Owensboro Living - August / September 2014

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FROM THE EDITOR

Publisher/Creative Director Jason Tanner Editor Steven Wilson

THE TRUE VALUE OF ART

S

Ad Sales

What’s the value of art? While it’s possible to put a price on a certain

Rudy Strahan

Van Gogh or Pollock according to what a collector is willing to pay,

Robert Williams

that number cannot accurately reflect a piece of art’s true value. Nor

Ad Designs

can “art” be easily defined.

Andrea Roberson Taylor West

Art is Michaelangelo’s treasured painting that adorns the ceiling of the

Sistine Chapel, just as art is Jude’s red, blue and green caterpillar painting that

Contributors

clings proudly to my refrigerator with the help of a pizza-coupon magnet.

Dr. Allen Griffin

Few would dispute that Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 is a musical

masterpiece. But others would tell you that The Beatles’

Benjamin Hoak Bryan Leazenby

, or

Danny May

De La Soul’s 3 Feet High and Rising, are just as artistically and historically

Adam Paris

important as the sounds of the famous composer.

Stuart Peck Jaime Rafferty

Likewise, the distinct stylings of a break-dancer are as equally artistic as

Ashley Sorce

those of a performer in the ballet.

Melody Ann Wallace

Even an education can be considered “art.” I attended a liberal arts college,

Lora Wimsatt

where my classes had little to do with painting, pottery, or woodworking, and

Printing

focused instead on the art of the written word.

So while “art” may be difficult to define, there are two qualities that

all forms of art have in common: someone somewhere is moved by it; and each work of art, no matter the medium, represents the unique expression of human creativity.

What an amazing gift bestowed upon us by our Creator, that we have the

capacity to not only speak and understand each other, but to also communicate our emotions to one another on an even deeper level. When was the last time you smiled when you saw your child dancing, or were moved to tears by a

Greenwell Chisholm

“WE HAVE THE CAPACITY TO NOT ONLY SPEAK AND UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER, BUT TO ALSO COMMUNICATE -JASON TANNER OUR EMOTIONS TO ONE ANOTHER ON AN EVEN DEEPER LEVEL.”

Owensboro, Kentucky Online www.owensboroliving.com facebook.com/owensboroliving twitter.com/owensboroliving issuu.com/owensboroliving Offline Owensboro Living Magazine

song? That’s the true value of art.

PO Box 23237 Owensboro, KY 42304 (270) 314-5240

Steven Wilson Editor, Owensboro Living

Subscribe Delivery of Owensboro Living is available by visiting owensboroliving.com/subscribe

ABOUT THE COVER The Legendary Ohio by Brook Forrest White Jr. This is a focal point for visitors and is visible as soon as they enter the Owensboro Convention Center. This is another

Advertise Owensboro Living is a FREE magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses & organizations who advertise.

large scale piece (50’x20’) hanging on the center wall in the lobby of the facility. The impressive artwork features 300 hand-blown glass pieces. This is a representation of the Ohio River and visitors will notice a bend in the piece.

This is the bend in the river located in front of the Owensboro Convention Center. The installation of this piece was

A Jason Tanner Design Group Company

challenging because all 300 intricate pieces needed to be put together. Installment took two weeks to complete.

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www.OwensboroLiving.com Effective brand interactions.

TM

AUG SEPT

2014

[08]

[18]

THE BUZZ

THE REAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EVENTS THAT SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY

[12]

THE PULSE

TEACH TO TRANSFORM BE SMART ABOUT YOUR FAMILY’S SAFETY SHARING ISN’T CARING

FEATURES [19] FRIDAY AFTER 5 [24] ART OF THE CITY [36] OWENSBORO OILERS: BEHIND THE PLATE [42] EVERY MAN’S BEST FRIEND [48] COMMUNITY LEADER: RICK SEARCY [54] KENTUCKY SPORTS RADIO

[62]

THE DISH

SAMPLE THE TASTE OF SUMMER

[68]

THE SCENE

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN

[36]

[62]

[48]

[16]

AND AROUND OWENSBORO

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BUZZ PHOTO BY AP IMAGERY

THE

FOURTH of JULY A crowd of 10,000 people gathered along the Owensboro riverfront on July 4 to celebrate Independence Day. From the inaugural Kids’ Bike

Parade, to live music, to the grand fireworks display that capped off the night, there was truly something for everyone.

EXTREME WEIGHT LOSS Sara Murphy, from

DOWNTOWN TROLLEY SERVICE BACK IN OWENSBORO On July 1, 2014, the City of Owensboro

& Allen; 2nd & St. Ann; 2nd & Locust;

celebrated the opening inaugural

Convention Center Drive; 3rd & Walnut;

downtown trolley service. The city’s

3rd & St. Ann; and 3rd & Daviess.

newest trolley was purchased in the

For additional information visit

fall of 2012 with $226,542 from federal

www.owensboro.org/transit.

transportation grant funds. The regular,

Owensboro, is one of the seventeen contestants competing this year on the television show, Extreme Weight Loss. According to the show’s website, Extreme Weight Loss documents the makeover of seventeen individuals who

free trolley service will be offered on

set out to safely lose half of

the following days and times: Monday–

their body weight over the

Wednesday 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Thursday-

course of a year. Trainer

Saturday 10 a.m.-Midnight. Stop times

Chris Powell guides each

are approximately every twenty minutes

of the participants through

at the following downtown locations:

the process after moving

2nd & Crittenden; 2nd & Daviess; 2nd

into their homes. In each of the two-hour episodes, participants undergo a transformation not only

UPGRADES AT OWENSBORO DAVIESS-COUNTY AIRPORT 8 OWENSBORO LIVING

The Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport now has a new terminal, an 8,000foot runway and two carriers serving the flying public, as well as boardings that now exceed the 30,000 mark. The airport receives $1 million each year from

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the Federal Aviation Administration for capital improvements if it has more than 10,000 boardings per year. It has surpassed that mark each year since 2009, when Allegiant began offering nonstop flights to and from Orlando, Florida.

of their bodies, but of who they are as individuals.

ABC has announced the broadcast date for Sara’s episode, which will air at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12. www.OwensboroLiving.com

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THE

BUZZ

OHIO COUNTY NATIVE IS THE NEW MISS KENTUCKY

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Ramsey Carpenter has been crowned Miss Kentucky. Carpenter, a 2008 Ohio County High School graduate, graduated from the University of Kentucky in May with a degree in special education, learning and behavioral disorders. Her platform at the pageant was awareness for multiple sclerosis, a disease she was diagnosed with Aug. 25, 2010. In her role as Miss Kentucky, Carpenter will be the spokesperson for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s “Kentucky Proud” program, and will work with the Kentucky/Southeast Indiana chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

HOLIDAY WORLD BUILDING INNOVATIVE COASTER

OLD GERMANTOWN PLAYGROUND NOW OPEN

The nation’s first launched wing coaster will take flight over Holiday World in 2015. Named Thunderbird, Holiday World’s first major steel roller coaster will feature a zero-to-60 milesper-hour launch in 3.5 seconds, followed by multiple inversions including a 14-story Immelmann loop, Zero-g roll, barrel roll, and a loop soaring 125 feet in the air.

The city’s newest playground opened in July at Old Germantown Park. A Community Development Block Grant of $65,000 allowed the City of Owensboro to construct a large playground at the park, which sits on the corner of J.R. Miller Boulevard and 9th Street.

The playground represents a welcomed amenity to the neighborhood, which houses a growing number of families with children.

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THE

PULSE

TEACH TO TRANSFORM

BY DR. LYNETTE MARTIN

T

each to Transform is a global non-profit ministry that seeks to equip global and local leaders to teach their skills to

indigenous believers. Bellevue Baptist Church partners with Teach to Transform and Uncharted International to help educate and have a sustainable witness in third world countries.

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In March, Teach to Transform volunteers conducted

for me as a pediatrician, because not only was I taking

training for mission-minded people with medical

care of kids, but I was training the people who would

backgrounds from Pleasant Valley Community Church

be taking care of these kids the rest of the year when

and Bellevue Baptist Church in Owensboro. From this

the American teams are not there. They were so eager

training, a group went to Myanmar. Dr. Lynette Martin

to learn and so fascinated by what you could hear with

writes about their experience:

a stethoscope, see with an otoscope and measure with a

blood pressure cuff and pulse oximeter.

There were 34 people on our team while we were in

Myanmar, Burma, including five of us on the medical

team. Most of us were there for the all-day VBS sessions

the classroom, receiving didactic teaching using the

held at some of the 11 orphanages that Uncharted

Teach to Transform modules. We were able to teach

International oversees. Others worked on construction

the health & hygiene, wound care, and burn modules.

teams, led Bible studies at the widows’ home, taught

After lunch, we switched groups so everyone got both

at the Bible college, or ministered at the restoration

module training and hands-on training. By partnering

center (for people rescued from human trafficking).

with Teach to Transform, it made it so much easier to

There were over 500 children total at the orphanages.

use a curriculum that was already developed for this

I saw any of the kids that needed to be seen, and

purpose. We hope to provide more training to the

had half of the orphanage health coordinators with

orphanage health coordinators on future trips, and

me in the clinic to give them hands-on training and

would like to also train some church planters who are

practice using the equipment we brought in the basic

going to some very rural areas where people have never

medical equipment backpack. This was really fulfilling

heard the gospel.

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The other half of the health coordinators were in

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K

nowing the basics about 9-1-1 could save your life. For example, many Owensboro residents are

surprised to learn that 9-1-1 call takers cannot see their exact location if they call 9-1-1 from a cellular phone.

