight. That’s when you remember this life isn’t just about self-reliance, and this season isn’t just about gifts, it’s about connections with those around us. Sharing what we’ve worked so hard for, just to see a smile, and that rewarding feeling it gives us. Those moments last long after the holiday lights fade away.

This December I encourage you to give from the heart. A loaf of bread, a jar of jam, or simply a shared morning together over breakfast with someone who needs your company. Give your time above all else. The best gifts aren’t the biggest, they’re the ones given and made with intention.

As this year comes to a close, I hope we all find simple joys in quiet spaces, in simmering pots of soup for our family, mixing up old family recipes that have been passed down for generations, the handmade touches of a gift, and the small acts of kindness to our community that remind us what this season is all about.

In the stillness of winter, even simplicity has its own abundance.

QUICK FIT

WITH THOMAS BLANE

What is Quick Fit?

Simply put, Quick Fit is all about exploring different gyms, restaurants, and sports nutrition stores, showcasing what they have to offer, and hopefully sparking your interest in trying something new.

I want you all to see things through my lens as I share my experiences at various places. There are so many cool things to do in Evansville and the surrounding Tri-State area, and my goal is to experience as much as possible and share it with you. My hope is that by stepping out of my comfort zone, I can inspire you to do the same.

Quick Fit: Rising Stars, Real Grind —

Featuring Trevor B. at

Crunch Fitness

Hey y’all, it’s me — Thomas B. , your guy behind QuickFit.

This month, I stopped by Crunch Fitness here in Evansville to link up with one of my good friends, a powerhouse personal trainer, and my co-star on our online show Off the Meter Fitness — Trevor B.

Trevor is already becoming a standout name at Crunch. Just five months after earning his

NASM certification, he’s been stacking success after success. To me, Trevor represents perseverance, discipline, and that deep determination you need when you’re truly chasing the goals God placed on your heart.

When I asked him how long he’d been working toward this career, he told me:

“It’s been a couple of years since I really started to take it seriously. I was always told I should get into training people or just give tips on what I did to stay fit, so it kinda just seemed like a natural calling.”

And honestly? Watching him step into that calling has been inspiring.

Trevor trains clients of all ages and backgrounds, and he’s committed to being well-versed in everything — basketball drills, weight training, conditioning, combat sports.

He’s constantly learning, constantly leveling up, constantly pouring into the people around him.

But what hits home the most is the journey I personally watched unfold.

I saw Trevor start as a janitor. Now he’s one of the most in-demand trainers in the entire building.

That’s not luck.

That’s faith, work ethic, patience, and letting God order your steps.

I’m proud of you, bro. Keep shining. Keep grinding. Stories like yours deserve to be shared because they remind all of us what’s possible when you stay still long enough to let God guide your path. When you do good, God sees it and He blesses the work of your hands.

If you want to meet Trevor yourself, catch him at Crunch Fitness anytime he’s on the floor. And when you do, make sure you hit him with a loud, “WE OFF THE METER!”

Crunch Fitness - Evansville

306 N Green River Rd, Evansville, IN 47715

(812) 626-4699

Open 24/5

** Thomas “T.J.” Blane is a trainer in Evansville, IN. He is a self-proclaimed humble goof ball who just likes to help people reach their fitness potential. His first goal as a trainer is to help you build confidence in your abilities. Blane is equipped with the tools to build a workout plan adaptable to the needs of clients. He additionally has expertise with issues such as hyper-mobile joints, heart conditions, and more. Follow T.J. for tips and inspiration at Facebook and Instagram @trainwithblane

The holiday season is here, and our community is buzzing with festive activities that are sure to bring cheer to everyone! Whether you’re looking for the perfect Christmas tree, want to get your pet in on the fun, or craving some holiday sweets, the Evansville area has something for you. Let’s explore some of the best local spots to make your season bright!

Finding the Perfect Christmas Tree in Evansville

Nothing brings the holidays to life like the scent of fresh pine and the twinkling lights on a beautiful Christmas tree. Evansville locals have plenty of options when it comes to choosing a real tree that will make your home feel festive.

Sycamore Valley Tree Farm

Located at 7120 New Harmony Road, Sycamore Valley Tree Farm is a popular choice for locals seeking that authentic, hands-on experience. The farm offers a variety of tree types, including Fraser firs, white pines, Scotch pines, and Norway spruces, ranging from 6 to 8 feet tall. You can either cut your own tree or tag it for later. Be sure to bring cash or check, as those are the only forms of payment accepted.

Goebel Farms

For another great option, head over to Goebel Farms, located at 4745 W. BoonvilleNew Harmony Road. This family-owned farm has been a staple in the area for many years. You’ll find varieties like Scotch pines, Virginia pines, Fraser firs, and Canaan firs, all ready to go with fresh water. They also sell wreaths and tree stands.

Boy Scouts Christmas Trees

The Boy Scouts have various pop-up lots around the city every year that sell beautiful trees as a fundraiser for the kids in the program.

SEASON

Local Holiday Fun in Evansville 'TIS THE

Keep an eye on the Boy Scout website or the Scout Troops’ Facebook pages for details on this year’s pop-up tree lot locations and hours.

Other Local Tree Farms

If you're willing to venture a little farther out, there are several other tree farms in the TriState area:

• Scherle Tree Farm in Crystal, Indiana (Dubois County): This farm is located at 825 N. Crystal Road, and you can reach them at 812-482-6486.

• Country Barn near Princeton, Indiana (Gibson County): Located off Indiana 64 East at County Road 350 East, call 812386-7091 for more information.

• Potts' Pine Products in Winslow, Indiana (Pike County): Visit 4590 S. Royalty Road or call 812-789-5213 for tree availability.

With these local tree farms, you're sure to find a beautiful tree that will make your home feel festive and bright this Christmas season!

Get Festive Photos with Santa Head to Downtown Evansville on December 6 for “A Downtown Christmas” presented by Engelbrecht Enterprises for a completely FREE event (thanks to generous sponsors)! Step into Santa's Workshop, presented by F.C. Tucker Emge Realtors, for craft stations, letter-writing to Santa, face painting, and fun holiday-themed activities. Get your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, or step inside the giant snow globe for a one-of-akind photo op. Enjoy some holiday music and don’t miss the Holiday Express Trackless Train and warm up with free hot cocoa as you celebrate the season with family and friends!

You can also visit Santa inside Eastland Mall (in front of JCPenney). Santa will be available for a photo op November 21. Check the

hours online before you go, or even better, book a reservation.

Sweeten the Season with Festive Candy No holiday is complete without a little indulgence, and Evansville has plenty of sweet spots for all your holiday candy cravings.

Santa's Candy Castle: Just a short drive from Evansville in Santa Claus, Indiana, Santa’s Candy Castle is a must-visit during the Christmas season. Established in 1935, it’s the country’s first Christmas-themed attraction, and it’s packed with holiday cheer. Inside, you’ll find an extensive selection of gourmet holiday treats like chocolatecovered pretzels, homemade fudge, and festive popcorn. The Castle also features signature items like frozen hot chocolate—a perfect sweet treat for chilly winter days.

If you have kids, don’t miss the chance to let them write a letter to Santa at the castle’s Letter to Santa station. Santa’s helpers will ensure that each letter gets a special reply. The Candy Castle also hosts seasonal events like chestnut roasting and visits from Santa, making it an enchanting destination for families during the holidays.

Spread Holiday Cheer in Evansville

Evansville is always full of excitement during the Christmas season, with plenty of ways to get into the holiday spirit. Whether you’re out shopping for a Christmas tree, capturing sweet memories with your pets, or indulging in festive sweets, the Evansville area offers something for everyone this December.

So, whether you’re spreading joy through volunteering, decorating your home, or simply enjoying time with loved ones, we hope these local ideas help make your season merry and bright!

WITH CRISTINA MAUK

For the past three years, I’ve had the honor of performing for the Reflection Tree memorial hosted by Deaconess Foundation for the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville. Each ornament on that tree represents a life remembered, a family’s love, and a quiet celebration of memory through music. Those performances rekindled my appreciation for Christmas music—the intricate jazz textures, the challenging voicings, the emotional depth within the familiar melodies. What began as a seasonal setlist became a deeper study of craft and connection, and a reminder of why this music endures.

