Murray Life Magazine by Helix Creative, LLC

24 The Quilt Trail: A Journey of Art & Memory Stephanie Butler

The Hope of the Trail of Tears

Gross Magee

The Arboretum: A Little Better

Kate Burnham

The First Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Robert A. Valentine

Notes & Neighbors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Murray Life Staff

Guess What Trivia Quiz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Murray Life Staff

Count On It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Murray Life Staff

A Highland Homecoming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Murray Life Staff

A Laughing Matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Murray Life Staff

The Little Church Across the Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Cheryl Pittman

Growing Up ln Hazel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Meghann Anderson

Stone Soup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Logan Abbit

Two Tickets and Popcorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 John Pasco

Our Parks and Our Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Royce Williams

Dining Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Murray Life Staff

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Happening & Where

Are Reindeer Real?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Murray Life Staff

New Year, New Bugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Murray Life Staff

The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Robert A. Valentine

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VOLUME 21 - NUMBER 2 - HOLIDAY 2014 Printed in the USA www.mymurraylife.com .........................................................................

Publisher Robert Valentine Associate Managing Editor Kate Burnham Art Directors Justin B. Kimbro & Amanda Newman, Helix Creative, LLC Editorial Staff Paige Graves | Caina Lynch | Robert Valentine Internet Consultant Justin B. Kimbro, Helix Creative, LLC Staff Photography Justin B. Kimbro | Caina Lynch Terry Little | W. Gross Magee | Chris Ray Contributing Writers Ron Arant | Erin Carrico | Kenny Darnell Brooke Gilley | Paige Graves Caina Lynch | John Pollpeter Larry Ray | Robert Valentine | Aviva Yasgur Printing Copy Plus, Murray, Kentucky Murray Life is published five times annually for the Murray area. All contents copyright 2013 by Murray Life Productions. Reproduction or use of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Comments written in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of Murray Life. Subscription rate is $15.00 per year, two years $25.00. Subscription inquiries and all remittances should be made to Murray Life: PO Box 894, Murray, KY 42071. Subscriptions may also be made through the Web site, www.mymurraylife.com. All advertising inquiries should be directed to the Managing Editor at: PO Box 894, or by calling 270-753-5225. E-mail us at: murraylife@aol.com This magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. All submissions may be edited for length, clarity and style. Additonal Photography By: ÂŠ Ivonne Wierink / Dollar Photo Club (page 60) ÂŠ Vladimir Melnikov / Dollar Photo Club (page 56)

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[ $ ] the first word

A Fresh Start for Old Stories by: Robert A. Valentine

“Without a

Familytrembles , man, alone in the world, with the cold.” - Andre Maurois

e are approaching a series of familycentered holidays in our part of the country. Of course, that assumes there are some non-familycentered holidays somewhere, and, at the moment, we cannot imagine one. Nevertheless, the kids will bring us through Halloween, Mom and Grandma (and, occasionally, Dad and Uncle Carl) will fill the Thanksgiving table, and you know what comes after that.

However, most of us will celebrate “family” with rakes in hand, or when Junior helps bring in the first load of wood for the fire. Sissy will cheer at her first homecoming game, and Mom will supervise the mothballing of summer clothes and the depressing survey that proves last winter’s wardrobe is no longer suitable. Family is constant, and it’s not always composed of people who are related to you by blood. Blood

may be thicker than water, but so are work, neighborliness, fond memory and a common purpose.

popcorn and he’ll supply the great suggestions. Leave to nature to supply the chilly nights, ideal for indoor fun.

That’s why we are pleased to offer you some observations of family in its many forms as you prepare to celebrate your own little unit of men, women, animals, friends, and warmth, as Mr. Maurois observes.

Kate Burnham is back with a close look at Murray State’s Arboretum, as we write, in the final stages of summer. You’re sure to hear more about this wonderful respite from city life that seems remarkably remote to be so close. Meghann Anderson takes another swing at our “Coming of Age in Calloway” series as we visit Hazel, and Royce Williams takes a look at a ballot proposal that, some say, will predict our future as a community. There’s more, too.

Of course, you can do puzzles together, or plan a family dinner with our food column (A treasured recollection from our vaults). You can prepare for a holiday get-together with our dining guide for Murray, or check your plans with the calendar. You can do it online, if you like, at www.mymuraylife.com. John Pasco returns with his invitation to plop down in the couch with pets, progeny and popcorn to enjoy recorded movies treats. You supply the

But you can see it by turning pages. As people gather indoors at night and rejoice in the brisk air and warming sun of autumn, we all share in another dose of Murray Life. Welcome home.

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[  ] notes & neighbors

College Presbyterian and a WWII Legend making that remark to cheer them and keep them going. I know it helped me a lot, too’”.

Here’s an interesting footnote to Cheryl Pittman’s trivia-filled article on Murray’s First Presbyterian church: The World War II musical staple, “Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition,” was based on the words of Murray minister Howell Forgy. The story is that Forgy, who married a Murray College grad and enlisted in the navy at the beginning of the war, was stationed on the USS New Orleans as her chaplain on December 7, 1941. During the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor, the ammunition elevator on the New Orleans was damaged and the heavy anti-aircraft shells were moved from the magazine to the deck of the ship by a long line of sailors passing them hand-to-hand. Tradition forbade a Chaplain from handling weapons or ammo, but Howell Forgy could dispense encouragement. According to the president of the USS New Orleans

Song writer Frank Loesser heard the tale and turned the sentiment into a war-time favorite. Kay Kyser’s band made the first recording, and it’s hard to find a veteran of the period who was unfamiliar with either the tune or the lyrics.

Reunion Association, a young lieutenant in charge of the ammo line reported:

Chaplain Forgy retired at war’s end in 1946 and returned to the civilian ministry. He passed away in Glendora, Cal., in January, 1972. He dispensed encouragement to the men of the New Orleans and, eventually, to most of the allied fighting forces in World War II.

“I heard a voice behind me saying, ‘Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.’ I turned and saw Chaplain Forgy walking toward me along the line of men. He was patting the men on the back and

Few people know that he also selflessly encouraged a little church in Murray, Ky., when he stepped up to take over the pulpit during desperate times in the late 1930s, as we will tell you later in this issue. s

We’re Back! Fans of our on-going series, “Coming of Age in Calloway,” will be pleased to see a return of the recounting of childhood in the county with our visit to the Hazel of yesterday. In the meantime, we’d love to hear what childhood

was like in the eastern communities: New Concord, Providence, Faxon and the like. That’s where we’re headed next, and we hope you will let your story be one of the collection. Contact us by mail at Murray Life Magazine, Box 894, Murray, KY 42071.scheduled for May. s

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[  ] notes & neighbors

Kappa Tour of Homes The Kappa Department of the Murray Woman’s Club will host its 34rd Annual Holiday Tour of Homes two weeks early this year on Sunday, November 30, from 1 until 4 pm. Proceeds from this year’s tour will be given to the Playhouse in the Park and to the Murray Woman’s Club Heritage Fund. The tour will feature three homes that are all a feast for the eye.

Shelley Todd 709 Elm Street Built in 1938, the home of Shelley Todd is charming and full of character with arched doorways and hardwood floors but also reflects Shelley’s design style which she describes as elegant but comfortable. She has filled her home with large scale, inviting furniture pieces, and the spectacular light fixtures add elegance and drama. The color palette is a combination of earth tones in cream, gray, and taupe, and Shelley’s love of the beach and water is reflected in the artwork and accessories. Black paint adds chic sophistication to the home’s original doors with glass knobs. Shelley restored the original hardwood floors she discovered under four layers of linoleum in the kitchen. The master suite encompasses the entire second floor. Shelley renovated two bedrooms, a half bath, and a sitting area into a spacious bedroom, stunning master bath, and a dream closet with dressing area and a television/sitting area. The mood of the house is soft and serene, but for the holidays, Shelley will bring on the color with red accents in the tv room and hot pink, orange and brown added in the master. Flocked trees, wreaths, and burlap will complete the holiday transformation throughout the home.

Mallory Evans 1636 Kandi Kay Lane Mallory Evans’ Craftsman style home built in 2013 is her first home. She moved from a small condo in Nashville to a house with a wide-open floor plan and was able to select the finishes and make it her own. The living space with stone fireplace and comfortable seating opens to a warm and inviting kitchen and dining area with a lovely view to the backyard. Five panel doors and wide moldings reflect the Craftsman style. A doit-yourselfer who enjoys repurposing furniture, Mallory has added inherited family pieces to create an eclectic, collected look. A neutral color scheme of gray and taupe with accents of blue and green gives her mix and match style a cohesive flow. For the holidays the living space will be filled with themed trees. These will include a nature-themed tree, a Tiffany-inspired tree with those iconic gift boxes, and a memory tree full of gifts from her students. Mallory’s parents have returned to Murray after retiring, and although Mallory never lived here, she feels she has come home too and looks forward to celebrating the holidays in her first home.

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[  ] notes & neighbors

Kappa Tour of Homes JoAnn and Bill Rogers 69 Legacy Lane JoAnn and Bill Rogers moved to Murray from Carbondale after retiring to be near their son and his family and in 2013 built a home to meet all of their needs. A handsome mahogany double front door sets the stage for this impressive home. JoAnn used varying shades of gray in a clever way throughout the home. The deep charcoal on the ceiling in one room is used for the walls in another to create color interest and flow. The spacious living room will be ready for the holidays with a white owl-themed tree atop a circular table redesigned by Laurie Rollins of Lulu’s Interiors. Laurie assisted JoAnn with incorporating existing pieces with new ones to create a modern, eclectic look. The dining room will be dressed with peacock accessories bringing in a deep turquoise color to complement existing accents of green and blue. A bedroom decorated for the Rogers’ granddaughter departs from the neutral colors with a shot of hot pink which will be repeated on a Parisian holiday tree. Along with a woodsy natural theme, JoAnn will use Santas, snowmen and mercury glass to make this home perfection to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. The Kappa Tour of Homes is a great way to kick off the holiday season and get holiday decorating ideas. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at the Murray Chamber of Commerce, Playhouse in the Park, Gregory, Easley and Ernstberger Law Office, or from any Kappa member. Don’t forget: if you enjoy the tour regularly, the date has changed this year to November 30. Enjoy! s

On the Cover Photographer Gross Magee once again treats us to his travel and his keen eye for the colorful, rare and wonderful. Readers will recall his photo essay on Mammoth Cave (Homecoming, 2012, pp. 2428), any several of his nature and architecture photos have graced our cover This time, his love of color and culture is featured, and even more of this beautiful story appears in his photoessay on pp. 28-31 as designed by Amanda Newman. s

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[  ] guess what

The Content of His Character by: Kate Burnham February is African American History Month, in recognition of which we have chosen to share information about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in our trivia section. To learn more about African American history and heritage, visit the official website at www.africanamericanhistorymonth.gov and the National Museum of African American History and Culture's website at www.nmaahc.si.edu. Answers on page 19, but no peeking!

