Owensboro Living - April / May 2019

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

1

2 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

3

4 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

5

FROM THE EDITOR

EDITOR

Steven Wilson steven@owensboroliving.com PUBLISHER

THE BEST OF OUR CITY Our readers have spoken once again to let us know their favorite people, places and events in the City of Owensboro. So who took home the honors in our Fifth Annual Best of Owensboro Living Awards? You’ll have to keep reading to find out!

Taylor West taylor@tannerpublishing.com AD SALES

Brock Quinton brock@tannerpublishing.com

Robert Williams robert@tannerpublishing.com

In addition to announcing our winners, this issue has a lot more in store. Our Featured Home shows off a hidden gem, described by its owners as “globally inspired and minimally eclectic.”

We’ve even included some tips for designing your own space on a budget. Or maybe you’re looking to re-organize your current space. We have you covered there, too, with tips from professional organizer, Sara Fort.

We’ll take you to the desk of Rod Drake, where he presides over his classroom at OHS, and show you how his work in both teaching and basketball combine for a winning formula.

Author Danny May gives readers an inside look at four local motorcycle racers who are carrying on the legacy of the Hayden family and Owensboro’s proud tradition of motorsports excellence. From the end of a grueling season to their off-season training regimen, and even a lighthearted lunch with the guys, we give you an exclusive peek inside the lives of these dedicated athletes.

You’ll find all of this, and much more, in this, our latest issue of Owensboro Living!

Steven Wilson Editor, Owensboro Living steven@owensboroliving.com

LAYOUT & DESIGN

Jamie Alexander Andrea Roberson CONTRIBUTORS

Jamie Alexander Sarah Bishop Julia Hartz Marlys Mason Danny May Dana Peveler Melody Ann Wallace Lora Wimsatt FOUNDER

Jason Tanner jason@tannerpublishing.com Online www.owensboroliving.com facebook.com/owensboroliving instagram.com/owensboroliving twitter.com/oboroliving issuu.com/tannerpublishing Offline Owensboro Living Magazine PO Box 9503 Owensboro, KY 42302 888-304-5416 Advertise

CORRECTION:

In our February/March 2019 issue, we featured Laura Ruth Edge in our “From the Desk Of…” feature.

In that article, we mistakenly wrote that the office Edge now occupies was the former office of her Grandfather Edge. The story should have said that the office once belonged to her uncle, Robert H. Steele. We also mistakenly noted that the door to her conference room came from the home where her Grandfather Edge was born. The door was actually from the birth home of her Grandfather Steele. We apologize for the errors, and strive to get the details right every time (and correct them when we don’t).

6 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

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

TANNER PUBLISHING CO.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

2019

APRIL MAY [08]

THE BUZZ

[74]

THE REAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EVENTS THAT SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY, BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE OWENSBORO TIMES

THE PULSE

[10]

A WHOLE NEW OUTLOOK

[14]

FROM THE DESK OF...

ROD DRAKE

FEATURES [16] GOLD, FOR THE WIN [20] ADVENTURES IN THE WRITTEN WORD [24] ORGANIZE YOUR WAY TO RELIEF [30] A TRADITION OF SPEED

[44]

[24]

BEST OF OWENSBORO LIVING

SEE THE WINNERS FROM OUR ONLINE VOTING CONTEST

[66]

SENIOR LIVING

THE PERKS OF DOWNSIZING

[70]

THE STYLE

[30]

SPRING SHOPPING GLOBALLY INSPIRED, MINIMALLY ECLECTIC

[80]

THE GETAWAY

[16]

36 HOURS IN INDIANAPOLIS

[84]

THE DISH

THE ART OF BUILDING A CHARCUTERIE BOARD

[90]

THE SCENE

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND OWENSBORO

www.OwensboroLiving.com

[84] A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

7

THE

BUZZ

AIRPORT AND ALLEGIANT CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY

A celebration was held in late February at the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport to pay tribute to the successful 10-year partnership between OWB and Allegiant Air. Over that time span, Allegiant and the Airport have served over 320,000 people. Rob Barnett, who took over as airport director on November 26, told the crowd that having an airport and airline who stay loyal to Owensboro has been economically beneficial to the community.

BOONE SETS NATIONAL WEIGHTLIFTING RECORD

8 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

Known for his strength and power at Apollo High School on and off the football field, senior offensive lineman Daniel “DC” Boone has been garnering attention in the weight room since he was in eighth grade. Now standing at 6 foot 1 inch tall and weighing 330 pounds, Boone holds the national record for non-drug tested super heavyweight raw bench press with a lift of 475 pounds.

The 5th Annual Bourbon Barbell Bash in Winchester, a sanctioned meet through the United States Powerlifting Association, marked his first ever sanctioned competition.

OWENSBORO HORNETS STATE CHAMPS AT SPECIAL OLYMPICS

The Owensboro Hornets, coached by Jeannene Hurst, Dustin Shelby and Carey Holton, won the Special Olympics Kentucky State Basketball Tournament B-Green division in Louisville. The team is comprised of players Joshua Bradley, Emily Burks, Sam Fenwick, David Fogle, Steven Glenn, Gary Kelly, Clay Lankford, Josh Melton, Larry Simon, Nycheala Smith, Tony Wade and David Woodruff.

Hurst said the local Special Olympics are always looking for volunteers and that it is a great opportunity to become involved as there are events happening locally year-round. www.OwensboroLiving.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE RIVERPARK CENTER

GET WITH THE TIMES!

Get more news like this on The Owensboro Times app.

Download the app today on the App Store or Google Play.

PHOTO BY RYAN RICHARDSON

BERRY RECEIVES RIVERPARK HONOR In late February, Rodney

OWENSBORO CATHOLIC 3RD REGION CHAMPS AGAIN The Owensboro Catholic girls’ basketball team notched another trip to the state tournament after defending their 3rd Region title. This marks their third trip in the last four years to the Sweet 16, and their inaugural trip to Rupp Arena, where the girls’ tournament was played for the first time this year. The Lady Aces advanced to their first ever Final Four appearance before falling to Ryle High School. Hannah McKay and Mackenzie Keelin were named to the All-Tournament team.

RED DEVILS REACH SWEET 16

The Owensboro Red Devils survived an injury to their senior leader to beat Breckenridge County in overtime for the 3rd Region boys’ basketball championship. Coach Rod Drake led his team to a 17-0 mark in the region, and a 6-0 record against city foes in the district. Though the Devils fell to Ashland Blazer in the first round of the Sweet 16 state tournament at Rupp Arena, they look to return a strong young core, and make another run to defend their region championship next season.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

Berry was honored

by RiverPark Center staff, friends and family members who celebrated his contributions in making the RiverPark Center a place where the arts are available to everyone – regardless of income, social status, gender or race. The Children’s Art Fund in honor of Rodney Berry was created in April 2018 and has raised $175,000 in endowment funds since then. Berry was instrumental in raising the funds necessary to make the performing arts venue a reality. He was named executive director of the RiverPark Center in 1992. A plaque honoring Berry for his years of dedication and service hangs on a wall in the main lobby of the RiverPark Center.

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

9

THE

PULSE

OWENSBORO HEALTH REGIONAL HOSPITAL

A whole new

OUTLOOK 10 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

HOW SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS CHANGED AMBER THOMPSON’S LIFE www.OwensboroLiving.com

T

he “thank you” Amber Thompson gets from her son

her job as a library media specialist at West Louisville

after they go to the park tells her she made the right

Elementary School and her family, she couldn’t make

decision.

it work if she had to travel for her care. Now that there

Amber had been struggling with her weight since

was a program in Owensboro, led by fellowship-trained

her college years. Three years of fertility treatment,

surgeon Dr. Ravi Alapati, she saw a chance and attended

trying to have her son, also took their toll. At her

one of the program’s first seminars.

heaviest, she weighed about 260 pounds.

her life.

It wasn’t for lack of trying. She had tried fad diets,

That’s when she made the decision that changed

exercise programs, gym memberships, meal plans and

more. She’d see some initial success, but the weight

weight loss (monitored by a doctor and required by her

would come back.

insurance), Dr. Alapati performed a sleeve gastrectomy

on Amber. Throughout the entire process, before and

In the spring of 2018, she was talking to a family

On October 8, 2018, after six months of supervised

friend about her weight struggles. The friend asked if

after the surgery, she knew she wasn’t alone in this.

she’d like to know more about the new Surgical Weight

Loss Program at Owensboro Health.

care,” Amber said. “The nurses in the office and

recovery are amazing. There’s a lot of support they

Amber had also looked into surgical weight loss,

but the nearest program was in Evansville. Between

www.OwensboroLiving.com

“In the hospital, I couldn’t have asked for better

provide.”

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

11

“IT’S NOT A QUICK FIX, AND IT’S NOT THE EASY WAY OUT. IT’S A LIFESTYLE CHANGE TO BECOME A HEALTHIER PERSON,” AMBER SAID. “IT IS A TOOL YOU CAN USE TO REACH YOUR WEIGHT LOSS GOALS.”

12 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

The procedure greatly reduced

“I can play with my 10-year-

the size of her stomach, controlling

old son Braden in the park more.

how much she can eat. A side

When we get in the car, he says

effect of the surgery is that it also

‘thanks for playing,’” Amber said.

changed how she feels hunger, and

“I’m looking forward to going on

even some of the foods she enjoys.

bike rides with him and being

Six

months

later,

Amber

was 60 pounds lighter. As her weight dropped, she no longer needed

blood

pressure

and

cholesterol medications. She gave up carbonated drinks, eats more slowly and eats smaller portions, and is more physically active.

more active.”

Amber said she hopes others

can gain hope for themselves through her own experience.

“Before, I felt food controlled

me. Now it’s fuel for what my body needs. It’s not controlling

“I look at myself in a more

me anymore,” Amber said. “You

positive manner,” Amber said. “I

can do this if you set your mind to

feel so much better.”

making life-long changes. I hope

She is still working to reach

to be a success story, so people can

her goal weight, but she’s already

see that if I could do it, they can do

living a better life.

it, too.”

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

13

FROM THE DESK OF...

Rod

DRAKE TEACHER/COACH OWENSBORO HIGH SCHOOL

For many professionals, their office tells a lot about who they are. Whether it’s certificates and awards, family photos, or treasured memorabilia, the items displayed around someone’s desk can provide a window into their personality.

Owensboro is full of interesting business people with interesting stories. “From the Desk Of…” gives those people’s clients, customers, family and friends an inside look at where they work and what makes them tick.

Though he had served as an assistant coach since 2002, Drake took both his current teaching job and the head coaching position in 2009.

Over the years, including his time

At Owensboro High School, Coach Rod Drake makes his office both in the classroom and on the court.

Most know Drake as a standout basketball player for the 1980 State Champion Red Devils, the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers, and as the head coach of the OHS boys’ basketball team. What many may not know is that for as long as he has been head basketball coach, Drake has also occupied a desk as a teacher in the EBD (Emotional & Behavioral Disorders) hall at the high school.

as a player, Drake has accumulated numerous awards and recognition in the world of basketball. In fact, he’s the only player in Kentucky basketball history to win a State Championship for the same school as a player (1980) and also as a coach (2015). And Drake has the hardware to prove it. All you have to do is step into the lobby at OHS, and it doesn’t take long to spot all of the trophies, plaques and other honors that Drake has amassed over the years. At the time that this issue went to print, the front lobby of Independence Bank’s main branch also housed a tribute to Coach Drake and his years of basketball achievement.

14 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

PHOTOS BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

But even for all of the glory on the hardwood, Drake

doesn’t focus on his individual achievements. He’s certainly a proud alumnus and representative of Owensboro High School, but you wouldn’t know about his basketball accolades if you stepped into his classroom. Rather than housing trophies and sports memorabilia, Drake’s classroom is focused on meeting the individualized needs of each of his students. “It’s a special education setting.

Everybody learns differently, and these

kids are the same way. It may not be the traditional way. We go about things differently, but the end justifies the means,” says Drake. With his students, one of the most important tools Drake employs is his sense of humor. On his approach to teaching EBD students, Drake says, “I try to use humor and keep everything on a positive note. The world is so stressful, and who knows where some of these kids came from the night before - some may not have stayed at home. So I always want it to be a fun thing.”

In addition to equipping his students with skills in the

classroom, Drake also strives to provide them with the tools they need to succeed in life. And this is where his roles as coach and teacher most frequently intersect. Drake reflects, “At one time, I thought that coaching and teaching were very different — I thought you could be a better coach if you didn’t have to spend as much time in the classroom. But I realized that teaching has really helped my coaching game, because you learn to be patient.

A lot of times as a coach, you don’t go through the proper steps.

With teaching, you go through the fundamentals every day. And that’s what my coaching strategy is — we do the same things every day, but we get better as the year goes on. The classroom has helped me with recognizing that everybody’s ability is different, so that helps out as a coach, too.”

Another skill that Drake employs both in the classroom and

on the court is the ability to make adjustments. When their team is down, a good coach knows how to alter the game plan to find a way to win. Similarly, Drake constantly finds himself making those changes with his students. “Every day you come in, and the kids are going to be different,” Drake says. “I teach eight kids in different grade levels, and while you have a general set of rules for everybody, my students are on individualized education plans.” This makes learning to adjust a must, and it’s a skill that’s brought Drake much success with both his students and players.

At the end of the day, Drake fully embraces his dual roles as

teacher and coach. To end our conversation, Drake notes, “A lot of guys go in and punch the clock and do the same thing every day. In my field, every day is an adventure, and I’m excited to be here, especially being an alumnus. And I can say this: I’ve found something that’s challenging and also rewarding. I can see the results. This is something that I love to do. It’s not really a job to me, because I have fun doing this every day.”