Yet for all its warmth, Christmas music has become one of the most polarizing soundtracks. Hardware stores are putting up trees while they are clearing out pumpkins, and before the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone, we’re groaning up and down the aisles. The constant rotation and over-commercialization can wear on even the most festive listener. By midDecember, what once inspired joy can feel like a sonic avalanche of forced cheer. It’s not hard to understand the fatigue: every grocery store, car radio, and office playlist competing to deliver the same dozen songs in endless loops.

Beneath all that marketing disguised as tradition lies something remarkable. Even when overplayed, Christmas music

LINDSEY

on the scene

BY LINDSEY JAMES WILLIAMS

The Music We Love to Hate (And Why we Need it Anyway)

is one of the few shared repertoires that nearly everyone knows by heart—crossing generations, genres, and beliefs. The classics are built by brilliant session players like George Barnes and Barney Kessel. Strip away the tinsel and you’ll find inventive counterpoint, sophisticated arrangements, and melody all wadded up and smoothed out by the hands of the masters. From a musician’s standpoint, it’s a playground. Those lush sevenths and ninths, the surprising key changes, the delicate interplay of melody and countermelody— these are not throwaway jingles, but complex jazz lessons hiding in plain sight.

The modern secular Christmas song, as we know it, took shape in the mid-20th century. Bing Crosby’s White Christmas (1942) still holds the title of best-selling single of all time, its melancholy simplicity resonating through decades. Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole followed with velvetvoiced sophistication, wrapping the season in swing—perhaps a little too much swing as Dean Martin doggedly reminds Marilyn Maxwell, “Baby, it’s cold outside!” Later came a revival through artists like Michael Bublé, whose crooning style revived the old-school glamour for a new generation. And then, of course, Mariah Carey. Her 1994 hit All I Want for Christmas Is You remains not just a pop phenomenon but a 24k gold yule log, filling her stocking with $2.5 and $3 million every year from royalties and streaming.

The lineage stretches much further back. Nineteenth-century carols such as Silent Night (1818) and O Holy Night (1847) were written for church congregations, intended to blend reverence with accessibility. As recording technology evolved, these hymns gave way to radio-ready compositions that traded the sacred for the secular—songs about snow, love, longing, and home were driven largely by the separations and tragedies of WWII.

For guitarists and arrangers, these songs remain technical and emotional treasure troves. Beneath the lyrics about sleigh rides and silver bells are progressions that challenge and reward careful phrasing. Listen closely to Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas or The Christmas Song: the way the chords hang on with aching restraint and resolve like an ice skater’s glide. Musicians of any instrument or genre could color their palate well with a little Greensleeves.

Each December, when I revisit this music— on purpose or not—I hear the nostalgia, but I also hear the evolution of the American song. Even if the season’s soundtrack sometimes arrives too soon or stays too long, it’s worth pausing to really listen. Go under the tree and inside the package. Sneak a peek at the gifts. You’ll find the fire is so delightful.

Ask an

Attorney WITH LANE SIESKY / SIESKY LAW FIRM, PC

Focusing on personal injury, civil litigation, whistleblower claims and workers' compensation law, Siesky Law Firm strives to provide excellent legal services while remaining client and community centered. The Evansville-based trio of top attorneys - including Lane Siesky, Daniel Gearhart and Douglas Briody - boasts years of invaluable experience inside and outside the courtroom. Highly-respected with an impeccable track record, the firm's aggressive representation of its clients continues to benefit the community in myriad ways.

Understanding Property Damage Claims After a Car Accident in Indiana

With winter approaching, there will undoubtedly be bad weather and slick roads which can lead to car accidents. If you’re involved in a car crash in Indiana and the other driver is at fault, there are several types of property damage claims you can make against them and their insurance company. Essentially, Indiana law aims to make you “whole” again by compensating you for the loss in your vehicle’s value and related costs. Below are highlights of potential claims for damages:

Vehicle Damage and Total Loss

When your car is damaged, the most common way to calculate compensation is by determining how much the accident reduced its fair market value. Courts look at one of three things: the drop in market value before and after the crash, the cost of repairs (if repairs restore full value), or a mix of both. If the car is totaled, insurance

companies usually pay its market value right before the accident, often using resources like Kelley Blue Book.

For example, a person who claims to be unable to work due to an injury might post a photo of themselves hiking or golfing. Even if the image was taken before the injury or posted by someone else, it may still raise questions and damage credibility.

Diminished Value and Loss of Use

Even if a car is repaired, it can still lose value because buyers tend to avoid vehicles with accident histories. Indiana courts recognize this “diminished value” and allow owners to claim it, usually with the help of professional appraisers. You can also recover money for the time you couldn’t use your vehicle— based on its rental value—even if you didn’t rent a replacement.

Other Recoverable Costs

Owners can seek repayment for tax, title, registration, towing and storage fees (up to $1,500 under state law) and for any personal

Disclaimer: The above information provided by Siesky Law Firm, PC, is not legal advice and should not be taken as legal advice. Application of the law is highly fact sensitive and readers should consult with an attorney on legal matters. *This is an advertisement.

belongings inside the vehicle that were damaged. However, compensation for loss of use doesn’t apply to those personal items.

Deadlines and Coverage

Indiana requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident, and most property damage claims must be filed within two years of the collision.

Takeaway

Indiana’s property damage rules are designed to balance fairness: they give vehicle owners several ways to recover their losses while ensuring payouts don’t exceed the car’s actual value. Whether your car is repaired, totaled, or simply worth less after an accident, understanding these categories can help you make a stronger, well-documented claim.

There is a certain magic that settles over a home in December. The glow of lights through a frosted window, the smell of something warm in the oven, and the sound of family arriving from out of town all work together to make our spaces feel more alive. This time of year not only highlights what we love about home but also brings attention to what no longer fits our lives.

For many families in the Tri-State, the holidays become the moment when real estate questions start to surface. Hosting a big gathering may remind you of how tight your kitchen feels. Watching kids turn the living room into a sleepover camp can make you wish for more bedrooms. Some people simply find themselves dreaming about a quieter street or a home office for the new year. December has a way of revealing both the comfort we feel and the changes we are ready to make.

What surprises many homeowners is that December is actually a smart time to begin thinking about a move. Serious buyers do not disappear during the holidays. They become more focused. Many are relocating for jobs that begin in January. Others are preparing for growing families or making final decisions before the year closes. These buyers are not browsing for fun. They are ready to purchase.

For sellers, listing in December can bring unexpected advantages. Inventory usually drops at the end of the year, so there is less competition. Your home has a better chance of standing out, and the buyers who are looking right now tend to be intentional and motivated. They are touring fewer homes, which means yours is more likely to leave a strong impression.

REAL ESTATE RADAR

WITH JASON BROWN / PINNACLE

REALTY GROUP & PINNACLE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Home for the Holidays

PRESENTED BY PINNACLE REALTY GROUP

If you are concerned about how your holiday décor might affect showings, there is no need to worry. You do not have to pack away Christmas. Warm and simple decorations often make a home feel even more inviting. Winter greenery, soft white lights, and neutral colors help create a calm atmosphere that photographs beautifully. A wreath on the door or a clean, welcoming tablescape can help buyers imagine themselves celebrating here next year. The goal is to keep things uncluttered. Since you are already handling storage bins and decorations, it might be the perfect moment to pack a few extra items you no longer need.

As we look ahead to 2026, the Evansville market remains steady. Homes that are well maintained, updated, and located in established neighborhoods continue to draw the most interest. Buyers are paying close attention to energy efficiency, modern mechanicals, and functional layouts that support hybrid work and busy family life. If you are planning improvements before listing, focusing on mechanical systems, windows, and updated kitchens or baths can offer meaningful returns.

Even if you are not ready to move right away, December is a great time to gather information. A quick valuation check or a conversation with an agent can help you shape your goals for the coming year. Whether you want to upsize, downsize, or simply explore what your equity can do, having clarity going into 2026 can be the best gift you give yourself.

Home is where the holidays begin, and it might also be where your next chapter starts.