1. At age 35, Martin Luther King Jr. was the youngest person to receive which award? a) The United Nations Human Rights Prize. b) The Spingarn Medal—the NAACP's highest honor, given annually to a man or woman of African descent and American citizenship for outstanding achievement. c) The Nobel Peace Prize.

2. King is one of the 10 martyrs depicted in life-size statues at the entrance of which famous political/religious site? a) Westminster Abbey in London. b) The cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. c) St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

3. King graduated with his PhD at the age of 25 from which school of theology? a) Andover Theological Seminary in Massachusetts. b) Crozer Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. c) Payne Theological Seminary in Ohio.

4. Martin Luther King Day was originally signed into federal law by President Ronald Reagan in what year? a) 1986 b) 1983 c) 1988

5. Only two other people in American history have an official national holiday in their honor. Who are they? a) George Washington and Christopher Columbus. b) Abraham Lincoln and Punxatawnee Phil c) George Washington Carver and Franklin Roosevelt

6. The 15th Amendment, granting African Americans voting rights, was passed on which date? a) February 3, 1870 b) July 14, 1889 c) November 19, 1910

7. Which landmark Supreme Court case was a victory for the civil rights movement in 1954?

a) Plessy vs. Ferguson b) Dred Scott vs. Sandford c) Brown vs. the Board of Education of Topeka

8. Which of the following marked Martin Luther King, Jr. for national recognition as a leader of the civil rights movement? a) He led the boycott (1955-56) by African Americans in Montgomery, Alabama, against the segregated city bus lines. b) He organized the massive March on Washington (1963), at which he gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. c) He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize (1964) for his philosophy of nonviolent resistance.

9. What major event in the civil rights movement took place in 1964? a) Congress passed the Civil Rights Act. b) The Black Panther Party was formed. c) Thurgood Marshall became the first African American to be appointed to the US Supreme Court.

10. Where was Martin Luther King Jr. born? a) Atlanta, Georgia b) Birmingham, Alabama c) Marietta Georgia d) Mobile, Alabama

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[  ] count on it

A Month for Lovers . . . of Trivia by: Kate Burnham

Get ready for the last month of Winter. February is full of surprises, so here’s another look at the calendar with some tricky trivia to go with it. Happy Valentine’s Day, and Happy Birthday, President Washington.

February 3rd:

The Day the Music Died Day. The day in 1959 that Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper died together in a plane crash. It is speculated that February is called American Pie month in recognition of the song written about the crash by Don McLean.

February

4th:

Thank a Mailman Day. Around 158,000,000,000 letters were mailed in 2013.

February 7th:

Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. There are 50 flavors of Ben & Jerry's and 24 flavors of HäagenDazs.

February

8th:

Kite Flying Day. If you feel like freezing to death and ice skating across what used to be a grassy slope...Go fly a kite! The highest altitude achieved by a kite was 13,609 ft.

February 11th:

Festival of Light in Fort Myers Florida. Celebrate the birth of Thomas Edison on this day in 1847.

February 12th:

Abraham Lincoln's Birthday. Over 13 billion pennies are minted each

year, and one estimate suggests that $1.2 million in pennies is literally thrown away per annum.

February 13th:

Get a Different Name Day. About 17,000 people change their names each year.

February 14th:

National Organ Donor's Day. Give your heart for real on Valentine's Day! Around 3,500-5,000 heart transplants are performed around the world every year.

February 17th:

Random Acts of Kindness Day. There are 86,400 opportunities in each day for us to be kind: it only takes a second to be nice.

February 18th:

National Battery Day. 2.9 billion batteries are thrown away in the U.S. each year.

February 20th:

Love Your Pet Day. Only about 40% of all animals that enter shelters each year are adopted.

February 22nd:

George Washington's Birthday. His original birthday was Feb. 11, but an Act of Parliament in 1750 changed the calendar, moving his birthday to the 22nd, and making way for Thomas Edison to be born on the 11th.

February 26th:

Carnival Day. The world's tallest Ferris wheel in Las Vegas is 550 feet tall.

February 27th:

Polar Bear Day. There are around 20,000-25,000 polar bears on the planet.

February 28th:

Floral Design Day. It is estimated that there are around 400,000 species of flowering plants.

February 29th:

Leap Day. Occurs every four years, except for years ending in 00, which are not divisible by 400, and on which Leap Days and Leap Years are skipped... Yay math!

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[

 ] community A Highland Homecoming by: Murray Life Staff

ociologists tell us that seventy percent of the population of west Kentucky can trace at least part of its ancestry to Scotlandand Ireland. Perhaps that’s why, on a bright and sunny October day, so many people descended on Murray’s Central Park to celebrate Scottish Heritage in a town named after a prominent Scottish family: Murray.

On the scene, as well, was Terry Little, Murray’s roving cameraman. Ever alert to action, sentiment or just a pleasant smile, Terry preserved images of the day Murray’s festival welcomed more people than at any time in its history. Festival president Debbie McConnachie and her hard-working team of volunteers brought in

Bill Wells and Robert Valentine

athletes, vendors, the 17th Lancers, piper Jim Cruikshank, Highland Reign, sheep dogs and a herd of sheep, food, fun avnd the families of Scotland, headed by honored clan MacGillivery. If you missed it, you can get a taste of the day by visiting Murray State

Univeristy’s “Roundabout” website, or just go to www.murraystate.info/newslett er/?p=7687 for a video tour of the whole thing. The next big event for the active Murray Scottish community is the celebration of Robert Burns’ birthday somewhere around January 25, 2015. Keep your eye on www.mymurray.com for updates and information. s

Murray of Tullibardine tartan

Murray of Atholl tartan

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tell us “thatSociologists of percent seventy the population of west Kentucky can trace at least part of its ancestry to Scotland and Ireland

”

– Murray Life Staff

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[  ] a laughing matter

Tackle and Cackle by: Paige Graves

It was that most glorious time of year—when boys and girls alike discover the love of the rod and reel, the quiet mornings on the water so smooth it could be glass, and the thrill of the first catch of the summer. It's also a a historically dishonest time of year, but you can keep telling yourself that fish was THIS BIG while you have a few laughs with us. What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh

"It has always been my private conviction that any man who pits his intelligence against a fish and loses has it coming." --John Steinbeck

would finally make a good catch today.

....................................................... What do you call a fish with two knees?

Fish: an animal that grows the fastest between the time it’s caught and the time the fisherman describes it to his friends.

A twoknee fish

.......................................................

Two friends made a bet that they could catch more fish than the other. At the end of the day, Katie had caught 5 fish and expected to win the bet. Before throwing in the towel, Ben ran to the local fish market and asked the merchant to toss him 6 fish.

The skipper willing.”

replied,

“Cod

....................................................... One day Steve was bound and determined not to go into work. He called his boss and informed him that he would not be into work that day, as his eyes were bothering him. “What's wrong with them?” his boss asked. “Well, I just can't see myself going to work today when I'd rather be fishing,” Steve said.

After browsing the restaurant menu, I had a question for the server. “About this salmon entree, is that a steak or a fillet?”

....................................................... “Neither,” she said. “It's a fish.” If you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. But if you teach a man to fish, he will buy an ugly hat. And, if you talk about fish to a starving man, then you're a consultant. ....................................... There was once an extremely talented fisherman who directed and produced a successful film. Word on the street was he owed it all to his great cast. .......................................................

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....................................................... It had been a fairly unsuccessful fishing season so far. The first mate turned to the skipper and asked if they

“Why don't I just wrap them up so you can carry them home in a bag?” the merchant asked. “If you toss them to me I can honestly say I caught 6 fish today!” Ben replied. .......................................................

This is easy level puzzle #30...Good Luck!

This is medium level puzzle #31...Good Luck!

Instructions: Place the numbers 1 through 9 in each blank field. Each column (down), row (across) and 3x3 region must contain each of the numerals only one time.

By popular demand, we are providing two different puzzles with two different degrees of difficulty.

Again, good luck! Where is the Solution? Not sure of your answers? Turn to page 19!

If you have a favorite kind of print puzzle youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to see, contact us with your ideas at:

Go to www.murraylifemagazine.com Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see you next issue with another great puzzle!

Puzzle Editor, Murray Life PO Box 894 Murray, KY 42071

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[

 ] community The Little Church Across the Campus by: Cheryl Pittman

few Murray State University students could identify the church on the southwest corner of campus as Murray’s First Presbyterian Church. Even fewer realize the common history and strong connections between MSU and “the little church across the campus.”

Murray State Normal School opened its doors in September 1923. In 1931, Wrather Hall and adjacent Wilson Hall stood north of the president’s home (“Edgewood,” later called “Oakhurst”). The Auditorium (Lovett), a “Training School” building, and a Men’s Dormitory (Wells) were finally joined by the “intellectual center of the College,” a Library which would, eventually, be known as the Pogue Library.

First Presbyterian Churuch Session 1962. From left to right: Alfred Lindsey, Charles Simons, Paul Lynn, Dr. A. H. Kopperud, Harry R. Hawkins, Rev. Henry McKenzie (pastor), Jesse Johnson, Walter Jones and Harry Jenkins.

Hubbard, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Jenkins, Mrs. E. B. Ludwick., Dr. F. C. Pogue, T. F. Pogue, Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Rogers and children, Frances, Paul and Pat, and Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Scherffius and son Charles. The first minister was Dr. J. C. Barr.

In July 1931, thirty three people signed a petition addressed to the Princeton Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church, USA, asking to be organized into a church in Murray. The First Presbyterian Church was officially organized with 19 charter members: Mrs. J. C. Barr, J. L.. Beadles, Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Brisendine, D. S. Brumbraugh, Mrs. Ada

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The next few years were lean as folks had little to give to support a church during the Depression. In 1932, a gift of $100.00 was used as a deposit on a lot at the corner of “College and Sixteenth.” Until more funds could be raised for a building,

congregants met at the Calloway County Court House and in their homes to worship. They borrowed hymnals from the First Methodist Church and chairs from the funeral home. The Westminster Foundation was established at Murray State in 1935 as a means to connect with students and provide a place for worship and social activities. Rev. Bruce MaGuire was chosen as the new pastor of First

for a Pilot Training Program. The first of these trainees arrived in Murray on January 6, 1943 and by July 1944 over 2,900 cadets had participated in the Naval Pre-flight Preparatory Training Program conducted on the campus of Murray State Teachers College.

