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Coming of Age Residents of Kirksey

Fort Heiman:

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The Battle for Fort Donelson Larry Ray

New to the Neighborhood John Pollpeter

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

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

Guess What Trivia Quiz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Paige Graves

Pet Pause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Kathy Hodge

A Laughing Matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Paige Graves

Summer at the Junction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Andrew Dundee

Romance by the Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Paige Graves

Homes for the Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Jamie Helton

Lovely Leftovers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Caina Lynch

Past Meets Present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Kathleen Burnham

Two Tickets and Popcorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 John Pasco

A Christmas Story. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Anonymous

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

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 What’s Happening & Where

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

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VOLUME 20 - NUMBER 5 - HOLIDAY 2013 Printed in the USA www.mymurraylife.com .........................................................................

Publisher Robert Valentine Sales Director Amy Gannon Associate Managing Editor Paige Graves Art Director Justin B. Kimbro, K-Squared Designs, LLC Assistant Art Director Amanda G. Newman, K-Squared Designs, LLC Production Devin Perkins | Amber Hyde Editorial Staff Paige Graves | Caina Lynch | Robert Valentine Internet Consultant Justin B. Kimbro, Limelight Design Company, LLC Staff Photography Justin B. Kimbro | Caina Lynch Terry Little | W. Gross Magee | Chris Ray Contributing Writers Ron Arant | Erin Carrico | Brooke Gilley Paige Graves | C. M. “Pete� Lancaster 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.

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[ $ ] the first word

Here We Go, Again by: Robert A. Valentine

And, tho’ it’s cold, it seems sublime To start all over one more time.

– Anonymous t is hard to believe that our crew has been presenting a holiday edition of Murray Life Magazine since the year 2000. We were reminded of that recently when someone asked for a back issue that carried a favorite story. It can from 2003, and it was the 14h or 15th issue of the magazine. We’re about to begin our 15th year of celebrating Murray, Calloway County and our neighbors and friends.

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We will do it, of course, in the usual way. We like to salute all the holidays, from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day, for it will be late February before we see you again. Our region is blessed by active newspapers that keep us well informed about the day-today events: The “Ledger,” “The PI,” “The Trib,” “The Sun” and “The Messenger” and. as Thanksgiving approaches, we’re thankful for that.

A magazine is not a newspaper; it stays on the coffee table longer, but it’s content is not “the news of the day.” A magazine may take months to create a story, free from the 24-hour deadline cycle, but it won’t give you the obituaries, the ball scores, or the church directory.

And newspapers still carry comic strips, the last vestige of a civilized society.

Still, we’ve had great fun and met many remarkable people, and we look forward to another 15 years of the same interesting, surprise-filled routine.

We cannot sufficiently thank our many friends for their support, from Alice Rouse and her staff at the Ledger who are generous in their sharing of photos and information, to the folks

at Copy Plus who produce the magazines, to the many advertisers who use our pages to communicate to their customers and prospects, and to our subscribers and Facebook friends who keep us informed and inspire us to do it all again.

We won’t mention Justin Kimbro, Amanda Newman and the gang at K2DS, or Erin Carrico at the CVB, or Ron Arant, Kathy Hodge, John Pasco, Jamie Helton and our irregular contributors, such as John Pollpeter and all the naturalists at LBL’s Nature Station. After all, you don’t have to thank family, do you?

In so saying, we welcome a new writer in this issue: Kate Burnham has written a reflection on her Sunday afternoon with the Murray DAR and the Henson Family that will touch your heart.

Larry Ray offers yet another look at Calloway’s only Civil War site, Fort Heiman, and we’ll deliver the usual dose of dining guides, calendars, jokes, facts, fun and fancy. ‘Tis the season, as they say.

So, from Paige and Caina and Amy and Vicki and Bob, thanks for a good year of living in the Friendliest Town. May you and yours enjoy the happiest of holidays as you prepare to write another chapter in your own Murray Life. s

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[  ] notes & neighbors

Have a Murray Christmas Let us be the first to say it: It pays to shop at home. We are nearing a month-long season of shopping for gifts, the stuff of festive meals and celebrations, and for the start of another calendar full of life. Let’s not get too far from home, shall we?

Sure: it’s fun to make a day trip to Paducah, Nashville or Memphis; it’s easy and sometimes seems less expensive to buy gifts online or out of a catalogue. But let us make the case for shopping at home.

First, you can get service, make an easy exchange, or get help with sizing or operation. Murray is filled with stores and shops staffed by people who know the

product and who value your business. The have the expertise and the desire to go the extra mile to make your life easier.

Second, you’re already here.

Granted: we have no Macy’s or Dillard’s, but you’d be surprised at the fashions, housewares and technology available right next door. As we pointed out earlier this year, people from all over the Four Rivers regions travel to Murray to shop – and it happens every day. Why not save the gas?

Finally, Murray dollars mean a great deal. Supporting your neighbors with your trade puts more money into the local economy, adds tax support to schools, roads and

infrastructure, and helps build that local friendliness of which Murray is nationally famous.

We probably don’t need to mention that the several advertisers in Murray Life have proven their friendliness and good reputations. Many of our local artisans have national reputations and all offer very special gifts and gift ideas – just ask!

So, get out and see the sights.

Meet your friends as they browse the bargains. Look for that special present and, when you find it right here, remember that you’re giving a gift to all of us – and to yourself – when you have a Murray Christmas. s

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[  ] notes & neighbors

Errata remembrances of childhood days in Calloway County.

“Errata” is a plural word; it refers to more than one thing.

Our dictionary defines it as “a list of corrected errors appended to a book or published in a subsequent issue of a journal.” Well, this is the journal.

apologize to them and to our readers for our haste and our inattention. s

Then, in an artful move with the first finger of the left hand, we changed the name of the First Lady of Murray State, Patsy Miller, into “Parsy.” We’ve never known anyone of that name, and we bet you haven’t either. If you noticed it, you probably made the adjustment, and knew of whom we were writing at the moment.

In our Homecoming edition, we committed at least two errors of proofreading and editing by failing to catch the errors we had already made in spelling.

Both were in the same article, “Growing Up in Murray.” First, we spelled Dr. Debbie Owens’ name as “Owen.” We were mentioning her kindness in referring the whole idea of a series of articles about

There are some people whose names probably deserve to be misspelled in print, but these two gracious ladies are not on that list, and we

On the Cover Art Director Justin Kimbro selected this beautiful salute to the season to serve as our Christmas card to all our subscribers, readers and friends.

We hope it conveys the wonder, the thankfulness and the hope for the new year we should all be feeling.

In this issue of Murray Life, we continue a new series of articles: “Coming of Age in Calloway.” We hope to preserve and display a number of memories of growing up in this area – memories which grow more precious every day as more and more of our “living history books” leave us.

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So, we’ll need your help. Whether you grew up on the Depression, during the heyday of Rock ‘n’ Roll, or during the day when every kid has a cellphone, we’d like to read your special memory of growing up. From New Concord to Lynn Grove, from Cherry Corner to Almo and all the farms and places in between, your story matters.

It’s the memories of growing up that matter here, and we’ll give you good examples as you read further. Please help us spread the word and collect the memories, and join us for our visit to childhood in Hazel in our Spring Edition of 2014. s

[  ] notes & neighbors

Rerun Alert In the spirit of full disclosure, we should tell you that our “Last Word” essay (page 60) is not new. “Stubborn” first appeared in Murray Life in the Holiday issue, 2007. After its debut in these pages, it showed up again in a collection of Bob Valentine’s essays and short stories titled “Seasons” as part of trio of short pieces centering on the Christmas story. Since then, it has been presented live and read aloud at a number of holiday gatherings and church services.

The latest occasion of its sharing will be on WKMS-FM as part of the seasonal offerings for with our local NPR affiliate is well known. Stay tuned!

Over the years, we’ve had a number of requests for a reprise of the story, and we’re happy to do so. May your journey through the holiday season be a happy and meaningful one. s

Breaking the Code: 270/364 Our area has seen some major changes in the last few years, but it is our hope that the area code change coming to our region won’t put much of a hitch in your giddy up. Effective February 1, 2014, 10-digit dialing – the appropriate area code (270 or 364) plus the sevendigit telephone number – will be necessary for local

and expanded local calls to be completed. It will not be necessary to dial a “1” or a “0” when dialing

your local and expanded local calls.

The reason for this change is there is a growing need for new numbers. Though home phones aren’t as popular as they once were, society continues to sign up for cell phones, pagers, modems, and other services that have diminished the supply of phone numbers. The good news is, your existing number won’t change. Only new telephone numbers within the area code region will c h a n g e from 270 to 364.

270 and 364 will share the same geographic area, but not all

the phones in the area will have the same Area Code. The only real change is how you dial local calls in the 270 region: If your neighbor used to be 753-0000, she’s now 270-753-0000. Dial ‘em all.

This means that you may have a 270 Area Code and your next-door neighbor may have a 364 Area Code. That may seem confusing for a while, but just imagine how grandmother felt when they invented Area Codes instead of just telling the Operator, “Hello, Gladys; I’d like to call Pittsburg, Tuxedo 6-2545. Please call me back when you get the connection.”

