Owensboro Living - December 2014 / January 2015

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FROM THE EDITOR

Publisher/Creative Director Jason Tanner Editor Steven Wilson

‘ T IS BE T TE R TO G I VE

B

Ad Sales Rudy Strahan Robert Williams

y this time every year, the signs of the Christmas season are clearly visible. Colored lights brightly

Layout Design Andrea Roberson

adorn neighborhood trees and wreaths festively hang from frosty windows.

We happily fill our

Ad Design Andrea Roberson Taylor West

schedules with school programs, office parties, and family dinners. With these reminders of the season everywhere we

Contributors Ben Hoak Gail Kirkland Bryan Leazenby Danny May Dr. Khanh Nguyen Adam Paris Stuart Peck Jaime Rafferty Ashley Sorce Melody Ann Wallace Lora Wimsatt

go, it’s easy to embrace the spirit of Christmas. And since its inception, the heart of Christmas has been the act of giving – from the world receiving its greatest gift in the form of a Savior, to our own traditions of exchanging gifts with friends and family.

In this issue, our cover feature profiles an Owensboro toymaker who not only embraces the spirit of Christmas giving in December, but holds onto it year round.

For almost two

decades, Clyde Fogle has been busy each year crafting thousands of toys for children in Third World countries from January through December. We all know the adage “Tis better to give than receive,” and many of us do a nice job living it out around Christmastime. But what about the other 11 months of the year?

What if we chose to extend the joy that comes with Christmas giving to the other 364 days on the calendar? Then we’d all be a little closer to knowing the joy that Clyde Fogle, “Kentucky’s Santa Claus,” has known for a long time.

Steven Wilson Editor, Owensboro Living

WHAT IF WE CHOSE TO EXTEND THE JOY THAT COMES WITH CHRISTMAS GIVING TO THE OTHER 364 DAYS ON THE CALENDAR? -JASON TANNER

Printing Greenwell Chisholm Owensboro, Kentucky Online www.owensboroliving.com facebook.com/owensboroliving twitter.com/owensboroliving issuu.com/owensboroliving Offline Owensboro Living Magazine PO Box 23237 Owensboro, KY 42304 (270) 314-5240 Subscribe Delivery of Owensboro Living is available by visiting owensboroliving.com/subscribe Advertise Owensboro Living is a FREE magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses & organizations who advertise.

A Jason Tanner Design Group Company

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DEC JAN

2013-14

[08]

[30]

THE BUZZ

THE REAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EVENTS THAT SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY

[12]

THE PULSE

WHEN WAS YOUR LAST TUNE-UP? TAKING THE PLUNGE

FEATURES [19] TAKING CENTRE COURT

ADVANTAGE OWENSBORO [24] MAKING THE TOUGH CALLS [30] ARMSTRONG ATTEMPTING

WORLD RECORD [34] KENTUCKY’S SANTA CLAUS [38] LIGHTING UP THE TOWN [42] SOLVING PROBLEMS

THROUGH TECHNOLOGY [46] OWENSBORO ON ICE

[52]

THE STYLE

38TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY FOREST

[60]

[46]

[30]

[12]

THE DISH

A COMPLETE HOLIDAY TABLE

[64]

[24]

THE SCENE

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND OWENSBORO

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BUZZ

CITY WINS PARKS AWARD The City of Owensboro was honored with two awards at the Kentucky Recreation and Parks Society Conference, which was held November 12-14, 2014 at the Owensboro Convention Center. Smothers Park was honored with the 2014 Kentucky Recreation and Park Society Outstanding Facility award. With the new slogan ‘Let’s Go Downtown,’ the

Owensboro Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating Owensboro’s revitalized riverfront as a point of pride for residents. In addition to the state award for Smothers Park, Owensboro Mayor Ron Payne was selected 2014 Kentucky Recreation and Parks Society Outstanding Public Official for his vision and success implementing Owensboro’s riverfront revitalization.

FIRST RIVERARTES ART PIECE INSTALLED Six works of public art have been selected for

being leased for the RiverArtes project by Ann

installation in downtown Owensboro from

Murphy Kincheloe and will be on display in that

the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art’s recent

park through October of 2016.

exhibition, RIVERARTES: THE ART OF PLACEMAKING, a project being coordinated for the city by the museum.

The first installation in the public art project, a bronze figure of a Native American hunter, was installed in the museum’s Ryan Park earlier this week. Created by Loveland, Colorado artist Denny Haskew, the one and one-fourth life-sized bronze, entitled “Strength of the Maker,” is

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PHOTO BY AP IMAGERY

THE

OHS PRINCIPAL TO RETIRE AFTER SCHOOL YEAR Anita Burnette, the beloved principal of Owensboro High School for the past 12 years, announced her intent to retire at the end of the school year in May. Her announcement came at a faculty and staff meeting at the school during November. Burnette started with Owensboro Public Schools in 1988 as a special education teacher.

She later became an assistant principal, then in 2002, Burnette became the principal at Owensboro High School. Students describe Burnette as a mother figure; someone who always puts her students first.

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78th Annual

CHRISTMAS PARADE

The Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade

Association held the 78th Annual Christmas parade themed “Christmas Miracles” Saturday afternoon, November 22, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. The Owensboro Christmas Parade is the largest Christmas parade in

PHOTOS BY AP IMAGERY

Kentucky and the Tri-state area.

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THE

BUZZ

LOCAL STORIES DELIVERED DAILY

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it

music, sports, education, and everything

again: This is an exciting time to live

in between, there is simply no other

in Owensboro! Now, were excited to

place that offers so much local content

invitie you to owensboroliving.com -

right at your fingertips.

your free online source for local news in Owensboro and Western Kentucky.

“The Buzz” section in our print version simply wasn’t big enough to contain all of the amazing things going on in our city. Updated daily, owensboroliving. com is quickly becoming the go-to site for the latest news in our vibrant community. Covering local news,

NEW OWENSBORO VIDEO PREMIERED

OCTC NAMED TECHNICAL SCHOOL OF THE YEAR WIX® Filters, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Tomorrow’s Tech magazine named Owensboro Community & Technical College (OCTC) as the 2014 Technical School of the Year during a surprise ceremony at

The Owensboro Daviess County Visitor’s Bureau released an exciting

the school on Monday, Oct.

new Owensboro tourism video at the Greater Owensboro Chamber of

27. OCTC was selected as the

Commerce Rooster Booster. The video, titled “Owensboro, Kentucky –

seventh-annual School of the

The Perfect Recipe,” features vibrant scenes of Owensboro and its people along with upbeat music. The video will be used for tourism as well as customized and narration added by several other organizations and can be viewed on OwensboroLiving.com.

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Year from 151 applications nominating school technical training programs nationwide.

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THE

PULSE

WHEN WAS YOUR LAST TUNE-UP?

I’m not talking about for your car or for any other machine you might use. I’m talking about for your body. When it comes to your car, a breakdown is an expensive problem to have. If you don’t take care of it and give it the attention it needs, a little problem can become a big one. When it’s your body you neglect, it can have life-altering consequences.

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BY DR. KHANH NGUYEN OWENSBORO HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP

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The end of the year is upon us and healthy living includes

• Cholesterol – High cholesterol levels typically don’t cause

getting a physical once a year, getting your vital stats checked

signs or symptoms, but can ultimately lead to heart

out and knowing what you can do to take better care of yourself.

disease; a simple blood test is all it takes to tell you what your cholesterol numbers are.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER Unfortunately for us, the human body lacks a console with gauges and lights to warn us when we’ve got a problem. That’s

• Blood sugar – This test can determine your risks for diabetes or kidney disease; this test is typically done from the same sample as a cholesterol screening.

why it’s important to see your doctor once a year and get the

• Weight – Being over or underweight is a key warning sign

appropriate tests done. Doctors are also trained to look for

for a wide range of issues; make sure to talk to your doctor

physical changes to your body that can indicate problems,

about what your weight means and what you can and

so a face-to-face physical examination at least once a year is

should do to maintain a healthy weight.

recommended.

Also, if you use any tobacco products, talk to your doctor Routine physicals should include the following tests:

about quitting. There are a great number of resources to help

• Blood pressure – Catching high blood pressure early can make

you quit for good and the sooner you stop, the better it will be

a critical difference in preventing a heart attack or a stroke.

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for your health in the long run.

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WARNING SIGNS

CHEW ON THIS

In addition to annual physical exams, there are certain

Diet and exercise are critical components to living a

regular screenings men should be getting based on their age,

healthy, happy and long life. Eating the right foods not only

family history or risk factors. These screenings, especially

keeps you going day after day, but also helps stave off long-

for certain cancers, can help catch a problem early. Early

term problems like obesity, diabetes and various diseases.

detection is the best way to prevent problems in the long

Likewise, exercise helps maintain our bodies and keep them

term. Screenings men should get regularly include:

functional.

• Colon cancer – You should get screened for colon cancer

It’s also important to keep in mind that our bodies change

beginning at age 50, or earlier if a family member has

over time, and that’s not just limited to minor aches or pains

been diagnosed with colon cancer, using a test like a

or trouble keeping up with younger individuals. The way

colonoscopy; these screenings should be done every 10

your body functions changes, and that includes how your

years if nothing is found and you have no family history,

body handles and metabolizes what you eat. That’s why it’s

or more frequently as recommended by your doctor.

important to be conscientious and careful with what you

• Prostate cancer – This screening should typically be

eat as you get older. Talk to your doctor and find out what

started at age 50, though family history or other risk

resources are available to you. It can have a lasting impact on

factors can indicate a need to start earlier; screening for

your health.

prostate cancer can be done with a PSA blood test or by a physical examination by your doctor.