1950, little progress was made toward the objective. By 1951, the congregation’s pledges secured enough so that the Bank of Murray loaned the remainder and construction started soon after. On May16, 1954, the new sanctuary was dedicated. Rev. Henry McKenzie served the

Co-pastors Dave and Betty Shepperson (1992-1993)

Presbyterian and became the first minister of the Westminster Foundation in Kentucky. When Rev. MaGuire left in 1938, attempts to raise money for a building soon fizzled and with only a few members left, there was some talk of disbanding. However, at a presbytery meeting in Mayfield, Mr. Howell Forgy stepped up to say he would come to Murray and be their new pastor.

The post-war years bonded Murray State and the church when First Presbyterian changed its name to College Presbyterian Church. Its proximity to the College and the new spirit of the people following the war years undoubtedly played a significant role in this decision. College Presbyterian committed to use its name and location to serve the students of Murray State. The need for a new sanctuary was addressed in a flyer which stated, “For Tomorrow’s Leaders at Murray, A New College in Western Kentucky, Needs a New Presbyterian Church For This Growing Student Body … A Real Present Opportunity and A Great Post-War Challenge.” The goal was to raise $30,000. Fund raising was slow and by

hymnals “fromTheytheborrowed First Methodist Church and chairs from the funeral home.

”

– Cheryl Pittman

College Presbyterian Church from 1960 to 1967. He and his wife, Dorothy, worked diligently with the Westminster Foundation and Murray State students. Their love for youth brought many new members into the church and there were times Sunday School classes had no place to meet in the buildings. When the McKenzie’s decided to buy their own home in Murray, the manse was converted to new rooms for the

With Rev. Forgy’s leadership and guidance, First Presbyterian started moving forward. Within a year, the first building was erected on the lot purchased six years earlier. When Rev. Forgy left to serve as a Navy Chaplain in 1940, a brick manse was standing on the site, construction on the Fellowship Hall had begun and the church had ninety members. As with many American communities, World War II captured the attention of Murray and its institutions. Enrollment dropped from 1,100 students at Murray State in 1940 to 289 in 1944. Fortunately, the college secured a contract with the Navy

2006 Groundbreaking

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children and youth. In 1968, two years after Murray State College became Murray State University, the church reverted to its original name: First Presbyterian Church.

In the past 20 years, “women ministers have occupied the pulpit. ” – Cheryl Pittman

Despite changes at the “little church across the campus,” many traditions have stood the test of time. Presbyterian Women started the Hollyberry Bazaar in the early 1970’s as a fundraiser for yuletide charitable ministries. The connection with students at Murray State University was strengthened with the creation of MOTA (Ministry Open To All) in 1994 by Rev. David Montgomery. In 2006, First Presbyterian Church began a campaign to build a new sanctuary for the growing congregation. Construction on the $1.3 million capital project started in 2006 and was completed in the fall of 2007. Ironically, the congregation worshiped in beautiful Wrather Hall, the first

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building used by Murray State in 1923, during this year. Soon after the completion of the new building, First Presbyterian welcomed the Korean Presbyterians from Murray State to worship in the sanctuary. Led by Rev. Hui D. Tark, the Areumdaun Woori Church (Our Beautiful Church), as many as 70 students spend Sunday afternoons in worship, fellowship and Bible study and enjoy delicious Korean dishes prepared by the women of congregation. Reflecting the diverse Rev. Dr. Renee Meyer was welcomed as the atmosphere at MSU, new pastor in June of this year. First Presbyterian has, for the past 20 years, been home to women ministers been far greater than the who occupied the pulpit. number of members would Two were co-pastors with indicate. I have been pleased their husbands: Rev. Betty to find that we have a student Shepperson (1992-1993) and program which appeals Rev. Dr. Ann Marie Montgomery to students of various (1993-2013). Rev. Carol Wade denominations. I know (2013-2014) served as interim something of the great struggles pastor, and First Presbyterian which this congregation has welcomed Rev. Dr. Renee Meyer faced over the years and the as the new pastor in June of this sacrifices which many of our year. members have made to keep the church going. Looking back…I For the 30th anniversary am sure that they are…pleased celebrations, Dr. Forrest C. with the contribution this Pogue wrote, church has made to the spiritual growth of the community.” “Our church, while never large, can claim the distinction of First Presbyterian Church has being the first to establish a survived and thrived because of student-oriented program at the the dedication of its members door of the college. I believe that and its association with Murray it helped stimulate the State University. As the church development of several other moves toward its 75th fine student programs. anniversary in 2016, it remains Throughout its history, its proud to be called, “the little influence on the campus has church across the campus.” s

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Answers to the Questions on page 10. Let始s see how you did!

Have I got an answer for you?

1 - c. 2 - a. His fame is international. 3 - b. 4 - b. Hard to believe it took so long. 5 - a. 6 - a. 7 - c. Thurgood Marshall, later a Supreme Court Justice, argued for the plaintiff. 8 - a. It was his first national exposure as a leader. 9 - a. Passage cemented Lyndon Johnson as a leader in civil rights, also. 10 - a.

Sudoku Answers from page 15

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nassuming old barns all over Calloway County have recently been splashed with color and endowed with history and tradition. By now you've likely seen at least one of these quilt squares, whether on a barn in the county or at a business within the city limits. Perhaps you've even enjoyed a country drive on a crisp autumn day to visit a series of them, feeling inspired by the hand-painted works of art. What most casual observers don't know, however, is each square tells the story of the land where it resides. Whether it's a pattern with a special meaning to its owner, or a property with rich family history, barn quilts have spread quickly within Calloway County with a surprising impact on local tourism and culture.

the commencement of the official trail, the first quilt square painted and hung by the committee was a patriotic design on Highway 94 West near the home of the Butterworth family. In 1996, the Butterworths built their home behind the long-standing dark-fired tobacco barn, the doors of which were widened to allow the driveway to run through it. The colors of the quilt pattern complemented the towering red barn, which quickly became the face of the Calloway County Quilt Trail, proudly gracing brochure covers and newspaper articles. Sadly, in September 2012, lightning struck and the Butterworth barn burned to the ground. The family’s love for the barn motivated them to rebuild and put up a new quilt square with a pattern similar to the original.

The Quilt Trail Committee went to work and Barn quilts became popular across midbegan a system for getting new squares up America in the early 2000s. According to the quickly. To acquire a square of their own, American Quilt Trail website, the concept of land or business owners simply pay a fee to barn quilts began in 2001 with Donna Sue the committee for the cost of materials. The Groves who wished to honor her mother, committee of volunteers Maxine, by having a then hand paint the painted quilt hung on her barn in Adams County, “ ...the trail will continue to selected pattern onto aluminum sign material. Ohio. grow and with it, the The Wilson barn, home number of quilt enthusiasts to two quilt squares, is However, her work with used as the committee's the Ohio Arts Council coming to see it.” painting grounds, since and other community - Erin Carrico the family offered it as a organizations inspired location where the her to alter her plan. squares could be painted at no charge. Rather than creating a personal tribute, she Murray Electric System then donates its time suggested that a "sampler" of twenty quilt and equipment and hangs the barn quilts for squares be created along a driving trail. It free. became an invitation to visitors to travel through the countryside, and thus an Soon after the Calloway County Quilt Trail American attraction was born. began in 2010, it grew faster than any of the committee members expected. Judi Little, This simple idea has spread across 48 states one of the key organizers of the trail, believes and to Canada. It now features more than the popularity of the trail derives from the 7,000 quilts and continues to grow. stories each pattern and barn tell. It was only a matter of time before this A casual observer of any given quilt may not Midwestern phenomenon found its way into realize the history, heritage and meaning the Calloway County. Ruth Daughaday, a patterns and land hold. On Wrather Road in member of the local University of Kentucky Almo, the property of Kat Fick is Cooperative Extension Homemakers, heard overflowing with quilt squares. "I have many a presentation on the American Quilt Trail memories of sitting with my mom in a quilt during a conference in 2010. She took the room with a pattern book, graph paper and idea back to the homemakers club, who crayons," she said. As a result, Fick fell in love jumped on the idea and quickly formed a with the beauty barn quilts add to a setting, committee to start a trail in the area. and she is constantly adding new ones around the outside of her home. Although a few barn quilts already existed at www.murraylifemagazine.com

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A grand story surrounds the barn located on Highway 94 West and owned by the Rogers family. As the story goes, the family who lived on the property in the 1930s had a teenage son. One night, card sharps stopped by and cleaned him out in a poker game. The next time the card sharps decided to stop by, the dad answered the door. “Last time you got the boy,” he said, “but tonight you got the old man.” That night he won enough to build the stock barn where the quilt square now hangs. The “tobacco leaf” quilt pattern hanging at the Keel farm in Hazel represents the family’s heritage. The tobacco barn, more than 100 years old, was built by the current owner’s great-great-grandfather. Growing tobacco has been the basis of the Keel family’s history. Memories of roasting hotdogs and s’mores on the first fire of the season and working side-by-side in the fields inspired the family to choose this pattern. As the quilt trail grew, barn owners and tourism officials noticed an increase in both local and out-of-town visitors to the trail. Mrs. Little has taken groups large and small from all over Kentucky on tours through Murray’s quilt trail. As more and more quilt squares were added in the county and within city limits, interest piqued on a local level. Residents began taking notice of the many colorful displays they saw popping up all over town. The Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau compiled a booklet featuring photos, stories and maps of the Calloway County Quilt Trail, which helped aid visitors who were interested in viewing this beautiful attraction. “We began getting multiple visitors each week wanting to explore the trail, but with no formal map it is hard to promote, especially to those who do not live here and are not familiar with the area,” said Erin Carrico, executive director of the Murray CVB. “Since we published ‘Barn Quilt Trail of Calloway County,’ we are able to better assist visitors in navigating the trail and we've seen an abundance of interested locals in our office.” Carrico said she thinks the barn quilt trail is an asset to tourism in Murray. “Not only are people coming to town specifically to see the barn quilts, but it’s also something we can offer out-of-town visitors to do while they’re here on other business,” she said. She believes the trail will continue to grow and with it, the number of quilt enthusiasts coming to see it. In fact, the Murray CVB saw a large jump in visitors to the trail during Paducah’s 2014 AQS Quilt Week. Quilt makers and admirers from all over the world traveled the 45-minute drive from Paducah to Murray to learn more about barn quilts and see some of their favorite patterns painted on the eight foot wooden squares. The Calloway County Quilt Trail committee hopes the increase in popularity of the trail will cause it to grow even larger with each passing year. Those interested in finding out more about the Calloway County Quilt Trail can visit MurrayQuiltTrail.com or pick up the “Barn Quilt Trail of Calloway County” booklet for free at the Murray CVB at 201 S. 4th St. s

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ach year on the first weekend after Labor Day, there is an invasion of color, song, history and tradition along the shores of the south fork of the Little River in Hopkinsville. Under the auspices of the Trail of Tears Commission, and hosted by the Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, and intertribal PowWow reveals to many the ancient traditions and crafts of the Native Americans who once ruled the continent “from sea to shining sea.” The “trail of tears” refers to the forced removal of native American peoples from their homelands in

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Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and other states in the south to the eastern part of Oklahoma. Federal law finally authorized military action in the late 1830s, and a huge migration of families began. Thousands perished on the journey in one of the darkest periods of American history. The Commemorative Park centers on the Heritage Center: a log cabin which, although restored and altered in some respects, may well be the oldest building you have ever entered. The graves of two Cherokee chiefs, Fly Smith and Chief Whitepath are there, and the ground is the same that served as a stopping place on the long march west.

