Owensboro Living - March/April 2023

Making Syrup (and memories)

I don’t have much of a green thumb, and reading that won’t surprise anyone that knows me. Before we had four kids and a dog, Summer and I planted a garden at our first house. And honestly, we grew some pretty tasty peppers and veggies, but I can’t take any credit for our harvest that year.

Since then, we haven’t tried our hand at backyard gardening again, but about a month ago, we discovered a new “crop” that piqued our interest. Summer had a friend post on social media about their newly-tapped sugar maples and their abundance of sap. She generously offered us as much as we could use, so we drove out to pick up a bucket, and see if Summer could convert it to syrup.

With the bucket in the kitchen, some advice from her friend, and a few Google searches, she began the process of boiling it down to sweet homemade maple syrup. The process was time-intensive, requiring about 7 hours of tending to the pot until it hit just the right temperature. But it was well worth it! We did a taste test ourselves, and then called in some of the most judgmental pallets we know: Jude (11); Nolie (7); and George(6). Across the board, everyone agreed that mom’s was far superior to the expensive stuff from the store. And after the success of the first batch, we took the kids out to harvest sap so everybody got to be included in the process.

I share this story for two reasons: one, because this is our home and garden issue; and two, because it’s important and fun to try new things. For us, the fun was in the learning, the time together, appreciating the generosity of our friends and neighbors, and of course, in this case, the finished product.

STEVEN WILSON, EDITOR steven@owensboroliving.com

WHAT

I’M READING

Everything Sad is Untrue by Daniel Nayeri

In this autobiographical novel, the author tells the tale of his childhood in Oklahoma. The young Iranian refugee is bullied at school, and has difficulty connecting with American classmates, whose culture is vastly different from that of his native country. To cope, he takes solace by weaving together stories about his family in the tone of Persian poems. In these tales, Daniel is not just a refugee, but the heir to a king, and a storyteller who seeks to fit in and be understood by dazzling his peers with the myths and legends of his family’s history.

EDITORIAL

EDITOR

Steven Wilson

PUBLISHER

Jason Tanner

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Libby Johnson

Josh Kelly

Marlys Mason

Danny May

Kristi McCabe

Dana Peveler

Jamie Plain

Jacqueline Russell

Lora Wimsatt

Do you have a story idea? We want to hear from you! Email your suggestion to steven@owensboroliving.com

ADVERTISING

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

Brock Quinton

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

For more information about advertising call 270-297-1600 or email brock@tannerpublishing.com.

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jamie Plain

LAYOUT DESIGNER

Andrea Roberson

AD DESIGNER

Monica Tapp DISTRIBUTION

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Dave Mackey

To add your business or organization to our distribution list, give us a call at 270-297-1600.

SUBSCRIBE

owensboroliving.com/subscribe

ONLINE

owensboroliving.com

issuu.com/tannerpublishing

owensboroliving

owensboroliving oboroliving

TANNER PUBLISHING CO.

2624-A New Hartford Rd. Owensboro, KY 42303 270-297-1600

JACQUELINE RUSSELL

BY LIBBY JOHNSON

5 things we’re talking about now

2

Fourth Street Baptist Hosts “Black is His Story”

Big Rivers Opens in Owensboro

The new facility, which opened in February replaces the cooperative’s current headquarters complex in Henderson. The new Owensboro construction consists of a four-story building, with the design “incorporating more modern meeting and collaboration spaces that match future utility needs,” according to Director of Communications and Community Relations, Jennifer Keach.

Fourth Street Baptist Church presented “Black is His Story” on Saturday, February 18. The play was dedicated to telling the lesserknown names in Black history — such as Claudette Colvin, William Steele, and Henry Box Brown. Said Director LaVada Johnson, “We don’t hear enough about those icons that have to do whatever they need to do to get out of slavery. You’ve heard a lot about Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman and Rosa Parks, but you don’t hear about these folks as often.”

Gov. Beshear Awards $4.6M to Local Nonprofits

Gov. Andy Beshear stopped in Owensboro on February 13 to award 66 local nonprofits a collective $4.6 million that are “building a brighter future” for the community. The awards came from the Governor’s Nonprofit Assistance Fund, which comes from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars.

Local Cheer Teams Compete at Nationals

Daviess County, Apollo, and Owensboro high schools along with Burns Middle School cheerleading teams all had their competition seasons come to a close in February at nationals. DCHS and BMS earned top-five finishes, while AHS and OHS ended their seasons in the semifinals. Burns Middle School earning fourth and the Panthers grabbing fourth in the Super Varsity Game Day D1 Non-Tumbling division.

Constant Named KMEA Admin of the Year

Owensboro Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Matthew Constant has been named Administrator of the Year by the Kentucky Music Educators Association for his support of the fine arts in the district. Constant said while his name is on the award, it’s a reflection of the commitment that he, the OPS board, and many others throughout the school system place on the arts in the district.

Photo courtesy of Kitty Jones

Photo courtesy of Owensboro Public Schools

Photo by JOSH KELLY

MUSIC: GREAT AMERICAN BLUEGRASS JAM p. 14 IN THE KNOW: 9 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR p. 14

ART: CRYSTAL DAWN - A PASSION FOR EXPRESSION p. 18

CULTURE

Photo by AP IMAGERY

Great American Bluegrass Jam

MARCH 17-19, 2023 IN DOWNTOWN OWENSBORO

Written by DANNY MAY

Chris Joslin may be the Executive Director of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, but he fondly remembers being a regular ol’ bluegrass music fan from middle Tennessee, and he still tries to think from that “fan” perspective. What would bluegrass music enthusiasts really want to see at the museum? What events or attractions would bring a bluegrass fan to Owensboro? What would make the drive to Owensboro even more worth the trip for a fan? It was that line of thinking that helped the idea for the Great American Bluegrass Jam to evolve into an entire weekend full of activities.

IN THE KNOW 9 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

POSTMODERN JUKEBOX

MARCH 10 @ RIVERPARK CENTER

Postmodern Jukebox’s Life In

The Past Lane Concert Tour is a celebration of the greatest 20th century musical genres, fused with the recognizable hits of our own modern era, for the perfect patina of “vintage” and “modern.”

Whether you’re a vinyl aficionado or a TikTok fashionista, catch a ride with us for an unforgettable trip through 100 years of timeless music.

OWENSBORO HOME AND GARDEN SHOW

1 2 3

MARCH 11-12 @ OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER

Homeowners, get ready to plan your spring and summer projects! The Home Builders Association of Owensboro will have over 44,000 square feet of exhibitors showing the newest innovations in home design and remodeling ideas. All aspects of building and remodeling will be on display.

THE GREAT AMERICAN BLUEGRASS JAM

MARCH 17-19 @ BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum is bringing together the best of bluegrass the area has to offer to create a weekend experience for any bluegrass fan. The Great American Bluegrass Jam will take over the Downtown Owensboro area the weekend of March 17-19, 2023. This event will feature the Kentucky Fried Pickin’ Hotel Jam, the Kentucky State Fiddle Championship, The Earls of Leicester in concert at the Hall of Fame, excursions to both Green River Distilling Co and the Bill Monroe Homeplace in Rosine, KY.