Thinking about listing in the winter? Start here.

1. Declutter one room at a time. Use your décor bins as a head start on packing.

2. Do a quick maintenance check. Change filters, tighten hardware, and look for minor fixes.

3. Highlight energy efficiency. Buyers love updated windows, HVAC systems, and low utility costs.

4. Keep holiday décor simple. Think calm and cozy rather than bold and busy.

5. Get a free home valuation. It gives you direction for 2026 and helps you plan your next steps confidently.

Snap Local

Exploring Evansville’s most Instagrammable spots, one snap at a time.

BY LINDSAY SCOTT

Evansville has already had a tiny taste of winter magic with that dusting of snow mid November, but December is the time to really get into the holiday spirit. Though the days grow shorter and darker, the city lights up and becomes a wonderland of glowing trees, bustling streets, and cozy corners that are perfect for your next seasonal escapade.

If you’re looking for a holiday postcardesque scene, start downtown. Our smaller city version of the Rockefeller Tree in New York is a perfect picturesque beginning to a wintery wonderland walk down Main Street. It’s always located directly in front of the Civic Center, and the shimmering lights and sheer size of the tree are not easy to miss. Follow the Main Street sidewalks towards the Ohio River Front to find festive light installations and decor that are perfect for a beautiful stroll or some fun selfies! Just a short drive away is Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights, located in Garvin Park. This offers a dazzling drive-through display that practically begs for a car selfie or family snapshot under the glow of the arch tunnel at the entrance. If you’re

feeling adventurous, or even romantic, you can take a horse and carriage ride through the sparkling park paths. The ride-thru installation opens November 27th, and is even open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

For something a bit more cozy, head indoors to one of our many unique, local coffee shops. The holiday beverage menus are here, and they do not disappoint. Honey Moon Coffee Co. (multiple locations, but my personal favorite is on the west side on Mt. Vernon Avenue) and River City Coffee + Goods (located on Main Street, downtown) are both serving up steaming lattes and warm aesthetics that are ideal for a comfy vibe on a chilly morning. Their holiday décor and festive drinks bring on the warm fuzzies, whether you’re enjoying your drink iced or hot.

If you love the outdoors with a little less hustle and bustle, you don’t have to miss out, either! The Evansville Riverfront Greenway Path remains beautiful this time of year, especially at dusk when the lights

˄ Lindsay Scott is a teacher for EVSC who was born and raised in Evansville, and loves sharing appreciation for her hometown city.

from the decorated trees and the sunsets reflect off the surface of the Ohio. Even on snowy days, our city workers are quick to clear these sidewalks and pathways for an extra special wintery walk, with plenty of seating along the way to stop and enjoy the views.

Whether you’re bundled up at the riverfront walkway, sipping cocoa in a cozy coffee shop, or soaking in the glow of holiday lights in Garvin Park, Evansville offers plenty of festive opportunities to explore this December. So grab your phone, gather your friends, and capture the city’s cozy charm before the new year rolls in. After all, in Evansville, the season of light and warmth isn’t only about celebration, but also connection: one snap at a time.

As the calendar turns and the champagne glasses clink, it’s natural to start thinking about a fresh start, especially when it comes to money. For many, financial resolutions are at the top of the New Year’s list. Whether you’re hoping to get out of debt, save more, or finally understand your investments, setting realistic goals now can make all the difference later.

Here in Evansville, The Budget Blueprint has become a trusted resource for folks who want to turn those good intentions into actual progress. Their advice is to keep it simple, stay consistent, and not let setbacks stop you from staying the course.

Start Small, Stay Steady

When it comes to money, the best resolutions are the ones that feel doable. Instead of saying, “I’m going to save $5,000 this year,” try breaking that goal into smaller chunks. How much can you set aside each month, or even each week, without stretching yourself too thin? Small wins add up quickly, and before long, you’ll see real progress.

If your focus is on paying down debt, the same rule applies. Choose one credit card or loan to tackle first and celebrate each milestone as you go. Momentum is everything.

Timing and Spending Smarter

We all know the cost of just about everything has gone up lately, from groceries to gas to mortgage rates. That’s why understanding timing can give you a financial edge. Analysts suggest that waiting until after the holidays or into the new year can sometimes mean better deals on big-ticket items like vehicles or even homes. As interest rates begin to

DOLLARS & SENSE:

MAXIMIZING YOUR FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS

WITH RACHEL BUDDE / THE BUDGET BLUEPRINT

stabilize, it might become a bit easier to find affordable financing options too.

Tax Time: Be Ready, Not Rushed

Tax season tends to sneak up on people, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The experts at The Budget Blueprint recommend getting organized early. Gather your W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and any documentation for deductions before the rush hits.

And when that refund arrives, pause before splurging. Using even part of it strategically, whether to pay down high-interest debt, boost your retirement account, or build up savings for emergencies, can create a ripple effect that strengthens your finances all year long.

The Power of a Safety Net

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that life can change in a heartbeat. That’s why an emergency fund is essential. Aim for three to six months’ worth of expenses tucked away in a separate account you can access quickly if needed. Even if that goal feels out of reach now, start somewhere. Saving $25 a week is a great beginning. The key is to build the habit, not perfection.

Learn, Grow, and Ask for Help

One of the smartest resolutions you can make is to learn more about money itself. Financial literacy isn’t just for accountants or investors. It’s for anyone who wants peace of mind. Books, podcasts, and online resources are a great start, but local support can be even better.

The Budget Blueprint regularly hosts workshops right here in Evansville to help people make sense of saving, spending, and long-term planning. These sessions are

open to anyone, with no judgment and no pressure, just solid advice and a supportive community that believes financial success should be accessible to all.

Accountability Makes the Difference Goals are easier to reach when you’re not going it alone. Share your financial resolutions with a friend, family member, or even a local group focused on budgeting and saving. Check in with each other regularly, celebrate wins, and learn from the rough patches.

QUICK WAYS TO BOOST SAVINGS

1. Automate your savings. Set up an automatic transfer to your savings account right after payday. You’ll never miss money you don’t see. 2. Round up your purchases. Apps and bank programs that round purchases to the nearest dollar and save the change can quietly build a cushion.

3. Take a “no-spend” weekend. Pick one weekend a month to skip shopping, dining out, or impulse buys. You’ll be surprised how freeing (and refreshing) it feels.

4. Review your subscriptions. Audit your monthly subscriptions and cancel the ones you don’t use regularly. Those small charges add up fast. 5. Make savings visible. Track your progress with a goal chart or savings app. Watching the numbers grow keeps motivation high.

Rachel Budde is a Dave Ramsey certified financial coach and runs The Budget Blueprint, a credit repair business, in Evansville, IN.

COMEDY & CURIOSITIES

WITH DANNY BROWNING

We made it, folks. If you’re reading this, congratulations… you survived 2025! This is the year that pigeons started spying on us, America got its own Pope, and the Gulf of Mexico somehow got a new name, like it was switching phone plans. Meanwhile, I’ve talked to ChatGPT more than I've spoken to my own family, and at this point, I think it deserves its own stocking. We also encountered drastic weather, crazy politics, and a museum robbery so brazen that motion picture director James Cameron has already purchased the rights to make a movie about it in 20 years.

What an insane month we had to kick off the year. In January, Donald Trump was sworn in as President, and his first official act was to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. For days, loud crashes echoed around the world as mapmakers hurled their globes out the window. I asked Siri to navigate to it, and she’s still buffering.

Then came February. It was cold, dark, and miserable to watch from the couch. Not the weather, our U.S. Winter Olympic Team. Somewhere between the curling

mishaps and figure skating falls, I started cheering for the commercials. By the second week, the torch wasn’t the only thing flickering out…so was my will to live.

Just in time for Spring, science gave us one of the most captivating and thought-provoking discoveries in modern history. Researchers found a species of fish that can mate up to 27 times a day! Scientists went on to say that the female is instantly attracted to the male, but the male doesn’t really want commitment.

Next, just when it felt like humanity couldn’t possibly top that, Travis Kelce finally proposed to Taylor Swift. Economists estimate the engagement ring alone boosted the GDP by 2%. When asked for comment, Kelce said he knew she was the one for him after she managed to sit through an entire Chiefs game without turning it into a breakup album or becoming violently ill.

