May/June 2026

M A Y / J U N E 2 0 2 6 / $ 2.95

★ City e in

Magaz E ~

C ~ SIN

1990

Kudos to

Kids

ALL-STA TAR A TEAM.

5-STA TAR CARE. CARE BAPTIST HEALT LT H PADUCAH HAS DONE ITT AGAIN! For the second year in a row, the hospital has become the only hospital in the region to receivee a national 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This means that you can count c on us to deliver the highest levels of safety, quality and overall patient experience. To learn more ab bout our Centered on You approach to exceptional care, visit s t BaptistHealth.com/Paducah apt st ea t co / aduca

Corbin | Floyd | Hardin | La Grange | Lexington | Louisville | Madisonville | Paducah | Richmond

BaptistHealth.com

43

contents

Finding JOY at Lamon’s Antiques

may/junel 2026 ★ letter from the associate editor page 5 ★ last word page 52

13 Sophie Stratemeyer

Mixes Art And Science

17 Ava Thomas Is MORE

6

Recess Rules at Clark Elementary

Than Involved

21 Jase Smith Sees And Meets The Need

25 Patrick Murphy Is A Special Olympian

35 The Fall And Rise of Char Downs 39 She Came. She Conquered.

49 Coming Home Winning

29

Emily Black Gains Celebrity Status

Visit us at paducahlife.com ★ SEE AND HEAR MORE OF THE FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE ON

2 • PADUCAH LIFE

VOLUME 36, EDITION 3 executive editor/ P U B L I S H E R Darlene M. Mazzone

associate E D I TO R S Caleb Buford Jordan Price

contributing E D I TO R S Amy Sullivan Shannon Webb Amy Clevidence Stephanie Watson Susie Fenwick Johanna Comisak Rhodes J.T. Crawford

art D I R E C TO R Scott McWilliams

associate art D I R E C TO R Amanda Newman

editorial P H OTO G R A P H Y Amy Wright

cover P H OTO G R A P H Y Brad Rankin

on the C OV E R From left is Carter Case, Jade Bumpus, and Anna Brooke Garber

Paducah Life is published six times a year for the Paducah area. All contents copyright 2026 by Mazzone Communications. 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 Paducah Life.

Subscription rate is $29.95 for six issues. Subscription inquiries, all remittances and all advertising inquiries should be sent to Paducah Life, 2780 D New Holt Rd. #346, Paducah, KY 42001.

Phone: (270) 556-1914. This magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. All submissions may be edited for length, clarity and style.

Celebrate LIFE in Paducah!

Subscribe at paducahlife.com

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 3

★

from the

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

“

Just imagine becoming the way you used to be as a very young child, before you understood the meaning of any word, before opinions took over your mind. The real you is loving, joyful, and free. The real you is just like a f lower, just like the wind, just like the ocean, just like the sun.” —MIGUEL ANGEL RUIZ

T

HIS MAGAZINE IS DEVOTED TO

telling the stories of LIFE here in Paducah. We talk shop with businesses that are celebrating successful milestones, we chat with individuals

who tinker at hobbies and passions. We tell stories worth sharing, sometimes joyous, and sometimes heart-string tugging. We go out and meet ordinary people who have led extraordinary lives, and learn from them in ways that I never could have imagined.

A huge part of LIFE is growth, and growth is perhaps most closely associated with the young. They grow like weeds, grow up right before our eyes, grow like wildfire. We even put all these restrictions around growing; grow but not too much, grow but not too loud, grow but not too fast.

For more than 35 years, we have witnessed the growth of those young people on the pages of Paducah Life Magazine. They’re always learning something, making new connections, figuring out solutions, coming up with creative ways of doing things.

Children have the unique capability to see and wonder in ways that I think we adults have forgotten.

The mystery and secret of youth isn’t wasted on the young. It flourishes there.

This issue is a tribute to them; their experiences, their choices, the things they worry about and hope for.

Not just because they are the future, but because we have so much to learn from them. I have great faith they will teach us well.

To the children who fill our homes, ride down the streets of our neighborhoods on their bikes, sit in our schools, play in our parks; to the ones who are learning and growing and living each and every day—thank you. You are the renewed LIFE in Paducah.

jordan@paducahlife.com

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 5

Rec Ru

★

by JO R DA N PRICE

★

Kudos to the Clark School PTO and Community Donors Who Saw a Need for More Safe and Accessible Playground Equipment and Moved Mountains (and a Bunch of Mulch) to Make it Happen

ess les!

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably asked your children “How

was school?” in the car or around the dinner table only to be met with a shrug. You might have even probed further: “Did you do anything fun today?” or the all too familiar but incredibly unreliable, “What did you learn?” followed by more shrugs and the most exaggerated of eyerolls.

However, if you have ever asked, “What’s your favorite class?” you were more than likely met with a resounding and heartfelt, “RECESS!” You might argue that this isn’t a class, but they can’t be blamed; children are beautifully and unabashedly playful. They revel in moments where they can be free and imaginative, and

wait and reapply for the grant the following year, they what better place for that than the playground. were hearing parent concerns about the secondary George Rogers Clark Elementary School takes play playground located at the front of the school that was seriously. Like its academic subjects, Clark considers primarily used for the third through fifth grade students. good play opportunities a requirement for productive That playground was designated as an outdoor space learning and success both in and out of the classroom. for Physical Education classes through a Project Fit grant For this reason, they’ve been hard at work designing, many years ago, but as the student body fundraising for, and building two new expanded it served double-duty by also inclusive playgrounds. These playgrounds “It’s a place that has being a play space. The concerns here come after years of thoughtful planning by everyone can involved an unfenced playground located the Clark PTO, and they’re now being play on. It’s more just off of busy Buckner Lane. thoroughly enjoyed and celebrated. safe and better Not one to leave boxes unchecked or Natalie Garber, PTO President Elect and Playground Project Manager, and quality than the goals unmet, the PTO Playground Lauren Case, current PTO President, old playground. Committee saw the need to update the K-2 playground and also to relocate the know the ins and outs of this project.

It’s just a great 3-5 playground, and jumped at the chance They’ve been living and breathing it since place to hang out to provide a comprehensive solution to its inception. and stuff.” both. “One of the goals of the PTO is that “It started back in 2022 and 2023 when —Student, Daniel McDowell all of the projects we undertake need to we began looking at the greatest area of address all students, so by doing both of need, and every time we did that, it was these playgrounds, we weren’t leaving any group out,” always the playground. So, we knew that this was going Lauren remarked. So, operation “playground” expanded to be one of those capital projects that PTO needed to yet again to fully address the growing student need address,” Lauren said. “The playground was pretty antiacross the whole school. quated. The biggest problem was that it was primarily a With the K-2 playground on hold due to the foundation mulch-based playground from recycled tires. The teachers grant, the committee shifted gears and broke ground reported that kids would pick it up and throw it, try to put on an entirely new play space for the third through fifth it in their mouths, and then it would dirty up their shoes students. “We started at nothing and we fully funded and clothing. From a health and wellness perspective, we that playground without any grants, just with the help of just wanted to do better,” Natalie added. donors and sponsors. Now, the older kids have their own The project started humbly before expanding to its play space, but we preserved green space too, so that current impressive form. The original goal was just to they have room to run and still support other activities,” replace the crushed tire substrate under the play equipment Natalie proudly shared. In short, the PTO fully designed in the K-2 playground at the back of the school. This and paid for the 3-5 playground inclusive of the pour-inkind of material came into fashion in the 1990’s, but it’s place foundation through the help of local community since been replaced by better and more accessible partners and parent support. No small feat! This options such as the pour-in-place rubber foundation space is already well-loved by the students that the Clark PTO had their sights set on. “The as it provides them with ample room to romp foundation was the big focus,” Principal Kelly and play in all sorts of different and creative Workman explained. “It would come into the ways, but still gives them equipment to school on the students’ clothes, it was difficult climb and crawl on. It’s easy to think that to walk across, and it would end up all the older students don’t need as much in over the place.” But when their grant for the way of physical engagement, but the the base material wasn’t awarded that specialized and intentional appliances in first year, the committee had to go back the 3-5 playground have their growth and to the drawing board. development front and center.