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

15

BY Y MELOD E C A L WAL

Gold,

FOR THE WIN

W

hen Rhonda McEnroe was growing up as a young girl, she always knew she enjoyed coloring. Even at the young age of 5, she realized art was quickly becoming her passion. Placing her focus on what she refers to as, “optimistic” artwork, Rhonda decided she was ready to sell her first painting in the late spring of 1979. She took the painting to the Executive Inn, had it placed in the boutique window, and then started a mailing list for those interested. “Everyone that saw it said if it was made into a print, they would buy a copy,” Rhonda said. “I took a gamble and $1,000, and published my first print.”

She said from there she went door to door from frame shop to frame shop. Rhonda said that first print, “Forgetme-nots,” had a retail price of $15 or $20, but it was a start. The print sold out — 1,000 copies in nine months.

Her second print, which she said was prettier than the first, also at 1,000 copies, sold out in two months.

Those first prints set the stage for a retail gallery, Gallery 412, on Second Street, which McEnroe maintained for 12 years, and an art gallery at Cigar Factory Mall. She

16 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

said she sold a total of 20 different prints from 1979 to 1995 and “that got my name out and people paid attention. I got noticed at different shows, museums and different competitions.”

Over the last 20 years, Rhonda’s passion for art became so strong that she also began sharing it with others as an art instructor. “It’s kind of nice whose life you get to touch through art,” Rhonda said, adding that a friendship has grown amongst the ladies she teaches. “I may be the catalyst, but they are there for each other. It’s just another way people bless each other, and the art community is strong like that.”

Although Rhonda’s largest body of work is currently featured at The Earle men’s store in Wesleyan Park Plaza, she is once again getting noticed for her artistic abilities beyond Owensboro. In February of this year, on McEnroe’s birthday, she received a call letting her know that she had been selected to submit her paintings to be considered for the 2019 Kentucky Derby poster design.

“I was quite honored that I got the phone call,”

www.OwensboroLiving.com

PHOTO BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

Rhonda said. “I believe that a local business gentleman sent my name in. My first acknowledgment and appreciation goes to God and to this gentleman for submitting my name.”

She said she had received a call two years prior, offering her a similar opportunity, “but the deadline was in one week and I knew I could not complete two paintings in that period of time.”

The committee said they would hold onto her name and number for the future, and they did. “I was doubly blessed,” she said about the call when it finally came. “It happened on my birthday, which made it all the more special.”

This time, Rhonda was given a deadline near the end of Au-

www.OwensboroLiving.com

gust to create sample designs for Churchill Downs to approve. She set to work right away incorporating the necessary design elements for two separate Derby-inspired pieces. The first piece was for the Oaks, which Rhonda said needed to reflect ladies and pretty hats.

“I was able to offer realism in the Oaks painting,” she said, referring to the piece she entitled, “Hats, Horses and More Hats.”

Rhonda said the painting included close to 70 people and “a lot of flowers and a lot of expressions on people’s faces.”

The second piece was meant to reflect the Kentucky Derby itself and was required to contain the famed Churchill Downs’ spires, as well as a horse and jockey. McEnroe said both paintings were done

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

17

in oil on canvas and measured 24 inches by 36 inches each.

While the Oaks painting seemed to be just what Churchill Downs was looking for, Rhonda said she was asked to “tweak” the Kentucky Derby painting. This consisted of replacing the horse and jockey with the Churchill Downs Paddock as the backdrop for a 24 karat gold trophy and seven red roses.

Now that both images have been approved and acquired by Churchill Downs, they will be used to create products, including T-shirts, socks and ladies’ shirts. The selected Derby image entitled, “Gold, For the Win,” will also be featured on the official 2019 Kentucky Derby programs and tickets.

Rhonda said accompanying her signature on both the Derby and Oaks paintings is the number 22. “The number 22 means a great deal to me spiritually,” Rhonda said, adding that as she signs each painting she says, “Thank you, Lord, for my talent. I give it back to you for your glory.”

As far as what the future holds beyond the Derby and Oaks paintings, Rhonda said, “The doors that the Lord can open through this opportunity are unknown to me at this time. God’s given me the passion to paint, and I love it. I absolutely love it.”

18 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

19

BY S MARLY N O MAS

Adventures in the

WRITTEN WORD

20 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

From the African plains to the bottom of the ocean, this writer’s

life has taken her a long way from her Owensboro roots.

Carol Kaufmann considers herself a southern girl, despite living

north of the Ohio River since 1988. A graduate of Daviess County High School, Kaufmann graduated from Indiana University with degrees in journalism and political science. She never dreamed all the places she’d go from there.

After completing a fellowship at CBS news in New York City,

Kaufmann decided to move to Washington, D.C., where she began producing TV news shows and earning accolades for the research work she did as a coordinating producer for “America” at PBS, and as an associate producer for “Good Morning America’s” Washingtonbased bureau.

A majority of the work at both included researching the

elements that went into each story, which Kaufmann enjoyed as a political science major. But, after about five years, the travel and time demands caused Kauffman to leave the television industry. www.OwensboroLiving.com

She returned to college, earning her Master’s Degree in

“Alvin.”

Humanities in 2000 from Georgetown University. It was at

Georgetown that Kaufmann spotted a flyer for an international

and performing experiments on and around hydrothermal sea

magazine looking for a researcher. Unaware of the specific magazine,

vents,” Kaufmann said, recommending readers to look them up.

she applied and became a staff writer for National Geographic. At first,

“We spent five days cruising south of San Diego to the area above

her job was research-based, and she was a fact-checker for articles

a crack in the earth’s crust, where the vents form. We spent an hour

others had written. But she took the test to be a writer, and began

and a half descending a mile and a half to the ocean floor in complete

penning articles for the magazine.

darkness — sunlight doesn’t travel more than a few hundred feet

Kaufmann said that when she first began, she thought she

— to land near the vents. When the pilot flicked on the lights, I

would enjoy cultural topics — profiles of people and places that

couldn’t believe what I saw — a beautiful, serene landscape marked

were different from the lives of Americans. And she did, but she said

by dark chimney-esque towers that shot plumes of black smoke

what was surprising to her was writing about natural history and the

upward into the water. And around this scene was life. Albino crabs,

intersection between animals, places and people.

shrimp without eyes, long flowing tubeworms. It was an amazing

experience.”

“At the heart of these stories lies the difficult question: We only

“I was on a research cruise with scientists who were exploring

have so many resources in the world. How are we going to share

them?” Kaufmann said.

interest in natural history and authored two New York Times best

Her interest in natural history allowed her to research and write

sellers, Safari and Ocean, along with Polar. Each lenticular book,

about many places without actually seeing them, but she said she has

written by Kaufmann and created by Dan Kainen, describes

gone on several memorable trips.

creatures, with interesting information about the animals in their

habitats, including vital statistics about the included animals.

“I loved exploring Istanbul, when we did a story profile of this

After writing at National Geographic, Kaufmann used her

ancient, earthquake-plagued city. I also was able to do some river

diving for an archaeology story in Slovenia,” Kaufmann said.

first-person narratives. For Safari, she went on an actual safari in the

Masai Mara, Kenya.

But, Kaufmann said, by far the most memorable trip she took

was to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean in a submersible called

www.OwensboroLiving.com

For each, Kaufmann said she went “surface level” and wrote in

“The text tells the story of what a safari is like, as well as

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

21

raising questions about the precarious nature of the land and all

who live upon it. As parts of Africa become more developed, and as

is to not take criticism personally.

Kaufmann said that one of the hardest things for a writer to do

populations rise, the animals tend to get crowded out,” Kaufmann

said. “Very simply put, this is why rhinos and cheetahs are

Kaufmann said. “People can criticize, and be rather mean. But as

critically endangered, and even giraffes are threatened. Many of the

long as you’re not being lambasted for inaccuracies, which are your

charismatic animals you see on safari need room to hunt or graze;

fault, not the readers’, then you’ve done what you can do. You’ve

otherwise they can’t hunt, catch food, and feed their young.”

created an original that, if it’s any good, will have an effect on the

reader. Now, that effect may not be positive, but that’s okay. You

For Ocean, Kaufmann said she was lucky enough to go to

“Once you’ve put your hard-won work out there, it’s fair game,”

Placencia in southern Belize during the off season. She is a scuba

have to be strong enough to withstand the storm.”

diver, and a native divemaster took her for several days to aid in her

research of a healthy coral reef.

assignment be too small, saying that she used to write reviews for

beauty products.

“A healthy reef is not only stunning, but provides shelter and

Kaufmann also recommends to write all you can and let no

sustenance for amazing sea life,” Kaufmann said. “The Meso-

American reef — and all reefs, really — are under constant threat

internet is an insatiable beast that demands to be fed — with content!

from changing climate patterns, ocean acidification, warmer

Someone has to write it,” Kaufmann said, also recommending to

temperatures, and human threats such as the big cruise lines, speed

read all you can, as it provides research for writers.

“These days, writers have so much opportunity because the

boats, etc. We just don’t give the life in the ocean the respect it

deserves. Left alone, it would sustain itself nicely.”

really good editor help you,” Kaufmann added.

Kaufmann currently writes full-time for several publications,

“But the only way to get better at writing is to do it — and let a Kaufmann currently lives in Virginia with her husband and

including the Pew Charitable Trust and The Washington Post, where

children, outside D.C., and returns to Owensboro twice a year to see

she writes parenting editorials. Her work has also appeared in the

family and friends. Facebook has helped her reconnect with college

New York Times’ Draft column, AARP, Reader’s Digest, and George.

friends, and she enjoys having reunions with friends from all facets

And she recently wrote the book, 97 Ways to Make a Cat Like You.

of her life.

22 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

23

PHOTOS BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

BY S MARLY N O S A M

ORGANIZE YOUR WAY TO RELIEF 24 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

Sara Kathryn Fort, the professional organizer behind Neat Relief, is unable to remember a time she wasn’t organizing. As a child, when she went to friends’ houses, she remembers asking if she could clean their rooms and organize their closets — just for fun. www.OwensboroLiving.com

Fort never thought this could be her career, but then

Arrange, Contain, and Evaluate.

she had a friend who asked her a life changing question,

“Why don’t you do this for a job?”

stores, and contain is actually one of the last things (to be

completed) when organizing. People want to contain and

At the time, Fort did not believe a job like hers existed,

“It’s funny,” Fort said. “There are all of these container

and she was right. But that still didn’t stop her from quitting

buy all of these containers — and don’t feel organized.”

her full-time job, and jumping into the unknown world of

organizing as a career — something she said was “maybe

so much and feel burdened by all their possessions.

not the smartest,” but something she wouldn’t have done

otherwise.

acquired). Everything you own is taking up space in your

head, as well,” Fort said. “(Organizing is) not just about

Fort’s profession is self-made and, because of this, she

is able to change the model as needed. She uses the term “organizational coach” to describe what she does, but even that description comes with layers.

“I teach people how to organize,” Fort said. “Once it

becomes more natural, they can become more organized.

Organizing is difficult, but you can do it.”

Fort said that every person and every job is unique,

and that each consultation is an unearthing. She requires clients to have goals, and she even assigns homework for her clients.

“My goal is to make notes when I am with them, and

work out a maintenance plan so they can do better on their own,” Fort said.

She also teaches clients to become better — and faster

Fort said that it is not people’s fault they have acquired “It’s a lot to deal with everything (people have

getting rid of stuff, it’s loving what you have. I am trying to save people from their ‘stuff.’”

One of Fort’s greatest pleasures is in the days following

a completed job and receiving a call, text or email from the client that starts with “You have no idea...”

Fort suggests those who are interested in self-

organization begin with a quick list of an area to tidy and set an alarm for how long you want to work on just that area.

She said that working in sections of a room is easiest.

“It (the disorganization) didn’t happen in one day, and

it won’t get fixed in one day,” Fort said. “It’s going to be messy for a while, but decluttering saves time and money.”

Fort has also created tips for gift giving and receiving

— decision makers. She said that in time, clients get more

that align with organization:

confident in their own decision making.

surprise them with an event (e.g. tickets to a show, a night on

“Where there was once a question mark, there is now a

Know your audience. If the person enjoys experiences,

period,” Fort said.

the town, something to enjoy). If the person prefers physical

items, buy them consumable goods (e.g. shower gel, lotion,

She begins each job by first talking to potential clients

on the phone and listening to what they need and what they

vanity items or gift certificates).

want to accomplish. Sometimes clients want a new system

or containers, but Fort prefers to work with what they have.

items. It’s ok to set boundaries and tell people if you prefer

physical items or experiences. They will be happier to get

In order to determine what each client needs, Fort

uses the S.P.A.C.E. acronym, which stands for Sort, Purge,

www.OwensboroLiving.com

For gift receiving, be clear about your policy on new

something you desire.

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

25

FORT’S TIPS FOR DECLUTTERING: •

Start small with a drawer. Fort said the junk drawer is a good place to start.

•

Take everything out of the drawer and wipe it out, if needed.

•

Hold each item, as Marie Kondo suggests, and be honest about what you want to keep.

•

If it is something that hasn’t been used in the last 90 days, or if you have multiples, eliminate it from the drawer. For example, if you have 20 pens, decide if you really like the pen, and then dispose of or put it in a donate pile.

•

Group like items and then contain — use a drawer organizer, if needed.

•

When in doubt, donate, but also give yourself permission to throw away.

Fort recommends decluttering and organizing one day a week, room by

room, and setting a time limit.

“It’s a lot of evaluation, but the hard part is just getting started,” Fort said.

She also recommends having a donation box in the house where items

can be placed, and when it is filled, take it to the local donation centers.

“Make it a priority,” Fort said. “And the progress needs to be celebrated.”

Fort can be reached at NeatRelief@gmail.com or 270-302-8769.

She can also be followed on Instagram @neatrelief and on her Facebook (facebook.com/neatrelief).

26 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

27

28 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

DR. KISHOR VORA

And the Winner Is….

