Murray Life Magazine Back-To-School 2011

What’s Inside

Home Again at Lyonsgate Allan Smyth

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The History of Our History

VOLUME 16 - NUMBER 3 - BACK TO SCHOOL 2011 Printed in the USA www.mymurraylife.com Publisher Robert Valentine

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Managing Editor Logan Abbitt

Kate Reeves

Those Magnificent Melons Logan Abbitt

Art Director Justin B. Kimbro, K-Squared Designs, LLC Assistant Artists Kyle Smith | Libby Files Amanda Newman

32 Sales & Marketing Andrew Dundee | Tina Copeland Editorial Staff Logan Abbitt | Kim Cottingham Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Robert A. Valentine Notes N’ Neighbors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Murray Life Staff 110 Years Ago In Murray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Robert A. Valentine History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Robert A. Valentine Ask the Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Jamie Lober Count On It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Murray Life Staff Remembering Roderick Reed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Robert A. Valentine Journey Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Constance Alexander Laughing Matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Murray Life Staff Uncommon Mystery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Michael Cohen Actor for Hire: W. Earl Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Robert A. Valentine Dining Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 From Fast to Fabulous Money Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Ron Arant

Day Trips: Marion, Ky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Erin Carrico Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 What’s Happening & Where In Our Next Issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 What’s Happening Next Last Words. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Robert Valentine

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Internet Consultant Justin B. Kimbro, K-Squared Designs, LLC Staff Photography Wm. Gross Magee | Justin B. Kimbro Contributing Writers Ron Arant | Rebecca Feldhaus Michael Cohen | Nicholas Reside | Logan Abbitt Dr. Roger Haney | Aviva Yasgur | Kim Cottingham Caina Lynch | Joshua Wiles | Jamie Lober Printing Image Graphics, Paducah, Kentucky

Murray Life is published five times annually for the Murray area. All contents copyright 2011 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: 105 N. 6th Street, Murray, KY 42071.

Subscriptions may also be made through the Web site, www.murraylifemagazine.com. All advertising inquiries should be directed to the Managing Editor at: Murray Life, 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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Editorial

History “The only thing new under the sun is the history you haven’t read yet.” – Harry Truman There’s one thing that always strikes us as the young people – and some not so young – head back into the classroom and summer begins to wane: The need for learning never stops. We learn more about where we are when we study where we have been, and that’s true whether you are an individual or a whole city. People who continue to learn continue to grow and when you cease to do the first, you cannot do the second.

That’s why we’re pleased to offer you a few looks into the past that may just give you insights into the future.

We had the pleasure of talking with Murray native Earl Brown (known to film buffs as “W. Earl Brown,” actor, writer and producer). The Calloway County High grad was celebrating the release of his new film, Bloodworth, and looking forward to his next project. You’ll discover a serious actor with a fun-loving past and a promising future.

We’re going to look in Murray’s history from several different perspectives. First, there’s the remembrance of Murray’s own world class storyteller, Roderick Reed. If you didn’t know him, you missed something and we’ll make up for that in some small way. Then, there’s a glimpse into the Murray of a century ago as we travel to 1911 with the help of Murray favorite biographers, Mr. and Mrs. Kerby Jennings. “The more things change,” as the old saying goes, “the more they say the same.”

Two of our favorite storytellers of today join us for a look at the past as Kate Apperson Reeves takes us on a tour of her favorite place: the Wrather West Kentucky Museum. Then, playwright and author Constance Alexander – a charter member of the Murray Life Editorial Board back in 1996 – tells a story as only she can.

There’s plenty of “present” in this issue, including a look at a brand new home that aims to preserve a feel of the past. The Evans family invites you for a visit to Lyonsgate, and you won’t want to miss the trip. Keep your schedule up to date, your dining plans on target, and your mind challenged with our helpful calendars, dining guide and puzzle and humor pages. Today is just as important as those fabled “good ol’ days,” you know.

We hope you will learn something, recall something, or just enjoy a helpful hint or a silly story. One thing we’ve learned for certain: it is great fun to share ideas and recollections with folks who will appreciate them.

So, as the evenings begin to cool just a little (we hope), sit back, turn a page, and learn something about your own Murray Life.

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Robert A. Valentine, Publisher

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Notes ‘n Neighbors

Murray State Theatre Announces New Season he 2011-2012 season starts soon at Murray State, and the theatre department is ready with an enticing menu of drama, comedy, musical and children's selections. Beginning September 15, tickets may be purchased online by registering at www.murraystatetickets.com. Call 270.809.4421 for information.

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Sanjie: A Chinese Shadow Puppet Play

By Lissa Graham As a season opener, the theatre celebrates the ancient art of Chinese Puppet theatre. The show follows a series of stories and is presented by actors working in shadow play. This is like nothing you have seen before.

September 16-18 Eleemosynary

By Lee Blessing Staged with utmost simplicity, the play probes into the delicate relationship of grandmother, Dorothea, her brilliant daughter, Artie, and Artie's daughter, Echo. It is a heralded gem of American playwrighting.

September 22-27 Orpheus in the Underworld Book and Lyrics by Hector Crémieux and Ludovic Halévy. Music by Jacques Offenbach.

The first of Offenbach's outrageously funny 'send-ups'

of Greek mythology, this is an unashamed version of the classic legend of Orpheus's pursuit of his wife Eurydice, who is carried off to Hades by Pluto - much to the annoyance of Jupiter.

November 17-20 Robin Hood

By Tim Kelly Robin Hood, the outlaw of Sherwood Forest, leads a merry life with his followers. It's up to Robin to stop the marriage of Maid Marian, defeat a nasty sheriff, and secure Nottingham for the King's return.

October 17-20 Suddenly Last Summer

By Tennessee Williams This dark and gritty play introduces us to Catharine Holly, a young woman who seems to go insane after her cousin Sebastian dies on a trip to Europe under mysterious circumstances.

February 23-28 The Mousetrap

By Agatha Christie In this classic melodramatic theatre piece, a group of strangers is stranded in a boarding house during a snowstorm, one of whom is a murderer. A superb intrigue from the foremost mystery writer of her time.

April 25-29

Where's the Arboretum? e’ve received a number of very enthusiastic responses to Logan Abbitt’s informative article on MSU’s new – and growing – arboretum.

Logan included very clear instructions about getting there, but we included no map for those who are visually inclined in their explorations.

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So, for the benefit of those who read maps, here’s the “overview” of MSU’s newest contribution to delight those who love growing things, a little easy learning, and some peace and quite in a lovely setting.

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Notes ‘n Neighbors

United Way Executive Director to Retire ong time United Way of Murray-Calloway County Executive Director, Ms. Peggy Billington, is announcing her retirement, officially beginning December 31, 2011.

Peggy has been executive director of United Way of Murray-Calloway County for 14 years. Before taking on her role as executive director, she worked with the American Red Cross for 14 years.

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Peggy has piloted the United Way for over a decade through a variety of economic times and changing community needs. "I am proud to be a part of this community and proud to have been able to serve in this role," Peggy told us.

“Peggy has been a fixture of the United Way for several years and loved by all in the community,” stated board chair Lance Allison. “We are excited to honor her legacy and know that she will

always be a part of the United Way.” A retirement celebration is planned and will be hosted in conjunction with the United Way's KickOff Banquet, August 30 at the Murray State University Curris Center. If you're interested in attending please contact the United Way office at 270-753-0317 or register online at www.mccunitedway.org

Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards he 2011 Murray-Calloway County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner was its customary smash hit of an evening. Under the direction Lance Allison, the Chamber churned out another year of added service and support to area businesses, and they paused in the midst of the summer heat to celebrate some of the folks who contributed to business and community success.

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The Chairman's Awards, recognizing contributions to the Chamber and the community, celebrated the accomplishments of Rev. John Dale, one of the people in Murray of whom it may be truly said, "he needs no introduction." Fellow recipient Cindy Chrisman-Veach was recognized for her perhaps less visible, but no less important contributions.

celebration as Chuck's many contributions to the community were celebrated by the award.

There are many communities in America with little or nothing to celebrate this year, and we wish them the best. As for Murray, things have been better than one might expect and it's worth recognizing those who contributed to that success with their good work, the wise decisions and their gifts of time, talent and compassion. Murray Life congratulates the honorees, the Chamber, and its many members for their individual and collective additions to the well being of our community, from border to border and beyond.

The Agriculturalist of the year for 2011 is James Ray Murdock, and the businesses who were saluted include Small business of the year Martin Colson Hale and Henderson, CPAs, Mid-Sized Business CFSB, and Large Business of the Year Murray-Calloway County Hospital.

Chuck Jones of C. A. Jones, Inc. was recognized as the Citizen of the Year. The event capped an evening of w w w. m u r r a y l if e m a g a z ine . c o m

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History

100 Years Ago: Murray, 1911 By: Robert Valentine

Dorothy & Kerby Jennings We are indebted to the vision, art, and generosity of Dorothy and Kerby Jennings, whose work, The Story of Calloway County, 18221976, remains the best source of local history for Murray and Calloway County. The following article is drawn very heavily from their very readable record, and directly quoted passages are in italics.

ell, here we are: 100 years since 1911.

Remember, no one had ever heard of World War I. Even Germany was ignorant of Adolf Hitler. Henry Ford was known, but not nearly as well as his family name is renowned today. Japan was not known for automobiles; China was not a trading giant, and the only Roosevelt to ever be President was Teddy. No one in Murray owned a TV, because the first demonstration of the One-Eyed Monster was nearly 30 years in the future.

