Sweet Owen | Winter 2022-23

deck the halls

I n s p e c t l i w i r e s . D i s L i m i t t h e t o g e t h e r , P o s i t i o n b m a t e r i a l s . N e v e r r u n l i g h t s o r e x t e n s i o n c o r d s u n d e r f u r n i t u r e o r c a r p e t . A v o i d o v e r l o a d i n g o u t l e t s a n d e x t e n s i o n c o r d s . K e e p a n e y e o n p e t s t h a t m a y c h e w o r d a m a g e e l e c t r i c a l c o r d s . T u r n o f f h o l i d a y l i g h t s w h e n y o u l e a v e t h e h o u s e o r g o t o b e d . C h e c k l i g h t s a n d d e c o r a t i o n s t h r o u g h o u t t h e s e a s o n t o e n s u r e t h e y ' r e o p e r a t i n g s a f e l y .

14 | Local woman builds thriving jewelry, pottery business

In a short five years, Monterey resident Teresa McDonald has built a thriving jewelry and pottery business. Her pottery classes, held at Owenton’s Slippery Rock Signs, have become popular outings for a girls-night-out, church groups, and more.

10

Craftin’ for the community Dawn Davis volunteers time, efforts to help community members preserve treasured memories 18

Plumb, level-straight, perfect 8 Cole Stamper’s journey to remain the World’s Best Bricklayer continues in January at the SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500

Remembering Jarl Lee Harris Marlene Browning-Wainscott reflects on an interview with the late Jarl Lee Harris, a World War II veteran

Georgia’s holiday chic on the clock

Tips for the harried and overwhelmed from a would-be home advice columnist, Georgia Green Stamper 20

Owen County Friends of Animals

Buffy is looking for her furever-home. Could you be the one to give her this special Christmas gift? 26 Fall rewind

Fall is over, but we’ve captured the moments that will remain in our memories from the 2022 season

Winter calendar

Winter is here, and we've got a complete list of upcoming events for the entire family

Where to stay? What to eat? Looking for hospitality in Owen County? Try Night & Day B & B and Family Billiards & Restaurant

House of McNally Creamy Chicken Enchiladas with Special Sauce are on a monthly rotation at the House of McNally

Sweet Owen

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE IN OWEN COUNTY, KENTUCKY

© 2022-2023, Owen County Tourism Commission Volume I, Issue 5 December 2022

Molly Haines Riddle Editor Whitney Prather Duvall Copy Editor

Owen County Tourism Commission

Holly Bowling, Director

Jenni Duncan, Chairperson

Mike Haines, Treasurer

Lindsey Tirey, Secretary

Shanna Osborne, Member

Shadoe Aldridge, Member Darla House-Webb, Member

Contributors

Becky Doolin, Amanda Anderson Matthews, Lyndsi McNally, Georgia Green Stamper, Marlene Browning-Wainscott

For advertising information, email editor@sweetowenmag.com or call 502-514-6612

To submit an event, letter to the editor, or suggest story ideas, email editor@sweetowenmag.com.

Submission deadlines: 4 p.m., Jan. 30, 2023 for Spring (March-May)

Published quarterly by the Owen County Tourism Commission “... find yourself here” 300 S. Main St., Owenton, KY 40359 502-563-5050 www.visitowencountyky.org

Few things compare to Christmas in a small town—the courthouse square is especially vibrant this time of year, with twinkling lights and gorgeous decorations in nearly every window. We tend to hone in on these shops because they’re centrally located and convenient, but Owen County and dozens of other rural communities across the commonwealth and beyond are home to locally-owned businesses outside the city limits.

In the farthest reaches of Owen County, in a community known as Golds Valley, you will find Dutch Pastries (their cinnamon rolls are to die for). M&T Country Store, located near Long Ridge, specializes in country decor and plussize women’s boutique clothing. Rita’s Furniture & Décor offers a vast selection of home furnishings. Inside the Sweet Owen Country Store (which doubles as a restaurant), you’ll find a little bit of everything imaginable.

The very purpose of this magazine is to highlight these hidden gems while introducing them to a broader audience. In doing so, we hope you will seek out these small businesses and “support local” this holiday season. The big-box stores will still be there when in dire straits, but it’s up to us to ensure our local business community continues to thrive.

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Speaking of thriving, Sweet Owen Magazine has officially reached its first anniversary, with some big news to share. In late August, we entered the first three issues of the magazine in the Print Advertising and Print Collateral category of the Kentucky Travel Industry Association’s (KTIA) 2022 Traverse Awards. I’m proud to announce that out of 160 total entries statewide, Sweet Owen Magazine received a bronze award.

Although a bronze award may seem like a pat on the back, we were up against major cities like Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green, whose tourism commissions had numerous projects eligible for entry. For our first year of publication, we don’t think a bronze award is half bad. We jumped at the opportunity to view other entries and how communities across Kentucky promote their counties at the KTIA Annual Conference back in November. We hope to bring some of what we learned back to Owen County and this magazine.

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The fall season was incredibly fruitful on so many different levels. Sweet Owen Day and the biennial Monterey Homecoming Fair were both huge successes. The Owen County Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting Nov. 21 and presented its Business and Businessperson of the Year awards—Earth Tools and Jim Ziege of Ziggy’s Physical Therapy, respectively. The Chamber Marketplace Craft & Vendor Expo allowed dozens of shoppers to purchase handmade items and interact with many talented small business owners.

On a more personal note, multiple folks involved with this magazine held their own celebrations. On Oct. 15, Owen County Tourism & Convention Commission Chairperson Jenni Duncan celebrated the wedding of her son, Grant, and his longtime girlfriend, Candace. On Oct. 29, Brian and I were married in a gorgeous ceremony on his family’s farm. Finally, on Nov. 27, Commission member Shadoe Perry said “I do” to Owenton Police Officer Clint Aldridge.

Somehow, with our insane schedules and numerous responsibilities, we still managed to publish a magazine! Now, if we can only get our Christmas shopping done on time. . .

Haines Riddle

Molly

CRAFTIN’ for the community

BY WHITNEY PRATHER DUVALL Sweet Owen Contributor

Though her story begins in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dawn Davis considers herself a “hometown girl.” And even if living in Owen County since first grade, for some strange reason, doesn’t qualify it, her investments within the community certainly do.