Since being named the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World, Owensboro has been building on the momentum from being the home of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum by leveraging every opportunity to incorporate bluegrass music’s influence on the community; not only by expanding existing events, but also by creating new activities and attractions to draw even more bluegrass fans to Owensboro.

The first ever Great American Bluegrass Jam, March 17-19, 2023, is a great example.

Taking place throughout downtown Owensboro and beyond, the Great American Bluegrass Jam is an entire weekend full of events and entertainment including the Kentucky Fried Pickin’ Hotel Jam at the Holiday Inn Riverfront, the Kentucky State Fiddle Championship at the Hall of Fame & Museum, an Earls of Leicester concert in Woodward Theater (inside the Hall of Fame), and shuttle excursions to both Green River Distilling Co. and the Bill Monroe Homeplace in nearby Rosine, KY.

Here’s how it came about.

The Kentucky State Fiddle Championship had already been hosted at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum for several years, but organizers were trying to expand the competition to a two-day event. At that point, Executive Director Chris Joslin reached out to his friend, Mark Hargis (of the bluegrass group King’s Highway), who had organized the Kentucky Fried Pickin’ Hotel jam at the Holiday Inn Riverfront, and the two started brainstorming how they could coordinate and combine both events on the same weekend.

It did take some maneuvering, because the Kentucky Fiddle Championship and Kentucky Fried Pickin’ have shifted dates between winter and spring months in the past, so it was a matter of deciding on a weekend everyone could agree on.

Joslin and Hargis then reached out to Mark Calitri, of Visit Owensboro, who helped coordinate blocks of hotel rooms, and began connecting more tourism pieces, especially with the downtown restaurants and nightspots.

From there, the next tourism partner they contacted was Jody Fleener, who oversees tourism in Ohio County. Jody was more than happy to coordinate the day trip to the Bill Monroe Homeplace and Rosine Barn. “Working with Jody on this was another example of an existing working relationship that we just formalized for the Great American Bluegrass Jam,” Joslin said. “With the side trips to Rosine and Green River Distillery, this really became a coordinated effort that fell together nicely and will help all of us (tourism partners).”

For example, Fleener and her Ohio County tourism team will have a booth in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Riverfront during the Hotel Jam so fans and musicians who come for the jam can learn more about the “sights and sounds of Rosine,” including the Bill Monroe Home Place, Bill Monroe Museum, and the Rosine Barn. Fans can sign up right there for one of the excursions.

Joslin says even though Green River Distilling was purchased by Bardstown Bourbon Company, the local distillery is very open to community partnerships.

“Green River is a big part of the mix when you think about what Owensboro is known for: bluegrass, bourbon and barbecue. So to be offering a shuttle from the hotel to the distillery for an additional side excursion that weekend is another nice thing to offer that is unique to Owensboro. Green River is a great part of the Owensboro story, too, because, just like bluegrass music, bourbon is very authentic, and there’s no way to shortcut the process. It’s just steeped in history and heritage.”

The highlight of Kentucky Fried Pickin’ Hotel Jam is the chance for fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and acoustic guitar players to pick with other bluegrass musicians from across the country in impromptu jam sessions taking place throughout the weekend at the Holiday Inn Riverfront. The hotel jam session is a throwback to the early days of the International Bluegrass Music Association festival when it was held at the old Executive Inn Rivermont.

Within walking distance of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, the Holiday Inn Riverfront is an ideal location, offering participants discounted rates on rooms and a chance to jam with other musicians all weekend long inside the hotel.

BY THE NUMBERS: IN 2022, 150 PEOPLE FROM 19 DIFFERENT STATES STAYED AT THE HOLIDAY INN RIVERFRONT FOR KENTUCKY FRIED PICKIN’. EVEN MORE PEOPLE WALKED THROUGH TO ENJOY THE MUSIC.

SHAMROCK BASH

MARCH 17 @ OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER

On Friday, March 17, make your St. Patrick’s Day a party with live music with The Crashers! Doors will open at 7pm and The Crashers will take the stage at 8pm. Concessions and full bar will be available with plenty o’ tasty food and drink specials, including the celebratory green beer and a Pancake Shot made with Jameson Irish Whiskey. While you don’t have to be Irish to come join in the fun, you do need to be 21 or older. Tickets are $12 for general admission.

IN CONCERT FEATURING DESCENDANTS…BETTER TOGETHER

MARCH 18-19 @ RIVERPARK CENTER

In Concert’s Act I begins with pieces from professional guest artist choreographers utilizing a variety of dance styles performed by Owensboro Dance Theatre’s company members. In Act II, with the help of ZFX Effects Flying, we will fly into the magical fairytale world. The children of famous villains are up to some mischief. Join us for an amazing adventure.

“It has been a joy to watch Kentucky Fried Pickin’ grow right here in our hotel,” said General Manager Andrea Benke. “Every year we have more travelers from out of state than the previous year. This year we are planning to open our 1,300 sq. foot meeting space, which will allow more

RHONDA VINCENT

MARCH 24 @ BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

A member of the Grand Ole Opry, Rhonda Vincent is a firecracker of talent that powers one of the hottest bands in any genre of music today. A multiaward winner, with a 2017 Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, an Entertainer of the Year 2001, Song of the Year 2004, and unprecedented 7 consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association 2000 – 2006.

Culture MUSIC

pickin’ groups to play!”

Burger Theory, located inside the Holiday Inn Riverfront, will be hosting a bluegrass happy hour on Friday night and bluegrass brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Other downtown businesses are getting involved by offering specials and live music throughout the weekend.

The Kentucky Fiddle Championship has been hosted at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame since 2020. The competition is free to enter for participants, and spectators can watch for $10, which includes access to museum exhibits.

Joslin says bringing all these worlds together for a weekend full of entertainment was a lot of fun, and he hopes that vibe carries over to the fans and musicians who participate in the Great American Bluegrass Jam.

“There was already a good chemistry and natural synergy with these other tourism partners. We want to create events that are unique and one of a kind. There’s strength in numbers, and this is a good example of taking several things that were already happening at various times in Owensboro and packaging them to make a weekend destination for bluegrass musicians and fans, with the idea that it’s a lot easier to justify the trip if there are three or four things to do as opposed to one or two things to do. We hope to see many more collaborations like this with tourism partners in the future.”

“This has been a great collaboration,” agreed Jody Fleener. “The Hall of Fame and the Bill Monroe Homeplace and Museum play off each other well already, so we would love to see more events like this. Bill (Monroe) would be so proud to see his story still being told, and he’d be thrilled to see how his music has grown internationally.” OL

AT A GLANCE

The Kentucky Fried Pickin’ Hotel Jam takes place inside the Holiday Inn Riverfront where guests will have the opportunity to pick with others from across the country. Jam sessions will be taking place around the clock for anyone to join in. The public is also invited to come enjoy the music.