While trying to decide whether to

A reapplication for the grant for the playground foundation the following year was approved and the K-2 playground work could finally begin. “It was then noted in our walk-through that the existing equipment that we would be solidifying into the ground by pouring the new substrate was quite old. It was at that point that we looked at each other and asked: do we replace this equipment and if so, what does that look like and how much does it “I like those things, the jaxs! There are three of them on the other playground and they’re fun.” says Jamari Chunn (pictured right). cost?” Knowing that successful projects evolve “I like the open space,” mentions Landon Dennis. and meet their goals even as those goals change, the PTO set to work outlining a walker use, as well as shaded areas both over the equipment process that would not only include the removal of the and off to the side for quieter play. One extremely cool rubber mulch and the pouring of the new foundational feature is the “ten spin” which is a modern take on a material, but also the addition of new playground merry-go-round with molded plastic seats and safety equipment for the lower elementary students. “If we belts. “We wanted to see the ten spin in person before were going to replace the equipment, now was the time. we committed to it, so we went to Easter Seals of West It was kind of now or never and we took a chance!”

Kentucky and Lauren and I got to see that in action Natalie and Lauren both admitted. With this, the PTO before we decided to add it to our plan,” said Natalie. designed and paid for the K-2 playground with the help Some other favorites are the “jaxs” for crawling and of local sponsors, and the pour-in-place foundation was climbing, and the “bongos,” which are a bit like suspended provided through the Kentucky Energy & Environment stepping stones leading to the equipment. There is also Cabinet’s “crumb rubber grant”. leveled play where the underneath portion of the slides A big priority with both of the new playgrounds has or the towers is also a specifically designated area for fun been accessibility. “The former playground wasn’t truly and games. Even the rise of the steps and the height of accessible to all of our students. Over the last few years, the monkey bars has been taken into account. Every we’ve had several students move into the district that aspect has been considered, because all students deserve need that additional support, so now instead of sitting to be met where they are and have a space that is over to the side playing with friends, they’re actually able designed with them in mind. to get involved and play,” Principal Workman said. Both “It’s a place that everyone can play on. It’s more safe of the playgrounds feature several elements that students and better quality than the old playground. The slides are of different abilities can use, which makes for more pretty cool. It’s just a great place to hang out and stuff,” inclusive play. Lauren also noted, “We collaborated with student Daniel McDowell commented. the special education teachers and the administrators.

“I like it! My favorite is to play on those big tube We got parent feedback, student feedback, and district things, the blue and white things that have the balls on input. We went through many design drafts with so the ends. You get on them and climb many different options for equipment them. There are different ways to do it. that would fit within the footprint and We play tag and stuff on it and they are support ALL of the students.” the bases. The new playground is more Safety and accessibility being at the vibrant, and the spinny thing is literally a forefront of all decision making, the workout!” student Jade Bumpus further committee made equipment choices that explained. would nourish the current student body “The biggest thing that I’ve noticed, and entice the future ones. There are especially since I have a student that ramps to each of the playgrounds for uses a walker, is that it is very beneficial easy and independent wheelchair or

for him. He can come and go on the playground as well,” said Kenny Ford, a teacher at Clark. “At first, he was hanging out just on the picnic tables, but now he’s starting to go out there and play as well. It’s great to see!”

This project has only been completed through the diligence and generosity of the Clark PTO and other supportive community members. It was certainly no small undertaking, and as it grew and absorbed new hopes and dreams, the project became something of a gift. “That was something that was so exciting about this project personally. The PTO does so much within the school behind the scenes, but this is something the kids could be excited about,” added Lauren.

“This is something they were going to see and use,” Natalie continued.

“This highlights our community coming together and how we live LIFE in Paducah. We’re proud of the hard work that our school has put in.”

Even though the playground needs were easy to see, that doesn’t mean they were easy to address. Change is often hard, and it comes with lots of time and expense incurred, but change is also necessary for growth, and growing is something inherently part of a successful elementary school. With 75 years in the books, there is a lot of history and tradition to pay tribute to at Clark. But perhaps what is more commendable is recognizing student need, and responding to it, even if that means making a change. The new playgrounds at Clark will allow for all of its students to engage in safe and creative play, because after all, recess rules!

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 11

In Ha Harmony a Artss Scienc S e es WITH THE

&

by Ca aleb Buford

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

SOPHIE STRA ATT M MEYER IS ALLOWING HER PPA ASSION MPOSITION TO THRIVE ALONGSIDE FOR MUSIC COM HER INTER REST IN MA ATTH AND SCIENCE

M

OST AFTE ERNOONS after her ho omework is done, you won’t find Sophie Strat (eyer wassting the day away. Instead, with her h hand on the computer’s track pad an nd her ears tuned to a melody that’s not quite right yet, you’ll find her perffeecting her latest compositional work o at her desk, facing the household up pright piano soon to be graced with the t score she’s creating. For the St. Mary a junior, musical composition haas become a liffeelong passion and a crreative outlet since she was young. But u that hasn’t stopped Sophie from beecoming multi-passionate passionate in STE EM as well.

As a toddler, her parents Al and Sandy Strat meyer, enrolled Sophie in music classes. Those classes were mainly ffo ocused on identtifying rhythm and melody and other b basic musicality skills. The visionary parents ffo ound hen Sophie’s that Sophie loved it. Th grandmother ffo ound a keeyboard in a

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 13

Sophie Strat meyer In Ha Harm mony

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

garage and while Sophie was still too young to pla p ayy it, the family’s instinct to promote Sophie’s artistic outlet was vivid.

Yeears went by and music remained a passion Y n, finding interest in haavving an n elementary school. “I more eff ffeect on the music rather than just playing it in so liked to either play by ear or add additions to o the sheet music or just play more what I wanted,” Sophie shared. In second grade, her music teacher, Ms. Pote, saw Sophie’s talent and asked her to p play at the school’s Christmas perffo ormance. Her father remembers the perffo ormance well. “That's the first moment that I realized that she had some skill her h e,” Al commented.

Since then, Sophie fo found less interest in perrffo ormance and more interest in music composition. Her work is inspired by man m y of the great cinematic composers of modern day—Philip Glass, Hans Zimmer, John Williams, Nicholas Britell. It’s not just creating melodies,, but rather how themes could help tell a story without words.

That instinct eventually opened the door to one of her earliest major opportunities. After impressing a teacher with a short composition assignment, Sophie was invited to write music for St. Mary Elementary’s E production of ## ''11 / ) $$//. She composed a theme and

d scene-change music for the show show, then helped help ped run the playback herself during durin ng the performance. performance For Sophie, Sophie it was a turning point and proof that the music she had been creating on her own could live beyond b her computer and be used in a real-world setting.

“I was prettyy surprissed that I was given that opportu unityy because I didn’t really see whatt I had as a something that could actuall y be used in a real-liffee settin ng,” Sophie reflected. “I just thoug ght of it as a fun little hobby or somethiing, but then gettingg an opportunityy to perffo orm music in a way that isn’t playing g an instrument is prettyy cool. o ” Alongside her musiical growth, Sophie has been involved in STEMrelated academics as well. Through Academic T Teeam, she disc d overed an early love fo for science, eeventually winning regionals and later placing sixth in science at the sstate level in eighth grade. “Y Yo ou got g to go up on stage and shake han nds with the governor, so it was preettyy cool,” Sophie remembered.

Pursue w wh haatt drraaws yyo ou u in yyo our frreee ti time.

- Sophhie Strat meyer

14 • PADUCAH LIFE

he participated More recently, sh d continues to in Science Bowl and enjoy the challenge of o science and math, even as music has taken up more of her ffo ocus. Rather R than ds as opposites, seeing g the two world Sophie has learned that t both require patience and a drive to keep working through difficult times. Music theory has helped bridge those interests.

Though she once saw aw w theoryy as restrictive, she now views it as a tool that strengthens her work and sharpens the way she thinks.

Her growing g appreciation in both creative and scientific fields reflects the kind of student Sophie has become; a student who is still exploring g regardless of cultural pressures to niche down to one interest. This summer, she plans to continue studying g composition with her proffeessor Dr. Caroline Ahn while also attending camps in actuarial science and medical sciences. She h i d experienc i es hopes th thatt h her varied will give her a wider perspective of what her future could look like. “I’m not fo for sure if I’m wanting g to major in music,” Sophie shared, “but even if I don’t, I want it to be a prominent hobby in my life fe and something that I always keep with me, whether it be proffeessionally or not.”

Her p perspecti p ve on liffee is inspiring, allowing her to remain curious and not allow the pressure to define herself get in the way of exploration. For other students who are multi-passionate, she off ffeers this sug gggestion. “Definitely pursue what draaw ws you in your free time,” Sophie advises. v

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 15

Morree Than Mo T JUS ST T INV VOL LV VED

HOW ONE PPA ADUCAH TILGHMAN TEEN IS CHANGING HER SCH HOOL FROM THE INSIDE OUT

by Steph hanie Wa at tso on

T

HERE'S A CERT TA AIN kind of studentt who shows up, does the wo ork, and goes Avva Thomas. home. And then there's A Ask anyone at Paduccah Tilghman High School to name a standout teen, and her name will inevitably come up quickl i kly—not b h 's because she' chasing recognition, but because she's genuinely everywhere th hat matters.