This year, during a warm September day, photographer Gross Magee was drawn, as he has been often, to the promise of images unseen by most European Americans. The spirit of camaraderie and the opportunity for learning are strong when the tribes assemble, and the sounds and images are unforgettable. If, as we have heard from our youth, â&#x20AC;&#x153;one picture is worth a thousand words,â&#x20AC;? then Gross Magee offers you volumes of reasons to join the PowWow in 2015. It is a short trip from Murray by car, but a long journey into time.

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Learn more: by computer, go to www.trailoftears.org for history and directions to the Park. By car, you can set the GPS for 100 Trail of Tears Drive in Hopkinsville, 42240. The park is closed except for Saturdays in winter, but special tours are available by calling 270-885-9096

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ome years ago we issued an introduction to the Arboretum at Murray State University, just to “officially” acquaint our readership with what it was, where it was, how it came into being, and who was involved. It’s time for a revisit to this place of beauty, education, history, and growth in nature; it has been prompted by a lot of change and development worthy of note. Looking back to Logan Abbitt’s 2011 article, we found his prediction that the Arboretum would soon be a favored place for weddings, and that its trails and bowers would be frequented by walkers and plant lovers. Some of that has come to pass, although far too many Murrayans and even members of the MSU community continue to be surprised by their discovery of this beautiful gem only one block south of Highway 94. Readers of that piece will be reminded that the addition of a pond, a savanna, and a children’s garden was rumored to be in the works. Well, the pond has been added to the Pullen Farm property at long last. It has been excavated, the soil moved and hilled up in order to create a “mountain”—a hill from which one may survey the entire farm and Arboretum. It was just recently sodded, two waterfalls installed, trees planted, stepping stones inlayed; and a bottom-lit fount feeding the waterfalls crests the hill. Naturally, big projects like this cost big bucks, and a fundraiser was held on September 4th of this year—the Hutson Harvest Gala—where all money raised has been put towards the completion of the pond project and the furthering of the development of the Arboretum, garden projects, and other works envisioned. This single project has experienced its speed bumps and set-backs, but as Dr. Pat Williams has always said about Pullen Farm and the Arboretum, what one was really seeing was evidence of “the unlimited potential” of the property and the programs that are in progress. This brings us to the foundational interest of this update on the moving and shaking going on out at Pullen Farm—Dr. Williams, associate professor and operations manager of the MSU horticulture program, who also lives on site in the late Mrs. Pullen’s farmhouse, is shaking the dust off of his feet and this horticulturist is moving on. In recognition of his contributions to the program, the gardens, the

greenhouses, and the Arboretum, we interviewed him to talk about his experiences working, playing, and living on the farm and in the gardens among the trees. Dr. Williams moved to Murray with his wife Pati and infant daughter Tara as assistant professor of horticulture in 2001; it was his first appointment teaching at a university. As the before and after photos reveal, what he embarked upon was a demanding project—a nearly bare chalkboard with a few vague sketches scratched in the margins. There were trees, lawn, a classroom, corn field, and two greenhouses—one that had been in use for many years, was a little outdated, and that was located off site at the West Farm. Where were those things called flowers? Where were the gardens, the landscaping, infrastructure, and storage for tools, equipment, compost, and chemicals? It was all in the realm of “not quite there yet”. Work, work, and selfinvestment in a vision were called for. The first major project undertaken was in the fall of 2001. With the help of agriculture and horticulture students and volunteers, the large beam bracings that contain the flower beds in front of the Pullen Farm classroom, and the beds themselves, were installed. These were called the Freshmen Garden. The beams were repurposed from timbers donated from the Boy Scout museum after it moved to national headquarters in Texas. Construction of the borders continued up from the classroom to contain what is now referred to as the Senior Garden, where the tulip poplar now stands. These borders were completed in the spring of 2002, almost a full year after the project was begun. Dr. Williams says “it took a while to have the students buy into the vision… but a few of them wanted to make something from nothing,” and so things started to take off. Once the borders moving around the east side of the classroom were completed, the raised beds containing the tulip poplar, the daylilies, and the variegated vinca, the fence along the side of the classroom, and the roofless

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as a fence border, which took another year to finish. A pergola—the archway situated in the center of Erin’s Garden that is covered in palpably sticky, sweet honeysuckle—had been added earlier on. Within the 2004-2005 season, the mum pad, where several varieties of mums are grown on drip irrigation and the big fall sale happens every year, was constructed. Low and behold, the next big addition to the Pullen Farm complex was the Arboretum itself. The trees had always been present. Dr. Williams fondly recalls his first real bonding moments —ah, the traumas that bind—when he suited up to clean the poison ivy and other vines off of all the trees standing gazebo deck were built in by Dr. Williams and his on the east end of the property, where the sidewalks are students in the landscape construction class in the now. Groundbreaking on the Arboretum came to pass summer of 2002. In the fall of 2003, the Sophomore in the fall of 2008, and at the same time the fence that Garden situated on the west side of the classroom and separates the farm property from the back yards of the the Junior Gardens on either side of the entrance to the neighbors was being built. Then came the dusty rose Arboretum on Hickory sidewalks spanning from the Drive were installed. The entrance of the Arboretum It took a while to have the students Sophomore Garden is and snaking all the way back now called Erin’s Garden to the open prairie and in honor of Erin native gardens across from Cathcart, a graduate but a few of them wanted to Murray High School. The student of Dr. Williams’ composting system was then who had completely incorporated, consisting of redesigned it in order to four concrete bays. The have her wedding composting led to the sustainability project and performed there, at which Dr. Williams acted as gardens’ development and a partnership with food Reverend and officiated. The environmental center services at Winslow Hall incorporating vegetables, was also constructed that year, a necessary feature of fruits, and herbs grown organically on the farm into the farm that houses all of the chemicals and larger their meal planning. Following the groundbreaking, equipment in use on the property. Prior to its the education establishment, all chemicals had been stored in the pavilion was head greenhouse or in the barn located near the Pullen designed and farmhouse. Grants were obtained and the university constructed, and gave the greenlight, not just for the environmental was dedicated center, but for the in-ground nursery and the pot-inlast year to Mrs. pot nursery. Pullen herself, honoring her The east and west greenhouses were added in the donation of the summer of 2004, where the central farm to the building housed the teaching collection university. The of plants, the east building was prairie itself was the production house, and established around 2010, at about the same time that the west building was the sidewalks were finished, which was a project the seeding house. A overseen by Dr. David Ferguson and Dr. Stephen pathway going out White. The most recent, but not the last, major project from the west was begun in July of 2013—the pond and hill house to the installation. Eventually, it will contain aquatic wildlife environmental center was added next, as well

Buy into the Vision,

Make Something from Nothing,

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and evolve into another educational component of the Arboretum that is offered to the community and future generations of university students studying wetland ecology and things of that nature. That whole litany merely lists the development of the main features and character of the farm and Arboretum. Other attractions that have been established during Dr. Williams’ stay have been Fall on the Farm, which is now in its tenth year running. Though the yearly event arose out of the Agriculture Leadership Council, Dr. Williams, his students, his family, and many other faculty and student volunteers have helped organize and run the festivities each year. The Arboretum has already hosted a dozen or more weddings; and the community gardens, open to students, faculty, and other members of the community, have been a running feature of Pullen Farm from the beginning. The first plant sale, hosted by the horticulture club—which won the Southern Region American Society for Horticultural Sciences’ best small horticulture club three years in a row—took place in 2001, and it drew no patronage to speak of. It took around five years to lure the public into the greenhouses, and today such large crowds turn out for the event that the horticulture club takes in more funds in two days than the University budgets for them. Dr. Williams’ work and the work of his students, the staff,

faculty, volunteers, and a solid corner edge of his life puzzle have gone into making a well-established and growing public feature of life in Murray. All those years of seven-day work weeks and laboring in love all the while have created salient beauty. Dr. Williams expressed his love of his work, his joy in teaching and working with students who invested themselves in their craft of horticulture, agriculture, and landscape design. He waxed nostalgic about the greenhouses and how rewarding they were for him, and how beneficial they will be for the people who work in them and who purchase and enjoy the plants that are there produced. He related that he is happy that now there are simply gardens where there were none before. Thirteen years have passed—his favorite number, ironically—and he explained that while he is sad and not entirely ready to leave, he is grateful for those who have supported him and more than happy to be moving forward into a new adventure in life with his family. Murray might be losing a dedicated educator and an accomplished horticulturist—the flowers will miss him—but his legacy will remain visible and appreciated by the community for many years to come. He left us with a quote like he left many of the classes he taught over the years at the end of each semester—a poem attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson entitled “Success”:

To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to give one’s self; To leave the world a little better; Whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To have played and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

The man believes in the power that flowers have to change lives, and he is following his feet. ✿

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[  ] food

Stone Soup by: Logan Abbitt ccording to legend, once in the middle ages there were two soldiers returning from war. "How I would like a good dinner tonight," said the first. "And a soft bed to sleep in," added the second. The two men continued walking in silence when they noticed the lights of a village ahead of them.

When they arrived in the little village, they began to inquire about food and lodging. "We have no food for ourselves! In fact, there's not a bite to eat in the whole village," the peasants lied. "You’d better keep on moving." The first soldier declared, "Good people! We’ve asked you for food and you have none. I suppose we will have to make stone soup." The peasants just stared. The soldier added mysteriously, "Our king gave me a very special gift when I saved his life in battle." He then asked for a big cauldron and water to fill it. When the villagers

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brought the cauldron, the two soldiers placed it in the middle of the square and built a huge fire underneath. Then the first soldier took out an ornate bag from a secret pocket of his cape, removed three very ordinarylooking stones from the bag, and with great ceremony dropped them into the water. A crowd started gathering in the square to see what all the commotion was about. "A good soup needs salt and pepper," the first soldier said, so one of the peasants sent his children to fetch some salt and pepper. As the soldiers sniffed the soup and licked their lips in anticipation, hunger began to overcome the skepticism of the villagers. "Oh!" the soldier said to himself rather loudly, "I do love stone soup. Of course, stone soup with carrots, that's hard to beat." Hearing this, one of villagers sent his son home to fetch some carrots hidden in the cellar. Soon the son returned and they ceremoniously added the carrots to the pot. "Magnificent!" exclaimed the soldier. "You know, I once had stone soup with carrots and some salt beef as well, and it was fit for the king!" The village butcher managed to find some salt beef.