For the time being, just assume everyone’s number starts with 270 until you wake some poor guy at 3 a.m. who has almost the same number as your fishing buddy.

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[ ď‚Ş ] guess what

Holiday Tradition by: Paige Graves We don't doubt your holidays are loaded with tradition, and we hope your plates will be loaded, too. So where did those traditions come from, anyway? Possibly your mom and dad, or maybe from several generations before. We've done some sleuthing in the name of the holiday spirit: let’s see how much you know about what we are about to enjoy. Answers are on p. 19, but no peeking!

1. What did the American Ralph E. Morris invent?

A. Christmas ornaments B. Sleigh bells C. Christmas lights D. Fruitcake

A. 1870 B. 1860 C. 1798 D. 1780

2. What year did the Pilgrims celebrate the first Thanksgiving?

A. 1622 B. 1672 C. 1652 D. 1621

3. The first department store to hold a Thanksgiving parade was: A. Montgomery Wards B. J.C. Penney's C. Gimbel's D. Macy's

4. In many places, the coming of the New Year is celebrated by singing the traditional Scottish song "Auld Lang Syne". What does "auld lang syne" mean?

A. Happy New Year's B. Another year gone by C. Till we meet again D. Old long ago

5. What is the Jewish New Year called?

A. Yom Kippur B. Rosh Hashanah C. Hanukah D. Bar Mitzvah

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6. What year did the U.S. government declare Christmas a federal holiday?

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7. Which Christmas song did Jimmy Boyd make famous when he was just 13 years old?

A. Santa Claus is Coming to Town B. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus C. Jingle Bells D. Silent Night

8. Before it became fashionable to give chocolates and flowers, what was the traditional gift given by a man to a woman on St. Valentine's Day? A. Hand carved wooden spoon B. A family heirloom C. Gloves D. Pottery

9. Which one of America's Founding Fathers thought the turkey should be the national bird of the United States?

A. Abraham Lincoln B. Thomas Jefferson C. George Bush D. Benjamin Franklin

10. In which of Shakespeare's plays does he refer to Valentine's Day? A. Hamlet B. Twelfth Night C. Romeo and Juliet D. Antony and Cleopatra

[  ] 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

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

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

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

Jarvis Vision Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Northwood Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

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

K-Squared Designs, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carson Center

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

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

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

Computer Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

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

Robert Billington, Jr. & Assoc. Insurance . . .13

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

MidSouth Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

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

Ezell’s Cosmetology School . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Murray Auto Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

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

Dr. Young & Dr. Hoffman Family Dentistry . . . .4

Murray Bank, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

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

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

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

Urology Associates, H.S. Jackson, MD . . . .19

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

Murray-Calloway Co. Hospital . . .Outside Back

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

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

Murray Electric System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

West Wood Wine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

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

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

WKMS FM

Highway 80 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

WK&T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59

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

Murray State University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

WNBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

[  ] coming soon ...

2013 may be on the way out, but we’re already thinking “2014.” Our next edition will usher in the springtime with some old stories and some new insights into your Murray Life.

• You’re only a short drive from Calloway County’s only official civil war site, and the Spring will be a great time to take a final look at Fort Heiman. Larry Ray concludes his literary tour of Fort Heiman with a close examination of the present site and its importance to modern Calloway Countians.

• It will be almost time to get out there and experience the great outdoors. After you take in the outdoor wonders of spring in the LBL on the new Central Hardwoods Trail, head north on the Trace to see the feathered friends who like to hang out near Kentucky Dam. Our friends from The Nature Station will fill you in on which birds are there, why, and what they do.

• What was it like to grow up around here in the 1930s? In the 50s? The 80s? We continue our series on “Growing up in Calloway” with a look at Hazel through the eyes of children from times gone by. We still need your help: do you have a fond memory of childhood in these parts? From Lynn Grove to Dexter; from Faxon to Stella to Wiswell to New Concord, we’d like to hear from you.

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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[

 ] pet pause Love on the Fairway by: Rachel Gage

very adoption story is a happy one. Nothing warms the heart more than a furry friend finally finding a loving home and those special people finding the furry friend to complete their family. However, there are adoption stories that fill your heart even more than usual and for those of us at the Humane Society of Calloway County, Fairway’s story is definitely one of those.

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Fairway is a boxer/lab mix who was found by one of our volunteers, Tom Rottinghaus on the fairway of hole number 2 at the Oaks Country Club in early July.

Thinking he might have a home and was just visiting the Country Club for company during the day, Rottinghaus and others at the Country Club watched out for the sweet dog, enjoying his company during their rounds of golf, giving him rides on the golf carts, and

even slipping him treats along the way.

Rottinghaus notified the Humane Society about Fairway and made sure Found Dog alerts were sent out by e-mail and Facebook. It soon became obvious that Fairway’s home had indeed become the golf course and his family, the kind folks there who looked out for him.

Once the humane society realized this they quickly found Fairway a foster home so that he could begin the process of finding his forever home. Fairway was taken in by Jennie and Tom Rottinghaus, the same people that took care of Fairway while he was living on the golf course. The Rottinghaus’ fell in love with Fairway’s beaming and sweet personality. “We both love that silly dog very much,” said Jennie. Fairway quickly became a hit with the Humane society staff, volunteers and friends of the Rottinghaus’.

Mora Hoyle of Paducah, Ky., recently had to put down her boxer who had come to live with her a few years ago. “He was the best fellow I ever knew…he loved me more than anyone else”, says Hoyle.

Knowing that she could never replace him, she knew there had to be another dog with a similar kindred soul out there somewhere, so she began her search for another boxer to rescue. Hoyle says she knew Fairway was the one when

Fairway

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she saw him on the Humane Society’s Petfinder page. Hoyle sent in her application for adoption immediately and once she was approved she made an appointment to meet Fairway. It was apparent right away that Fairway had found his forever family. Everyone knew the match was perfect. “It was obvious from the fact that he jumped readily into [Hoyle’s] vehicle that he loved [her] very much, which couldn’t have thrilled us more,” said Jennie Rottinghaus.

The adjustment was an easy one for Fairway. With his sweet and loving personality, he gets along with everyone, whether it be human or one of Hoyle’s two other small older dogs. Hoyle says that Fairway “sleeps beside my bed every night and wakes me in the morning with dog kisses.” Fairway gets along with everyone and makes everyone

feel at ease and comfortable when Hoyle brings him along to work.

Of course Fairway is still a puppy, so his favorite activities are still chewing and playing. He loves car rides, no matter how far they are and doesn’t seem to have a worry in the world about where they are going. Hoyle said they found a dog park near her Hoyle says she knew work in Paducah, which has Fairway was the one when become a favorite for the both on him saw she of them. Once the doggie day care just down the road from the Humane Society’s her office opens in a few Petfinder page weeks, Fairway will spend the days there while Hoyle is at – Rachel Gage work.

“

”

One of Hoyle’s favorite comedic memories with Fairway is when her son brought home pork chop sandwiches from BBQ on the river in September. After laying down one of the sandwiches next to her friend, Hoyle explains that the sandwich didn’t last long with Fairway there and “needless to say, I had to end up sharing mine with her [friend]!”

As pesky as dogs may be at times, they can truly be the light of your household. Making the Hoyle families’ life a bit brighter and a bit happier is exactly what Fairway has done in his forever home.

When you’re looking for your next feline or canine friend to complete your family, be sure to check out the pets for adoption at the Humane Society or your local animal shelter or rescue. You can reach us at 270-759-1884 or humanesociety@murray-ky.net or on Facebook or you can visit our office at the Weaks Community Center, 607 Poplar Street, Murray. Our website at www.ForThePets.org has a complete calendar of events, animals for adoption and details on all the Humane Society’s programs. s

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[  ] a laughing matter

Hoot, Man; Hoot! by: Murray Life Staff

January 25th is the birthday of the great Scottish poet, Robert Burns.

He gave us not only “Auld Lang Syne” to sing each New Year’s Eve, but such bits of wisdom as “The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray.” His fellow countrymen, however, have left us plenty of jokes and humorous tales about “the thrift Scots” and other laughing matters.

Uncle Angus passed away, and Aunt Janet when down to the newspaper to put in an obituary. When she was told it was 50 cents per word, she said, "Put it: 'Uncle Angus died.'"

A man may have bagpipes, and he may have many friends, but seldom both. ......................................................

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

The bagpiper is the symbol of Scotland, but pipe music is not for everyone. Here are some of the cruel jokes told about the poor, put-upon piper.

Aunt Janet told Uncle Angus that he would have to give up the Scotch whisky, so he did. Then, in the next week, he came across some receipts that had come in the post:

How can you tell if the piper has perfect pitch?

He can pitch it into the pond on the first try.

£30 for cosmetics £75 for a cut ‘n color £15 for a manicure £20 for a pedicure £25 for vitamins and skin minerals £170 for clothes £350 for a membership at the health spa

Why is the piper always marching when he plays?