Student councils. Leadeership clubs.

The stage. Schoolboard advisory v meetings. And somehow, honors and AP classes on top of all of it.

Avva is a sophomore who A w holds president roles in two or orgganizations, sits on a school advisoryy board, perffo orms with a step teaam, and facilitates conversationss about the complexities of real liffee with her peers — all while makin ng g it look, if not eff ffo ortless, at least in ntentional.

Building a Voice Throuugh SEAC One of A Avva's most viisible roles is with the Student Educaation Advisory Council, known as SEA AC, where student representatives gather peer perspectives and bring g them t directly to school and district leadership.

Every Thursday after sch hool, A Avva and topics, her peers plan ffo orums, choose c and dig into conversatio ons that most adults would struggggle to o tackle.

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 17

Ava Thomas

More Than Just Involved

Community, Culture, and the African American Leadership Club As president of the African American Leadership Club (ALC), Ava has found what she describes as an instant sense of belonging. "You instantly click with everyone there. You're not judged." With a focus on digging deep into African American history and celebrating African American culture, Ava values the way knowledge and community reinforce each other inside the room.

The club has also taken Ava beyond Paducah — to New Orleans for the Battle of the Bands, to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and soon on a multi-day HBCU tour. For Ava, these aren't just field trips. They're windows into a wider world.

"It’s important to know our history, but it’s equally meaningful to have a space that 18 • PADUCAH LIFE

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

Their very first forum addressed the topic of teen mental health — breakout groups on trauma, self-harm, self-worth, and difficulties of making sense of one’s place in the world.

A later session addressed current events and politics, with Ava's own group exploring questions like where students get their news and whether young people who can't yet vote should still engage with political issues.

"We're not just doing things based off of our own beliefs," Ava explains. "It's about getting other people's perspectives and creating a space for respectful dialogue."

As a member of SEAC, Ava is also training other teens on how to bring this level of student leadership to their schools. When a lackluster conference left the SEAC team disappointed, they designed their own version of what a leadership conference should look like. Schools from around the region sent their own teams of students to learn how to engage their community at a deeper level and leverage their voice to bring change. That kind of response says a lot about who Ava is: someone who sees a gap and moves to fill it.

affirms who we are," she says. "At our meetings, we not only learn about others who have made an impact, but we also learn how to value ourselves and believe in our own greatness."

Since sixth grade, Ava has also been part of step — a performance tradition rooted in African American culture that combines synchronized stomping, clapping, and movement to tell a story. She's now part of Surge, the high school team, and is the only member with prior step experience. That made her something of an anchor as the group — and their first-year coach — figured things out together.

"We did a lot of growing together," she says. "I think that bonded us quickly. We can’t wait for our competition."

Their most recent performance, a Black History Month showcase called Black Excellence, demonstrated just how far the team has come.

They're headed to competition in April.

Paying it Forward Perhaps the thread running through all of Ava's involvement is her drive to look out for those coming up behind her, whether the work is in school or not. In the Black Coal and Roses Society (BCRS), where she's served as president of the nonprofit group for two years, she describes her role as a "big sister" — mentoring younger girls in the community through the same lessons on self-worth, resilience, and leadership she once received.

"If I could make it as easy as possible for others to not learn things the hard way," she says simply, "I will."

BCRS, which nearly acts a second family for Ava, promotes sisterhood and service through academic excellence, community service, cultural development, and the fostering of positive peer to peer relationship. The symbolism of coal that is refined over time and eventually emerges as a precious stone is an inspiring one for the young women in this group. Along with building a sense of community, the

"It’s important to know our history, but it’s equally meaningful to have a space

we are."

- Ava Thomas

group is learning about everything from self-esteem to career planning, personal hygiene, mental health, and dealing with stress. “Nothing is off the table,” explains Ava. This is a place to learn about life, learn about ourselves, and grow into the confident women that God meant us to be.”

Ava carries that same instinct into Crown, an all-girl in-school program focused on self-esteem, supporting each other, and selfforgiveness. “It’s kind of like group therapy and a support group, but in the best way,” Ava explains.

“Watching girls who once seemed closed-off begin to open up — and then being able to say I see why, and I see you changing — is something I really treasure.”

While adults are great at fearing for the future and, honestly, underestimating the wisdom and determination of teens, Ava is clearly painting a vivid picture of young leadership, passion turned to action, and love through service. Watching her work would lead anyone to believe that maybe the kids really will be alright—at least if they learn to follow examples like hers.

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 19

20 • PADUCAH LIFE

See thee Ne Need, ed

by Shannon We W ebb

Meet thee Need Me ......................................................................................

THIS PADUCAH FAMIL A LYY FOSTERS A LEG GACY OF SERVICE

S

OME THINGS AREN’T taught in words. They’re passed down in the woods, in early mornings, through the steady presence of a grandfather who doessn’t explain so much as he shows—in the t way a boy learns, hunting with his faather, to watch, to wait, to provide, and in the quiet understanding g that what you haavve, you share.

For Jase Smith, these leessons are a kind of inheritance, learneed in the field, in the woods, and in smalll moments that ask something g of him. him In tthe middle of an ordinaryy school daayy, Jase noticed he student something wasn’t right. Th beside him began to go lim mp. In a split second, he had a choice, to o freeze or to act. Jase didn’t hesitate. “I realized. . . this is a seizure,” he said. ““A A And I thought, do something. Don’t just sstand here.” It only happened once. But ffo or a 12-yearold, it was the kind of mom ment that revealed somethingg deepeer. “I probably wouldn’t have handled thaat as well as he did,” his mom, Jessie V Vaaasseur, said proudly. “He really surprissed me.”

Jase doesn’t think of himself as a more likely hero—just a friend. He’s m utdoors with to talk about time spent ou his dad. On a recent trip, tthey went out ffo or turkeys and each to ook one from MAY/JUNE 2026 • 21

Jase Smith

A Legacy of Service

the same flock. “We doubled up,” he says with a grin. He has also begun traveling to Lexington for archery competitions. These pastimes have taught him to notice small changes, stay alert, and be aware of his surroundings.

At Reidland Middle School, another side of him has taken shape. As a peer tutor, Jase spends part of his day helping students in a special education classroom.

He works alongside them in P.E., assists with reading and writing, and helps them build fine motor skills through daily tasks. Jase signed up on his own and was selected through a process that includes teacher recommendations. What he enjoys most is simple. “Probably some of the funny stuff our friends do,” he says, smiling. “It’s random, but it’s funny.” He has found joy and genuine friendship in his role, along with perspective. “I’ve learned that there are people who need help more than I do,” he said. “I have ADHD and hearing loss, but it makes me feel grateful for what I have.”

That perspective has been shaped, in part, by his own experiences. Following years of multiple ear surgeries, Jase began using hearing aids in elementary school.

“There’s a very big change,” he said. “I got so used to not being able to hear that I would just kind of make myself hear. And now, it’s different.” It’s a shift he notices not only in how he hears, but also in the small audible details he once had to work harder to catch.

Jessie says her son’s instinct to look out for others has always been there.

“He’s always been a compassionate kid,” she said. “He wants to take care of everyone.” Jase sees that same instinct in his mom. “She’s a helper,” he says simply.

It’s something Jessie recognizes because she’s seen it lived out for years. When asked about themselves, both Jessie and Jase find their way back to the same person: Jessie’s dad, known to Jase as Pap. On her family’s land, where cattle graze and horses are kept, Jase’s grandfather still spends his days working. He is steady and capable, always watching for what needs to be done. Jase spends time there too, helping with the cattle and learning alongside him. And when a winter storm once left roads uncleared and neighbors stuck, he didn’t hesitate. “Pap went and got his blade on his tractor and was clearing people’s driveways,” Jessie said. He couldn’t sit back and watch someone struggle.

That instinct to step in and do what you can is something that’s been passed down. “See the need, meet the need,” Jessie says. “It’s a family motto. That’s just how we were raised.” Sometimes, she added, helping happens quietly, where no one sees. Other times, it means speaking up or stepping forward so a need can be met. That same thread runs through Jessie Vasseur’s work as the Homeless Liaison for McCracken County Public Schools, where she helps families navigate housing instability and find support. Now it’s taking root in Jase.

At school, he is learning to offer that same steadiness in smaller, everyday ways.

When asked what being a good friend means, he doesn’t hesitate. “Somebody that’ll be there,” he said. “Show up.”