Kentucky State Fiddle Competition takes place at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum, and includes Flatpick Guitar, Fiddle (Junior, Adult, & Senior), Mandolin, Bluegrass Banjo, Dancing (Junior & Senior), and the Championship Fiddle-Off.

Two shuttle trips will also be available leaving from the Holiday Inn Riverfront. The “Bill Monroe Bluegrass Roots Tour” includes stops at the Bill Monroe Homeplace, Rosine Cemetery, the Rosine Barn for lunch and a little music, and will finish up at the new Bill Monroe Museum. A shuttle will also be running from the Holiday Inn to Green River Distilling for a distillery tour, which includes tasting.

Grammy award-winning bluegrass group Earls of Leicester will be performing live in concert at the Hall of Fame & Museum on Friday, March 17 at 7pm. The band formed in 2013 with the ambition to preserve and promote the legacy of bluegrass legends Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. The Nashville-based six-piece will treat fans to masterful musicianship and joyful energy.

IN THE KNOW 9 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

OWENSBORO SYMPHONY: WHIMSICAL WALTON AND WALKER

APRIL 15 @ RIVERPARK CENTER

Enjoy the wonder and whimsy of symphonic music featuring Kentucky native and worldrenowned flutist Jim Walker. Dynamic soloist, legendary orchestral and studio musician, and an inspiration to countless students world-wide; Jim Walker’s bold and expressive playing can be heard on hundreds of soundtracks and commercial recordings including collaborations with John Williams, Paul McCartney, Leonard Bernstein and James Galway.

PIGTAILS & COWLICKS CHILDREN’S CONSIGNMENT SALE

APRIL 21-22 @ OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER

Stretch your budget! 500 families will be selling new or gently used children’s items at amazing prices at the Pigtails & Cowlicks Children’s Spring Consignment Sale! Clothing, toys, furniture, books, baby gear, shoes, boutique, and more, all for kids – from babies to teens!

THE ISAACS

APRIL 22 @ BLUEGRASS MUSIC

HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

After performing as guests for 30 years, The Isaacs were officially inducted as members of the Grand Ole Opry on September 14, 2021. In 2020 the Isaacs were inducted into the GMA (Gospel Music Hall of Fame). The Isaacs have won 9 Dove Awards and their latest 3 albums have received Grammy nominations! See them in concert on April 22 at 7 p.m.

“Bluegrass music is the delivery mechanism, but really what we’re trying to do is promote this area, because we know that once people connect with this community, they’re going to fall in love with it, and look for excuses to come back again. That’s the real objective with all this.”

- CHRIS JOSLIN

A Passion for Expression

Written by KRISTI MCCABE

Owensboro tattoo artist Crystal Dawn’s passion for creating original artwork began when she was a young child who had trouble focusing in school.

“The only subject that kept my interest was art,” Crystal explained.  “I had a wonderful counselor at Seven Hills who put me in a classroom by myself and let me work without distractions, so I was able to create original artwork in addition to completing my assignments.  One school year, I raised enough money to take my classmates on a trip to Holiday World by selling original portraits that I sketched! The school was very supportive of my talent, and I later ended up graduating from high school early at age 17.”

Crystal then attended cosmetology school and later purchased a starter tattoo kit, teaching herself the art.  She searched for an apprenticeship and had one for two years, but felt she wasn’t learning as much as she wanted.  She was considering a move to Nashville, knowing that a larger market for tattooing existed there, when she met her future husband, Mike White.

“At that time, Mike owned a private studio here in town,” Crystal explained.  “He asked me why I wasn’t tattooing and I said I hadn’t found the right place. He taught me the fundamentals of tattooing and brought me into his business as an apprentice.”

Later, Mike expanded his business, and Hooded Crow was born.  Located on St. Ann Street downtown next to Riverwalk Razor Barbershop,  Hooded Crow specializes in tattoos and permanent cosmetics.

“Our business continues to grow,” noted Crystal.  “Our clientele are wonderful about spreading the word, and we are always searching out new learning opportunities. We have taken multiple private classes with big names in the industry.”

Hooded Crow is more than just a tattoo parlor; it’s a destination.  Snack bags are given to clients as they relax and watch their original creations come to life at the hands of talented tattoo artists like Crystal.

Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

Traditional, neo-traditional, realism, blackwork, illustrated, and new school tattoos are among the options offered.

“Mike has developed a client-focused environment that offers an experience and a sense of comfort,” explained Crystal.  “Instead of just walking into a basic tattoo parlor and feeling uncomfortable, our clients are treated to personalized, oneon-one interactions and given our full attention.  We truly care about the people we serve and are dedicated to giving them a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

In addition to tattooing, Hooded Crow also offers permanent cosmetics.

“I do eyebrows, lips, eyeliners, and cosmetic services for breast cancer survivors,” Crystal added.  “That is a very rewarding service for women who have suffered through an illness and overcome it, so I enjoy helping them get back to living.”

Mike and Crystal also enjoy offering their talents to community projects, having donated their time and talent to paint a large mural downtown in honor of the Green Dot Project at the request of New Beginnings here in Owensboro.   The mural is located at the corner of Third and Allen.

For Crystal, sharing her passion for creating original artwork and helping others do the same is a reward that goes beyond receiving a paycheck.

“I enjoy the opportunity to help clients express themselves in my own artistic way,” said Crystal.  “Clients come to me with ideas of what they want, and I put it on paper for them.  Then that goes to their skin, and it boosts their confidence.  The client has the opportunity to display who they are in a very unique way, and I love being part of that process.”

“Tears of joy happen,” Crystal continued.  “I love helping people tell their story and feel better about themselves.  For me, this is much more than a job; it’s truly a calling.” OL

40 Years

Written by JOSH KELLY // Photo by JAMIE PLAIN

July 4, 1984. Claud Porter was working his first official week on call for the Daviess County Attorney’s Office. Back then, there were only three or four people who worked in the office and he was the new kid on the scene. It was a holiday, so no one was in the office. Except for Porter. That weekend alone he fielded around 150 calls as the lone worker. “I thought what in the world have I gotten myself into?” he said. From there, the next 40 years were a piece of cake compared to that weekend, he joked.

Beyond answering phone calls on a holiday, he spent most of his first 20 years with the office primarily focusing on child support and juvenile courts. Working in that division he said that he was introduced to several different issues that remain relevant in today’s judicial landscape, like mental health in drug related-cases — both juvenile and adult. He noticed that even in the 90s and early 2000s, mental health issues were interfering with how court appearances were running. By then it was 2002 and Porter knew he wanted to run for office. So, in the years leading up to the 2007 election, he did as much as he could to establish and fortify connections with the different organizations throughout the community. From River Valley Behavioral Health to Owensboro Health and every public service agency in between, he found organizations that were invested in the community’s health and wellness, especially as it pertained to court representation. “I was working with a number of different

“I hope the legacy is that I was available and willing to do whatever we thought or somebody else thought needed to be done.”

groups who were interested in trying to start programs for people who had alcohol problems,” he said. “We were also trying to create get-into-treatment programs, so we started looking for different kinds of treatment programs to do.”