This is one of the many reasons why the OwensboroDaviess County Dispatch launched the free public safety service, Smart911, for its residents.

You sign up and create a Safety Profile at www.

smart911.com to give 9-1-1 valuable information about

Be smart about

YOUR FAMILY’S SAFETY

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yourself, family members, your home, pets and even vehicles that will automatically display on the 9-1-1 call taker’s screen when you make an emergency call.

Your Safety Profile immediately displays to 9-1-1 call

takers when you dial 9-1-1, which allows first responders to assist you faster and more effectively. These details can save seconds or even minutes during an emergency.

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When a child goes missing, every second counts.

your pets can be included in your Safety Profile so that

In your Safety Profile, you can provide a photo and

responders know they are in the house and may need

physical description of your child, which 9-1-1 can

assistance as well.

forward to responders in the field immediately upon

receiving your 9-1-1 call, allowing for a search to begin

what information is in your profile. The only time the

within minutes.

information you enter into your Safety Profile is seen is

If you are in a car accident, you will likely need to

when you call 9-1-1. No one plans to call 9-1-1, but you

dial 9-1-1 from your cell phone. The make, model and

can plan ahead at www.smart911.com, so sign up today.

color of your vehicle will be immediately available in

your Safety Profile. This information can help facilitate

save the more lives they can save. Take 5 minutes to

a quick response because responders can more easily

create a Safety Profile at www.smart911.com. Smart911

identify the vehicle.

is a free service provided by the Owensboro-Daviess

Dispatch Center.

If you have a pet, it is beneficial for responders to

Smart911 is free, private and secure, and you control

Be Smart About Safety. The more time 9-1-1 can

be aware of them so that they can approach your home

with appropriate tactics to best assist you and keep

smart911.com today to keep their family safe. It’s free,

your pet safe from harm. If there is a fire in your home,

private and secure.

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All Owensboro residents should sign up for www.

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PULSE

THE

BY ALLEN GRIFFIN, MD OWENSBORO HEALTH INTERNAL MEDICINE

SHARING isn’t CARING

Nobody likes to be sick. That’s why the best way to deal with it is to prevent it in the first place.

In my practice, I care for patients with common illnesses,

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

like the flu or pneumonia, but I also see more serious illnesses

like West Nile Virus. I also do a lot of primary care and internal

from traveling. One of the best ways to prevent the spread of

medicine work, helping people deal with maintaining and

illness is hand-washing. The Centers for Disease Control and

improving their health by treating or preventing long-term

Prevention in Atlanta estimates that washing hands with soap

problems like high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease.

and water can reduce deaths from diarrheal-related diseases by

Whether it be contagious diseases or long-term concerns, it’s

50 percent and reduce respiratory infections by 16 percent.

important to know your risks. Here are some ways knowledge

Infection prevention also means not giving pathogens a place

can help you to stay healthy.

to live, which means proper sanitation. Don’t just take care to

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Preventing illnesses from spreading means stopping them

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clean places like the kitchen and bathroom, though those are definitely important. Take care to properly cleanse surfaces you touch often, like doorknobs, computer keyboards or phones.

If you plan to travel, there may be vaccines or other preventive measures to keep you from bringing something other than a souvenir home. It’s a good idea to talk to a medical professional, even if you’re just going someplace in the U.S., about how to stay healthy and safe while away from home.

Ticks and mosquitos are also carriers for a number of diseases, so don’t do them any favors. Eliminating their habitats, standing water and tall grass or vegetation around your home, can cut down on your risk of disease-carrying pests.

Use of insect repellents can also go a long way to keeping those bugs at bay.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT A particular threat is foodborne illness, which is caused by improper handling, preparation or storage of food. Viruses, bacteria or parasites in your food can all cause you to become sick, but you can do plenty to stop these pathogens from making you sick.

Keep cold foods at 40 degrees F., or below. Cook different foods to the following temperatures to prevent illness: • Ground meat and meat mixtures: 160 degrees F. • Beef: 145 degrees F. • Pork: 145 degrees F. • Poultry: 165 degrees F. • Egg dishes: 160 degrees F. • Fish: 145 degrees F. Also remember not to leave food out for more than two hours after serving to prevent illness (one hour if the temperature is more than 90 degrees outside).

TAKE YOUR BEST SHOT When people hear about vaccines, many think about children getting their shots. It’s true that it’s important to vaccinate children to prevent painful, serious or deadly illnesses, but adults also need to be immunized.

Here are the most common vaccines adults should get: • Influenza (Annual): This one’s for everyone, but is especially important for the elderly or those with weakened immune systems. Flu can be especially dangerous because it opens the door for other infections, such as pneumonia, which can then be fatal. If you have an egg allergy, there’s still an www.OwensboroLiving.com

option for you, so ask your doctor.

• Pneumonia (One-time): Recommended for adults 65 and older (certain medical issues may call for this vaccine earlier or re-vaccination every five years).

• Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis vaccines: (At least every 10 years for the tetanus part of the vaccine; Between 2736 weeks of pregnancy). Prevents the spread of a number of common but serious illnesses.

• Tetanus bacteria in the blood make a toxin that is often fatal when untreated.

• Diphtheria can cause advanced damage to the heart, kidneys and nervous system and be fatal to children.

• Pertussis (whooping cough), is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be fatal to infants.

• Varicella-zoster (One-time): Commonly known as “shingles.” Recommended for adults 60 or older (shingles are usually more serious as a person ages). Shingles are extremely painful and in rare cases can spread to the eyes, causing blindness. The virus can also damage nerves, leading to longterm pain.

Vaccinated individuals also protect others around them. We call this “herd immunity,” meaning that vaccination prevents diseases from ever spreading and infecting people. Another important fact, particularly with the flu and shingles vaccines, is that even if the vaccine does not fully prevent an illness, it can reduce the severity and duration of the illness. A few days sick with the flu is certainly better than a week or more, so this is an important vaccine to get every year.

There is a small risk of adverse reactions to vaccines, but it’s extremely low. The chances of having a reaction can be minimized when your physician completes an appropriate patient history with you.

The moral of this story is that a little preparation and planning can go a long way. Also, be sure to consult your doctor. They have a wide range of resources that can be of use to you and your loved ones.

Dr. Allen Griffin is a physician specializing in infectious diseases and internal medicine as part of Owensboro Health’s medical group. He is originally from Louisville and attended the University of Louisville, where he earned his medical degree and completed his residency, internship and an infectious disease fellowship. He also completed a clinical microbiology fellowship at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Dr. Griffin is accepting adult primary care patients and infectious disease consults. For more information or to make an appointment, call 270-417-7850.

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BY BENJAMIN HOAK

5

FRIDAYmakesAFTER downtown sing

K

irk Kirkpatrick’s deal with RiverPark Center in 1996 went

biggest assets: the mighty Ohio River.

like this: as a representative of Downtown Owensboro,

Owensboro’s new sense of accomplishment and possibility

Kirkpatrick would produce four summer evening music events

– “I feel an excitement in Owensboro like I’ve never felt,” said

at RiverPark with the goal of drawing residents downtown.

Mayor Ron Payne – owes a great debt to Friday After 5. The

RiverPark Center would not charge a facility fee, but would

series led the way, held steady through dark days, and is now

keep any revenue earned from the sale of drinks.

exploding in popularity as a premiere event, attracting visitors

every week from Owensboro and all across the country.

Nineteen years later, that handshake deal is still in effect,

and the four events have grown into Friday After 5, a summerlong series of Friday-night concerts in several venues along

The Five F’s

Owensboro’s signature riverfront. This revitalized downtown

district welcomes newcomers and surprises residents with its

5,” said Kirkpatrick, now Executive Director of the series. “It’s

stylish, open gathering places, punctuated by synchronized

grown beyond what we dreamed.”

fountains, and takes full advantage of one of Owensboro’s

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“Virtually everyone in Owensboro knows about Friday After

For sixteen Friday nights from the middle of May to Labor

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Day, residents stream downtown to enjoy the 5 F’s: Free,

week is over, the fun is beginning and most folks are not afraid

Fun, Family, Friends and Friday. The week’s headlining band

to let loose and enjoy themselves as they visit with friends and

performs on the main stage on the BB&T Plaza overlooking

neighbors. The setting couldn’t be better, as the sun streaks

the Ohio River outside RiverPark Center. People talking

the sky orange, red and gold, music floats on the air, kids dart

and laughing fill the patio, with an open floor near the stage

through Smothers Park, and boats bob at anchor on the Ohio

providing space for free spirits to dance the night away.

River.

Inside RiverPark Center, Gospel on the River (sponsored by

Glenn Family Services) takes place in Cannon Hall during six

Bands and Sponsors

of those Friday evenings. Several gospel groups perform on each

occasion – totally free. On the UniFirst Stage in RiverPark’s

bands submitted an application through www.fridayafter5.com to

Atmos Energy Courtyard, an acoustic act also plays to a packed

play for the 2014 season. The Friday After 5 committee selects and

house, and at the far end of Smothers Park, local groups aimed

books bands by February for the coming summer. While some are

at a younger crowd perform on the new Don Moore Overlook

local, many hail from larger regional cities. “We look for entertaining,

Stage under the “batwing.”

diverse show bands,” Kirkpatrick said. Many bands even agree to a

large discount because they like playing a family-friendly event that

In the middle of Veterans Boulevard, along Smothers Park,

Friday After 5 has become so well-known that more than 140

the Kroger Street Fair offers hula hoop contests, water balloon

provides maximum exposure and ends by 10 p.m.

tosses, balloon animals, costumed characters, and more fun

kids’ activities. Various vendors set up shop as well. Plans for

– their dollars cover the $130,000 yearly budget that includes

2015 include a 20th anniversary celebration and the addition

bands, equipment, marketing and more. “Our sponsors are

of another venue – the new overlook on the former site of the

fantastic,” Kirkpatrick said. “We couldn’t do it without them.”