There’s still so much ahead for Jase. He’s beginning to explore archery hunting as he grows older, and he talks about one day trying it from horseback. For now, his story unfolds under the western Kentucky sky, in the field with Pap, in the woods with his dad, and in small moments where he shows up for friends and classmates.

Some things aren’t taught in words. They’re learned over time, passed down in the way someone lives, and carried forward in the way someone shows up.

22 • PADUCAH LIFE

“He’s always been a compassionate kid,” says Jase’s mom Jessie. “He wants to take care of everyone.”

Jase Smith has shown that caring philosophy in a number of ways at Reidland Middle School.

the woods together is a bond that strengthens their relationship and their commitment to their family’s service over self.

Helping Families Find Stability As the Homeless Liaison for McCracken County Public Schools, Jessie Vasseur works closely with students and families navigating housing instability, often behind the scenes and in moments of urgency. Her

with paperwork and coordination. Others bring immediate needs like families facing displacement, unsafe housing conditions, or sudden transitions.

“Homelessness is not what you think,” she said. Many families are doubled up with relatives, staying in hotels, or living in temporary situations that lack stability.

Because of federal funding restrictions, Jessie is unable to purchase basic household items like linens, towels, and bedding, making donations of new pillows, blankets, sheets, and towels especially valuable.

For families temporarily staying in hotels, DoorDash or Uber Eats gift cards

hope in the moments when families are able to move into stable housing.

“Seeing those kids know they have some stability… that’s the great thing about our program. It gives stability when their lives are in chaos.”

Ways to Support Those looking to support local families can help in practical ways by donating: • New linens and bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows)

• New towels and washcloths • Meal delivery gift cards (DoorDash, Uber Eats)

McCracken County Board of Education building, 300 Cumberland Ave., Paducah.

Questions about donations or the program can be directed to Jessie at jessie.vasseur@mccracken.kyschools.us MAY/JUNE 2026 • 23

Stone-Lang Celebrates Its Sesquicentennial Anniversary!

“My father instilled in me a stewardship for our business and our community. It was important to him, as it is to me, to provide an unparallelled standard of care to our patients, and a lifelong dedication of service to our community.”

—MICHAEL STONE

From a pharmacopeia of 19th century concoctions to the history of hearing, the Stone-Lang Company has brought health and healing to the people of western Kentucky for 150 years. Today Stone-Lang is the region’s premier hearing rehabilitation headquarters for state-of-the-art hearing services and products along with a myriad of other healthcare and medical merchandise.

Michael Stone and his capable team of professionals bring 150 years of experience (and a ton of TLC) to the provision of innovative health and hearing solutions to their clients and friends.

Front from left are Taegan Thompson, Lauri Ezell, Maria Smith Back from left are Crystal Thompson, Lakyn Bastani, Mike Stone, Evgeniya Tsukanovich

STONE-LANG CO. Hearing Rehabilitation

Call Today! 800.949.5728 PADUCAH

MURRAY

FULTON

2620 Broadway 270.442.3561

210 South 12th 270.753.8055

424 Lake St. 800.949.5728

★

by C A L E B BUFORD

Join In. Have Some Fun.

TRY YOURBEST. It’s a great mantra for everyone, but especially for Special Olympian Patrick Murray

★

E

RRRRRRNT! THE piercing notification of the end of the game rang through the gymnasium, as one player passes the basketball to a referee and the players run back to line up for the postgame handshake.

Even with the scoreboard still glowing overhead, Patrick Murray seemed less focused on the final score than on what the game had given him: another chance to connect with his teammates and to be part of something bigger than himself.

After nearly two decades away from being a part of the Special Olympics, Patrick has found his way back to the league and this time on his hometown team. and is setting the best example of dedication and teamwork for others in our region.

Patrick’s journey with Special Olympics started soon after he graduated from Lone Oak High School and began attending Stewart Home & School. The school was hosting a Special Olympics football game and was recruiting players. One of his teachers encouraged him to join.

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 25

Patrick was hesitant at first, but soon found a renewed passion for sports. Through his time at Stewart, Patrick competed in many other sports, including soccer, softball, bowling, basketball, and track. He even tried snowboarding.

After moving around the country a few times and losing touch with Special Olympics, Patrick found his way back home to Paducah. Though the area was familiar, a lot had changed. New businesses, new people, and the connections he once had were lost to time. Pattie Sanders, Patrick’s aunt, noticed the toll isolation was taking on him.

“He needs something to do,” she remembers thinking. “He needs some way to connect with friends and some outlet to get out, do something, meet people.”

Pattie was introduced to Special Olympics through a chance encounter at a football game. Sitting in the stands watching her granddaughter, she sat next to the mother of the Paducah Tilghman mascot and learned about his autism and his participation in the Special Olympics.

When Pattie brought the idea up to Patrick, he lit up, remembering the time he spent with the Special Olympics in the past. Now, Pattie says she’s seen a transformation 26 • PADUCAH LIFE

in Patrick’s openness to new experiences, physical fitness, and social skills. “Now I’m the guy that people say, ‘you socialize way too much’,” Patrick shared with a grin.

Patrick’s newfound confidence has led him far, winning multiple medals for a variety of different sports. “I think the most fulfilling thing to do in sports is going with the team,” Patrick shared, and his support for others around him is abundantly present. He has found that inclusive sports have created not only an opportunity for him but also for the entire community—to see how a little kindness and confidence can create new opportunities and build stronger communities for everyone, regardless of ability.

Patrick continues to compete in Special Olympics and is excited to keep playing with his current teams while trying new sports in the future. He has his eye on golf, bocce, soccer, flag football, and tennis.

Looking back on the past few years, he hopes others will be encouraged to give it a try too. His advice is simple: “Just come in, try your best, and have some fun.”

YOUR TRUSTED Spray INSULATION Foam CONTRACTOR Enhance Comfort. Reduce Costs. Local Expertise.

Devon Wright, son of our editorial photographer Amy, tagged along for Patrick's photo session.

Devon also participates in the Special Olympics and just completed his first season with the league. His team, The Stallions, coached by Holly Hillman, won their first bronze medal at the Kentucky State Tournament this year.

Patrick gave Devon a thumbs up on his choice to be a part of Special Olympics.

www.armored-insulation.com

270-331-4844 MAY/JUNE 2026 • 27

:8:'*97#32$+797:0#/:$8:9/:*+6# $#3$ 0:9876$19392:1:37$ Each year Forbes$6#268#267+$0%1:3$9&*%++$76:$&%(37*.$06%$+:7$9$6#26$+793/9*/$ #3$0:9876$19392:1:37-$":&%23#!#32$76%+:$06%+:$8:9/:*+6# $93/$&8#:37 %&(+:/$ 9 *%9&6$+793/$%(7$0#76#3$76:#*$+797:-$ 6#+$/#+7#3&7#%3$*: :&7+$76#+$97$9$+797:0#/:$8: :8 $ 6%3%*#32$9/ #+%*+$06%$&%3+#+7:378.$/:8# :*$ :*+%398#!:/$2(#/93&:$ %*$76:#*5&8#:37+;:$9*:$ *%(/$7%$+69*:$7697$;:3/.$ :+7:*$69+$'::3$391:/$%3:$% $76:$Forbes$ % $ ;%1:3$;:9876$ / #+%*+$ :+7 3 797:$ %*$ -$ Forbes$*97#32$#+$&%1 #8:/$'.$ $":+:9*&6$93/$909*/:/$933(988.$#3$ :'*(9*.$ '9+:/$%3$#3 %*197#%3$ *%1$9$ 1%376$ :*#%/$:3/#32$ (3:$% $76:$ *#%*$.:9*-$ 8#2#'#8#7.$#+$'9+:/$%3$ (937#797# :$ 9&7%*+$93/$#+$3%7$3:&:++9*#8.$*:897:/$7%$76:$ (98#7.$ % $76:$#3 :+71:37$9/ #&:-$ #+&% :*$0697$76#+$8: :8$% $8:9/:*+6# $93/$&%11#71:37$&%(8/$1:93$ %*$.%($93/$ .%(*5 91#8.-

Wendy Kester, CFP®, CEPA® Financial Advisor Managing Director– ;:9876549392:1:37 270-441-8426 0:3/.-,:+7:*)('+-&%1 Kester Collaborative Wealth Management UBS Financial Services Inc. 5120 Village Square Drive Suite D Paducah, KY 42001