Stone Soup, by Marcia Brown

And so it went, until soon there were onions, potatoes, barley, cabbage, and milk added to the cauldron. "It’s soup," yelled the cooks, "but first we must prepare the square for a feast." Tables, chairs, torches, and banners were arranged in the square, and the soldiers and villagers sat down together to eat. One of the villagers said, "A great soup would be better with bread and cider," so he brought out these last two items. The village peasants had never before tasted anything so good that was made of stones, and soon they began singing, dancing, and making merry well into the night. The next morning the villagers gathered to say goodbye to the soldiers and offered them a great sum of money for the

"magic" stones. The soldiers said the stones were not for sale, politely refused the offer, and then traveled on. This popular folk tale is very old and has a variation in nearly every culture. The fable is also known as button soup, nail soup, and even axe soup. There are several children’s books based upon the tale, with Marcia Brown’s version from 1947 (still available on Amazon.com and other booksellers) being considered the essential classic. There are also stage plays, TV adaptations, and rock songs. Poet Shel Silverstein wrote the lyrics for "The Wonderful Soup Stone" which was recorded by Bobby Bare and by Dr. Hook in the 1970s. When we look at the tale from a culinary perspective, we have to wonder what exactly was in that famous recipe? There are many, many versions of the recipe for stone soup. It is easy to get overwhelmed by all of the choices out there. How do you choose the right one? The thing to remember is that stone soup isn’t about the food; it’s about the experience of creating it. This is one recipe that

is meant to include as many chefs as possible. Stone soup is often created in classrooms as a lesson after reading the story. Bring the entire family in to add their contribution to the big pot. You could even have a stone soup dinner party with all of the guests coming to contribute their own ingredients. "Hobo stew" is another variant on the idea created by campers where everyone in the campground brings something to the central fire for the bubbling cauldron. Still, sometimes you just want a written recipe to guide you along. This is a very nice variation. .................... Ingredients 1 stone, big enough that it won't get lost in the soup (quartz is a good choice because it won't break down in cooking) 1 tbsp. butter or vegetable oil 1 medium onion, chopped 2 celery stalks, trimmed and chopped fine 1 large carrot, cut into coins 3 medium red-skinned potatoes (unpeeled, and cut into halves) 1/2 sweet red pepper, chopped 1 large garlic clove, pressed 6 cups chicken broth (or a

combination of broth and water) 1 medium zucchini, diced large 1 medium yellow squash, diced large 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Grated Parmesan cheese Croutons Directions The first step is to scrub and wash the stone thoroughly. Then, for an extra cleaning, drop it in a pot of water to boil while you prepare the rest of the soup. In another large pot, melt the butter or heat the oil, then sauté the onion on medium-high for 2 to 4 minutes. Stir in the celery, carrot, potatoes and red pepper, sautéing for 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Then add in the broth. Using a spoon, fish the stone out of the other pot, add it to the soup and bring to a boil. Add the zucchini, squash, and corn, cooking another 8 minutes or until the zucchini is the desired softness. Season to taste with the salt and pepper. Before serving, sprinkle on the cheese and croutons, then ladle— minus the stone—into individual bowls. Serves 6 to 8. The phrase "stone soup" has come to mean many things today. It alludes to trickery, cooperation, something from nothing, a hodgepodge creation, and ancient folk tales. There’s a popular comic strip called Stone Soup by Jan Eliot that’s about a modern family. We encourage you to create a new tradition for your family and friends. The experience adds a wonderful flavor that goes beyond the sum of the ingredients. s

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[

 ] two tickets & popcorn Two Tickets and Popcorn by: John Pasco

he theatrical arts are often depicted with the symbol of two masks: one laughing and one crying – two characters in one. As the weather grows cooler, settle in with that special someone, grab some popcorn and let’s take a look at three films which use “duality” as a plot device. One character plays two identities – or has a hidden personality.

“Some Like It Hot” was listed by the American Film Institute in 2000 as the greatest comedy film of all time. Directed by Billy Wilder, it stars Tony Curtis, Jack Lemon, Marilyn Monroe and Joe E. Brown. Joe (Curtis) on saxophone and Jerry (Lemon) on double bass are itinerant jazz musicians out of work. By accident they see the St. Valentine Day Massacre, and in turn are seen

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by “Spats” Colombo (George Raft). Fleeing from the mob the boys disguise themselves as women, join an all female band, Sweet Sue and Her Social Syncopators. Now known as Josephine (Curtis) and Daphne (Lemon) they try to blend into the band. There is a funny scene as Daphne tries to walk in heels and tight dress. As the band boards the train for Miami, the meet Sugar Kane (Marilyn Monroe), vocalist and Ukulele player. On the train ride South, both men fall for Sugar and a subtle rivalry begins. During a girl to “girl” talk Sugar tells Josephine that she was emotional scared by a saxophone player and now wants to marry a rich man with a yacht.

The babe on the right is Jack Lemon

Arriving in Miami Joe assumes a second disguise as “Junior,” heir to Shell Oil. He draws Sugar in by pretending he doesn’t care about her. At the same time Osgood Fielding III (Joe E. Brown) starts to put moves on Daphne. Joe convinces Daphne to accept a date in order to keep Osgood on shore. Pretending Osgood’s yacht is his own, Junior invites Sugar for a late night meal. He tells Sugar that he has intimacy issues but will marry the woman

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who can bring him “awake.” Sugar begins to make love to “Junior” with some success. On shore Daphne and Osgood dance the tango all night. The next morning Daphne arrives at their hotel room excited. She is going to marry Osgood, then after a couple of months reveal she is a he and get a big divorce settlement. Joe has a change of heart. As “Junior” he beaks off with Sugar, telling her he is moving to Venezuela. On the way to tell Sweet Sue they are leaving, the boys blunder into a conference of “Friends of

Italian Opera“ (mobsters). Spats recognizes the boys and mayhem ensues. Spats and the mob are looking for Joe and Jerry, Sugar wants to cry on Josephine’s shoulder, Osgood is pressing marriage over Daphne’s objections: “But, I’m a man,” she (?) says; “Well, nobody’s perfect,” he answers. Do the mobsters get the boys? Does Sugar get Joe? Does Osgood get Daphne? See the film and join in the fun. “April showers bring May flowers,” and this next film is a virtual bouquet of cinematic “flowers.” As Mary once said of Chuckles the Clown: “A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down the pants.” MGM’s 1952 musical “Singing In The Rain” has something for

Gene Kelly, right, Lamppost, left

everyone: comedy, dance and songs that you will be singing in the shower if not the rain. In 1920’s Hollywood, silent films are morphing into “talkies.” Silent film stars Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) are the industry‘s most popular romantic couple. Monument Pictures’ publicity department pushes the line that the couple are romantically involved. Lina believes the fan magazine hype but Don wants nothing to do with Lina outside of work. Running away from a mob of fans after his latest premier, Don jumps in the car with young Kathy Sheldon (Debbie Reynolds) and the sparks of attraction begin to fly. R.K. Simpson, head of Monumental Pictures, decides to turn the next Lamont and Lockwood film, “The Dueling Cavalier,” into a talkie. Helped by his friend, Cosmo Brown (Donald O’Conner), Don begins taking voice lessons. Bored with repetition Don and Cosmo break into song and dance to “Moses Supposes.” Through-out the film there are wonderful dance sequences with Don, Kathy, and Cosmo dancing around furniture, on furniture, over couches, up and down walls, across ceilings and most famously, with a rain puddle, lamppost, and umbrella.

“The Dueling Cavalier’s” test screening is a flop. There are several problems but the worst is the awful quality of Lina’s voice: shrill and grating. Trying to save the film, Simpson, Don and Cosmo meet to plan. They decide to change the film to a musical, “The Dancing Cavalier.” Lina is under a tight contract and cannot be fired, so they decide to dub her voice and songs using Kathy. When Lina finds out she threatens to sue the studio. She demands that Kathy be dropped from development by the studio and that the voiceovers continue without credit going to Kathy, killing Kathy’s career. The film is a hit and Kathy feels betrayed. Is this doom for Kathy? Does Lina continue her evil ways? What will Don and Cosmo dance on next? See this fun, tuneful movie and find out. John Ford won the Academy Award for Best Director for his 1952 film “The Quiet Man.” Filmed in Ireland, the countryside almost becomes another character in the movie. The film won Best Cinematography. In the 1920’s Irish-born but American-raised, Sean Thornton (John Wayne) returns to Inisfree to buy back the family cottage, White O’Morn, and settle down to life as a quiet man. While out walking Sean meets and falls in love with the fiery Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O’Hara),

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sister to the local bully, Squire Will “Red” Danaher (Victor Mclaglin). They begin to court under the eye of the local matchmaker, Michaeleen Flynn (Barry Fitzgerald). Angry because Sean outbid him for the old Thornton property Danaher refuses to sanction the

“

In 1920’s Hollywood, silent films are morphing into “talkies.”

”

– John Pasco

marriage. The town folk, including the local priest Father Lanergan (Ward Bond) conspire to make the Squire believe that the Widow Tillane (Mildred Hatwick) is favorable to marriage but not to having two women in one house. So Danaher consents and the young couple wed and move into White O’Morn. Danaher learns of the conspiracy and refuses to

hand over the last of Mary Kate’s dowry. Unschooled in local customs, Sean will not fight for it and Mary Kate does not feel married without it. She brands Sean a coward. Thornton was a boxer in the States, but has vowing to never fight again (see the film and discover why). The Church of Here's yer hat, Sean. Ireland Minister the Rev. Playfair (Arthur Shields) is you will never have expected the only person who knows the featuring suspense, excitement, secret. Mary Kate tries everlaughs galore and a finish that is bigger efforts to stir Sean into both unforeseen and memorable. action, and at last decides to leave him. Will Sean ever again live as “The Quiet Man?” Do your search, find Sean catches her just as she the DVD and, above all, fire up boards the train to Dublin. the popcorn popper. You won’t He decides to confront wife, be sorry. brother-in-law and the whole town. The ensuing domestic “We’ve been lucky enough to do quarrel turns into something that for nine years.” s

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Paducah 441-0016

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[  ] community

Our Parks And Our Future by: Royce Williams

n the aftermath of the Nov. 4 referendum on a property tax in support of the City-County parks, voters in Murray and Calloway County appear to have made a decision of wide-ranging importance.