Executive Inn Showroom Lounge.

Similar events around the country are stunned when they learn

that everything at Friday After 5 is free because of sponsors

A palpable energy pervades the Friday After 5 crowds. The

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Each week of Friday After 5 is sponsored by a local company

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– just another example of the top-shelf companies that call

involvement with Friday After 5 enhances leadership ability

Owensboro home.

and allows for prime networking opportunities, he said. “It’s refreshing to see the impact on the community (from) an

Serving for a Cause

event you volunteered your time in,” he said. “We can call it

Friday After 5 committee members are eager to serve.

our own. Other cities are jealous of what we have to offer.”

Each venue has a committee member as a producer; members also handle other logistics, work on budgets, coordinate

Economic Impact

class “pre”unions (many class reunions use Friday After 5

Speaking of other cities, 27 additional Friday After 5

as a perfect place way to fit in extra time together), handle

events now take place around the country. All started after

marketing, and more. Members can also climb the succession

Owensboro’s – some even asked permission to use the name.

ladder that leads to the committee chair, who emcees each

Friday After 5 is a huge piece of the $274 million impact

week.

from tourism that Owensboro experienced in 2013. Both

On Fridays, the team makes sure the main stage is up

Kirkpatrick and Mayor Payne have noticed a significant

by 2 p.m., with a final rain decision made by 3 p.m. Short of

uptick in out-of-towners they meet each week. “People have

a hurricane, the show will go on outside, Kirkpatrick said.

heard about the riverfront and Friday After 5,” Kirkpatrick

Sound check runs from 2 to 4:30 p.m., with a final team

said. “When they see both in action at the same time, their

committee meeting at 5:30 p.m. before the show cranks up

jaws drop.”

at 6 p.m. Everything winds down around 10 p.m., as suits a

family-friendly activity.

referring to the vibrant new downtown. “It showed what

Brandon Gentry is the current president of Friday After

could occur if you had something to draw people in where

5’s board. He has served as committee chair in the past,

they could meet and gather. It’s an example of what we can be

and now focuses on behind-the-scenes details. Volunteer

and what’s to come.”

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“Friday After 5 has kind of led to all of this,” Payne said,

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The Backstory

In 2002, the city of Owensboro received $1 million in

federal funds for riverfront development. Then-Mayor Waymond Morris planned to use the money to upgrade English Park, but in a meeting with Morris and the City Manager, Kirkpatrick proposed using the funds to add a large overlook patio to RiverPark Center, arguing that the patio would see much more use than English Park. When the City Manager agreed with Kirkpatrick, the Mayor supported the change as well.

U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell attended the patio’s grand opening and was so impressed with Owensboro’s riverfront potential that he secured another $40 million in federal funds for development. That money began the revitalization process.

Without Friday After 5

demonstrating the need for the patio that brought McConnell here, downtown might still be suffering.

Oh, the name of the City Manager who supported Kirkpatrick in that meeting with Mayor Morris? Ron Payne.

A Dream Fulfilled While many dreams are never realized, the new downtown is “our dream come true,” Kirkpatrick said.

Credit goes partly to him – Payne calls him “the voice of Owensboro” and “Mr. Owensboro” and said, “If you want something done, call Kirk Kirkpatrick” – and partly to many others, including the City and the RiverPark Center. “It’s a great partnership and we’re very grateful to be a part of it,” RiverPark Executive Director Roxi Witt said. “It’s been really neat to see it grow over the last 20 years.”

Kirkpatrick hasn’t missed many Fridays in that time

and will only break his current four-year streak for a family reunion later this summer. It’s clear his heart is in downtown Owensboro. “Standing on the side of the stage … the camaraderie and satisfaction of everyone having a good time. It’s just very rewarding,” he said. “The City deserves a lot of credit for what they did downtown. All we did was set it to music.”

As the sun slips below the riverbanks and guests raise their glasses in a toast, dreaming of the future and thankful for the past, they would agree – there’s no better place on a summer Friday night. www.OwensboroLiving.com

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ARTICLE BY

DANNY MAY PHOTOS BY

JASON TANNER

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O

wensboro may be the bluegrass, barbecue and bourbon region, but with the recent success of the East Bridge Arts Festival and increasing popularity of performance artist Aaron Kizer, a growing number of local artists are hoping Owensboro will soon have a reputation for great art as well. With this feature article, Owensboro Living would like to help you get to know several of these Owensboro artisans:

RHONDA MCENROE - PAINTER “I have a passion to paint and I’ll never stop,” says Rhonda McEnroe, who is perhaps Owensboro’s most accomplished painter. Her paintings have literally taken her around the world; McEnroe has had three international art exhibits in Milan, Cremona, and

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Bologna, Italy, where she received the La-Maschera d’Oro Award in Venice and the China Trophy Award in Milan. Back here in the states, she was won several “Best of Show” honors, as well.

Still, it’s her work here in Owensboro that Rhonda is most proud of: teaching. “I just love teaching art lessons. I’m self-taught, so I love passing on what I’ve learned to my students,” Rhonda says. She teaches painting lessons in her home and says she’ll take students any age from eight to eighty.

Every wall of McEnroe’s home is used to display her favorite pieces, either her own or her students. Altogether, McEnroe has 220 paintings in her inventory, including abstracts, murals, watercolors, pastels, and oil paintings. “It’s my prayer that people will

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buy what I’ve done because they love it and can’t live without it,” she explains.

Over the past several years, McEnroe has done more commissions than direct sales, but lately she’s been doing more portraits, house portraits, and pet portraits. Recently, she has taken out ads in American Art Collector and Southwest Art Magazines to market her portrait work.

Around town, you can see examples of McEnroe’s work at The Earle, Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, Simply Chic, and C’ing Polkadots. Rhonda also invites you to give her a call and have a look at her home studio yourself. It really is an experience to watch Rhonda glow as she flips through her catalogue, tells the stories about each painting, and smiles from ear to ear. You can call her for a personal tour and lessons at 270-684-9910.

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PHOTO PROVIDED BY BROOK WHITE

BROOK WHITE - GLASS ARTIST Brook White was faced with a huge dilemma; law school was getting in the way of his art career. Lucky for him, watching things come full circle is a recurring theme in Brook’s life. After completing a year as “graduate fellow in art” at Centre College, where Brook was assistant to world renowned glass blower Steve Powell, Brook was accepted into law school at UK. The problem was he couldn’t get glass out of his head. Eight weeks in, he knew law school wasn’t for him, so Brook put his economics degree to good use and put together a business plan to start his own glass studio in Danville.

Another example: six years later, Brook found himself working at the Glassworks building in Louisville until he and his team opened their own studio, Flamerun, in the “NuLu” section of downtown Louisville.

Flamerun stayed at that location for eight years, and was doing really well. Then a perfect opportunity came along for Flamerun to take over the Glassworks building, where he originally started in Louisville. Today, Flamerun is the only gallery in Kentucky that is dedicated to glass art.

Brook grew up in Owensboro and has always had close ties here. You can see his work all over town; he made the chandelier at the library, he has pieces at Studio Slant and the museum gift shop, and three of his pieces are on display in the outdoor patio at the hospital. But his most prominent piece is the cascading river scene, which is made of 299 individual pieces of glass in the foyer of the Convention Center. Brook is currently preparing for an exhibit at the museum this fall. Read more at www.flamerun.com. www.OwensboroLiving.com

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AARON KIZER T

his summer Aaron Kizer’s been busy bouncing between shows in

Chicago and Las Vegas and his son’s little league games here in Owensboro.

(Kizer has been doing corporate events in Chicago for BP and the American Cancer Society and the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas regularly flies him out to do shows in their clubs and venues within the hotel.) Now that baseball’s over, he’s focused on preparing for his next performance art show, “Artillery,” which will be September 19th at the Convention Center. In the meantime, students at Newton Parrish will have a big surprise on the first day of school; Kizer gave the cafeteria a completely new look.

Get tickets and other info at www.kizerarts.com

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K.O. LEWIS - PAINTER Football is what brought painter K.O. Lewis to Owensboro.

Growing up in Louisville, K.O. was interested in two things: drawing and football. “I’ve always been interested in art, and I’ve been drawing my whole life,” K.O. said. In fact, he used to get in trouble for drawing in his Sunday school books. After focusing on art and graduating from Manual High School, K.O. played football at KWC. It was there he met his wife and developed his third interest, teaching. Education seemed to be the melding of all K.O.’s talents and interests, so he decided to pursue special education and paint on his own time. Over the past year and a half, K.O.’s paintings have been gaining more and more attention, and he now considers himself a professional painter.

Self-described as “contemporary expressionism,” K.O.’s paintings offer a modern take on realistic portraits. “I really try to capture the energy and feel of a subject and not so much precise details” K.O. explains. The result is a wide array of colors that capture the life of the piece. Lewis starts by pulling out the brights and darks, then adds cool and warm colors to get the tone he’s after.

To get his art out to the public, K.O. and his wife work together booking festivals and events. His work can currently be seen at Dalisha’s Desserts (11th and Allen), where it was featured for the “canvas and cupcakes” event and is still on display. A video of a live painting from that show will be released soon. You can see more examples at K.O.’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lewisacrylics50, or check him out at the East Bridge Art & Music Festival. www.OwensboroLiving.com

DAVID WALKER – CLAY ARTIST OHS teacher and sculptor David Walker says he stumbled into ceramics.