Finally, we all enjoyed watching the Louvre heist, a crime so bold it made Ocean’s Eleven look like amateur hour. Random thieves in Paris pulled up to the most famous museum in the world, climbed through a window, and in a matter of minutes had grabbed a French monarch’s family jewels.

So here we are, closing the book on a year that gave us spy pigeons, overachieving fish, and Kim Kardashian flunking her BAR exam for the third time. If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that the world is still unpredictable, absurd, and still capable of surprising me in the most ridiculous ways. In 2026, I want to spend less time doomscrolling and more time laughing… at the news, at myself, and at the miracle of being here to be able to watch it all unfold.

IF I’VE LEARNED ANYTHING THIS YEAR, IT’S THAT THE WORLD IS STILL UNPREDICTABLE, ABSURD, AND STILL CAPABLE OF SURPRISING ME IN THE MOST RIDICULOUS WAYS.

TRUE CRIME JUNKIE

THE 2025 LOUVRE HEIST: A DAYLIGHT ROBBERY THAT EXPOSED A GLOBAL WEAKNESS WITH AMELIA ADKINS

On the morning of October 19, 2025, visitors were already filling the courtyard of the Louvre when one of the biggest cultural thefts in recent memory was quietly unfolding on the building’s south side. Within minutes, a small crew of thieves managed to breach one of the most famous museums in the world, break into a gallery that holds France’s crown jewels, and vanish with roughly $100 million worth of royal artifacts (all before most Parisians had finished their first cup of coffee).

The operation was shockingly simple. The thieves arrived in construction-style clothing, the kind of reflective vests and work gear that blend easily with the background noise of a major renovation site. They drove a modified vehicle equipped with a mechanical lift directly toward a restricted corner of the building. Security had flagged this area as vulnerable weeks earlier, but according to later reports, those warnings hadn’t resulted in meaningful updates. The crew raised the lift to a first-floor balcony, climbed in, and entered the Galerie d’Apollon, the wing that houses centuries-old gems once worn by French royalty.

What happened next took less time than it takes most tourists to read a placard. Using handheld tools, the thieves shattered the glass cases, grabbed eight of the most valuable pieces within reach, and were gone. They dropped one item in the chaos, but everything else disappeared into the streets of Paris in under eight minutes. No alarms triggered fast enough to stop them. No guards reached the scene in time. By the time police arrived, all that remained were shards of glass and the hollow spaces where priceless artifacts once sat.

In the days that followed, investigators and the French public were stunned not only by the audacity of the theft, but by the institution’s lack of preparation. Internal reports surfaced revealing outdated surveillance systems, blind spots in camera coverage, and shockingly weak digital safeguards—one password was

reportedly just “louvre.” Museum leadership acknowledged the failures almost immediately. The Louvre’s director offered her resignation, though the Culture Ministry ultimately refused it. Even so, the damage was already done: the world’s most visited museum had been robbed in broad daylight, and the thieves had slipped away almost effortlessly.

The early assumption was that an international art-crime syndicate must have masterminded the job, but arrests made in early November painted a different picture. Four suspects were charged—none of them the criminal masterminds the public imagined. One was a former museum security guard who had become known locally as a small-time social media personality. Another suspect’s family described him as a father who worked odd jobs. These weren’t world-traveling jewel thieves with global contacts; they were local operators who somehow pulled off one of the most efficient museum robberies in modern history.

That reality made the case even more unsettling. If ordinary people could exploit weaknesses in a place as fortified and prestigious as the Louvre, then what did that say about every other cultural institution worldwide?

Museum directors everywhere quietly began reviewing their own security protocols, knowing that the Paris heist would prompt questions from donors, boards, and the public.

As of now, none of the stolen jewels have been recovered, and investigators are tight-lipped about the ongoing search. The fear, of course, is that the artifacts could be broken apart or melted down—destroying centuries of French heritage for the fleeting promise of quick cash. Experts warn this crime may ultimately be remembered less for the theft itself and more for the potential cultural loss.

The 2025 Louvre heist wasn’t glamorous or cinematic. It wasn’t high-tech, and it wasn’t the work of elite criminals. It was fast, quiet, and embarrassingly easy. And that is exactly why it matters. It exposed a vulnerability no museum wants to acknowledge: that even the world’s greatest treasures can disappear in minutes if the wrong cracks go unaddressed. The thieves may have escaped with the jewels, but the Louvre is left with something far heavier: questions about whether the past can ever be protected as securely as we assume it is.

THE 2025 LOUVRE HEIST WASN’T CINEMATIC—IT WAS FAST, QUIET, AND EMBARRASSINGLY EASY.

THE BUZZ ON

WITH AMY BRADFORD

beauty

BEAUTY IN THE PAUSE:

Reflecting, Resetting, and Renewing

There’s something sacred about December. The air sharpens, the days shorten, and the noise softens just enough for us to hear ourselves again. After months of moving at full speed, this is the season that quietly invites us to pause (well, after the Holiday rush).

In beauty, as in life, the pause is often where the magic happens.

For a long time, I struggled with being still. I equated motion with meaning, productivity with worth. Sitting quietly, tending to myself without rushing, felt indulgent or unearned. But over time, I learned that intentional stillness is not the absence of purpose… it’s the root of it. The moments I’ve slowed down, breathed deeply, and treated myself with reverence have changed me more than any product or routine ever could.

We spend so much of the year chasing more. More results. More products. More glow. But real radiance isn’t found in a jar; it’s cultivated in stillness. This winter,

let your skincare routine become a sanctuary rather than a checklist. Instead of rushing through your nightly cleanse, take a few deep breaths as warm water hits your face. Massage your moisturizer in slowly, letting your fingertips remind you that this moment — this body, this day — is worth caring for.

Rituals of renewal don’t have to be grand. A ten-minute bath with a drop of lavender oil. Exfoliating once a week to shed more than just dull skin. Drinking more water not because you “should,” but because you deserve hydration and softness, inside and out. Beauty is less about what we apply and more about how we honor ourselves while doing it.

And as the year winds down, reflection becomes its own kind of beauty treatment. What did you survive? What did you learn? What will you release before the calendar resets? These quiet questions are as cleansing as any mask.

Whether you’re lighting candles, journaling, or applying your favorite

serum, think of these small acts as ways of returning home to yourself. Because true beauty doesn’t shout — it glows gently, like candlelight in a winter window.

The truth is, the more I’ve practiced reverence and intention toward myself, the more I’ve noticed my own beauty shine, not because of vanity, but because I

finally believe it. When you honor yourself with that kind of quiet care, it shows. It softens your face, steadies your energy, and draws people toward your light.

So this December, instead of resolutions, choose rituals. Let beauty be a language of gratitude — for your skin, your story, and the strength that carried you here.

THE WINTER RESET KIT

5 Rituals to Reconnect with Yourself

The Steam Pause: Drape a towel over your head, breathe over a bowl of hot water with eucalyptus oil. Let the world fade for 3 minutes.

The Candle Journal: Write down one thing you’re proud of and one thing you’re ready to release. Burn or fold the note as a symbolic reset.

The Hydration Hour: Herbal tea, a hydrating mask, and no screens.

The Gratitude Bath: Add Epsom salt, rose petals, or a few drops of essential oil — soak with intention.

The Morning Mirror: Instead of critiquing, compliment your reflection. Start the day with kindness.

VANDERBURGH HUMANE SOCIETY

BAILEY: Meet Bailey, a lovable 3-year-old pit bull! A social butterfly, she adores people and has a knack for making friends, both human and canine. Whether it's chasing after squirrels or romping with other dogs, Bailey is always up for some fun! Her playful and sweet nature makes her the ideal addition to any household, and she’s sure to bring joy and laughter to your home. For just $200, you can adopt Bailey today, and experience the love of a loyal companion.