He’s trying to get away from the noise.

The Editor smiled at her Scottish attempt at economy, but was forced to remind her that, “There is a minimum of seven words.” She thought for a moment and said, “Put it: ‘Uncle Angus died; golf clubs for sale.’” .......................................................

How can you tell if the piper is a perfect gentleman?

He won’t play.

How many Scotsmen does it that to change a lightbulb?

Four: One to pour the whisky, two the play the bagpipes, and one to tell some woman “the bloody licht is nae workin’.”

UNCLE ANGUS AND THE PROHIBITION

“Janet, Lass,” he says, “Why do I have to give up the whisky and you can still indulge yourself in all these things?”

Says Janet, herself, she needed all that stuff to look pretty for him.

“Look pretty!?!” says he. “That’s what the whisky was for!”

And when he woke up . . . .......................................................

A Brace of Auld Scottish Adages: Empty barrels make the most noise.

If you buy quality, you only cry once.

Never ascribe to an evil mind what may be as easily ascribed to an empty one.

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Jock was complaining about his neighbor to Sandy. “At half past two yestermorning, ma neighbor comes a-bangin’ on ma door, like to raise the dead. Half past two, mind you! Lucky for me I was still up practicing my bagpipe, so he didn’t interrupt ma sleep.”

*We know that some loyal Scots and fans of Scotland will take exception at the depiction of the Scots as inveterate golfers, drinkers and bagpipers. We know that’s not true, but those are the better jokes.

This is medium level puzzle #28...Good Luck!

This is hard level puzzle #29...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 you’d like to see, contact us with your ideas at:

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[

 ] community Summer at the Junction! by: Andrew Dundee

hen Summer Moore was a girl, she may have dreamed of what is happening in her life this year. For Murray, Paris and all of our region, the important thing is that the dream has not ended and, at the start of the holiday season, it is beginning in earnest.

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meth addicts who are willing to do almost anything – short of work or deep thought – to acquire the drug. Petty theft comes to mind, and that where the plot begins its unexpected twists. You won’t have this

The story, written and directed

by Tony Glazer, is of a group of

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– Andrew Dundee

In fact, the ensemble cast maintains the credibility of characters through a tempest of unexpected situations and unspeakable emotions. There is violence, but it is hardly gratuitous and it is made real by the consistent focus and energy of the talented performers.

The film opened locally at the Cheri Theatres in Paris on November 24, and again in Murray at the Cheri. It will be exhibited in a number of cinemas around the country and already has dates for “download” (availability online for home viewing) and DVD release later this year.

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significant awards film festivals in America and abroad.

will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. As an independent film, it hits several home runs.”

“Summer Crockett Moore” is the name that appears when the credits roll at the end of the Choice Films production of “Junction,” a film that has already garnered 17 significant awards from film festivals in America and abroad. If the name is familiar, it may be because you know Summer or her mom and dad, Sandra and Larry Moore.

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one figured out until the credits roll.

“Junction has the grit and feel of real life on the mean streets,” claims Greg Neff of the CenFlo International Film Festival.

“Solid performances by the cast

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One of those performers in Summer Crockett Moore, who assumes the role of Kari, the only female in the four-person family of meth-heads.

The hard, unkempt woman in the film is a far cry from the attractive, energetic actress who assumed a producer’s role for “Junction” along with a challenging role on location in Fort Lee, New Jersey.

New York, Europe, Hollywood: what does all that have to do with a kid from Paris, Tennessee?

and then there was Playhouse in the Park, MSU Theatre – all kinds of things.”

. . . if you believe in “yourself, you can build a life around that.”

– Summer Crockett Moore

“I learned that, if you have a idea, and if you believe in yourself, you can build a life around that. Working with Linda and other artists fed my artistic spirit and gave me a view of a larger stage,” she said.

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she recalls. It took ten years in New York before she met Cherry Jones. “Now,” she suggests, “with social media, it’s possible to communicate with high school and college students; I’m willing to talk with anyone who is interested.”

“If you’ve got the passion, the drive and a plan for your own success, you can make it,” she promises. “I think Tony Glazer would say, ‘if you have a point of view: something to say,’ that comes through in your work and makes you valuable as a performer.”

According to the reviews, Summer and her colleagues have found it. She spent a few weeks this fall telling the young people of Murray and Paris that they may find it, too. s

“I grew up in Paris; all my formative years were spent there, or in Murray where my mom and dad worked at Murray State,” she told us in an exclusive interview. She had high praise for Henry County’s Linda Wilson Miller who first directed her acting efforts.

And what about hearing of people like Parisian Cherry Jones, now recognized as the first lady of the Broadway stage, or Murray’s Earl Brown, Molly Sims, or Leigh Baker, who got her start on that same Playhouse in the Park stage?

“Murray State had a program called ‘Super Saturdays,’” she recalls. So, on weekends she was in Murray learning “photography, biology, writing and producing your own play,

“Those names came up in class as examples, and you came to believe that you could do it, too,” Writer and Director, Tony Glazer

Winner of 17 Major Festival Awards

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[  ] count on it

Romance By the Numbers by: Paige Graves

Valentine’s Day: whether your roses are red or your violets are blue, we’ve got a little romance “by the numbers” just for you.

36,000,000:

3,500:

$4.52:

Number of heart-shaped boxes of chocolate sold each year

Date B.C. associated with the oldest surviving love poem, written in a clay tablet by a Sumerian

The average amount pet owners spent on their pets on Valentine's Day in 2012.

2.2 million:

8,000,000,000:

Number of marriages in the United States annually. That’s more than 6,000 a day.

Amount of Conversation Hearts that will be produced year-round for one day of the year.

62: Percentage of adults who say they celebrate the holiday

270: The year A.D. when Emperor Claudius II executed the second of two men — both named Valentine. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine's Day.

3/14: The day South Korean and Japanese men give women romantic gifts; women give men chocolate on Valentine's Day.

70,575: The number of workers employed by floral shops in 2010.

1,000: Number of letters addressed to Juliet Capulet and sent to the city of Verona, Italy each Valentine’s Day. The city is where Shakespeare’s fictional Romeo and Juliet lived.

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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. But he didn始t light them until the actual holiday.

2. D. And then they went shopping.

3. C. In 1920 in Philadelphia 4. D. Poet Robert Burns at his very best.

5. B. Shalom!

6. A. The income tax came about 50 years later.

7. B. Of course, he was traumatized by the sight!

8. C. A pair of gloves symbolized the request for a lady's hand in marriage 9. D. We assume he had tried turkey, but not roast eagle.

10. A. Not many happy moments in that play, you know.

Sudoku Answers from page 15

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[  ] profile

Homes for the Holidays by: Jamie Helton

he Kappa Department of the Murray Woman’s Club will host its 33rd Annual Holiday Tour of Homes on Sunday, December 8, from 1-4 pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from any Kappa member, Gate 28, the Chamber of Commerce, and at the homes the day of the tour. This year’s tour promises four wonderful homes all decked out for the holidays. Proceeds from the tour will go to charitable organizations identified by the homeowners: Wounded Warriors (Dustin and Adrianne Rogers and Neal and Cindy Lewis), Merryman House (Josh Adair), ALS (Jim and Terri Pickens).

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Josh Adair 1617 Main Street The search was over when Josh Adair found this 1915 bungalow upon his arrival in Murray five years ago to teach in the English Department at Murray State. Josh saw past the bright colors, plain light fixtures and run-down condition. Then working original features such as two fireplaces, wood floors and French doors, he transformed the house into a unified and collected home that is a feast for the eye. His parents are antique dealers, and his mother’s love of the hunt has netted him wonderful gifts like antique French Santos figures.

His Antique English Country style can even be found in the kitchen with British wallpaper and a cupboard his mother salvaged from a university’s chemistry lab. Josh repurposed canvas drop cloths for curtains, bedding, and upholstery that contribute to an overall mellow patina, and he has used Annie Sloan chalk paint to transform several furniture pieces and a new mantel in the living room which blend beautifully with the antiques . Filled with fresh pine, wreaths and trees, this restored treasure on Main Street will be dressed for the holiday festivities.

Jim & Terri Pickens 59 Saratoga Drive (Saratoga South) On a beautifully landscaped lot in Saratoga South is the home of Jim and Terri Pickens. The Pickenses moved in this year and are looking forward to the holidays when they and their Scottie, Allie, will welcome guests. This is a home for entertaining, and Terri has replaced a

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dining table in the kitchen with two snappy red leather chairs to create a lounge area. Terri prefers warm earthy colors and was pleased that furnishings from their previous house worked perfectly in this home which includes Jim’s great-grandmother’s stairwell clock and a great-aunt’s harpsichord made into a desk in the study. The star of the show is the outdoor entertaining space which includes a fully-equipped kitchen and gorgeous pool which Jim and Terri say is the reason they purchased this home. Two fire sources allow the Pickenses to enjoy this space even in cooler temperatures. There will be Christmas trees galore both inside and out, and family and friends will certainly enjoy the holidays outdoors whenever weather permits.