DR. KISHOR VORA BEST OWENSBORO DOCTOR! K

ishor Vora, MD, FACC, FSCAI, CCDS first became

Vora the freedom to expand his practice and offer new

Board Certified in Cardiovascular Disease in 1991.

services as the needs of his patients change.

Since that time, Dr. Vora has stayed ahead of the curve

in the practice of cardiology. Constantly striving to stay

board certifications in Endovascular Medicine and Vas-

up to speed with technology, he became one of the only

cular Medicine in 2005. His continued training has al-

cardiologists performing complex deep venous interven-

lowed Dr. Vora to meet the needs of his patients with cut-

tions in the state of Kentucky.

ting-edge medicine and technology. Because his practice

is continuously evolving, Dr. Vora can offer the highest

Dr. Vora began to stand out from his peers in the field

as early as his cardiac fellowship. During that time, he was the only cardiology fellow trained in peripheral intervention and diagnostics. After his cardiac fellowship, he focused his time and efforts on peripheral vascular interventions in another mini fellowship. Dr. Vora then brought his experience to Owensboro in 1992, where he was the only peripheral interventionist in the area. At that time, Dr. Vora was also the first physician in the area performing many of the now-common percutaneous (minimally-invasive “needle-stick”) arterial and venous procedures such as arterial and venous thrombolysis

Since he began in Owensboro, Dr. Vora also achieved

level of medical treatment to those in need of the utmost care.

In addition to his own accomplishments, Dr. Vora

has trained more than 200 cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and radiologists in peripheral vascular intervention from 1994 through 2005. He has also trained several techs, who have gone on to become proficient in their fields, to assist him during non-invasive interventions.

Dr. Vora has become well-known for complex arte-

rial and venous interventions. Through his practice, he

(dissolving of clot), and arterial and venous angioplasty/

has always strived to, and excelled, in keeping up with

stenting for blockages. Dr. Vora was also the first cardi-

new and upcoming techniques and procedures for vein

ologist in the area to offer a non-surgical closure treat-

and artery interventions. That hard work and dedication

ment for varicose veins.

to his profession is reflected in Dr. Vora’s most recent ac-

In April 2001, Dr. Vora founded Owensboro Medical

complishments, which include being the first physician

Practice, which has continued to grow since its incep-

in Owensboro to offer ovarian/pelvic vein embolization

tion. His practice is, and always has been, an indepen-

for pelvic pain and Iliac vein stent for May Thurner Syn-

dently-owned, multi-specialty clinic. This allows Dr.

drome.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

29

JD BEACH AT A PRACTICE SESSION, MARCH 2019

A TRADITION OF

SPEED

ARTICLE BY

DANNY MAY PHOTOS BY

BRIAN J. NELSON

30 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

HAYDEN GILLIM (R) TAKES THE CHECKERED FLAG .029 SECONDS AHEAD OF JD BEACH (L) DURING THE SUNDAY RACE AT BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK.

THESE FOUR MOTORCYCLE RACERS ARE CARRYING THE TORCH FROM THE HAYDEN BROTHERS, AND MAKING THEIR OWN MARK ON OWENSBORO’S MOTORCYCLE RACING HERITAGE. SEPTEMBER 23, 2018

www.OwensboroLiving.com

side-by-side on the last lap. Even though JD has

BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

already secured enough points to win the 2018

It’s difficult to put into words how fast these

Hayden win the last race of the year without a fight.

motorcycles are zooming around the race track. From

And Hayden wants a victory so bad he doesn’t give

my view on the second tier of the grandstands at

an inch. He knows he can’t afford to. He can sense

Barber Motorsports Park, just outside Birmingham,

the checkered flag within his reach.

Alabama, I can barely whip my head around fast

enough to follow the lead pack as they streak past the

laps, but now the two highly-competitive friends

start/finish line at 130 miles an hour. No roll cage.

are leapfrogging all over the track, trading leads on

No seatbelts. No windshields. Nothing between the

straight stretches and in and out of corners.

Supersport Championship, he’s not about to let

riders and the asphalt, but a leather suit and helmet.

Gillim dominated the race until the last several

The fans are on their feet as the race announcer

That purple and gold blur out front is Hayden

struggles to catch his breath, intensely calling

Gillim, of Philpot, who is doing all he can to keep

the play-by-play over the loudspeakers. Not that

the lead and stay in front of the blue and black streak

you can hear him over the constant roar of the

a fraction of a second behind him.

130-horsepower engines roaring around the 2.4 mile

That’s JD Beach, also of Philpot. When they’re

track.

not on the track, Gillim and Beach are training

partners and best friends who even live in the same

in every section of the course, which means Gillim

By now, the field is so spread out there are riders

house. But right now, they are battling for the win,

and Beach must also contend with passing slower

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

31

THE ENTIRE PADDOCK COMES TO THE WALL TO GIVE ROGER LEE HAYDEN A HEARTFELT SENDOFF INTO HIS RETIREMENT.

END OF AN ERA After getting married in April, Roger Lee Hayden announced his retirement in August, saying he’s ready to take a year to enjoy being married and do some traveling together before the two start trying to have a family. “I’ll put it this way,” Hayden told me in a phone interview, “I’ve never had a summer off since I was 9 years old because I’ve always been training and racing. We’re both 35, and we do want to have kids. I just don’t want to have kids and race.”

Roger entered his first race at the age of 6, went on to win amateur races in both flat track and road racing, and earned the prestigious American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Horizon Award in 1998 when he was 15. Roger launched his professional road racing career in 1999 at the age of 16. He was named AMA Superbike Rookie of the Year in 2006, and won the AMA Supersport Championship in 2007 (after finishing second in 2004 and 2005). Roger has seven MotoAmerica/AMA Superbike wins, and finished Superbike runner-up in 2017. Besides his success in the American championships, Roger also enjoyed racing on the world championship level as a wildcard rider in MotoGP (2007 and 2010) and as a regular in World Superbike in 2010.

32 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

riders. MotoAmerica road courses aren’t

Hayden Gillim, and Nick McFadden in

ovals. The track at Barber snakes around

the Supersport class.

16 turns with several dips and rises

So this battle between Gillim and

throughout the track. The sharpest turn

Beach is exactly the edge-of-your-seat kind

is number five, a menacing, paperclip-

of excitement the Owensboro fans came to

shaped beast that swallowed several bikes

see. From the grandstands, I couldn’t see

over the course of the weekend.

what happened, but apparently there was

A half a lap from the finish, they

contact between Hayden and JD as they

flash

straightaway

battled through the last few turns. At the

between turns 10 and 11, where it looks

final stretch, they both crouched down

like half of Owensboro is standing along

low, gripping full throttle, grabbing every

the shaded, tree-lined hillside cheering

ounce of speed as Hayden crossed the line

on

for a photo finish just .029 seconds ahead

across

their

the

back

hometown

heroes.

Since

Roger Lee Hayden, the youngest of the

of Beach.

Hayden brothers dynasty, announced his

You could still feel the tension

retirement just a few weeks before, many

between them during post-race interviews

of the Owensboro crowd came to see his

in the media center as the Superbikes took

last race. But altogether there are five

the track. Then it was Roger Hayden and

racers from Owensboro on the track this

Jake Lewis’ turn to battle. After struggling

weekend: Roger Hayden and Jake Lewis

early, Roger fought back to finish in the

in the Superbike class; and JD Beach,

top 10, while Jake finished fifth.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

In a very moving show of respect, all the other pit crews came

to the wall during Roger’s cooldown lap to bid him farewell with

Hayden says from the far side of the table. “But I’ll get back into shape

high fives and a standing ovation as he left the track for the last time.

soon.” As the others order, Hayden tells a hunting story and discloses

Following the post-race podium celebration, MotoAmerica honored

to me that his after-retirement-from-racing plan is to be a mountain

Roger with a ceremonial podium photo shoot to close out his 20-year

man and live off the land. But for now, he’s still chasing this dream

racing career. He stood atop the podium surrounded by his Suzuki

just like he has been since he was 6 years old.

team, crew, friends, and family as fans crowded around with cell

If you didn’t grow up in the racing scene like these guys did,

phone cameras in the air. Then he took time to shake hands with

there’s a lot to process. I’m still trying to put the pieces together and

fans on the way to the Suzuki hauler, and a few minutes later, Roger

learn the right lingo to keep up with the conversation. Following their

unstrapped his racing boots for the last time.

stories starts to look a lot like a family tree chart of Hayden Brothers

As the Hayden Brothers racing era officially came to an end at

connections, and it’s clear all four of these racers idolized and still

the conclusion of the 2018 season, the next generation of Owensboro

respect their childhood racing heroes.

racers started mentally preparing for the next season to continue

Owensboro’s long legacy of MotoAmerica championship contenders,

Tommy Hayden. “I’d see him (Tommy) riding in the field behind our

ensuring the BigO will be well represented for years to come.

house, so that’s how I got introduced to dirt bikes,” Nick remembers.

“I give myself a few weeks to eat whatever I want and just relax,”

Nick McFadden just happened to grow up four houses down from

At three-and-a-half, little Nick kept asking for a dirt bike until his

LATE NOVEMBER, 2018

parents finally got him one. “We built a little track in my backyard

OLD HICKORY BBQ, OWENSBORO

and Tommy would come by and ride with me. That’s how I got into

riding motorcycles.”

My next conversation with Hayden Gillim, JD Beach, Nick

McFadden, and Jake Lewis is much more relaxed than our last

encounter at the track back in September. On this cool November

dirt tracks at 4 years old when he got his first dirt bike for Christmas.

day, we’re sitting around a table in the back room of Old Hickory,

“For me, it’s a family thing because my dad raced, my uncle raced,

talking racing and eating barbecue. Well, except for JD, who is still

even my grandpa raced a little bit. So it runs in the family,” Lewis

focused on staying in peak racing shape and orders two salads.

says.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

Jake Lewis grew up in Princeton, Kentucky, and started racing on

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

33

Jake’s connection to the Haydens was through his father, who used to run a dirt track series, and got to know Earl Hayden (Tommy, Nicky, and Roger’s dad) when Earl would bring the Hayden kids to the track. As soon as he graduated high school, Jake moved to Owensboro and moved in with Roger. “That’s when I got to know the Hayden brothers better and started training with them.”

Hayden Gillim also grew up in a racing family; both his brothers raced, and he’s cousins with the Hayden brothers. “I rode with my brothers a lot, but when I was getting into racing, Tommy was at the peak of his career, Nicky was just moving over to MotoGP, and Roger was coming up right behind Tommy, so we didn’t see them very much.”

With their three boys racing, the Gillim family built a track

in the front yard when the boys were young, and built a larger one behind the house when they later bought more land. By that time, the Gillim brothers, Jake, and Nick had all become friends from racing dirt tracks and flat tracks together on the weekends.

This is where JD Beach enters the story. Originally from Washington state, JD’s dad taught him to ride a dirt bike as soon as he could, and had him racing at 3 years old. “When I was 11 or 12, I came to Kentucky for amateur nationals, and that’s where I met the Gillims and Jake,” he says, explaining his move to Philpot. The next year, he came a week before to stay with the Gillims. The next year he came a week early and stayed a week after. And by the next year, he had decided to move in with the Gillims. The move from Washington to Philpot put JD strategically between Indianapolis, Atlanta, Birmingham, and several other tracks in this region. It also gave him a dirt track in the backyard and training partners in the Gillims, Jake, and Nick.

Bringing up all these memories from the “good old days” leads to some funny stories. “We had this Ford Econoline van,” Hayden remembered. “There was the driver and passenger seat and one bench seat with a mattress in the back with a little TV back there. That was our setup.”

“We’d all just meet up,” Jake added. “Because if Princeton

was on the way, they’d just pull off the parkway and load my bike, and I’d jump in with them.”

“We used to have a 24-ft trailer that could hold about 15

bikes or something crazy,” Hayden laughed, recalling frequent flat tires and an ill-fated trip down the Natcher when the trailer flipped and sent bikes flying everywhere.

As the waitress filled our cups again, Nick jumped in with a

story about moving up to a bigger road racing bike. “I remember the first time I rode a 600cc. I think I was 13. My arms weren’t TOP - HAYDEN GILLIM (#69) ON HIS RICKDICULOUS RACING SUPERSPORT. CENTER - JAKE LEWIS (#95) ON HIS M4 ECSTAR SUPERBIKE. BOTTOM - NICK MCFADDEN ON HIS M4 2018 SUPERSPORT RIDE.

34 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

long enough to reach the handle bar in the turns so I’d have to hold on to the gas tank the best I could with my opposite hand when I was making a turn and then grab the handle bar again.”

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

35

JD BEACH AND HAYDEN GILLIM LEAD THE SUPERSPORT FIELD INTO A TURN AT BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK.

36 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

But that was then. These days the racing is a little more serious. What started

as riding dirt bikes for fun in fields and homemade tracks has now taken JD, Hayden, Nick, and Jake into the premier motorcycle road racing circuit on the fastest tracks in America.

WHAT IT TAKES TO GO FAST

To the casual viewer, it may just look like sitting and hanging on, but these

guys say road racing engages every muscle group in your body during a race. To get an idea in your mind, JD compares it to “doing squats, pushups, sit-ups, and sprinting all at the same time for 30 minutes straight.”

Cardio is important because racing is intense, and heart rates stay incredibly

high during the race. Maneuvering the bike requires core strength and balance, and it takes conditioning and concentration to master each course. Making mistakes is huge, so mental sharpness is equally as important.

During the season, and even in the off-season, their daily training routines

MOTOAMERICA MOTORCYCLE RACING

MotoAmerica is the premier motorcycle road racing championship in America. It is sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) and features five classes of road racing - Superbike, Supersport, Stock 1000, Twins and the Liqui Moly Junior Cup. MotoAmerica’s primary goal was to reinvigorate motorcycle road racing in North America and ultimately send its riders to the top-level international championships MotoGP and World Superbike.

might include working out in the gym for an hour, cycling for a few hours, then riding on the practice track. But all four train a bit differently. Because of JD’s smaller stature, he focuses on strengthening his arms and legs so he can move the bike better. Hayden, on the other hand, because of his body type, works extra hard to keep his weight down. And because Jake is a little taller that most racers, he goes through extra stretches to stay flexible so he doesn’t have back pain from being crouched down for 30 or 40 minutes at a time.