SHARKS & MINNOWS: Meet Sharks & Minnows, an adorable 6-month-old brown tabby! While he might be a bit timid at first, he truly shines when surrounded by his feline friends. This sweet boy thrives in a social environment, making him an ideal choice for households with existing cats. When it’s time to play, Sharks & Minnows transforms into a confident little superstar! Whether he’s chasing after feather toys or pouncing on imaginary prey, you’ll be amazed at how quickly he turns your living room into his personal playground. Are you ready to take the plunge? For just $100, you can bring Sharks & Minnows home today!

TOKYO: Meet Tokyo, a spirited 1-year-old mixed breed! If you’re looking for a playmate who can keep up with your active lifestyle, Tokyo is here to turn your daily walks into adventures and your backyard into a playground! Whether he’s racing around the yard or playing with his canine friends, Tokyo’s enthusiasm knows no bounds. Tokyo already has a few tricks up his sleeve, and with a little patience and training, this clever boy will certainly reach his full potential. Are you ready to take the leap and welcome Tokyo into your life? For just $200, you can give this pup the loving home he deserves.

WARRICK HUMANE SOCIETY

PET OF THE MONTH Meet Stetson

STETSON : The pet of the month is Stetson! It’s hard to believe, but Stetson has been waiting 146 days for his forever family to find him. This sweet 8-month-old Boxer mix came to us from Warrick County Animal Control after being found as a stray, and he’s been patiently waiting ever since.

n our lives They us when we are sad umane Society has h care for over 40 n, their advocates, o they can gain tion and ﬁnd their o caring for dogs unty residents with involved, including: ming h

Stetson is loving, playful, and full of personality. He’s great with other dogs, does well with kids, and greets everyone he meets with a wagging tail and his signature goofy grin. He’s still very much a puppy and hasn’t had much training yet, so he’ll need a patient home willing to guide and teach him—but he’s eager to please and quick to learn. With time and consistency, Stetson will make an incredible lifelong companion.

He’s neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all vaccines, deworming, and prevention. To help him find his forever home, Stetson’s adoption fee is currently 20% off!

WE NEED YOU!

or condition We n building repairs, to help more the community o take bold steps in resources so we ficient non-profit services are an ut our building is a nd impact Due to a lf-reflection, we feel new shelter to carry

t is time for us to engage the community taking our next step to fulﬁll our mission Your gift can help us expand our no-kill mmunity. With the legacy gift as t l t have the opportunity to provide that will serve animals and fam nerations to come Donations ca person, over the phone, or on ou Our goal is to raise $1 25

Find

Did You Know?

Our area has a cat overpopulation crisis, and we need your help to fix it!

Hundreds of stray and feral cats sadly exist outdoors. They face endless cycles pregnancy, infection, disease, and attacks by animals and humans.

For 18 years with only a few volunteers, Feline Fix has paid for thousands of

cats to be spayed, neutered, vaccinated, and for additional veterinary healthcare.

Feline Fix is not a shelter, but we’ve found homes for 300 kitties this year.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and The Humane Society of the U.S. endorse Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) as the only proven humane and effective method to manage the community cat over-population crisis.

We rely on monetary support from Cat Lovers like You to fix the source of the over-population of cats and their suffering.

Because of your gift, you will improve the lives of cats ~ Thank you!

We are a 501(c) organization, EIN 26-2203590.

The Mission of Feline Fix is to reduce the number of homeless cats and shelter euthanasia while promoting the health and welfare of all cats through the practice of TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return).

Message us on Facebook: facebook.com/fixthemplease/ www.felinefix.org • 812-746-8498 • P.O. Box 2072 • Evansville, IN 47728

by Zach Vaugh

CreativeCurrents

Most people that find their way into a tattoo shop chair, find themselves in a vulnerable and emotional experience. They entrust that the tattoo artist has the expertise, knowledge, and compassion to hold that vulnerability in his hands and execute a vision that will leave you feeling safe, supported, and pleased when you leave. Aaron Nightingale, the owner and artist at Nightingale Tattoo, has worked with thousands of customers in the Tri-State area and takes his role as artist with the utmost confidence, dedication, and respect for his craft. When Nightingale Tattoo opened their doors in Evansville, it was one of 4 tattoo shops, now competing with over 40 in the area today. However, Aaron has never stopped evolving as an artist that his customers respect and admire, and Nightingale’s Tattoo Studio remains a staple in Evansville for creating artistic visions in the form of tattoos.

Aaron began his life in Johnstown, Ohio with the dream of being an artist in some capacity. He followed his interest in art to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, where he initially studied graphic design. He quickly felt unfilled by the medium of graphic design yet continued to follow his passion for developing his skillset in drawing and artistic concepts. One day in a part time job in food delivery, Aaron stumbled his way into Patrick Price's tattoo shop. The place was filled with good music, interesting people, and the creative outlet he had been craving. He decided that the tattoo business is where he wanted to invest and further develop himself, and he studied under John Gleto, learning all the ropes of operating a tattoo shop.

Aaron eventually opened his own shop in Evansville, which has been in business for 20 years. Aaron understands his role of being someone that people turn to in times of celebration, transformation, and grief.

When you sit in his chair, you feel at home, and that he (even if you barely know him) will quickly become a trusted friend. He will speak to you and execute your vision with confidence, yet softness.

Aaron has been able to grow and expand the tattoo industry in Evansville by mentoring those that work under him, teaching safe, responsible, and clean practices. He has cataloged graphics and tutorials with hundreds of designs and techniques to continually develop his craft, but ensure that the artists under him are well equipped and properly trained. Through his dedication, he has created a blueprint for other artists and entrepreneurs to move forward in their own businesses.

Tattoo is not the first medium you think of when discussing art, but Aaron taught me that the skillset of tattoo goes far beyond being taboo or its stereotypical concept. Aaron has the talent to succeed in any medium he chooses as an artist, but creating work on people’s bodies that they can cherish and carry with them is meaningful to him and his customers.

Nightingale’s Tattoo Studio 940 North Congress Avenue, Evansville, IN (812) 402-2944

www.facebook.com/nightingalestattoo

PARALLELS IN LIFE WITH JEREMIAH

GALEY

Hello, friends. My name is Jeremiah Galey. I’m a nearly two-decade veteran of the local food and hospitality industry. I own (along with my beautiful wife, Kimmy) and operate Bad Randy’s Hot Chicken & BBQ Lounge. This column is the mumblings and bumblings of introspection and parallels in life.

Sometimes you just need a good old rant to clear the air. Release the negative to make room for the positive. You could say I’ve got some strong opinions, but really they’re just convictions born of the industry.

Our weekend is not your weekend. “Hey what’s up, it’s Saturday. What are you doing?” Working. Saturdays are for clo-pens. That’s close-open. We get home at midnight and come back at 7:30am for brunch.

Brunch sucks. I love brunch, but brunch suuuucks dude. Brunch as a guest rules. Mimosas, bloodies, chicken and waffles, some bastardized version of eggs benedict (who, me?). There is something oddly cathartic about slamming a nitro cold brew to wake you up, followed by a mimosa flight to really get the wheels greased. Gonna be a great Sunday. From a cook’s standpoint, brunch can be easy or it can be brutal. A constant reminder why you shouldn’t drink after work on Saturday nights. Oh well: go throw up behind the dumpster, slam a Gatorade and get back to work. You’re off tomorrow.

Buffets are disgusting. Sneezing, licking fingers before grabbing tongs. Your drunk uncle Dan going raw on all the chicken with his bare hands. And NOBODY wants to know where Uncle Dan’s hands have been.

Tongs require 2 clicks before they will properly function. Everyone knows that.

When the wedding is over, leave. Seriously, get out. The DJ is done. All your friends are gone. Pack it in, babe. We’ve got to roll the room over for brunch and you need to go to bed, big time.

Speaking of weddings: they aren’t an excuse to let your feral children run around while you socialize. Kids don’t listen. They’re kids. Don’t make someone else responsible for your child so you can enjoy a few margies while you’re catching up with cousin Allison from the coast. If I’m carrying pans or plates of hot food and I have to ask your child to watch out and stop running around me more than once, the kid’s getting tripped. I love kids, but we’re trying to work. Show some respect.