9/ #+%*+-('+-&%1 ,:+7:*

+$9$ #*1$ *% #/#32$0:9876$19392:1:37$+:* #&:+$7%$&8#:37+ $ $ #393&#98$ :* #&:+$ 3&-$% :*+$#3 :+71:37$9/ #+%*.$+:* #&:+$#3$#7+$&9 9&#7.$9+$93$ *:2#+7:*:/$#3 :+71:37$ 9/ #+:*$93/$'*%,:*92:$+:* #&:+$#3$#7+$&9 9&#7.$9+$93$ *:2#+7:*:/$'*%,:* /:98:*-$ 3 :+71:37$9/ #+%*.$+:* #&:+$93/$'*%,:*92:$+:* #&:+$9*:$+: 9*97:$93/$/#+7#3&7 $/# :*$ #3$197:*#98$09.+$93/$9*:$2% :*3:/$'.$/# :*:37$890+$93/$+: 9*97:$9**932:1:37+-$ 7$#+$#1 %*7937$7697$.%($(3/:*+793/$76:$09.+$#3$06#&6$0:$&%3/(&7$'(+#3:++ $93/$ 7697$ .%($ &9*: (88.$ *:9/$ 76:$ 92*::1:37+$ 93/$ /#+&8%+(*:+$ 7697$ 0:$ *% #/:$ 7%$ .%($ 9'%(7$ 76:$ *%/(&7+$ %*$ +:* #&:+$ 0:$ % :*-$ %*$ 1%*:$ #3 %*197#%3 $ 8:9+:$ *: #:0$ 76:$ &8#:37$*:897#%3+6# $+(119*.$ *% #/:/$97$ubs.com/relationshipsummary $%*$9+,$.%(*$ $ #393&#98$ / #+%*$ %*$9$&% .-$ %*$1%*:$#3 %*197#%3$%3$76#*/ 9*7.$*97#32$ 1:76%/%8%2#:+ $ 8:9+:$ #+#7$('+-&%1 (+ :3 /:+#2397#%3 /#+&8%+(*:+-$ $ %9*/$%03+$76:$19*,+$ $CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® $93/$ ®$ 0#76$ 89 (:$/:+#23 $#3$76:$ -$ $ $ -$ 88$*#267+$*:+:* :/-$ $ #393&#98$ :* #&:+$ 3&-$#+$9$+('+#/#9*.$% $ $ *%( $ -$4:1':*$ " - ED_04012026-5

28 • PADUCAH LIFE

★

by J.T. CRAWFORD

Celebrity Status ★

Emily Black’s Grammy Nomination Provided an Invitation for a Night of Glamour Among Music’s Most Celebrated Performers Emily Black and her husband Fowler at the 2026 Grammys

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 29

Experiential

Shopping

• Antiques • Vintage • Garden • Architectural • Industrial • Paddywax Candles and Apothecary Open Tues 1-5 / Wed-Sat 10-5 SL THE SOUTH’S BEST 2021

11TH & JEFFERSON

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

F

OR THE TRUE ARTIST, THE CREATION process itself is the driving force. It’s all about the need to bring something new into the world. It’s internal. It’s visceral. It isn’t about the spotlight or recognition. The work is the reward.

Of course, if a Grammy nomination happens to come calling, one might take just a few moments to revel in a little bit of applause for a job well done. And partying with some of the music industry’s biggest stars doesn’t hurt either.

Such was the experience for Paducah vocal artist Emily Black when, back in February, she traveled to Los Angeles to celebrate one of music’s biggest nights and be honored for her Grammy nomination (her third).

The recognition comes from her work with Conspirare (Latin for “to breathe together”), an Austin, Texas-based Grammy-winning choir and nonprofit performing arts and music education organization that believes in the power of music to change lives, inspire peace, and foster belonging.

Emily had followed Conspirare since her days in college, admiring the group that had become one of the most well-known professional choirs in the United States. Through a composer she worked with, her name was floated as a possible addition. Emily received a call in 2022, asking if she’d like to be a part of a project called House of Belonging.

“That was my first Grammy nomination with them,” says Emily.

When House of Belonging received a nomination, Emily’s son was still very young, so she decided to stay home and forgo the ceremony. A first Grammy nomination but zero red carpet moments.

For many artists, just being nominated once is a lifetime achievement.

Emily Black (fourth from right) and members of Conspirare at the Grammy Premiere Ceremony

Even though Emily had received the Grammy nod it seemed inevitable that there would be more, and eventually, she’d get to attend a ceremony in all of its opulence.

Then, Conspirare went back into the studio for their 2025 release advena: liturgies for a broken world. “The album reimagines traditional choral forms like the Mass and Requiem,” says Emily, “exploring themes of exile, identity, and the impact of strict religious upbringings. It also reflects on immigration and displacement, topics that feel very relevant today.”

The album’s impact and connection to audiences were undeniable.

Inevitably, another Grammy nomination came knocking. This time, Emily knew she had to make the trip to Los Angeles for the ceremony with her husband Fowler.

“It was too cool of an opportunity to pass up,” she says. “It’s pretty wild. I kept using the word surreal. For Best Choral Performance, which is one of the more niche categories, the ceremony takes place in the afternoon. That’s when they recognize categories like Jazz, or Opera, or

• Normal Brand Clothing • Gentleman’s Hardware Apothecary • Hazel Village • Baby Lit Primers • Rifle Paper • Pappy & Company • Winter Water Factory Baby Clothes • Books • Vintage Home Goods • Bourbon Barrel Foods • Gift Baskets!

SL THE SOUTH’S BEST 2021

125 N. 11TH STREET

Follow us on Instagram & Facebook

American Roots, or Orchestral. We went to the Peacock Theater for that, and it lasted almost four hours. There were a lot of cool performances. The Recording Academy does a good job of honoring these artists. The Premiere Ceremony didn’t feel secondary—it felt meaningful and intentional, with a lot of focus on why art matters.

“Then we went across the way to the Crypto.com arena to where the main show is held, the one that is aired on TV. It was amazing to experience the smorgasbord of all of the best artists of our time. It was also surprisingly humanizing. You’re in this huge room with incredibly famous people, but they’re just people, making their art. I also found the speeches really inspiring.”

Emily found the production of the show rather amazing, from three performance stages that featured artists such as Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, and Justin Bieber, with each one being prepared as another was being used. There were strictly timed commercial breaks with countdown clocks indicating when audience members needed to return to their seats. And when it came to food, it was just typical arena fare.

“The concessions were basically what you’d find at a sporting event—hot dogs and nachos,” laughs Emily. “It was funny seeing people in formal gowns eating stadium food. I was like this is weird.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CONSPIRARE, VISIT CONSPIRARE.ORG. AND FOR MORE INFO ON EMILY, INCLUDING HER PADUCAH-BASED VOCAL TRAINING BUSINESS, VISIT EMILYYOCUMBLACK.COM.

32 • PADUCAH LIFE

While celebrities were everywhere, Emily says she only had one real encounter. “After the ceremony, we were outside trying to find our Uber. We ended up passing Jamie Foxx, who was just walking down the street. He made eye contact, nodded, and I said, ‘Congratulations.’

We also saw Lisa Loeb nearby. She walked up and spoke to him. It was surreal seeing both of them just out on the street like that. There were all these black SUVs lined up with dark-tinted windows, clearly for the biggest celebrities.”

The entire day was nine hours plus, but Emily felt that every moment was worthwhile. While it is a show about awards, for those involved, it kept coming back to their art, which made the whole day possible. For Emily, it was a true celebration of bringing music to life, and the day was simply a reflection of long hours and tons of work behind the scenes.

And even though Conspirare didn’t walk away with the win, it will not be surprising to see the group, along with Emily, back at the Grammys again. “Right before the Grammys, we recorded a brand-new piece that had been in development for about six years by composer Joby Talbot,” says Emily.

“He’s a British composer known for orchestral works, ballet, and film scores, but also for choral music.

“His first major choral work, Path of Miracles, made a huge impact in the choral world. This new piece is called Piedra de Sol, based on a long poem by Octavio Paz. We recorded it, and it’s a big deal. They’re hoping to release the album in late summer so it qualifies for next year’s Grammy cycle.” And whether or not that call comes again, the work and the life-changing connection from artists to audiences—the real reward—continues.