So when 2007 came and he was officially declared County Attorney of Daviess County, his next thought, after gratitude, was, “What am I going to do?” The first term was spent making the connections work under his new purview. He began by asking the community what they wanted and what changes needed to be made. Just like roughly 10 years earlier, drugs in juvenile court were still an issue, but unlike 10 years earlier, the office no longer had adequate funding to address the crisis. Once the Kentucky Administrative Offices of Courts stopped funding the early program, Porter went to work to find another resource. With the help of the Fiscal Court, the Juvenile Drug Court returned back to function. Then the formation of mental health court followed shortly after.

“One of the things I dealt with both as an Assistant and County Attorney was I’d get calls all the time saying, ‘hey, this person is doing something. They’re acting out or behaving in a criminal manner, but they don’t really understand what they’re doing.’ So it was a question of how do we fix that?” To combat that, the Police Department formed a crisis intervention team with Porter at the helm of the project. The same followed with Domestic Violence, which was funded entirely by grants Porter had to apply for. All this occurred within a matter of years in Porter’s first term.

During this time, he said that it takes more than just him to help make an impact in the community. “Finding and hearing those people say, ‘what about this problem’ or ‘what about that,’ we could often find somebody who knew the answer or who had an avenue for us to fix it,” he said.

After forty years of making those connections and solving problems, he knew his work was finished, but he had one last mission: to expand the Family Court Judge bench from one to two. Through work with the AOC, Representative DJ Johnson and other peers, they were able to take some of the caseload of five judges and split it between two this year. “After that, I just told my staff, ‘Look, this is it,’” he recalled. “You have to give it up sometime.” And as he looks back from the hot summer day in the office at the housing authority to the days in Fiscal Court, he said he hopes the legacy that he’s left is ‘always being available.’ “I hope the legacy is that I was available and willing to do whatever we thought or somebody else thought needed to be done. Just whatever we could do and finding ways to make it all happen,” he said. OL

Clouse Wins at Professional Sports Business

Written by JACQUELINE RUSSELL

Daviess County native Eric Clouse is making a name for himself in professional sports—not as an athlete, but as a dynamic executive—most recently as Chief Commercial Officer for the Cleveland Browns.

Haslam Sports Group hired Clouse for this role after a successful 10-year stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he was the Senior Vice President of Sales and Service from 2019. As CCO, he oversees revenue and marketing departments for the Cleveland Browns to maximize ticket sales and services, business analytics, fan engagement, corporate partnerships and digital content and production.

So how does a kid from Sorgho end up working for an NFL team?

“I think it’s pretty much like anybody who gets into the world of sports business. When they first get started, they’re sports fans,” he said. “I was following Kentucky sports a great deal when I was younger and I was just interested in it from a fan perspective. Then as you get further into it, you find appreciation for the business behind sports and the team behind the team, if you will. Understanding how tickets are sold, how partnerships are sold, kind of how marketing is run and community relations—just kind of the whole basis of the business.”

Clouse found an interest in the business of sports while he was interning for the athletics department at the University of Kentucky. He then decided to go to business school and transitioned into a full-time role as Director of Ticket Sales for the University of Louisville.

In his current role, Clouse says, there’s a new challenge every day. He focuses on keeping the fan in mind with every decision made. “We talk a lot about being fan obsessed,” he said. “You have a responsibility to the fan, and you have a responsibility to your ownership group. And really, you have a responsibility to the brand to make sure that you’re representing it in the right way and you’re respectful to the history that it has.”

All of that has to be balanced with keeping the lights on. “It is a business,” he said. “You have to focus on how you generate revenue to be able to create the sport. You have to be able to pay the players and the coaches and all the staff that make it run.”

For Clouse, who manages a team of about 120, the real joy in his day-today operations is the people he works with and seeing them grow their own careers.

“It all kind of starts with people and that’s really my favorite part— the family that you create, as you go through the day, building careers and getting people promoted…” he said. “That’s what, at the end of your career, you’ll look back on and take pride in. Business successes come and go. But for years, their happiness and their successes live on for a very, very long time. And those are the things that really matter most to me.”

That people-first mentality is something he credits to his upbringing in Owensboro, his strong family background and his friend group at

Apollo High School.

“I had a dad who taught me the meaning of hard work ethic and discipline and stick-to-itiveness,” he said. “My mom was the one that gave me my confidence and empathy. Those things are really what kind of pushed me.”

Clouse’s core group of friends also pushed him. “I came from a class that had a lot of intellectually inclined people who worked hard, and when you’re surrounded by those people, it’s helpful,” he said. “Apollo gave me that foundation, and that friend group gave me that, as well.”

He, his wife, Sara, and their two children like to make it back to Owensboro and visit his parents when they can. His kids especially enjoy it. “They’re in a relatively big city,” he said, “but in many ways, they still have kind of roots in the farming community, which is where I got my start. They enjoy all those things that come with that.”

And it’s those same small-town Owensboro roots that have propelled Clouse to such great heights in the world of professional sports. OL

Compete to Be Elite

DYNASTY SPORTS PERFORMANCE BRINGS DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO LOCAL ATHLETES

Written by MARLYS MASON // Photos provided by Dynasty Sports Performance

DaMarcus Ganaway and Timothy Davis co-founded Dynasty Sports Performance as an investment in youth sports and as a support for student-athletes to continue development through sports. And beginning in 2023, DSP will be sponsored by the sporting goods brand, Adidas.

Using their personal involvement with sports, and realizing the lack of high-level, long-term development opportunities for student-athletes, the two created a program that allows athletes to compete at a higher level with the proper guidance, something Ganaway said is “essential to a young athlete’s development.”

“It takes a lot of effort to complete at a

high level,” Ganaway said. Using a program that incorporates the fundamentals necessary to enhance performance, along with agility training, the program also hosts basketball and football tournament events with 7v7 teams, and beginning in March, will offer group and private training.

The travel teams’ sponsorship allows the teams to be competitive and build a relationship with one of the three leading sports brands. DSP is bringing back the DSP Heat, a travel basketball club of selected athletes who will showcase their talents and gain exposure to other teams outside of Owensboro.

Ganaway and Davis both played football for Kentucky Wesleyan College, and both are driven to create student-athletes who can continue play beyond high school.

“We’ve always been driven through our sports,” Ganaway said. “And sports is a huge community. It is more than just competing…it is also building relationships.”

Both credit Dynasty with not only providing opportunities for student-athletes but also building relationships with kids not just from Daviess County but surrounding counties and states. This, Ganaway said, extends the opportunities to others and gives more opportunities to their clients.