I do truly love this industry. In many ways, I was raised by it and I learned so much growing up doing what we do. This article is just for ranting, it isn’t literal. Just a few things that have gotten to me over the years. I could probably change the entire subject of this article to “industry rants” moving forward and never run out of content. The rough memories that stick out the most are almost all people just being incredibly rude. It takes minimal effort to just be a nice person. So next time you’re out, be aware of others and just be nice. Keep these things in mind, but have yourself a damn fine time. Lord knows we all need time to unwind.

SCREEN TIME WITH MARISA

PATWA

This month’s screen time balances fantasy, franchise evolution, and cultclassic tension in one eclectic roundup.

100 NIGHTS OF HERO

A delicate and desolate noblewoman named Cherry (Maika Monroe) is abandoned by her husband, who is off playing puppeteer in a quest to test her loyalty to him. To prove his point, he enlists his hunky friend Manfred (Nicholas Galitzine) to stay at their castle, giving him 100 days to try to seduce his wife. Her adoring maid Hero, played by the liquid cool (Emma Corrin) just so happens to be madly in love with her too. Match set. Cherry is tempted by both her beautiful companions, but will she bite the apple? Pop-star Charli XCX, co-stars in the film, and is solidifying her dominance as a film composer, modernizing both this film and the upcoming Wuthering Heights’ scores with her EDM-pop flare. One must ponder if this film unravels a love-triangle or quadrangle if we factor in the absentee, plotting husband. It doesn’t matter in the end because the film is set to be a breathy, sexy historical faire infused with popcorn pulp. Bottom line: pretty people in historical couture yearning for each other over undertones of bratty pop music is enough to sell some movie tickets to millennial moms and Gen-Z girlies.

IN THEATERS 12/5

AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH

The breathtaking, glowing landscapes of the Avatar universe are exploding back on the cinematic scenes for a long-awaited third installment. It feels as though a galaxy of life has passed since the first film blew box office records and audiences’ minds in 2009. There was no Titanic 2 conspiracy theory though behind the delay – James Cameron was patiently waiting for the underwater motioncapture technology to be ready to capture the ethereal magnificence of the alien worlds he envisioned for his Avatar sequels. Lucky for us Pandora-heads, the time has come. Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña reprise their roles as star-crossed lovers and rulers Jake and Neytiri after we last saw them in Avatar: Way of the Water (2022). Together, they must protect their tribe against a new native threat: the Na'vi, self-proclaimed “Ashpeople.” Their fiery foe dwell amongst the boiling hot volcanoes of Pandora and they’re ready to bring the heat. The beauty of Avatar is not in the gargantuan storytelling, but in the raw human nature depicted in the alien species. No matter the otherworldly conflict and high stakes, love and loyalty is always at the center.

IN THEATERS 12/19

ANACONDA

Like many adults in their 30s, the childhood nightmare of a 25-foot long anaconda swallowing you whole may still give you night terrors after you snuck downstairs as your parents were watching the 1997 movie on VHS. Or is that just me? Paul Rudd and Jack Black are taking those fears and infusing them with a Tropic Thunder (2008) comedic flair as their characters choose to play out their mid-life crises by traveling to the Amazon rainforest and re-making the classic film. Plot twist: the creature they cast in the big bad role accidentally dies early into shooting, leaving them no choice but to find a real predator to play the sinister snake. This mission is short lived as the clueless crew ends up being hunted down by a real-life Anaconda. Perhaps the jungle beast just wants a starring role? They are making a film about him without a signed contract after all. That’s enough to make anyone with a jealous streak slither. If this re-make within a remake has half the slap-stick and dumb humor as Jack Black’s similar roles in King Kong (2005) and the Jumanji (2017, 2019) movies, their jungle journey just might be worth the pay check Sony Pictures doled out to make it. Even the tag-line of the film does not take itself too seriously: “I like big snakes and I cannot lie.” Can’t argue with that.

IN THEATERS 12/25

SPONSORED BY

LAST WORD FEATURES: BUGONIA

BY JARED RASIC

GRADE: B+

If you’re a diehard film fan like myself, you more than likely feel some way about the films of Greek auteur Yorgos Lanthimos. Whether you prefer his darker, edgier earlier work like “Dogtooth” and “Alps,” or of his more whimsical and experimental later films like “The Lobster” and “The Favourite” -- or maybe you think he’s an overrated and pretentious hack -- regardless, most cinephiles feel strongly one way or another about his work.

I’m a fan, while still aware that, as he becomes more and more renowned on the world stage as a filmmaker, he’s also susceptible to leaning into his worst impulses as a writer and director. “Dogtooth” is a good example, where Lanthimos tonally balances a brutal and violent fable with a darkly funny comedy and makes it work. With “The Lobster,” he flawlessly constructs an absurdist comedy from the ruins of a deeply sad rumination on loneliness and loss.

But once he became an Academy Award darling with the hilariously depressing “The Favourite,” I think Lanthimos decided he could get away with anything.

As much as I enjoyed “Poor Things” and “Kinds of Kindness” as visual and auditory theme park rides, I’m not sure either film exceeded the sum of its parts or binded into something with the same cohesion as his earlier work. I love that Lanthimos is still following the same weird muse instead of using his Hollywood cache to make a superhero movie or a “Jurassic Park” (although now that I say that out loud, I want it), but his storytelling isn’t as waterproof as it used to be.

With his new film, “Bugonia,” Lanthimos turns his lens on modern times in a way that not only feels astonishingly of the moment, but prescient for generations to come. We follow Teddy Gatz (a greasy, live-wire act from Jesse Plemons), a conspiracy-obsessed warehouse worker who, along with his intellectually disabled cousin, Don (real-life autistic actor Aidan Delbis) kidnaps Michelle

Fuller (Emma Stone, once again proving there’s no upper limit to her range), who is a CEO of a large pharmaceutical company that Teddy believes to be the forerunner of an invasive alien species.

Much of the fun of the film comes from watching Plemons and Stone square off in a battle of wits where we aren’t sure whether to root for the possible alien or rage-fueled kidnapper. Working from a script by Will (“The Menu”) Tracy means there isn’t a ton of room for subtlety. So Lanthimos leans into the absurdism by constantly having the audience shift their allegiance between Teddy and Don and their scheme to “save the world” to Michelle, who is simultaneously the victim of a horrible crime and a completely heartless and unlikable CEO. Hitting theaters as we approach the first anniversary of Luigi Mangione’s assassination of the UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, this is some pretty fearless screenwriting.

Because Plemons and Stone are ultimately such charismatic and layered performers, they manage to play deeply sympathetic notes across characters whose flaws have flaws. Plemons instills Teddy with such wide-eyed certainty that he’s the only person who’s right in a post-truth landscape that he feels pulled straight from a flagged subreddit. He’s so desperate, and as he says, starving for answers, that he makes a meal of the far left, the alt-right and anything in between that will give some meaning to the suffering his family has gone through.

Stone’s Michelle is cold, clinical and removed enough that it’s easy for us to fall prey to Teddy’s belief that she’s an andromedan spy sent to destroy the human race on the night of the lunar eclipse, while also fully allowing for the possibility for Teddy to be completely mentally ill.

That is the biggest strength of “Bugonia.” Throughout its entire runtime, Lanthimos kept me on a razor’s edge about deciding whether I wanted Teddy to be insane or the only human who knows the truth. Do we want the paranoid conspiracy theorists to be right or would that mean the world is beyond the scope of repair?

“Bugonia” is just as darkly, absurdly funny as the best of Lanthimos’ earlier work, while feeling like a step forward for him as a technician and artist. Shot on stunningly gorgeous 35mm film, where the grain gives every single frame a swoon-worthy tactile immediacy, Lanthimos and brilliant Irish cinematographer Robbie Ryan have crafted “Bugonia” into their most elegantly composed work to date. Even if I wasn’t in love with all of Tracy’s choices as a writer, I respect that he created something that feels so sickeningly contemporary.

If you’re not on the same weirdo wavelength as Lanthimos and his team of madcap geniuses, “Bugonia” certainly won’t make you a fan. But if you felt he was losing the thread of what made him an interesting storyteller in the first place, this movie might bring you back.