So being in peak physical shape is important, but that can only take you so far.

“Ideally, your bike is dialed in, and your body is in good shape. But bike setup is more important,” Nick explained. “You can be in the best shape of your life, but if your bike’s not set up right, you’re going to wear out trying to fight it.”

Bike setup and conditioning determine what the bike and rider are physically

capable of, but there’s also what the rider is mentally capable of in terms of overcoming fear and thinking clearly in the midst of adrenaline, high pressure, and speed. It takes a lot of nerve to go into a switchback corner at top speed with another rider inches from your tire. The smallest mistake can cost you positions on the track or, worse, cause a crash.

And being able to communicate with your team and mechanics to get the bike to perform best according to that track’s specific conditions is another skill altogether.

“I ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE TO IMAGINE DRIVING A CORVETTE, PUNCHING IT AS HARD AS YOU CAN TO GET IT AS FAST AS IT CAN GO, AND THEN IMAGINE IF THE BACK OF YOUR SEAT WASN’T THERE.” - HAYDEN GILLIM

Still, some guys are just faster than others. As JD says, “It’s like that with

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

37

any sport. Some guys can throw a football further than others, even though all

LEARN THE

Lingo:

quarterbacks pretty much throw the same way.” You can’t teach intuition.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

This sport just seems a little crazier to you and me. But these guys have been

doing it since before they were in kindergarten. This is normal for them. So how do you explain what it’s like to someone like you or me that have no frame of reference for what it’s like to go that fast on a motorcycle?

“I always tell people to imagine driving a Corvette, punching it as hard as you

MotoAmerica current classes: Liqui Moly Junior Cup: Entry-level class with an age restriction limiting competitors to 25 years old.

can to get it as fast as it can go, and then imagine if the back of your seat wasn’t

Twins: Fairly open class where development and modifications are allowed with a great degree of freedom as long as a twin cylinder machine is used.

have no concept of. Most people can’t push themselves hard enough to get their

Stock 1000: Permitting very few modifications from the showroom specifications of the road legal machines. Lights, signals, stands and mirrors must be removed.

proof of that. After that two-hour race, JD’s max heart rate was 195 and his average

Supersport: 600cc 130 horsepower.

there,” Hayden said.

You’d be hanging on for dear life, right?

Elevated heart rate is another phenomenon racers experience that casual fans

heart rate up to 180 during a workout for even a short interval. But it’s common for these racers to look at their heart monitors after a race and see an average heart rate of 175 for a full 40 minutes.

The woods race JD and Jake did the weekend before we met at Old Hickory is

was 167. “But on a regular bicycle, there’s no way I could do that,” he said.

“When you show somebody that, they’ll think your monitor is messed up,” Hayden laughed.

Crashes are no joke either. Nick used the image of driving down the Natcher

at 100 mph and jumping out the window with a leather suit on while you’re going into a curve. Hitting the pavement would be a scary thing. If you’re lucky, you’d

Superbike: 1000cc nicer, different forks, different brakes, more electronics. For example, Roger’s bike last year was 220 horsepower and his top speed was 194 mph.

be able to slide on the pavement until you come to a nice smooth stop in the grass.

International Racing Classes: (MotoAmerica classes match World Superbike classes to make it easier for fans to follow.)

showing any signs of stopping anytime soon.

But that only happens about 20% of the time in a race. A “low side” wreck is when your bike slides out from under you and you don’t have far to fall to hit the ground.

A “high side” wreck is where your bike flips over and throws you high into the air. Those are the bad ones. Despite that constant reality, none of these racers are

RACING FOR A LIVING

The four racers at this table are all on different levels, financially speaking, but

World SuperBike: Comparable to MotoAmerica Superbike class, but a little more powerful. (The class Nicky Hayden raced at the conclusion of his career).

they say they’re all making enough money to live on during racing season. A few

MotoGP (Motorcycle Grand Prix): The “Formula One of motorcycles.”

Bikes are fully customized, prototype bikes with custom frames and custom aerodynamics. 280 horsepower.

Fastest speed last season was 224 mph. (The class Nicky won the world championship in 2006.)

get a regular job,” Jake added.

work odd jobs in the off season. “I make enough to get by, pay my bills, and save a little bit,” JD said. “But when I’m done racing I’m going to have to get a real job.”

And that’s the 2018 Supersport champion talking.

“Yeah, I risk my life every time I race, but I still wouldn’t want to go out and In reality, economic changes in the last decade have completely changed the

dynamics in professional motorcycle racing. While the competition on the track is just as intense, the competition for “factory rides” - or contracts with teams funded by major manufacturer brands like Honda or Suzuki is much more intense than it was, say, 10 years ago. When the Hayden brothers turned pro at 16, top brands would have several teams in each class of racing with several riders on each team.

But today’s riders are all competing for a handful of factory rides.

Which helps explain why today’s racers sometimes piece together dirt track series rides and road racing rides to put something substantial together or to bide

38 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

(L-R) JAKE LEWIS, JD BEACH, ROGER HAYDEN, NICK MCFADDEN, AND HAYDEN GILLIM HOLD THEIR NICKY HAYDEN REPLICA HELMETS WHICH THEY ALL WORE IN TRIBUTE TO NICKY DURING THE 2017 ROAD AMERICA RACE IN ELKHART LAKE, WISCONSIN. PHOTO BY BRIAN J. NELSON.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

39

40 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

their time until a Superbike ride opens up.

Jake summarized it best, “Everybody’s goal is to be superbike champion

because that means you’re the best in America. That’s what Nicky won to move over to MotoGP.”

But the timing on that has to be perfect. And rides overseas are very hard

to come by. “The problem is if you leave here (in the U.S) with a good ride, go over there (to World Superbike or MotoGP) and do poorly, you may not be able to come back here because your ride will probably be gone,” Hayden says.

“But still, if you get the chance, you take the shot. If you’re in, you’re in. But you’re not gonna do that if you don’t take a shot.”

SPRING, 2019 MOTOAMERICA 2019 SEASON PREVIEW

Coming off his second Supersport championship, JD Beach transitioned to

Superbike during the off-season as Estenson Racing announced a partnership with Attack Performance that will enable JD to race for championships in both premier classes of MotoAmerica and American Flat Track. So, in addition to fighting for a Grand National Championship in the AFT Twins class aboard the Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07, Beach will also get his dream ride in the MotoAmerica Superbike Championship on an Attack Performance/Estenson Racing Yamaha YZF-R1.

That means this year, JD will join Jake Lewis in the Superbike class. Jake

Lewis will again be riding for Team Hammer, Inc. aboard an M4 ECSTAR Suzuki GSX-R1000. Lewis had a solid 2018 season with 13 top-five finishes, and finished sixth in the championship.

In Supersport, Hayden Gillim will be returning to his #69 ride for RiCKdiculous Racing for the 2019 season. His newly named teammate is none other than #16 Nick McFadden.

2019 will also see Tommy Hayden again involved in racing in his new role as Director of Race Operations for Estenson Racing. The eldest brother of the well-known Hayden family, Tommy has been involved in racing his whole life. In addition to two AMA Supersport Championships (2004-2005), Hayden amassed 34 wins in the U.S. National road racing championship (now MotoAmerica), eight of which were in Superbike. More recently, Hayden was

MOTOAMERICA 2019 SCHEDULE April 5-7 – Road Atlanta, Braselton, Georgia April 12-14 – Circuit of The Americas, Austin, Texas May 4-5 – Virginia International Raceway, Alton, Virginia May 31-June 2 – Road America, Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin June 15-16 – Utah Motorsports Campus, Grantsville, Utah July 12-14 – WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Monterey, California August 10-11 – Sonoma Raceway, Sonoma, California August 23-25 – Pittsburgh International Race Complex, Wampum, Pennsylvania September 7-8 – New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, New Jersey September 20-22 – Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, Alabama If you want to cheer on the Owensboro Boys and experience a race live, Atlanta or Birmingham are your best chances. “Our two closest races start and end our season, which is great for us,” Nick McFadden says.

“Atlanta always has a good crowd from Owensboro because everybody’s been bored all winter, and it’s their first chance to get out to a race. Then Birmingham is the last race so there’s always a nice crowd there, because it’s the last chance.

There were definitely more this past year at Barber because it was Roger’s last race, but our crowds at those two races have been growing over the past few years.”

the Global Road Racing Manager for Monster Energy.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

41

42 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

THE ERIC GROUP

Sit Back and

ENJOY THE MUSIC I

f you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’ve been to a concert! Whether it’s a small venue with a local artist or a sold-out arena, you show up to escape, if only for a couple of hours, and get lost in the sounds. And it’s easy, right? You buy your tickets, find a few friends, and sing along to the songs you know by heart. But behind the scenes, there’s so much more going on!

LEAVE IT TO THE PROS… To the average concert-goer, it’s almost overwhelming to consider all of the planning, production, and moving parts that have to fall exactly into place for the show to go off without a hitch. Luckily, music fans don’t have to worry about all those details. We can leave that to the pros, like the Eric Group.

Comprised of husband and wife team, Heath and Molly Eric, the Eric Group has the knowledge, expertise, and experience to flawlessly execute and produce concerts and events in the tri-state and beyond.

THEY’VE SEEN IT ALL… Heath first gained experience in the field during his time as the director of marketing at the Executive Inn. By spending years selling and marketing shows, Heath acquired valuable insights into the world of concert production. Heath and Molly also know what it’s like to tour as musicians, having released five albums of their own music, owning their own record company, and performing as many as 150 shows per year over a 10-year run. In short, they’ve seen it all when it comes to the music business. And now they’ve taken all of that valuable experience and honed it into a top-shelf concert and event production business.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

FROM THE START… The Eric Group develops the concert experience from the ground up. Heath and Molly brainstorm with clients to meet their specific needs with the objective of the event in mind. Once an artist and venue is chosen, the Eric Group goes to work by connecting with their vast network of musicians and talent agencies. As members of Pollstar and the IEBA (International Entertainment Buyers Association), the Eric Group artfully employs both their know-how and their relationships with others in the industry to produce a concert experience of the highest quality. That includes handling the marketing and publicity with an all-inclusive, targeted approach to advertising their events.

TO THE SMALLEST DETAILS… Once The Eric Group and their clients have settled on the framework for the event, the team gets to work on the tedious tasks that most music fans overlook. Ever wonder about the ticketing, transportation and lodging for the artists, or security for the event? Thanks to The Eric Group, you don’t have to. Their team covers every possible angle, leaving no detail unaccounted for.

TO THE FINISHED PRODUCT… As a full-service, one-stop shop for concerts and events, The Eric Group handles everything from planning and marketing all the way to the setup of the stage, sound, lights and video. Their proven track record working for clients like the Cities of Owensboro, Beaver Dam, Madisonville, Central City and Henderson speaks for itself. So whether you’re a city looking to drive tourism or you’re a company with a goal of building your brand and promoting you’re business through concerts and events, there’s only one name you need to know – The Eric Group.

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

43

2019

Best of

L I V I N G

g

It’s that time of year again - time to reveal the winners of our Best of Owensboro Living contest. 2019 marks the fifth annual Best of Owensboro Living, where you, our readers, have the opportunity to make your voices heard. This year, over 2,000 of you cast your votes for your favorite Mexican food, nail salon, and place to go on a first date (among many others). While a few of our inaugural winners have yet to concede their spot at the top, some new names and faces also make an appearance.

g So take a look and find out if your favorites made the cut.

Best Barbecue Old Hickory Bar-B-Q

Best Burger big dipper

Since 1918, Old Hickory has been a local favorite with a reputation built on six generations of award-winning Owensboro barbecue. Their restaurant offers a full menu for dining in, a drive-thru for take out, and catering options.

Since 1954, the Dipper, still in its original location on Parrish Avenue, has been known for old-fashioned burgers and shakes. If you like a loaded burger, try it “thru the garden.”

Best Pizza Fetta Specialty Pizza Fetta has become a staple in the downtown restaurant scene. Grab a slice of their Smothers Park Meat Special and take a seat on their outdoor patio which has a great view of the fountains and Ohio River.

k

Best Mexican Food real hacienda The Ortiz family serves up favorite family recipes carried on through generations in two Owensboro locations: Frederica & Southtown, and Highland Pointe on 54.

Chimichangas, Armando’s pizza, and arroz con pollo are just a few of their tasty dishes.

44 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

k

Best Sandwich & Best Place for a Quick Lunch

a

k

great harvest Bread Co.

dd

d

multiple categor winner!y

Great Harvest Bread Co. offers made-fromscratch bread and goodies made from fresh, stone-ground flour in two Owensboro locations: 3211 Frederica, and 4431 Spring Hill Drive in Lake Forest Town Center on 54.

In addition to your favorite sandwiches, Great Harvest offers made-to-order salads, cookies, and a variety of coffees and teas. www.OwensboroLiving.com

r Best Coffee

the creme coffee house

Locally owned and operated in downtown Owensboro, the Creme Coffee House has a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Stop by and enjoy their variety of specialty drinks, delicious treats and sandwiches.

k Best Steak

texas roadhouse Legendary food and legendary service make Texas Roadhouse Owensboro’s favorite place for hand-cut steaks, fall-off-the-bone ribs, made from scratch sides… and those rolls!

k

Best Cake Dalishas Bakery & Café Dalishas cakes are simply delicious. They were also the 2017 Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce Emerging Business of the Year!

k Best Salad

Briarpatch Briarpatch has been serving excellent steaks, burgers, and more since 1971, but their soup and salad bar can’t be beat.