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 33

BREATHE EASIER. SLEEP BETTER. ,+*,)(,'&,% ),$#"! % '( #$% ('% (# % & * $$( ' #, % * #(,'# &,'#,), % & ),% ") % $ '% ',$ % % " &$ 8 768 5743068 /.7-6,8 +.*)(7-8 '&%$48 #7&"8 !%0.8 8 ,&%768 ) 8 7*$(7,"8 . 6$( 8 & 8 % .08)08*.*)(76.*86%8,.-4) 8) *) )*$7-08 &.76,.8 87 *80-..48 8 . .&8 8 $ (% .&) 86,.8&%%68(7$0.8% 80-..4874 .787 *8(&.73 84.&0% 7-) .*86&.76 . 684-7 08 %&8473. 60"8 ) (-$*) 8 6,%0.8 ,%8 (7 %68 6%-.&76.8 78 8 (% 3 $%$08 4%0)3 .8 7)& 7 8 4&.00$&. 8 7(,) . & 8 % .08)08&.(% ) .*87087 8 04)&. +8# (.--. (.84&% &7 8 . .& %80(,.*$-.87 8744%) 6 . 6"8(7--8 % % % %, %' % %# at 270.408.4368"8%&870 8 %$&8 4&) 7& 8(7&.84&% )*.&8 %&878&. .&&7- 8 & 8 % .0 8% (.8)08-%(76.*8) 8+.*)(7-8 7& 8 87685743068/.7-6,8 7*$(7, %& ) 88 88 -% *88 88/7&*) 88 88 78'&7 .88 88 . ) 6% 88 88 %$)0 )--.88 88+7*)0% )--.88 88 7*$(7,88 88 )(, % *

34 • PADUCAH LIFE

The Rise and Fall of

CHAR DOWNS’ MURAL ART

After a Devastating Fall, Char Downs Has Risen to the Artistic Occasion With the Help of Painters and Friends Who Are Supporting Her Goal to Finish the Next Quilt Mural

★

by J O H AN C O M I NA SA RHOD K ES

B

ACK ON A SEEMINGLY normal day in October 2025, Lower Town artist Char Downs climbed a ladder in Pinecone Gallery to continue painting on what was to be this spring’s addition to the Quilt City USA Murals Project on the floodwall by the convention center. But it wasn’t a normal day, and Char, instead of stepping onto a sturdy table, fell to the concrete floor.

She had already been taking precautions, sitting on a cushion, scooting across the table before standing because she was still recovering from hip surgery in the spring, a process that had gone slower than she wanted. Now, Char found herself on the unforgiving floor, pain shooting everywhere and no one within range to hear her cries for help.

Her husband Jay had just left to run some errands, and Char did not have her phone. No visitors were expected at the gallery—she thought it would be a quiet time to work. Instead, Char spent two agonizing hours before Jay returned. The postman came in at the same time and called 911 for Jay. Within a few minutes, an ambulance was speeding Char on the way to the hospital.

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 35

Char Downs

Lower Town neighbors from left Jeff Neubert, Allan Rhodes, and Eric Romanak assist Richard Glasscock as they install a “rotating easel” in Pinecone Gallery.

Char’s left hip was severely injured, her left shoulder was smashed, her left leg shattered. After two major surgeries, a blood transfusion, a rod and 12 cables wrapped around the bones in her left leg, what she calls a “reverse shoulder” because there weren’t enough unbroken bones to work on and more than four months of pain and PT, Char is finally able to pick up a paint brush and resume work on the quilt she left behind. The healing is not over yet—Char will be in recovery for another 14 months.

The “work” is on “Mary’s Mural,” a reproduction of an antique quilt owned by longtime director of the Paducah Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Mary Hammond who passed away in March 2024. Char says the pattern is a traditional grandmother’s flower garden. And it’s obvious the quilt was wellused and well-loved. “The quilt has to be reproduced exactly—the worn places and tears that have been stitched over,” says Char. It was selected for the project to honor Mary by a group of Mary’s friends, who also spearheaded a drive to finance the project.

A little background. Char was selected by the Murals Project Board to be the first artist when the program began in 2016 and painted a quilt by internationallyknown quilter Caryl Fallert, who also had a studio in Paducah in the early 2000s.

Char investigated different methods of painting and how large murals are applied to various surfaces, traveling to visit Mural City, USA in Philadelphia.

Finding some materials unavailable, Char finally chose Pellon, s synthetic fabric quilters use on the back of quilts, at Hancock’s Fabrics in Paducah. The material is usually hung on a wall, painted with the quilt design using a fluid acrylic

36 • PADUCAH LIFE

paint and then applied to the floodwall (in the case of Paducah).

Artist and friend Stefanie Graves has spent numerous hours painting on the latest quilt for Char, starting soon after Char’s fall. In fact, she came almost every day in January.

And by that time, Stefanie was able to use the “rotating easel” that is allowing Char to paint at all during this stage of her recovery. While Char was still in rehab husband Jay went to neighbor and woodworker Richard Glasscock asking him if he could make something for Char to use in painting so, as Jay said, “She won’t ever have to get on a ladder again.” This “rotating easel” that looks like a drafting table with rollers and displays 24-inches of work space at a time, is the result.

“I think this is going to open up the world faster for you than anything else, and I’m pleased to be a part of it,” said Richard when he and other neighbors brought the “easel” to Pinecone Gallery and set it up the end of December.

Char readily agreed. But her left shoulder and arm were in too much pain for Char to even move them spontaneously. It would be the beginning of February before Char could roll her wheelchair into the gallery and pick up a paint brush.

In the beginning Char could only work 15 to 20 minutes before having to lay the brushes down. Now, she paints three hours a day. Char began Mary’s Mural on July 11, 2024, and she has given herself a May deadline to finish it. Jay whispers, “It’s scheduled to be unveiled by June 11.” That should be attainable. With a paint brush in hand and a smile on her face, Char says, “This has brought light back into my life.”

Experience Paducah’s New Home!

A place with delicious d spirits,, tastings,

Now Open n Fri. 4pm - 9pm Sat. 11am - 9p pm

Paducah KY • 42001 AbstractionSpirits.com

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 37

38 • PADUCAH LIFE

V ni.

Ven Ved V eddi di. i.

Viicciii..

SH HE CAME . SHE SAW. S CONQUERED. SHE

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

byy Caleb Buford

"SSTOP O THE CAR A ," Cheryl Slebod da shouted to her friend as troves e of vehicles continued to jet by on North 4th Street in downtown Paducah. “Th here’s a building g ffo or sale.” After naavvigating through the o out-off--town quilters to find a parrking g spot during g the Am merican Quilter’s Societyy QuilttW Weeek, Cheryl W walked to thee ffo ormer Quilt in a Day building. It was larrgge with plentyy off display real estate. “I don’t kno ow,” she h own personal caution, as she looked around hesitated in her to the surroun ndingg buildings . . . when another ffo or sale sign caught her eyye. The building right next door was also fo for sale—a ffo ormeer lawyer’s office, prime fo for a remodel into the perffeect sewing emporium. Cheryl quickly ffo ound her phone and called thee realtor on the sign. “When can you give me a tour?”

After spott tting the building g in A Ap pril of 2022, Cheryl and Charlie had packed, sold their house, and her husband C moved to 117 North 4th Street in Paducah by the first of MAY/JUNE 2026 • 39

Muppin's Sewing Mu S

Empori rium

"MY GOAL IS TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE COOL TTA ASTE OF SOMETHING FROM PADUCAH.”

40 • PADUCAH LIFE

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

in less than ne. Chicago to Paducah a o months. “I don’t recommend it,” she h of reflection. “Zero shared with a light laugh o some, Cheryl put a out of ten stars.” While it may seem impulsive to up her own corner in bet on a little biig g town, with a dream to square u the quilting g ind dustryy in Paducah. b move, Cheryl had become a star Beffo ore her big s in the quilting world. After shiifting away from the Chicago theeatre scene and pivoting g toward a career in comic book distribu ution, Cheryl started a blog bl , di discussing i h her weekl kly project j off creating g a unique 6” square quilt each week. After three years, she decided to change it up a little. “I decided I was going g to do a series of fabric-manipulated quilts, and right in the middle of it I thought, ‘This is all I ever want to do again.’”

People were intrigued by her creations, growing her fo followingg exponentially.

Soon she was traavveling g the country, teaching g at conffeerences and retreats, and ffo ound herself on television shows and hosting g her own YouT YouT Tu ube series, leaving comic distribution behind. “God bless PBS—I wouldn’t haavve a career if it weren’t fo for PBS,” Cheryl believes. Cheryl’s influence continues to grow with books, patterns, and even her own set of tools.

Cheryl’s move to Paducah wasn’t just a whim. It was a strategic move after witnessing g the economic stabilityy of quilt tourism in Paducah with the return off QuiltW tW Weeek in 2022. “A A lot of [quilt] shows haavven’t come back,” Cheryl shared.

“But the AQS show had completely come back.” That mattered. The quilt industry’s rebound in Paducah meant it wasn’t just another stop ffo or quilters, but rather a destination; a home fo for creativityy and community. That boom in tourism is exactly the clientele Cheryl wanted to serve.