“There are so many more reachable opportunities accessible today for athletes. We want to provide modern training, verifiable data, and use our resources to enhance opportunities for athletes in

Owensboro comparable to what they see happening in major markets,” Ganaway said.

Training ages are elementary school to high school graduates who

Dynasty Sports Performance gets an identity, and also invitations to “cool events” and “repping” one of the top three brands, according to Ganaway.

DSP is also expanding the DSP Elite Travel 7v7 Club, a football team that utilizes skill-position players.

Seven multi-day sporting events will be held in Owensboro, all sponsored by Adidas. The Owensboro Convention Center will be the site for five basketball events, and the nationally recognized 7v7 tournament will be held at KWC’s Steele Stadium.

Ganaway also said that new to DSP is an offensive lineman camp where NFL trainers, NCAA coaches and local high school coaches will be on hand.

are looking to increase speed and agility in the off-season.

“A lot of athletes come for this,” Davis said.

With the Adidas sponsorship,

DSP’s Facebook page announces all upcoming events and they are currently working on their website, www.compete2beelite.com. Ganaway can be reached at 904-400-8906. OL

HOME & GARDEN

The toPathwayGrowth

EXPANDING THE WESTERN KENTUCKY BOTANICAL GARDEN

Written by LIBBY JOHNSON

Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

In March 2021, when Owensboro Living last reported on changes at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, the garden had owned the WeatherBerry—the historic home bordering the museum property—for about six months. WKBG Executive Director Laurna Strehl said she was excited about the presence the home gave the garden from West Second Street and for the possibilities the building brought to the garden. Now, barely two years later, WKBG is well into phase two of a three-phase capital campaign.

The goal of the campaign, which is called The Pathway to Growth, is to fund a dedicated Welcome Center at the WeatherBerry, construct a multi-purpose pavilion, and pursue an overall expansion of the gardens themselves. “We are a little over $600,000 away from our goal,” Strehl says, revealing that Phase 3 won’t start until they have reached their 2.8 million goal. Currently, 2.175 million in funds have been committed and 1.3 million deposited. Those who pledge have up to five years to make good on their commitment, and opportunities range from a $250 engraved brick to $500,000 to name the new pavilion.

Plans for the pavilion have evolved since initial discussions a few years ago. “Pavilion brings to mind more of a picnic facility, really,” says Strehl, “but this pavilion will be an enclosed, full-use facility that will expand the garden in so many ways.” The pavilion, she explains, will not only be a special event and meeting center (WKBG averages 50-60 private events such as weddings, meetings, birthday parties, memorial services, and baby showers per year) but it will offer a contingency for renters in the event of foul weather. “Currently, if we have a field trip and it rains, we really can’t go on with it,” she says. The pavilion will also offer ADA compliant bathrooms and make the garden more accessible for all. Those who have long been familiar with gardens will recall that a ranch home was moved across town to the gardens and served as the initial events center. That building will be demolished, as the Weatherberry is already serving

the purpose that the ranch home originally fulfilled. According to Strehl, maintaining another facility is too expensive and time-consuming.

Though the proposed changes and upgrades to WKBG are certainly something to look forward to, Strehl

agenda; “pack a lunch, bring bubbles, coloring books, a blanket to sit on...it’s not a formal garden, you can get off the path and explore.”

stresses that her number one goal for the public space is for it to be a place Owensboroans think of when they wake up and wonder, “What am I going to do today?” “I want everything we do, and every day at the garden to be a special event,” she says. She encourages people to come to the garden with no

Strehl’s suggestions should appeal to all, especially those with children, and she hopes to see the garden used as a space for organic play and togetherness. However, enhancing programming for families and children via the Children’s Garden, a section at WKBG, is on the to-do list for 2023. So is utilizing the garden after dark. A “Veinticinco de Mayo” party is scheduled for May 25, shortly after local schools dismiss. The event will feature mariachi bands and food trucks. The garden’s website and calendar are constantly being updated to keep people informed. As the weather warms, dear readers, make an effort to get off the beaten path and make your way to the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden. OL

Make Your Dream Home a Reality Within The Preserve!

Content Provided by JMJ Custom Homes

The Preserve is one of Owensboro’s newest and most prestigious upcoming neighborhoods. It’s conveniently located on the east end of town—just minutes from shopping, restaurants, entertainment, and Owensboro’s finest golf courses. There are 41 custom lots available, ranging from .5 acre to 3 acres. The refined building requirements throughout the neighborhood will ensure that the community is aesthetically pleasing and that homes will withstand the test of time.

During the 2023 Parade of Homes, JMJ will be proudly showcasing our very first home within The Preserve neighborhood. Construction is

currently underway, and we can’t wait to share the many unique features of this custom home with the rest of the community! The Parade will take place the last two weekends of July. We hope that you will come see us in person and let us show you some of our capabilities when selecting JMJ to build your dream home!

CR Contracting and JMJ Custom Homes are the exclusive builders within the neighborhood. JMJ has over 30 years of experience within the

custom home industry and we pride ourselves in making your dream home a reality. From our one-of-a-kind tray ceilings, to our esteemed outdoor living areas, there is no vision too big or small for JMJ.

We encourage you to view our website at jmjhomes.net to view some of the stunning photos from our prior projects. For more information, please give us a call at 270-683-7100. We look forward to making your dream home a reality within The Preserve! OL

Take Your Inside…. Out!

Written by Rachel Mann // Integrity Outdoor Living

Around this time of year, we’re all ready to start climbing the walls with cabin fever! Winter weather, gloomy days and safety concerns have had us sheltering inside for what feels like forever. But if you’re worried that socializing and entertaining at home have become things of the past, think again!

Spring is almost here, and that has me thinking “outside” of the box! When I feel a little sunshine on my shoulder, I start dreaming about new outdoor spaces. Spaces where we can relax, where we can play… where we can safely socialize again. And trust me, as soon as you realize that an outdoor space can be an extension of yourself and an extension of your home, that’s where the fun begins!

You can do so much outside, everything from cooking and dining to playing sports and watching movies. And you can enhance that experience with furniture, fireplaces, big-screen TVs, wet bars, water features, and even outdoor kitchens. Spending time outdoors is fun and exciting in a real and usable living space. It can be a place where family memories are made, a place for friends to hang out, or maybe even a place where (dare I wish it?) there are no work distractions!

Here’s how to start taking your inside… out!

First, really think about the vibe inside your home. What do you love about it? What makes your

friends and family feel comfortable there? Is it cozy? Or vibrant? Is it “lived-in”? Formal? Fun? Keep these concepts in mind as you move outside, because they… are YOU! And they’re what will make your outdoor space an extension of your home’s unique personality! You want to create a flow, inside to outside. Where your home’s signature charm spills out onto the patio and your personal style shines all the way through! If your friends settle in and say “oh, this is so ‘you’”…. You’ve done it right!