Dustin & Adrianne Rogers 103 Legacy (Saratoga North) It was love at first sight when Dustin and Adrianne Rogers spotted a new construction cottagestyle home in Saratoga North.

Along with son, Peyton, they moved into the home in March of 2013 and will celebrate their first Christmas there this year.

Adrianne describes her style as cottage chic/contemporary. Her neutral color palette of gray, ivory, and white along with sun-bleached griege finishes and reclaimed wood furniture pieces gives the home a youthful and fresh look. A talent for display and staging of her retail store, Gate 28, is also evident in her home. Furniture pieces used in her store can be found in her home, and she does have furniture for sale in the store. Adrianne satisfies her love of bold color in a vibrant guest room and also with fun original paintings of their two beloved dogs.

The kitchen is a stunner with custom gray-stained cabinetry that pair beautifully with a stainless steel farmhouse sink to reflect her cottage chic/contemporary style. Adrianne’s talent for display will make this a spectacular home for the holidays.

Neal & Cindy Lewis 60 Chad Wayne Drive (Saratoga South) Also in Saratoga South is the impressive home of Neal and Cindy Lewis who have lived in many places and owned six homes before their arrival in Murray in 2011. This home has the open floor plan they wanted and is painted in the soft cool colors Cindy loves. Wrought-iron trim used on the exterior is repeated inside on the stairway banister, and the Lewises added a detached workshop perfectly replicating the home’s exterior. Neal, an Industrial Engineer, and Cindy, an Aerospace engineer, share a study large enough for two and have on display models of planes they have designed. Cindy’s love for science fiction is evident at Christmas when she brings out her Star Wars and Star Trek ornaments along with an ornament collection from the White House Historical Society. The Lewises son and daughter did not make the move to Murray but have bedrooms ready for them when they visit, and this home will be decked out and ready for all family and friends to enjoy the season. s

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Earlier this year, New York Magazine published a series of recollections from people who had grown up in New York City. Our friend, Dr. Debbie Owens, herself a New Yorker, shared it with us. She was enchanted with the view of New York through the eyes of children. From young children to celebrities like Mel Brooks, each contributed a little remembrance of life through the eyes of a child long before New York had replaced London as the largest city in the developed world – and the more influential. It was an interesting piece, to say the least.

However, as we discussed it around the editorial table, we began to worry such wonderful recollections of Murray and Calloway County might be all around us, yet unpreserved – and disappearing every day. We decided to celebrate Calloway through the eyes of children as best we could with a multi-part series of articles we call, “Coming of Age in Calloway.”

In this, our third installment, we scan the decades from the 1930s through the recollections of kids who grew up in Kirksey. The village of today is, in many ways, vastly different from the place that hosted the first Normal School in the County – an institution that laid the groundwork for the creation of Murray State University.

But, viewed through a different perspective, there are some things that have not changed so much that a common thread cannot be seen running through the lives of people who called this place “home,” no matter when their youthful feet started to run the dusty roads or the single broad main street of Calloway’s northwestern-most community. You will probably recognize many names, places and events as we show you what it was like when they were . . .

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Part IV: Fort Heiman Fights Again

In celebration of the Civil War’s Sesquicentennial, Larry Ray has compiled a history of Confederate Fort Heiman – a mystery of history right in his own backyard.

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Editor’s Note: Murray and Calloway County lie within easy drives of many vital Civil War sites. However, trips to Nashville, Paducah, Shiloh, or Vicksburg are not required if one wants to see important and historic places where history was made and the future changed.

Forts Henry and Donelson are moments away by car and now you are able to visit the fort that might have changed the war – right here in Calloway County. We are indebted to Larry Ray, an avid student of the site and, as you will see, a skilled writer of history for his devotion to the subject and his willingness to share his insights into this fascinating mystery. In this fourth installment, Larry Ray resumes his narrative.

The Earlier Story

Our Story Resumes

In our previous installments in this series of articles, we learned of Confederate General Tilghman’s intention to secure a well-placed site for a gun battery on the west bank of the Tennessee River near the Kentucky/Tennessee border.

Construction of Fort Heiman began on the western shore of the river on a bluff well situated to command the river with cannon. General Grant’s Union advance up the Tennessee forced construction to stop, and Col. Adolphus Heiman’s force moved to Fort Henry, directly opposite on the eastern shore.

Up until this time, the war had not been going well for the North. The fall of Forts Heiman, Henry and Donelson were the first significant Union victories. This was a major military accomplishment that opened up the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers to the movement of gunboats, men and supplies into the very heart of the Nathan B. Forrest Confederacy. It was a pivotal point in the Civil War. Within weeks Nashville fell, and soon the state and most its valuable resources were in Union hands. The Confederacy struggled to recover, but it never would.

The poor location of Fort Henry (it was easily flooded), and the absence of favorable artillery positioning led Gen. Tilghman to retire most of his force to Fort Donelson on the Cumberland, only 10 miles away.

Tilghman covered the retreat with a handful of gunners, but eventually surrendered the fort to Grant on Feb. 6, 1862. The Tennessee was now blocked to vital southern traffic. A week later, fearing rebel reinforcements for Fort Donelson, Grant moved his forces up the Cumberland and overland from Fort Henry. Both sides were confident and in high spirits, but that was about to change.

Grant’s forces took up offensive positions around a strong Confederate position. Commodore Foote’s gunboats approached and did their best, but too many rounds of rebel artillery fire and were forced to withdraw. Foote later died of wounds suffered at Donelson. The capture of General Tilghman confused the confederate chain of command and the ranking generals, fearing capture and oddly fearful of defeat handed over command to S. B. Buckner who, after hard and bloody fighting, finally surrendered the fort. Grant and Buckner, old friends from their days at West Point, finally met again. The other rebel generals and the firebrand cavalry commander, Nathan Bedford Forrest, managed to escape in a daring breakthrough. Donelson, along with the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers, were in Union hands.

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Fort Donelson became a Federal garrison and regular patrols were based from Forts Donelson, Henry and Heiman to secure the area. The entire nation probably regarded the three forts to be part of history; battlements whose usefulness to the Confederacy, at least, was at an end.

Grant went on to take Memphis, further crippling Confederate use of the Mississippi. Little more than a year after Fort Donelson, despite being the victim of political intrigue and slander in the army and in Washington, he completed the siege of Vicksburg. The Mississippi “became a Federal stream,” and Grant was moved east to deal with the mythic Robert E. Lee at the Army of Northern Virginia.

Most people had probably forgotten Fort Heiman – unfinished, unused and unnoticed.

One of those people was not Nathan Bedford Forrest.

Fort Heiman Returns to Life Forrest was the son of a poor Tennessee blacksmith. Without much formal education, he became a wealthy businessman with a reputation for taking chances and making good decisions.

He was a plantation owner and slave trader well know to the people of Memphis and was, near the time of the outbreak of hostilities, a city alderman on the democratic ticket. His daring tactics and fierce, warlike nature inspired fear in his enemies and great devotion from his men. Speed and daring, it would appear, kept him free from capture or defeat well into the war in the west.

In the late summer of 1864, Forrest was ordered to combat the large number of naval gunboats and supply vessels utilizing the Tennessee River. In late October he arrived at the abandoned Fort Heiman with some 3,500 cavalry, infantry and artillery. Three concealed batteries of artillery were set up; one north of Fort Heiman, one inside Fort Heiman and another one to the south near Paris Landing. If a Union boat escaped one battery, there would be others waiting.

Later that day, two transports appeared headed for Paducah, but they were empty. They were allowed to pass as the gunners would wait until they returned full of supplies. The next morning, the heavily loaded Mezeppa appeared pulling a fully loaded barge behind her. She was hit and was surrendered. The Confederates unloaded her, burned her to the waterline and then sunk her. Her hull is still down there in the muck today.

The next day, a Union transport, the Anna entered the trap and was disabled, but drifted in the current back toward Paducah.

Next appeared the transport Venus, escorted by the gunboat Undine. Behind them was the transport Cheesman. Both batteries near Fort Heiman opened fire and within minutes, the Cheesman was disabled, the Undine was run aground and the Venus, carrying an armed infantry unit had surrendered. The Cheesman was also sunk after the cargo was removed.

In our next issue: Fort Heiman Reborn Larry Ray is Executive Director of the Henry County Fair Association and past Executive Director of the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development. He has had a life-long interest in the Civil War.

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[  ] food

Lovely Leftovers by: Caina Lynch On the subject of “leftovers,” we went to an expert: freelance writer, former magazine editor and former college student, Caina Lynch.

A survivor by nature, she is about to tell you how to survive that mountain of holiday leftovers with style and satisfaction. ost college students will agree that some of the best things about going home to visit the family for the weekend are the leftovers packed up in plastic containers and foil. During the holiday season those leftovers are unavoidable, but who’s complaining?