“What I see in my store everyy single day is someone who comes here from more than a hundred miles,” Cheryl related. “T To oday I’ve had people from Oklahoma, Michigan, Ohio—locations that are not close.” Muppin’s Sewing Emporium is a quaint, intimate shopping experience. There aren’t ceiling-high shelves and back storage 15 fe feet in the air. Rather, all the fabric bolts are at eye level, with a few few peg g boards and custom-built bookshelves that line the wall to store products. “My Myy goal is to specifically service the quilt tourist,” Cheryl shared. Though small, the thoughtful and connective space allows Cheryl to really get to know her customers and tailor their experience to them. “My Myy goal is to give you a little cool taste of something from Paducah.”

Her statement to her ffeellow industryy peers is quite simple: you don’t need to be monolithic to thrive. “I wanted to show the quilt industryy that you don’t haavve to be the size of 5,000 plus square ffeeet to make it in this industry.” Cheryl is a living testament to that. Running an in-person store with a continually thriving online business while creating g her - Cheryl Sleboda

own resources and tools, ools, Cheryl’s vision of a small boutique utique has a big impact—something g that she hopes the rest of the quilting ng industryy and Paducah can continue ue to embrace.

While Cheryl is contributing g to business development in downtown Paducah, she hopes the rest of Paducah will continue to embrace quilt tourism fo for years to come.

“Quilting is a $4 billion industry slated to become a $5 to $6 billion industryy in the next five years,” Cheryl explained. “More people are quilting g than you think. Paducah can b be that h center ffo or that h type off creativity. In the meantime, if you're an artist and you cater to that quilt tourist, you're going g to haavve an easy market."

Even as the quilting industry continues to grow here in Paducah, Cheryl is grateful ffo or the creative communityy that continues to make it possible and wants to see it grow.

“Paducah has a lot of incredible ability. It has the ability to be the superstar,” Cheryl reflected.

“Paducah has a strong reputation as an art-friendly, art-centric community, and I haavve ffeelt very welcomed by that art community.

I’m here to stay.”

What is Fabric Manipulation?

“Y Yo ou have overall sewing, then you have quilting, then you have my work,” Cheryl explained. When you think of a traditional quilt, you likely picture multiple fabrics #"! " " " " piece. Fabric manipulation takes this artistry to a new level. Cheryl #"# " " " "# the fashion and costuming world and blends them into quilting to create work that is “raised above the surface” of a quilt to create a "" " # " "

More Than Just A Little Goth Quilt Shop First-time visitors and locals might nickname Muppin’s Sewing Emporium “the little goth quilt shop,” thanks to its skull that anchors the brand. But the symbol isn’t meant to be ominous.

“Everybody looks at it and they think, ‘oh, it’s like deep, dark, bad # # " # # The skull is a classic memento mori, a reminder of mortality that " # " # " For Muppin, it points to something tender: quilts are heirlooms, passed down and still used generations laterr.. “ When I see a skull, I remember that my time here is limited and I want to be remembered.”

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 41

42 • PADUCAH LIFE

JOY YOU'L L FI ND MUCH

at

Lamon’s Furniture & Antiques

The Lamon family continues a 75-year legacy of making LIFE in Paducah more beautiful .................................

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

by Jordan Price

T

Joy Lamon

HROUGH AN OVERSIZED ALUMINUM screen door, in and among rows lined with dazzling chandeliers, robust armoires, and upholstered chair sets, sits Joy Lamon Walden, the matriarch and current owner of Lamon’s Furniture and Antiques.

This year marks the Lamon family’s 75th year in business.

This legacy began in 1951 when Zelphia Lamon, Joy’s mother, started the business. Paducah was booming and many working men and women were moving to the city to snatch up lucrative jobs in the atomic industry. The shop started off simply, providing necessities like hot plates and economical bedroom sets to the workers who were renting out singular rooms in family homes around town.

“Zelphia would get out and try to fulfill that need for people. She would gather up all the things someone would need to furnish a room like a chest of drawers and a bed frame,” Joy recalled.

“She would always take care of her customers because the customers take care of us,” Sherry Kahne, Joy’s niece, added. “She knew hard work and determination would make a difference and once she got started, you couldn’t stop her.

She would make sure that everyone had proper furniture and a household as warm and as full of beautiful things as possible.”

Joy and Zelphia have/had a knack for knowing if there was a market for something. “Zelphia had a good eye,” said Sherry. “She could look at a piece and see its worth, even if it was hidden under a layer of dust or long forgotten in MAY/JUNE 2026 • 43

L AMON'S LA Furniture u re & A Anntique ti ess

eone’s basement. As her busineess grew, she adapted her store to r serve the needs of her commu unity. She was able to see the value ure that would appeal to people who arrying a broader line of furnitu re setting g up permanent residen nce in Paducah, or fo for those who were king ffo or finer pieces that would d set their homes apart.”

As the years wore on, and neeeds changed, Lamon’s adjusted. They dressers and night stands, to a mix of like-new w consignment switched from starter s furniture and fin ne antiques. In 1974, Joy officiallly went into business with her mother.

“W Wee started outt with the basics. Since then, we’vve upped the ante and gotten into a better qualityy off furniture plus antiques,” Joy commented. “It’s really become a whole family affair. My sister is still a picker ffo family or the stor sto ore. e Myy daughter works here too with her expertise being mid-centuryy style items. Sherryy and her husband sell their line of rugs here. Each of us has our job and our own style and specialty.”

“I really was raised in the business,” Sherryy laughed as she tells a storyy about literally being g brought home from the hospital as a newborn straight to the family store.

While trends and needs have changed, Lamon’s has held true to its mission to provide good qualityy pieces. “W Wee’re so thankful ffo or the good business that we’ve had,” Joy remarked. “So many of our customers are friends from two or three generations back. W Wee’re now working on furnishingg the grandkids’ homes.”

Both Joy and Sherryy have witnessed the shifts in furniture fashion and trends over the span of 75 years. “Everything g seems to come back around; it all has its own time and the neat thing is there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason. Style is what you love,” Joy said. “I think people have come to love the mixture of new w furniture with an heirloom piece mixed in. Surround yourself with pieces that make you happy!”

Joy only wishes that she were able to predict which styles were going g to come back around. “If I knew, I’d be putting things back ffo or the grandkids,” she said with a chuckle. Sherryy agrees, but has noticed that the younger generation seems to be looking ffo or a trip down memoryy lane. “Theyy seem to appreciate the value, and haavve a desire to know and fe feel how things once were. Maybe it’s because we’re all moving so fast,” she noted. “It stands to reason that things that were part of our childhood bring g about a sense of securityy and nostalgia.”

As ffo or their personal faavvorites, Joy really loves finding g Kentuckyy pieces. “I almost can’t turn down a piece if I learn it’s made in Kentucky.”

Items with considerable age or historical significance also hit the mark. “There are many times where we think, oh my gosh, this piece - Joy Lamon Walden

"Surround yourself with pieces that make you happy!”

The Zest of Zelphia 543210-,+-*)(,'-&,)(4,)%,$14,#"&$,')*-(, 4($"42"4(4!"&,0(,$14, )**!(0$ , 14, )* 0(4 ,14", &$")( , !&0(4&&,&4(&4,'0$1,14",(!"$!"0( , 1-"- $4",-( , 4 -*4,$14, ) $),23- 4,%)",- )" - 34, !-30$ ,1)*4, %!"(0&10( & , (, )0( ,&) ,&14, !03$,!2,-,3) -3, !&$)*4", -&4,$1-$, 4 -*4,30 4,%-*03 ,

, +-*)( &,%4-$!"4&,-,3-" 4, )) &143%,0(,$140",*-0(, "))*,#334 ,'0$1,&*-33, 4 )"-$0)(& ,$10( &,30 4,2)" 43-0(, # !"0(4& , 3-&&, -( 34,&$0 & ,&-3$,-( ,24224",&1- 4"& , -( ,2-"$0-3, 0&1,&4$& , ( $10( ,)(,$14&4,&143 4& ,-( , &)*4,$10( &,0(,$14,%")($,-"4,) 4"4 ,%)",-, )(-$0)(,)%, ,)%,$14, )(-$0)(&, ),$), &, -20$-3, -( ,-*)!($ , -*2-0 ( , ) ,4 23-0(4 , $ &,)!",'- ,)%, 0 0( , - ,$), $14, )**!(0$ ,$1-$,1-&,&!22)"$4 ,!&,%)", , 4-"& ,

probably dates back to the 1700s.