Having grown up in a family of servant-minded people, Dawn is inspired by a sense of responsibility to give back and help others.

“My husband and I both came from families that taught us the importance of community service at a very young age, and we have stressed the importance of this to our own daughter,” Dawn said.

In 1986, Dawn married “the boy next door,” Greg. Having taken an interest in firefighting at a young age, Greg has served New Liberty in the fire service for 48 years, spending 20 of them as chief of his department.

Dawn and Greg reside on his family’s cattle farm and have one daughter, Kelsey, who is now a third-year student at the University of Kentucky. Kelsey is hoping to use her double major in interior design and community leadership to help revitalize small towns. Without a doubt, the Davis legacy of service is strong.

Currently, Dawn serves as president of the Memory Makers Homemakers Club, a group whose goal is to get folks to preserve their photographs through creative projects.

“We strive to encourage people to take photos out of old shoeboxes or

p DAWN DAVIS grew up in a family of servant-minded people and is inspired by a sense of responsibility to give back and help others. She serves as the Memory Makers Homemakers Club president, on the Owen County Homemaker Board, the 4-H Council, and the Owen County 4-H Extension Service Board of Directors. — All photos by Whitney Prather Duvall

download [them] off their phone and preserve those memories permanently in some way, such as scrapbooking, digital photobooks, etc., so that your history is there for generations that follow.

“Our club has been sponsoring an event called ‘Scrappin’ for the Community’ since 2011. What started as a brainstorming session to figure out a way to bring more money into the community to help raise funds for the Relay for Life turned into an over-capacity, sold-out, twice-a-year event at the extension office.

“Since the Relay for Life is no longer an event here, we have shifted to assisting multiple non-profits in our community by rotating the donation to

various groups,” Dawn said.

With the Owen County Extension Service, Dawn serves on the Owen County Homemaker Board, the 4-H Council, and the Owen County Extension Service Board of Directors. Through her work with county extension alone, Dawn stays busy year-round, working with adults and children alike.

During the last school year, she participated with a small group of Homemakers that went each week to the high school to host a 4-H club to teach life skills, which included everything from sewing on a button to embroidery to making jam and basic canning skills. More of Dawn’s favorite activities are just around the corner with the Christmas season.

Davis volunteers time, efforts to help community members preserve treasured memories

“We have the annual Santa’s Castle event coming up, which is a great event for young children to come and shop for holiday gifts for their family and friends,” she said. “We help them wrap those items and get them ready to go under the tree.

“The Christmas Parade is something our family loves to participate in as well. I have a lot of great memories of the parade, like riding on the cancer survivors float with my mom, riding on the 4-H float with my daughter, or riding in a fire truck with my husband. It’s always been something our family has done together.”

As the current president of the Educational Excellence Foundation of Owen County (EEFOC), Dawn has helped facilitate the funding of countless projects for teachers, which would have otherwise been impossible due to regulations on money provided by the government for education. These projects include but are not limited to a rooftop garden at the middle school, a monarch butterfly garden at the high school, books for social and emotional learning, and power tools for teaching math in alternative settings.

“(EEFOC) also acts as a ‘passthrough’ for receiving funding from organizations such as United Charities, the Dolly Parton Foundation, Kohl’s Cares for Communities, and the RC Durr Foundation, etc.,” Dawn said, adding that the foundation also hosts a golf scramble at Fairway Golf Course each year to help raise funds for teacher classroom grants.

The list goes on.

Dawn is active in her church, participating in Operation Christmas Child, children’s church, vacation Bible school, as well as the Friends of Hospice group. She spent many years active with the Owen County Chamber of Commerce. During her 10-plus years working with the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life, Dawn served in nearly every conceivable

County 4-H.

role the local Relay committee had to offer while raising money for support services for cancer patients.

When one lives in a small, rural community, it doesn’t take long to realize that volunteerism and service is a critical catalyst to cultivate and bring to fruition vital projects. There is certainly strength in numbers—if for no other reason than to keep a few “movers and shakers” from bearing the burden and getting burnt out. With a servant’s heart comes the need to weather successes and failures and have a sense of self-preservation.

“My biggest takeaway from years of volunteering is to keep an open heart,” Dawn said. “Things may not always happen just as you had planned, but maybe they did not because that was not what was best in the long run. You have to stay willing and able

to change and learn from each new experience—even if it [is] to learn you never want to do that again. There comes a time when you have to analyze where you spend your time; if it is making a difference, keep going, but if not, you might need to step away.”

Though she’s probably subscribed to more projects than she’s stepped away from, Dawn emphasizes the need to bring in new volunteers to bolster community efforts.

“Owen County is like many other small communities—it relies heavily on volunteers to provide services, entertainment, and much-needed assistance to so many. We have to continue to seek new ideas, new interests, and new ways of attracting an upcoming volunteer group. It is so important to the sustainability of so many programs in our county.” v

p DAWN DAVIS AND HER FAMILY, daughter Kelsey and husband Greg, are all community volunteers, with Greg serving as chief of the New Liberty Volunteer Fire Department, and Kelsey, who recently received the 2022 Pioneer Service Award from Owen

‘Georgia’s Holiday Chicon theClock’

Tips for the harried and overwhelmed from a would-be home advice columnist

BY GEORGIA GREEN STAMPER

My ambition to become a syndicated home advice columnist was shattered when I learned that half my Facebook friends flatten all their foods before freezing and vertically arrange them file-cabinet style, alphabetized and dated, in the freezer. Now I’ve long understood that I couldn’t compete with Martha Stewart. She’s cornered the market on exquisite everything: gourmet suppers whipped up in only a day and a half, gardening in a perfect climate, and preparing for every holiday with witty creativity and a month of nothing else to do. But I thought maybe I could give real-world gals like Heloise some competition with my hints. After all, I know how to clean a peanut butter jar and make good toast with frozen bread. But nah, turns out I’ve got nothing for the organized freezer folks.

But wait–what about the harried and overwhelmed? And in nostalgic December, these people do bizarre things–like volunteering to host their group’s Christmas party even though they haven’t dusted in six months, their job is driving them nuts, and their kids are required to show up at 15 extracurricular events before the clock strikes 12 at the end of the month. Maybe I could offer them what I’ve learned in my long, slap-dash life about achieving holiday chic on the clock!