The local referendum to establish stable funding for the MurrayCalloway County Parks & Recreation Department was also on the county-wide ballot to allow voters to impact a major positive change for generations to come. The “Parks Referendum” gave voters a yes/no opportunity to establish a special tax district to provide stable annual funding to operate the 164 acres managed by MCC Parks. The vote was a resounding “no.” But the needs that led to the tax proposal in the first place have not disappeared. Simply put, the

community’s use of the parks exceeds the ability of the Parks Board to keep up with the present funding program. Deferred maintenance over the years has the park equipment and facilities in what some have called a “crisis situation.” Many of the issues are directly related to safety within the parks. “Lots of folks still call Central Park our ‘new park’ and it’s 40 years old. Like any house or car, you have to perform routine maintenance to keep it up. We have not done that and now it’s showing. If you look behind the walls or in the ground, you’ll see that things are simply falling apart,” said Tab Brockman, MCCP Parks Director. Brockman and the Park Board face long list of critical fixes, from a swimming pool that leaks 3,000

The swimming pool leaks 3,000 gallons of water per day.

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gallons of water per day, to ball field lights that are dangerously below national safety standards.

“

If we don’t have improvements we cannot compete with other towns to get these events that help our economy.

”

– Stephanie Butler

A list of important projects totaling almost $5 million is topped by the pool repair at an estimated $500,000. New field lighting approaches $1 million. Road maintenance is not funded by state or local tax dollars and has not been addressed in 14 years, with an estimated cost of $400,000. The list also includes repairs to Playhouse in the Park, handicap accessibility throughout the parks, trail erosion, restroom repair and aging maintenance equipment. A glance at neighboring Mike Miller Park in Draffenville helps put adequate park funding in perspective. Miller Park has 90 acres and receives $702,600 in annual governmental funding. The Murray-Calloway Co. Parks include 164 acres and receives $290,000 in support from the city and county combined. In a statewide survey of 20 other local parks, the average Kentucky municipal park system receives about $4,500 per acre. The Murray-Calloway Co. Parks is

operated with $1,768 per acre. Referendum organizers believed the “nickel tax” ($50 for every $100,000 of value) would provide a double win for the community by enhancing local quality of life and providing local economic stimulus. While property owners may have some concern over a slightly bigger tax bill, the failure to act may have substantial consequences for the area economy. The Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce was among the first groups to endorse and appreciate the need for the parks referendum. “When businesses look at relocating to Murray they look at quality of life,” said Aaron Dail,

Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce President. “That’s what our parks provide. It gives our families and young kids a safe place to play, interact with each other, and build better relationships. It is a great retention tool. “Families look to school systems, health care and our parks when considering communities. The parks referendum has been on the top of the Chamber’s advocacy committee agenda for the last two years,” Dail said. “Parks improve everyone’s property values, county-wide.” “Without the parks I can’t imagine what this community would be like,” said Tim Stark, Murray-Calloway Youth Soccer Association President. “Kids learn so many things through sports that will, hopefully, translate into skills in life. Without (youth) sports you can’t imagine what would happen to this community.” The Parks are home to 750 youth in the local baseball and softball program and 600 in the local youth soccer league, and youth sports are just part of the activities that take place in the parks. Official records indicate more than 213,000 visitors spent time in the park system in 2013 in activities from sports to swimming lessons, the dog park, the skate park and a host of special events throughout the year. Special events at the parks also provide a big shot in the arm for the local economy, according to the Murray Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB).

“Baseball, soccer and disc golf tournaments bring visitors to our town,” said Stephanie Butler, Marketing Director for the CVB. “They stay in our hotels, shop in our stores and eat in our restaurants and that has a big impact on our economy. But if we don’t have improvements we cannot compete with other towns to get these events. “Over the years we have been losing the tournaments to the communities that do invest in their sports facilities,” she said. “Our fields just can’t compete with what other facilities have in our current state.” Like most, the local parks system generates additional revenue from field and pavilion rentals, donations and sponsorships ($108,000). But, the park’s reserve fund has nearly been exhausted with constant breakdowns in aging equipment, storm repairs and other unexpected expenses. The Parks Referendum was anticipated to generate over $900,000 annually which, supporters say, would have allowed the Park Board to address

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the needed repairs over the next 10 to 15 years while planning for a solid future. Many community leaders, including People for Our Parks Chairperson, Donna Herndon, saw the referendum as the way the community lives up to its reputation and prospers for years to come. “I’ve devoted a lot of my life in this community to being sure that our children have the opportunity to achieve their potential. Healthy activity is a big part of that. And this park is a big part of that. The time has come and we can’t wait any longer. In order to preserve the future for our children and to preserve our parks facilities, we’ve got to take action,” Herndon said. With national recognition as a multi-year Playful City USA, the community obviously understands the importance of good parks. The outcome of the Park Referendum vote on November 4 was viewed by many as a “defining moment.”

Murray has received national recognition as Playful City USA for multiple years.

“That’s when we find out who we are and what we really care about,” said Tab Brockman, prior to the vote. “It’s that simple and that important.”

EDITOR’S NOTE: Readers will note the the voters have already decided that a tax will not be used to specifically support the parks. A last-minute campaign, apparently led by County Judge-Executive Larry Elkins, created a ground swell of opposition to the proposal. No one, after all, likes more taxes. However, just because the solution would be expensive doesn’t mean there is no need for a solution. The voters have decided that their government will not be the source of the solution, so we ask, “From where will the solution come?” The argument that the parks will not be closing tomorrow is a poor substitute for the reality of decades of expansion and increased use without commensurate increases in support — and no one either has nor can deny that inescapable reality.

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We have established that we don’t want a tax, and it will be years before a new tax proposal can be brought forward — perhaps too late to do any good. What remains to be established is the nature of the solution. We cannot believe that the people of Calloway, home of the Country’s Friendliest City, a Playful City award winner and a great place to live, will fail to find a solution. Already civic leaders are proposing alternative solutions that will require cooperation, creativity and generosity. Those are traits have characterized this community. One hundred years ago, an appeal from the local newspaper editor brought together 4,000 volunteer teams of men and mules to create a badlyneeded road which politicians had been unable to construct for more than 40 years. It was finished in one month. We are anxiously awaiting the leader who will present the plan and give the command, “Hitch your mules.” As Donna Herndon said, “We’ve got to take action.” It’s as simple as that. s

[  ] advertiser’s directory Need a phone number or an address to a business but can’t remember the page you saw it on? This is your guide to Murray Life Magazine’s advertisers. Enjoy! Advertiser

Page #

Advertiser

Page #

Advertiser

Page #

Bank of Cadiz & Trust Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Kentucky Farm Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Murray Woman's Clinic . . . . . . . . .Inside Front

Baptist Health Paducah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Kopperud Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, 3, 50

Playhouse in the Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

BB&T Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Lee Jewelry Artisans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Primary Care Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Briggs & Stratton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Mattress Gallery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Presbyterian Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Carey’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Murray Auto Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Red Bug on Third . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Der Dutch Merchant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Murray Bank, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Rolling Hills Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

Froggyland Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Murray-Calloway Co. Chamber . . . . . . . . . . .50

Roof Brothers Wine & Spirits . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Gear Up Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Murray-Calloway Co. Hospital . . .Outside Back

Servall Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19, 42, 59

Grey's Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Murray Electric System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Thornton Heating & Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Heritage Family Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . .19

Murray Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

WENK/WTPR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Helix Creative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6, 23, 43

Murray Highland Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

West Wood Wine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Hilliard-Lyons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Murray Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

WKMS FM

Imes-Miller Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Murray Life Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Jarvis Vision Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Murray State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

[  ] coming soon ... Our next edition will usher in the springtime with some old stories and some new insights into Murray Life. In fact, there will be a whole new look as we begin our 15th year of publication. • You’ll enjoy a look at one of America’s great love stories, just in time for spring and the onset of wedding planning. We’ll have some help for brides who are contemplating all the changes in their lives, too. There might even be a word of advice for grooms! • We’ll be introducing our new quarterly schedule of publication with a delayed spring edition, and we’re moving to an all-color magazine. We think you’ll like the new look and the new content. Just give us a few extra days this spring to get 2015 off to a great start. • What was Murray like a century ago? We’ll take a look at the world as it was in 1915, and we think you’ll be surprised at how little has changes — and how much is so very different.

Join the fun: submit your calendar notes or news items to murraylife@aol.com, or drop us a note at P.O. Box 894, Murray KY 42071. Photos are welcome, but they become property of Murray Life and return cannot be assured.

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[ ď&#x192;Ť ] seen around town

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[  ] dining guide Olive Pit Agave Mexican Restaurant 1203 Chestnut St. . . . . .(270) 761-9999

Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill 816 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 759-5551

August Moon 1550 Lowe’s Dr. . . . . . .(270) 759-4653

Baldy’s Grill 901 Coldwater Rd. . . . .(270) 762-0441

Big Apple Café 1005 Arcadia Circle . .(270) 759-8866

Burrito Shack

905 Mineral Wells Ave.(731) 642-5030 Paris, TN

Eagle Nest Marina & Dockside Bar and Grill 500 Eagle Nest Rd. . . .(731) 642-6192 Buchanan, TN

Shogun 706 N 12th St., Suite 9 (270) 761-7486

Kentucky Dam Village 166 Upper Village Dr. .(270) 362-4271 Gilbertsville, KY

The Keg 1051 N 16th St. . . . . . .(270) 762-0040

Meo Mio's The Willow Bistro 124 N. 15th St. . . . . . . .(270) 759-3233

Tom’s Grille

130 Tate Dr. . . . . . . . . . .(731) 407-4926 Buchanan, TN

Patti's 1880's Settlement

501 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-4521

1783 JH O'Bryan Avenue...(270) 362-8844 Grand Rivers, KY

Tumbleweed Southwest Grill 807 Walmart Dr. . . . . . .(270) 873-2300

Willow Pond Catfish Restaurant 16814 Hwy. 68 E. . . . .(270) 474-2202 Aurora, KY

214 North 15th St. . . .(270) 761-4444

GigaBites Deli 104 N. 15th St. . . . . . . .(270) 761-4335

Hibachi King 801 Walmart Dr.. . . . . .(270) 761-3889

HRH Dumplin’s 305B S. 12th St. . . . . . .(270) 753-0000

Jasmine Restaurant - Thai & Asian Cuisine 506 N. 12th St. Suite E (270) 761-8424

La Cocina Mexicana 501 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . .(270) 767-1627 Murray

La Cocina Mexicana 314 Main St. . . . . . . . . . (270) 492-6392 Hazel, KY

Los Portales 506 N. 12th St. . . . . . ...(270) 767-0315

Mr. J's Grill and Pub 200 N. 15th St.. . . . . . .(270) 753-3406

Aurora Landing Restaurant 542 Kenlake Rd. . . . . . .(270) 474-2211 Aurora, KY

Belew’s Dairy Bar US Highway 62 East . .(270) 492-1215 Aurora, KY

Ann’s Country Kitchen 318 Main St. . . . . . . . . .(270) 492-8195 Hazel, KY

Bad Bob’s Bar-B-Que 806 Chestnut St. . . . . . .(270) 767-0054

Brass Lantern 16593 Hwy. 68 E. . . . (270) 474-2773. Buchanan, TN

Cherokee Hills Ranch & Trading Post 1301 Cherokee Hills Drive....(731)232-6045. Aurora, KY