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More importantly, there was no Murray State University; no large hospital in the center of town; no four-lane roads of any kind. The population of the City of Murray was only slightly larger than this year’s freshman class at MSU. Only a few people had a telephone, and no one, except for Nathan B. Stubblefield, carried one around.

Yet, there are some similarities between that far yesterday and today. Today, for instance, we rejoice in Murray’s new transit system. A century ago, public transportation was also headline news.

The New Year of 1911 ushered in a new form of transportation, the taxi, when B. L. Stanley restored his burned out automobile and announced he would convert his machine into a taxicab in which he could effect a speedier passenger transfer business, now that the population was growing at a faster pace.

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Speaking of growth, today’s city officials are pleased to announce that Murray is one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. In 1911, there was disappointment that the recorded growth was not larger that the commendable increase recognized by the Census Bureau.

The official 1910 census was made public, recording 19,867 persons, a sizable gain over the previous 10-year count of 17,603 in the county. Other comparisons reflected Murray had grown from a previous count of 1,822 to 2,089, Dexter from 221 to 260, however, the bureau failed to reveal a count for Hazel and Almo.

As is the case today, many young people leave home for opportunity elsewhere. Although Murray and Calloway County appear much less effected by the recent economic downturn, it will always be the case that greener pastures lure the young. They Jennings recorded both the departure and the written evidence – not in the form of text messages, but in letters home published in the local papers.

Although the growth as reflected by the official count was disappointing to those who measured progress in round

v The official 1910 census was made public, recording 19,867 persons, a sizable gain over the previous 10-year count of 17,603 in the county. Other comparisons reflected Murray had grown from a previous count of 1,822 to 2,089, Dexter from 221 to 260, however, the bureau failed to reveal a count for Hazel and Almo.

As is the case today, many young people leave home for opportunity elsewhere. Although Murray and Calloway County appear much less effected by the recent economic downturn, it will always be the case that greener pastures lure the young. They Jennings recorded both the departure and the written evidence – not in the form of text messages, but in letters home published in the local papers.

History

Dorothy & Kirby Jennings We are indebted to the vision, art, and generosity of Dorothy and Kerby Jennings, whose work, The Story of Calloway County, 1822-1976, remains the best source of local history for Murray and Calloway County. The following article is drawn very heavily from their very readable record, and directly quoted passages are in italics.

Although the growth as reflected by the official count was disappointing to those who measured progress in round numbers, the first migration of native sons and daughters was under full swing with the outflow moving into the states of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and California. Each issue of the weekly newspaper contained letters from departing settles, describing the great attractions of avail-

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History

The Murray of a century ago would have looked longingly on the vast medical resources available today.

Kerby Jennings wrote with hope about a disease that was both common and terrifying in 1911, but which no one today would even recognize if it returned.

Another old illness surfaced in this county during the year which had devastated mankind for untold generations— smallpox. It was first reported in Dexter, spread to the southeast section of the county, near Hazel, and finally in Murray when Jeff and Charles Shroat were reported to have mild cases.

Quarantines were immediately set up around every house suspected of being a source of contagion with a yellow flag being draped over a rope, barring entry other than for supplies and medical attendants. Fifteen cases were reported in the county. State officials supplemented the medical profession members in containing the illness and within four weeks the plague was under control. This was the last instance, it is assumed, that smallpox has reached epidemic proportions.

Of course the Murray High-Calloway County High rivalry was just beginning. There was no busing, of course, so some students had to stay at or near the school. Failing that, there was a movement to get some kids to ride the train. Here’s how it read in 1911: Considerable commotion stirred the county by the rapid growth of the Calloway County High School at Hazel, not to mention the chagrin of officials at Murray High School who viewed the success of the new county school as a challenge.

Notwithstanding the Murray opposition, the greater confab

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originated with other sections of the county protesting the location of Hazel on the southern edge of the county as a site for the county high school. Thus began the first agitation leading to county high schools in other neighborhoods. The C.C.H.S. reported 248 pupils, 50 of which were boarders ($12 a month), consequently aiding the economic growth of Hazel.

Murray High’s ruffled feathers were soothed with the announcement of building concrete sidewalks completely around the grounds, therefore contributing a metropolitan touch to its appearance to woo county students.

Hazel accepted the challenge by persuading the N.C.&St.L. Railway to build a new depot on the lot north of the brick hotel. The railroad was an important link of transportation for students from the northern section of Calloway.

No one had ever heard of “going green” in 1911, but the sentiment was there, and the same leaders who would lend their hearts, hands and considerable persuasive powers to so many good works in Murray were at it even then. We should not be surprised, although the choice of dumping grounds would make modern environmentalists cringe, just a bit.

The Woman’s club got the blue ribbon of the 1911 year when the good ladies staged the city’s first clean-up drive in the spring, awarding prizes to enterprising youngsters in two dozen categories. The result: Enormous piles of rubbish stacked high on every street that require the efforts of a half dozen hacks for three weeks to remove it to the country road in Clark’s River bottoms (what a mess that was.)

History

And, while Murray and all of west Kentucky celebrates the opening of the four-lane Highway 80, and waits for the improvement of 641 to the south and the completion of the long-fabled by-pass around Murray, local journalists looked with a jaundiced eye on similar plans in 1911.

The proposal to link Murray onto the Jeff Davis highway was a battle cry for progress in this 1911 year. Consequently the fiscal court approved $10,000 for its part of the county cost with the understanding private subscriptions would match the fund. The court’s action was more a political gesture for it appeared quite safe in its approval that the sum would never be subscribed.

Look for that By-pass in 2111.

Finally, for all those who bemoan the commercialization of Christmas, don’t forget that it has been a long time in coming. And, for all those who fret about mosquitoes, chiggers, and head lice, remember than there were more bothersome plagues for adventurous youth in 1911.

All was not in vain for the year 1911, the year of the locusts, for Santa Claus came to town for the first time aboard a passenger train where he [Santa] presented presents to the children: a picture of himself while on his way to Bray’s 5&10c Store. So did Tom Brandon return to his historic mill at Brandon’s Mill to again set the big mill rocks in motion, grinding out hot cornmeal that kids would eat by the fistfuls. No wonder all the lads in those parts had worms, included that youthful Galen Thurman in later years.

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Ask the Doctor

Fall Maladies By: Jamie Lober ature’s beauty, like the rainbow, sometimes comes with a downpour of rain. Similarly, with a scenic season like fall, there are associated health woes like allergies. “Leaves are falling so there are a lot of environmental allergies and asthmatics have trouble,” said Vicki Williams, Calloway County school health coordinator and nurse. The key to surviving allergies is avoiding the triggers. You may want to have an antihistamine or over-the-counter medication available. “Be prepared because a lot of times allergies can lead to secondary infections such as sinusitis, otitis media which is an ear infection, or asthma attacks,” said Williams.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics said that for outdoor allergens, you should use air conditioners when possible. They suggest showering or bathing at the end of the day and for grass or pollen allergies, to remain indoors when grass is mowed. People should avoid tall fields of grass and if mold is an irritant, avoid romping in piles of dead leaves as well. Since antihistamines can cause drowsiness, an alternative is nasal corticosteroids which are highly effective and even safe to use in children over long periods of time but must be used daily. Immunotherapy or shots may be prescribed if the doctor confirms the allergy.

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Colds can be bothersome in the fall but can happen any time of year. “Try to enforce good hygiene, hand washing, not sharing cups, drinks or food, not putting pencils in your mouth and doing things to keep to a minimum the risk of passing on germs,” said Williams. Colds and allergies are similar. “There are watery eyes with allergies, runny nose, clear nasal drainage, a little dry, raw throat and a cough,” said Williams. It usually runs its course. “If it lasts more than three or four days or if other things begin to accompany it like fever, respiratory distress or discolored drainage I would see a doctor,” said Williams.

Antibiotics do not respond because colds are viruses and there is no cure.

When you know the possibilities of fall ailments, you are better prepared to address the situation and get well faster.

For issues with asthma that worsens in the fall, avoiding the triggers is essential. These may include allergens, tobacco smoke, infections like respiratory,

i cold and sinus, outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution like cooking fumes, odors and wood-burning stoves. Exercise can also exacerbate symptoms.

Another lousy condition is bacterial sinusitis which is when cold symptoms last over ten days without improving. People will have a thick, yellow nasal discharge and fever for at least three or four days in a row and severe headache behind or around the eyes that gets worse when bending over. An antibiotic is prescribed for at least ten days to treat it and you should continue to take them for the prescribed length of time. Ending too early can cause the infection to return.

If you have a headache from sinus pain, there are some at-home remedies. You can try to treat it with a warm washcloth on the face for a few minutes at a time. Pain medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also be helpful. For coping with nasal congestion, you can drain with saline nose drops which are available without a prescription. Having a cool-mist humidifier in your room can help you feel better but you must remember to clean and dry the humidifier daily in order to prevent bacteria or mold from growing.

For school-aged kids, there are usually no severe health problems in the fall but nurses note that “schoolitis” is not uncommon.

“There are some kids that do not adapt well to the change from summer and literally end up with stomachaches like a psychosomatic symptom and it is a stressinduced illness,” said

Ask the Doctor

Williams. There are things you can do to easethe transition. “Parents can talk to the child and make him more comfortable by giving him flexibility to learn where classes are and come into school before it starts. Sometimes, only time will help in getting back into the swing of the routine,” said Williams.

When kids get together at the start of the school year, head lice become an issue. “If parents find head lice, they need to treat it and treat the entire family, their house and environment,” said Williams.