I know, I know. Guilt-ridden-but-it’s-tradition you still envision yourselves leaping from bed some dark and gloomy Saturday with uncommon energy and attacking December with Martha’s glue gun in one hand and a copy of

p GEORGIA GREEN STAMPER grew up on a tobacco farm in Owen County. Her third book of essays titled “Small Acreages” is now available.

Southern Living in the other. But it’s not going to happen, and people like you and me have legitimate reasons for not being “ready for the holidays.”

So don’t cry because you haven’t gotten your grandmother’s Pinterest-worthy cookies baked for every friend you said hello to this year. Don’t fret that the eaves of your house aren’t outlined in lights (Santa can find the chimney without your help). Instead, turn to Georgia’s Holiday Chic on the Clock. (If you’re listening Good Housekeeping, I’m available.)

With time running out, simplicity is the only way forward. Let’s begin outside where nothing is more elegant than a fresh pine wreath on your exterior front door. You can pick this up on the cheap at your local mega-mart as early as Thanksgiving, and it will last until New Year’s. Adorned with a pretty bow, it makes a beautiful statement second to none. Turn on the porch light, and you’re done (battery candles in the windows optional).

Inside, close any doors that can be closed and for goodness’ sake don’t let anyone peek into your freezer. Hire help to hose out the other rooms if you can afford it. Otherwise, withhold food and water from all adults and semi-adults in the household until they pitch in for a few hours and help pull said house up to reasonable standards. Let me emphasize the word reasonable No need to get it ready for a health department inspection.

Then pare the seasonal decorating down to the essentials most important to you–what you love.

I’ve learned to leave the lesser-loved junk in the attic or give it away. As I get older, it’s the sentimental holiday decorations I enjoy most, and they deliver joy with minimal effort on my part. The creche we’ve had forever comes out, the little pottery angels Ernie bought on a long-ago trip to Budapest, the give-away Coca-Cola Santa coasters that date to our daughters’ childhoods–

And December is why you keep your wedding china and your grandmother’s fancy candy dishes. Whatever your best is, December is the month to bring it out and nonchalantly–as though to the manor born–use it! But if you don’t have this stuff, let me urge you not to resort to plastic and paper. Today, all the big-box discount stores have attractive dish sets, serving platters, whatever you need, for about the price of a pizza. Treat yourself to a few pretty, inexpensive things.

For instant style, you can’t beat fresh flowers scattered around. Once a luxury, these now can be picked up at your supermarket floral department in the discounted “expired date” bin, so don’t settle for fake. Remember, we’re going for chic at this party, and it takes time

Georgia Green Stamper

you don’t have to make fake flowers look OK. Oh, and dim the lights and use candles wherever you can.

As for food, the rules are simple. 1.) Have plenty–abundance is visually exciting, so pile the bowl high and the platter full. 2.) Make one, maybe two, easy things that you do well and outsource the rest to your favorite bakery, deli, or family and friends. DO display all food on attractive serving dishes and not in the box it came in. (I really shouldn’t have to keep telling you this. Chic entertaining relies on the “illusion” of homemade whether it is or not).

Finally, remember that fellowship with friends and family (that’s why you’re hosting this party, right?) does not require an exhausting competition with yourself. Do the best you can in the smidge of time you have, and give yourself the gift of grace–the meaning of the season this December. Oh, and maybe consider putting a padlock on your freezer. No use taking chances in case the Heloise-types are on your guest list. v

DID YOU KNOW? It seems Georgia’s onto something. In a recentlypublished Good Housekeeping list of “38 Best Christmas Traditions to Make This Holiday Extra Special,” “Go All Out for Christmas Eve Dinner” comes in at No. 4. While many families prepare a meal unique to them, Good Housekeeping notes, “. . .The end result is the same: food coma.”

“December is why you keep your wedding China and your grandmother’s fancy candy dishes. Whatever your best is, December is the month to bring it out and nonchalantly— as though to the manor born—use it!

CALENDAR

Have an event you’d like to share? Sweet Owen Magazine accepts event listings free of charge from civic groups, volunteer organizations, churches, clubs, etc. Send your event and a brief description to editor@ sweetowenmag.com by 4 p.m., Jan. 30, 2023, for the spring (March-May) issue.

Tuesday, Dec. 6 u 10:30 a.m., Storytime at the Owen County Public Library

Come hear stories about the gingerbread man and decorate your own gingerbread person! This program is for young children and their parent or caregiver. Storytime repeats at 10:30 a.m. each Monday when school is in session. u 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Make Christmas earrings at the Owen County Public Library Have fun making Christmas earrings for yourself or as a gift to give to someone special during the Christmas holiday. This program is for all ages (children under 12 must have an adult present). Please call the library to register, space is limited. u 6 p.m., Family Recipe Cutting Board at the Owen County Public Library Immortalize a special family recipe on a wooden cutting board. Bring your recipe, especially those in the handwriting of a loved one. We will copy it onto rice paper and decoupage it onto a painted cutting board. Registration is a must. u 6 p.m., Knitting With Leah at the Owen County Public Library Do you get in a tangle when you try to knit? Leah can help. This class is for beginners and those wanting to improve their skills. All ages and skill levels welcome.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 u Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Thursday, Dec. 8

u 10 a.m., Yoga at the Owen County Public Library

This all-levels yoga practice will empower

p MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS CRAFT at the Owen County Public Library beginning at 5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 8, during the library’s annual Christmas Extravaganza.

your mind, body and spirit. Follow an instructor on the big screen. Everyone is welcome. This event repeats every Thursday at 10 a.m. u 11 a.m., Walk Away the Pounds at the Owen County Public Library What is holding you back? Walk in place to the Leslie Sansone 30-minute walking video in the spacious meeting room. There is no time like the present to get moving. This event repeats every Thursday at 11 a.m. u 5 p.m., Christmas Crafts at the Owen County Public Library Children and teen crafts for decorating or gift-giving. Fun activities for all ages. u 5 p.m., Make a Gingerbread House at the Owen County Public Library Drop by the library between 5-7 p.m. and get your kit. Make your gingerbread house at the library or take your kit home to complete.

u 5 p.m., Music by the Fireplace at the Owen

County Public Library

Children and adults are invited to sign up to play the piano, sharing songs of the season with patrons. Local band students will share their music also. Call to reserve your 10-minute time slot. Don’t play? Stop by to enjoy the music.

u 5:30 p.m., Here Comes Santa at the Owen County Public Library Santa will visit the library from 5:30-7 p.m. If you have time, stay for crafts and make a gingerbread house.