As an art education major at Morehead State, David needed one more art credit and decided to take an evening ceramics class out of necessity.

In his words, that class “turned things upside down,” and resulted in a completely different career path. “Before that,” David explains, “drawing was my main thing and I wanted to teach drawing. After that class, I knew I wanted a job where I could teach others about ceramics.”

For the past twelve years at Owensboro High School, he has done just that. David says he finds the classroom setting very fulfilling. For him, it’s not about the art itself, it’s about the relationships he builds with students through art and “giving the kids hands-on skills to create things they are proud of, whether they ever go into art or not.”

His own art, however took a back seat to the busyness of teaching and raising a family. Three years ago, that changed as well when David built a home studio. Since then, he has been sculpting more and has participated in the East Bridge Art & Music Festival the past two years. You can see his work at his pottery booth at Nona’s Downtown Market and at this year’s East Bridge Art & Music Festival.

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REX ROBINSON - PAINTER No coverage of art in Owensboro would be complete without an update on Rex Robinson. With 40 years of experience, Rex is, hands down, Owensboro’s most recognizable painter. He’s probably best known for wildlife paintings and murals like the one on the side of the building on 2nd Street facing the old State building.

He’s painted over 100 murals in schools across the state.

There are twenty-seven in Tamarack Elementary alone.

“I like to do murals that are educational. I put local and regional history in each mural I do,” Rex explains.

KET has featured Rex several times, and his work has been highlighted in lots of art publications. As part of the Owensboro Art Guild, Rex has had paintings displayed at the courthouse, the Art Museum, the library, the airport, and the River Park Center. Due to some health issues, he hasn’t had as many public appearances in the past year, but he’s currently working on a series for the Botanical Garden and preparing for a national wildlife competition coming up in October.

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JOE OFFERMAN – WOODCARVER If you see a guy combing the Ohio River banks for driftwood after a flood, it could very well be woodcarver Joe Offerman.

Joe took up woodcarving as a hobby after he retired twentythree years ago, and it has kept him busy ever since. The day of this interview, Joe was preparing to ship three large boxes full of Santa figures. Those Santas have become Joe’s biggest seller. “Today I’ve got 3,000 Santas in my house,” Offerman said. In addition to Santa figures and holiday ornaments, Joe carves animals, caricatures, religious items, and plaques. He’s also gotten into aluminum sculptures, which he makes by melting down aluminum cans with a blow torch.

Joe’s is a home-based operation. He does the dusty work in his garage, then finishes the carving and painting in an empty bedroom in his house. “This is my daily routine carving. Some are five feet tall. Some are ornaments. And everything in between,” Offerman says. His products get shipped to six different wholesalers, including galleries and shops in Houston, Lexington, Louisville, and Frankfort, and are available online at www.truekentucky.com. Over the years, Joe’s creations have gained some notoriety; his work can be seen in two New York City museums, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the American Museum of Folk Art. In 2002, his Santa figures were featured on a program on HGTV. Locally, you can see his work at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History, and he’ll be at the East Bridge Art & Music Festival on September 6. Joe can be reached through email at woodcarver_joe@yahoo.com. www.OwensboroLiving.com

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GARY BIELEFELD – “BIG” ART

Gary “Mr. Big Stuff ” Bielefeld calls himself “fun-

employed.” Remember the giant grocery sack at Wetzel’s?

Or the giant tool pouch in front of Thriftway? All are the work of Owensboro artist Gary Bielefeld. “Really, we were creating landmarks,” explains Gary. All those giant art pieces were commissioned by local businesses to attract attention. It all started with the Kentucky mirror mosaic, which obviously turns lots of heads coming off the bridge. It’s been there thirty-four years and survived a fire. Next was the giant tool pouch at Thriftway, followed by the giant grocery sack at Wetzels, a giant printing press downtown, the giant Subway sandwich, the fork at Daily Delicious, and the ribbon on the Baker’s Rack car.

Today, Gary jokes that he switched from big stuff to

miniatures because he’s been commissioned to work on model train sets, like designing buildings and painting itty-bitty pigeon heads. But his real passion these days is bamboo work. He grows his own bamboo, which he then forms into furniture, tables, and jewelry. To contact Gary, find him on https://www.facebook.com/gary.bielefeld.

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

T H E T O T, T H E T E E N & T H E WA R D R O B E

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSIGNORS AND SHOPPERS ALIKE

I

n 2005, Jennifer Higdon started hearing the buzz about “consignment sales” taking place in cities all across the South.

One of her Nashville friends told her that these consignment sales offered the opportunity to purchase an entire season’s worth of clothing for her three boys at a small fraction of the retail cost. The idea of saving so much on essentials like kids’ clothing intrigued Higdon, and she wondered if the concept could work in Owensboro.

Not a mere coincidence, Jennifer Higdon had just had a conversation with her sister-in-law, Stephanie Higdon, at Christmas about how Stephanie Higdon had dreamed of one day opening up her own shop. Jennifer knew Stephanie would be the perfect person to help bring a consignment sale to Owensboro.

“Looking back”, Jennifer says, “It seems like it was a

The process is simple. Consignors go to www.ttwky.com,

create an account, and register for the sale. Once they have paid the registration fee, the items they plan to bring are entered into the online account. Once items have been entered, consignors print bar-coded tags to attach to their items. All the items must be prepared according to the guidelines on the website.

Once the items are prepared, consignors bring them to the

sale at designated drop off times. Drop off times are the Thursday night before the sale from 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., or the Friday morning before the sale from 8:00 a.m. to noon. After drop off, the Higdon girls and their team of volunteers do the rest of the work for the consignors.

Consignors earn 70% on all items sold and attend exclusive

presales. “It’s a very good deal,” says Miriam Peay, a consignor.

“I could have a yard sale, but I would never be able to sell as much as I do at one of the consignment sales. They have so many people come to shop that I rarely take much home with me. It has always been worth the effort to prepare my items for one of these sales. And I really enjoy attending the presale the night before. I always find some great buys.”

Angela Hilgenhold, from Tell City, has always volunteered

five minute conversation when I called her to see if she was

to work the consignment sale. In fact, she always works three

interested.”

or more shifts, because volunteers earn special privileges.

She explained the concept, and just like that,

Stephanie was her partner.

“The best thing about having

Volunteers can earn a higher commission on items sold and shop

Stephanie on board is that she brought new ideas to the concept.

at special volunteer presales held at varying times, depending

She wanted to add furniture and home décor, adult clothing, and

on the number of hours worked. Hilgenhold says, “It is the

exercise equipment to the list of items we accepted. We were one

most wonderful time of the year when I get to hang out with the

of the first consignment sales to do this, and now we know of

Higdon girls and help them bring this great event to the city, and

other sales in the country doing the same thing.”

find lots of great items for my family. I have never missed a sale.

In fact, I plan my year around it. I love it that much. I even have

The Higdon duo spent the next eight months building a

website to explain the concept to others, building clothing racks,

my niece, Lori, hooked on this event with me now, too.”

and finding the right location. The location they knew they

wanted was the Owensboro Boys and Girls Club. The director,

seventeenth sale. The event takes place twice a year, always

Steve Winkler, was very open to this new idea, and, once they had

in April and September. “It is a lot of work,” says Stephanie,

the location, “The Tot, the Teen, and the Wardrobe Consignment

“but when I see all the people working together to make such an

Sale” was born. The girls had their first sale in the fall of 2006.

event happen, it warms my heart. I love seeing the smiles on the

shoppers’ faces when they can afford to get needed items for their

“Our first sale, we worked so very hard to get 60 consignors,”

Stephanie and Jennifer Higdon are gearing up for their

says Stephanie. “We called everyone we knew, and they said,

families.”

‘You are going to do what?’ It took a lot of convincing in the

beginning. In the early days, we spent hours on the phone just

p.m. with a “Half-Off Sale” on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at

explaining to people how this was going to work. Now, we rarely

the Owensboro Boys and Girls Club at 3415 Buckland Square,

get calls. People have taught each other how these sales work.”

Owensboro, Kentucky.

The next sale takes place on September 13 from 8 a.m. to 2

MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND AT THE WEBSITE WWW.TTWKY.COM, ON THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE, OR BY CALLING (270) 993-7532 (JENNIFER) OR (270) 316-2732 (STEPHANIE).

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ARTICLE BY

STUART PECK

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OWENSBORObehind the plate

Go inside the locker room and hear about life playing collegiate summer league baseball.

A 23-year-old college baseball player from

and signing bonuses of the majors. That’s

Venezuela steps up to the plate as the public

because these players work for free. This is life

announcer makes an attempt (unsuccessfully)

in the Ohio Valley Summer Collegiate League

to pronounce his last name on the first try.

playing for the Owensboro Oilers. However,

Alfredo Bohorques doesn’t care; he’s zoned in

don’t tell Bohorques he’s not playing MLB

on the pitcher standing 60 feet in front of him.

ball… he doesn’t care; for him and the 28 other

Bohorques nails a ground ruled single off the

players on the Oilers, it truly is for the love of

first pitch. His base hit won’t last though, as

the game.

he’s thrown out trying to steal second. With 13

“I’ve been playing baseball since I was three

stolen bases this season it’s easy to see why he’d

years old,” Bohorques said during a phone

try for 14.

interview. “It’s my life.”