To have that kind of age and that kind of value is just truly a find,” Joy remarked. Sherry’s niche is Iranian rugs and Lamon’s has a beautiful collection. “We have a guy,” Sherry confides, “and having that direct contact is so important because when people buy stuff online, they can’t feel it or look at it. They don’t know how it’s going to wear, but here, you can just pop in and you can feel the corner of it and appreciate the quality.”

Paducah and Lamon’s have bolstered each other for several decades, and that partnership is something truly admirable. “We’re lucky in that because we’ve been in business for 75 years, we’re often people’s first call when they’re downsizing or remodeling. We have the opportunity to go in and purchase items when people are moving. We also attend estate sales and auctions to help support the local community,” Sherry explained.

Through its history, Lamon’s has traded basics for beauty, and they’re committed to helping each person that walks through the door treasurehunt their way to an expressive and exclusive find.

Today, Lamon’s specializes in oil paintings and art, good furniture of all styles and ages, and lamps and lighting. “We like all styles, but we just want whatever we have to be high quality and the best of that era,” Joy stated.

“The goal is to continue it as long as we have the health and fortitude to do so,” Sherry said with optimism.

“I hope that the great grandchildren of my mother will carry it on,” Joy added. “We all have our own interests and styles and that bodes well for the future of Lamon’s.”

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 45

L AM LA MON'S Fu Furnitur ree & A Anntique ti ess

Our PA PAST Life Paducah’s historyy is broad but much has been lost nuanced, and while w hout the years, a ffeew to time through glimmers of ourr past still shine brightly.

These momentss and scenes, captured in p postcards, an nd black and white ffer a glimpse into what ffe photographs off LIFE used to bee like in Paducah and are part of Lamon’s many historic artifacts.

Some of thesse nods to the past k familiar. Several of might even look ble landmarks like the our more notab Columbia Theaatre and W Weest Kentucky Communityy and dT Teechnical College make an appearrance. With our city charter h d dating i gb back k to 1856 1856, we ha h ve an appreciation n fo for, and we’re eager to hold onto, those buildings and places that keep so mu uch of our community’s record intact.

While we miight be a few few decades removed from the t moments n these images, theyy are a immortalized in good reminder that our city’s historyy is something g to bee treasured and honored.

One Mann’s Trash Sherry Kahne and her husb band have a ship that was relations based in antiques from the very beginning. On one of th heir earliest dates,

n Mount Sterling market in where they spent the day peru using aisles and shopping g booths. When Sherry sp potted a luxury m the Proctor toilet from & Gamble e home, ornate and deco orative with raised blue enameling, she said,, “I have to have it for Lam mon’s!” Vince spent the e rest of the day toting the e commode around o on his shoulder.

After gettting the pretty me, a prominent potty hom

de called Lady Southsid urchased it and Sarah, pu umbed in her had it plu home be efore it eventually became a rather unusual posey pla anter at the end of its life.

THE Art OF INSURANCE We know you love your family as much as we love ours (as in the case of Susan’s granddaughter Gracie Opal). And we know you want to protect them in every way possible. Susan and Mason are happy to meet with you to discuss all the potential plans from State Farm that carefully insure the safety and security of every beloved member of your wonderful family. Call us today!

Become a member of OUR family.

SUSAN WALDON-DENTON / 831 Jefferson St. /270-442-8281 MASON TOT DENTON / 202 Lone Oak Rd., Suite 100 / 270-908-4220

48 • PADUCAH LIFE

Coming Home

Winning Some lives begin in ease. Others are tempered in fire. ★

B

T

HE JOURNEY TO manhood for Logan Bryce Martin was marked by hardship, sacrifice, and the quiet determination to make something better of what life handed him.

Logan Bryce Martin claims Paducah as more than a hometown.

It is the place where his life began to expand and his dreams took form.

When Martin arrived in 1989, after years spent between Hickman and Fulton, Paducah opened before him as a much larger world. It beckoned as a place of opportunity, challenge, and possibility. Paducah was where he found mentors, structure, and the encouragement to imagine a life bigger than the potential hardship the world might have assigned him.

“Paducah was spread wide open,” he said. “It gave me opportunities I didn’t have before.”

At Paducah Tilghman, Martin found one of his first true outlets in

MAY/JUNE 2026 • 49

football. He played from middle school on and became the only freshman of his time to play varsity all four years.

In a town where Friday night football still carries pride and memory, this was no small distinction for the 1995 Tilghman High School graduate.

Football was to become only one thread in his story.

At the heart of Martin’s life and at the heart of his memoir, Funeral for My Father: Because Grace Isn’t Always Earned, is his mother whose strength carried his family through years of struggle. She raised five children through instability, sacrifice, and strain.

He remembers a home she held together against nearly impossible odds. Martin recalls the meals she stretched, the standards she kept, and the quiet courage she showed day after day. He remembers nights when his mother would say she was “fasting.” He later understood that meant there simply was not enough food, and she had chosen to let her five children eat first.

He speaks with gratitude about the people in Paducah who helped steady his path. These people include coaches who pushed him, teachers who corrected him, and pastors and community leaders who saw promise in a young man determined to make something better of his life. They provided the impetus for a young man with a burning desire to do better and make something of himself.

“If they can have it, I can have it,” he said referring to those who achieved success.

That conviction carried him far beyond western Kentucky. Football opened doors to college and professional opportunities including time with the Chicago Bears organization, NFL Europe, and the XFL. Martin later enjoyed a successful engineering career, wide travel, and retirement before age 50. Yet Martin’s deepest accomplishment may be neither athletic nor professional. It may be his willingness to tell the truth.

In Funeral for My Father, he writes candidly about pain, endurance, and the long shadow cast by his father. The memoir is not defined by bitterness. Instead, it reflects resilience, moral clarity, and the determination to move forward with grace. Even in recounting difficult truths, Martin returns to a theme that seems to define his life: doing what is right even when it is hard.

Paducah remains at the heart of Logan Bryce Martin’s testimony. It is the place where his dreams were tested and his character refined. Paducah is where the boy once known as Little Jimmie began the long journey toward becoming Logan Bryce Martin.

That journey, and the man it shaped, may be his greatest victory of all.

FUNERAL FOR MY FATHER: BECAUSE HONOR ISN’T ALWAYS EARNED IS AVAILABLE ON AMAZON. LEARN MORE ABOUT HIS FOUNDATION AT WWW.LOGANBRYCEMARTIN.COM

50 • PADUCAH LIFE

LastWord the

★

“The person who works with their hands, their brain, and their heart is an artist.” —MARCUS PIERRE At only 5 years old, ADRIC BARNETT is already putting art into the world, like this linocut print that he designed, painted, and stamped. “I picked rainbow colors because when you put them all together, it’s like a mixed-up rainbow,” he explained. As for the “cutting” portion of the work, “Mommy helped me,” he admitted.

Considering the sharp tools involved in etching his delicate design into the lino block, we think that was probably for the best (and that he’s lucky to have such a supportive “assistant”).

His process is an equal mix of whimsy and sensibility; this young artist knows what he likes, but is open to experimentation.

“My favorite is paint, but I also like markers and crayons,” he shared.

When he’s not painting or drawing, he enjoys playing with his brothers, and particularly likes center time, snack time, and going to the gym when at school. And while he has an artistic talent that he might choose to explore later, when asked, he said he wants to be a police officer when he grows up.

52 • PADUCAH LIFE

SPRING into the season with a healthy smile!

A bright, healthy smile is always in style. Call today for an appointment at Broadway Dental to make sure YOUR smile is the best it can be! Welcome to Broadway Dental.

Dr. James K. Hunt, DMD Dr. Allison Reed, DMD Dr. Ethan Shelton, DMD

Broadway Dental Care broadwaydentalcarepaducah.com 130 Lone Oak Road • 270.443.9099

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PADUCAH, KY PERMIT #138

I

CHOOSE Paducah Bank MOLLY THOMPSON Private Wealth Relationship Manager

MOLLY THOMPSON HAS BUILT HER CAREER ON RELATIONSHIPS Many first met Molly through her work with the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, where she connected with local leaders, small businesses, and families. She’s known for the way she listens, shows up, and follows through. Her relationship with Paducah Bank started with one of life’s biggest decisions, buying her first home.

“When I bought my house, Paducah Bank was there to guide me through the process. I felt cared for, and that’s something I’ve carried with me ever since.” Paducah Bank Market President Susan Ybarzabal shared, “Molly brings a warmth and compassion that reflects exactly how we want our customers to feel.” Molly brings that same belief in relationships to her role as Private Wealth Relationship Manager at Paducah Bank.

It started with a home. It continues with relationships.

270.575.5700 / paducahbank.com / M E M B E R F D I C