Thursday, Dec. 9

u 2 p.m., Mystery Book Club at the Owen County Public Library The group will discuss “Winter’s Child” by Margaret Maron.

Monday, Dec. 12 u 10 a.m., Stretch & Strengthen at the Owen County Public Library

"In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy." — William Blake

Are you wanting to strengthen your core?

Join in the 45-minute all-standing exercises. Follow along with KET personality Miranda Esmonde-White on the big screen. u 5 p.m., ABC, 123 at the Owen County Public Library

Select the Monday evening or the Wednesday morning program and join us for activities related to fine motor skills. We will be making and using Christmas-themed lacing cards. This program is for 3–5-year-olds and their parent or caregiver. Call to register.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 u 1 p.m., Bridge at the Owen County Public Library

This informal group of Bridge enthusiasts invites you to join them no matter your skill level. They are always looking for a fourth and enjoy introducing the game to new players. Come for the camaraderie and a little brain exercise.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 u 10 a.m., ABC, 123 at the Owen County Public Library

See 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 12 for details.

Thursday, Dec. 15 u Bill of Rights Day u 6 p.m., Gordon’s Gourmet at the Owen County Public Library Gordon will share with us ideas for holiday baking that will thrill your family and friends alike.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 u 10:30 a.m., Pancakes and Pajamas at the Owen County Public Library

Come join Mrs. Melanie for a Pancake and Pajama Party. Wear your favorite Christmas jammies, eat pancakes and celebrate Christmas break together. Children of all ages welcome. u 1 p.m., A Kentucky Pioneer Christmas at the Owen County Senior Center Join Owen County Public Library staff at the Senior Center as they share stories of Christmas on the Kentucky frontier. Stencil a Christmas tree ornament on a wood slice. Everyone is welcome to participate. u 6 p.m., Painting 101 at the Owen County Public Library

Learn how to loosen up your painting technique by using expressive strokes in the creation of an image of a glass vase with flowers.

Friday, Dec. 23 u Christmas Eve Observed

Saturday, Dec. 24 u Christmas Eve Sunday, Dec. 25 u Christmas Day Monday, Dec. 26 u Christmas Day Observed

Tuesday, Jan. 3 u 6 and 6:30 p.m., Kentucky Earrings at the Owen County Public Library Have a fun night at the library making Kentucky earrings with your family or friends. This program is for all ages (children under 12 must have an adult present). Call the library

to register, space is limited.

Monday, Jan. 16 u Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Wednesday, Feb. 1 u First Day of Black History Month

Thursday, Feb. 2 u Groundhog Day u 5 p.m., Crafting for Self-Care at the Owen County Extension Office Diamond art

Friday, Feb. 10 u 10 a.m., Winter Preschool Day at the Owen County Extension Office Must register, space is limited.

Tuesday, Feb. 14 u Valentine’s Day

Monday, Feb. 20 u Presidents Day

SUCCESS one bead at a time

BY MOLLY HAINES RIDDLE Sweet Owen Editor

On a quiet, overcast evening in Owenton, two women sit at a folding table inside Slippery Rock Signs. Little chatter is heard as the pair concentrates on their project: a coffee mug with intricate detailing. The instructor, a congenial woman with a genuine smile and evident passion for her art, spends time with each of her students, giving them pointers and encouragement along the way. While the scene may seem ordinary to passersby, those inside know their instructor has built a viable business from the ground up in only a few short years.

A resident of the Monterey community, Teresa McDonald’s Bridge Street Jewelry & Pottery began as a jewelry-making pastime..

“About five years ago, I started making jewelry for myself; then I decided I could take my hobby and develop it into a viable business,” she said. “I started selling to family and friends, and now I am in several storefronts.”

Since then, McDonald has expanded her business to include pottery and hosts numerous pottery and ceramic classes at Slippery Rock Signs, a boutique-like business located on Owenton’s courthouse square.

The workshops are ever-increasing in popularity with those looking for a unique girls-night-out experience to church Sunday school groups.

“I started pottery workshops at Slippery Rock Signs in July 2021, a

few months after the shop opened,” McDonald said. “Pottery workshops are my favorite part of my business. Some people find the thought of making pottery a little intimidating at first, but at the workshops, we go step by step together, so you don’t need the experience to do it. Most people say it’s easier than they thought it would be and are excited about the pieces they make.”

Always one to try something new, McDonald’s introduction to pottery and ceramics began four years ago after taking a pottery class herself, “I was instantly hooked.”

“(Pottery) is also a great way to meet new people and just come together to have fun,” McDonald

explains. “If you don’t want to roll out clay and make pottery, I also have ceramics for all ages, so you can glaze pieces that are already made.”

Like so many of her Monterey counterparts, McDonald’s artisanship—both jewelry and pottery—can be found across Owen County at locations such as Elk Creek Hunt Club, Elk Creek Winery, Slippery Rock Signs, and the Owen County Visitor Center & Gift Shop. She also attends a few festivals each year and points to Sweet Owen Day as a personal favorite, “You meet a lot of people, and it’s great seeing the community come together,” she adds.

McDonald builds thriving handmade jewelry, pottery business in 5 short years

p MONTEREY RESIDENT TERESA McDONALD shapes clay that will eventually become a coffee mug during a recent pottery workshop at Owenton’s Slippery Rock Signs. McDonald began her business, Bridge Street Jewelry & Pottery, five years ago, focusing on handmade jewelry and has since expanded to include pottery, and pottery and ceramics workshops. — Photo by Molly Haines Riddle/Sweet Owen Editor

Outside of storefronts currently carrying her wares, McDonald takes “all kinds” of custom orders for those looking to add a personal flair to their items.

“People have brought me a variety of things to make jewelry out of, from sentimental items to seashells they picked up on the beach.”