Dr. Khanh Nguyen (pronounced “Khan Win”) is a board-certified family medicine physician with Owensboro Health’s Medical Group. He is a

• Skin cancer – Men are two to three times as likely as women

veteran of the U.S. Navy, previously holding the rank of Lt. Commander

to develop certain skin cancers, with risk increasing as

and serving in Pensacola, Florida, Washington, D.C., and at the Marine

lifetime sun exposure accumulates; check yourself every

Corps Air Station in Iwakuni, Japan. To schedule an appointment, call Owensboro Health Family Care at 270-688-4401.

three months for new or changing skin lesions and ask your doctor to check you, head-to-toe, once a year.

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THE

PULSE

BY JAIME RAFFERTY

TAKING THE PLUNGE! T

rying to think of something special to do with your sweetie, or for someone you love on Valentine’s Day 2015? This may be the only time you are allowed to give your love a cold shoulder.

How about making a time or monetary donation, and taking the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Kentucky (SOKY) without even leaving Owensboro/ Daviess County?

The Special Olympics Mission is “to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities by giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical

year. In these few years, the event has brought in more than $6.5 million for Special Olympics Kentucky programs.

If you aren’t familiar with “The Plunge,” it works like a Walk-A-Thon. Polar Bears register and ask friends and family to support them in their efforts, which will benefit Special Olympics. The difference is that Polar Bears take a chilly plunge, or dip, into either a lake or a pool.

Kendra Lowther, Special Projects Coordinator, says this is the 10th year for the Owensboro Plunge.

Residents are in for a treat in 2015, as the plunge will take place in beautiful downtown Owensboro at

fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”

Special Olympics’ signature event, The Polar Plunge, celebrates its 17th year in Kentucky this

the Mitch McConnell Plaza.

This year, with the new location, Kendra says, Special Olympics wants to encourage Owensboro residents to come out and participate, or be a spectator and support the cause. Previous years have seen 100+ “plungers.” However, in 2015 coordinators

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PHOTO BY MARK SMITH

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would like to see at least 250 participants. Perhaps this is a bucket list item that SOKY can help the local community check off that list.

What’s new this year, besides the location?

The 2015 Polar Plunge festivities include the inaugural Donut Dash 5K, a fun run/walk through Downtown Owensboro where participants have the opportunity to also plunge into donuts, furnished

by The Rolling Pin Bakery, as part of their run.

Participants are not just limited to plunging or dashing, they can double their fun and do both!

Local radio personality with WBKR, Chad Benefield, is a long-time committee member and the emcee for the event. When asked how long, he quips, “Over 10 years, but I’ve lost track. I think it’s because my brain is frost-bitten.” He humbly puts his money and his body where his mouth is by also participating as a plunger. Chad, in his good humor, says, “It’s just an awful way to raise money and every time I hit the freezing cold water I swear I see dead relatives waving me toward the white light. But it’s an absolute blast. And I wouldn’t miss it for the world. It’s the one charity event in town where someone can launch an obscenity into the air and everyone forgives them.”

Chad thinks the Donut Dash 5K will be a fun addition. Just before the plunge, he explains, “At the starting line, runners are given a donut hole. At the first mile marker they’ll get the donut the hole came from. And the second mile marker, they’ll get a chocolate long john. And at the end of the race they’ll get . . . in honor of the Polar Bear Plunge . . . a

bear claw!” Some may run from the sweet treats, as others run towards them, either way it’s a new and inventive way to engage the community in an event to help everyone have the opportunity to train and compete as an athlete.

This cause is close to Chad’s heart, “I am a huge fan of the Olympics Games. Summer. Winter. I’m there. And I think the reason I have been so drawn to them (participants), since I was a child really, is that I love underdog stories, and I love when anyone overcomes obstacles to achieve their goals and cross a finish line. And the Special Olympics are the ultimate testament to that. These Olympians, in many ways, are the ultimate underdogs. The Special Olympics gives them a platform to train, compete and conquer. It’s an amazing organization and the athletes involved are proof that the world of sports is the single most unifying force on the planet. There may be agony in defeat, but with these incredible and amazing special Olympians, there is pure thrill in victory.”

The beautiful thing about the Polar Plunge and Donut Dash 5K is that you do not have to be an athlete; you just have to be able to eat donuts, walk, run or be willing to take a chilly plunge for a wonderful cause.

So on Valentine’s Day 2015, show Special Olympics of Kentucky some love by participating in the Owensboro Polar Plunge!

For more information or to register, contact Candace Thompson at 800-633-7403 or 502-3265002 or via e-mail at cthompson@soky.org.

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RENDERING BY HAFER ASSOCIATES

BY GAIL E. KIRKLAND

P

taking centre court

ADVANTAGE OWENSBORO

erseverance has yielded an unprecedented partnership.

raised by ODCTA in donations to build the indoor complex.

The Owensboro Daviess County Tennis Association

In the end, the City contributed $1 million and land for the

(ODCTA) and the City of Owensboro have combined efforts

project; ODCTA raised the initial $500,000 down payment,

to make a long-time vision of a new indoor tennis facility a

and financed a $1.2 million bond; the County contributed

reality. Centre Court, which features six indoor tennis courts

$100,000, and individual donations continue to roll in.

and nine indoor courts, is expected to open in February 2015.

Strong motivation for seeing such a large project to

The massive tennis facility is nestled in the sports complex at

fruition came from the desire to remember Luke Woodward,

Russell Shifley Park off Bittel Road—visible from the Bypass.

an exceptional young man and 1995 Doubles State Champion,

“I believe we will have a healthier community with our new

who died of a brain aneurism his final year of law school.

tennis facility; that’s one of the reasons we were able to raise

Much good can come from bad. One of the six courts will be

the money we’ve raised,” said Noel Clayton, who has been

named in his honor. Ashley and Max Lile, whose 1-year-old

instrumental in the entire project. The initial idea began 8-10

son is Luke’s namesake, met at Luke’s funeral. Ashley was

years ago with a nucleus of three avid tennis players: Noel,

in law school with Luke; Max had worked tennis camps at the

Norman Woodward and Phil Clark. After a series of failed

Hamptons in New York with Luke. The couple gladly accepted

attempts and multiple proposed locations, the project gained

the challenge to raise $50,000 needed for the court naming.

traction when Mayor Ron Payne agreed to match $500,000

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Another key component of the project involved the search

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for a tennis director. Over 50 pros submitted

said. Josh (wife Brittany and son Sebastion, 5)

applications nationwide. A former pro himself who

said that they were drawn to Owensboro’s small-

knows the tennis industry, Altaf Merchant took a

town appeal, strong school system, the warmth

principle role in the search process. “That was a

and hospitality of its people and its proximity to

huge step forward for us when he came on board;

home—Lebanon, Indiana.

he’s been all in since he joined us,” Noel said. The

newly-hired tennis director, Josh Whitman, will be

host a wide array of programs: junior clinics, adult

responsible for day-to-day operations and oversee

ladies’ and men’s clinics, private lessons, cardio

the full programming of the club. A graduate of

tennis, ball machine rentals, permanent court time,

Tyler Junior College, Josh has a degree in tennis

league play, and special event planning (birthdays,

management. A shortened list of his credentials

anniversaries, etc.). “I’m very excited. I think the

includes USTPA, Elite P-1 and USTA High

new facility is going to bring a whole other tennis

Performance Certification. Less than one percent of

population to the community. Something this

tennis coaches nationwide have attained the High

new will make more tennis happen here. Basically

Performance Certification. “Josh started playing at

anything with a ball and a racquet, we can make

13; he’s only been around tennis 18 years. Tennis

happen,” Josh said. He explained that a facility like

is something he absolutely loves. He is energized,

this will open new possibilities for USTA Southern

refreshed and all his references said they knew that

Tournaments — big tournaments — which bring

one day he would be a director of tennis,” Altaf

large groups to town. In addition, ODCTA expects

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Centre Court, a 48,000-square foot facility, will

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the return of several adult tournaments, possibly USTA’s 40 & Over and 55 & Over state tournaments.

(Henderson hosted the 55 & Over State Tournament this year.) Other college conference tournaments are within the group’s sights, too.

“I’m confident we will have the Junior Team Tennis

State Tournament here in 2016,” Noel said. Organizers want to move tournaments like these around the state; the tournament includes 20 teams with 6-8 players per team playing a 3-day event.

The bottom line? “We need to make sure that we

program the facility in ways that maximize its usage, and we have not experienced having a club available for use during the summer,” Noel said. The Executive Racquet Club (3 courts) was open October-March.