Cracker Barrel 650 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 762-0081

Domino’s Pizza 110A S. 12th St. . . . . . .(270) 753-3030

Holmes Family Restaurant

Cindy’s on the Barge 888 Kenlake Marina Ln.(270) 474-2245 Hardin, KY

1901 N. 12th St. . . . . . .(270) 767-0662

Hungry Bear 1310 Main St. . . . . . . . .(270) 753-7641

Cypress Springs Resort 2740 Cypress Trail . . . .(270) 436-5496 New Concord, KY

Laird’s Bar-B-Que 77 W. Main St. . . . . . . .(731) 247-3060 Puryear, TN

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[  ] dining guide Martha’s Restaurant 1407 N. 12th St. . . . . . .(270) 759-1648

Mary’s Kitchen 11205 Stadium View Dr..(270) 759-2036

Matt B’s Main Street Pizza 1411 Main St. . . . . . . . .(270) 759-1234

Mr. Gatti’s Pizza 804 Chestnut St. . . . . . .(270) 753-6656

Mugsy’s Hideout 410 Main St. . . . . . . . . .(270) 767-0020

Nick’s Family Sports Pub 614 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 762-0012

Pagliai’s Pizza 970 Chestnut St. . . . . . .(270) 753-2975

Papa John’s Pizza 656 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-6666

Pizza Hut 1113 Chestnut St. . . . . .(270) 759-4646

Pizza Pro 1304 Chestnut St . . . . .(270) 767-1199

Renfro’s Hih Burger Inn 413 S. 4th St. . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-1155

Rudy’s, “On the Square” 104 S. 5th St. . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-1632

Sirloin Stockade 922 S. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-0440

Captain D’s

Pitstop BBQ

700 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-9383

Cook-Out

62393 121 Kentucky ...(270) 759-7001

Qdoba

205 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-7101

Culver’s

618 North 12th St. . . . .(270) 767-0300

Sammon’s Bakery

818 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 761-2858

Dairy Queen

974 Chestnut St. . . . . . .(270) 753-5434

Sonic Drive-In

1303 Main St. . . . . . . . .(270) 753-4925

Dunkin’ Donuts

217 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . .(270) 759-9885

Subway

302 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 761-3865

622 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-7827

Taco Bell

Fazoli’s 507 Rushing Road. . . . .(270) 761-5555

402 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-8758

Taco John’s

Fidalgo Bay Coffee Shop 1201 Payne St. . . . . . . . .(270) 761-4800

1100 Chestnut St. . . . .(270) 753-9697

Victor’s Sandwiches

Fifth & Main Coffees 100 S. 5th St. . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-1622

1301 W. Main St. . . . . .(270) 753-7715

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers

Hardee’s 505 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-3246

1111 Chestnut St. . . . . .(270) 759-4695

Wild Mountain Bakery

Little Caesar’s Pizza 500 S 12th St. . . . . . . . .(270) 761-7777

412 Main St.. . . . . . . . . .(270) 761-9453

Yogurt Your Weigh

McDonald’s 107 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-5548

1304 Chestnut St. . . . . .(270) 761-7564

Zaxby’s

Murray Donuts 506 B North 12th St. . . .(270) 761-1818

1209 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . .(270) 792-2375

Penn Station East Coast Subs 110 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . .(270) 761-7366

Spanky’s 9505 Hwy. 641 N. . . .(731) 247-5527 Puryear, TN

The Station Burger Co. 604 N. 12th St.. . . . . . .(270) 761-3473

Tom’s Pizza 506-A N. 12th St. . . . . .(270) 753-9411

Backyard Burgers 801 Paramount Dr. . . . .(270) 759-2480

Boulders 317 Chestnut St. . . . . . . .(270) 761-9727

Burger King 814 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 759-8266

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[  ] calendar of events The Murray Life Calendar of Events is graciously provided by the Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau. The CVB is your source for information on everything from dining, shopping, recreation and fun in the community to relocation. Learn more at www.tourmurray.com.

and Joann and Bill Rogers will host visitors.

Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

december 15 - 20 (weekends only)

Festival of Lights

nov. 2 - jan. 1 Enjoy a show of hundreds of thousands of lights as you drive through Central Park. Admission is free, but a canned good donation is appreciated. Call 270-762-0325 for more information.

Kappa Tour of Home

november 30 The Kappa Department of the Murray Woman’s Club will host its 34rd Annual Holiday Tour of Homes two weeks early this year on Sunday, November 30, from 1 until 4 pm. Proceeds from this year’s tour will be given to the Playhouse in the Park and to the Murray Woman’s Club Heritage Fund. The tour will feature three homes that are all a feast for the eye: Shelley Todd, Mallory Evans

Playhouse in the Park presents Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells. First grader Junie B. Jones is having a tough Christmas - when she draws a name for Secret Santa it ends up being her enemy! Junie B. will steal your heart, and brighten your spirits in this laugh-out-loud production. For more information call Playhouse in the Park at 270-759-1752 or visit playhouseinthepark.net to purchase tickets.

Dickens’ Alley

december 5 - 6 Murray Main Street’s biggest event provides free family activities and crafts along with the lighting of the community Christmas tree. Enjoy cookie decorating, making letters to Santa and carriage rides. Start the holiday off with a free concert by the Town & Gown Community Band at the First Baptist Church on Saturday, December 7. More information on Main Street Merriment can be found by calling Murray Main Street at 270-759-9474.

Rotary Christmas Parade

december 6 Thousands of people line Main Street during the annual Rotary Christmas Parade. Celebrate the joy of the season by attending

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this event with the whole family. Churches, businesses and organizations all enter holidaythemed floats. The parade route begins at 10th and Main Streets and ends in the Briggs and Stratton parking lot. Call 270753-5171 for more information on the parade.

Murray State University Graduation

december 13 CFSB Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m Traffic will be heavy on the northern end of town until around 2 p.m. Several hundred graduates are expected to receive degrees. The actual ceremony begins at 9:55 with the presentation of the colors and the ceremonial entry of the college banners and shields, and will conclude around noon. However, students and families throng the main floor of MSU’s CFSB Center for a long time, bidding farewell to old friends, taking photos, and celebrating the moment. All of Murray celebrates with them. For more information visit murraystate.edu.

Murray Mass Christian Choir

december 21 Sunday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. in Lovett Auditorium church’s from surrounding areas will have a presentation that is free to the public. For more information contact Mike Crook at 270-2934918.

West Kentucky Boat Show

january 9 - 11 CFSB Center The 31st annual West Kentucky Boat Show will feature outdoor recreation vendors from across the region and state. This year’s trade show will also include outdoor seminars and a kid’s area. Admission is free. For more information on the boat show, call 270-492-6477.

Every Day in Murray The West Kentucky/Wrather Museum Preserving the visual and emotional traditions of the Jackson Purchase Area. Located at North 16th Street and University Drive on the campus of Murray State University, the museum is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. handicap access. For more information, call 270.809.4771.

The Cheri Theater Murray has a seven-screen movie theater located on Chestnut Street. For a list of current movies and times, please call 270.753.3314 or visit www.moviesinmurray.com.

Murray State University’s Fine Arts

AQHA

The University presents a variety of performances form dance to plays, from symphonies to choir concerts. For current information, call 270.809.ARTS.

january 9 - 11

The Clara M. Eagle Gallery at Murray State University

Bill Cherry Expo Center Event details can be found by calling 270-809-3125.

The gallery offers a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, from student artwork to national tours. Art ranges from drawing to sculpture, from photography to multimedia. For more information, please call 270.809.6734.

Murray State University Opens for Spring Semester

january 10 - 12 The faculty, staff and students of Murray State will resume their regular routine with the start of classes on Jan. 12. Students will return to student housing and local apartments over the weekend. All University offices will have been open for a week by that time, but the traffic will be a bit more hectic over the weekend, and streets and stores will be a little more crowded. Welcome home, MSU.

Playhouse in the Park Calloway County’s 30-year-old community theatre. Playhouse presents a variety of plays throughout the year. For detailed information, please call 270.759.1752

The Murray Art Guild A nonprofit organization that offers workshops and exhibitions for children and adults. Stop by and see some of the area artists at work. The Guild is located in downtown Murray at 500N. 4th Street. For additional information, please call 270.753.4059.

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[  ] calendar of events Antique Tractor Show

january 16 - 17 Bill Cherry Expo Center Event details can be found by calling 270-809-3125.

Lunch with the Eagles River-Cruise

january 17 - 19

Scottish heritage and culture recreates two centuries of wintertime observations of the the birth of Robert Burns, Scotland’s Poet Laureate. The sound of bagpipes fills the hall as diners are treated to traditional Scottish fare, including haggis, ‘neeps and ‘tatties, and finished with a “tipsy trifle.” Rounds of toasts conclude with the toast to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, and the evening ends with song, story and the singing of Burn’s own “Auld Lang Syne.” Warms a winter evening like nothing else. Reservations are required, and can be made by email to: wkhighlandsociety@gmail.com

Kenlake State Resort Park Step on-board the CQ Princess for a guided eagle-viewing experience while you relax in the comforts of a luxury yacht. Cruise down Kentucky Lake and enjoy brunch, and scan the shores for Bald Eagles. LBL staff will tell the story of the Bald Eagle's recovery and be available to help spot wildlife and answer questions during the trip. The cost is $60 per person and registration is limited. Reservations and full deposits are required. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space.

Motocross

Truck and Tractor Pull

february 2

january 23 - 23 Bill Cherry Expo Center Event details can be found by calling 270-809-3125.

Burns Nicht: Robert Burns Birthday

january 25 This annual celebration of

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Holiday Edition

january 30 - 31 Bill Cherry Expo Center Event details can be found by calling 270-809-3125.

our groundhogs will still be sleeping off the excitement of Burns Nicht. For further information, you may contact The Groundhog Club, 200 W. Mahoning St. Suite 1, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.

International Day of Reprieve

february 13 Last day for men to realize the Valentine’s Day is tomorrow. Murray jewelers, florists, and vendors of fine candies (check your local drug store) will be on hand to help out with last minute suggestions. If you’re really in trouble, check with local automobile dealers. May we recommend gift certificates to local spas (we have some great ones) or a break from cooking at a nice Murray restaurant? See our Dining Guide in this issue, or online for our latest suggestions.