Although McDonald isn’t looking to expand into other items, she says there’s always the possibility and encourages anyone with a passion for handmade items to look at its business potential.

“If it’s something you enjoy, you should try it,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be a large business to be successful.”

Find Bridge Street Jewelry & Pottery on Facebook at www.facebook. com/BridgeStreetJewelry. A complete listing of upcoming pottery and ceramic workshops can be found on the Bridge Street Jewelry & Pottery Facebook page or the Slippery Rock Signs Facebook page, www.facebook. com/slipperyrocksigns.

Upcoming Workshops:

6 p.m., Monday, Dec. 12

Ceramic Workshop, $25 Come anytime from 6-8 p.m. to glaze ceramics.

6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13

Pottery Workshop Make Christmas ornaments, $8 each or 3 for $20 (8 spots available)

1-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 17

Ceramic Workshop Come anytime to glaze ceramics

To sign-up for an event, comment on the event on the Slippery Rock Signs Facebook page, or contact Bridge Street Jewelry & Pottery, bridgestreetjewelry@gmail.com. v

BRIDGE STREET JEWELRY & POTTERY OWNER

Teresa McDonald’s work can be found for sale at multiple outlets in Owen County. — Photo by Molly Haines Riddle/ Sweet Owen Editor

Merry Christmas

Adam Gaines, Mayor

Sherry Hamilton, City Clerk/Treasurer

Anita Sipple, Assistant City Clerk

Council Members: Larry Dale Perry, Jimmy Marston, J O Powers, Jill Dunavent, Joyce New, Clark Roberts

Terry Gentry, Police Chief

Clint Aldridge, Assistant Police Chief

Jimmy McIntosh, Officer

And Happy New Year from the City of Owenton!

Plumb, level-straight, perfect

A local man’s journey to remain the World’s Best Bricklayer

BY AMANDA ANDERSON MATTHEWS Sweet Owen Contributor

One might say bricks are in his blood. Cole Stamper’s early ancestors were brickmakers and bricklayers.

Maybe it was destiny that he would become the World’s Best Brick Layer. More than likely, though, it’s his incredible work ethic and determination to be good at what he does.

On Jan. 18, 2023, Cole Stamper is competing in Las Vegas to attempt what has never been done before: bring home the title of World’s Best Bricklayer for the second year in a row.

The SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 competition takes place each year in Las Vegas during The World of Concrete Convention during Masonry Madness. Bricklayers from around the globe attend the convention but also compete for a chance at the title of “World’s Best Bricklayer.” Up for grabs is $125,000 in cash and prizes, including a Ford F250 4x4, which Stamper won last year, and a Kubota RTV-X1140 for the best craftsman. In the 20 years the competition has been running, three masons have won twice, and one mason has won three times. No one has won two consecutive years. Stamper is determined to break that record.

It turns out that bricklayers are pretty competitive. As Stamper says, “masonry itself is actually fairly competitive. You know, you’ll never meet a bricklayer that doesn’t think he’s the fastest or the best or anything like that.”

In this competition, the rules are straightforward: a team comprised of a mason and a tender build a 26-foot wall, two bricks deep, with 40 bricks on each side, in one hour. The goal is to lay as many bricks with as few quality errors as possible. Stamper and his tender, Jeff Becker, won the champion title in 2022

p COLE STAMPER, A RESIDENT OF OWEN COUNTY’S WHEATLEY COMMUNITY, participates in the 2022 SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 competition in Las Vegas, where he received the title of “World’s Best Bricklayer.” In January, Stamper will return to Las Vegas in an attempt to win the title for two consecutive years, a feat never before achieved by previous winners. — Photo courtesy of SPEC MIX

by laying 760 bricks with no deductions. This year his goal is 800 bricks. In the August regional competition held in Ohio they laid 801.

“His motto as he lays brick is something, a mantra you might say, that he repeats in his head while he’s competing: ‘Plumb, level-straight, perfect eight,’” Cole’s father, Edison Stamper, said. “In other words, a perfect 800, and this last regional was the first time he laid over 800 bricks perfectly, so his mantra manifested itself.”

To compete in the SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500, a mason must qualify for the

event by attending and winning regional competitions which are held around the globe. If a team advances far enough in the regional competitions, they can earn a spot at the SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 in Las Vegas. Stamper has gone to Las Vegas to compete against the best masons in the world in the competition four times. In 2017 and 2020, he placed fourth, and in 2019 he placed second, where he lost by a mere 11 bricks, which only fueled his desire to keep competing. The announcers asked him if he was ready to give up, but if there was a truck to win, he was going to win it.

“I mean, really, truly, there’s a lot of camaraderie,” Stamper said. “Everybody gets along with each other, you know? It’s a friendly competition. Everybody wants to win. There’s nobody who is there just to do more work.”

‘The best of everything’

Driving down the Stamper’s driveway, one is greeted by a succession of 14 brick walls. Each is 26-feet long, two bricks wide, and 40 bricks on each side. A careful eye will notice three more walls along the tree line and four more past the house. Evidence of Stamper’s dedication. His determination to be the best.

Initially, he salvaged bricks from job sites or bought them to build his practice walls. Now a masonry supply company out of Lexington, Clay Ingles Co., donates most materials for him to practice with. Stamper builds two to three practice walls before each regional competition and each trip to Las Vegas, although some walls he tore down before deciding if the wall was “good enough to keep, it was good enough to win.”

Cole Stamper grew up in Owen County, attending Owen County Schools until eighth grade when he left for Scattergood Friends School in West Branch, Iowa, where he attended high school. He attended a semester at Transylvania University before deciding that college wasn’t for him.

It was then that he began his masonry career by accident. Stamper needed work, and it so happened that his good friend’s father, Dave, a mason, needed help. That was in 1999 at the age of 18, and he never looked back.

“That was one thing that I learned from Dave; he really wanted me to focus on quality, you know, as most people do,” Cole said. “He always told me to slow down, but I was always naturally fast.”

After a couple of years, Dave retired, and Stamper bought his equipment and started working for himself.