Severe itching of the head is the main sign and schools have policies in place to keep a watchful eye on this issue. “We keep everything confidential, send a student home and offer handouts and assistance on how to get rid of it,” said Williams. Kids are checked before they are allowed back in the classroom. Teaching your child not to judge is important. “People tend to look down on people who have head lice but they should not because actually head lice like clean hair better than dirty hair because they can hold on better,” said Williams. There is one strain of head lice that is resistant to medication so it can be difficult to rid. “Basically, getting rid of it with a treatment and cleaning the environment is as important as getting the nits or eggs off the head or hair shaft,” said Williams. The lice often resemble dandruff but, if you are unsure, consult with the pediatrician or school nurse. When you know the possibilities of fall ailments, you are better prepared to address the situation and get well faster.

Jamie Lober is a nationally known speaker and writer with a passion for providing information on health topics A-Z. She is president of Talk Health with Jamie and can be reached at talkhealthwithjamie@gmail.com. O

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This is hard level puzzle #16...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.

Again, good luck!

Where is the Solution?

Not sure of your answers?

Visit our Web site to check your solution.

Go to www.murraylifemagazine.com and click the “Puzzle Solution” symbol.

We’ll see you next issue with another great puzzle!

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Count On It

Museums

Compiled by: Murray Life Staff

5.2 million:

$20:

55,000: 2.3 million:

223:

137 million:

1683:

18:

865 million: $300 Million:

8.5 Million: 93%:

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Community

Remembering Roderick Reed By: Bob Valentine

This article is excerpted from Murray Life Magazine, August, 2011, and is based on the original article which appeared in Murray Life, JulyAugust 2004. s schools re-open for the fall, and as the Douglas community prepares to celebrate family this August, it seems a wonderful time to celebrate the artist teacher, performer, and example of Murray’s own Roderick Reed.

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LUCKY, LUCKY MAN "I am a most fortunate man," said storyteller Jay Overton. "I am probably the one person on Earth who has been blessed to watch Rod Reed perform the most." Without boasting, Overton is probably right.

For four years, Overton and Reed were the most widely known storytelling duo in middle America.

Each year they covered an average of 50,000 miles and addressed more than 200,000 people. Appearing on the Americana Television Network's Storytellers Theatre, they entertained hundreds of thousands more.

There is nothing in this world like the look on the face of a young boy or girl when Rod tells them one of his stories," Overton recalled for a church filled with mourners on a sunny September morning.

THE PIED PIPER It was as a teacher that Reed made his greatest impression. The weekend following his passing, Storyteller Steve Ross included Annasi the Spider in the 12th Annual Paris-Henry Country Storytelling Festival as a tribute to the man from whom so many had heard the African folk tale. Ross, a celebrated professional teller, learned many of his tales and techniques from Reed while the two were members of Spinners!

The storytelling troupe provided Reed with opportunities to share his gifts. "Rod can honestly be thought of as a Pied Piper or Johnny Appleseed," says Overton. "He planted the seeds of story in the hearts of many young people—a very powerful thing."

He coached students in high school speech, was instrumental in the creation of the musical group "Hush" in his church and was a beloved counselor to many students in the Head Start Program. The range and depth of his contribution to the lives of young people in Murray and Western Kentucky is so remarkable that it creates wonder.

A SONG TOO BRIEF Reed was not a remarkable boy. After high school he attended Murray State, but drama projects and the lure of theatre always interrupted his plans. He left home to try his hand at theatre in New York and other places but always returned to Murray. In the 1970s, he was studying at Murray State University when he met the Rudy Krider. Prof. Krider took an instant liking to the young man. He was so shy there were few other faculty for whom he performed, but he performed for Ruby Krider.

He continued to influence Murray State University's theatre program, even after he had gone on to establish a career. In the 1980s he was asked to work for two months with a promising pair of young actors who would be representing MSU in a national dramatic

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Rod is the only person of his generation who has made a successful connection across the cultures here at Murray State. duo competition. His plan was to take them out of there usual routine and put them onstage in a wholly different kind of performance.

The plan worked. Robert Henry of Paris, Tenn., and Michael Hardin of Russellville, Ky., became the first National Champions in dramatic competition from Murray State. Few people knew of Roderick's role in their success, and he was never likely to mention it except to ask, from time to time, how well his two students were faring in life after college. They did well, too.

For many years, Reed was "the" black actor in Murray.

If he could not take a role at Murray State, Playhouse in the Park, or Paducah's market House Theatre, he would be instrumental in helping to find and train an actor for the role.

"Rod is the only person of his generation who has made a successful connection across the cultures here at Murray State," says Prof. David Balthrop, Chairman of MSU's theatre department. "He is the one who said, 'We're going to do this,' and went in with a 'damn the torpedoes’ attitude."

Community

HIS WORLD, A STAGE Out of school and bouncing from job to job to finance his theatre work, he finally found a position as a professional storyteller in the early 1900s with the new National Scouting Museum. Reed was one of the founding members of the "Spinners!" troupe that emerged. He continued to serve as its most respected teacher until illness compelled him to retire from active travel and performance.

Reed touched many lives, perhaps in ways that will never be known. But I can tell you a story that symbolizes both the mischief and the majesty of Roderick Reed. In 1992, Jay Overton and Roderick had been scheduled to perform at the Ouachita Council Annual Dinner, a major southwestern scouting event. A family emergency prevented Jay from traveling to Little Rock, Ark., so another storyteller had to be found, and I was it.

On our arrival, we went immediately to the banquet hall to see where we would perform. While Rod inspected the lines of sight and tested the sound system and the acoustics of the place, I went over the program the events organizers.

"We'd like you to tell a short story to start off the evening in the right mood, and then give the invocations. You know the Scout grace, of course," the emcee said confidently.

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Community

"Sure," I said, confident for some reason that Rod would know the prayer. When we got back to the hotel room to dress for the event, I gently let him know of his new assignment.

He was being kind. It was too long. It was far too long.

The sentence about the clouds and the mountains was overblown and had no place, I could now see. I cut it.

Was it all right now?

"I don’t know all of the words to that," he said. "You do it." I explained why that would be impossible.

"Was there something about 'the day's labor' or something like that?" There was. It was badly out of place, too. It went away.

We were stuck. If we asked for help, we would reveal that we didn’t know the prayer. It did not occur to us at the time that lying was not exactly a treasured Scouting trait.

"What do we do?" asked Rod. "We'll substitute the 'Storytellers Prayer'," I said.

"After all, we're storytellers and it's a beautiful prayer."

Relieved, Rod said, "How does it go?"

"I don’t know," I answered seriously. "You haven’t written it yet."

Rod demurred and said he would help, but that I was the writer. I sat down and penned a full legal pad sheet of beautiful, moving, Scout-like prayer, and then asked for his help and criticism.

"It's long enough," he said. "Read that part about the clouds and the mountains again, will you?"

Slowly, surely, and kindly all the overdone, inappropriate, trite, commonplace phrases we too often hear at public gatherings disappeared. Rod never said, "cut this," or "get rid of that." He just asked that it be reconsidered. His instincts, as usual, were keen.

At the dinner that night, we offered "The Storytellers' Prayer" for the first time. It reads, simply: "Lord, who tells the greatest story, make my words true. Let my stories find the hearts of those who will listen, lift up their spirits and bring me safely home again."

SAFELY HOME AGAIN "He was gentle of spirit, generous of heart, and very talented." Like his departed friend, Jay Overton has learned the art of saying much in few words.

There are those who did not know he was a teacher who will miss his performances; those who did not know he was a pillar of his church who will miss his guidance as an artist.

An old friend from his past told me Roderick would say, "You go on. You do it better. You touch more people. You break more barriers; you make more children smile."

That estimate will sound very right to those who knew him best.

On September 14, 2000, storytelling gave up one of its brightest, most beautiful voices. Roderick "Roger" Reed, who had taught many young people and adults to enjoy the simple sound of the human voice reaching out to another soul, finished his tale.

But his voice still echoes in the lives of those he touched. souvenir. When working in your yard, wear gloves, cover your arms and legs, and use an appropriate weed treatment. Then relax and enjoy the rest of the beautiful fall season.

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Community

Journey Stories at Murray State University By: Constance Alexander

ccording to the Smithsonian Institution, “Each of us has a powerful journey story deep in our personal heritage.” For some, it is the chronicle of a family uprooting itself in order to stay together, while others might tell tales of sons and daughters moving to faraway lands, never to return. There are journeys calculated in miles, and those calibrated in heartbeats. No matter how the distance is measured, however, each journey is unique.

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Journey Stories -- a touring exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum on Main Street program, in cooperation with the Kentucky Humanities Council -- explores the concept of journeys through historic images, photographs, artifact, quotes and sounds.

This unique exhibit will be on display at the Wrather Museum on the Murray State University campus from January 28 to March 10, 2012. The last stop on the Kentucky leg of the tour, Murray is the only locale west of I-65 to earn this honor. Other exhibition sites are Winchester, Cynthiana, Somerset, Morehead and Fort Thomas.

Providing a national perspective on a variety of historical journeys, Journey Stories host institutions create local exhibits to showcase the exhibition’s theme. The history of western Kentucky is rich in journey stories, including the Trail of Tears; the displacement of families and communities when dams and bridges were built; the exodus north to factory jobs during WWII and in the 1950’s; relocation to Murray and the Lakes region from the RandMcNally #1 Retirement Community designation in 1987; migrant workers involved in tobacco and other farming enterprises; moves associated with plant closings and new business openings. In addition to the larger, societal shifts, personal journeys have occurred in our region because of love, war, money and opportunity. Through a range of educational and programming opportunities, the Wrather exhibit of Journey Stories will touch upon all of them.