It’s one hell of a weird movie that won’t necessarily move you emotionally like “The Lobster,” but will definitely send you out into the world questioning your place in the universe and whether your co-worker is a lizard person. And, really, isn’t that what a Yorgos Lanthimos movie

WITH HIS NEW FILM, “BUGONIA,” LANTHIMOS TURNS HIS LENS ON MODERN TIMES IN A WAY THAT NOT ONLY FEELS ASTONISHINGLY OF THE MOMENT, BUT PRESCIENT FOR GENERATIONS TO COME. "

DECEMBER MUSIC REVIEWS

DEMI LOVATO

It's Not That Dep Island Records

KHALID

After the Sun Goes Down RCA Records

Demi Lovato is in her grown woman era, delivering a 9th studio album that has no shame playing up her pop-princess roots. After an accoladed foray into a grungier, rock sound, she’s as playful as ever, giving us 11-tracks any DJ could play for a straight set. “Here All Night” is a funky fresh EDM banger that bursts at its energetic chorus: “Begging for the bass 'til it's hitting me right / Sweating on the dance floor under the lights / To get over you / I'll be here all night / Playing my heart so I don't start to cry / DJs working late, she's helping me try.” Other standouts include: confident and cool “Fast,” electric-earworm, “Frequency,” and hypnotic, dancebeat “Kiss,” giving us kismet Kesha vibes. My favorite: “Ghost,” a haunting melody that echoes Demi’s past glittering ballads. Her new club sound hits, but it’s her power-house voice rippling through an angelic anthem that hits the spot. I wish this album had a few more, but that’s not what this iteration of Demi set out to do. And that’s OK. Because after all, It’s Not That Deep. -

Marisa Patwa

That swaggy R&B pop flair mixed with Khalid’s iconic swoonworthy voice is a recipe made in music heaven. His fourth studioalbum is deeper than ever before, exposing us to a vulnerable layer of the musician we’ve never seen. After his sexuality was outed online by a jilted lover, Khalid is using his newest sound to take control of not just the narrative of his own love story, but take his power back. With groovy, nostalgic, “In Plain Sight,” he addresses the rumor mill with cheeky lyrics, “What's the tea 'bout him? (Him) / Said he was just a friend (Friend).” “Yes No Maybe,” is a sweet, breathy-crush filled beat that makes you feel all the butterflies of love. Not surprising, since it was co-produced with poetic songstress Julia Michaels. This album is truly faultless, with banger after banger. It’s beautiful to hear knowing Kahlid is being his most authentic and brave self. You may listen to all 17 of his tracks after the sun goes down but you’ll be playing them on repeat by dawn. - Marisa Patwa

CHECK OUT THESE HONEST REVIEWS OF SOME OF THE HOTTEST NEW ALBUMS IN MUSIC

ROSALIA LUX

Columbia Records

Rosalia’s LUX is flavored with classical style and enriched with lyrics from multiple languages: Spanish, Catalan, Arabic, Japanese, German and Ukrainian and that’s just a sample of the international menu. Her ability to transcend countries and cultures through her songs just solidifies her dominance as a global goddess. Her songs play homage to historical female saints, empowering fans with centuries of celebration for feminine mystique. Standouts include holy, “Divinize,” playful, “Novia Robot,” and sexy and swaggy, “Porcelana.” In her hauntingly operatic “Berghain,” the musical mastermind smartly enlisted the talents of Björk and Yves Tumor. It’s so drastically categorically different from any sound we’ve heard from the Spanish singer before, but that’s what makes it such kitschy fun. Rosalia’s LUX translates to the Latin “light,” giving us a glimpse of brightness in a world that often feels so dark. - Marisa Patwa

BLUES WITH BRAGIN

TOM HAMBRIDGE

Down the Hatch Quarto Valley Records

Tom Hambridge returns with his album Down the Hatch. The album kicks off with “Willie Dixon’s Gone” a song co-written by Hambridge, blues legend George Thorogood and Richard Fleming. “Every Time I Sing the Blues” features funky bass playing from Tommy McDonald. “I Want You Bad” will start your toes tapping. “How Blues Is That” features heavy guitar from Rob McNelley that allows him to show off his skills. “Hard Times” sees Hambridge singing about how having a good woman helps him navigate life’s difficult moments. “What Does That Tell You” features tight drumming from Hambridge. “Believe These Blues” features Hambridge singing about how blues will always be a part of the human experience.

“Making Lemonade” features a guest appearance from Tim Lauer on accordion as Hambridge sings about attempting to turn a bad situation into a good one. “You Gotta Go Through St. Louis” is an instrumental tune that features a guest appearance from blues legend and Hambridge’s long time collaborator Buddy Guy on guitar.

“Start Drinking Early Day” is a fun song about enjoying an adult beverage in the morning. The album closes with “I Wanna Know About You”, a song where Hambridge sings about wanting to learn more about someone special. This is a great album with top notch musicians that deserves a place in your record collection.

DECEMBER BEER REVIEWS

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5

This beer poured a cloudy amber colored beer. I could smell the all spice right off the bat and could taste the cinnamon and nutmeg right away. 6% ABV. I remember going to Frisch’s Big Boy as a kid and found it interesting they had beer made. The beer was very clean and rich with a lot of character. Some pumpkin beers are not very good but they made a very good beer and I would like to see what else this brewery makes.

PAUL BRAGIN -

A decent white head forms on this light brown beer and evaporates slowly. A generous amount of pumpkin and spice notes dominate the scent profile. Similarly, spices hit the tongue with the first sip of the beer, followed by some pumpkin notes, with the spices returning in the long finish. People who enjoy all things pumpkin need to try this seasonal offering. Pair it with roasted turkey or your favorite pumpkin pie during the holidays.

LANDON MILLER -

4.5

Taft’s Frisch’s Pumpkin Pie Ale pours a warm golden-orange and immediately gives off that unmistakable pumpkin spice aroma . At 6% ABV, it strikes a nice balance between seasonal flavor and easy drinkability. The first sip brings classic pumpkin pie notes: cinnamon, nutmeg, a hint of vanilla, and a mellow sweetness that never drifts into syrupy territory. What impressed me was how well the spices were blended. Nothing felt artificial or overpowering; it tastes like someone actually thought about balance instead of just dumping in spice mix. A fun, flavorful beer that fully leans into the theme without going over the top.

THIRD EYE BLACK WALNUT

JABEZ MARTINEZ - 4.5

This is a dark brown colored beer with a 5.6% ABV. It has a rich walnut flavor which I found nice for this time of year. I really liked it because it was something different. Lately breweries I feel are going for some sort of shock value on flavors. The flavoring tasted natural and it was smooth to drink. A very solid beer and only negative is I would not have this as a session beer but maybe 1-2 during a meal.

PAUL

BRAGIN - 3.5

A thick tan head crowns this dark brown ale and evaporates gradually. Sweet malt and nut scents from the walnuts fill the nose. A burst of carbonation hits the tongue with the initial tasting, followed by sweet malt notes and walnut flavors in the finish. This beer seems like a great choice during the holiday season. Pair it with a variety of dishes like roast pork, mushroom risotto, bread pudding, chocolate truffles or brownies.

LANDON MILLER - 4

Third Eye’s Black Walnut Ale pours a deep brown with a soft amber glow, sitting at a comfortable 5.6% ABV. The aroma hits first — warm and inviting without feeling heavy. The walnut flavor shows up right away, but it’s surprisingly refined, adding depth rather than overpowering the beer . This is flavorful enough to savor but not something I’d drink back-to-back all night.

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY

TAFT’S BREWING CO. FRISCH’S PUMPKIN PIE ALE

BOURBON & SPIRIT REVIEW

SMOOTH AMBLER OLD SCOUT STRAIGHT BOURBON

This month I decided to review Smooth Ambler Old Scout Straight Bourbon Whiskey. This is a craft distiller that never makes a bad bourbon. Based out of West Virginia, this spirit feels like a handshake from someone who isn’t afraid to squeeze back. The first pour hits with caramel and vanilla easing you in, then rye spice and oak reminding you this isn’t a gentle sipper. At 99 proof, it walks the line between approachable and assertive, and I found myself both respecting its boldness and bracing for the ride.