Start with a cup of homemade Hoppin’ John or bean soup, and fresh bread brought right to your table. Then pile your favorite toppings on a bed of crisp, mixed greens at the bar, which is prepared fresh daily. www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

45

46 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

Best Breakfast Dee’s diner Bacon and eggs, biscuits and gravy, and the biggest pancakes in Owensboro! Dee’s mom and pop atmosphere makes their breakfast that much better, with friendly service and affordable prices.

k

Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt Orange Leaf

k

Best Donuts Rolling Pin Pastry ShOP Since 1947, Rolling Pin Pastry Shop has been making those famous chocolate long johns. They make over 25 kinds of donuts fresh for you daily. At the Rolling Pin, “It’s all about the donuts.”

k

Best Brunch the famous bistro The staff at The Famous Bistro strives to produce amazing, scratch-made food and provide the best service in town. Stop by their downtown location for fine dining in a casual atmosphere.

k Best Wings

Buffalo Wild Wings Hand-spun in a signature sauce or seasoning, Buffalo Wild Wings is a game day favorite. If you love wings and sports, then Buffalo Wild Wings is the place for you. www.OwensboroLiving.com

Best Veggie Burger & Best Food Truck

a

Orange Leaf is all about making life sweeter, offering freedom from average everyday options. From flavors, cups, and cones, to smoothies, shakes, and cakes, they give their guests the freedom to create whatever sweet treat they can imagine.

dd

d

Gene’s health food

multiple categor winner!y

The folks at Gene’s Health Food are on a mission to promote and educate on our most important asset - our health! They have recently expanded the business by adding a wellness center and a food truck. The store also includes supplements, groceries with allergy-friendly options, international and organic selections, organic produce and a juice bar. Everything is made fresh and in-house.

k

Best Hair Salon All About You Salon & Spa All About You is Owensboro’s premier full-service salon.

The staff is continuously undergoing training in all the latest techniques to offer their clients the most cuttingedge designs and trends to create their total look.

k Best Florist Welborn Floral

Welborn Floral is a full-service florist and gift shop providing floral arrangements, delivery, and rentals for weddings and corporate events. They have been providing service to Owensboro since 1958 and stand by their work with a 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed.

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

47

Best Consignment Shop Robin’s ReSale & Boutique Robin’s Resale & Boutique offers consignment for the entire family, plus a trendy new boutique with clothes for women sizes small through 3X. You’ll find gently used clothing and home items, as well as bridal and formal wear.

k

Best Barber Shop Klutch Klutch Barbers offers custom tailored haircuts, unique designs, and a one-of-a-kind experience. Schedule your appointment today with the free Booksy app!

k

Best Home Builder Jagoe Homes Jagoe Homes is a third generation, family-owned new home builder and community developer based in Owensboro. Whether building on your land or choosing a beautiful Jagoe community, you’ll discover nationallyrecognized, award-winning, eco-friendly, smartlydesigned, energy-efficient homes.

48 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

` tique

le Bou

ifesty Best L

studio slant

Studio Slant strives to be more than your average gift shop. When you visit their location at 624 Emory Drive, it’s all about the experience. From birthdays to thank you gifts to wedding registries, Studio Slant has you covered! Oh, and did we mention they also offer free gift registries, wrapping and delivery?

www.OwensboroLiving.com

Best IT Company fastek Fastek is a full service technology solutions company who sells and services computers, servers, routers, switches, VoIP phones, cameras, printers, and more.

Fastek takes pride in providing great service and technical know-how to empower your business.

k

Best Bank Independence Bank Employees at Independence Bank work to exceed customer expectations while maintaining a strong relationship with the local community. They have three locations in Owensboro: 3228 KY-54, 2425 Frederica St, and 2465 W Parrish Ave.

k

Best Mortgage Company U.S. Bank Home Mortgage Customer service is a priority at U.S. Bank Home Mortgage. As a customer, you can access your account online, see current rates and learn more about the mortgage products they have to offer.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

r Best Veterinarian kentuckiana animal clinic

Kentuckiana Animal Clinic provides your furry family members with the best, compassionate and quality veterinary care. They are truly grateful for the trust the community places in their team, and look forward to continuing to serve you and your pets!

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

49

50 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

Best Real Estate Agent ryan rutman Ryan Rutman is a top-producing Realtor in Owensboro, KY. Ryan works for RE/MAX Professional Realty Group, one of Owensboro’s largest and fastest-growing real estate firms.

Ryan delivers to the Owensboro real estate market a unique and fresh blend of old school “business with a hand shake” and new era technology and marketing.

r Best Pet Groomer The dapper dog

The Dapper Dog is a unique grooming salon dedicated to meeting the unique needs of your special pet with modern trims, daycare, and more! Owner Ashley Coomes is a certified Master groomer, and all of their groomers are professionally educated and certified in CPR and pet safety.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

k

Best Realty Company

re/max RE/MAX is a locally-owned office with many agents to service your needs - from residential to commercial, from luxury to short sales. RE/ MAX prides themselves on the relationships they build, and in being a good community servant.

k

Best Financial Advisor Settle Wealth Advisors You have plenty of things to worry about—your financial wellbeing should not be one of them. To assist in these decisions, you need the skill and experience of a financial professional who understands your concerns and shares your vision. Let Settle Wealth Advisors help you plan for the future!

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

51

Best Jeweler Nick T. Arnold Jewelers Family owned and operated since 1902, Nick T. Arnold Jewelers offers a wide variety of fine jewelry, including Pandora, Le Vian, and Fossil, as well as jewelry repair. They also stick to their watch-making roots by offering watch and clock repair along with an in-house clock shop.

k

` re

ure Sto

urnit Best F

Best Dry Cleaners Swan Cleaners Voted the best dry cleaner in Owensboro, Swan Cleaners is in the business of making you look your best. Locally owned since 1946, they offer professional dry cleaning, drapery cleaning, on-site wedding gown cleaning and preservation, leather/suede/fur cleaning, alterations, area rug cleaning, and city wide pick-up and delivery.

k

mudd’s furniture

Best Men’s Clothing Store Byron & Barclay

Known for quality furniture and dependable service, Mudd’s Furniture has a wide variety of home furnishings. You can find whatever you need for living room, bedroom and dining room furniture in their 25,000 sq ft showroom.

Located in downtown Owensboro, Byron & Barclay is a husband and wife team, hand-selecting each item they sell to provide only the finest quality goods. Their selections are constantly changing, so stop by their store and see what their top-notch customer service and attention to detail is all about!

52 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

Best Cabinet Shop Phill’s Custom Cabinets Phill’s Custom Cabinets sets the standard for quality craftsmanship with attention to detail. Their custom cabinetry is the result of expert design and modern production techniques. With Phill’s Custom Cabinets, you can get gorgeous cabinets, built locally to your exact specifications, for about the same price you’d pay at a big box store.

k

Best Home Accessories Boutique

The Glass Factory With a new and larger location, The Glass Factory continues to send you on a journey of incredible and endless home decor possibilities. Whether you need a custom sofa and coffee table designed to your taste, or want to make a statement with one of their signature grand front entries, The Glass Factory has something for you.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

r Best Car Wash Cheetah clean Car Wash

Cheetah Clean Car Wash has enjoyed serving the Owensboro community since 2008. Their location at 3621 Ralph Ave on Hwy 54 offers several levels of express services, free vacuums, as well as monthly unlimited plans.

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

53

Best Shoe Store

Shoe stop Now in their 20th year, Shoe Stop has become the destination for the “must have” items of the season. “Serve with a servant’s heart” is the goal for the staff, along with providing an assortment that will meet and exceed the footwear wishes for the family.

k

Best Appliance Store Green River Green River is an appliance and furniture store providing service to the Owensboro area since 1964. They specialize in appliance repair with certified service technicians, along with complete kitchen appliance packages, laundry, outdoor grills, furniture and mattresses.

r Best Place to go on a First Date Colby’s Fine food & spirits

Since opening in 1987, Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits has provided the highest quality seasonal dishes using aged meats and fresh produce with a first-class wine selection.

Situated in the heart of downtown Owensboro, Colby’s is beautiful on the inside and out, and their dining atmosphere is pleasantly casual and intimate.

54 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

` lace Best P

k

to Wor

owensboro health

Every employee at Owensboro Health plays a vital role in fulfilling the goals of their mission and values, core commitments and dedication to the patient. Every employee contributes in placing Owensboro Health in the top 5 percent for quality in the nation. And every employee deserves recognition and applause for making Owensboro Health a great place to work.

k

Best Garden Center Integrity Nursery & Outdoor Living Family owned and operated, Integrity began landscaping and lawn maintenance in 1984. Since moving to Burlew Blvd in 2002, Integrity Nursery & Outdoor Living has become Owensboro’s premier outdoor living store, specializing in nursery plants, landscape supplies, greenhouse flowers, outdoor furniture, home accessories and garden dÊcor.

k

Best Lawn Care Company

Evergreen Lawn Care Whether you want a scenic backyard or need to spruce up your landscaping, the experienced team at Evergreen Lawn Care is ready to help.

Evergreen will deliver the results you want, no matter how big or small the job may be.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

55

Best Attorney travis l. holtrey Travis Holtrey is the managing partner of Foreman Watson Holtrey, LLP. Since 1995, he has assisted people across the state of Kentucky and throughout the United States who have been injured and need guidance because of a variety of unfortunate circumstances. His mission is to manage a law firm that genuinely desires to change lives one case at a time.

k

Best Photography Studio captured moments Captured Moments Photography is an international awardwinning studio, specializing in family and senior portraits. You can always count on Captured Moments for beautiful, quality photos in the Owensboro area.

k

Best Insurance Agent

gavin roberts Always ready to serve Owensboro, Gavin Roberts at Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance can assist and advise whenever needed.

k Best Nail Salon

Pro Nails & Spa Pro Nails & Spa is a place where you can enjoy your day with full-service nail care, manicures, pedicures, and more. They have reasonable prices, clean and organized workplace, and a friendly staff!

Best Funeral Home Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory Glenn Funeral Home has served Daviess County and the surrounding areas since 1903. Their genuine desire to care for families is centered around integrity, values, and a commitment to honoring your family’s wishes. Located on Old Hartford Rd, they are proud to be the hometown friends you can rely on.

56 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

57

58 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

r Best Gym/Fitness Center Owensboro Health Healthpark

The Owensboro Health Healthpark helps Owensboro/ Daviess Countians live healthier and stronger by achieving wellness in mind, body, and spirit. More than a gym, it’s a comprehensive wellness center with nurses, dietitians, personal trainers, fitness instructors, therapists, counselors, massage therapists, fitness center, aquatics, gymnasium and racquetball courts, plus childcare and a café.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

Best Optometrist

Dr. Steven Shake Dr. Shake and the experienced doctors and staff of Owensboro Family Eye Care offer comprehensive vision examinations, and specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases, conditions, and problems. Dr. Shake’s specialities include contact lenses and sports vision, and he co-manages LASIK and other refractive surgeries, along with cataract surgery.

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

59

Best Dentist perkins dentistry Dr. Perkins’ goal is to make your dental experience as easy and painless as possible. This starts with scheduling and helping you understand your insurance, and continues through dental procedures and convenient payment options.

` ity

ersonal

dio P est Ra

B

Chad Benefield

Catch Chad Monday through Friday from 6-10am as one half of WBKR’s Morning Drive with Chad and Angel.

When he’s not in the studio, you can probably find him emceeing endless charity functions, beauty pageants, dance competitions, and the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s monthly Rooster Booster.

60 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

k

Best Rideshare Driver Barbie Korfhage If you request a Lyft and you’re lucky enough for Barbie Korfhage to pick you up, be prepared for a fun ride full of southern hospitality, music of your choice, and the best food recommendations in town.

k Best OB/GYN

Dr. Elizabeth Ottman Elizabeth Ottman, MD, FACOG of Women’s Healthcare Partners has provided care to hundreds of women in the Western Kentucky area. She loves sharing that special experience with her patients and their families.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

Best Dermatologist

Dr. Nicole Brey Dr. Nicole Brey, a native of Owensboro and founder of Advanced Dermatology Associates, is dedicated to providing access to superior medical care by offering the latest technological advances in dermatology. Dr. Brey and her team are committed to providing you with the very best patient experience by striving to treat every patient with respect, value, and privacy.

k Best Urgent Care

Gateway Urgent Care Gateway Urgent Care is in business to provide three simple but important things: 1) Amazing Medical Care; 2) Treat Everyone as a Child of God and with Great Kindness; and 3) Get You In and Out As soon As Possible. They do this by hiring only the most qualified professionals in all positions, who also have the greatest attitudes. The staff at Gateway Urgent Care truly love what they do.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

r Best Charity Event Owensboro’s Lip Sync Battle

Owensboro’s Lip Sync Battle presented by Kentucky Legend raised $74,000 to benefit Puzzle Pieces this year. Over 1,300 ticket holders attended this fun event, and crowned the Owensboro Fire Department as the overall Grand Champion.

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

61

Best Radio Station wbkr

r Best Local College Kentucky Wesleyan College

Kentucky Wesleyan College fosters a liberal arts education that nourishes, stimulates and prepares future leaders intellectually, spiritually and physically to achieve success in life. For more than 150 years, they have served students in the liberal arts tradition, and for the next 150 years at Kentucky Wesleyan, students will learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and live ethically in a complex, rapidly-changing world.