To spark interest in Journey Stories, Murray’s National Public Radio affiliate WKMS-FM re-broadcast the documentary series, “Connecting People & Place” in August and September. Originally aired in 1997-98, the series celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the people and communities from Between the Rivers in west Kentucky and

Tennessee who were forced to move when bridges and dams were built and Land Between The Lakes was created. The “Journey Stories” of former residents comprise some of our region’s history that, though well-known by those directly affected, is unfamiliar to younger generations and new residents of the region.

WKMS is seeking personal journey stories from its listeners to broadcast while the Journey Stories exhibition is on view. Contact msu.wkms@murraystate.edu by the end of October to participate and receive a keepsake recording as well.

Throughout the year, Murray State University will be sponsoring a range of cultural and arts activities that reflect the Journey Stories theme, and various businesses and civic organizations in Murray and Calloway County will be involved. In addition, programming around the region, including at the Quilting Museum in Paducah, is being scheduled to complement the concept of journeys.

School and community groups are invited to visit Journey Stories and reflect on the many ways their personal and family histories relate to the images and artifacts in the exhibition. A teachers’ guide that focuses on skills and activities associated with the exhibition is currently being developed so that school groups can gain maximum benefit from their visit to the museum.

Throughout the school year, Constance Alexander will be conducting poetry workshops with students of all ages around the journeys concept. Poems will be recorded and broadcast on WKMS-FM during April, National Poetry Month, as a grand finale for the Journey Stories exhibition in western Kentucky.

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A Museum on Main Street Exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution January 28 to March 10, 2012 at the Wrather West Kentucky Museum in Murray Additional information is available at www.museumonmainstreet.org/journeystories/

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A Laughing Matter

History...WHAT!?

Compiled by: Murray Life Staff History may be written by the winners, but these history quiz answers are not. The following lines are reportedly genuine answers from GCSE tests. All spelling and/or grammatical errors are from the students, not the staff of this magazine. In the words of poet and philosopher George Santayana: "Those who cannot remember the past are doomed." Or something like that. ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° "The Magna Carta provided that no free men should be hanged twice for the same offense." ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° “Another tale tells of William Tell, who shot an arrow through an apple while standing on his son's head.” ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° "Sir Walter Raleigh is a historical figure because he invented cigarettes." ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° "The system involving barons and lords was called the futile system." ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° "Christopher Columbus was a great navigator who discovered America while cursing about the Atlantic. His ships were called the Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Fe." ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° "The winter of 1620 was a hard one for the settlers. Many people died, and many babies were born. Captain John Smith was responsible for all this." ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° "Franklin died in 1790 and is still dead." ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° "Bach was the most famous composer in the world, and so was Handel." ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° "Bach died from 1750 to the present." ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° "Beethoven wrote music even though he was deaf. He expired in 1827 and later died for this." ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° "Queen Victoria was the longest queen. She sat on a thorn for 63 years." ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° "Actually, Homer was not written by Homer, but by another man of the same name."

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Lyonsgate By: Allan Smyth

When Larry and Connie Evans left Murray in 1981 to pursue their life’s dreams, Larry made a promise to Connie: "We will come back and retire here." So, with that pocketed promise, Connie agreed, and off to explore other places they went. Spending most of the last 30 years in Connecticut, they say that coming “home” has never felt better. If it’s true that “home is what you make it,” then these two have really made an incredible new house into a home with the help of famed interior designer Kenn Gray.

Kenn, like the Evans, is a southerner who moved away to live in Los Angeles, New York, and Boston. He owned his own interior design firm, an art gallery and starred on a TV series on the Travel Channel before coming “back home” himself. He is now a designer at the Ethan Allen design center in Paducah and has succeeded in creating the perfect series of spaces within the Evans new home that reflect their love of historical homes, northeast character and contemporary stylings.

“Kenn was a pleasure to work with from the very beginning,” said Connie. “He has this uncanny way of listening to everything we say (which is a lot) and somehow knows just what we will love! Larry and I don’t always agree either, but Kenn was always able to decipher what would be perfect out of all our ideas. He used some of our existing pieces and melded them seamlessly with his new design. He somehow managed to get us to

think outside our box, always honest about what he thought about our ideas, good and bad, and basically just made everything work.”

The home harkens back to an earlier time.

“We wanted the house to feel like an older home that had been added on to; that had a real sense of history. Our favorite part is the center hallway that runs through the whole house,” said Connie.

The property is lovingly referred to as “Lyonsgate” in homage to Connie’s maiden name (Lyons). The majestic stone fountain with its four lion heads adjacent to the pool is a nod to Connie and her three sisters.

General Contractor Charles Robinson of Murray was excited about the project and exceeded the Evans expectations. Nothing in this residence was left to chance, down to the sprawling landscape design done by Chris Maley of Maley Landscapes, Inc. “We had no idea how amazing it would be working with Kenn,” Connie recalls. “It really helps having someone who knows what is available and how to put it all together. We could never have done it without him. Just like Kenn, our new home isn’t fussy – it’s fabulous!”

Kenn Gray had much the same reaction to his work with the Evans family. “I had an amazing experience working with the Larry and

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The property is lovingly referred to as

Lyon

Connie. It’s always fun to introduce new ideas and ways of thinking about things to someone who is receptive to your creativity. The Evans wanted a home that reflected them, their history, and their possibility; I think we arrived at these places through great design.”

You can see the eye of the artist at work in Gray’s enthusiasm. The freedom he had in discovering what the family wanted and needed and the joy he takes in their pleasure and pride is unmistakable.

As a team, designer and client went far beyond merely selecting a few pieces of furniture. Kenn says, “While the whole home is furnished in Ethan Allen (interior, outdoor – even accessories and art), the home has its own unique flavor and doesn’t feel at all like a showroom.

Fabric is largely inspirational to me and I used some unbelievable fabrics which serve to enhance each space and create warmth that is ‘uniquely Lyonsgate.’”

Son Garrison, and daughter Mallory love the new digs and will hopefully come home more often. "That’s why we put in the pool!” said Connie, with the smile of a knowing mother.

Creating a dream-home is a daunting task, but it can certainly be a wonderful experience with such a great team of experts on your side. Charles Robinson Construction, Maley Landscapes, and Kenn Gray of Ethan Allen have worked together to create a masterpiece of southern charm that offers a comfortable welcome for family and friends. Lyonsgate memories will surely be a part of the Evans family history for decades to come.

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nsgate in homage to Connie’s maiden name (Lyons)

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The History of

Our History By: Kate Reeves

he History of Wrather West Kentucky Museum is closely tied to the early history and formation of Murray State University. Dr. L. J. Horton, a former Murray State University Journalism professor, called Wrather Hall the “Heritage Home� of Murray State University. It was the first building on the campus and was dedicated on September 22, 1924. A bronze plaque now located in the front hall of Wrather marks the occasion.

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Over the years, what started as Murray State Normal School has changed names three times. From a normal school, to a teachers college (1938), a college (1948), and a university (1966), Marvin O. Wrather was a witness to this growth. He was one of the first 12 students to graduate from Murray State Normal School in 1926.

Wrather became secretary of the Alumni Association and director of public relations for Murray State for many years. In 1968, Wrather was named the univer-

sity’s first executive vice-president. He served as acting president three times: July – November 1945, following the death of President James Richmond; April – July 1974, while President Ralph Woods was on an assignment in Greece; and July – October 1967, following President Ralph Woods’ heart attack.

Between the years of the Great Depression and the start of World War II the building that would become Wrather Museum was home to something different.

One of the strangest and most memorable stories associated with the building is that of Oscar the alligator.

In addition to a newspaper photograph, this story is recorded in an article that appeared in the Department of Facilities Management Newsletter. Paul Bailey, a long time resident of Murray, Kentucky, recounts the story for the writer. During the mid to late 1930’s, Oscar somehow came to live on the campus of Murray State, though no one knows exactly why or how. The

strange resident spent his days in a pool in the quadrangle just west of Pogue Library, at a time when only four buildings stood on campus. When it rained and the water level would rise, Oscar would venture out of his pool and make his way to a large gravel pit in the area where the Industry and Technology building now stands. During the summer months Oscar inhabited the pool and grew larger eating goldfish and frogs until he reached five feet in length. When the weather turned colder Oscar was wrapped in blankets and

taken to the basement of Wrather Hall for hibernation and was monitored throughout the winter months.

Oscar was gone by the early 1940’s. He vanished as mysteriously as he appeared; no one really knows what happened to him.

The Murray State Normal School building would later become Wrather Hall in honor of M.O. Wrather in the mid-1960s. “I’ve never really considered my job as

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work. I pay no attention to hours and I’ve enjoyed myself always. I think Murray is a great institution.

The success of our alumni proves it.” said Wrather, quoted by the Murray State News in 1966.

The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Place in 1975 and an effort began four years later to turn the facility into a museum. After 62 years, the building was again dedicated, this time as a museum, on September 22, 1982. Wrather West Kentucky Museum was born.

The mission of the museum is to highlight and promote an understanding of the social, cultural, and economic development of western Kentucky and the Jackson Purchase through acquisitions, exhibits and special programs. The Jackson Purchase was acquired from the Chickasaw Indians in 1818 for $300,000. The first Kentucky governor, Isaac Shelby, worked with General Andrew Jackson to form the treaty with the Chickasaw. Enough land was contracted from the Jackson Purchase to establish eight westernmost counties in Kentucky and 20 in Tennessee.