A bowl brimming with mashed potatoes and cold turkey

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shreds will make for a week’s worth of lunches and library breaks.

storage “bagThewithfirst aplastic zipper was released in 1954” – Caina Lynch

Leftovers aren’t just for college kids, though. There’s a reason your mom scanned the potluck table at the end of the family gathering and, when no one was looking, sneaked a few servings of your aunt’s casserole into her own container of half-eaten mashed potatoes. She wanted leftovers for her ‘fridge, too.

She wasn’t the first to do this.

Whether leftovers are a result of cooking too much, or the over-portioning at restaurants, saving leftover food has been a part of the eating culture throughout history of mankind. Ancient Greeks and Romans stored fall harvest foods in cellars to save to be eaten when food would become scarce that winter.

In the early 1900s, leftovers were more of a necessity than the gluttonous extras we have today. During the 1920s and 1930s the Great Depression required families to save every bit of leftover food from a

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Photo courtesy of FlapperDays.blogspot.com

meal. “Iceboxes” were replaced by refrigerators just in time to provide a way to store leftovers without the cost of paying the ice man every few days. With every positive comes a negative: unsealed food in refrigerators acquired a notso-pleasant smell.

It was in the 1940s when Earl S. Tupper created Tupperware to provide a container to seal the smell and flavor of leftover food. Tupperware parties, much like “Sephora Parties,” provided Tupper and his salesmen an opportunity to market the plastic containers that, within a decade of its invention, found a place in almost everyone’s cabinet.

Husbands in all households probably abhorred these Tupperware Parties just as today’s husbands tremble

The first plastic storage bag with a zipper was released in 1954 by Minigrip.

Although originally marketed as pencil bags, Robert LeJeune won the National Science Fair in 1957 with an experiment that proved re-sealable bags slowed the rate at which food spoiled. Ziploc® bags followed in the next decade and were marketed for household use by Glad Corporation in 1964 and Dow Chemical Company in 1968.

when they hear news of a jewelry party at the end of the month. At least the ‘40s husbands could enjoy the results of the party with containers galore to store the leftover roast beef his wife made every other Wednesday.

In 1953, Dow Chemical Company released a Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) film, in the form of a thin layer called film wrap. Before being released as the first cling wrap, the military used PVDC during World War II to coat planes and protect their color from salty sea spray. In 1956, Dow combined PVDC with vinyl chloride and a plasticizer to soften it and called it Saran Wrap® for household use.

PVDC wrap resists oxygen, water, bases, acids and solvents, which is why it is a great cover for leftovers.

No one can deny that one of the greatest developments for leftovers came in the 1970s, when microwave ovens became available for home use. By 1986, one out of four American homes were able to reheat leftovers in seconds with a microwave oven.

Today, restaurants have to-go containers that are practically Tupperware: microwave and dishwasher safe. Back in the 1940s when people began to take home leftovers and it was for the dogs. During World War II, pet owners were encouraged to feed table scraps to their pets. In 1943, in an effort to prevent animal cruelty and undernourishment, restaurants began to offer cartons or wax paper bags with labels like “Bones for Browser” and “Pet Pakit.”

However, during the same time, people began to request “doggie bags” to take home

food for themselves. This was frowned upon by the upper class etiquette experts but, through the years, it has become a modern practice to take home leftovers for human enjoyment.

. some foods, like a “fine. .wine, just get better with time.”

– Caina Lynch

Leftovers have worked their way into refrigerators all across the world. Every type of food has its own leftoverlifespan, so be sure to enjoy your leftovers within a few days of the initial preparation.

Always check leftover food before re-heating to ensure it is still safe to eat. Wasting a perfectly good meal just isn’t acceptable when you’ve got college kids who need tasty care packages, or if you have late night at the office the next day. Leftovers save time and money for people of all ages.

I’ve already told my mother that Tupperware is on my Christmas list this year. Saving money is great, but some foods, like a fine wine, just get better with time.

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The tradition that invites today’s well-equipped and well-fed fans to parking lots around the field is the same one that drew a crowd to the battlefield 1861: the friends, the party, the game. In fact, two out of three are satisfactory for some fans— and probably in that order.

And don’t forget that, for some of us, the fun actually starts in

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the kitchen long before the tailgate is dropped and loaded. Here are a few recipes that will make anyone stop by your tent for a taste!

Bake for 30 minutes until crust is golden.

Fried Stuffing Bites with Cranberry Pesto Sauce This after-Christmas appetizer puts a whole new spin on breadsticks.

Ingredients Leftover stuffing

Turkey Pot Pie Put the leftover turkey to use, but instead of putting it shredded on a sandwich put it in a pie!

Ingredients 2 tablespoons butter 1 onion, chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 3 carrots, chopped 4 tablespoons flour 4 cups chicken or turkey stock 2 potatoes, peeled and diced 2 cups shredded turkey 2 tablespoons chopped parsley 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed 1 prepared pie crust 1 egg, lightly beaten Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt butter in saucepan and cook chopped onion until tender. Stir in celery and carrots and cook for 2 minutes.

Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken stock and bring to a simmer.

Add potatoes and simmer until tender. Stir in turkey, parsley and peas.

Pour mixture into casserole. Top with pie crust and brush with egg.

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2 eggs 2 teaspoons milk 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs 1 cup cranberry sauce 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup walnuts Oil, for frying Directions Preheat oil to 350 degrees F. Cut leftover stuffing into bitesized cubes and set aside.

In a small bowl whisk eggs and milk. Coat each stuffing bite with this egg mixture, then roll in the bread crumbs until fully coated and set aside.

In a food processor blend cranberry sauce, pepper and walnuts and set aside as cranberry pesto sauce.

Once oil is at temperature fry each piece of stuffing until golden brown about 4 minutes. Drain on a paper towel and serve with

cranberry pesto.

Turkey Noodle Soup Soup is a staple when it comes to fast meals during wintertime and this recipe will not only put to use your leftover turkey but will warm your insides.

Ingredients 2 quarts turkey or chicken stock 8 ounces wide egg noodles 1½ cups cooked turkey meat 2 carrots, peeled and diced 2 celery ribs, diced 2 Tbsp chopped parsley Salt and pepper to taste Directions Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium heat.

Cook the noodles as the package directs, then drain them, rinse them in cold water and set aside.

Bring the stock to a simmer over medium heat. Add the carrots and celery and simmer until they're tender, about 5 to 10 minutes.

Season the stock with salt and pepper. Add the cooked noodles and the turkey and cook until just heated through.

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2623 Wayne Sullivan Drive Paducah, KY 42003 Phone: 270-442-9726 Fax: 270-442-5058 www.computer-source.com

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[

 ] community Past Meets Present at Soldier's Creek by: Kathleen Burnham

n Marshall County there is a small, white, saltbox church propped up above the damp earth by large, squarish stones. Above the front doors hangs a single, lantern-like light, which might or might not work. The church is locked up, silent, yet present.

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Parked around the side of the structure was a string of shining, detailed motorcycles, a couple dozen newer cars, and hidden behind the building there even lurked a Porta Potty cutting through the anachronistic quality of the scene. Off to the right, the gravel road leads to a cemetery where a stand of oaks would have been, but in which there now rests the remains of centuries of human history marked by sentinel stones signifying that life happened, happens, and is happening. One oak remains in the near center of the clearing, just at the edge of the burial plots, shading the past. It would seem a lonely, muted scene by itself, but during the gathering held on Sunday, October 6th, 2013, as the circle was filled with the

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living and sunlight, it was an image of vivacity and intensity.

The crowd was a gladsome sight. The generational spectrum was well covered— from toddlers to elders, people of all ages congregated near the oak tree to listen to music, invocation, patriotic pledge, and rehearsed speech. We were all circled around and in the presence of hundreds of graves, but we were all intent on only three—those of Jesse Henson Sr., Mary “Polly” Goodbread Henson, and Jane Henson Darnall.

Those three graves had been given a commemorative makeover by the Capt. Wendell Aury Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution based in Murray. Ann Uddberg, the registrar of the chapter, explained that this project memorializing Jesse Henson and his wife and daughter was born out of the recognition of a general lack

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unaware “of Wehowarethissadlycommunity in Murray . . . was established, built up, and perpetuated.

”

– Kathleen Burnham

of commemorative projects to which her chapter of the DAR could lay claim. She felt as though it was about time that the Revolutionary War soldiers and associated historical sites in and around Murray gained recognition and remembrance within the community from descendents, neighbors, and friends. That was all well and good to know— that these modern-day Daughters of the American Revolution needed to get their hobby priorities in order to sift through the local history, putting pretty, shiny plaques

their existence as suspended somewhere in time and the consciousness of others?

Somewhere between the Soldier Creek Primitive Baptist Church—which has been rebuilt and rededicated twice, the last time after a fire in 1874—the cars and motorcycles, the old and new head and foot stones, the history professor Berry Craig selling his books from a bench everywhere. Point taken; but what covered with a plastic tablecloth, were the rest of the attending the hundred-year-old-or-so oak individuals standing in the shading the attendant descendants cemetery doing there? Were they of the Hensons and Darnalls, the really so very concerned about traveling band of American Legion sparkling blocks of granite and Honor Guard, the parents, brass? What were they getting out grandparents, children, siblings, of the somewhat sparse, naked and in-fants… ceremony—from Somewhere the drummed . . . they were also com- between all these, cadence playing memorating the life and the whole point during the becomes much opening of the rite, spirit in one another. clearer than all the hired choir singing centuries– Kathleen Burnhamthat which can be reflected in old hymns, the the highly polished four-shot salute, the enigma of the surface of a granite single historical reenactor dressed monument. as a militiaman who had no personal connections to the Hensons or Darnalls whatsoever?