62 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

92.5 WBKR became a country radio station way back in 1972. Today, they are a multimedia broadcast company with a booming frequency, a WBKR mobile app, a vibrant social media presence and a website (WBKR. com) that’s visited by approximately 1.5 million people annually! They love their listeners and the communities they serve.

k Best Doctor Dr. Kishor Vora

With over 25 years of cardiovascular expertise, Dr. Kishor Vora has brought some of the latest and most advanced technology and cardiovascular testing to Kentucky and the Tri-State area. In early 2000, Dr. Vora saw an opportunity for a new medical facility in Owensboro, and began exploring the possibilities of a new healthcare organization located on the corner of Parrish Avenue and Breckenridge Street, now known as Owensboro Medical Plaza.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

Best Pharmacy Nation’s Medicines When David Nation opened his first pharmacy in 1972, he made a decision not to stock items that would take away from his main focus—medicines. Nation’s pharmacists are always available to talk with you about the prescription and over-the-counter medicines you’re taking.

k

Best Nurse Practitioner Sylvia Sweatt, aprn Sylvia Sweatt’s patients know they will be treated with respect and smiles, while also getting the best services in healthcare.

k

Best Annual Event

International Bar-B-Q Festival First created in 1979 to celebrate the longstanding reputation and claim to fame for “Good Ole Daviess County Bar-B-Q,” the International Bar-B-Q Festival provides attendees with nonstop entertainment and good eats.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

Best Running Race

Color Blast 5K The Color Blast 5K is a fun family run/walk color celebration to recognize the positive impact individuals with special needs have on our lives, to acknowledge their abilities, and help spread awareness!

k Best Yoga Studio

270 Power Yoga 270 Power Yoga is about being up to something bigger than ourselves by creating connection, inspiring community, and showing up for each other on and off the mat. Their mission is to inspire people to live bold, authentic lives through the practice of Baptiste-inspired power vinyasa yoga.

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

63

64 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

65

SENIOR LIVING

BY DANA PEVELER

The Perks of DOWNSIZING “Here, I want you to have this; it was your grandmother’s,” my mother said as she handed me a very

Some tips to help with the emotional and physical stress of

the process:

fragile, glass serving bowl. As I stared through tears into the bowl, my mind saw steaming green beans and boiled potatoes being

1. PLAN AHEAD. You certainly didn’t accumulate all these

passed around the table at her house. When I came back to the

things in a few days, so be kind to yourself and set a realistic

moment, I asked my mother why she was parting with the bowl

timeline. A few weeks to a few months is reasonable.

now. She told me she was downsizing because, “We just don’t need all this stuff!”

2. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER, OR CONVINCE A

GOOD FRIEND TO HELP YOU. If you want to maintain your

We all do it, don’t we? We hold on to a broken vase or a bunch

of forks with bent prongs all because they were wedding gifts;

friendship, set some ground rules before you begin! Establish

or store a George Foreman grill that we haven’t used in decades

how much decision-making authority your friend will have, and

because it still works fine. So often, our emotions are tied to our

whether or not you will have veto power.

belongings, especially the ones we were given by people we love.

We hold these articles and remember that person and sometimes,

3. DECIDE WHAT YOU’RE KEEPING, DONATING, SELL-

even the moment they gave it to us. Those emotions are what

ING, PASSING ALONG TO LOVED ONES, OR THROWING

makes us sneak our yard sale goodies back into the house when

AWAY.

no one is looking. Is there a way, though, to hold on to those good

a. Touch everything only once – this is hard for me because I

memories and still make downsizing a pleasant experience? Yes!

second-guess myself, but hold yourself to it!

Many seniors begin the downsizing process after retirement.

b. If you’re keeping the piece, make sure it will fit in your

They may want to travel and don’t want the responsibilities that

new place if you’re moving. Take measurements of furniture

come with a larger home or yard. Downsizing can reduce utility

to ensure there’s room. It may be helpful to sketch the

costs, maintenance and landscaping expenses – something that

arrangement of a room to see if the item you want to keep will

is very appealing on a fixed income. Some use the equity in the

work.

larger home to buy the smaller one and gain more financial

c. Donations are tax deductible, and sometimes the agency will

stability with the difference. There are many reasons why people

even pick them up. Place a call ahead of time to make sure they

choose to downsize in their later years, but the process doesn’t

will accept the articles you want to donate.

have to be daunting. In fact, it can be liberating!

d. eBay, Craigslist, and local Facebook sites in Daviess County

66 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

are all great resources for selling treasures you no longer need. For

interested in it, it goes.

antiques, contact a local dealer to learn its value before selling. They may even wish to purchase the item from you!

4. HAVE A DOWNSIZING PARTY! Everybody likes a party, so

e. Seeing double? Get rid of one! I have nearly two of every kitchen

gather your family and anyone with whom you would share your

appliance, pot and pan, two sets of glasses, flatware, plates, and an

precious mementos and pass on those items. Everyone leaves with

entire double cabinet of nothing but butter bowls and water bottles.

something that reminds them of you, and you have the joy of watch-

It is safe to say, I’ll never use it all. I tell myself I’m saving these

ing them enjoy it. Share the stories of the treasure; write the history

things so my daughters can have a well-stocked kitchen when

down and give that with the gift so that when they pass it down, they

they’re ready, but the truth is, who needs an abundance of water

pass along the history. If you have time, hand-write those notes! Take

bottles? Time to go!

lots of pictures!

f. Go ahead and pass along your family heirlooms now. Take it from me, the one who is gifted with the heirloom will smile and think of

5. NO SELF-IMPOSED GUILT. If you really do not have room for

you each time they see it.

something, you don’t use it, you’re never going to find a way or place

g. Throw it out! Listen; if it’s broken, if it has no emotional value, if

to enjoy it, do you really think the one who gave it to you would want

it has no more purpose – throw it away! One thing the Army taught

you to keep it? Of course not! Find a way to pass it along to someone

me with all of our family moves was that if you haven’t unboxed it

who will enjoy it and use it in a way it was intended.

yet, you’re probably not gonna unbox it at the next move, either.

Throw it out! If you can’t decide what you want to do with it right

with a good plan and enough time, we can take some of the stress out

away, place it in a specified location for 24 hours. If you haven’t

of the downsizing process, and have an organized, clutter-free home

thought about it, found a way to repurpose it, or found anyone

(and even pass along a little love) in the process!

I’m not one of those natural organizers – many of us aren’t – but

DANA PEVELER is the executive director of the Senior Community Center, located at 1650 W. Second St., Owensboro.

The Center offers activities, services and resources for people age 60 and older. Visit www.seniorcenterodc.com or call 270-687-4640 to learn more.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

67

68 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

69

THE

STYLE

Spring SHOPPING

BY JULIA HARTZ highheelsandhappyhartz.com

With every issue of Owensboro Living that comes out, we get one step closer to spring! Ya’ll know by now that spring and summer are my favorite seasons, and this year it couldn’t come soon enough, especially since I’m getting married in May! After the cold winter we’ve had, it is such a relief to walk into these stores and see dresses and shorts instead of coats and scarves. YAY for sunshine! Our local boutiques are starting to get in bright colors and bold prints, which means it’s time to get out there and shop!

If we’re talking bold spring colors, we absolutely have to start with this yummy yellow dress. When I saw it on display in Excursions, it was love at first sight.

Yellow is one of the top colors in fashion for spring, so you’ll be right on trend in this look! This dress is so fun to wear, and I promise you’ll be twirling around and flipping your skirt everywhere you go, just like I am. I paired it with another bold pop of color—pink! (I know ya’ll are shocked.)

Pink and yellow will always be a match made in color block heaven, but there really are endless options when it comes to accessorizing. If you’re looking for a dress for Derby, Easter, or a wedding, this is a no-brainer! It’s one of those special pieces you will have in your closet forever.

Dress: $198 Purse: $64 Necklace: $87 Excursions 2738 Frederica St 270-926-8388 70 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

PHOTOS BY KRISTIN BIVINS

Dress: $42 Purse: $48 Blush Boutique 1020 Halifax Drive Suite 101 270-240-1974

We can’t do a spring fashion issue without incorporating some type of floral print, which brings me to this green wrap dress from Blush Boutique. It’s so lightweight and easy to throw on and go!

You could dress it down with sandals or wear it with wedges like I did. If it’s too cold out to wear it now, add a white denim jacket to make it even more versatile. I’m a sucker for bamboo or anything Palm Beach themed, which means I freaked over the handles of this purse! Bamboo and straw bags are still very in this year, and I’m sure you’ll see them in all shapes and sizes this season.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

71

Jumpsuit: $79 Handbag: $69 Bella Ragazza Boutique 120 W 2nd St. 270-926-9546

Next up is this striped jumpsuit from Bella Ragazza. The open back on this is such a focal point — we just had to show it off! Stripes are very popular this spring, and jumpsuits and rompers are here to stay. If you’re tall enough, you could wear this with sandals, but my fivefoot-two self would wear it with wedges. This is another look that could be paired with a white (or regular) denim jacket for those cooler nights. Let’s talk about this handbag. This basket bag is one of the cutest straw bags I’ve seen! I love the shape, and it also comes with a longer gold strap inside so you could wear it as a shoulder bag so it’s more comfortable to carry around. Unique handbags like this are such a great find, so snatch them up when you find a special one like this!

I hope you guys are as in love with these looks as I am! You’ll be blown away by all of the bright and fun new pretties at all of these boutiques.

Whether you’re a girly girl like me, a tomboy, or somewhere in between, you’ll find something wonderful at each of these special places. Happy spring shopping!

72 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

73

THE

STYLE

GLOBALLY INSPIRED,

Minimally Eclectic

BY MELODY ANN WALLACE

THE FARMER FAMILY HOME ON PANTLE POINT

Chelsea Farmer has made a name for herself

the over 4,000 square foot home was constructed

as the creative designer behind HorseFeathers

based on a modern farmhouse plan by the original

jewelry company. Using unique gemstones in bold

owners and Pantle Point community founders.

and diverse colors, Chelsea designs pieces that

After being welcomed into the gray entryway, your

perfectly accent individual outfits and styles. That

eye is either drawn to the picturesque view of the

same vision for pairing colorful gemstones has

Ohio or the brightly colored piece of artwork at the

bled over into her personal style and the whimsical

top of the stairwell. Pulling from the vibrant colors

touches she has applied to each room of her home.

of the canvas, each room has been thoughtfully

decorated to display its own individual personality

Perched along the edge of the Ohio River,

74 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

PHOTOS BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

and charm.

“How I choose the colors in the house — I choose one piece of focal art that I love and every color in the house is pulled from that,” Chelsea said. “So every time I paint a room or pick major accents, they come off of that color scheme, whether it be pale blue, the aqua that comes out in our bedroom or the pink in the living room.”

Chelsea said that by having a home broken into different levels and separate rooms, including a formal dining and living room, it allowed her to experiment with color more freely.

While the upholstered teal chairs may give a nod to the formal, the dining room features whimsical wallpaper with birds in flight under a painted ceiling. Playing center stage are four boldlycolored custom portraits of precious pets of past and present, which again tie back to the colors of the original focal art piece upstairs.

“My husband and I actually do not like open floor plans,” Chelsea said. “We are like the only 30-somethings that don’t like open floor plans.

Because I like so much color, I find it difficult to www.OwensboroLiving.com

mingle so many different colors.”

SENTIMENTAL AND NOSTALGIC The daughter of a Naval officer, Chelsea spent most of her younger life traveling and living abroad. Each of those experiences helped to influence Chelsea’s style, and have woven their way into her home.

Small decorative pieces from Spain and Italy serve as accent pieces, along with a vintage blown glass netted Japanese fishing buoy, each dispersed amongst towering white bookshelves framed by picture windows that look out over the Ohio River. Chelsea said her husband will soon be hanging a ship’s wheel on the living room entry wall to pull together the nautical feel of the surrounding water.

“A lot of my decor is pieces we’ve collected over our travels — there are a lot of collectibles from all kinds of places,” Chelsea said. “All of the chandeliers are vintage throughout the whole house. We collect them in different places when we travel around.”

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

75

PHOTOS BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

A restored mantle clock, that Chelsea said has been

colorful blankets are perfect for throwing over the furniture

in the family as long as she can remember, serves as the

for her pets as she always wants their space to feel “very

capstone piece to the shelving unit. Placed carefully below

livable and cozy.” A repainted piano, which Chelsea said is

the clock are three world globes, the center one was once

easy to come by, sits in the corner for tiny fingers to learn

used in her great-grandpa Sterling’s Sunday school class.

how to play, while also playing home to silver candlestick

Nestled alongside books of complementary shades of blue,

holders and fresh plants. “I just started collecting plants,”

on a smaller scale of shelves along the opposing wall, is her

she said, “because they make your house feel more homey,”

Granny’s Bible with handwritten notes still tucked inside.

joking that if you weren’t good at keeping plants alive, there

were realistic “fake” plant options for a touch of greenery.

Chelsea describes her style as, “very minimalist and

minimally eclectic. I have a lot of stuff, but it’s not cluttered,” she said. “I like things out all the time so I can see them.”

COMFY AND COZY

FAMILY-FRIENDLY AND FUNCTIONAL

While every book, accent piece and item seems to have

its place on each shelf, so does each basket and bin. Although

Although Chelsea has created a high-end look by

they may appear to just serve as tasteful decor, oversized

thoughtfully placing each piece throughout her home, she

wicker baskets and fabric cubes are actually home to toddler

will be the first to admit that she is beyond thrifty when it

toys and building blocks.

comes to shopping for furniture and accent pieces. “I’m not

really a buyer of new. Chairs are usually roadside finds,” she

table were placed with a growing little one in mind. Providing

said, adding that, with the exception of her sofas and bed

more stability and peace of mind than a traditional coffee

frame, “everything else is Goodwill or side of the road.”

table, the upholstered bench-style table allows three-year-

old Sterling a sturdy place to balance and build, and still be

Even thrift shop blankets and quilts have been laundered

Even the living room furniture and upholstered coffee

and placed in a repurposed filing cabinet for visually-

in the company of his parents.

appealing storage. When not being stored, she said the

76 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

Chelsea believes that when you consider the design of a www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

77

particular room, getting kids involved, and having them make artwork and accents, adds to the overall feel. Two of Sterling’s unearthed crystal geode pieces are on display in different rooms of the house, while colorful dinosaurs he painted with his dad brighten up his playroom.