To meet Stamper, one might not suspect he is a fierce competitor. He is

p

STAMPER

BECKER celebrate after receiving top honors at the 2022 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500. Stamper received the title of “World’s Best Bricklayer” by laying 760 brick in one hour, taking home a new Ford F250 4x4 truck, along with more than $10,000 in additional cash and prizes. — Photo courtesy of SPEC MIX

soft-spoken, exceptionally polite, and welcoming. Totally disarming and charming. His mother-in-law, Teresa Biagi, describes him as “the best of everything. He’s the nicest person. He is always nice. He is thoughtful and kind and nice and will do anything in the world for you.”

Except let you win.

It is this determination, this competitive nature, that has driven him so far. He has risen the ranks of his company to become co-owner of Mason Structure Inc. out of Lexington. He has competed in SPEC MIX Bricklayer 500 four times. His wife, Sayward McKee Stamper, says, “He’s the hardest working guy I know. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a hobby, if it’s for this job, or what he does in his leisure time. He is usually working really hard, regardless. But he’s extremely competitive, too. But you know, it’s anything. If it’s a competition and he could win, then he will work at it and practice at it. We play pool. We play ping pong. Darts, whatever. It could be a stone-throwing contest, and he will try and win. He doesn’t give in on anything, either. He doesn’t let our daughter Lucca win.”

A foundation for success

His parents, Sue and Edison Stamper, talk about how he used to finish his homework on the bus. Sue Stamper tells, “He’s just somebody who’s always trying to do his best. He always liked to do his best. He wasn’t in a lot of competitions growing up or anything like that, but you know, I think he’s always been a leader. I feel like he’s always going to be good at whatever he does. That’s what he strives for.”

Stamper has been on missions to Nicaragua to create community gardens. He has created stained glass and woodworking marvels. He helped build the schools in Owen County. Zig Ziglar once said that “the foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love, and loyalty.” It appears that Cole Stamper has located the ideal balance with his foundation. He is, literally and metaphorically, building the perfect foundation of success with each brick he lays. Cole didn’t happen in these competitions by accident. He earned his spot, brick by brick. v

COLE

AND HIS MASON TENDER JEFF

Meet "Buffy"

Find your 'Furever Friend'

Buffy is looking for a forever foster home, meaning the Owen County Friends of Animals will cover all her reasonable vet bills Buffy is a senior with arthritis and would love to have a home for her remaining years. She is sweet, easy-going, and does OK with slow and proper introductions with another dog, as long as they respect her space. She would not do well with a pushy dog or young children that do not understand how to be gentle and respect a dog's space

Buffy only wants to rest and receive some love.

All about Buffy

Colors: Brindle

Age: Senior, approximately 10 years old Gender: Female

Life with Buffy: Sweet, easy-going, does OK with slow and proper introductions with another dog, as long as they respect her space Would not do well with a pushy dog or young children that do not understand how to be gentle/respect a dog's space

Ready to meet Buffy? Call Elizabeth at (502) 7501673 or text Hilari at (502) 514-1897.

Where to stay?

Night & Day Bed & Breakfast

8170 U.S. Hwy. 127 S., Owenton, KY 40359 Call (502) 484-3581 for reservations

Night & Day Bed & Breakfast is conveniently located on U S Highway 127 South, about seven miles south of Owenton and only 19 miles north of Frankfort. The bed and breakfast features four lovely rooms Beautiful rolling hills surround it, and many flowers enhance the beauty of the bed and breakfast in the spring and summer. Enjoy a relaxing time in the country

What to eat?

Family Billiards & Restaurant 133 N. Madison St. Owenton, Kentucky 40359

facebook com/FamilyBilliadsRestaurant | (502) 484-5996 6 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday; 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday

Since 1974, Family Billiards & Restaurant's core values have remained intact: great food, friendly service, and hometown pride. Whether you're new in town or just passing through, stop by for your next meal — a generous portion of mouth-watering, handcrafted comfort food.

Remembering...

World War II vet Jarl Lee Harris

Editor’s Note: Local business owner, Kentucky State University instructor, and writer Marlene Browning-Wainscott has spent nearly a decade interviewing local veterans, a passion that began upon meeting World War II veteran Jarl Lee Harris. The following story is the result of an interview with Harris reflecting on The Battle of the Bulge from Dec. 16, 1944 to Jan. 25, 1945.

Called “the greatest American battle of the war” by Winston Churchill, the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes region of Belgium was Adolf Hitler’s last major offensive in World War II against the Western Front. The German troops’ failure to divide Britain, France, and America with the Ardennes offensive paved the way to victory for the allies. The assault, also called the Battle of the Ardennes, took place during frigid weather conditions, with some 30 German divisions attacking battle-fatigued American troops across 85 miles of the densely-wooded Ardennes Forest.

As we near the 78th anniversary of the battle, we remember and honor the heroism of the approximately 19,000 U.S. and allied casualties and the thousands who lived with the memories of the battle for the remainder of their lives.

We especially honor our late local hero, Jarl Lee, who died Oct. 4, 2020, at the age of 96.

BY MARLENE BROWNING-WAINSCOTT Sweet Owen Contributor

Owen County native Jarl Lee Harris was 18 years old when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943, serving as a paratrooper and a member of the 101st Airborne Screamin’ Eagles. The 101st participated in many battles

during World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge.

The Germans needed to seize the main roads in eastern Belgium, which would give them a significant advantage against the allied troops. All the main roads converged in the small town of Bastogne. As a result, control of the crossroads in Bastogne was vital to the Germans.

On Dec. 16, 1944, the 101st Airborne, under the command of Gen. Anthony McAuliffe, entered the area near the town of Bastogne to protect it from the German Army. When the troops arrived, the Germans surrounded them, resulting in one of the largest and deadliest battles of the war but also a pivotal turning point for allied forces.

“When we went in, an artillery outfit came out, and then the Germans surrounded us,” Harris recalled. “We were surrounded.”

The winter conditions were harsh on the troops. The snow lay thick on the ground, nearly 2 feet, and the air was bitterly cold. The soldiers were given clothes for the frigid temperatures— wool pants, boots, long johns, wool overcoat, and wool socks.

“Nothing could really keep you warm when you were continually exposed to below-freezing temperatures,” Harris said. “So many men got frostbite, which is why I always carried my suitcase with extra supplies, like dry socks. I always wore two pairs of socks. I think that’s what helped me survive.