Which was more important— remembering the existence of the Hensons, or placing a newer “thing” over their graves signifying

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The coming together of the old and the new, the collected focus and intent of a large gathering of family, friends, neighbors, performers, professionals, sight-seers, and the odd few reporters all shift the consciousness to recognize and commemorate something even deeper than the lives of three individuals who lived through and served during the Revolutionary War. Nothing in that clearing was as old as the earth we were standing on, nothing as new under the afternoon sun of an October sky as the breeze that was blowing through. Collectively, what was recognized on that Sunday was life lived, effort made, beauty, pain, hope, toil, expectation, and joy celebrated. No different from the decayed bodies beneath our feet were we in our livery and ceremony. The synchronicity between the past and our present became tangible.

Ann Uddberg made a comment

relating the idea that, by and large, we are sadly unaware of how this community in Murray and the counties near and surrounding Calloway were established, built up, and perpetuated. If you take a stroll through the main campus of Murray State University, noting the names on all the faces of the buildings, from Waterfield and Blackburn to Lovett and Wilson, you will be reading the names of some of the founding families who lived their lives in expectation of a future they would never know.

From them and from their families, friends, neighbors, and all else, a good number of our small collective came to stand on and inherit the earth where these founding individuals once lived.

It is understandable that we have lost track of how, who, what, and where we come from as individuals and as a community.

So much of the new becomes

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jumbled up with the old, and we become blind to the difference between a young and an aged monument, and even of what the meaning behind that difference is. Jesse, Mary, and Jane lived, as did everyone else buried in the cemetery at Soldier Creek. They lived and breathed, stood in sunlight, gazed on gravestones, played music, sang hymns, made ceremony about all manner of things. Subconsciously, perhaps

Holiday Edition

everyone left Soldier Creek on Sunday with a sense that, in giving recognition to the past and honoring their ancestors, they were also commemorating the life and spirit in one another.

To come away with the renewed understanding that everything and everyone has meaning and importance was our reason and our purpose, in that reacquaintance with the past reaffirms our future. s

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[

 ] two tickets & popcorn Holiday Movies on your TV by: John Pasco

inter Holiday season runs roughly from Thanksgiving Day to Valentine’s Day. There is a mixture of memories and anticipations. Cold weather begs for indoor activities. So, curl up on the couch with a significant other and popcorn and dive into the vast sea of film. There is something there for everyone.

Films are available through rental stores, NetFlix, on-line, cable channels, and in library collections. For what are you waiting?

W

Thanksgiving is the time to bring Barbara Stanwyck out the Wizard of Oz. First released in 1939, the musical will be 75 years old next year. It is the story of Dorothy, a Kansas farm girl who is caught in a tornado and lands in the magical kingdom of Oz. Someone more knowledgeable than I about that kind of thing pointed out that reality in this movie is filmed in black and white but the fantasyland is filmed in color. It seems more alive. (Those who want to mull over this point can go into the corner and talk quietly among yourselves.)

Christmas Carol. 1945’s A Christmas In Connecticut shows another take. Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) writes a monthly column for a Home and Hearth style magazine. Naval officer Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan) has been torpedoed and is in hospital. Learning he has no plans for the holiday, his nurse writes Lane’s publisher Yardley (Sydney Greenstreet) suggesting that Jones spend Christmas on the farm which Lane writes about in all her columns. Seeing a public relations bonanza, Yardley accepts and orders Lane to invite Jones to a country style Christmas on the farm.

To complicate matters Yardley invites himself too. While Lane writes about being a married farm wife with a baby, she has made it all up. In reality she is single, lives in a one bedroom apartment in New York, knows nothing about farming, and gets her column receipts from

Christmas is a time for people to celebrate. There are many movies of people coming together for the holiday: Charlie Brown, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and all the versions of A

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Holiday Edition

There is something “there for everyone.”

– John Pasco

“Uncle” Felix, the owner of an upscale restaurant.

Frightened for her job, Lane agrees to marry her architect boyfriend to gain access to his country home. Taking Uncle Felix to do behind the scenes cooking for her, Lane arrives a day early to get things ready, but so do all the others. Love strikes when Jones and Lane meet, but he thinks she’s married and she can’t tell him otherwise because Yardley is a stickler for ’honest’ writing in his magazine. So the mix-ups start. Lane tries to sneak away and marry the architect but is

Merle Oberon

constantly interrupted. She has a fake baby provided by a local babysitter, but one day it’s a dark haired boy and the next a blond girl. As in all romantic comedies of the ‘40s there mistaken identities, misplaced babies, jail, pancake flipping, uncooperative animals and a frustrated justice of the peace. Sappy? Maybe, but well worth the watch.

For New Year‘s viewing try Till We Meet Again. Joan (Merle Oberon) meets Dan (George

. . . mistaken identities, “misplaced babies, jail, pancake flipping, uncooperative animals and a frustrated justice of the peace.

”

– John Pasco

Brent) in Hong Kong. They share “Paradise Cocktails” and Dan tells of the legend. If couples smash the glasses and cross the stems, they will meet again. They drink, smash, cross stems on the bar, and go their separate ways. Dan is arrested for murder by Lt. Burke (Pat O’Brien) of the San Francisco police. Once their ship clears

harbor, Burke allows Dan the freedom of the ship. Joan is also returning on the same ship from Hong Kong to Hawaii to San Francisco. On the way Dan and Joan fall in love. As the ship docks Joan learns of the murder charge against Dan and he learns she is sick. Neither lets on that they know. They share a Paradise Cocktail and perform the ritual, setting to meet at midnight the next New Year’s Eve in Mexico City. When New Year’s comes . . .

Well, just see the movie.

the window and enters.

Remembering how much she despises Fox Books, he pretends this is an accidental meeting and does not reveal that the he is NY152. Kathleen thinks she has been stood up.

For Valentine’s Day I recommend 1998’s You’ve Got Mail. This movie is based on the 1940 film, The Shop Around The Corner.

Joe Fox III’s (Tom Hanks) family owns Fox Books, a Barns & Noble type book chain. Kathleen Kelly’s (Meg Ryan) mother left her a small children’s bookstore, “The Shop Around The Corner” (homage to the 1940 film). They begin a friendship through emails: No names, no personal information, no connections.

If these films don’t appeal, there are many films out there. With two tickets and popcorn – and someone with whom to share the couch – you can chose your own memories and anticipations. s

The relationships now run parallel: Shopgirl to NY152 and Kathleen to Joe. Once again Kathleen agrees to meet NY152.

Joe is still unsure of her reaction. When the time comes, will he back out again?

Joe has been put in charge of building a new Fox Books Store around the corner from Kathleen’s place. Since he is now in the neighborhood they begin to run into each other.

Fearful of and mad at the new store, Shopgirl (Kathleen) complains to NY152 (Joe). He gives advice on how to fight back. Finally, Kathleen closes the store. At the same time Shopgirl and NY152 are more and more attracted to each other. They agree to meet. Joe arrives and sees Kathleen through

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[

 ] holiday fiction A Christmas Story by: Anonymous

he last time I saw Dylan he was throwing rocks at his daddy’s car. That was more than fifty years ago and, even though in my family it is not considered manly to cry, to this day recalling that incident brings tears to this old man’s eyes.

T

Dylan was four or five years old.

As handsome as any lad of that age you even saw. He and his younger sister were the apples of their daddy’s eye. That was obvious to everyone, especially to his parents. And to me. That is why it hurts so much to remember that Christmas party.

mom and dad, had marveled at their fist steps and first words.

They brought joy to my life almost as much as if they were my own.

As was the custom at the Baxter house, the fellowship was embellished with cocktails – strong ones – and as the evening wore on, Helen (Mrs. Baxter) in particular, was enjoying the liquid refreshments. I think it was just a small disagreement between herself and her husband,

In our little town, Christmas parties were almost nightly affairs a couple of weeks before the holiday, and invitations were not necessary.

Everyone came.

Seeking out parties was like a treasure hunt.

If there was light and music inside, the wandering revelers punched the doorbell and were warmly greeted.

At the Baxter house I felt welcome at any time, in any month of the year, but at Christmas time, I BELONGED there. After all, I had been there when Dylan and his sister, Liz, were born and, along with their

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Rob, but it progressed into a loud shouting match, which culminated when Helen took a wild swing at her husband, striking him in his left eye. By that time the crowd,

Holiday Edition

At the Baxter house I felt “welcome at any time, in any month of the year, but at Christmas time, I BELONGED there.

”

– Anonymous

stunned by the situation, was leaving the scene, and the house, as rapidly as possible.