STUDIO SAVVY

After maintaining several shops, and an Airstream, Chelsea moved her jewelry business back to her home following the birth of Sterling. With purposeful workspaces created throughout the open space, as well as a place for Sterling to create and play, the area above the garage serves as a colorful and inviting home base for making jewelry for HorseFeathers. A spiral staircase has been redone in soft pastel wood steps leading up to the open space that spills with natural light.

While Chelsea readily admits that she is constantly inspired by the colorful array of beads she works with each day, she challenges others to step outside of their comfort zone, find their own personal style and experiment with color.

“Your home and the way you dress yourself is your own personal style,” Chelsea said. “You meet people that love to wear color but their house is neutral — they still have that disconnect. If you love wearing it on your body, you can totally 78 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

put it in your house.”

CREATING THE LOOK

Find a Focal Point. Choose a piece of artwork or an item in your home from which you draw inspiration, and use the colors in that piece of art to inform your decisions on wall colors and accessories for each room.

If you don’t necessarily want to paint the entire room teal, choose one wall, or even the ceiling, as the focal point of the room. You can also add bold splashes of color to the room without paint, by choosing bright throw pillows, bold curtains or small accessories that pop.

Hone in on Hardware. One inexpensive suggestion Chelsea made for those who are on a budget, or might be afraid to put color directly on their walls, was to change out the knobs.

“One of my favorite ways to update furniture pieces is to change out all of the knobs,” Chelsea said. “Changing out hardware is like the easiest thing ever, and it adds a little glam.”

Whether it’s upgrading contractor-grade hardware on kitchen cabinets to something more colorful, or adding a little detail or cohesiveness to an old dresser set, knobs are an easy way to change up your design.

A Little Paint and Paper. Throughout Chelsea’s home are www.OwensboroLiving.com

beautiful pieces of furniture that are thoughtfully painted, and seem to suit every room. She usually finds at thrift stores and garage sales.

While she said men often tend to shy away from painting over natural wood, it is another opportunity to bring color into the room, and give an old piece of furniture new life. “If you put paint on stuff that you didn’t pay very much money for and you scuff it up, and it’s your style, but functional — it’s not going to hurt anything,” Chelsea said.

Chelsea recommends CC Caldwell Chalk Paint and mixes her own colors to achieve the desired look. She said this brand of chalk paint offers her not only the look and style she wants, but it can be done quickly, distressed easily, and is safe for her son and pets to be around. After applying soft layers of chalk paint, she often adds fun and decorative wallpaper to bookshelf interiors as a unique backdrop for books and decor.

Lamps and Lighting. Another way to personalize a room is by adding unique lighting.

While Chelsea has been known to hot-glue fabric to a lampshade or two to add a little whimsy, her preference in lighting is to go bold.

“I put a chandelier in every room,” Chelsea said, admitting that there is even one in her closet.

“I am all about some chandeliers, because how fun is that?”

But not all of Chelsea’s light fixtures are jeweled chandeliers. Pendant lights and lights with a unique shape and color can also add that extra touch to a bland space. Because her chandeliers have been vintage finds throughout her travels, she recommends Wayfair for accent lighting on a budget.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

79

THE

INDIANAPOLIS SKYLINE // PHOTO BY VISIT INDY

GETAWAY

s i l o p a n a i d n I n i 36 HOURS

BY SARAH BISHOP

I

ndianapolis, Ind., might have risen to fame for its fast cars and professional sports teams, but it’s also gaining some serious notoriety for its flourishing culinary and

largest art museums in the country and home to the iconic

brewery scene (including several James Beard nods). Forbes

Nature Park, which features all sorts of life-size, quirky

recently called out Indy as “America’s Most Underrated

art installments, including Funky Bones, featured in John

City,” while Travel + Leisure named the city “One of

Green’s The Fault in our Stars.

Robert Indiana LOVE sculpture. Outside, check out

the beer garden, greenhouse and the Fairbanks Art and

America’s Favorite Places.” Pack your bags and head a few hours up I-65 to see for yourself all this Indiana city has to offer.

7 p.m.

For dinner and drinks, you’ll want to make reservations

FRIDAY

at Beholder, a dinner-only spot that joined the scene this

5 p.m.

Chef Jonathan Brooks was featured on the cover of Food

Pop into town and make a beeline to Newfields. For

& Wine as a best new chef, and is a two-time James Beard

the first time in its storied history, the Indianapolis

semifinalist. Housed in a former garage, the restaurant is

Museum of Art named its entire campus, unifying all of

sleek, donning light green walls, a designated champagne

its elements into the brand: Newfields, one of the top 10

table and an open kitchen.

80 OWENSBORO LIVING

summer boasting modern American shareable plates.

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

10 p.m.

Time for a nightcap? You’ll want to hit up Bar One Fourteen, a swanky, New York-style microbar by local restaurateur Martha Hoover. The space is dimly lit with a 16-seat listening area with tons of records to choose from.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more dive-y, try the Slippery Noodle Inn, the oldest bar in Indiana serving up live music, food and beverages seven days a week. Gangster John Dillinger’s bullet holes are still in the walls of this former brothel.

SATURDAY 9 a.m.

Start your morning with a trip to Kaffeine Coffee Co., a hip new spot just off Massachusetts Avenue — one of Indy’s top cultural districts. Choose a drink made from locally-sourced beans, along with a variety of pastries, muffins and macarons.

10 a.m.

You could spend an entire day or more at White River State Park, a 250-acre urban greenspace that is home to the Central Canal packed with Italian-imported gondolas, paddleboats and kayaks during the warmer months. Hop into the seven family-friendly museums that create a border around the park, including the Indianapolis Zoo, Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum, Victory Field (home of the AAA Indianapolis Indians baseball team), a concert venue and more.

BAR ONE FOURTEEN // PHOTO BY VISIT INDY

1 p.m.

After wandering museums and parks all morning,satisfy your appetite at Public Greens, another Hoover creation and Indy’s first nonprofit restaurant. Hoover has received several James Beard nods and continues to add to her portfolio, which started as a simple brunch spot north of downtown: Café Patachou. Public Greens, located in Indy’s Broad Ripple neighborhood where David Letterman grew up, serves more than 850 meals a week to the city’s less fortunate youth, with much of their food sourced from their micro garden right outside the restaurant.

3 p.m.

If you have kiddos in tow, check out the new $38 million indoor/outdoor Sports Legends Experience at The

www.OwensboroLiving.com

BEHOLDER // PHOTO BY MALLORY TALTY

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

81

MILKTOOTH // PHOTO BY MALLORY TALTY

BLUEBEARD // PHOTO BY VISIT INDY

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, the world’s largest children’s museum. The new experience is designed to get families moving, and joins other fan-favorite exhibits such as Dinosphere, Beyond Spaceship Earth, and Take Me There: China. Or, if you just want to get out and about, try the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Indy’s eightmile urban trail was constructed in 2013 when the city removed one lane of vehicular traffic to connect all six downtown cultural districts. New Yorks’s Project for Public Spaces called this “the biggest and boldest step by any American city.” And it sure paid off. Millions of dollars of public art and greenspace also flank the trail throughout.

7 p.m.

5 p.m.

10 p.m.

For all you beer-o-philes, Sun King Brewery rolled out their first kegs in 2009, making it the first full-scale production brewery in Indy since Indianapolis Brewing Co. closed in 1948. Now the second largest beer brewer in Indiana, Sun King unofficially began the craft beer movement in Indy.

Whether you want to bar hop or just sample a cocktail before calling it a night, Indy’s the place to be. Livery is one of Indy’s newer restaurants tucked along the bustling Massachusetts Avenue corridor, with Spanish-Americanstyle snacks and rooftop bar. Hotel Tango is the city’s first distillery tasting room with a cozy, lodge-like setting

82 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

Dinner options abound in Indy! For a trendy spot, slide into Bluebeard, named after a Kurt Vonnegut novel — Kurt’s an Indy native — which trickles into the restaurant’s library-like design and theme. Local celeb and self-proclaimed foodie, Andrew Luck deemed this his favorite restaurant. And since the bills are presented in old library books, he is known to sign page 12 (his number as quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts) of every book. Craving steak and potatoes for your Saturday night out? St. Elmo Steak House has deep roots in the city. In fact, the Travel Channel claims the restaurant’s spicy shrimp cocktail is “the world’s spiciest dish.”

www.OwensboroLiving.com

and stiff cocktails all distilled on-grounds. Founded by a disabled marine veteran, each Hotel Tango spirit derives its prefix from the phonetic alphabet, such as Victor Vodka, Golf Gin and so on. Or try, Thunderbird, a Fountain Square watering hole featuring Southern classics and craft cocktails in a rustic environment.

SUNDAY 10 a.m.

For brunch, run, don’t walk, to Chef Brooks’ Milktooth — located in an old downtown garage with beautiful natural light. This breakfast/brunch-only spot located in the Fletcher Place neighborhood is one of Indy’s most sought-after places to be after having been named

by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the world’s best restaurants.

STAY

Families can stay in an original train car room on its original tracks inside what was the world’s first ever Union Station, where Thomas Edison once worked, or — coming this fall — sleep in a luxury shipping container on the outskirts of one of America’s largest urban parks: Eagle Creek.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

83

THE

DISH

84 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

THE ART OF BUILDING A

Charcuterie Board

www.OwensboroLiving.com

PHOTOS AND RECIPE BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

Originating in France, the word “charcuterie”

chorizo), and forcemeats (like pâté). These are

specifically refers to cold, sliced meat (or a shop

very loose guidelines, and can be changed to your

that sells those meats). Today, people commonly

preferences (for example, I am not a fan of pâté, so

refer to any type of meat and cheese assortment

you’ll see it’s not included).

as a charcuterie board. While a well-seasoned “charcutier” (one who prepares charcuterie) may scoff at what they would simply call a “meat and

ACCOMPANIMENTS

cheese board,” cheese has actually become the

Different types of bread and crackers are the most

headliner for many. Nowadays, you definitely don’t

important accompaniments for your board. I like to

need to be a meat and cheese expert to throw one

go with a type of bread/cracker that is sturdy for

together.

spreading cheese on, and another that is good for dipping. With the rest of the accompaniments, aim

Charcuterie boards are a perfect appetizer for your

for both sweet and savory items to “fill in the blanks”

spring/summer entertaining. Most of the time, they

of your board. Fruit, vegetables, condiments,

involve absolutely no cooking, and can be prepped

chocolate, preserves, nuts, dips, and pickles are

and served to your guests quickly. While there is no

some of the many accompaniments to choose

right or wrong way to assemble a charcuterie board,

from! Here are come extra tips that will help you

if you’re totally lost and need some guidance, here

with your selection!

are a few tips to make sure your board assembly is

•

as easy as possible (so everybody can hurry up and EAT!).

and fresh longer.

•

California almond, because their sweetness and softer texture makes a great pair for soft and

Most cheeses belong to four main categories: aged, least one option from each cheese category to ensure a variety of textures and flavors. For aged, try a Cheddar or Gouda. Some great soft cheeses are brie, camembert, and chèvre. ParmigianoReggiano or Gruyere are options for firm cheese.

When it comes to blue cheese, Gorgonzola and Stilton are common favorites. Make sure to use separate knives for each cheese so the flavors don’t mingle, and make sure to label each of them for your guests. Also, serve your cheese at room temperature to get the most out of their flavors!

MEAT

Marcona almonds are more popular for cheeseboards, as opposed to the common

CHEESE soft, firm, and blue. Many people try to provide at

Leaving bread whole will ensure it will stay soft

Spanish cheeses.

•

If they are easy to access and aren’t too tall, serve jams & preserves in the jars they come in.

•

Plan for 2-5oz. of meat and cheese per person.

•

Olives are great for pairing with Italian meats like salami or prosciutto.

ASSEMBLY Everybody chooses different ways to create their boards. I like to place the largest items in first, like bowls holding certain accompaniments, then try to build around them. After the large bowls, I typically place the cheese so I know the strongest cheeses have a space apart from each other. Then

It’s difficult to go wrong with your meat selection.

I add the meats, and fill in any blanks with more

Just aim for a variety of flavors with your cured

accompaniments like nuts and berries. You can

meat, and ask for help at your deli if you’re having

either create your board with space around each

trouble choosing. Many people choose meats from

item to make everything easier to access, or go

each preparation style: whole-muscle cuts (such

crazy like I do and fill in every single available space

as prosciutto), cured sausages (such as Spanish

(I’m a sucker for presentation).

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

85

WHAT WAS IN MY CHARCUTERIE & CHEESE BOARD? MEATS - Calabrese salame - Del duca prosciutto - Capocollo - Spanish chorizo

CHEESES - Brie - Blue Cheese - Aged Cheddar - Garlic & herb goat cheese - Parmigiano-Reggiano

ACCOMPANIMENTS - Marinated olives with feta - Stuffed peppadew peppers - Pine nut hummus - Pumpkin chips - Hot dill pickles - Blackberries - Raspberries with dark chocolate - Pomegranate - Candied Star Fruit - Figs - Crimson gold apples - Fig & walnut preserves - Banana pepper mustard - Honeycomb - Sea salt chocolate honey caramels - Marcona almonds - Salt & vinegar California almonds - Pecans - Macadamia nuts

86 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

STUFFED PEPPADEW PEPPERS 1 jar peppadew peppers (your preference of sweet or spicy) 8 oz. soft goat cheese (room temp) 3 garlic cloves (minced) 2 tablespoons chives (chopped) 1 tablespoon fresh basil (chopped) 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (chopped) Salt & pepper (to taste) Combine all ingredients except the peppers in a bowl. Mix until incorporated. If your cheese is too stiff and difficult to mix, a bit of heavy cream can be added to make things easier.