Current Murray State University President Dr. Randy Dunn believes that the museum is significant, due to its ability to connect the University with the region, which is an ability that every regional university must have. Housing the museum is one of the multiple ways that Murray State University fulfills it mission to support and develop the region.

Wrather West Kentucky Museum is more than a museum and more than an historic building. It is a “keeper of the past” and Kate Reeves, manager of the museum, feels the museum is a means to preserve our valuable past. Many items have been loaned or donated by members of the region. Keeping true to the history of the area, the museum stands as a tribute to the people who had a vision of caring about our heritage.

Over the years the museum has played host to many exhibits and events. The museum will hold a special traveling exhibit on the Civil War October 10 through 13, 2011.

Wrather West Kentucky Museum is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is located at North 16th and University Drive, on the campus of Murray State University. Exhibits are open to the public at no charge. Handicap access is available. For additional information, call 270-809-4771.

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January 28, 2012 through March 10, 2012 Wrather will host a very special exhibition titled Journey Stories.

This is an exhibition developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES). It is made possible in Murray by the Kentucky Humanities Council, Inc. The exhibit is part of the Museum on Main Street program and has been made possible through the generous support of the United States Congress. The exhibit is being brought to campus, by Gina Winchester, Office of Regional Stewardship and Outreach, Constance Alexander, the Teacher Quality Institute and Kate Reeves, Wrather West Kentucky Museum. (See Journey Stories article this issue) O

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

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By: Logan Abbitt

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ccording to legend, the watermelon was discovered by An Tiem, a prince of the Hung dynasty of Vietnam. He was exiled on an island with the condition that if he could survive for six months, he could go back to his castle. One day as An Tiem walked along the beach, he noticed strange yellow sea birds among the rocks pecking at black seeds, and some of these dropped into the sand. An Tiem decided he would plant these seeds. Soon, the seeds sprouted vines and bore fruit larger than peaches and covered with green skin smooth to the touch. He called his fruits dua do, or red melon. But later his wife, hearing the cry of the birds that had carried the seeds, said, "Listen to their song." The birds seemed to cry Tay qua, "Water melon." The prince eventually survived and went back home.

Today, watermelons are an immensely popular fruit all over the world. They are an essential part of summer picnics and backyard cookouts. However, they are only one part of the culinary delight that is the melon. Melon varieties are now endless! Here are some melons to keep an eye out for at your local supermarket or farmer’s market for a different and tasty sweet treat!

Cantaloupe - Actually called a muskmelon, this familiar fruit with orange flesh and khaki netted colored skin provides the most beta-carotene in the entire melon family. Select melons that are slightly golden with a light fragrant smell. Cantaloupe is typically available year-round, with a June through August peak season.

Casaba - This is a large melon that is pale yellow when ripe and has white flesh with a sweet taste. Unlike the other melons, casaba melons do not have an aroma.

This melon peaks in the fall, but starts showing up in markets in July through December.

Crenshaw - These melons can weigh up to ten pounds and deliver a unique sweet and spicy flavor. They are

Vampire Pumpkins An old Gypsy folk legend from the Balkans warns us about vampiric fruit. According to tradition, watermelons or any kind of pumpkin kept more than ten days, or after Christmas, will become a vampire, rolling around on the ground and growling to pester the living. However, people have little fear of the vampire pumpkins and melons because of the creatures' lack of teeth. An indication that a pumpkin or melon is about to undergo a vampiric transformation is the appearance of a drop of blood on its skin.

a hybrid between the casaba and Persian melon with a yellowish skin and salmon colored flesh. Peak season for Crenshaw melons is August through September.

Honeydew - The sweetest of all the melons and averaging five to six pounds, honeydew melons have a creamy yellow rind when ripe and pale green flesh.

It’s best from June through October, but is available year round.

Persian - This melon is quite similar to, but slightly larger than, the Cantaloupe. It has a greener rind and a finer netting on the outside. Persian melons are peak in August and September.

Santa Claus - This variety is similar to the watermelon with the green and gold stripes, but is about a foot long and isn’t as sweet as the other melons. It is also known as the Christmas melon because it peaks during the month of December.

Sharlyn - This melon tastes like a cantaloupe and honeydew combined.

Sharlyn melons are sweet with netted outer layer, greenish-orange rind, and white flesh. The availability varies, so check your local supermarkets and farmer’s market.

The challenge of the melon has always been finding a ready one.

Whether growing or buying, it is discouraging to select melons which are not ripe.

Watermelons give you several clues as to when to harvest. The melon also develops a "soil spot" where the melon sits on the soil, unless you periodically turn the melon. Don't turn the melon, because you want to use this soil spot to determine ripeness in the melon. When the melon is immature, the spot is greenish or white. As the melon ripens the spot develops a cream or yellowish color.

This indicates ripeness. Thumping the melon to determine ripeness is difficult. However, people with a musician's ear may wish to choose their watermelon by thumping it. A dull thud sound indicates ripeness, or perhaps over-ripeness. A ringing sound heard when the melon is thumped indicates an unripe melon.

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The method with the greatest chance of success for choosing a ripe watermelon is "plugging," or cutting a plug out of the melon to look at the flesh just beyond the rind. Some watermelon sellers will plug melons for you, others do not. Plugging is not acceptable practice in the grocery store unless the produce manager does it for you. In the garden, plugging ruins the watermelon if it is not ripe.

Cantaloupes, honeydew melons, and other small melons often do not produce a telltale soil spot, but they do give other clues. The cantaloupes with netted rinds have a "ground color" below the netting. When this color changes to a golden color, the melon is ripe. These melons will also soften at the end away from the stem as they ripen, so you can press gently with your thumb to choose the ripest melon. There is also a sweet fragrance, which is obvious when smelling the rind of a ripe melon. Using the clues of color, softness, and fragrance will allow you to pick a melon that is ripe.

Keep uncut melons at room temperature for two to four days, or until fully ripe, or refrigerate them for up to five days. Refrigerate cut up melon in a covered container no more than three days. Remember that cut melons are aromatic and their smell will penetrate other foods.

People enjoy all kinds of melons as a primary ingredient in fruit salads or sliced as a garnish with breakfast. While these are just fine, here are some different, unexpected ways to savor the flavor of your favorite melon.

Out of Our Gourds Melons are in the same gourd family as squashes and cucumbers. Most melons have similar structure to winter squash with thick flesh and inner seed-filled midsection.

The difference between melons and squashes is in the way that they’re used. Culinarily, squashes are considered vegetables, while melons are known as fruits with sweet and juicy flavor.

Watermelon Mint Feta Salad

Ingredients 8 cups watermelon, cut into 1 inch cubes, seeds removed (About a quarter of a medium sized melon) 1/2 cup chopped red onion 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional) Directions Soak the chopped red onion in the lime juice while you are prepping the other ingredients, about 15 minutes. Gently combine all ingredients into a large serving bowl. Serve immediately.

Prosciutto, Melon, and Mozzarella Skewers Ingredients 1/4 lb thinly sliced Italian Prosciutto di Parma 1 cantaloupe A lemon or lime for squeezing 8 oz. fresh cherry-size mozzarella cheese, each cheese ball cut in half Party toothpicks or bamboo skewers Directions Cut the melon in half and remove the seeds. Using a melon baller, scoop up the melon into small balls. Place melon balls in a bowl and sprinkle lemon or lime juice all over them. Take a small strip of prosciutto and wrap it around a melon ball. Pierce through with a toothpick and add a piece of mozzarella if desired. Repeat for all melon balls.

Arrange on a platter.

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Honeydew Blueberry Soup Ingredients 1 honeydew melon 1 pint blueberries 6 oatmeal cookies Directions Cut the melon from the rind and into chunks. Puree until smooth in a food processor or blender. Pour into a large bowl and stir blueberries into pureed melon. Chill until quite cold. Ladle soup into individual bowls and crumble an oatmeal cookie over each serving. Adorn with whipped topping if desired.

Melon Tidbits Watermelon seeds were found in King Tut's tomb.

The Honeydew was revered as a sacred food by the ancient Egyptians.

The world record for the largest watermelon grown is 255 pounds.

The world record for watermelon seed-spitting is 66' 11", held by Jack Dietz of Chicago.

Americans purchase and consume about 3 billion pounds of watermelon annually.

Russians make beer out of watermelon juice.

Napoleon and Pope John Paul II both considered Honeydew melons their favorite fruit.

During the Civil War, the Confederate Army boiled down watermelons as a source of sugar and molasses. w w w. m u r r a y l if e m a g a z ine . c o m

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2011

Uncommon Mystery

The Last Sherlock Holmes Story

by Michael Dibdin (1978) By: Michael Cohen talk elsewhere about a Michael Dibdin mystery called The Dying of the Light. The amazing thing about Dibdin is that each book he writes is very different from the last, with the exception of his continuing series about Aurelio Zen, a detective in Rome. The Last Sherlock Holmes Story, originally published in 1978 and recently reissued in a Vintage Crime paperback, is a good example of his originality.

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Not that there’s anything unusual about this kind of book, called a Sherlock Holmes pastiche, a literary work that imitates the style of Arthur Conan Doyle and pretends to continue the adventures of the character he made so famous. The Holmes pastiche has been practiced by writers such as John Gardner and University of Louisville author Sena Jeter Naslund. Doyle’s son Adrian Conan Doyle wrote some Holmes stories with the help of mystery author John Dickson Carr. Probably the most successful author of Sherlock Holmes pastiches was the now-littleread Wisconsin writer August Derleth, who called his Sherlock Holmes clone Solar Pons and whose series ran to seven books.