Next, think about how you use the inside of your house. What do your friends and family love to do there? Because that’s probably what they’re going to enjoy outside, too! Do they like to lounge around and visit while sipping a glass of wine? Then focus your outside attention on a big, comfy outdoor sofa (and I strongly recommend cushions that are stain resistant!). Or do they like to stay active and busy? Maybe skip the furniture and consider a sport court or (my new favorite idea) a putting green! Do your friends love to come around because you’re an awesome cook? Put some real thought into an outdoor kitchen! Seriously! Figure out what’s working for you inside…. And take it outside!

And finally, accept hiccups. And be ok with that. This dreamy outdoor space is supposed to be fun—or relaxing—or whatever vibe you’ve chosen! Don’t let it become a stressor. This year will inevitably

be full of delays, shortages and who knows what else. But don’t let that stop you! Just assess what’s really important to you: where you can compromise and what’s worth waiting for.

I know I can’t be the only person who is ready to flip another page on the calendar and to get closer to those bright, sunny spring days! So I highly recommend that you stop by Owensboro’s local Integrity Outdoor Living where we are already gearing up for the upcoming “outside” seasons! Our showroom is full of outdoor furniture, rugs, firepits and all things outdoor! And there’s just as much still coming! This year probably will still be a wild ride! But to stay ahead of shortages and delays, we’ve majorly increased the amount of furniture, fountains and other items that we will carry in-stock. (Hello, on-your-patioby-tonight!). And our Plant Pros have spent months curating trees and shrubs from across the nation to secure enough stock for the season.

Next door at Integrity Backyard Builds, the Pool Pros are ready with more ideas than you can imagine! Our crews are booking out jobs all over the tristate area for pool installations, decorative concrete, artificial turf, pergolas, kitchens and so much more! By being an allinclusive company, our backyard projects are able to flow more seamlessly and with fewer logistic delays. OL

Help Your Home Garden Thrive

Having a garden has a lot of advantages. Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs saves you money at the grocery store on food, jams and jellies, flavorings, medicines, and even homemade gifts.

Plus, food just doesn’t get any fresher, tastier, or healthier than picking it out of your own garden! Enjoy being frugal while increasing your quality of life with a food garden.

These tips will get you started and help your garden thrive:

STEP 1: Decide what you’re going to grow.

What does your family like to eat?

STEP 2: Decide how much you’re going to grow and how much space you’ll need.

Keep in mind that some vegetables, like squash, tomatoes, and peppers produce continuously, while others, like carrots and corn, only produce once. Most new garden owners tend to get a little carried away and take on a garden that’s bigger than they need.

STEP 3: Find the perfect spot.

In general, your garden will grow better if it receives a lot of sunlight. It also must drain well, so the soggy

spot in the back corner of the yard isn’t what you’re looking for.

Also, consider traffic in your yard; children and pets can be more harmful to the garden than a pesky rabbit. If you live in a dry area, you must locate your garden where you’ll be able to provide water.

STEP 4: Good soil helps!

Ask your local nursery for advice about the soil in the area. You can

STEP 6: Plant your garden.

Follow the directions on the seed packets or seedlings. Be sure to space properly, plant at the proper depth, and plant at the proper time for your area.

STEP 7: Maintain.

Gardens need two things after they’ve been planted: watering and weeding. Most new gardeners tend to over-water. Things have to dry out from time to time to prevent mold or fungus from developing. The soil should stay soft.

Drenching it twice a week is sufficient in most locations in the middle of summer. A light watering every day tends to encourage shallow root growth, so deep watering once or twice a week is better for forming deep roots and healthy plants.

even have it tested. In general, you want soil that’s not too loose (sand) and not too solid (clay). Either sand or organic matter can be added to the soil to improve its quality.

STEP 5: Prepare the soil.

A tiller makes easy work of the job; rent or borrow one. A shovel makes for good exercise. Combine any sand or organic material with the soil and rake everything smooth.

Spend a few minutes each day pulling any weeds. They can take over the garden quickly. Hint: if you have the space, plant your rows with enough spacing to allow your rake to fit between the rows. Then you can quickly drag the rake through to pull the weeds out.

Having a garden is a fair amount of work upfront and a small amount of work each day, but you’ll soon find that your efforts are well worth it. Enjoy! OL

9 Ways to Get Fit While Gardening

Are you lucky enough to have a garden? If you are, you probably love spending time in it, using it to help relax and unwind after a tough day at work.

Besides the obvious benefits of stress relief and good food or beautiful plants, you can also use your garden to keep you fit!

Try these techniques to get fit while gardening:

Grab a brush and sweep.

If you see a few fallen leaves laying on the floor of your garden,

grab a brush and sweep them away. Sweeping could burn as many as 200 calories per hour. Just ensure that you are sweeping hard and fast, as this will get your heart beating in no time at all.

Use a rake.

Using a rake is an even bigger calorie burner than sweeping, burning as many as 300 calories every hour. After you’ve trimmed your lawn, grab a rake and use it to make huge piles of the grass, which can then be hauled away.

Trim the trees.

A good calorie burner is trimming or pruning the trees in your garden. You will probably have to climb up to the branches, plus the sawing is hard work too. Just a few minutes pruning the dead branches from the trees in your garden will give you a good workout.

Digging.

When you dig, you’re using your back, arms, shoulders, core, and leg muscles. It really is a great form of

exercise that will get you breathing heavily in no time at all. Whether you’re digging holes for some new plants or turning over soil, it’s a great way to get fitter.

Hoeing.

Similar to digging, hoeing is a good exercise that is useful for turning over the soil to remove those annoying weeds. It can be especially hard when working on rocky ground. Just a few short minutes and you will have worked up quite a sweat.

Squat when you are weeding.

Instead of using a chair or kneeling while you weed, use the opportunity to get a leg workout in. Each time you reach down for a weed, squat into position and hold

the position until your legs start to burn. If you can avoid sitting or kneeling, your legs will get a great workout.

Build something for the garden.

Carpentry can be hard work and is another way to get fit while gardening. Perhaps you could think about building a new greenhouse, chicken coop, garden box, or maybe even a playhouse/treehouse if you have children. Not only are you getting a good workout, but you’re also adding value to your home.

Cut your lawn.

Forget about a ride-on lawnmower. Use a lawnmower that you can push. If you use it around your lawn, you’ll no doubt be sweating and out of breath by the

time you finish.

Clean up the mess using a wheelbarrow.

Using a wheelbarrow is a good workout for your core, forearms, arms, shoulders, and back. It gives you an excellent upper body workout while ensuring that you’re leaving your garden nice and tidy.

Using your garden for working out may seem easier said than done. Consider these ideas of what you can do to get fit while keeping your garden looking beautiful.

Another benefit of working outdoors is that you are getting some fresh air and plenty of vitamin D from the sunlight, which are both important for your good health. OL

The Blake Hayden Group

EXPANDING THE FRONTIERS OF LOCAL REAL ESTATE

The Blake Hayden Group, a Fifth Generation Brokerage in the Owensboro real estate market , is excited to announce their expansion to Bowling Green and Madisonville, with plans to further their reach.