While this might sound like play-by-play

right out of a major league baseball game, the

workout session. The daily two-hour workout

salaries for these “boys of summer” are a far

comes after breakfast, which comes after waking

throw from the multi-million dollar contracts

up at 8:00 a.m. That may sound like no big deal,

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I managed to call and interrupt his afternoon

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but when you get off the bus at 1:30 in the morning,

have that kid every now and then [that gets drafted].”

coming home from your away game the night before, it

The Cape Cod Baseball League is one of more than

takes a lot more dedication not to hit the snooze button.

three dozen summer leagues around the country. The

“Four nights on, one night off,” according to Vic

CCBL attracts big name college players, churns out

Evans, Jr., the Owensboro Oilers head coach. “We’ll

future MLB pros and was the setting for the “dreamy”

play 40 to 50 games in a summer. It’s a grind, but it’s so

2001 romantic comedy Summer Catch, starring Freddie

much fun.”

Prinze, Jr. and Jessica Biel (I’ll admit…I saw the movie).

Fun and a little romantic, Evans says. The idea

Evans says while some of the Hollywood portrayal of

of playing baseball in these small town stadiums on a

small town baseball is exaggerated, some is also pretty

balmy yet starry summer night is what the game is all

spot on.

about.

“The guys aren’t making any money,” Evans states.

“I think, if you’re a baseball fan, it’s the epitome of a

“We loaded an ‘old timey’ bus without AC and drove

perfect night,” he said. “There’s no place I’d rather be

three hours to a game.” (Speaking about the Oilers

than at the ballpark.”

game against the Fulton Railroaders on July 8.)

The Oilers are one of five teams from western

Out-of-town players like Bohorques live in the

Kentucky and southeastern Indiana that make up the

Brescia University dorms during June and July while

Ohio Valley Summer Collegiate League. The teams are

they’re playing.

made up of collegiate baseball players looking to stay in

and the surrounding counties live with family. Some

shape and play some ball during their college off-season.

of the players try and get part-time jobs to have a little

Bohorques plays for St. Catharine College in Kentucky.

spending money, but some just workout, sleep and play

In addition, the Oilers have players from Western

baseball. The opposing teams feed players when they’re

Kentucky University, Brescia University, Murray State

on the road, and Evans says the locker room is always

and other colleges across Kentucky and the Midwest.

a fun (and sometimes wild) place to be. For Evans, it’s

Evans says the league is very competitive, and on

rewarding to see the friendships that are forged during

more than one occasion, scouts have been among the

the short summer season.

hometown crowd eyeing potential recruits for colleges

and even the major league affiliates.

and the fans keep them going each hot and sticky night.

“We’re not the Cape Cod League, which is by far the

Bohorques says he enjoys seeing the fans come out and

number one league,” Evans said. “But you’re going to

cheer, and even more, he loves seeing the kids who look

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Others who hail from Owensboro

So what fuels these college kids? Passion for the game

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up to the players as if they’ve made it to the majors. He says

to grow as a summer league. Pierce also serves as the Vice

he’s always excited to give a kid a ball or sign an autograph.

President of the OVL in addition to his role as the President

On any given night, the Oilers can see between 200 and 400

of the Oilers. He says the league is talking about adding

fans come through the gates to watch the game. Evans says

teams in Nashville, Paducah and Mayfield.

the one exception is the Dubois County Bombers, where

the Oilers have played in front of as many as 2,000 or more screaming baseball fans. The Bombers play in the historic League Stadium, which was built in 1894 and was the backdrop for the movie A League of Their Own. Even with a dedicated fan base, Owensboro Oilers President, Charlie Pierce, says more awareness about the league and the team is always needed.

As you’re reading this article, the Oilers season has come

to a close… but as they say in the world of sports, “there’s always next year.” That’s the direction Pierce and Evans are looking as they help move the Owensboro Oilers forward.

“I think if people come out and give it a shot and watch

a game, they’ll be back,” Pierce said. It’s a lot of fun, just great, competitive baseball.”

“They [the community] don’t know enough, and that’s

If you’re interested in volunteering or being a corporate

our fault,” said Pierce. “We have been much better on the

sponsor with the Oilers, you can contact Pierce by email

field [playing baseball], than we have off the field when it

at charliepierce12@gmail.com. More information about

comes to marketing.”

the team and the league can be found online at www.

owensborooilers.com.

Still, the Ohio Valley League is on the move, and looking

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

PRE SE RVATI O N S TAT I O N

BRINGING NEW LIFE TO AN OLD SCHOOL

I

t’s been two years since Deborah Coomes and Jennifer Higdon, a mother-daughter team, purchased the old West Louisville Elementary School at auction in 2012 in Owensboro. They celebrated the official grand opening of Preservation Station Market and Event Center the first weekend of July that year. The former school now houses antique, vintage, and unique shops, a beauty salon called The Old School Salon, a concession stand, a gymnasium, cafeteria, and classrooms for rent for birthday parties, reunions, and other family functions.

Open Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., shoppers can spend hours looking through classrooms full of carefully selected merchandise. Unlike a flea market, all items here are clean, refinished, and merchandised. Vendors are also encouraged to mix in the old and the new. “We like to sell everything we think is cool,” says Deborah Coomes.

“We might bring in items we find at an international buyers mart, an auction, or a flea market. We sell vintage purses and totes, scarves, jewelry and home décor that are brand new, but we also sell all that is rustic, shabby chic, industrial, vintage and antique. We look for hot items we know buyers are seeking.”

Besides items brought in by the mother-daughter pair, shoppers can also find one-of-a-kind items from A Window of History, L & D What Knots, Sherrie’s Treasures, P & R Mutts, Wanamaker Lee’s, The Old Gray Mare, Old Kentucky Primitives, DD’s Treasures, Sticks and Stones, The Rustic Relic, River City Investments, Boog Ideas, and the Renaissance Gypsy.

When Aimee Williams moved from Savannah, Georgia to Owensboro, her husband told her she had to do something with all the items she was compelled to buy at auction. Williams says, “The minute I heard about Preservation Station, I knew what I was going to do.” Williams then opened her own shop at Preservation Station called A Window of History.

Rebecca Garner of Owensboro says almost the same thing. “I kept hearing about Preservation Station, and I had this perception that it was going to be like every other flea market, but the minute I walked in, I knew these two girls had a vision I had to be a part of.” Garner enjoys sharing her artistic creations with others in her space, Renaissance Gypsy.

and all that is antique, vintage, or unique

Diane Whitwell was in the process of moving from Central City to Owensboro when she called, out of curiosity, about an ad seeking a salon owner. “When I talked to Jennifer Higdon on the phone, I knew I had to learn more about this place, and the minute I met with Debbie and Jennifer, I knew I had to be a part of their dream. Whitwell now owns and manages The Old School Salon at Preservation Station, open Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

“We want everyone to continue to enjoy this great old building, so we have a once a month party,” says Jennifer Higdon. “Market Days is the first full weekend of every month. On Market Days, as many as 70 additional vendors may set up in the gymnasium or in the cafeteria, we have some great live music from local musicians, and we offer some yummy items in our concession stand, such as pulled pork and chicken salad sandwiches, hamburgers, pizza, popcorn, etc. We are always seeking to unite with vendors of antique, vintage, or handcrafted items on our Market Days.”

“People have been coming from all over to enjoy this old school thanks to Facebook and the Busy Bee Trader,” says Nancy West, the facility manager. “People are coming from Georgia, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, and many other states. They are quickly learning what great deals they can find in our little community.”

Deborah Coomes says, “This is a beautiful area of Kentucky, and we have Diamond Lake Campground and Resort and Whittaker’s Guns, Kentucky’s largest gun shop, right next door. If people haven’t been out to West Louisville in a while, they should come and visit. And do not confuse West Louisville with Louisville. We are in Owensboro.”

“The greatest thing we have going for us right now is the team of vendors we have gathered together. Everyone has really pulled together to push business forward and help each other out. One day we hope to find a restaurant to lease space with us, and then we will be even further along on our journey to become a destination. Anyone who has a business idea that will fit in with what we are trying to do for the community is welcome to contact us,” says Higdon.

Preservation Station Market and Event Center is located at 9661 Highway 56, Owensboro KY, 42301. They can be found on the web at www.visitpreservationstation.com, on Facebook, by calling 270-993-7532, or by emailing jennifer@visitpreservationstation.com.

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EVERY MAN’Sbest BY Y ASHLE E C SOR

T

here is good reason why we call a dog “man’s best friend.” Canines are loyal animals, and provide unconditional love and companionship. For

most, a dog is a family pet. You hope to teach them to sit, stay, shake, and walk well on a leash. Maybe, if you are really adventurous, you can train your dog to roll over or balance a treat on their nose. But for others, dogs are not only a part of the family, but they are also intelligent, driven and trained competitors.

Dog show competitions have been in existence since the early 1800s, with the Westminster Dog Show being the most notable and longest running.

This you know. What you may not know is that Owensboro will host its very own dog show, the River Valley Cluster, in late August. This fiveday event will bring over 1,200 exhibitors per day to Owensboro. There are 178 American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized breeds, and the Cluster will see many of these breeds represented at the show. Anyone with an AKC registered dog can enter the show, and it is expected that people will travel from all over the country to show their dog at the River Valley Cluster, which is sponsored by Purina.