Most Conan Doyle imitators suffer from Holmes worship; they try too hard and too reverently to portray Holmes. The key to a good pastiche is to get away from idolatry and make the characters your own. In this case, Dibdin makes Watson into a credible character who understands that, as he says, “Living with great men is itself a minor art.” Watson knows his role is that of the amazed and admiring sidekick in the famous verbal exchanges in which Holmes reveals a brilliant chain of deductions. So, when one morning the great detective surprises him by inferring that he had dinner the night before at Simpson’s in the Strand with an old friend and fellow-intern, Watson, suitably amazed, does not correct Holmes by telling him he had actually dined with his fiancée Mary Morstan at a restaurant in Mayfair.

The Last Sherlock Holmes Story purports to be papers written by Dr. Watson not long before his death, sealed up by his bankers for fifty years, and dealing with events in the fall of 1888 when Jack the Ripper was terrorizing the Whitechapel district of London. Dibdin welds factual details of the Ripper murders with fictional details of Holmes cases as chronicled by Arthur Conan Doyle. The result is an ingenious solution to the murders that will shock Holmes fans.

Michael Cohen has been doing a feature commentary, “Uncommon Mysteries,” on WKMS for several years. These short mystery reviews focus on the unusual or uncommon stories which may be a deviation from conventions of the mystery genre, an odd viewpoint or historical first, or a new twist on an old plot device, such as the locked room murder or the unwilling amateur detective. This is an excerpt from Cohen's forthcoming collection of reviews.

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Profile

Actor for Hire: Earl Brown By: Bob Valentine

y any measure, W. Earl Brown is a very good actor. He has worked on stage, for television and in film. At the time we write, he has appeared in nearly 100 projects, from featured roles in TV series to title roles in film. He has been a guest star for TV, appeared on stage more times than he can remember, and has been involved in some cinematic productions that may well turn out to be classics one day. There is no question that, unless you have recently arrived from Jupiter, you have seen him perform, whether you realized it or not.

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Earl is a Murray kid, and his “Murrayness” has been a big asset to him.

Take, for example, his most recent film, Bloodworth.

The film is based on William Gay’s book Provinces of Night, and stars Kris Kristofferson as an over-the-hill Tennessee musician who returns to the family he deserted years before. Earl was heavily involved in the screenplay (he wrote it) and shares the screen with Val Kilmer and Dwight Yoakam as the sons of Bloodworth, all injured

and embittered by the desertion. He also shares producer credits with Shane and Corky Taylor, two other MSU alums.

“Bloodworth struck a cord with me; it grew out of my experience growing up in Murray,” Earl told us. He’s not claiming that his family or his acquaintances were examples of the dysfunction examined in the film, but “the people and the rural environment, the circumstances in the book – they all relate to a family relationship that I grew up with.”

Bloodworth is part of Earl Brown’s past, like To Hell and Back, There’s Something About Mary, Scream, Backdraft, and That Championship Season.

The trip through Chicago to Los Angeles started at Calloway County High School. Earl remembers speech coach Larry England, and his experiences at Playhouse in the Park. Those things led him to summer speech camp at Murray State where he was able to study with Prof. Ruby Krider and others. It was in Murray that he caught the acting bug.

“Larry England taught us to believe in ourselves and to work,” Earl recalls. “He said you can be anything you want to be, but you’ve got to pay the price. He taught us that we were capable of being anything we were willing to work for.”

At Murray State University (he’s a first generation college graduate), Earl “had no clue about what to do.” His speech experience made him think first of

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Profile work in television. While he set that course, he studied theater with the Fine Arts Dean, William Parsons, and found the experience a pleasant one.

“Then, I took an acting class with Mark Malinauskas,” he remembers, with a grin. He assumed that the craft of theatre would be “beyond me,” but within weeks he knew he had found something he could do well. Earl became a favorite among directors for his commitment of time and energy, and his willingness to try new things. At last, he was cast as Coach in a production of the drama That Championship Season, and it was a critical moment in his career. “On the closing night,” he told us, “standing at center stage, as the curtain descended on the second standing ovation, I said to myself, ‘This is what I want to do.’”

In summer of 1985, he drove from Murray to Chicago to every weekend to take classes with the Second City troupe. The company was a launching pad for people like John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, and the favorable response to his work made Earl feel he might realize the dream of becoming part of the Saturday Night Live company. It almost happened.

He loved the creative cauldron of Chicago, and was accepted into MFA Program at DePaul. Less than a year later, he got an offer to join Second City: a dream come true. The only thing that stood between Earl Brown and his idea of success was what the casting director called “The formality of the audition.”

Instead, a young man named Chris Farley (later of Saturday Night Live) got the job for the tour, and Earl Brown went back to study at DePaul. The experience of coming so close “made me work harder and gave me more ‘tools’. A great coach or teacher can guide you, show you how to use the talent you have.” It worked.

In 1989, with an MFA from DePaul and mounting stage credits, he began to think of himself as a “full time, working actor.” The title was his, for certain, when he played Eddie Carbone in View from a Bridge at The Steppenwolf Theatre in 1991, and logged a role as a paramedic in the film Backdraft, where he also served as dialogue coach. The kid from Murray was teaching Californians how to sound like guys from Chicago.

TV jobs and films followed, like Rookie of the Year. By 1993, he left town for Los Angeles with college sweetheart Carrie Paschall who has been at his side ever since. Once in LA, the TV jobs came faster. Films like

Scream did well at the box office, and then came the call from Fox studios for a film called There’s SomethingAbout Mary. Producers had started with the idea that Chris Farley would

take the role of Mary’s mentally-challenged brother, but his notoriety from Saturday Night Live and growing rumors about drug and alcohol abuse kept him out of the cast. Directors turned to Earl Brown.

“There are those experiences where the people are there for the love of the craft, not for the paycheck.

That’s why you do this.”

From there it was a small leap to the life of a Hollywood actor. There was a call from NYPD Blue and a few dozen TV shows and films later, a TV film about the rock singer Meatloaf: To Hell and Back. His last stage performance was in Steve Earle’s 2002 play, Karla, which took Earl to Nashville. His fondest memory, though, is of the sepia-toned, hard edged, praised and criticized HBO mini-series, Deadwood.

“Deadwood was the best thing,” he says with relish.

“We knew we had something unique; we were breaking new ground. It was an incredible experience working with that group of people and we still stay in touch. This was the first show I had ever been on where people, as a team, are 100 percent invested in it. It was my life, 24/7. I think we all feel that way; it bonds us together even today.” There are rumors of a

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Profile film based on the storyline and the characters, and you know that Earl Brown would drop everything to be a part of it again.

So, with all these credits, the writing and producing, has his life changed? “I’m still an actor for hire,” he says, and he is hoping for a return of the “Deadwood experience,” no matter what the source. “There are those experiences where the people are there for the love of the craft, not for the paycheck. That’s why you do this.”

There is another reason he does this. His daughter, 13year-old Anna, is artistic, he will tell you with pride.

She has already played a small role on film, but she is in the choir and has a teacher who pushes the youngsters to do their best. Earl may be remembering Larry England and his high school days. “She likes acting, but we’re trying to keep her from losing her childhood.”

Family abounds when the Browns of California return to Calloway County. Mother Wymena Brown is still here, and Kathy Paschall, Earl’s mother-in-law is always ready to welcome daughter, granddaughter and actor son-in-law. MSU’s Theatre chief, David Balthrop, often arranges seminars and meetings between the Browns and students who are interested in acting and production. “Earl is very generous with his time,” says Balthrop, “and he is very approachable. They are very thankful for his participation and his advice.” Are the students in awe of Earl? “Actually, not anymore. He visits so often, and they talk about their experience with him so much, he’s more like one of the family. It’s pretty cool.”

Yet, even at home in Murray, he is not really at rest. At the top of his mind, as we talked about his progress from amateur stage to Hollywood writer/actor/producer, is always the “next thing.” Open that door, and the energy that is W. Earl Brown surges through with a myriad rush of images and ideas about Reverse Course, the story of four friends who go on a trip to recapture their youth. Titles such as Betrayal, and Deliverance and

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Othello fill the air with the description of a story “told backwards – almost in flashbacks!” There may be a number of touch points from stage or film, but this will be something new – something most unusual.

You can feel the excitement in his voice; he is jazzed about this project.

If it becomes reality, it will probably be through the same production company that created Bloodworth, Racer Entertainment. This is an unmistakable Murray connection, and it is not an accident.

Nothing in his life is entirely by accident, even when apparent luck or chance seems to enter in. “You live and die by the choices you make,” he reminds us. If that is true then you had better have the courage, the knowledge and the wisdom to make those choices correctly.

Earl Brown must be doing something right.

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Seen Around Town

Visit us online at :: www.wallappeals.com

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Murray Dining Guide ith each issue we are including a comprehensive list of the wonderful places where you can eat in Calloway County and the surrounding area. We’re hoping this will serve as a reminder to our residents that you don’t have to go far for a great meal, and will offer some help to visitors and newcomers.

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We think you’ll find pleasure in the wide variety of styles and locations available to you. Our listing is organized by categories of style so you can easily choose the dining that suits your taste. If your favorite restaurant isn’t listed, please let us know.

We’ll do our best to keep up. Enjoy!