Completely fill each pepper with the cheese mixture. A piping bag can really help make this part easy and clean.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

87

MARINATED OLIVES WITH FETA 2 cups pitted olives (choose your favorite or a mixture) 1 lemon 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped) 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1-2 cups extra-virgin olive oil 6 oz. feta cheese (cubed) Peel and smash your garlic, then place them in a mason jar (can use a large ziplock bag as a substitute) along with the olives, parsley, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano.

Use a vegetable peeler to create strips of lemon peel, then add the peels along with the juice of the lemon into the jar.

Add olive oil to the jar until all the ingredients are covered. Chill overnight.

Place cubed feta in a serving bowl, then pour the entire olive mixture from the jar overtop the cheese.

Chill for at least 2 more hours before serving.

88 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

89

THE

SCENE

ARTS

ROSINE BARN JAMBOREE

April 5 at 6 p.m. | Rosine Barn The Rosine Barn Jamboree is located at 8205 Blue Moon of Kentucky Hwy (US 62) in Rosine, KY. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Rosine Barn offers live bluegrass music & dancing every Friday night. Opens on Friday evening April 5, then each Friday night to the second weekend in December. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. There is open mic from 6-7 p.m., and then the Show starts at 7 p.m.! Information please contact 270-363-9425. Bring your lawn chair for when seating gets scarce! Selected “one of the 52 Places to Visit in 2016” by the New York Times.

KINKY BOOTS April 3 at 7 p.m. | RiverPark Center Kinky Boots is Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit! With songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos. “There is no show hotter than Kinky Boots!” Tickets on sale online www.owensborotickets. com or call the RiverPark Center Box Office (270) 687-2787.

90 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

THE ISAACS April 6 at 7 p.m. | Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum announced the line-up for their Spring Bluegrass Concert Series. Six performances are included in the series, which kicked off on March 9, 2019. The series includes Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper, Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, Dailey & Vincent, The Isaacs, and Sierra Hull, all past ROMP Festival performers. Tickets available online or by calling the Museum (270) 926-7891.

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH April 11 at 7:30 p.m. | RiverPark Center Encore Musicals Presents – James and the Giant Peach.

James Henry Trotter lives with two ghastly hags – his odious aunts – and he’s a very lonely little boy indeed. One day, something peculiar happens. At the end of the garden, a peach starts to grow and grow and grow. Inside that peach are five very unusual insects, all waiting to take James on a magical adventure of enormous proportions. Based on Ronald Dahl’s beloved book and featuring music by the songwriting team behind La La Land, Dear Evan Hansen, and The Greatest Showman, this family musical takes you on an amazing voyage.

Tickets are now on sale at the RiverPark Center Box Office

www.OwensboroLiving.com

by calling (270) 687-2770 or online at OwensboroTickets. com.

SUZY BOGGUSS IN CONCERT April 20 at 7 p.m. | Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum Grammy award-winning and Platinum-selling artist Suzy Bogguss is one to constantly chase the muse wherever it may lead. She has covered Country, Swing, Jazz, Folk, Americana and Roots music with style and grace. The live performance of her last album, American Folk Songbook, has been lauded by fans and critics as “a show not to miss!” Suzy’s appeal has never wavered, and her fan base continues to grow with constant touring around the globe including regular appearances on Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion tour and the Grand Ole Opry!

Doors open at 5 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Bar and concessions will be open at 5 p.m., and exhibits will available for pre-show touring. Bundle museum admission with your tickets for a discounted rate.

THE ILLUSIONISTS – LIVE FROM BROADWAY April 22 at 7 p.m. | RiverPark Center This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw

www.OwensboroLiving.com

dropping talents of the most incredible Illusionists on earth. The Illusionists – Live from Broadway has surpassed box office records across the globe, and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic.

Tickets on sale online www.owensborotickets.com or call the RiverPark Center Box Office (270) 687-2787.

THE MIRACLE WORKER April 26 at 7:30 p.m. | The Empress Theater The Miracle Worker, the true story of Helen Keller, is an American classic. Blind, deaf and mute, young Helen is in danger of being institutionalized in 1880s in Alabama. Her desperate parents seek help in the form of Miss Annie Sullivan, a “half blind Yankee schoolgirl” who serves as Helen’s tutor. The journey of both student and teacher is remarkable, as they introduce Helen to the world around her. Tickets are on sale now online www. theatreworkshop.org or call TWO Box Office (270) 6835333.

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

91

THE

SCENE

FAMILY

THE TOT, THE TEEN AND THE WARDROBE April 13 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Owensboro Convention Center Spring and Summer Consignment Sale! Over 50,000 items at an affordable price!

Featuring: Infant to Adult Clothing; Toys; Furniture; Baby Equipment; and Home Décor.

Half-Off Sale, Sunday, April 14 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

GO BABY GO! May 4 from 10 a.m. – noon | Wendell Foster’s Young Meeting House Wendell Foster is currently accepting applications for its Go Baby Go! Program, which provides adapted ride-on cars to infants and toddlers with limited mobility. Child must be between 6 months and 5 years old, can sit supported for 10-15 minutes, can see, and hold his/her head up. Parent/Guardian must be able to attend Go Baby Go! build and be able to transport the car home following the event. For additional information, please contact: Cindy Huston - (270) 683-4517 chuston@wendellfoster.org.

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

(270) 685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.

92 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

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.

KIDS AND ART IN ARTLAND Owensboro Museum of Art ARTLAND, an exciting new dimension in education, is an interactive art studio created especially for children ages 4 to 10. It is a special place designed to challenge and stimulate the imagination, while allowing children to create works of art at their own pace. ARTLAND is FREE and open to all. Hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday thru Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 1– 4 p.m.; Closed Holidays.

PRESERVATION STATION MARKET DAYS April 6-7 & May 4-5 Held the first full weekend of every month. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m. with over 100 vendors of antique, vintage, handcrafted, and boutique items, live music, and food.

Preservation Station Market and Event Center, 9661 Hwy 56. Also open daily Tues-Sat 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sunday Noon -5 p.m. Call 270-993-7532, go to visitpreservationstation.com, or find us on Facebook. www.OwensboroLiving.com

ACTIVE

OWENSBORO THOROUGHBREDS April 2-3, 5-6, 18-19 | Owensboro Sportscenter The Thoroughbreds, Owensboro’s own professional basketball team, hosts the Kansas City Tornadoes at 7 p.m.

Their next home stand is against the Tampa Titans April 5 and 6.

The race begins at Legion Park on East Byers Avenue and continues around Veach Road ending on the Main Campus of OCTC. Please park at the campus; a complimentary shuttle will transport runners/walkers to the starting line.

Check-in and late registration begins at 7:30 AM at OCTC’s Main Campus, Administration Building. The race begins at 9 a.m. at Legion Park. T-shirt guaranteed to early registrants.

The Jamestown Jackals come to town to face the Thoroughbreds on April 18, followed by a matchup with the New York Court Kings on April 19.

Tickets on sale online at OwensboroTickets.com, or check out Owensboro Thoroughbreds website at OwensboroBasketball. com. Tickets available at the door one hour prior to game time.

EAST WEST KARATE CHALLENGE

MARCH FOR BABIES April 27 at 8 a.m. | Smothers Park March for Babies is a walking event. Registration takes place from 8-9. This is a free event open to the public. Donations to March of Dimes are encouraged. Opening Ceremonies begin at 9 and last approximately 25 minutes. Walk starts at 9:30 and is approximately 2 miles around downtown Owensboro.

The festival site features mission activities, kids play area and

April 13 at 9 a.m. | Owensboro Convention Center

activities, special characters, free breakfast and snacks, and

This Family Friendly Open Martial Arts Tournament is

music and dancing.

part of the ProMac Martial Arts Conference. Registration & Pricing – Before April 6: $55 for two divisions; $10 for each additional division; $10 spectators; Registration & Pricing – April 7 – At the door: $65 for two divisions; $15 for each additional division; $10 spectators.

RUN FROM THE COPS 5K April 27 at 9 a.m. | Owensboro Police Department Get ready to Run From The Cops! Get on your best “cop” costume or “robber” costume and pre-register for Run From

Registration information available @ www.east-westkarate.

The Cops 5K. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. with the race

com

starting at the Owensboro Police Department. Registration

GRANT G. TALBOTT MEMORIAL 5K ROAD RACE April 13 at 9 a.m. | Legion Park

www.OwensboroLiving.com

information and race details are available online at www. runsignup.com/Race/KY/Owensboro/RunfromtheCops5k. Get registered before April 14th to get a free “I Ran From The Cops” t-shirt!

Prizes given for the best costume after the run!

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

93

94 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

DOWNTOWN

SUNSET CRUISERS DOWNTOWN CRUISE-IN April 6 from 3-7 p.m. | 3rd & Allen Streets April is truck month! All makes/models welcomed. Enjoy the car show and dine downtown in Owensboro’s finest restaurants, shop the unique boutiques, participate for great door prizes, and win a ladies door prize. All this great fun only one block from the beautiful downtown Owensboro riverfront!

For more information contact Steve (270) 313-6136 or Joe (270) 315-4265 or check them out on Facebook – Sunset Cruisers Downtown 2019 Calendar of Events.

BARK IN STYLE FASHION SHOW April 13 from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. | O.Z. Tyler Distillery Join emcee Chadwick Benefield for our 3rd Annual Bark In Style Fashion Show! It’s an evening filled with local celebrity models and wonderful adoptable pets like our cover model, Hope!

This year’s fashion show will feature boutique stylings by Blush Boutique, Byron & Barclay – Fine Goods & Apparel, Dandelion Wishes, Excursions, Kidstop Children’s Boutique and Stride Rite Shoes, Peacocks & Pearls, The Earle and The Sturdy Hinge!

Cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with silent auction, fashion show, and dinner with Chef Matt Weaver at 7:30 p.m. This funfilled event pairs local celebs and wonderful adoptable pets from Saving Paws Animal Rescue of Kentucky on the runway to strut their stuff! This event sold out the last 2 years! Get your tickets early at www.sparkyrescue.com.

www.OwensboroLiving.com

INTERNATIONAL BAR-B-Q FESTIVAL May 10-11 | Downtown Owensboro The International Bar-B-Q Festival was created in 1979 to celebrate the long-standing reputation and claim-to-fame for “Good Ole Daviess County Bar-B-Q” and to provide a forum for local charitable organizations to raise funds to support their causes. The competition is fierce and the flavors rich as local cooking teams produce the best that their secret recipes have to offer in an effort to win the Governor’s Cup, the prize awarded to the best overall Bar-B-Q cooking team. There will be plenty of music, vendors, and carnival rides in addition to delicious local food!

100 MEN WHO COOK May 18 at 6:30 p.m. | Owensboro Convention Center Join 100 local chefs and support the Cliff Hagan’s Boys & Girls Club and Honor Flight Bluegrass! This unique fundraiser will feature 100 community “chefs” who will prepare their favorite appetizer, side dish, entree or dessert just for you!

Individual tickets are $65 per ticket or $550 for a table of 8, plus tax. For more information and reserving you place, contact sarah.o’bryan@oldnational.com or (270) 691-2022. This event is Old National Bank’s signature fundraising event which gained recognition by the American Bankers Association as the prestigious Community Commitment Award in 2016.

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

95

THE LAST WORD

…AND THE WINNER IS…!

W

BY LORA WIMSATT

e all just love scanning the categories and winners in those “Best of ” lists, feeling a little thrill of

I would pay any price and travel any distance to visit again,

satisfaction when we see our personal favorites being

work every day, from our home on East 25th Street all the

recognized for being the best at whatever services or

way to Texas Gas, in the rain or snow or heat of summer,

products they provide.

but still always cooked dinner for her four children every

evening. Real meals, too: Meat loaf, fried chicken, pork

And the winners – and all the nominees – can all feel

was my mother’s dining room table. She walked to and from

rightfully proud at being honored by a vote of people who

chop…Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, garden salad…

live here, friends and neighbors and customers and clients,

people who actually know and use and patronize these

none better than the Greenbelt. Enjoy the beauty of nature

businesses.

in a solitary walk or embrace the company of friends in a

group jog. Ride your bike, skim along on roller skates, walk

I voted, too, and I will be excited to see if some of “my”

Best gym – Not nominated, but in my opinion, there is

winners are also our community’s winners.

your dog, push your child’s stroller – whatever works for

But secretly, in my heart of hearts, there are a few

you, at whatever pace and for whatever distance, there it is,

candidates who didn’t make the official ballot, but who are

free and open to all. Does it get any more “best” than that?

really my overall and all-time favorites.

Best photographer – Well, not to sound snobby, but that

Best car wash – Here I offer a heartfelt shout-out to my

would be me. Wait, wait; let me explain! I am not saying

ex-husband, who used to spend hours soaping and rinsing

this because I think have any particular talent in this area.

until my vehicle glistened even more brightly than it had

I mean, I don’t use any of those fancy backdrops or have

on the showroom floor, scrubbing the brake dust off my

any cute props and I don’t create magic with any editing

wheels, vacuuming the dog hair and stale french fries out

software. But! I take pictures of my kids, my precious

of the carpet, polishing the dust and soft drink stains off

grandchildren, my goofy dog, and my dear friends. I treasure

the dashboard, and shining the windows until they were so

those photographs – literally snapshots of time that capture

crystal clear you had to check to see if they were rolled up or

precious memories and experiences that touch my heart and

down. The price was right, too; the only payment required

warm my soul every time I look at them.

was to listen to his lectures about not letting the kids eat in

the back seat.

and nominees, and thank you for all you do to make our

lives better and more enjoyable!

Best restaurant – There are a lot of places I like, from fast

So congratulations to all of the 2019 “Best Of ” winners

food to sit-down, whether their menu offers a wide variety

But congratulations to YOU, too, whoever you are.

or focuses on a specialty. But the one I love the most, the one

Remember: To someone else, you are also “the best.”

96 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

97

98 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com

www.OwensboroLiving.com

A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

. OWENSBORO LIVING

99

100 OWENSBORO LIVING

. A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9

www.OwensboroLiving.com