The River Valley Cluster is made up of three different clubs: Southern Indiana Kennel Club,

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Evansville Kennel Club and the Owensboro River

compete for Best of Breed, advancing to their

City Kennel Club (ORCKC). By offering a cluster,

respective Group Competition. A winner from

meaning more than one club, Tina Winston, Vice

each of the seven Group Competitions will advance

President of ORCKC says it will be more attractive

to the Best in Show Competition at the end of the

for competitive showers.

day, where the Best in Show and Reserve Best in

“It hurt our numbers when the Executive Inn

Show winners are chosen. “Think Westminster,”

closed,” Winston said. “We tried other facilities,

says Winston. The club will also have two days of

but nothing was big enough and forced us to

Obedience and Rally, where dogs are judged on

have parts of the competition outside in the grass.

their compliance to a very structured routine of

The disadvantages to showing outside drive down

commands.

the numbers in some breeds. The Owensboro

Cindy Curtis, a board member of ORCKC,

Convention Center has enabled us to make our

shows dogs in the obedience and rally category.

dreams a reality. It’s going to be a great venue for

In fact, her dog, Dexter Smidgen, a Shetland

the Cluster.”

Sheepdog, or Sheltie, is ranked sixth nationally

ORCKC will have two days of Conformation,

in Rally. That honor earned Dexter and owner,

where dogs are taken around the floor and chosen

Curtis, a feature in Dog Fancy Magazine.

by judges as the best in their breed group. Non-

“It’s overwhelming,” said Curtis. “I’ve only

champion canines will compete for points towards

been showing for five years, and I have been very

their championship, and breed champions will

successful with my dog. I am over 50 years old, so I

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am in the second half of my life. Showing dogs has just been so much fun. I have to be on my toes, too.”

Curtis, who has traveled the country with Dexter, 7 years old, thinks the two are a team more than an owner and pet. “We have to work in sync,” Curtis said.

“You look down at those big, brown eyes and you see the wheels turning. We just have this bond.”

Vicki Spencer, Secretary and 30-year member of ORCKC, competes in the Conformation category, showing Dachshunds for more than 24 years. Not only does Spencer show her own dog, Adam, but she was also hired to show a Dachshund from England last year. The dog, Roo, won the Crufts Dog Show in England, and was then flown to the United States where Spencer picked him up at the airport. Roo competed in a show three hours later and won. Roo is the only dog to be crowned an English Champion and an American Grand Dual Champion.

ORCKC stresses that the Cluster is a familyfriendly event. People of all ages are encouraged to

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT DOGS: Dogs are capable of understanding up to 250 words and gestures, can count up to five, and can perform simple mathematical calculations.

The wetness of a dog’s nose is essential for determining what direction a smell is coming from.

Dogs drink water by forming the back of their tongue into a mini cup.

Unlike humans, who sweat everywhere, dogs only sweat through the pads of their feet.

62% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 72.9 million homes.

attend any or all of the five days of events. Parking is free and there is a $5 adult admission. Winston says this is a good opportunity for dog owners to get a glimpse into the world of dog shows. It is also good for potential dog owners to check out a particular breed in which they may be interested.

There are a number of events where the public can get involved. ORCKC will participate in a Meet the Breed show at Friday After 5 on August 15. The Cluster will feature a Junior Showmanship class where children ages 9 to 18 are welcome to enter their dog.

Scholarship opportunities are available. Also featured will be a “B” Match, open to the public, where anyone with an AKC breed dog is welcome to enter.

The Club recommends that community members visit their website, www.orckc.com, for more details and class schedules. It is important for the community to realize that while ORCKC is an AKC affiliated club, they are open to all different types of dogs.

“We want the community to know we’re here,” Curtis said. “We encourage people to see what we’re all about.”

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

WKU OWENSBORO

STUDY TIPS

As the summer comes to a close and students of all ages prepare to start a new school year, it’s time to focus on making the upcoming year successful. With these study tips, students can start the school year off right.

Review

Take a break

Review class content several times each week.

To boost retention and understanding, focus on small pieces of information each night rather than reviewing all of the information at one time.

Take regular, short breaks to improve your ability to focus and retain information.

Quiz yourself Quiz yourself on the content you are studying.

Use review questions from the end of the chapter, practice materials from your instructor or create your own practice test.

Flash cards Create your own flash cards for the content you are reviewing.

Get enough sleep Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

A well-rested mind will recall stored information much easier than a tired one.

Write it out Recopy important notes or key information from the textbook onto a new piece of paper. Research suggests that we store information better when we write it by hand instead of typing.

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Every student is different and the effectiveness of study techniques varies for everyone. Test multiple study tips and find what works best for you.

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BY MELODY ANN WALLACE

COMMUNITY LEADER: RICK SEARCY H.L. NEBLETT COMMUNITY CENTER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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When driving down Fifth Street, one can’t help but notice the lofty basketball goals and colorful playground of the adjoining H.L. Neblett Community Center.

Although most of us just drive by, viewing it as nothing more than a childcare center for underprivileged children, its Executive Director, Rick Searcy, sees it as so much more than that.

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Rick says of the over 200 children the Center

twelve years, Rick feels that Owensboro is “the safest

serves, “They may come in underprivileged, because

community I’ve ever lived in” and he is proud to call

that’s the hand they were dealt, but they don’t stay

it home.

that way. We’re developing leaders--school teachers,

When I asked Rick to tell me more about the

police officers…”

Neblett Center and the good work he was doing, his

Searcy, a former Kentucky Wesleyan football player,

immediate humble response was, “It’s everybody’s

graduate, and Offensive Coordinator, made his home

building; I’m just one of the caretaker’s here.” He

in Owensboro several years ago, after transferring to

then quickly grabbed his keys and spent more than

KWC from Tennessee State University. After working

an hour proudly showing off the community’s

for several non-profit and educational organizations

center. Beginning with the cornerstone of the

in our area, he was given the opportunity to serve as

original building that sits prestigiously near the front

the afterschool director at the Neblett Center two and

entrance, he proceeded to tell me the story of Dr.

half years ago. Last November, Rick was selected as

Reginald Neblett, and how his first young gunshot

one of nine finalists, out of a pool of over twenty-five

victim (whom he treated and lost) would later become

applicants from all across the country, to interview for

the inspiration for a recreational building to safely

the Executive Director’s position. Searcy was offered

welcome teenagers. The original building was housed

the position, and now finds himself, at thirty-four

across the street from where the present facility stands,

years of age, as the director of one of the largest non-

and would later be known to the public as the West

profit organizations in our area; something he doesn’t

End Daycare Center.

feel he would have been as likely to accomplish if he

were in a larger city, such as New York. However,

on Fifth Street, was constructed in 2006, due in large

after growing up in a military family that moved

part to a grant from Senator Mitch McConnell. The

around often, causing him to attend nine schools in

building was then dedicated and named in honor of

The current H. L. Neblett Community Center,

“IT’S EVERYBODY’S BUILDING; I’M JUST ONE OF THE CARETAKER’S HERE.”

PHOTO BY JASON TANNER

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Dr. Neblett’s wife, Hattie, who recognized the need “to decrease

increased rates of diabetes and high blood pressure within that

juvenile delinquency in the community.” The present facility has

demographic. The Center also offers a library with both adult and

expanded its services from childcare to adult education, and serves

children’s books, and will soon have a fully operational computer

individuals from age six weeks to mature adults. Over 95% of the

lab, thanks to a generous donation from Old National Bank. In

children who walk through the doors of the Neblett Center receive

addition, the Center serves as a location for the Summer Feeding

free and reduced lunch. Yet, the center still manages to be one of

Program, US Bank financial literacy class, as well as a tax site and

the only grassroots community centers in the region (meaning it

venue for local weekend events and entertainment.

remains fully funded, without any parent organization). One of

Rick’s many positive visions for the Center is to continue to remain

the childcare center really is at the heart of everything they do.

self-sufficient, which has been made possible due in large part

That was evident as we entered each classroom, gym, or common

to generous support from such community “backbones” such as

area. Children of every age and size would run up to Rick, arms

Independence Bank and the United Way.

wide open, anticipating a moment of his attention. He very sweetly

Despite all of the many services the Neblett Center has to offer,

As we continued to tour the facility, I was amazed at the many

obliged on every occasion, greeting each child we saw by name,

services available to the community, of which many of Owensboro

and giving them each a hug and a kiss on the top of their precious

residents may be unaware. The Center offers a free weight room

little heads. I can honestly say that, in all of my years working in

that is accessible from 7:30a.m. to 9:00p.m., as long as participants

childcare and education, I have never seen anyone display such an

sign a waiver. One of the Center’s visions is to “develop people

unabashed love for children.

not just mentally, but physically, as well.” Rick’s background and

passion for sports and fitness was revealed as he emphasized the

to twelve years. There is a nutritionist on staff that ensures that

importance for African-Americans to stay physically fit, citing the

the children receive a substantial hot meal each day through the

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The childcare center provides care for children ages six weeks

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Federal Food Program. Children are provided with breakfast, lunch, and a nutritious snack. The Neblett Center also offers three vans that provide drop-off and pick-up service to all city schools, as well as Audubon, Tamarack, and several other county schools. In addition, the afterschool program services six different middle schools, and offers a separate study hall in the

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP: The H.L. Neblett Center is in need of the following items to better care for the youth in our community:

afternoon. The recreational department, an area of the center that draws no income, yet is still greatly needed by our area youth, is open from 3:00p.m. to 9:00p.m., and provides games, activities, and occasional field trips to local colleges and sporting events. As if the Center’s heart for children wasn’t apparent enough, there is also a separate building that offers nighttime childcare from 11:00a.m. to 12:00 midnight “for parents who work non-traditional hours.”

Going forward, Rick Searcy’s mission is to “impact as many

people as we can, efficiently.” He wants people to know that “our lines do not stop at the West End. I want us to continue to open our doors to every type of person.” Looking ahead, Rick says that he feels so fortunate that “this community has embraced me. I want this Neblett Center to embrace the community.”