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

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

Asian Buffet 638 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-3788

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

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

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

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

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

Gloria’s World Village Food

200 N. 15th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-3406

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

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

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

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

Largo Bar & Grill The Keg 1051 N 16th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 762-0040

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

4645 Hwy. 119 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(731) 232-8323 Buchanan, TN

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

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

Vitello’s Italian Restaurant 216 N. 15th St.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-3663

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

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

Magnolia Tea Room

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

Olive Pit

HRH Dumplin’s

506 N. 12th St. Suite E . . . . . . . .(270) 761-8424

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

Quarters

124 N. 15th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-3233

Jasmine Restaurant - Thai & Asian Cuisine

Cypress Springs Resort

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

Belew’s Dairy Bar US Highway 62 East . . . . . . . . .(270) 354-8549 Aurora, KY

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

Aurora, KY

Cindy’s on the Barge 888 Kenlake Marina Ln. . . . . . .(270) 474-2245 Hardin, KY w w w. m u r r a y l if e m a g a z ine . c o m

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

Coldwater Bar-B-Que & Catering 8284 Hwy. 121 N. . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 489-2199

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

Crossland Diner 3034 Stateline Rd. W. . . . . . . . .(270) 492-6424 Hazel, KY

Domino’s Pizza 117 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-3030

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Murray Dining Guide Happiness Restaurant 412 Main Street . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 293-4952

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

Quizno’s Subs 1203 Chestnut St. . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-8880

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

T & J’s Diner 2667 St. Rt. 94 E.. . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-4826

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

Sonic Drive-In

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

Sammon’s Bakery

Tom’s Pizza

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

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

Subway

Laird’s Bar-B-Que

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

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

Lynn Grove Country Corner 7010 Hwy. 94 W. . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 435-4500

Martha’s Restaurant 1407 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-1648

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pizza Pro 605-C S. 12th 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

Ryan’s Steakhouse 801 Walmart Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-3809

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

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

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

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

Taco John’s 604 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-9697

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

Brother’s Barbeque 401 Sycamore St. . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 761-7675

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

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

Captain D’s

Victor’s Sandwiches 1301 W. Main St. . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-7715

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

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers 1111 Chestnut St. . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-4695

Zaxby’s N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 792-2375

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

ARE WE MISSING ANYTHING?

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

If we’ve missed one of your favorite dining locations, please let us know by calling (270) 753-5225 or by emailing us at murraylife@aol.com.

– Murray Life

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

Dinh’s Vietnamese Eggrolls 715 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 761-7655

Doughnut Hole, The 404 S. 12th Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-4900

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

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

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

Vitello’s Deli 216 N. 15th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-3663

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

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

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The Money Pages

$

Turn Market Volatility to Your Advantage By: Ron Arant, a Financial Consultant for Hilliard & Lyons

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as the recent market volatility made you wonder how to invest now? If so, you’re not alone. When markets turn shaky, even the most experienced individual investors take time to consider carefully the best moves to make in light of the changing investment landscape. That said, here are some strategies that you can employ today: Make sure you’re adequately diversified.

At the end of a lengthy period of rising stock prices, many investors often have too much money invested in one investment type (e.g. small cap stocks) or sector (energy).

Look for value among solid companies selling at deflated prices.

How often have you said, “I wished I owned a certain stock when it was selling at a particular price?” The good news is that market pullbacks often present numerous opportunities to purchase high-quality stocks at cheap prices. For example, at the bottom of the bear market that ended in October 2002, you could have bought many blue chips at more than half their current value. While a bear market does not appear imminent, now’s a good time to research some of those blue chips to determine prices that make them good long-term investments.

The main reasons: Those investments or sectors have performed significantly better than their other holdings, and, encouraged by this good performance, individuals have sought to boost the return of their portfolio by increasing their exposure to these investments over time.

Use fixed-income securities to help limit risk in your portfolio.

Fixed-income securities, such as corporate, municipal and government bonds, generate a steady stream of income that can help to offset any depreciation among your equity holdings.

That said, now’s a good time to make sure you are not heavily weighted in those investments. Stocks that have widely outperformed the market for a long time tend to be vulnerable to underperformance during a period of market uncertainty.

The percentage of your portfolio that you should allocate to fixed-income securities now depends on several factors, such as your goals, time horizon and risk tolerance level. I can help recommend the percentage to invest in fixed-income securities for your unique needs.

Avoid the tendency to time the market.

When markets are volatile, many investors mistakenly believe they can jump in and out of stocks to bolster returns. But this strategy is about as reliable as

Complexities of Wealth The complexities of building, preserving and passing along wealth have never been greater. Affluent investors are increasingly seeking guidance and comprehensive solutions that consider their unique circumstances and long-term goals. It’s my pleasure to work with such individuals to offer insight, advice and solutions in helping them reach their goals.

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$ During periods of heightened market volatility, security selection becomes significantly important in adding value to any portfolio. trying to pick the Super Bowl winner before the regular season has been played. What’s more, it can be costly because you wind up chasing performance – buying stocks after they’ve had a strong run and no longer sell at attractive valuations. And when you buy any stock mainly because it’s rising, you have less conviction to hold it when it falls, making you vulnerable to selling at a loss.

The Money Pages

while past performance is no guarantee of future results, the major large-cap indexes – the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite, have rebounded from every major market downturn in history. For more information on how you may further capitalize on current market conditions and add safeguards to your portfolio, please call me.

As always, I will take the time to meet your individual needs.

O Hilliard Lyons does not offer tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney before making any decision that may affect your tax or legal situation. Securities offered through J.J.B. Hilliard W.L. Lyons, LLC. | Member NYSE, FINRA & SIPC. ©2007-2009 All rights reserved.

Verify before you buy.

Even when all the public information about a company is compelling, and the reasons to buy it are difficult to ignore, don’t get too enthusiastic about investing right away. Do the research to help ensure that all the hype is worth the investment.

By the time the good news about a particular investment reaches the ears of the public and makes its way around the cocktail party circuit, much, if not all, of that information may already be reflected in its valuation – which leads us to the final strategy and arguably the most important.

Depend on professional management.

During periods of heightened market volatility, security selection becomes significantly important in adding value to any portfolio. Unfortunately, many individuals become so unnerved by market swings they make decisions based on emotion instead of fundamentals.

Experienced investment professionals are prepared to handle this all-important responsibility of stock selection based on facts, not fiction. They methodically and unemotionally monitor the markets and economy daily, looking for trends to increase returns and insulate your assets from undue risk; and that's where I come in.

A Final Word No one can accurately predict how long the current pullback will last. However, even if the market continues to fall, take heart in the fact that,

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Day Trips

Rock 'n' Roll!

By: Erin Carrico

ost people think “Amish” when Marion, Kentucky is mentioned. A pleasant surprise for this day trip is finding out there is so much more to Marion than the Amish community.

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Sparkling gems, too beautiful to seem real, captivate tourists moving through the display rooms. The outside of the building appears to be simple and unassuming, but appearances can be deceiving. Each room in the Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum holds hundreds of mineral specimens each uniquely different in color, size and shape. These are not rocks found in the backyard; they are breathtaking evidence of the scientific process creating fluorite crystals. The striking colors found in the crystals directly relates to its age.

Deep purples indicate the newest formed minerals with yellow and orange indicating a longer formation.

Clement began his collection of fluorite in the 1920s, from crystals found in the fluorite mines of Crittenden County. In fact, several of the crystals were found regionally in mines in Southern Illinois, Tennessee and

Kentucky. Over the years Clement added different minerals from around the world, creating the immense collection seen in the museum today.

The highlight of the museum tour ends with the Black Light Room. Upon entering the room, several hundred rocks cover a wall, appearing to be nothing special. Once seated, black lights are turned on and the rocks glow in magnificent, vibrant colors not expected out of any rock.

The son of Ben E. Clement actively supports the continuation of the museum and education of minerals to children. With a staff of one and local volunteers, the Clement museum continues to spark interest in minerals by offering digs. Once a month, from April to October, rock enthusiasts can sign-up for a day or nighttime dig and come away with minerals and crystals similarly found in the museum. Going on a dig provides an excellent opportunity to start a private collection of minerals and be introduced into the world of minerals.

After gazing at beautiful minerals, hunger can become as issue. Have no fear; Marion can take care of any appetite. The Main Street Café is an eclectic restaurant in the middle of town. Wondering what the main draw is to this local joint? All of the breads are homemade! Rolls, pizza dough, sandwich buns and bread are freshly made each day to perfection. A large, varied menu leaves almost too many options to choose.

The shining star of the menu has to be the calzone.

Made with fresh, homemade pizza dough, this gigantic Italian dish arrives oozing with cheese and toppings galore. Completing the dish is a side of homemade marinara sauce rivaling any Italian restaurant.

Another dish with incredible taste is the hamburger.

Nothing says “Small Town America” like a juicy burger stuffed between a homemade bun sided with freshly-cut fries. An enormous burger is delivered to the table, leaving the thought, “How can I possibly eat this thing?” One taste is all it takes, and then an empty plate sits lonely on the table. As if the meal cannot get any better, dessert has arrived! Baked daily and fresh out of the oven, pies and cakes are offered to top off a great meal. Chocolate meringue pie with the height of

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Marion Museums Have No Fear: Marion can take care of any appetite! a skyscraper beckons to be eaten. Many other Southern desserts like hummingbird cake and ho-ho cake are offered, too.

In addition to the Ben E. Clement Mineral Museum, explore the History Museum of Marion, which is housed in a beautifully restored Presbyterian Church.

Artifacts from the history of the town are well preserved in this charming museum, which has free admission. The Crittenden County Historical Society does a fantastic job of staffing the museum and showing pride for the history of the Marion, making the town what it is today. The Amish community is still considered a main attraction for the town and maps for the area can be found at the tourism office near the center of town. Fresh pies, canned goods and crafts can be purchased from the Amish in their homes on the edge of town.

Clement Museum Information Admission: $5.00 www.clementmineralmuseum.org The museum also plans field trips for school groups.