As an added perk, the indoor facility will provide

camp-type programs for all the kids, different ages and abilities,” Josh said. Players from age 5 through high school age will have skills programs. Courts are available at half-price rates during the summer. Nonprofit groups will have opportunities to use the courts

programming during summer months, which will

for special rates and special projects.

help generate more revenue to pay down the debt on

the facility. “We will have a lot of during-the-day,

I think is so cool about it . . . you have 5-year-olds

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Tennis is considered a life-long sport. “That’s what

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playing, and then I think of Jared Barron playing

healthy recreation and physical fitness for all area

until he was 95—and that’s just so cool,” Noel said.

residents, and to cooperate with the USTA and

Oftentimes, a wide range of ages play together. When

other organizations, including Owensboro Parks

he said, “You’ll get to play with your grandkids,”

& Recreation, to pursue these aims. The ODCTA

that caught my attention.

is not an exclusive organization, and relies on

Josh has lofty goals for the facility, hoping to

volunteers to oversee and promote activities that

nearly triple memberships within two years. In his

can be enjoyed at all skill levels.”

opinion, the best way to grow tennis is “product

on the court.” He brings that. Several tennis pros

tennis complex. Our next endeavor is to promote

will be working as independent contractors at the

tennis. We will be going into the elementary

Centre. “Before the start of the [next] indoor season,

schools, teaching 10 & Under tennis, and going

a Head Pro will likely be hired on staff,” Noel said.

to large corporations promoting tennis as a

With six courts, more pros are needed. Presently,

healthy lifestyle,” said Charlotte Miller, ODCTA

tennis players are using the Executive Racquet Club

president.

for indoor play, with Josh and Bill Henness as the

only two full-time pros working there.

bringing some national pros in for an exhibition

ODCTA’s

mission

is

“to

encourage

and

“I’m really excited about the completion of our

A Grand Opening is in the works, with hopes of

game. Can you say, Advantage Owensboro?

support the development of tennis as a means of

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BY .

GAIL E D N A L K KIR

MAKING THE H

er gold tennis racquet necklace, accented

Each place and each responsibility on court has

with a diamond ball, only tells part of the

its own set of pressures. “You have to have really

story. A latecomer to tennis, she had never seen

good eyes, stamina, be able to stand on your feet

a tennis match. Friends Vivian Montgomery and

a lot and you have to have really thick skin—not

Shannon Erickson were going to the Western

only thick skin, but a lot of confidence in yourself.

Southern Open in Cincinnati and invited her to

Without that, you’re going to be eaten alive. It’s

go. After seeing Agassi, Sampras and Chang play,

the most competitive thing I’ve ever done in my

she was hooked. In 2007, she called her first small

life—and the sweetest gig I’ve ever done in my

tournament. Tennis official. Chair. Linesman.

life,” Laura said.

Referee. Umpire. Laura Clark is all that.

Her primary roles at tournaments include

and by this time, Laura was going to Cincinnati

referee (the person who is officially in charge of

regularly. “I saw her on the court, and I said ‘I want

everything at the tournament), chair (literally

to do that. I want to be there.’ She told me who

sits in the chair and makes calls) and linesman

to talk to.” Laura began the application process:

(stands on court and calls balls in and out). She

Contacted the local league coordinator. Applied

does junior, college and professional-level tennis.

on the USTA website. Read the rules book. Took

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A friend in Henderson was calling tournaments,

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a test on it. Went to school. “After you go to school, you start begging . . .”

Laura said emphatically. Officials can apply online for every USTA tournament, but to break into the ranks is easier said than done.

She did it. Laura has called at Arthur Ashe Stadium at the U.S.

Open in New York and the Davis Cup in Chicago this past September.

She aspires to being on the line at an ATP final, and a U.S. Open final.

“I have no intention of slowing down at this point, because I am still growing. I’m such a newbie . . . for me, it’s what’s next,” Laura said. “I have had the support of a very, very good man who said, ‘If you want to do this, I support you wholeheartedly; I can’t imagine anything more fun,’ and you’ve got to have that.”

Her first tournament was in Evansville. She recalls it as “comical.”

They used Laura’s racquets for her on-court training. “Thankfully it was a woman’s 10K. Some are still playing. They don’t know me from Adam, but I remember them and how much I screwed up that first tournament. That may be why it took me a year to get another tournament,” she said.

One official’s misfortune became Laura’s good fortune. “I broke in

because a guy had a mild heart attack the week before and they needed someone local to fill in,” Laura said. The top person in charge of officials is from Newburgh, Indiana, and knew of Laura. That’s when

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she got the call. They knew Laura lived in proximity to Memphis. “I got home from Telluride at midnight, got up at 6 a.m. and drove to Memphis. I didn’t tell her that part. That got me some ATP grades.” Then the same guy could not go to a Florida tournament, so she was asked to fill in again. “I was not going to say no,” Laura said. That happenstance launched her career.

“We apply for every tournament. We know what the

pay is going to be, what the accommodations are going to be, what the travel is going to be. We know up front and we can say no,” Laura said. The first three years, she continued begging to get into tournaments. “Every single time we step on court we are being evaluated.

Those grades determine whether or not you are going to work. It’s a catch-22. You need grades to be hired.

You can’t get grades unless you are hired. I begged people to let me work the days evaluators would be there, so I could get some grades,” Laura said. Tennis officials work independently, not as a team. She has worked her way up with the ATP and she knows the core people who will work those events.

Her first big-time court, big stage was in 2009 in Cincinnati—quite soon after her start. “I got lucky. A lot of it is luck. I worked my bottom off, but a lot of it is luck, too.” Typically, she’s gone about a week, but some of those are back-to-back tournaments. The crème de la crème of tournaments for her is the Western Southern Open in Cincinnati, “because it’s home, it’s where I see my friends from home,” Laura said.

Keeping her personal excitement in check can be challenging. “The only times we are seen by the people are during our mess-ups. Period. The first time you are on a big court it is terrifying, and it is the coolest, most terrifying experience in the whole world. You are shaking so hard and you’re sure they can see you shaking. As soon as the match starts, as soon as it’s time to stand up and look down at that court, the nerves go away—until you mess up or your voice goes shrill. Then it comes back,” Laura said.

How does she prepare for a tournament, to be her best

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that’s going on. At a big tournament, there are a hundred of us. We have a big break room where we are all together, playing games all day…catching up or getting to know one another… There’s a bunch of buzz about what’s going on.

For me, I play cards or whatever, but 15 minutes before it’s time for me to go on, I get away and remind myself why I’m there and what I’m doing. I have to do that to clear my head, to do my best, to not screw up a call,” Laura said.

Compensation comes in many forms. It is all in relation

to the tournament itself. Some are very generous with the officials; some not so much. “I would do it for free. It’s not something you are going to make a huge amount of money doing, but . . . I love it,” she said.

Imagine standing there, knowing your call could change

the momentum of the game. “Most of the time you don’t

will be eaten alive and you will be the most miserable person

know. Then you realize it was a very crucial point and you

there,” she said.

realize someone’s not going to be happy . . . someone is,

someone else is very unhappy. It doesn’t take long to get past

“Electronic review is only on ATP and WTA. The only USTA

that. It’s a call and it’s either IN or OUT. That’s my call. You

tournament with electronic review is the U.S. Open. It’s only

tell yourself you are doing the right thing. I can only call

at the highest level. The amount of money a tournament has

what I see. You have to stick with it . . . face it head on. If

determines how much that electronic review will be used,”

you can’t do that in good conscience, you can’t be there. You

Laura explained. “We love electronic review. It’s a backup

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The electronic review plays into the bigger tournaments.

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27

for us. To the players, this is the way it is. If you want to

weren’t guessing!” Her husband Phil framed a picture of

challenge, challenge. It ends the discussion. That point’s

that exchange, which was captured on TV and it sits on the

over. It shuts everyone up. It’s a great tool for us.”

secretary in their downtown condo.

Physical challenges include heat, cold, wind, a tickle, rain

Laura is sympathetic to the players and the pressure they

delays, a cough—and bugs. At Indian Wells, for example,

are under while playing, regardless of the level. “There are

it could be 100 degrees during the day and 50 degrees at

no calls that are not significant, that are not important to

night. Officials are layering and unlayering constantly. “It

that player, whether a qualifying match or a championship

is draining to work August in Lexington, where your shoes

match. Every call, every match, every point, every game is

are melting and sticking to the courts—and they really are,”

crucial to someone.” She noted how important that is at the

she said.

lowest level because it could impact whether that player will

continue on with tennis.

Memorable moments come in many forms. Laura took a

130-mph serve at her lip in one of her first men’s tournaments

in Louisville. “I had never learned the technique of move,

every year. The rules and laws change, so they must stay

and it busted my lip totally. That’s probably the most

up-to-date. “I learn something new every tournament I go

memorable because I was brand new.”

to,” Laura said. Within a year’s time, for ATP tournaments

One of the top pros (as in top, top pros) asked her if she

Laura travels to Memphis; Del Ray; Indian Wells; Miami;

was guessing on her call. Typically, officials do not interact

Washington, DC; Cincinnati; Winston-Salem and the U.S.

with the players. “I just nodded and he asked again, ‘Are

Open in Flushing Meadows, N.Y. She loves the travel, not

you sure or were you guessing?’” She smiled a little and

so much the hours. The days can be very long. The upside

told him she was not guessing. The electronic review

is the constant adrenaline rush, the challenge of making the

confirmed her call and the pro then smiled and said, “You

tough calls.

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The officials have on-the-job training and must re-certify

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Army Armstrong is on a mission to build the world’s fastest bookmobile.

For that to happen, Armstrong’s creation has to exceed a speed of 211 miles per hour.

To be exact, he’s building a car in his garage to attempt to break the world land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah next August. It’s what he’ll do with the car after the

PHOTOS BY TAYLOR WEST

trial that makes it an educational piece. “All

BY DANNY MAY

my cars are built with a purpose,” Armstrong said. “This would be a great teaching tool to talk with kids about math and chemistry.

You could talk about tire rotation, cubic feet, horsepower, all those different things.” As you can see, Armstrong never misses a chance to teach or encourage kids. He may have legions

ARMSTRONG ATTEMPTING WORLD RECORD

of monster truck fans around the country who know him as a Hall of Fame announcer, but he’s just “Mr. Knuckles” to the kids in the carrider line at Sutton Elementary. For about 15 years now, he’s been the guy who gives kids knuckle bumps each morning at the back door.