The few of us who remained tried to console the two children but, as young as they were, they understood that mom and dad were literally having a fight. It culminated with Rob (who had restrained himself from returning the blows) leaving the house shouting, “I won’t be back!”

Terrifying panic distorted Dylan’s face. He loved his parents and the thought of losing one of them was just too much for him. He followed his father out the door screaming at the top of his voice, “Daddy, don’t go! If you drive off, I’ll hate you and sister will, too! Mom will, too. Daddy!

Stay; don’t go!”

And with all the passion of an angry five-year-old he picked up

a stone and threw it in the direction of his father, but to no avail. Rob get in his car and sped out of the driveway with the screaming Dylan throwing rocks at it long after it was out of sight. It was one of the saddest moments I ever witnessed.

I was not in the Baxter house again after that. I don’t know what became of Dylan or his sister, but every Christmas for over half a century I have though about the sad look on the face of that little boy who knew his beloved daddy was gone, never to return.

I’ll see his cherubic little face in my memory again this year, and wonder about him and where he may be, now, in this season that is so special to children. s

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[ ďƒŤ ] seen around town

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Holiday Edition

[  ] dining guide The Keg 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

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

Feral's 216 N. 15th St. . . . . . . .(270) 759-3663

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

Bad Bob’s Bar-B-Que

Tom’s Grille 501 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-4521

806 Chestnut St. . . . . . .(270) 767-0054

Coldwater Bar-B-Que & Catering

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

8284 Hwy. 121 N. . . . .(270) 489-2199

Cracker Barrel

1005 Arcadia Circle . .(270) 759-8866

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

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

El Mariachi Loco

Domino’s Pizza

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

406 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 759-9000

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

110A S. 12th St. . . . . . .(270) 753-3030

Happiness Restaurant 638 N. 12th Street . . . .(270) 293-4952

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

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

Gloria’s World Village Food 124 N. 15th St. . . . . . . .(270) 759-3233

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

HRH Dumplin’s

Brass Lantern 16593 Hwy. 68 E. . . . . . 270-474-2773.

Aurora, KY

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

Laird’s Bar-B-Que

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

77 W. Main St. . . . . . . .(731) 247-3060 Puryear, TN

305B S. 12th St. . . . . . .(270) 753-0000

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

Magnolia Tea Room 306 Gilbert St. . . . . . . .(270) 492-6284 Hazel, KY

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

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

Latin Lovers

Martha’s Restaurant

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

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

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

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

Willow Pond Catfish Restaurant

804 Chestnut St. . . . . . .(270) 753-6656

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

16814 Hwy. 68 E. . . . .(270) 474-2202 Aurora, KY

716 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 767-0026

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

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

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

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Holiday Edition

[  ] dining guide 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

Dinh’s Vietnamese Cuisine Dunkin’ Donuts Fazoli’s Fidalgo Bay Coffee Shop

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

Taco Bell

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

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

Taco John’s

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

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

Victor’s Sandwiches

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

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

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers

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

Murray Donuts

602 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 761-9999

Subway

1201 Payne St. . . . . . . . .(270) 761-4800

Spanky’s

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

Strawberry Frozen Yogurt and Bubble Tea

507 Rushing Road. . . . .(270) 761-5555

McDonald’s

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

Sonic Drive-In

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

Snappy Tomato Pizza 1550 Lowes Dr. . .(270) 761-7627

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

Sammon’s Bakery

1407 Main St. . . . . . . . .(270) 761-7655

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

Yogurt Your Weigh

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

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

Zaxby’s

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

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

Penn Station East Coast Subs Tom’s Pizza

110 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . .(270) 761-7366

506-A N. 12th St. . . . . .(270) 753-9411

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

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

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

Brother’s Barbeque 1415 Main St . . . . . . . . .(270) 761-7677

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

Captain D’s 700 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-9383

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

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

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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.

Christmas in the Park

december 1 - 29 The Annual Festival of Lights is sponsored by MCC Parks and Bristol Broadcasting. Drive through Central Park and enjoy hundreds of thousands of lights, all made possible by local business sponsorship.

Admission is free, but optional donation of cash or canned goods at the front gate is appreciated. All canned goods go to Needline. For more information visit www.murrayparks.org/events/fes tival-of-lights-central-park/ or call Murray Parks at 270.762.0325.

Holiday Music and Open House

december 1 The Murray Woman's Clubhouse, listed on the National Register for Historic Places, decorated for the Holiday Season will be filled with seasonal vocal music presented by the Murray Woman's Club Chorus; Murray High and Calloway County High Schools Chorus. There will be free refreshments provided. For more information call Murray Woman’s Club at (270) 753-5023.

Miracle on 34th Street

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A favorite holiday movie comes to the stage! By chance, Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy's.

Kris unleashes waves of good will with Macy's customers and the commercial world of New York City by referring parents to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for.

Seen as deluded and dangerous by Macy's vocational counselor, he plots to have Kris shanghaied to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital. A small girl's belief in Santa and the magic of the holiday is at stake in a climactic courtroom decision. A tender and charming show for the entire family. Tickets available at www.playhouseinthepark.net or the PIP box office. Friday and Saturday performances are held at 7 p.m. and Sunday performances at 2:30 p.m. For more information on the performance call 270-759-1752.

Main Street Merriment and Dickens' Alley

december 7 The court square is transformed into a magical scene from years past during Main Street Merriment. The event kicks off with the lighting of the community Christmas tree. Then, the alley on 4th Street is filled with Dickens-era characters all dressed in period costume.

Enjoy pony rides, carriage rides, storytelling, caroling, live music, food, kid's crafts and much more. Many downtown businesses are open late and have special deals and other activities during the event. More information on Main Street Merriment can be found by calling Murray Main Street at 270-759-9474.more information.

H. Thomas Rushing Breakfast

december 7 The Rotary Club of Murray hosts this annual breakfast, held at Pagliai's just before the Christmas Parade. Support the charitable efforts of the club by attending the breakfast and enjoy good food and fellowship.

For more information on the breakfast call 270-753-5171.

Live Nativity Scene

Rotary Christmas Parade

december 6 - 7

december 7

There will be a live nativity scene at "Bill" Cherry Agricultural Exposition Center. For more information visit, www/murraystate.edu/Academic s/CollegesDepartments/HutsonS choolOfAgriculture/WmCherryEx positionCenter/calendar.aspx.

Thousands of people line Main Street during the annual Rotary Christmas Parade. Celebrate the joy of the season by attending this event with the whole family.

Churches, businesses and organizations all enter holidaythemed floats. The parade route

Holiday Edition

begins at 10th and Main Streets and ends in the Briggs and Stratton parking lot. Call 270753-5171 for more information on the parade.

Every Day in Murray

Holiday Dance Fest

december 7

The West Kentucky/Wrather Museum

Act one includes a variety of dance compositions set to Holiday Music. Act II is excerpts from Sleeping Beauty.

Admission: Adults: $8.00, Students under age 16: $6.00 Children under 3, Free. No reservations are needed to attend. For more information visit, www.murraystate.edu/lovett.

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

Christmas Cantata

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.

december 8

Murray State University’s Fine Arts

For more information contact the First United Methodist Church at 270- 753-3812.

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

Children's Craft and Cookie Bake

The Clara M. Eagle Gallery at Murray State University

december 8 For more information contact First Christian Church at 270753-3824.

Small Works: MAG Members Exhibition & Art Market Holiday Open House

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.

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

december 8

The Murray Art Guild

Buy local from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. and support the arts by purchasing a Christmas gift from the annual Murray Art Guild Holiday Sale.

Local artists set up in the Robert O. Miller Conference Center with art, crafts and other handmade goods. For more information call 270-753-4059.

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 AQHA Horse Show

Christmas Eve Candlelight

december 13 - 15

december 24

"Bill" Cherry Agricultural Exposition Center 270.809.3125

The Christmas Eve Candlelight service is at 8 p.m. at the First Christian Church. For more information call, 270-73-3824.

MSU December Graduation

december 4

MSU Classes Resume

CFSB Center MSU’s second Commencement Ceremony of 2014 will begin at 10 a.m., but seats begin to fill before 9:30. Traffic will be pretty tight from 8 to 10 a.m., and again from noon to 1 p.m.

Restaurants will probably be packed with happy graduates, family and friends and the final exodus of students and faculty for holiday break will take all afternoon. Bon Voyage, Class of 2013. For more information call 270.809.3744

december 15 First Christian Church is putting on a children's program starting at 5 p.m. and will be followed by refreshments. For more information call, 270-753-3824.

Longest Night-Service of Light

december 21

Thousands of students and a few hundred faculty and staff return to their duties on Jan. 13, making this weekend a busy one for highways and local streets on the north of town. Stores may be busy as people restock houses, apartments and dormitory rooms after a month’s absence.

Welcome home!

2013 West Kentucky Boat & Outdoor Show CFSB Center. This is the 30th annual Kentucky Lake Area Premier and Boat Show. Come out and try the FLW Outdoors Simulator. This is a family friendly environment and a great way to view the new and exciting world of boats. Free admission. For more information call, 270-4926477.