“We stayed in our foxhole most of the time. There were four of us. It was so cold. We couldn’t build a fire or anything because it would give away our location, so we were lucky that we found a haystack and put the hay to

cover the ‘floor.’ It helped quite a bit to keep us warm. We found some fence posts and used them to put over the hole. It kept the snow and wind out, but it was mostly to keep the shrapnel from the artillery from coming into the foxhole. One of the guys had a harmonica. He would play, and we would sing. We only did that during the day. We couldn’t do anything like that at night. We didn’t want the Germans sneaking up on us. We would try to sing, but I didn’t sing too well.”

Christmas Eve

The days immediately leading up to Christmas Eve had been difficult and proved to be the toughest of the battle. Harris’s best friend had been shot in the leg and taken to the first aid hospital outside town.

“We were best friends,” Harris said. “We were both artists. We had decided when we got back home we were going to Chicago to the art institute.”

Unfortunately, that never happened.

“We called him Bed Check Charlie,” Harris continued. “He would fly over us during the strafing [high-speed firing from guns] and dropping bombs. That night he bombed the hospital. I lost my best friend.”

A Christmas greeting from the General

Gen. McAuliffe knew the soldiers’ morale was low. It was Christmas Eve; the troops longed to be home with their loved ones. They needed to understand how important they were to the world. The following is an excerpt from Gen. McAuliffe’s letter to his troops on Christmas Eve, 1944.

What’s merry about all this, you ask? We’re fighting—it’s cold—we aren’t home. All true, but what has the proud Eagle Division accomplished with its worthy comrades of the 10th Armored Division, the 705th Tank Destroyer Battalion, and all the rest? Just this: we have stopped cold everything that has been thrown at us from the north, east, south, and west. We have identifications from four German Panzer Divisions, two German Infantry Divisions, and one German Parachute Division.

The letter continues with a message from the German Commander informing McAuliffe and the members of the 101st that they needed to surrender because their efforts were in vain.

“The General knew that the Germans were bluffing,” Harris said of the letter. “They were running out of supplies. They didn’t have enough gas to run the tanks and were short on ammunition too. When (the German Commander) wrote the letter wanting us to surrender, (McAuliffe) wrote back, ‘NUTS!’ That meant we weren’t going to give up!”

McAuliffe’s letter to the troops ended with these words: “We are giving our country and our loved ones at home a worthy Christmas present and being privileged to take part in this gallant feat of arms are truly making for ourselves a Merry Christmas.”

Christmas Day

Most likely, this was not quite the dinner the majority of the troops would have received on Christmas Day at home, but it was the best that most of them had the opportunity to eat for a while.

“K Rations,” or emergency rations, were a staple in the field, so anything else was a welcome change. Despite the recent events, many troops enjoyed a brief Christmas dinner.

“The cook had been a chef at the Waldorf Astoria in New York until he had been drafted for the war,” Harris recalled. “It was just ‘C’ [canned rations], but he knew how to doctor up the food. Best of all, it was hot food. It was the first time we had had hot food in a long time. We always had to eat everything cold. It was such a special treat. After the meal, we talked for a little bit. Everybody was coming in and out because we had to take turns.

“The snow and low clouds made it impossible for our planes to come in and drop supplies. We had not received anything in a long time. On Dec. 26, the weather cleared up, and they dropped our supplies. It was like getting Christmas, but (Santa) just ran a little late.”

Not only did they receive much-needed supplies, but Gen. George S. Patton’s Third Army had arrived to provide relief to the 101st Airborne. The siege at Bastogne ended shortly after Patton’s arrival.

Many things during the Battle of the Bulge made Christmas seem so far away. Artillery continually filled the sky, and supplies ran extremely low, including ammunition. The troops knew that the dream of being home with loved ones was only a dream, and the reality was a frozen foxhole surrounded by the enemy. The young soldiers of the 101st Airborne may not have had the Christmas they dreamed of, but they found comfort, strength, and hope in each other.

Often we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and forget how blessed we are to be able to celebrate this most joyous time of the year freely. While each of us has different holiday traditions, our common bond is that we gather with those we love. Please remember to thank our veterans and current military men and women who have sacrificed so many holidays so we may have the freedom to spend the holidays with the ones we love. v

Headquarters 101st Airborne Division Office of the Division Commander 24 December 1944

p IN ADDITION TO HIS SERVICE IN WORLD WAR II, JARL LEE HARRIS, PICTURED FIRST FROM RIGHT, also served in the 553rd Reconnaissance Wing during the Vietnam War. The above photo was taken at the Korat Air Force base in Thailand, 1969.

p A CROWD GATHERS AT MONTEREY for the biennial Monterey Homecoming Fair. — Photo by Molly Haines Riddle/Sweet Owen Editor

p VENDOR BOOTHS LINE the gymnasium inside Owen County High School for the 2022 Chamber Marketplace Craft & Vendor Expo.

p JOEL DUFOUR accepts the 2022 Business of the Year award on behalf of Earth Tools. — Photo by Molly Haines Riddle/Sweet Owen Editor

p SPOTZ GELATO accepts customers at the 2022 Sweet Owen Day festival. — Photo by Molly Haines Riddle/Sweet Owen Editor

OWEN COUNTY SERVICE ALLIANCE

COMMITTED TO THOSE WHO SERVE

The Owen County Service Alliance (OCSA) is a non-profit organization comprised of seven board members that will distribute funds to meet the needs of veterans and first responders in Owen County. This includes but is not limited to all past, present, and future veterans serving in all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as first responders that work or volunteer their time in law enforcement, EMS, fire, and search and rescue.

We will rebuild the Honor Banner Program by partnering with Owen County Search and Rescue (OCSAR). OCSAR will take on the task of hanging the banners annually around Memorial Day weekend and removing them immediately following Veterans Day. For this task, 50% of the proceeds will go directly to OSCAR, and 50% will remain with the Service Alliance to fund the needs of local veterans and first responders.

“As chief of Owen County Search and Rescue and a long-time first responder in Owen County, I am extremely proud that there will be funding to support both our efforts toward search and rescue and the needs of the men and women of Owen County that have served both locally and nationally,” said OCSAR Chief Greg Estes. “We at OCSAR are committed to honoring this program with the respect it deserves.”