After that, it’s back to work in the garage,

tinkering on his Bonneville car and trying new ideas. Cooling the engine is one of the things he’s still figuring out. “At that speed, it can overheat, so I’m trying to cool it using CO2.”

He’s come up with a system that has a timer on it that shoots a puff of CO2 every six seconds.

If his plan works, that little innovation just might be the thing that gets him enough extra

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horsepower to break the existing record.

includes

5

(mostly

NHRA)

Another issue to figure out is keeping

national

championships

across

different

the car straight. Once a car goes past

platforms of drag racing, designing, and

200mph, it has a tendency to spin out.

building cars. Then he lucked into an

Armstrong thinks he has an idea for that

announcing gig at monster truck events

too. “I put something like a truck bed on

and tractor pulls. It turns out that all his

a car once and it actually helped keep it

first-hand knowledge and experiences

steady by changing the aerodynamics.”

with the racing industry, combined

Basically, this car is a culmination

with his wit, humor, and personality,

of a lifetime of experience in the racing

make him a pretty good announcer,

industry. For as long as he can remember,

too. Armstrong was inducted into the

Armstrong has always loved racing, and

Monster Truck Hall of Fame in 2013.

fast cars are all he’s ever thought about.

Before that, he was also inducted into the

His first job was at a drag strip when he

Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame in

was 10 years old. “This is my passion.

2009.

Everybody has theirs and this is mine,”

he explained. His career in motorsports

trick and tip he’s learned along the way

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Armstrong is now putting every little

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31

into building this car. He’s named the vehicle the “Original

project that is still a year away from completion. Bonneville

Kentucky Colonel,” in memory of a friend who passed away

only holds races once a year, and this year it got rained out,

from cancer.

so Armstrong now has another year to tweak his car and get

Racing at Bonneville is a bucket list item for Armstrong,

it ready. If all goes according to plan, Armstrong will have

but with all his experience in racing, he’s never done

a serious shot at breaking the world record, especially if his

anything quite like this. Drag-racing cars are typically very

innovations work.

light, with wide back wheels and small, narrow front wheels,

but Bonneville cars are built to be heavy, to keep them on

tools, and other memorabilia from a lifetime of racing, but

the ground. Unlike a drag strip, the salt flat course is several

he’s also a man of many other talents. One of his hobbies

miles long, which means the cars have a mile to get up to

is painting doll houses, which he donates to children whose

speed, a mile to reach top speed, and at least a mile to slow

fathers or mothers are overseas in the service.

down after the parachute deploys. Therefore, the back wheels

and front wheels are the same size. Another difference is the

and you never know what you’re going to hear next. But

cars at Bonneville don’t race side by side. You’re really racing

with Armstrong, nothing should surprise you - not even a

the clock. The cars line up single-file and race one at a time.

74-year-old from Owensboro, Kentucky breaking the world

The Original Kentucky Colonel has been a 2½ year

land speed record.

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Armstrong’s garage is filled with signs, stickers, pictures,

Being an announcer, Armstrong always has a story to tell,

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ARTICLE BY

DANNY MAY

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PHOTOS BY JASON TANNER

O

wensboro toymaker Clyde Fogle is giving Santa a run for his money.

Over the last twelve years, Fogle has made 144,000 wooden toys in his backyard wood shop and given them away to children all over the world, in over 80 countries, through Operation Christmas Child.

On the back wall of his dusty workshop, just

with his friends, David and Judy Heady, who were

beyond the bandsaws, drills, and sanders, hangs a

missionaries in Haiti through Global Outreach.

map that has a pin in it for every country where his

Of course, those children in Haiti were thrilled to

toys have been delivered. Most of the pins are in

receive the cars, and a spark was lit in Fogle.

Central America and Africa, but it’s an impressive

After praying about what to do next, some

visual to see how far his toys have traveled.

friends suggested he should contact Operation

Christmas

It all began when Fogle retired in 1997. One

Child,

an

organization

run

by

day, he was moving a piece of furniture up a

Samaritan’s Purse that delivers shoeboxes filled

staircase, which was pretty cumbersome for a

with goodies to children in Third World countries.

man with muscular dystrophy and leg braces on

“Those who have seen them hand out the

his ankles, when he decided it was time to do

shoeboxes to the kids say it’s priceless to witness

something else.

the joy and happiness on those kids’ faces,” Fogle

said. “They just squeal they’re so happy.”

“I’ve always been interested in woodworking,

but I was mostly making cabinets and furniture.

But then I noticed an article in a woodworking

pocket car. He buys the wheels pre-made in bags

catalogue about a kit you could order that had

of 5,000. Then he traces, cuts out, and sands the

enough material to make 100 small cars.” Fogle

car bodies, snaps the wheels on the axles, and

tried his hand at the cars and decided to send them

assembles them on the cars. His favorite body

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The toy that Clyde makes most often is a little

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35

style is what he calls the “little ‘vette,” but he also makes

but word has gotten out. Samaritan’s Purse produced a

a slick-looking drag car.

Helicopters with spinning

promotional video for Operation Christmas Child that

propellers are another favorite of his to make. Fogle

featured Fogle making toys in his shop. CNN found

has recently perfected a Hummer-style jeep with drilled

out about it, and aptly called Fogle “Kentucky’s Santa

headlights and carved-out fenders. For the girls, he makes little figurines they can use to play “house.”

Charlotte, North Carolina is the closest distribution

center for Operation Christmas Child.

Once a year,

they’ll send a truck to Clyde’s house. “Whenever I get a pallet full of toys ready, I’ll send them an email, and

Claus.” That story was picked up by a Louisville station and WFIE News 14 featured it as well. But I wouldn’t call him comfortable with the attention. “The only reason I agree to do interviews is I hope that it might inspire someone else,” said Fogle.

a few days later there’s an Estes truck backing a 35-foot

container into my driveway.” After Christmas, they’ll

One man from Arizona contacted Fogle last week

also send Fogle an email, telling him where his toys

after he heard about the shoeboxes from a missionary

ended up.

visiting their church.

Owensboro Christian Church is Daviess County’s

man has already ordered materials to start making toys

drop-off point for shoeboxes for Operation Christmas

himself.

Child. “As a regional collection center, we cover from

Crittenden County over to Hancock County and down to Muhlenberg County,” says Owensboro Christian Children’s Director, Emily Leach. “People either pick up boxes from us to pack, or pack their own boxes and bring them to us. My job is to package the shoeboxes in larger boxes.” Those boxes are loaded on two tractor-trailers

It already has.

After talking with Fogle, the

David Colburn, who started out doing yard work at

Fogle’s house, has become his apprentice. “I’d be out working in the yard and see him in the shop all the time,” Colburn said. Eventually, he asked what Fogle was up to. “Once he showed me what he was doing, I kind of got the itch for it.” Fogle called Colburn a pretty

and taken to the processing center in North Carolina for

fast learner. Right now, he’s working on a doll chair for

repacking and shipping to Third World countries.

his two-year-old daughter, but he says he’d be honored to

carry on Fogle’s toy-making legacy.

Operation Christmas Child’s website says they ship

the shoeboxes by plane, train, truck, boat, canoe, or even

For now, the legacy lives on. As he answered my

camels. At the end of the line, a church leader in each

questions, Fogle dropped another pocket car into a barrel

village receives the boxes and is in charge of distributing

next to his work bench. “That makes about 600. A full

them to the children in the community.

barrel will hold close to 1,500.” He has slowed down a

How much joy can one shoebox bring? Ask the one

hundred million children around the world who have received a shoebox full of goodies at Christmastime through Operation Christmas Child. Typically, the boxes contain toys, clothes, toiletries, and school supplies.

Many of those children get one of Fogle’s toys, made right

little bit this past year though, dropping from about 50 hours a week down to 35 hours. “My wife and my doctor both told me I needed to cut back some,” he smiled.

“Plus, I’m 74.”

For more information about Operation Christmas

here in Owensboro. One of Fogle’s prized possessions is

Child, visit www.samaritanspurse.org. Collection week

a picture of a boy in Peru, holding one of Fogle’s wooden

was Nov 17-24, but to get involved in next year’s shoebox

toys from a box the boy had just opened.

collection, contact Emily Leach at Owensboro Christian

Fogle has never sought recognition for his efforts,

Church.

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BY MELODY ANN WALLACE

LIGHTING up the

TOWN

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PHOTO BY AP IMAGERY

Every year, thousands of people pack their cars full of children and hot cocoa and come from all over the Tri-state, to get a little taste of Christmas cheer. It has even become somewhat of a tradition for those that have moved away from Owensboro to set aside time to view the lights at “the Stonegate house” when they return home each winter to visit.

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With the lights typically on display by Thanksgiving, it is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. However, this season the lights were up for viewing a little earlier than usual. This year, the Lashbrook family was hanging and assembling decorations in anticipation of a new set of viewers.

What once began with a few milk jugs and a handful of tea lights has now transformed into a neighborhood spectacular on view for the entire country to see.

On the evening of Sunday, October 19, Indian Creek Loop was transformed into the backdrop for family-friendly reality television, as camera crews and production assistants buzzed around positioning cameras and lighting, in an effort to get the perfect shot. The street quickly took on the feel of a wintery Christmas commercial as approximately 150 neighbors and family members, dressed in Christmas-themed apparel, lined the streets, eagerly awaiting the cue to illuminate the block. That cue came in the form of a black Lincoln Navigator transporting pint-sized designer Sabrina

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Soto, one of the judges from ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight. Sabrina stepped out of the vehicle to a cheering crowd, a warm welcome from the Lashbrook family, and a special serenade of Christmas carols provided by the Daviess County High School Chamber Choir. After a short, friendly conversation with the family, the crowd then assisted with the countdown to initiate the lights.