Crittenden County Historical Museum Admission: Free www.crittendenhistorymuseum.org Open April 1st through October 31st

Marion, Kentucky proves to be an unexpected and truly lovely day trip in our area. Friendly town folk welcome visitors at each stop, anxious to talk about the great things to do there. A trip to Marion is a great place for families to spend time together without breaking the bank and learning a bit of history of our area.

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Calendar of Events

he 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.

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They’re Back!

Murray State opens for the Fall semester as thousands of students come to explore their worlds in Murray.

They’ll be stocking up at stores all over town, so traffic could be a bit heavier that usual. Please give yourself a little extra time to get around, and take a minute or two to welcome newcomers who will be your neighbors for the next few years. 270.759.9474.

Ice Cream Festival

The 2011 Murray Ice Cream Festival returns to the Court Square. This year's festival will feature games and inflatables for the kids, movie night, Ice Cream Idol, and free Purity ice cream. Booth space is still available for charity organizers. To be a part of this year's Ice Cream Festival, call 270-759-9474.

Downtown Square September 9-10

Murray State University August 13

Fall Citywide Yard Sale

Bargain hunters from across the region will overflow the streets of Murray searching for deals. Maps and applications will be available at Murrays Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information, please call 270.759.2199..

Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau September 17

Downtown Saturday Market

Downtown Murray comes to life early Saturday mornings when farmers, artisans, and craftsman line the Court Square with their finest. Locals and visitors arrive early to get the best picks consisting of fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and art. The Saturday market is hosted by Murray Main Street, to learn more, call 270.759.9474.

Every Saturday through October

Dearly Beloved

Come watch Dearly Beloved performance at 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.

Playhouse in the Park September 16-25

Arts on the Square

Murray Main Street partners together with Murray Art Guild to have an eventful day on the Court Square.

There will be arts and crafts along with pumpkin painting available for kids. For more information, please call 270.759.4059.

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Kentucky Senior Games

Come out and watch the Senior Games. Murray is proud to be the host of the 2011 and 2012 Kentucky Senior Games. The Kentucky Senior Games allow those ages 50 and over to enjoy an active lifestyle while meeting others from all over the state and country. The games are for serious athletes, those who love competition or those who simply enjoy staying fit. More information can be found at www.tourmurray.com, or by calling 270.759.2199.

Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau September 28-October 2

Calendar of Events

EVERY DAY IN MURRAY

THE WEST KENTUCKY/WRATHER MUSEUM Preserving the visual and emotional traditions of the Jackson Purchase Area. Located at North 16th Street and University Drive on the campus of Murray State University, the museum is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Handicap access. For more info, call (270) 809-4771.

THE CHERI THEATER Murray’s seven-screen movie theater. For a list of current movies and times, please call (270) 753-3314 or visit www.moviesinmurray.com.

MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY’S FINE ARTS Presenting a variety of performances from dance to plays, from symphonies to choir concerts. For current information, call (270) 809-ARTS.

THE CLARA M. EAGLE GALLERY AT MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY

A Taste of the Arts

It’s the most delightful donation you’ll ever enjoy as works of art are auctioned at a gourmet dinner to raise scholarship funds for Murray State's art, music, theatre and fine art students. Some auction items come from nationally and internationally renowned MSU-associated artists and entertainment abounds during an evening of “fun and fine arts.” Event starts at 5:30 p.m. and reservations are a must. For more information and reservations, please call 270.809.3250.

Murray Room of the CFSB Center October 13

Offering 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.

THE MURRAY ART GUILD A nonprofit organization that offers workshops and exhibitions for children and adults. Stop by and see some of the area artists at work. The Guild is located in downtown Murray at 500 N. 4th St. For additional information, please call (270) 753-4059.

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Calendar of Events

Murray Highland Games

Snap Apple Festival

Experience Pryor Creek as the early Scots-Irish settlers did by joining us at the bonfires for warmth, companionship, and some of the finest storytelling around!

During intermission, experience the candle lit double pen house for an old-time snap apple play party, but be prepared for the unexplained as you follow the lighted trail beyond the security of the fires. The event will be held rain or shine, so be prepared for the weather.

Chairs and blankets are welcome on the farm. For more information, call 270.924.2000

Land Between the Lakes Homeplace October 21

$5 adults/$3 children. Cost covers evening program only. Ticket sales begin at 6 p.m.

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The West Kentucky Highland Games have become the Murray Highland Festival. There will be the traditional Scottish Heavy Athletic Competition, music by Highland Reign and the Birdsong Harpists, Scottish vendors, bagpipers and more. See the famous Highland Cattle, and sheep herding demonstrations.

Meet your relatives at the clan tents and take the kids to the Wee Bairns games. At the end of the day, it’s the Ceilidh at 7 p.m. at the Big Apple. Visit www.wkyhighlandfestival.com for details.

Central Park October 22

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Advertiser’s Directory Advertiser

Page #

Advertiser

Page #

Advertiser

Page #

Animal Health & Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

K-Squared Designs, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 & 54

NewWave Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

BB&T Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Kentucky Farm Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Northwood Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Briggs & Stratton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Kopperud Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Playhouse in the Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Cagle and Bailey Adult Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Loft, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Primary Care Medical Center (Urgent Care) . . . .21

Computer Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Marsha’s of Murray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Primary Care OBGYN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Der Dutch Merchant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

MidSouth Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 & 44

Randy Thornton Heating & Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Froggyland Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Murray Animal Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Roof Brothers Wine & Spirits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Glisson Building . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

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

SBG Real Property Professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Glendale Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Murray Bank, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Urology Associates, H.S. Jackson, MD . . . . . . . . . .53

Gold Rush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Murray-Calloway Co. Chamber of Commerce . . .44

Wall Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 & 42

Grey's Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Murray-Calloway Co. Hospital . . . . . . . . .Back Cover

WENK/WTPR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Heritage Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Murray Electric System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Western Baptist Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Hilliard-Lyons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Murray Highland Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

WKMS FM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Houston Security Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Murray Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

WNBS-1340 AM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Image Graphics Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Murray Life Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Imes-Miller Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Murray Woman's Clinic . . . . . . . . . .14 & Inside Front

This year's Homecoming Issue, due out in October, is a celebration of Family.

Look for features on …

• "Stone Soup" -- this perennial favorite is more than a legend and just in time for cool weather •"When Memories Don't Fade" - Scrapbooking made easy, fun, and a family asset.

•"Gone for a Soldier" - What does the family do when a big part of it is deployed overseas?

•"The Perfect Campfire" - When it gets cold, go outside, but keep warm with the perfect blaze.

•"At the Hospital's Helm" - Jerry Penner leads a growing cadre of physicians, nurses and technicians toward world-class healthcare. … And that's just the start! As always, you can count on Murray Life for humor, shopping tips, nature stories, profiles, financial advice, Sudoku and lots more.

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Opinion

Final Words By: Bob Valentine

Summertime may seem an odd season to be thinking about death, However, a short time ago a friend mentioned the poignant last words of famous funny man Lou Costello: "That was the best ice cream soda I ever tasted." That's a good way to go, eh?

There is much to be learned from last words. They tell us about what people are thinking at a pretty important time in life. Perhaps, as youngsters prepare to learn more in school, we should consider what others learned in life and left to us in their last utterances.

Lady Nancy Astor, awakening during her last illness, found all her family gathered about her bed. Surveying the scene, she asked, "Am I dying, or is this my birthday?"

General John Sedgwick might have made himself immortal as a Union General during the American Civil War, but he didn't live quite long enough. The reason for his untimely demise resides in his last words: "Don't worry, boys, they couldn't hit an elephant at this dist . . . ."

Drink was involved for a few folks, all of them in show business. Tough guy actor Humphrey Bogart, when he died in 1957, is supposed to have said, "I never should have switched from scotch to martinis."

Only four years earlier, the poet Dylan Thomas uttered his last: "I had eighteen straight whiskeys. I think that's the record."

As beloved actor Edmund Gwenn lay on his deathbed, a friend asked if "dying was tough." "Yes, it's tough," he said, "But not as tough as doing comedy."

In a classic case of gallows humor, murderer James French, sentenced to die in the electric chair, made this final observation: "How about this for a headline for tomorrow's paper? 'French Fries.'"

Some last words are very thought-provoking or, for some, just provoking.

As the literary giant, Voltaire, lay dying he was asked to "foreswear Satan." "This is no time to make new enemies," he said, and then went off to make sure he had made the right decision.

The Mexican revolutionary leader, Francisco "Pancho" Villa, wasn't ready to die. His thoughts were apparently elsewhere, but Villa knew the obligation of a great man: some memorable last words. "Don't let it end like this," he pleaded. "Tell them I said something."

Wilson Mizner, behind-the-scenes Hollywood legend, lived a hard, wild life. At the end, he lay in a coma. Waking at last, he found a priest at his bedside who, it is said, asked if he wished to confess. "Why should I talk to you?" said Mizner. "I've just been talking to your Boss."

Finally, the great inventor, Thomas Edison, lay in and out of a coma for days while the country anxiously awaited news about "The Wizard of Menlo Park." The great mental engine that had perfected the electric light, had created the phonograph, improved telephones, microphones and invented the motion pictures, was finally grinding to a halt. Few people had ever had to think so deeply about the structure of nature and the role of humankind. Few people have ever had the mental capacity to think so deeply on any subject.

Thomas Edis on

Roused from his coma for the last time, Edison whispered, "It is very beautiful over there."

Well, that is enough of that. Let’s hope all those promising young minds head back to school and produce plenty of “first O words� that change our world for the better.

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