TASTING NOTES: AROMA:

• Caramel and vanilla sweetness

• Oak and brown sugar

• Citrus zest and almond notes

• Distinct rye spice that hints at the bold palate to come

TASTE:

• Caramel and charred oak upfront

• Strong rye spice and black pepper

• Leather undertones add depth

• Balanced but leaning heavily toward spice and oak

In the end, Old Scout Straight Bourbon delivers exactly what its name suggests: a straightforward, unapologetic bourbon that showcases rye spice and oak in full force. While it may lack the refinement of older age-stated releases, it remains a reliable bottle for those who enjoy a robust, highrye pour at a fair price. Smooth Ambler’s commitment to honesty in sourcing and bottling shines through, making Old Scout a worthy addition to any collection for drinkers who value bold flavor over subtlety.

COCKTAIL RECIPE:

APPLE CIDER BOURBON SMASH

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz of toasted bourbon

• 1/2 oz of orange liquor

• 1 tablespoon of pure maple syrup

• 3/4 cup of apple caramel apple cider

• 1 dash of cinnamon sugar

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 sprig of rosemary

• 2 apple slices

Directions:

1. In a cocktail glass, combine bourbon, orange liquor, maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, and apple cider.

2. Top with ice and stir.

3. Strain mixture into cocktail glass rimmed with cinnamon sugar.

4. Add apple slices.

5. Lightly toast the entire cinnamon stick and put into glass.

6. Toast top of cinnamon stick and the spring of rosemary.

7. Serve.

Landon Miller is a Kentucky native and former bartender with a passion for bourbon and spirits, bringing experience and love for his home state's rich distilling tradition to offer honest, insightful reviews for fellow enthusiasts.

nightcap

with Christopher Rowe

As someone who tries to go out as often as my bank account will allow - I have definitely found my favorite places in town. While these can change from season to season, I have narrowed it down. In no particular order, here are my Top 8 honest recommendations in our lovely city!

1: Mo’s House I think it’s clear by now that this is my favorite bar in Evansville. Mo’s kinda has it all. Great ambience, a cozy concept, elevated cocktails but it isn’t for the foodies. Their selection of dips is phenomenal, I will say. But this place is more like where you go for cocktails after dinner. They host a variety of popup events and always have great seasonal menus. Plus if you ever get the chance, I highly recommend Tiki Week!

2: Bokeh Lounge A neighborhood dive with some of the best bar food in town. I may be biased but I think Bokeh has the most diversity in their events. You can go from a DJ to Country Rock to a Jazz Band in the matter of a weekend. They also offer poetry, trivia, drag shows and everything in between. No matter who you are or what you’re drinkingBokeh makes you feel at home.

3: Nellie’s North The best breakfast you’ll ever have. No, but seriously. For the portion size and price alone, this place has always left me satisfied. While they don’t serve mimosas, they do offer that southern comfort you can’t find just anywhere. Family owned, family-friendly and excellent service!

4: Noche Don’t even get me started. I am such a fan. The ambience and sleek aesthetic alone scratches something in my brain. But most importantly, the food! I love how authentic Noche tastes and feels. Their variety of tequila cocktails is impressive. The street corn is to die for. The tacos make my mouth water. And if I could have their Palomas every day of the summer, I would.

5: Copper House For starters, I find this place beautifully put together. It’s blend of copper and brick with earth tones and plantschef’s kiss. They offer a pretty lengthy cocktail menu and their food is always great. My favorite is the Chicken and Waffle Sandwich. And yes, I said sandwich!

6: Wasabi As a sushi connoisseur, this is the best sushi in town. Of course, I haven’t had every sushi joint in Evansville. But in terms of price and variety, it’s absolutely my favorite.

“JINGLE JUICE” PUNCH

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 cups of Cranberry Juice

• 8 cups of Apple Juice or Cider

• 4 cups of Pomegranate Juice

• 1 cup of Cinnamon Syrup

• Top with 8 cups of Ginger Ale

I also just love the vibe of this place. Their hanging chandeliers and neutral colors really make it stand out to me.

7: Entwined Wine & Cocktail Bar This bar is absolutely gorgeous. It’s warm, cozy and one of my favorite places to go in the wintertime. They offer one of the largest wine selections as well as unique craft cocktails. The perfect place for a fancy date night or time with friends.

8: Fidel’s Bourbon Bar While I don’t necessarily smoke cigars - I love this bar for many other reasons. Something they’ve always done really well is both their electro house nights and seasonal menus. Plus they actually offer happy hour, which feels like a dying concept. I’m a huge EDM fan and I’m happy to see a bar that features it so often. Also, contrary to what most believe, the cigar room and bar are actually separate. Don’t let your fear of smoke get in the way! Fidel’s has major high rise city vibes with a touch of speakeasy. Believe me, it’s worth going up those stairs.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: In a 2 gallon punch bowl, combine Cranberry, Apple, Pomegranate and Cinnamon. Giving it a good stir.

Step 2: Chill and refrigerate until ready to serve!

Step 3: Just before serving, pour in cold Ginger Ale to preserve carbonation.

Step 4: Garnish with Orange Slices, Cranberries & Rosemary sprigs to your liking. Cinnamon Sticks work well too. Enjoy!

**Christopher Rowe, Owner of Nirvana Mobile Bar Email: nirvanamobilebar@gmail.com - Website: www.nirvanamobilebar.com

News4U December 2025

DECEMBER

TABLE of contents

A

QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Amy Bradford

TRI-STATE

LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE

EVANSVILLE:

MORE LIVE MUSIC SPOTS

DECEMBER CONCERT & EVENT GUIDE

UE ACES MEN’S BASKETBALL VS BALL STATE CARDINALS

EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS HOCKEY: TEDDY BEAR TOSS

EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS HOCKEY: MICKEY & FRIENDS CHRISTMAS GAME

EVANSVILLE PHILHARMONIC: PEPPERMINT POPS VICTORY THEATRE/ DECEMBER 6-7

DECEMBER CONCERT & EVENT GUIDE

THE CHILDREN’S NUTCRACKER

BALLET INDIANA PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER

STRAIGHT NO CHASER: HOLIDAY ROAD

UNIVERSITY OF EVANSVILLE ACES VS BELMONT BRUINS

MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS

LINDSEY STIRLING: THE SNOW WALTZ TOUR

EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS: HOCKEY HOLIDAYS

UNIVERSITY

EVANSVILLE THUNDERBOLTS HOCKEY: NEW YEARS EVE GAME

DECEMBER

HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Local resources offering assistance this holiday season

Mobile Food Pantry

Clothing Assistance at Evansville Christian Life Center

Angel Tree Program

How to Get Help

Donate

EPEPPERMINT POPS

POPS In Harmony

Brings Holiday Magic to

Theatre

INTERVIEW:

Don Mattingly

WITH BRIAN BUXTON

HOW ABOUT A GAME OF “I SPY”?

SWhich Grocery Stores Are Open on Christmas Eve & Day?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM

THE FACE PLACE OF EVANSVILLE

EVANSVILLE of A TASTE

DOMO JAPANESE HIBACHI

GRILL,

SUSHI

AND RAMEN

ANYTHING ON WHEELS

UNCLE G’S LEMON SMASHERS AND MORE: A SWEET TASTE OF SIMPLER TIMES

grill

WHAT'S ON THE

A CHRISTMAS FEAST TO REMEMBER

WITH JIM JOHNSON

PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE YULE LOG

Restaurant

KEEPING

411

ON THE COMINGS AND GOINGS OF AREA DINING ESTABLISHMENTS

BACK TO THE

basics

Magen Coates

QUICK FIT

QUICK FIT

WITH THOMAS BLANE

Quick Fit: Rising Stars, Real Grind —

Crunch Fitness

SEASON

Local Holiday Fun in Evansville 'TIS THE

LINDSEY

on the scene

Ask an

Attorney WITH LANE SIESKY / SIESKY LAW FIRM, PC

Understanding Property Damage Claims After a Car Accident in Indiana

Vehicle Damage and Total Loss

Diminished Value and Loss of Use

Other Recoverable Costs

Deadlines and Coverage

Takeaway