This expansion marks a first for an Owensboro Real Estate firm in that an independent brokerage has franchised in a regional way to include the growth in both residential and commercial real estate throughout the Western Kentucky region.

The growth is a testament to the hard work and dedication to the crafts of Blake and Missie Hayden. The couple’s real estate experience spans five generations that includes a combined 250 years of expertise in new construction, appraisals, and broker services. In fact, Blake’s great-great grandfather, JR Laswell, began one of Owensboro’s very first real estate brokerages in Owensboro in 1906.

That long history in the industry has been the foundation for the company’s success. From there, their vision has taken the company to new heights. Specifically, Blake’s vision for a regional network goes beyond connecting agents

from different markets in both the residential and commercial spheres, The company’s intent is to offer clients a regional scope to expand their purchasing power. Knowing trusted agents in other markets adds a level of client value that is unmatched by most brokerages and it also opens up the visibility of clients’ properties to individuals looking from other markets. In addition, The Blake Hayden Group has expanded their Property Management company under the direction of Britney Dempsey, Hayley McElwain, and Carson Murphy.

But the vision goes beyond being client focused. The Blake Hayden Group operates under the mantra of “Client Obsessed.” With this obsession in the foreground of all their endeavors, the brokerage looks to continue their growth in the months and years to come.

Client Obsessed may seem overthe-top to some, but it is the norm in their office. “’Obsessed’ is a word that the lazy use to describe the dedicated.” (Anonymous). For The Blake Hayden Group, a key factor fueling that obsession is Blake and Missie striving to create an environment of trust, openness, consistency, and support for

their agents. This directly equates to first-class service and dedication to clients of The Blake Hayden Group.

The “Client Obsessed” mentality has renewed the spirit of community involvement in the office. The brokerage has a monthly commitment of charitable donations that will be made to pre-selected nonprofits in town including, and in no particular order, My Sister’s Keeper, The Boulware Mission, GRADD, The Humane Society, Aid The Homeless, and The Empowerment Academy. This will add to the current donations they give yearly totaling nearly $10,000. For The Blake Hayden Group, this philanthropy is personal. Their Realtors® and clients are deeply impacted by the work of individuals in these organizations, and they want to do their part in supporting them.

This regional growth is exciting not only for residential and commercial clients of The Blake Hayden Group, but also the city itself. Owensboro has always been a heavyweight in Western Kentucky, and now it is an anchor for the fastest growing independent real estate brokerage in our region. OL

Content Provided by The Blake Hayden Group

What to Look for in Patio Furniture 7 QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN SHOPPING

Whether you’re looking to upgrade your patio furniture or creating a new outdoor living space, you probably have lots of questions about what type of patio furniture is perfect for you. Here are some questions you should ask while searching for your ideal patio set:

What type of patio furniture is weather resistant?

Weather resistance can depend on your outdoor space and a range of environmental factors. All materials have different levels of inherent waterproofing, and these can be increased by the application of finishes such as paint, heat treatments, and preservatives. Here are some of the most weather-resistant types of patio furniture:

• HDPE (high-density polyethylene) or poly-wood furniture

• Aluminum

• Hardwoods

What kind of patio furniture is most durable & lasts the longest?

HDPE or Polywood furniture is a lowmaintenance & lightweight option that does not chip, rot, or peel. It doesn’t need to be stained or painted to keep up its appearance over the years. Aluminum is another material that is safe to be left outside continuously without protection.

What kind of maintenance is needed for patio furniture?

No matter what type of patio furniture you have, it’s important to keep it covered as much as possible to keep it in its best condition. Ice, snow, and extremely cold temperatures can affect the longevity of your patio set. It’s ideal to store it in a water-proof area like a basement, garage, or storage shed.

If your patio furniture has removable cushions, it is best to remove them or

cover them before inclement weather. Give your patio furniture a refresher before storing it away to remove any unwanted dirt that may have accumulated in the material.

Are patio furniture covers necessary?

While covers may not be necessary for every patio set, they can be beneficial in minimizing the amount of cleaning it requires. If your furniture sits in an area where it can catch water or falling leaves, using furniture covers will protect them from accumulating any extra dirt or debris. Furniture covers will attach securely to the furniture so that they will not move in windy conditions.

How do patio furniture cushions hold up against the weather?

The weather resistance of most pillows and padded cushions depends on the type of filling they’re made from. Fabrics like Sunbrella are fade-resistant, stainresistant, and cleanable with bleach. There are also fabric seating options that are fill-free or cushionless.

What kind of warranty is available?

With high-quality brands, your furniture is likely to have a warranty that covers many things for many years. But, with box store brands, you are likely to only have the store’s warranty or return policy.

Is high-quality patio furniture worth the investment?

Often, people rush outdoor patio furniture purchases because they want to enjoy warm weather as soon as possible. Rather than rushing, it’s beneficial to take time to invest in the perfect patio set for your location and lifestyle. In high-quality furniture, the chairs are ergonomically designed for hours of comfort with options for people of all shapes and sizes.

High-quality materials will enable you to enjoy your selection for many years to come. Inexpensive patio furniture options are often made with low-quality materials that will break, chip, peel, or rust in no time.

High-quality brands also often have replacement parts or replacement cushions available if you ever need to replace something or upgrade your cushions years later. If your patio set is from a big-box brand, you won’t be able to get replacement parts if something happens to break. OL

Content Provided by Bassemiers

Home Sweet Home

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

Content provided by Elevate Insurance

As a homeowner in Owensboro, KY, it’s important to have the right protection for one of your biggest investments you will make.

However, all policies are not created equal, and it’s important to take a few minutes to make sure you protect yourself properly.

It can be overwhelming to figure out what coverage you actually need and how much premium is too much. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about homeowners insurance so you can feel confident in your coverage.

First, let’s talk about what homeowners insurance actually covers. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect your home and your personal belongings in the event of damage or loss. This can include damage from wind, hail, theft, fire or other perils.

You can purchase better coverage from many companies that cover anything sudden and accidental damage that may occur. Remember things like flood and earthquake coverage must be added separately.

Personal Liability insurance is also a very important piece of your homeowners. This coverage protects you in the event you are negligent and due to an incident that happens. Many homeowners only carry the minimum protection, usually $100,000, but it only costs a few more dollars a month to increase your protection by 5-10x’s.

Things like pools, trampolines, pets, and your assets at risk should be considered when choosing your coverage. Your agent should be asking what you have to protect!

Over the past few years a high percentage of people have come to find out they are underinsured and not able to rebuild as they wish due

to not reviewing their policies and the large increase in materials and construction costs.

Many top insurance companies offer additional built in increased coverages in the event you come up short during a total loss claim.

When choosing a policy, it’s important to understand that rarely is the cheapest premium the best protection nor should it be purchased that way. Most home insurance is often escrowed into your house payment. Many people make the mistake of trying to keep their payments as low as possible when buying a home only to find out they are not covered properly or have a high deductible when a claim happens.