1-2-3…

Magically, the entire property began to come alive with the glow of thousands of colored lights that, when lit, looked akin to something that you might see in a frozen fairytale. In the front yard, the first tree to spring to life was the massive blue spruce, covered with shining ornaments and over 10,000 lights. Alongside of it was the “ball tree,” adorned with handmade lanterns and one-of-akind globes that the family created using clear pretzel containers and miniature lights. The family believes that such homemade items will set them apart from others in the competition. While the Lashbrook family has always incorporated

AFTER WATCHING ONE OF LAST YEAR’S EPISODES OF THE GREAT CHRISTMAS LIGHT FIGHT AS A FAMILY, TYLER THOUGHT, “WE CAN DO THIS.”

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PHOTOS BY JASON TANNER

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homemade and hand-crafted items into their display, this year there was a different motivation for doing so. Knowing that celebrity judge and host of The High-Low Project, Sabrina Soto, has an appreciation for DIY and handmade items, this is where the Lashbrooks chose to place their focus.

Jeff and Connie Lashbrook started having customdesigned and lighted pieces created when their children were small. Kelsey, the oldest of the Lashbrook children, says her dad has “always put stuff up” and remembers displays as young as age five. The Christmas train is the one piece that she recalls being around the longest. The first original pieces that Jeff and Connie had designed were the carved statues that were created to depict the actual size of each of the Lashbrook children, Kelsey at age 9, Tyler at age 7, and Jessica at age 5.

Also incorporated into the winter scenes are toy soldiers and five snowmen, which were each artfully crafted to represent this tightly knit family of five.

Jeff ’s love of all things Christmas does not stop with light and decorations. Connie recalls that one day Jeff came home with a Santa suit and began to hand out candy. It has since become tradition for Jeff Lashbrook to dress as Santa, hand out candy canes, and collect donations as onlookers exit the neighborhood. As far as asking for donations from visitors to fund the increased electricity that it takes to run this spectacular display, the family prefers that the money be donated to local charities. In 1999, the neighborhood joined with the Lashbrooks to create “Christmas at Stonegate.” The neighborhood association chooses which two local charities should receive the thousands of dollars given each year in donations. Past recipients have been the Pitino Shelter, Christmas Wish, and the Mary Kendall Home. This ongoing act of kindness may have attributed to the family being chosen for the show.

After watching one of last year’s episodes of The Great Christmas Light Fight as a family, Tyler, the second oldest of the three Lashbrook children, thought, “We can do this.”

The family then read the rules at the end of the show and decided to submit a home video of their Christmas light display. From there, the process went into motion. The show,

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To see the Lashbrook family and their amazing display of lights, as well as members of the Owensboro community, tune in to The Great Christmas Light Fight Monday evenings in December.

The show will premiere on Monday, December 8 on the ABC Television Network and continue to air back-toback episodes on the following dates: Monday, December 8 (7-8 p.m., CT) and (8-9 p.m., CT) Monday, December 15 (7-8 p.m., CT) and (8-9 p.m., CT) Monday, December 22 (7-8 p.m., CT) and (8-9 p.m., CT) now in its second season, selects twenty-four families through an extensive nationwide search, “based on their previous elaborate Christmas light displays, incredible choreography and over-the-top designs.” In each episode, four families then compete with the goal of winning the grand prize of $50,000.

After viewing the video, ABC loved the Lashbrook’s house and the charity component so much that they were automatically advanced to the next round. At that point, they were able to participate in a Skype interview with an ABC producer in Los Angles. Once selected for the show, the family was asked to fill out what they describe as “mounds and, I mean, mounds of paperwork.” The last step involved completing background checks for each family member, reviewing the official rules, and designating who would receive the prize money should they win.

The episode featuring the Lashbrook’s magnificent Stonegate light display is due to air in mid-December.

Regardless of the outcome of this season’s episode, it is certain that the Lashbrooks will continue to light the neighborhood with the joy of Christmas for many years to come.

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solving problems throughTECHNOLOGY

BY MIN BENJA K HOA

A

sk around about the kind of company Louisville-

“I’M PROUD THAT EVEN WHEN WE WERE STRUGGLING, TRYING TO FIGURE OUT OUR NICHE, THAT WE NEVER LOST SIGHT OF THE BIGGER PICTURE – HOW DOES THIS IMPACT THE COMMUNITY? WE DIDN’T FOCUS ON MONEY, BUT ON IMPACT, AND THE MONEY CAME,” HE SAID.

based Interapt is and you might hear any of the

following: • A Silicon Valley-type tech business that focuses on mobile technology.

• The newest Google Glass partner, one of just 10 companies nationwide to emerge from a rigorous selection process approved to develop enterprise applications for the wearable computer.

• A mobile app developer.

• What’s an Interapt?

While all of the above are true, Interapt CEO

Ankur Gopal has a different answer about Interapt’s focus: they solve problems. They just happen to use mobile technology as their solution of choice.

Born and raised in Owensboro, Gopal sees

Interapt as much more than just another tech startup.

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“I like doing something that I know benefits the community,” he said, “and furthers the mission of economic development in Kentucky in terms of creating jobs. The companies of the future will keep the best and brightest in Kentucky – not bolting for the coast because there’s no opportunity here.”

Interapt (interactive + application + aptitude) is certainly creating that opportunity

by raising eyebrows around the country with their success, most recently with Google’s October 21 announcement of its latest partners. The deal gives Interapt instant credibility, especially with companies leery of doing business with firms outside the traditional Silicon Valley/New York pipeline. “The announcement cleared up that problem nicely,” Gopal said.

Gopal has seen a surge of interest in his company in the last few weeks.

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer both publicly praised Interapt, and CNN and USA Today interviewed Gopal about Interapt’s work. The publicity generated 470 LinkedIn requests for Gopal, which resulted in more than 50 clear leads, including top-level decision makers from Fortune 1000 companies who want to discuss using Google Glass in their operations.

“We’re hearing that people are surprised we came out of Kentucky,” Gopal said. “My

response is ‘Why not Kentucky?’ The beautiful thing about technology is that you can do anything from anywhere.”

Interapt applied for the Google partnership based on their work with Yum! Brands in

Louisville. Interapt’s Glass application condensed an 80-page training manual for KFC

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employees to a series of on-screen prompts employees could

right technical solution, whether it’s Glass, a smart watch, a

quickly and easily follow while keeping their hands free to

mobile app, or more.

work. That project led to a pilot employee training program

with Taco Bell, which is expected to save tens of millions of

University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and studying

dollars in operations costs.

entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago’s Polsky

Gopal sees endless applications for Glass. Doctors on

Center for Entrepreneurship, he came back to Owensboro

rounds could take video or audio with Glass and automatically

in 2009 to chase his vision of mobile technology as the next

add the files to the patient’s chart so the next nurse in the

frontier. He started a text messaging service called Agent 511;

room is working with up-to-date information, leading to

once smartphones hit the scene, he realized the tremendous

better care and quicker patient improvement. Reporters in the

opportunity in the mobile app market and charted a new

field could broadcast video straight to the newsroom. Several

course, even though he knew nothing about app development

other projects have transformational potential particularly for

at the time. (The same strategy served him well when he first

healthcare and employee training.

heard of “wearables” such as Google Glass.)

Interapt doesn’t develop cool applications just to be cool.

Gopal has come a long way. After graduating from the

In 2011, Gopal moved the growing company to Louisville

“If it doesn’t make the patient better, what’s the point?” Gopal

to take advantage of the larger companies there; the team is

said of the healthcare solution. When a company approaches

now at about 80 employees and is in “an aggressive growth

Interapt with a problem, Gopal and his team conduct a

phase.” Greater Louisville, Inc. named Interapt a “Hot Dozen”

strong discovery process to reveal the critical needs that keep

company in September 2014 as one of the most innovative up-

company leaders awake at night. Interapt then assesses the

and-coming companies in the area, and Gopal was named a

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2014 Emerging Entrepreneur by the Kentucky Entrepreneur

focus on money, but on impact, and the money came,” he said.

Hall of Fame.

He’s appreciative of his time in Owensboro. While here,

works in the community as well, including teaching regularly

the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation

at the Kentucky Science Center. He loves to aid entrepreneurs

invested in his company with a $30,000 seed loan, which he

when they ask for help. Some of his best advice includes

has since repaid with interest so the money can be used to

reading constantly, watching how similar companies grow,

help other emerging companies. Sound advice from Malcolm Bryant, Madison Silvert, Nick Brake and Terry Woodward still guides him today, Gopal said.

In his Louisville office – Interapt is located in The

Nucleus building downtown – Gopal still keeps a copy of a feature story from the Messenger-Inquirer about his company.

The story included a photo of him working at the Owensboro

Gopal volunteers with Junior Achievement and his team

obtaining advice from other entrepreneurs and staying open and honest about where your company is and where you want it to be. “You need a vision and a plan,” he said. “Make sure you have support. Know your resources and know where to get help.”

Solving problems, coding apps, hanging with Google,

Panera with no office, no overhead, no payroll – just a man

giving back - all in a day’s work for Ankur Gopal, who honed

trying to build a plan, formulate a business and figure out how

his inherent entrepreneurial skills with hard work and a

to survive.

hunger to succeed. “I hope this encourages other people to

“I’m proud that even when we were struggling, trying to

think of Kentucky not as a limitation but as an opportunity,”

figure out our niche, that we never lost sight of the bigger

he said. “There are a lot of successful companies already.

picture – how does this impact the community? We didn’t

There’s no reason there can’t be 20 more.”