For the 2022 holiday season, we will kick off this new campaign just in time for gift-giving. The banner program will be similar to before, but with the new partnership to ensure the banners are displayed on time and with the care and attention they deserve.

The new banners will be available through our website, www.owencountyservicealliance. com, or at the Owen County Visitor Center & Gift Shop, 300 S. Main St., Owenton. The cost per banner is $149. We will display each banner for three years. After the third year—due to fading and general deterioration—you may renew your banner(s) at the current renewal rate. A second purchase will not be necessary if you renewed your banner in 2022 under the previous program.

For more information on the banner program or to inquire about assistance for a service person, please email us at info@owencountyservicealliance.com or call (502) 514-1495.

“It is the mission of the Owen County Service Alliance to honor and support local U.S. Armed Forces veterans and first responders through the display of Honor Banners and through financial assistance in times of urgent need.”

www.owencountyservicealliance.com

Sweet Owen Magazine receives KTIA recognition

The Owen County Tourism & Convention Commission has received a Traverse Award for Excellence in Tourism from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA). The award was presented during the 2022 KTIA Annual Conference held Nov. 9-11 at the Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa in Lexington.

The Owen County Tourism & Convention Commission received a Bronze Traverse Award for Sweet Owen Magazine in the Printed Advertising and Printed Collateral category. The recognition is the first from KTIA for Owen County.

“We began publishing Sweet Owen Magazine just one year ago, so to receive this honor for a brand new publication with only three issues eligible for submission speaks volumes to the quality and impact of the publication,” Owen County Tourism Director Holly Bowling said. “It is an honor for us to use this magazine to

educate visitors and residents alike on all our county has to offer.”

Kentucky travel and tourism businesses and marketing organizations vie for Traverse Awards in 11 categories. The Traverse Awards are judged by a panel of out-of-state travel and tourism industry experts. Award criteria include concept, creativity, results, and impact. A total of 160 entries were submitted from throughout Kentucky for the competition.

“This year’s Traverse Awards were marked by comments from our judges about the exceptional acrossthe-board quality of the entries,” KTIA President and CEO Hank Phillips said. “As tourism in Kentucky continues its recovery, it is apparent that the industry is stepping up with creative and results-oriented strategies for capturing prospective visitors’ attention and, ultimately, their decisions to visit the commonwealth. These awards are a testament to the expertise of Kentucky’s tourism pro-

KTIA represents and serves all segments of Kentucky’s tourism industry, which despite the pandemic’s severe impact, contributed $11.2 billion to Kentucky’s economy in 2021. The nearly 1,000-member association engages in advocacy and provides its members with education, information, and business development opportunities. The association also works to inform the public of the enormous economic, employment, and tax revenue contributions tourism makes to the people of Kentucky. Support the Owen County Council For the Arts Scholarship Fund

The Owen County Council For the Arts awards two $1,500 scholarships each year to an accredited university or technical institute. With the purchase of an Owen County Cowboys 2023 calendar, you assist the organization in its efforts to provide the scholarships. Order your 2023 Owen County Cowboy calendar for

fessionals and reflect why tourism remains a major driver of Kentucky’s economy.”

reads Cozy winter

Owen County Public Library’s (OCPL) Becky Doolin shares her top-four books to read this winter. Drop us a line at editor@ sweetowenmag.com, and let us know your favorite.

1Triple Cross by James Patterson is the 30th in the Alex Cross series. Detective Alex Cross hunts down a serial killer who targets entire families—and who next will be coming for Cross. OCPL’s Becky Doolin says, “The series is becoming a Prime video series soon. Great to read this winter if you need a long series to read.”

2Celebrate the Christmas season with Holidays in Virgin River: Romance Stories for the Holidays by Robyn Carr. Released Oct. 4, this special edition contains two fan-favorite stories from the Virgin River series. Includes exclusive recipes inspired by the Virgin River characters.

Waxing On is the autobiography of Ralph Macchio. Since the Karate Kid first cranekicked its way into the pop culture stratosphere in June 1984, there hasn’t been a week Ralph Macchio hasn’t heard friendly shouts of “Wax on, wax off” or “Sweep the leg!” Now, with Macchio reprising his role of Daniel LaRusso in the No. 1 ranked Netflix show Cobra Kai, he is finally ready to look back at this classic movie and give the fans something they’ve long craved.

Christmas in the Cottage is a keepsake collection of holiday homes bedecked in festive decor to celebrate the most magical season of the year. Thoughtfully compiled, this book shines with 400 beautiful photographs across 220 pages, each filled with ideas for hosting the loveliest season at home.

Creamy Chicken Enchiladas with Special Sauce

1/2 c. chopped onion

2 tbsp. butter

8 oz. diced green chiles

1 block cream cheese

1 c. plus 1 tbsp milk

1/2 tsp. cumin

4 c. cooked chicken, shredded 12 flour tortillas

McNally House of

MY CREAMY ENCHILADAS WITH SPECIAL SAUCE are on a monthly rotation at the House of McNally and is a special request from many friends and family members. Your kids will love it, and so will your wallet!

1 can cream of chicken soup

8 oz. sour cream

1 c. shredded cheese

Special Sauce

1 c. mayonaise

1/4 c. hot sauce

Mix well, add to a tall squirt bottle

Sauté onion in butter, add 2 tbsp. of green chiles and remove from heat. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, 1 tbsp. milk, and cumin. Add shredded chicken and mix well. Spoon 1/4 c. Chicken mixture onto tortilla and place seam side down in a greased casserole dish. For creamy sauce, combine remaining chile peppers, soup, sour cream, and 1 c. milk. Pour sauce over tortillas. Cover with foil and bake at 350-degrees for 40 minutes. Remove foil, add shredded cheese and bake for 5 more minutes or until bubbly. Plate, then drizzle with special sauce and your favorite toppings like chopped green onion, cilantro, salsa, or avocado.

u LYNDSI MCNALLY is a resident of Owen County, wife, and mother of two boys. She makes her living as a Family Support Worker for HANDS at the Three Rivers District Health Department and often entertains her hundreds of Facebook followers by sharing photos of home-cooked meals.

— Photo by Lyndsi McNally