Campus Lights

To be held on the Winter Solstice, which is the longest, darkest night of the year, this worship service is for those who are lonely, mourn, who struggle and who despair. This event is located at First Christian Church at 7 p.m. For more information call, 270-7533824.

murray life magazine

january 11 - 12

january 17 - 19

Children's Christmas Program

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the Sigma Alpha Iota music sorority, it is an annual fundraiser for Murray State’s music department scholarships.

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Holiday Edition

january 23 - 26 Started in 1938, Campus Lights is the longest-running musical that is entirely produced and performed by students in the South. Phi Mu Alpha Symfonia, the music fraternity, started the production as a means to fund its charter fees. Today, along with

MSU Presidential Lecture Series: Bill Nye the Science Guy

february 4 The Student Government Association, Murray State Foundation and the President’s Office will sponsor the Presidential Lecture Series speaker, who will be on campus in Lovett Auditorium on Feb. 4, 2014.

Mid America Arenacross Series 5

february 7 - 8 "Bill" Cherry Agricultural Exposition Center 270.809.3125

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. 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 on-line for our latest suggestions.

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[  ] nature

New To the Neighborhood by: John Pollpeter, Lead Naturalist, Land Between The Lakes ugust 18, 1997- I had received a strange report of a creature not known to be in Kentucky. After work, a coworker and I walked the narrow Highway 68-80 gravel shoulder that bisects Land Between The Lakes. Sure enough: mottled coloration, dermal plating, large digging claws, almost hairless body.

No doubt, it’s an armadillo: one of the first documented in Kentucky. How did it get here?

Did it catch a ride on an 18wheeler? Did floodwaters flush it from the Deep South, or did it migrate here enjoying our warmer winters? It was too early to tell in 1997. But now Land Between The Lakes and the Jackson Purchase is known for bald eagles, pelicans, white-tails, turkeys, and armadillos. Our area now boasts the largest populations of nine-banded armadillos in the state of Kentucky.

A

So let’s learn about our newest neighbor.

No doubt, “armadillo. ”

it’s

an

– John Pollpeter

Are they a reptile or mammal?

The armadillo’s armored appearance does make it look

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reptilian, but this almosthairless animal is definitely a mammal. Armadillos have fine tracts of hair. These placental warm-blooded mammals have live birth. Unique among mammals, armadillos give birth to four identical young; quadruplets every time.

Armadillos raise their young and nurse them with milk just like a cow, cat or even you and me. So, no mistaking it: it is a mammal.

Holiday Edition

Are they a “possum on the half shell”?

A common joke and misconception is that armadillos are “possums on the half shell.”

Armadillos belong to a group of mammals found

only in the New World called Xenarthans, including anteaters and sloths. The majority of their cousins inhabit South America.

Opossums are more closely related to kangaroos and koalas than armadillos.

Opossums raise their young in a pouch and are classified as marsupials.

Both creatures share a common history, as the land bridge of Panama

finding permanent “denWe’resites, and seeing baby armadillos following their mothers.

”

– John Pollpeter

through volcanic and tectonic action joined South America and North America. Many species of animals were exchanged. We gave South America bears, cats, and deer and South America gave us opossums and armadillos.

Will they dig up my garden and eat my veggies?

Definitely, armadillos are diggers! They are built for burrowing with smooth body, strong forearms, and large claws. They can destroy a small garden in minutes. But, they are not after your tomatoes or petunias. They are after the Japanese beetle grubs under your lawn, the yellow jackets near the old tree stump, or the termites hiding in your wood pile.

Armadillos eat insects. And they can help your backyard by reducing these pests.

Unfortunately, it is akin to curing the patient by breaking all their bones.

populations later merged and marched north. Prior to 1997, armadillos were established in the lower half of Missouri and Kansas.

This natural migration was spurred by Kentucky’s warmer temperatures due to climate change. The warmer winter temperatures allow the poorly adapted armadillo to stay in their burrow during freezing weather and surface on warm days to forage for food. Rivers and streams do not deter movement; Armadillos do not fear water. They cross small streams by simply holding their breath and walking along the bottom. They cross large rivers like the Tennessee by inflating their stomach and floating across.

This population is not transient.

Around our area, people are seeing this armored mammal year-round, emerging from permanent dens, and escorting young armadillos to feeding areas.

Why are they so often hit by cars?

For a decade, I never saw a live armadillo. I would see plenty crumpled and stifflegged along the highway, but no live ones. The simple answer is: armadillos can’t smell Buicks.

These nocturnal, burrowing animals have a superior sense of smell, but their eyes and ears are very weak. Roadways and disturbed areas are great pathways and hunting grounds. These two factors are a deadly combination.

Remember, armadillos use a very unusual defense behavior when startled: armadillos jump straight up. This places the frightened creature right at the level of the car’s grill, killing them instantly.

Do they carry leprosy?

A small percentage does carry leprosy. This population is located more in the Deep

Did they get here by 18-wheeler?

No, armadillos have been naturally migrating north from two southern populations, Texas and Florida. Armadillos are native to Texas. A small population was introduced into Florida by a resident of the state in the late 19th century. The two

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South and Florida.

Luckily, modern hygiene and antibiotics are the best weapons and should conquer any fears related to this unnecessary concern. It is important to note armadillos will defend themselves and can do harm with those large claws and a foul smell. (Oddly enough, armadillos caught the disease from humans.)

Are they here to stay?

Yes, in Land Between The Lakes people are seeing them throughout the year including December, January, and February. We are finding permanent den sites, and seeing baby armadillos following their mothers on foraging runs. Their populations are healthy. January is the best time to view armadillos.

During warm days, one can spot a foraging armadillo along roadsides. Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Resources has labeled them an invasive species like feral hogs. Realistically, the only thing that may slow their northward progression are a number of freezing winters making survival extremely difficult.

I am not saying you have to except your new neighbors. Inevitably, either through your garden or car, you may have a negative experience. However, these neighbors are going to be a natural part of the s Kentucky landscape and woodlands. We may need to get to know them a little better.

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[ $ ] the last word

Stubborn by: Robert A. Valentine

“Well, not that one; that is certain!” he merchant was very upset, and the liveryman worried. The merchant often bought animals from him, and his trade was important.

Now, he wanted a cargo animal, and there were only two donkeys left.

One was obviously unacceptable; too small and immovable, it lurked on the other side of the enclosure as if it would not move. Ever.

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The other, of course, had the look of a badly used carpet. His coat was patchy and he hung his head a good deal. His muscles were firm with long years of work and he spirit was good, but he was not a beauty. And the smell that came off of him was brutal.

“He is quite healthy, sir,” he said, referring to the tiny beast at the far end of the corral. “It’s just that he doesn’t respond very well. I’m sure a good beating would move him along like . . . .”

“I have no time to train your animals,” the merchant barked. “I have a long trip and must begin today.” Everyone, it seemed to the liveryman, was starting a long trip to somewhere and had depleted his stock. At last, the merchant reached for his purse.

“I’ll have the threadbare swayback, but not at your price. He smells like a carrion heap!” He thrust out two coins – half the asking price. “Have a boy wash him down; perfume him if you can. Bring him to my shop immediately.” He swirled away in a literal cloud of dust, and the work of rehabilitating the odious, odiferous animal began.

A boy had just led the beast away when a tall man ambled down the street. Potential business usually stirred his soul, but the liveryman knew no joy this time. It was the end of day, the light dying, and he had no stock to sell but the chickens he intended to eat tomorrow.

“I hope your day was good,” said the lanky man, his rough, gnarled hand raised in greeting.

“There have been worse, and will be again,” he said, and busied himself with his ropes.

“I have need of an animal, and have little money,” said the man whom the liveryman recognized vaguely as a local craftsman. “I have to go on a trip . . . .”

“Yes, I know: and you must leave soon. I’ve heard it all these last

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eight days. Well, I have nothing for you. Only one tiny donkey remains, and he is mad. Stands all day and all night at the back of the corral and won’t move. Couldn’t carry more than a child or a sack of grain, anyway. Come back tomorrow.”

But the craftsman moved instead toward the corral with the liveryman trailing, and protesting. When they arrived at the rough fence, the donkey was standing near the gate.

His vacant stare was replaced by a keen attention in bright eyes, and he looked at the craftsman with something like affection.

“He seems fine to me,” said the man, as the donkey nuzzled his arm, and, with a gesture, led the beast out the gate and gently tied a rope around his neck. “I’ll pay in gold, if you like.”

Dumbly, the liveryman took the coin and mumbled, “But he’s small.”

“He’ll do. He has only to carry my wife, and she is a small woman, even now, with child. I have to go home; the taxes, you know.”

“Where is your home?” asked the stunned animal trader.

“Not far,” said the carpenter. “Two or three days’ journey, I think, with this beast. Would you say that’s right? To Bethlehem?”

The Liveryman agreed as the donkey fairly pranced away at the man’s side, “Mad beast, mad man,” he thought. “If that creature gets him to Bethlehem, there will be a miracle.” s