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A

s one of only four ice arenas in the Commonwealth, and the only one that is publically owned, Edge Ice Center is a true asset to the Owensboro area.

Visitors are impressed with the $6.5 million facility, and upon entering the front doors are greeted with a friendly staff and a fun atmosphere.

owensboro

ON ICE

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At more than 42,000-square-feet, the arena was built to accommodate a growing population of recreational and competitive ice skaters and hockey players. “We have the nicest facility in the state, if not the Tri-state,� said Kerry Bodenheimer, Owensboro Parks and Recreation Superintendent.

The large facility holds three rooms available for

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birthday parties or public rental, a spacious lobby

the International Silver Stick competition in

for daily guests, five locker rooms, and spectator

Canada. Over 200 hockey players make up the local

seating for 300 people.

league, something that was not possible before the

An indoor ice arena was not new to Owensboro.

establishment of Edge. High school competitions,

In fact, the original Owensboro Ice Arena was built

travel teams and state tournaments are all now

in 1963, but “she aged” after years of operation,

held at Edge, boosting the local economy through

said Bodenheimer. Opened in September 2009, the

sporting tourism.

Edge Ice Center just celebrated its 5th birthday.

“The old rink just wasn’t up to standards,”

said Clint Rowell, President of Owensboro Youth

When the doors opened in 2009, nearly 2,500

people came to the first three weeks of public

Hockey Association.

skating. Perhaps the best birthday present for

close, so [Edge] has really given us stability.”

Edge and Bodenheimer this year is the continuous

support that the arena sees each year. More than

is now able to hold competitions at Edge, bringing

25,000 people visited Edge last year for public

150 competitive skaters to Owensboro last year.

skating, group and private events, and free-pass use.

January will mark the fourth annual competition

The previous Owensboro Ice Arena was not

for the club, which, in the past, has brought in

open year-round, something that Bodenheimer

competitors from Tennessee, Indiana and Ohio

believes sets apart this new facility. She has seen a

for over two days.

growth in public participation through activities

like summer day camps and Learn to Skate classes,

people out of town,” said Cindy Bowman, mother

opening up ice skating to new audiences each day.

and a coordinator of the skating club. “Edge is a

The

top-notch ice rink with quality ice, which is a big

arena’s

200-by-85-foot

rink

is

the

regulation size of the National Hockey League.

“It was always going to

Similarly, the Owensboro Figure Skating Club

“It’s just a nicer facility, which is a big draw for

plus for ice skaters.”

This, combined with the new facility and spectator

Given that Edge is publically owned and

area, has broadened the utilization of the ice arena.

operated by Owensboro Parks and Recreation,

Competitors like the Owensboro Youth Hockey

Bodenheimer is happy that the ice arena is giving

Association and Owensboro Figure Skating Club

back to the community.

are now regular fixtures at Edge, bringing a new

“We

are

making

an

economic

impact,”

world of competition to Owensboro.

Bodenheimer said. “We are paying back our

The Owensboro Youth Hockey Association

community. We have always been known for

houses nine divisions, including the Rampage

baseball and football, but now we are bringing

High School Hockey team, who was named State

people to Owensboro for sports during the winter

Champion in 2011-2012, and the Owensboro

months.”

Puckhogs Pee Wee Team, who was runner-up at

Jared Bratcher is sports marketing director

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for the Owensboro-Daviess County Convention & Visitors Bureau. He told the Owensboro MessengerInquirer there were more than 50 tournaments in Owensboro in 2013, including figure skating, hockey, baseball, running, soccer, softball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, fishing and football. In fact, there was some type of tournament in town every month, filling every hotel room in the city on 10 weekends last year. Bratcher said Edge Ice Center is the reason for increased participation in ice skating and hockey.

Bodenheimer believes it is also important to give

back to the community through group events. Edge is often the destination for community fundraisers for schools, and hosts a number of local organizations like Girls Inc., Wendell Foster’s Campus for Developmental Disabilities, and The Daniel Pitino Shelter. But it is not just these local organizations that are taking advantage of this state-of-the-art ice arena.

Edge has become a source for family fun in Owensboro during the cold winter months.

Bodenheimer says that she sees at least 60 percent of customers for the year between the months of November and January. And with events like last month’s Frozen at Edge and this month’s Skate with Santa coming up, it is not hard to imagine why.

Bodenheimer says, “Believe it or not, our busiest day is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We see about 400 people.”

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www.OwensboroLiving.com

DOES YOUR CHILD WANT TO LEARN TO SKATE? PHOTO BY AP IMAGERY

Here are a few questions you may be asking yourself about starting your son or daughter skating at Edge.

What is the Edge Ice Center Skating School?

The Edge Ice Center’s Learn to Skate program follows the guidelines set forth by the Ice Skating Institute of America (I.S.I.). Classes range from beginner to advanced, aiding development of fundamental

But a typical weekend during the busy season

skating maneuvers. The I.S.I. WeSkate program is America’s original

will consist of events, competitions, practices and

learn to skate program, and has introduced over 5 million individuals

open skating from 7 a.m. Saturday morning to 9

to the wonderful world of ice skating.

p.m. Sunday night, with constant skaters on the ice.

What does each class consist of?

So if you and your family are looking for something

All class times include 30 minutes of instruction, plus 30 minutes of

fun to do this winter, be sure to check out Edge Ice

practice ice time at the end of each class. The practice time will benefit

Center.

your child by enabling him/her to master new skills and progress at a faster rate. The exception is the Learn to Skate Hockey class, which consists of 45 minutes of instruction each week, with no practice ice.

SKATE WITH SANTA

How old does my child have to be?

Saturday, December 13 from 1 – 4 p.m.

Edge offers classes from 3 years through adult.

Edge Ice Center

Get into the holiday spirit and skate with Santa!

The Tots class is especially designed for children ages 3- 6 years old.

Can a parent be in the same class as their child?

The great thing about ice skating is that it is a recreational activity that

There will be free hot chocolate and candy canes,

can be enjoyed by all ages, together. Parents are welcome to learn

and some exciting exhibitions by local members of

with their children and make it a family event. Adult classes are also

the Owensboro Figure Skating Club, plus giveaways and door prizes throughout the session.

available. Only those registered for lessons are allowed on the ice during instruction time and practice time.

How do I register?

Classes are divided into groups according to ability, and are limited on

4TH ANNUAL I.S.I. FIGURE SKATING COMPETITION

a first-come, first-served basis. You may register in person or by calling

Friday, January 30 – Sunday, February 1

Edge Ice Center | 1400 Hickman Ave. | (270) 687-8700

the Edge Ice Center.

Edge Ice Center

All lesson participants are invited to participate

in the annual Ice Skating Institute competition held at Edge. Watch out for more information on registering for this fun event. www.OwensboroLiving.com

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

DAYMAR COLLEG E

ALIVE AND WELL D

aymar College has been through a lot of changes in a short

of Nursing, and also serves as Vice President of the Kentucky

amount of time. From selling their building to a new

Nurses Association. Dr. Rager, along with the nursing program

Chancellor and a new leadership team at the campus, Daymar

faculty, collectively has 120 years of hands-on experience in

has proven to be a resilient and ever-evolving business in

the healthcare industry. According to Dr. Rager, “We are

Owensboro.

dedicated to doing our part to secure the nursing profession,

Over the summer, the Daymar Property Group decided to

which is projected to continue to experience a shortage, and

sell the 33,000 square foot building on Buckland Square that was

with registered nurses who embody the principles of holistic

home to Daymar College to the Daviess County Public School

nursing care. We also look forward to continuing assisting in

system to house the new alternative school. Daymar realized that

the shortage of BSN prepared nurses through our online RN to

the business of real estate and property management was not the

BSN program. Our students are the reason for our work and we

business they are successful in, and selling the building to lease

appreciate the opportunity to help transform their lives through

part of it back has enabled them to focus their resources on what

education.”

they are most passionate about – educating their students.

Daymar College’s Nursing Program differentiates itself

In October, Daymar Colleges Group welcomed a new

from other institutions by providing its students with a modern

Chancellor and CEO to carry on their legacy and begin a new

simulation lab. This lab allows students to experience situations

chapter for the college that is made up of 12 campuses and

that may be found in the work environment, but may not

an online college that span across Kentucky, Tennessee and

necessarily be encountered during their clinical rotations. The

Ohio. Dr. Dan Peterson is a first generation college graduate

simulation lab is similar to a post-operative unit, complete with

and a retired U.S. Air Force commander who served 23 years

a nurses’ station and a control room in which instructors can

in the military and also has over 20 years of experience in

watch their students in action without being seen and therefore

higher education. Under his leadership, Daymar can expect

too relied on by the student while in a high-stress situation.

fundamental changes that will both continue Daymar’s legacy

The simulation lab and mannequins provide a controlled

and push the institution to being a leader in career education in

environment in which students can practice administering

the communities it serves.

care in a high-stress environment before being exposed to the

“Daymar has indeed been operating in a challenging

scenario in real life.

environment over the last few years, but our dedicated faculty

Daymar College’s Owensboro campus had a renewal

and staff have not let that get in the way of providing a high-

accreditation visit in September that was done by a team of seven

quality education to our students,” according to Dr. Peterson.

directed by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges

Dr. Peterson went on to say, “There is a well-known skills

and Schools (ACICS). In their findings, Daymar College had

gap that exists in America today, where many employers want to

zero areas of non-compliance and received four honorable

hire employees but have a hard time finding qualified applicants

mentions for campus preparation, learning environment,

who possess the skills necessary to meet the 21st century job

student satisfaction, and faculty and staff. Full grant renewal

demand. Daymar looks forward to being a key player in filling

approval will be released by December 31st.

that gap by graduating students who possess the skills needed by

these employers.”

those in the Owensboro area that may not have the opportunity

One of the most exciting aspects of Daymar College’s

or resources to attend a traditional college. We are here to help

Owensboro campus is its Nursing Program. It is currently the

them realize their capabilities and to help them better their lives.

only no-wait nursing program in the Owensboro area and is

Our students are our family and we are all truly invested in their

led by Dr. Michael Wayne Rager DNP, PhD(c), MSN, FNP-

success,” says Rich Horwitz, the Area Campus President for the

BC, APRN, CNE. He is the Owensboro Campus Dean, Dean

Owensboro and Madisonville campuses.