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4 New, or gently-used Glider-style rockers for the infant room New toys for ages 6wks – 10 years Sports equipment of all types, including: baseball, basketball, and football Canned Goods Art supplies and consumables – paper, scissors, crayons, paint, etc.

An additional 12-16 Passenger Van to aid in the transport of children to and from school A Pick-up truck in good condition for the maintenance department to transport items between the two buildings, and transport supplies for lawn care Volunteers, especially those who could share their talents with children in dance, sports, art, etc.

Monetary donations If you are able to donate any of these items, please contact Rick Searcy at (270) 685-3197.

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

THE BAKERS RACK

THEof aSOUL room H

ave you ever you walked into a room and noticed a feeling that the space gives you? Some people call it a vibe, others an ambiance. It may catch you by surprise or remind you of somewhere very familiar. The feeling can warm your heart or leave you cold. It can make you want to explore the room further, or make you want to move on to somewhere else. No matter how you label, define or interpret it, there can be an emotional connection established between you and the environment created.

You can feel the soul of the place.

So what is it about a room that causes this connection?

Like human relationships, it is usually a variety of factors that contribute to the overall feeling. Colors, materials, furniture, artwork, lighting and accessories are all major factors in how we feel when we enter.

Colors Lots of psychological studies have clued us in to the effects of colors. Reds are aggressive, yellows are happy, blues and greens, cool and relaxing. When creating a room, it is usually best to have the floors, walls and ceilings reflect neutral tones. That leaves it up to your furniture, art and accessories to make the color statement.

That said, there are some rooms where the walls make the color statement, and more neutral furniture forms a contrast that works well.

Materials First and importantly, choose quality materials over what is quick and inexpensive. Real wood floors and accents, marble floors or fireplaces, and furnishings made of substantial materials convey a a sense of honesty and timelessness. Fabrics should be the best available.

Even if the intended look is very contemporary, solid materials make it feel real and lasting.

Furniture Do not be afraid to think big here. A large dining table, big fireplace, long sofa or sectional, or even a grand piano can be the foundation, or attention-getter, of a well planned room. Hardware can change the look of a piece - switching from plain wooden drawer pulls to vintage crystal pulls add a brilliant sparkle.

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Artwork This is where your personality can shine through.

Choose artwork whose compositions complement your decor, both in tone and subject matter. Traditional spaces tend to exhibit portraits, landscapes and still lifes, while contemporary spaces feature artwork rich in form and texture. Paintings or photographs of yourself and family give a very personal touch.

Lighting Major factor here, as lighting can alter a room’s feel greatly as the day goes by. If a room has lots of windows, use the natural lighting as much as you can to offer a bright, yet comfortable feel. After dark, though, you have more control. Task lighting, using lamps to light specific areas, allows you to accentuate the important parts of a room as you please. Use spot bulbs and directional lighting to multiply that effect. To add a crowning, elegant look, there is no better addition than a crystal chandelier. Large chandeliers are statement pieces of luxury, with their multiple bulbs adding a glamorous glow.

This vignette shows the owner’s love of horses with equestrian accessories over neutral furniture. Materials presented are vintage woods, linen and burlap. Greenery gives a feeling of freshness within a traditional setting. The chrome lamp and tray introduce a contemporary flavor to the warmth of the natural textures.

Accessories This can be the really fun part. If your room is still neutral after adding good furniture, you can add lots of color and personality with accessories. These can include stacks of interesting books, unique lamps, table top statuettes, candlesticks or lanterns, whimsical pillows you name it!

After adding quality additions to your room’s decor, you may find yourself connecting with it more closely.

Visitors will likely do the same, and connect with you more closely at the same time.

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KENTUCKY SPORTS RADIO

BY N E V E T S N O S IL W

IN LATE JULY, 200 PEOPLE CROWDED ONTO THE SHOWROOM FLOOR OF A CAR DEALERSHIP ON OWENSBORO’S EAST END. IT WOULD BE REASONABLE TO ASSUME THAT THE DEALERSHIP WAS GIVING AWAY A BRAND NEW CAR, OR AT LEAST OFFERING A GREAT DISCOUNT ON A NEW TRUCK, BUT NEITHER WAS TRUE THAT DAY.

As a matter of fact, not a single member of the crowd even paid attention to the shiny models in the showroom. Even the dealership’s management and salespeople were distracted from their normal daily duties. So what could cause such a scene on an otherwise mundane Monday at an Owensboro car lot? The answer lies in the basketball-crazed fan base that is the Big Blue Nation.

Anyone that follows college basketball is

well

aware

of

the

Kentucky basketball fans.

passion

of

those

In recent years,

KentuckySportsRadio (“KSR”) has become the voice of those fans, and anyone who tunes in to their daily radio show will immediately recognize one of the voices behind the show as that of Ryan Lemond.

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On July 21, the team of Lemond and Matt

Indiana, and having attended Kentucky Wesleyan

Jones, founder of the radio show and the

College on a baseball scholarship, Lemond is

popular website of the same name, brought

very familiar with the Kentucky athletics scene.

KentuckySportsRadio

on

After graduating from KWC in 1989, Lemond

Highway 54 as part of their 2014 summer tour.

moved to Lexington, where he covered sports

Though the broadcast did not begin until 9 a.m.

for WLEX-TV for 11 years. His gig as a sports

that morning, fans began arriving as early as 8

anchor led to a sportstalk radio show on Sunday

a.m. to get a seat for the show that bills itself as

mornings in Lexington. From there, Lemond

“University of Kentucky Basketball, Football,

also began doing play-by-play announcing for the

and Recruiting news brought to you in the most

Lexington Horsemen indoor football team, and

ridiculous manner possible.”

game day radio reports for Cincinnati Bengals

Lemond, the self-described “doofy sidekick”

home games.

on the show, does his best to adhere to that motto,

Lemond landed with KSR after filling in on

and bring the devoted fans a fresh and funny

several Lexington sportstalk radio shows. Then,

perspective on anything remotely related to UK

after former University of Kentucky basketball

sports. But just describing him as the “sidekick”

player Mark Krebs left his spot as Matt Jones’ co-

doesn’t do justice to Lemond’s contributions to

host to pursue an acting career, Lemond found

the show, or to his veteran media pedigree.

himself co-hosting KSR full time. As he tells it,

Growing up across the river, in Otwell,

“That’s was 3 years ago. Matt just hasn’t found a

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Don

Moore

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way to fire me yet, or he just can’t find a way to get rid of

and it may really embarrass me,” Lemond says, “but it’s

me!”

usually good radio and really funny.”

Lemond hasn’t looked back since. “This show has just

In addition to providing listeners with a laundry list

been a perfect fit for me,” he says. One of the reasons he

of funny moments and plenty of entertainment, Lemond

enjoys his work for KSR is the opportunity to experience

also realizes that the show is a valuable resource for UK

and share memorable moments with the fan base. When

fans. Says Lemond, “I think the best part is just being able

asked about some of those moments, Lemond recounts

to allow fans to be connected to UK. Folks in Owensboro

“The first thing that comes to mind is after UK won the

or Henderson or other communities may starve for UK

2012 title. We had an older man who called in to KSR the

news or UK stories. We help them feel connected to their

next morning and as he began talking, he was in tears as

beloved Cats.”

he talked about how happy he was. I love it when older

Lemond’s value to the show doesn’t go unnoticed by

fans call in and share their love and their stories with us

the fans or by his co-host. According to Jones, “I think

and the listeners.”

Ryan’s great in terms of somebody the fans like and can

Lemond also likes to include family stories in the show.

relate to. He puts his whole personality out on the show.

He and wife Amanda have three sons, Gavin, Michael,

I think people want to know the people they’re listening

and Josiah, all of whom he proudly says were adopted.

to, and he comes across as a real person. Ryan’s one of

Among his other favorite moments on the show are those

the best people I know. He’s been wonderful to me, and I

times when he involves his wife. “She may not like it

consider him almost like a big brother. I think listeners

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realize that about him, and it really comes through on the show. “ In conversation with him, it’s clear that Lemond is enjoying his time with KSR, and appreciates the opportunity to get out and meet the listeners during their summer tour. Lemond also appreciates the chance to come back to Owensboro, where he says no trip would be complete without a trip to Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn. While in town, Lemond also makes it a point to stop by the Big Dipper and take a drive through his old stomping grounds at the KWC campus.

Recently, KSR was ranked as the number 1 radio show

in the Louisville market, which, as Jones pointed out during the Owensboro broadcast, “is pretty impressive for a UK show that admittedly hates Louisville.” Part of the credit for the show’s growth in popularity can certainly be accredited to Lemond, who says ““I feel like my main purpose on the show is just make people smile.

If I can make them smile or laugh at least once a show, I feel like I’ve done my job.”

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THE

DISH

SAMPLE THE TASTE OF SUMMER Summer is peak strawberry season and the perfect time to enjoy one of America’s favorite fruits.

SUMMER LOVING STRAWBERRY & WATERMELON SALAD

Ingredients:

To make vinaigrette, bring sherry vinegar

cups quartered and cleaned

and honey to a boil in small sauce pan.

California strawberries

In small mixing bowl, pour hot sherry

cups diced watermelon

mixture over shallots and let cool to room

(yellow and red, if available)

temperature. Once cooled, whisk olive oil

Yield: 4 servings

1/4 cup sliced fresh basil

1

Sherry Vinaigrette Ingredients:

1/2 cup sherry vinegar

1

tablespoon honey

1

shallot, cut in half and sliced thinly

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

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2 2

handful arugula

Sherry vinaigrette

(see recipe above)

Salt and pepper, to taste

with shallots and add salt and pepper to taste.