Valentine’s Day Groundhog Day This is the day when the entire city of Punxsutawney, Penn., turns out to see if their pet groundhog, known as “Punxsutawney Phil,” will see his shadow, return to his den, and thereby signal “six more weeks of winter.” In Kentucky, the average daytime temperature will be as much as six degrees higher than January, and most of

february 14 Chuck Todd, MSU Presidential Lecture

february 24 Chuck Tood, the moderator of NBC’s Meet the Press will present the 2015 Presidential Lecture in Lovett Auditorium on the campus of Murray State University. For information, visit the University’s office webiste at www.murraystate.edu.

[  ] nature

Are Reindeer Real? by: Murray Life Staff

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer Had a very shiny nose And if you ever saw it You would even say it glowed …

Santa, after all. Here are the top seven reasons why Santa chose reindeer to pull his sleigh:

#1: Reindeer do indeed really exist in nature. ost of us grow up hearing all about Santa and his reindeer. The reindeer pull Santa’s sleigh as he travels to the houses of all of the boys and girls on Christmas Eve. Some of us even left treats for Santa’s reindeer alongside our plate of cookies for the jolly man himself.

But did you ever stop and wonder . . . what are reindeer, really? Do reindeer really exist in nature? And if so, of all the animals out there in the world, why would Santa choose them to pull his sleigh? Why not sled dogs? Or horses? As it turns out, Santa is a very wise man who has chosen his beasts of burden well. But that should not surprise us. He is

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Existence is a pretty fundamental requirement for being a good beast of burden, and luckily it turns out that reindeer meet the test. Reindeer are a species of deer that live in northern regions of North America, Europe, Asia, and Greenland. Typically, people call the ones in Europe and Asia “reindeer,” while we call those in North America “caribou.” (People also usually call those kept in captivity “reindeer” as well, no matter where they live.) Even though we call these animals by different names, they are all the same species, Rangifer tarandus.

#2: Santa could “shop local” for his reindeer. As we all know, Santa lives at the North Pole, with Mrs. Santa and

Smart “reindeer,

Santa chose which had already been trained to work for people.

”

– Murray Life Staff

his elves. Guess who else lives near there? You got it . . . reindeer! They live in the Arctic region. When Santa was first designing his travel system, he might have looked around to survey his options for sleighpullers: Polar Bears? Too dangerous? Whales? Can’t walk on land. Walruses? Too lazy. Reindeer? Ahh … perfect! And so it was.

#3: They excel at traveling long distances. Wild reindeer make some of the longest migrations of any land animal on earth: over 3000 miles! To reach all of the homes of all the girls and boys, Santa definitely needs sleigh-pullers that can

trusty reindeer can pull him right across.

#7: They can fly, of course!

travel far. In reindeer, he has chosen the best in the business.

#4: They have the right feet for the job. Reindeer have some pretty special feet. Like other kinds of deer, reindeer have hooves, which are actually large toes covered in a horn-like coating. But reindeer hooves are different than other deer’s hooves. First of all, they are hairy. This hairiness not only helps to keep them warm, but it also gives them a better grip on slippery surfaces like mud, snow, and ice. Second, they are really big. These big, flat hooves act like snowshoes, letting the reindeer sort of skate on top of the snow, just like people do when they are snowshoeing. Third, and most amazingly, they change texture in different conditions. In summer, their hooves are spongy, helping them walk in soft muddy marshes, which is what many parts of the Arctic are like in summer. But in winter, their hooves harden and grow sharp edges, so that reindeer can dig into and stomp through snow and ice.

#5: They are used to working for people. People in northern Europe and Asia domesticated reindeer over 3,000 years ago. Some historians believe they might have even been domesticated as long as 7000 years ago! Today, they are still herded by Arctic peoples in Scandinavia, Russia, and other northern places. They are used as beasts of burden, as well as farmed for their milk and meat. Imagine if Santa tried to train wild wolves, polar bears, or moose to pull his sleigh! Smart Santa chose reindeer, which had already been trained to work for people.

Well, okay, we can’t find any documented evidence of reindeer actually getting airborne, but we’re pretty sure they can. With a top speed of 50 miles per hour, reindeer practically fly as they run across the snow. I mean, once they’re going 50 miles per hour, it seems pretty likely that they could launch themselves and Santa into the sky. Everyone knows that Santa and his reindeer fly through the air on Christmas Eve. Just because Wikipedia doesn’t mention this detail in the section on reindeer natural history doesn’t mean it isn’t true. Right? There you have it. In his choice of reindeer to carry his sleigh, Santa has proven himself, unsurprisingly, to be a savvy employer. He has chosen the perfect sleigh-pullers for his important job. So this Christmas Eve, rest assured that Santa and his sleigh are in good hands (or hooves). And if you want to leave some treats for Santa’s reindeer along with your plate of cookies, keep in mind that their favorite foods are moss, lichens, ferns, and fungi. s

#6: Rivers pose no barriers to reindeer. Reindeer are excellent swimmers. And not just across small ponds and creeks. They can cross wide, rushing rivers with no problem. With reindeer, Santa never has to worry about getting delayed if a bridge is out. His

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[  ] home improvement

New Year, New Bugs by: Murray Life Staff

hile it’s common for most Americans to participate in some sort of a "New Year, New You" resolution at the beginning of each year, those same practices and habits should be applied to one of your most valuable assets; your home.

However, when it comes to your property, there are a few common problems that could be eating away at its value. One of the most overlooked areas of maintenance of a home is termite and pest control. Pest control is the process of minimizing or removing a wide range of undesirable insects and other pests from spaces occupied by people. The actual process can take place in the home, in a place of business or in a public building. Some of the most common pests in our area include ants, rats and mice, roaches, spiders, mosquitos, bed bugs and one of the most terrifying pests of all; termites. Fox News reports that mold, a bad foundation, roof damage and faulty wiring are some of the issues that could really break the bank with repairs. But, many people forget about termites, a silent, woodeating pest that can cause serious and costly damage to a home in a matter of weeks. Unfortunately, termites are responsible for more than $5 billion in property damage every year. Worse still, is the fact that damage caused by termites is

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not usually covered by homeowners' insurance policies.

Termites are often called ““silent destroyers,” since

U.S. homeowners spend billions of dollars each year for control methods and repairs for damage caused by pests; especially termites. Termites are wooddestroying insects can live in the soil underground and inside wooden structures.

they can thrive inside your home without noticeable signs of damage.

Termites are often called “silent destroyers,” since they can thrive inside your home without noticeable signs of damage. Unfortunately, once termite activity is visible, your home may have already sustained significant damage from these pests. Owing to their wood-eating habits, many termite species can do great damage to unprotected buildings and other wooden structures. Their habit of remaining concealed often

”

– Murray Life Staff

results in their presence being undetected until the timbers are severely damaged and exhibit surface changes. Once termites have entered a building, they do not limit themselves to wood; they also damage paper, cloth, carpets, and other cellulosic materials. Particles taken from soft plastics, plaster, rubber, and sealants such as silicone rubber and acrylics are often employed in gallery construction. Nests are commonly built underground, in large pieces of

timber, inside fallen trees, or atop living trees. Some species build nests above ground, and they can develop into mounds. Homeowners need to be careful of tree stumps that have not been dug up. These are prime candidates for termite nests and being close to homes, termites usually end up destroying the siding and sometimes even wooden beams. When termites have already penetrated a building, the first action is usually to destroy the colony with insecticides before removing the termites' means of access and fixing the problems that encouraged them in the first place. Baits (feeder stations) with small quantities of disruptive insect hormones or other very slow-acting toxins have become the preferred, least-toxic management tool in most western countries. The best method of termite control is to avoid water accumulation near the home's foundation. Therefore, the National Pest Management Association encourages homeowners to take some time to inspect the foundation of the house for mud tubes or areas of accumulated water. However, if a termite infestation is suspected, contact a licensed pest professional to inspect and treat the problem. To help protect your home, contact a qualified termite expert to provide annual inspections and treatment, when necessary. Trained experts know all about termites, including their biology, behavior, signs of activity and prevention and control techniques. If you think you already have a termite infestation or would like more information on preventative maintenance, you can contact Servall Pest Control at 270-753-6433. s

THE TERMITE Color: Length: Species: Habitat:

Lifespan: Diet: Source: The Regents of the University of Michigan

Light-Colored .28â&#x20AC;?-to-.59â&#x20AC;? 41 in the U.S. Dark & Damp areas 20 years Cellulose from wood

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[ $ ] the last word

The Season of Stories by: ‫‏‬Robert Valentine

s the days grow short and we huddle closer to the fire in the evening, stories will be told. Whether we group around a fire or savor one of the last few warm evenings on the porch or patio, the feeling is the same: the seasons are changing; tell us a tale.

Among the tales of mystery and bravery are the mundane and the commonplace. From the nobility of the hardy Pilgrims to the goodnatured legends of ghosts and changelings, this is surely a season of stories that can change lives. But, to me, the most important are the stories of your own family. As people gather from different cities, or even different nations, we have a chance to hear their stories and to make them ours. We shouldn’t miss the opportunity. If you are of my generation (the one which remembers Eisenhower, polio shots, and Ozzie and Harriett), ask yourself: How many times did I long to leave the Thanksgiving dinner table, but was forced to sit and listen as Grandpa retold the tale of the day he came home from war? How badly did I wish to escape another reliving of the trip to Louisville (“and there were no four-lane highways back then, I can tell you”) that took four days, or of the Blizzard of ’32 and all its tangential legends of survival (“and we had to melt snow for drinking water!”).

cellphones, believing in its omniscience and the power of its youthful wisdom. Essential? Absolutely. If you can remember the Jack Benny Show, or when Johnny Carson took over for Jack Paar, then you are old enough to realize that all those stories make up your life. Grandma’s stories of loneliness during the absences of war give you the courage to go on; Uncle Bill’s tales of making hard decisions for the good of family give you the wisdom you now have – and you didn’t even have to make the mistakes to learn from them. Our family stories, so often told at seasonal gatherings, are the stuff of our very lives. They should not be missed so that we can play a video game, go to a mall, or spend mute moments together watching television. Those things are not your family; those things do not know your story. If you doubt me, ask yourself: Is there someone whose story you would wish to hear again, but cannot? What would you give to hear once more that story of

Boring? Certainly, or so they seemed then. Relevant? No, not at all to a generation armed with

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Dad’s proposal to Mom, or of Great Aunt Amelia’s first job as a riveter in a armored tank factory? You can’t hear those voices any more, except in memory. Now, you realize that hearing the story every year at Homecoming was not enough, even though you thought you knew it by heart. Now, you realize it is a precious part of your being and you want more of it, but it is far too late to do anything about that. As the fire dies down, tell the story. Don’t worry about fidgeting feet or bored expressions, and don’t wait until you think you can make the story better than anything on TV. Just tell the story. Someday, perhaps years from now, the flicker of a candle or the crunch of a leaf underfoot will awaken a memory of your story and a life will change forever. Well, that’s my story. Now, it’s your turn s