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“We look forward to continuing to bring higher education to

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THE

STYLE

38th annual

BY DANNY MAY

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HOLIDAY FOREST www.OwensboroLiving.com

I

t’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and the Ow-

thousands of Christmas lights.

ensboro Museum of Fine Art does it up in style! Their

One of the trees celebrates Native American cultural

38th Annual Holiday Forest “Festival of Trees” opened

traditions in honor of paintings gifted to the museum’s

November 15 and runs through December 31.

permanent collection. Gary Tunget, a florist at Fleur de Lis,

The Holiday Forest is an annual tradition at the

has designed trees in three period rooms in the historic John

Owensboro Museum of Fine Art (OMFA) that started

Hampden Smith Decorative Arts Wing. The Owensboro

in 1977. This year, the forest includes 15 trees displayed

Herb Society decorated a tree that will be featured in the

throughout all three wings of the museum. Each tree is

Field Stained Glass Gallery. Burns Middle School will be

decorated by local artists, floral designers, craftsmen,

represented by decorations in the Waymond Morris Young

schools, or civic organizations, using their own style and

Art Gallery, and Ohio County glassmaker Linda House

motif, mostly embellished with handmade ornaments.

will feature a stained glass tree in the Nancy Field Wilson

Some are period pieces that take you back to yesteryear.

Religious Art Gallery. Members of the Daviess County

Some are modern interpretations. Some are vignettes with

Barn Quilt Trail Committee have recreated quilt squares

scenes that tell stories, while others are inspired by nature.

painted on Daviess County barns.

You’ll see ribbons and bows, angels and stars, and of course,

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The Holiday Forest attracts thousands of visitors each

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year, and has become a significant fundraiser for OMFA. It’s the only exhibit the museum ever charges admission to, but it’s still a very nominal fee for the experience: $2 for adults and $1 for children.

It’s also a very popular spot for school field trips. OMFA

Director Mary Bryan Hood says, “The children love to see the Christmas trees decorated and hear the stories. For many of the students, it’s their first introduction to an art museum.” The hope is that those students will have a great experience, and then return to this museum and others with their families. It really is a win-win for everyone.

This year, the Holiday Forest runs concurrently with the Consummate Craftsman exhibit, which is designed to showcase major artists from the Southeast who work in three-dimensional media, including clay, glass, metal, fiber, wood, and mixed media, expressing environmental design, interior design, and functional design.

The two exhibits

go hand in hand, as each of the artists and organizations who decorate trees are asked to interpret the Consummate Craftsman themes.

Hood is especially ecstatic that glass artist Brook White,

who grew up in Owensboro and now runs Flame Run glass studio in Louisville, and his mentor and world-renowned glass blower, Stephan Powell, will be collaborating on an exhibit for Consummate Artist. “We’re thrilled to have them,” Hood said. “Their work is remarkable, so this will be quite a spectacular year for us.” Their exhibit for Consummate Craftsman will be on the first floor, featuring 12 recent works, including some very large vessels and pedestal pieces. They have also crafted three brand new pieces just for this show.

As an added bonus, Brook also contributed 100 glass ornaments to decorate a tree for the Holiday Forest that he has entitled “Great Balls of Fire.” Participating in the Festival of Trees is significant for Brook because he remembers seeing the Holiday Forest during a school trip when he was a kid. “I remember seeing trees decorated from all over the world and I thought that was really neat. So this is really cool for me to be a part of, because it brings me full-circle. I would have never dreamed back then that I’d be an artist decorating one of those same trees now as an adult. Who knows, maybe a kid will see my glass ornaments this year and remember it later like I did.”

The Festival of Trees comes down at the end of December, but

the Consummate Craftsman exhibit runs through February 22.

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OMFA’s interactive art studio, ARTLAND, will offer a

special feature for children during the six-week Christmas exhibition where kids can create holiday take-home decorations.

The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art is located at 9th

and Frederica streets and is open Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit the museum’s website at www.omfa.us.

DID YOU KNOW? The Glenmore Distillery was the first corporate sponsor of the OMFA, and they remain the signature sponsor to this day.

ARTLAND, which is sponsored by the Michael E. Horn Family Foundation, is presented free to the public during regular museum hours.

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

THE BAKERS RACK

a Gifting

TRADITION A

s the owner of a home accessories and gift store, I have been able to watch and help thousands of customers select and purchase gifts for

others. Sometimes, the gifts revolve around an occasion, such as Christmas or a wedding, and occasionally the gifts are bought to fulfill a need experienced by the receiver.

In my experience, the best gifts are the ones given “just because.” These

are the gifts given in gratitude, happiness and the desire to convey a message of how much the other person has improved the life of the giver. Think of people in your life who have made a positive difference through a kind word, an important event, or during shared experiences. You probably have a list of people that come to mind. Friends from way back. Mentors whose words kept you on track. Kind hearts that remembered you in hard times.

Likely, you are acquainted with those on your list well enough to discern

their personality, their likes, their passions. With that knowledge, you have the ability to find something that would make them smile, appreciate and remember. Let a local professional help you select that gift. Specialty retailers know their stock, and can match a gift to the story, emotion or event.

One recent customer told of a discovery she made when decorating her

home for the holidays. She and her husband progressed through each room, adding Christmas items to tables, desks and doorways. Nearing the end of their task, he realized that each room now contained a gift from a single longtime friend. Each of the items held special meaning, reminding the couple of good times. The passing of years has only added to their sentiment.

“We want to have her over for tea or lunch,” the customer said, “but we want to give her something as well. She has been such a blessing.”

A small tray turned out to be the perfect gift. “Count Your Blessings”

is engraved on it, and it is used daily as a place for reading glasses on her desk. Every time she picks up her glasses, she remembers and appreciates the couple who gave her the gift - out of appreciation for her gifts of friendship through the years.

Start a new tradition of gift-giving by choosing a person from your history

who has had a positive effect on your life, but to whom you have not given a gift for some time. Choose your gift by its meaning. The richness of life is made of the experiences and unique friendships we make as we go through life. Gifts to friends and family should be reminders of the relationships we have experienced and appreciate. You will find that both your heart and theirs will open up in the process.

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THE

DISH

A Complete

HOLIDAY TABLE Nothing pleases the senses like a home filled with family, friends and the welcoming aroma of a holiday meal.

Whether you’re cooking up a full-menu feast from your own kitchen or you need a delicious idea or two to share at a potluck-style gathering — these dishes please the palate. With timeless flavors of turkey and butternut squash, or treats that charmingly display a symbol of the season, guests will surely be encouraged to dig in.

ROAST TURKEY WITH SAUSAGE STUFFING Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 3 hours, 30 minutes Servings: 20

Ingredients: 1 pound breakfast pork sausage 1 1/2 cups hot water 2 packages (6 ounces each)

Stove Top Stuffing Mix for Turkey 1 Butterball Frozen Whole

Turkey (10 pounds), thawed 60 OWENSBORO LIVING

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Heat oven to 325°F. Brown sausage in skillet; drain, reserving 1/2 cup drippings. Add drippings to large bowl; stir in hot water. Add stuffing mixes and sausage; stir just until stuffing mixes are moistened.

Stuff neck and body cavities lightly with stuffing. Truss turkey; place, breastside up, on rack in large roasting pan sprayed with cooking spray. Spoon any remaining stuffing into separate baking dish sprayed with cooking spray; cover.

Refrigerate stuffing until ready to bake.

Bake turkey 3 to 3 1/4 hours or until internal temperature of thigh is 180°F and breast and center of stuffing are 165°F, adding dish with remaining stuffing to oven for the last 30 minutes.

Keeping it safe: Do not stuff turkey until ready to roast.

Substitute: Substitute butter for the sausage drippings.

For more recipes, visit www.kraft.com. www.OwensboroLiving.com

BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND APPLES

Prep time: 15 minutes | Total time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 Ingredients: 3 tablespoons Parkay Original Spread tub 1 package (12 ounces) refrigerated butternut squash

pieces (about 3 cups) 1 1/2 cups chopped Granny Smith apple (about 1 large apple) 1/2 cup apple juice 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 1/8 teaspoon salt Melt spread in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add squash; cook 5–7 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.

Add apple, apple juice, cinnamon, ginger and salt; stir to combine. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 15 minutes or until squash is tender.

Note: Fresh butternut squash may be used in place of refrigerated squash. It will take more time to peel and cut into pieces.

For more recipes, visit www.readyseteat.com.