In a large mixing bowl add strawberries, watermelon, basil and arugula. Gently add drizzle of mixed vinaigrette over strawberries, watermelon, basil and arugula

1/3 cup candied walnuts or pecans

mixture. Toss and season with salt and

1/3 cup blue or goat cheese

pepper, plate on desired serving platter or

1

tablespoon pomegranate molasses

into bowls, then top with nuts, cheese and

or balsamic syrup

syrup to serve.

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CHIPOTLE BABY BACK RIBS Yield: about 5 servings Ingredients:

5

pounds pork loin back ribs

or spareribs

1

cup no-salt tomato sauce

1

cup barbecue sauce

1

tablespoon liquid smoke

1

tablespoon yellow mustard

2

small cans chipotle chiles in

adobo sauce, finely chopped

3

teaspoons cornstarch

3

tablespoons water

BY PAUL D. HAMPTON

Preheat broiler; place ribs on rack of broiler pan. Broil ribs until a crust forms on edges, about 8 to 10 minutes on each side. Transfer ribs to a large slow cooker. Combine tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, liquid smoke, mustard, and chiles; pour over ribs. Cover and cook for 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. When done, place ribs on a serving platter; cover to keep warm. Remove liquid from the cooker and skim off fat. In a small pan, combine cornstarch and water.

Add liquid from the cooker and cook on low until it thickens, stirring often. Serve as a sauce for the ribs.

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BY PAUL D. HAMPTON

GREEN BEAN SALAD Yield: about 5 servings Ingredients:

no. 2 can of green beans,

1 tablespoon prepared

drained, (save liquid)

horseradish

1

tablespoon salad oil

1

tablespoon vinegar

1 teaspoon onion juice or 2 cloves of garlic (crushed)

salt & pepper to taste

2 teaspoons chopped chives or green onion tops

1

cup sour cream

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup dry mustard

1

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Mix salad oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to the saved bean liquid. Add the beans and marinate for one hour at room temperature. Drain beans, do not save liquid. Mix remaining ingredients. Add beans, stir until well coated.

Serve chilled.

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THE

SCENE

ARTS

BIG O MUSIC FEST August 16 | Reid’s Orchard The Big O Music Fest, the best time in Owensboro, features some of the top names in country music and is held annually at Reid’s Orchard. This year’s lineup features Hank Williams, Jr., the Charlie Daniels Band, Brasher/Bogue, J.T. Hodges, The Lacs, and Locash Cowboys. Tickets can be purchased through the website. Gates open at noon with performances beginning at 1 p.m.

MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL August 16 | First Presbyterian Church A unique blending of cultures come together to educate the public through dancing, music, ethnic fashions, food, arts and more. A celebration of our diversity. The festival will be on the First Presbyterian Church lawn located at 1328 Griffith Avenue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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ACTIVE

GLOW IN THE PARK August 9, 8 – 10:30 p.m. | Yellow Creek Park 5K Run/Walk at night through Yellow Creek Park; Glow in the Park has doubled the foam and will be adding special UV glow tunnels at each of the color stations!

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DOWNTOWN

FRIDAY AFTER 5

FREE BLUEGRASS

Every Friday from 6 – 10 p.m. | RiverPark Center Owensboro’s signature summer-long, free music festival will feature 50 bands, five venues, more than two dozen Class “PreUnions,” and grows to include all of the resortquality Smothers Park and McConnell Plaza on the Owensboro Riverfront.

First and third Tuesday of each month through October Smothers Park Overlook The city of Owensboro brings back Bluegrass On The Banks, showcasing bluegrass music.

OWENSBORO DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL August 23 | English Park The fourth annual festival brings hundreds of participants and thousands of people down to English Park to enjoy the incredible competition of dragon boat racing on the Ohio River along with cultural entertainment and great food.

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FREE DOWNTOWN

ON THE BANKS

CRUISE IN

Every first Saturday from 4 – 9 p.m. | Downtown Owensboro Head Downtown every 1st Saturday from April to October and enjoy classic cars! Free admission and fun for the whole family!

FREE LIVE

ON THE BANKS

Every Saturday through the summer | Smothers Park Enjoy a mixture of live music every Saturday on the Overlook Stage in Smothers Park.

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THE

SCENE

FAMILY

OWENSBORO FARMERS MARKET LANHAM BROTHERS JAMBOREE

August 9 | Diamond Lake Resort This family-fun and interactive show will feature Bluegrass, Country, Clogging and Comedy. Showtime is 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. The Jamboree will be held in the Good Time Theater at Diamond Lake Resort. Tickets are general admission at the door and are $10 per person, $5 for ages 6-12 years and 5 years and under are free. Discounts offered for groups of 15 or more people. Group tickets may be purchased by calling (270) 314-4331. The lineup will feature Wayne Morris, Gaining Ground, and Isaac Rhodes.

For more information, visit www.lanhambrothersjamboree.com

DCPS ALUMNI & FRIENDS FESTIVAL 2014

August 29 – 30 | Various Locations Distinguished Alumni Celebration – Friday night before the Friday Night Football game -- Apollo vs. Daviess County. The two teams will play each other on Friday night, August 29th, at Apollo. Call Apollo to reserve tickets. And start training now for the Alumni & Friends 3K Run – runners and walkers of all ages and all ability levels at the 3K’s.

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Between 40-45 vendors are expected this season for fresh-from-the-farm produce at three satellite locations: Tuesdays, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, 1201 Pleasant Valley Road Wednesdays, 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. | New Life Church, 400 Crabtree Avenue Fridays 2 - 5 p.m. | Nona’s Downtown Market, 126 E. 2nd Street

RIVER VALLEY CLUSTER DOG SHOW

August 21 – 24 | Owensboro Convention Center AKC all breed dog show. Dogs from all over the country and numerous foreign countries will compete. Grooming and preparation on-site.

Family oriented fun!

MARKET DAYS

August 2 and 3 and September 5 - 6 | Preservation Station Preservation Station Market Days are held the first weekend of every month, Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. with over 65 vendors of antique, vintage, handcrafted, and customized items, live music, and food. Preservation Station Market and Event Center, 9661 Highway 56. Call 270-215-1045, go to www.visitpreservationstation. com, or find us on Facebook.

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KIDS

OPEN BOUNCE NIGHTS Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays | U-Bounce The perfect party place for kids. Amazing inflatables in an unbelievably cool bounce stadium. Private, clean and climate controlled. All children must wear socks. $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child, adults always free; On Toddler Tuesday, children 5 and under get in for $5 all night. Tuesday and Wednesday 5 – 8 p.m. and Friday 5 - 9 p.m. (270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

FREE

STORYTIMES

Mondays & Thursdays | Daviess County Public Library Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m. (270) 684-0211 or dcplibrary.org.

FREE

SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!

Mondays & Thursdays | Daviess County Public Library Visit the library every Saturday morning for self guided fun and educational activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness.

10 a.m. – 12 p.m. (270) 684-0211 or dcplibrary.org.

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THE LAST WORD

BY LORA WIMSATT

THE BEAUT Y IS IN THE JOY

M

y heart swells with emotion while I listen to the magnificent music flowing from the stage as the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra performs with our community gathered at the riverfront for the Fourth of July celebration.

Maestro Palmer introduces the next number, I close my eyes, and the melody caresses me as it floats by …. ah, beauty …

And then I hear a harsh “Honk! Honk!” and open my eyes to see a little boy toddling by, tooting on a plastic horn, offering a cheerful, if oblivious, contribution to the atmosphere woven by the symphony.

I have big plans for my grandgirl Briley, limited only by our own imaginations – and time. Of course her mother and father will want her back at the end of the day; they always do. But until then, Briley is mine, all mine, and I am mindful of my limited opportunity to introduce her to experiences her parents might have overlooked.

Not that they are neglectful by any means. But for some reason, they have never taken her outside to pour a spoonful of sugar on the ground just to watch the ants move into synchronized action; nor have they searched the weeds along the fence line for a dried milkweed pod to open and release the seeds with their fluffy parachutes into the wind.

Today, I am thinking “art,” but the glass whimsies currently on display at the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art are a little too fine for a 3-year-old. I don’t want to introduce art into her consciousness with a refrain of “no no” and “don’t touch,” so sigh in resignation and

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go to Plan B: A box of chalk, a sidewalk and a wet rag to erase mistakes.

Lyla is wearing a tutu – a cotton candy skirt that bounces with every bouncing step she takes.

The rest of the family is still in the living room, relaxing and talking after a shared meal, so for now it is just the two of us, grandmother and very grand child.

Nobody is looking. So that, plus the tutu, inspires me to show Lyla the few ballet moves I know.

“Stand on your tippy-toes, and then lean down ….”

I am the world’s most awkward swan, but I manage not to fall over as I lift one leg behind me and allow my arms to sweep out and up, more or less gracefully – mostly less.

Lyla gazes at me with somber and somewhat confused eyes.

“We’re dancing,” I explain, a little embarrassed.

But now those eyes light up with new understanding.

Dancing, she knows.

She begins to bop up and down, claps in no discernible rhythm, then twirls clumsily around and around and around … until she collapses in a giggling and tulle-tangled heap.

She scrambles to her feet, reaching up to grab my hand, and the two of us twirl and swirl and spin and fall, again and again ….

Music – art – dancing.

The beauty is in the creation, the beauty is in the joy.

And if it sounds like a raucous honk, or looks like a pastel scribble, or feels like a dizzying twirl – it is still beautiful.

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