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TURKEY CASSEROLE

Prep time: 15 minutes | Total time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6 Ingredients: 4 cups leftover prepared stuffing, divided 4 cups coarsely chopped leftover cooked turkey (about 1 pound) 3/4 cup Hellmann’s or Best Foods Real Mayonnaise, divided 1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 8-inch baking dish with no-stick cooking spray. Spoon in 2 cups stuffing, then top with turkey.

Combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise with cranberry sauce; evenly spread over turkey.

Combine remaining 1/2 cup mayonnaise, potatoes and cheese in large bowl. Evenly spread on turkey, then top with remaining 2 cups stuffing.

Bake 40 minutes or until heated through. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish, if desired, with dried cranberries.

For more recipes, www.hellmanns.com.

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PAN ROASTED CHEERIOS CHRISTMAS TREES Prep time: 45 minutes | Total time: 1 hour, 45 minutes | Servings: 18 Ingredients: 6 cups Honey Nut Cheerios cereal 6 tablespoons butter or margarine 4 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows

Betty Crocker green gel food color

Betty Crocker red cinnamon decors or sliced gumdrops Line cookie sheet with waxed paper.

Pour cereal into 4-quart bowl. Set bowl aside.

Place butter and marshmallows in 3-quart saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth. Remove saucepan from heat.

Stir in food color until mixture is evenly colored. Pour marshmallow mixture over cereal and stir until cereal is evenly coated.

Lightly spray hands with cooking spray. For each tree, shape about 1/4 cup of cereal mixture into tree shape on cookie sheet.

Press candies into trees to decorate. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store trees in loosely covered container.

Note: Personalize trees using decorator icing (from 4.25-ounce tube) and use as place cards. Use icing to add garland.

For more recipes, visit www.generalmills.com.

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THE

SCENE

ARTS

SIMPLER CHRISTMAS: WYNONNA AND BIG NOISE December 4 at 6 p.m. | Owensboro Convention Center Enjoy the sounds of Wynonna Judd and Big Noise at the Convention Center. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. and the performance starts at 8 p.m. Contact the Owensboro Convention Center for ticket prices and other details.

OWENSBORO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S HOLIDAY POPS December 14 at 3 p.m.| RiverPark Center The Owensboro Symphony Orchestra brings its Holiday Pops to Cannon Hall stage, featuring excerpts from “Winter” of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, along with other traditional holiday favorites.

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THE NUTCRACKER December 7 at 7 p.m. | RiverPark Center Owensboro Dance Theatre is proud to present the family holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. Owensboro Dance Theatre has been performing The Nutcracker annually since 1992. The Nutcracker has sold out for the last four consecutive years, so be sure to get your tickets fast!

www.OwensboroLiving.com

DOWNTOWN FREE HOLIDAY

STROLL

December 6 | Downtown Owensboro Stroll the downtown streets to get in the holiday spirit. Strolling carolers, storefront decorations, and indoor performers will make this evening a reminder of the good old days of being downtown at Christmas. The stroll will follow Second and Third Streets from Daviess to St. Ann and will last from 4 - 8 p.m.

OWENSBORO FLEA MARKET December 5 – 6 | Owensboro Convention Center The Owensboro Flea Market features over 200 booths and dealers from several states. Items to be found include a wide variety of antiques and collectibles, jewelry, furniture, arts and crafts, and 1000s of other items; Friday, 2 p.m. - 7 p.m; Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Admission is $1.

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 climatecontrolled. 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.

ACTIVE

FREE

HOLIDAY HUSTLE December 6 | Owensboro Parks and Recreation This 5K Run/Walk will take place on the Adkisson Greenbelt from 8 – 10 a.m.

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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. – noon (270) 684-0211 or dcplibrary.org.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

THE

SCENE

FAMILY

28TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY IN THE PARK

beginning November 21 | Legion Park Giant elves, trees, toys and figures, not to mention Santa in his sleigh, line Legion’s half-mile walking path.

CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK PARK

beginning November 21 | Panther Creek Park An outdoor driving lighted tour with 400,000+ lights winding through Panther Creek Park. $3.00 charge per carload. Wagon rides through the park are also available. 5160 Wayne Bridge Road. Open from 6-9 p.m. each night.

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MARKET DAYS

December 6-7 and January 3 - 4 | Preservation Station Preservation Station Market Days are held the first weekend of every month, Saturday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sunday noon – 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.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

LADIES NIGHT

December 7, 2014 | Nick T. Arnold Jewelers Join us for a special night to try on jewelry. Over $5000 in prizes with one person winning a $250 shopping spree. A 1.30 carat Diamond Halo Ring will be given away to our Grand Prize Winner. Food will be provided, Come help Santa by making a wish list we keep on file for you!

2014 BEYOND BEAUTY EXTRAVAGANZA

December 6 - 7 | Owensboro Convention Center Owensboro Black Expo presents this pageant, social and ball. Pageant Only $10; Social & Ball Only $20; Pageant, Social & Ball $25. For more information, contact Linda Board at (270) 684-1149.

LANHAM BROTHERS JAMBOREE

December 13 at 7 p.m. | Diamond Lake Resort The Lanham Brothers Jamboree Christmas show is a fundraiser for local nonprofit Help Someone. There will be guests along with Barry Lanham and the Footstompin’ Express Cloggers, and Randy Lanham and the Band. Show is 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 12, and 5 years and under are free. All shows are at Diamond Lake Resort Good Time Theater, just west of Owensboro, KY and include music, dance, comedy, skits, and crowd interaction.

You never know when you will end up being part of the show.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

GOLDIE’S NEW YEAR’S EVE REUNION SHOW – TAKE 2

December 31 at 8 p.m. | RiverPark Center The show is made from the best of the best – Goldie, her Backstage Band and singers. The cast and crew will be coming from Ohio, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida to be a part of this 2nd annual reunion. To describe everything you’ll see at Goldie’s New Year’s Eve show would be impossible. Goldie, Jon Brennan, Alyssa Roby, Katie Herron, Amy Beth Mason, Tara Estes, Janie Jett Mason and Jerry, Travis Estes, Natasha Neely, Goldie’s Girls, and more make this evening a fun family experience. Adults $20 or $25; adult breakfast $15.00, or an adult show/breakfast combo for $35.00 or $40.00. Children (12 and under) prices are $10.00 or $12.50 for the show and $10.0 for the breakfast, or a kids show breakfast combo for $20.

2014 NEW YEAR’S EVE BASH

December 31 from 7 p.m. - 1 a.m. | Owensboro Convention Center Step back in time to the Roaring 1920’s! Enjoy live music by the 2nd Street Big Band! Watch the ball drop in New York on large screens. Dress is Cocktail or Roaring 1920’s Attire. Balloon drop at midnight! Enjoy free party favors like noisemakers and more! Around The World Themed Dinner! Champagne Toast at midnight! Tickets are $50.00 per person. Tickets are available by calling the Owensboro Convention Center at (270) 687-8800.

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THE LAST WORD

BY LORA WIMSATT

CHRISTMAS IS HERE

You have often wondered why you even bother risking your life balancing on that wobbly chair to get the big turkey platter off the top shelf of the cabinet you can hardly reach, when it only goes back up there again a few days later … but now you are also wondering why you didn’t just leave it down in the first place, because wasn’t Christmas just here last week?

No, it’s been a year, the calendar testifies, but it sure doesn’t seem like it’s been that long since you untangled that long string of lights and promised yourself that this year, you would wrap them up carefully instead of just stuffing them back in the box just to get rid of them.

But of course, you did just wad them up in a big knot, and now, with a heavy sigh, you sit down to once again unwind and unkink and unsnarl that big knotted-up jumble.

Which gives you plenty of time to reflect on the fact that you had intended to buy new stockings back in January when everything was half-price, but by the time you generated enough energy to venture back to the stores, the leftovers were skimpy and crummy, and the only stockings left were one with a furry “Duck Dynasty” beard and one with a drunken reindeer holding a martini in its hoof.

This was also supposed to be the year you got your Christmas shopping done early, but instead, all you have is a cookie sheet for your daughter. And the only reason you have that is because you had bought it last year and then hastily shoved it into the linen closet when she dropped by unexpectedly, and then you forgot all about it and didn’t find it again until you went looking for the beach towels in July.

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Not that it matters; she borrowed yours sometime around April and never gave it back, so you might as well keep this one for yourself now.

Of course, that would imply that you actually have time for baking cookies. As if. Something’s got to give, and between working every day and getting the oil changed in your car and raking those leaves – still! more! leaves! – that have drifted up against the back fence and taking the dog to the vet and taking the grandchildren to the parade and trying to get caught up on your book study and – oh no! You almost forgot about the office potluck this week, and didn’t you ….? Yes, you had signed up to take cookies. So there ya go.

But in the meantime, the dog is nudging your elbow with her big snout and dancing rather desperately amid the strings of lights, so in a mood that could be described as anything but festive, anything but peaceful, you toss the whole tangled mess aside and follow her to the back door to let her outside.

It’s dark, but not too cold, although you remember those dark predictions of another polar vortex heading our way for the winter, bringing with it all the misery of slick roads, frosty windshields, school closings and high heating bills.

It would be ironic to say that something is melting in the cold, but that’s the truth. As you stand there, in the dark and silent night, something happens.

The turkey platter doesn’t matter anymore; neither does the turkey.

The old stockings are fine for another year, and probably another year after that too.

As for the potluck … you know what? Everyone likes “Chips Ahoy.” Let’s let Nabisco worry about the cookies.

For you, for now – there is a bright star in the sky.

It was there last year; it was there two thousand years ago.

And it’s Christmas right now, and always.

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