As needs and lifestyles have evolved, so have coverages that are offered by insurance companies. Coverage such as systems protection coverage to cover appliances & utility systems, service line to protect your septic or lines for utilities in your yard, work from home or business contents, even covering your newly finished and furnished basement for damage.

Personal property coverage is also very important since it protects your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, in case of damage or theft. Be sure to take an inventory of your personal belongings and their estimated value as many companies can add these videos or images to their cloud file.

Think about things like jewelry, guns, or collections you may want to cover as an add on or increase as many companies limit these items for theft.

Finally, some homeowners insurance policies include additional

living expenses coverage. This can cover the cost above your normal living expenses, such as hotel stays or meals, if you are temporarily displaced from your home due to covered damage or loss.

When shopping for homeowners insurance, it’s important to ask about any discounts that may be available. For example, many insurance companies offer free home monitoring systems with discounted monitoring or if you have a metal or highly rated shingle roof.

You may also be able to save money by bundling your homeowners insurance with other types of insurance, such as auto insurance.

In addition to understanding the coverage and cost of your policy, it’s also important to choose an insurance company with a good reputation and a local active agency with a licensed trained staff. Look for an insurance company that is growing and keeping up with trends and a prompt claims handling process.

You want to work with an agency that is interested in getting to know you and your situation to put you in a better place.

One size does not fit all when shopping for homeowners insurance in Owensboro, KY. Be sure to look for the things mentioned above, understand the different types of coverage available, and ask about any discounts that may be available.

If you’re looking for the right homeowners insurance policy in Owensboro, KY, Elevate Insurance Agency can help. Our team of licensed experts can help you find the perfect policy among more than a dozen highly rated companies for your needs at a price that fits your budget. Contact us today to learn more! OL

LIFESTYLE →

SENIOR LIVING: BEWARE OF SENIOR SCAMS p. 52

HEALTH: SPORTS MEDICINE PROFESSIONALS KEEP ATHLETES IN THE GAME p. 54

TRAVEL: HEAD WEST FOR A FAMILY TRIP p. 48

EXPLORE ST. LOUIS!

Head West for a Family Trip

Written by JACQUELINE RUSSELL

Photos provided by Explore St. Louis

IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR AN EXCELLENT WAY TO CREATE MEMORIES AND BRING THE FAMILY CLOSER TOGETHER, CONSIDER A WEEKEND TRIP TO ST. LOUIS. WITH A DRIVE THAT’S JUST OVER THREE HOURS FROM OWENSBORO, IT’S AN EASY WEEKEND GETAWAY. CHECK OUT OUR SUGGESTED FAMILY-FRIENDLY ITINERARY.

FRIDAY CHECK INTO UNION STATION HILTON HOTEL

For years, Union Station served as a train station for the St. Louis area. Today, it plays host to a variety of restaurants and amenities, including the St. Louis Aquarium, The Wheel and Soda Fountain — a very kidfriendly restaurant.

CITY MUSEUM

2 TO 4 P.M.

Housed in an old shoe factory in Downtown St. Louis, City Museum is an ever-evolving, always-thrilling, artist-built playground full of weirdly wonderful spaces to explore. Entertaining for the entire family, it is the ultimate urban playground, created from reclaimed building materials, City Museum boasts features such as old chimneys, salvaged bridges, construction cranes, miles of tile and even two abandoned planes!

ST. LOUIS AQUARIUM AT UNION STATION

4:30 TO 6 P.M.

The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station takes you on an aquatic journey unlike any other. Whether you are coming face-to-face with a prehistoric paddlefish or Zebra shark, getting your hands tickled by the Doctor fish or feeling the rubbery skin of a ray, there’s something for everyone.

DINNER AT THE SODA FOUNTAIN

6:30 - 7:30 P.M.

Enjoy dinner and dessert at this modern soda shop serving burgers, hot dogs, BLTs, creative shakes and cocktails. This restaurant has made old school cool, serving up classics you love with a twist.

THE ST. LOUIS WHEEL

7:30 - 8:30 P.M.

After dinner, be a little daring and travel to The St. Louis

Wheel. At a height of 200 feet, the St. Louis Wheel offers panoramic, 360-degree views of the St. Louis skyline. Admire the city’s architecture and catch a glimpse of the Gateway Arch and other iconic downtown attractions.

SATURDAY VISIT THE GATEWAY ARCH MUSEUM

9 TO 10 A.M.

Visit The Gateway Arch — a 630-foot-tall monument built in 1935 to commemorate Thomas Jefferson’s vision of a transcontinental United States. Discover previously untold stories of westward expansion at the Museum at the Gateway Arch.

RIVERBOAT TOUR

10:15 TO 11:15 A.M.

Gain a new perspective while cruising the Mighty Mississippi on one of two 19th-century

replica steamboats, the Tom Sawyer and the Becky Thatcher.

GATEWAY ARCH TRAM TOUR

11:45 A.M. TO 12:30 P.M.

Fully experience the monument by taking a 45-minute tram ride to the top of the 63-story high structure for breathtaking views up to 30 miles in all directions.

LUNCH AT SALT + SMOKE

12:45 TO 1:30 P.M.

Stop into Salt and Smoke, a true-toform BBQ spot for a lunch that will fuel the rest of your day. One location is less than a 10-minute walk from the Arch.

SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER

2 TO 3 P.M.

Now that you’ve fed your belly - feed your mind at the Saint Louis Science Center. The Saint Louis Science

Center combines experimentation, creativity and play to help people discover a passion for science and technology.

SAINT LOUIS ZOO

3:15 TO 5 P.M.

Home to over 16,000 animals, many of which are endangered, entry is free every day for everyone.

DINNER AT THE BOATHOUSE

Have dinner at The Boathouse, a relaxed spot for a drink and casual dining with a waterside view, and paddleboat rentals.

ICE CREAM AT CLEMENTINE’S (CLAYTON LOCATION)

Looking for the best ice cream in St. Louis? Clementine’s Creamery is serving it up.

SUNDAY MADE FOR KIDS

10 A.M. TO NOON

MADE for Kids is a 7,000 sq ft maker space with a workshop, artist studio, design lab and entrepreneurs marketplace where kids can use their imaginations.

LUNCH AT FITZ’S ROOT BEER

NOON TO 1:30 P.M.

You’ve heard of breweries, but what about a craft soda brewery? Head to Fritz’s for tasty food, giant root beer floats, sodas and more.

ENDANGERED WOLF CENTER

2 TO 4 P.M.

As you get ready to leave town, visit the Endangered Wolf Center. The non-profit wildlife facility is dedicated to preserving critically endangered species of wolves. Your visit is sure to be a howling good time. OL

Beware of Senior Scams

Written by DANA PEVELER

work they claim to be doing in your neighborhood. Now’s not the time to be polite. Let them know that you don’t have any work done on your property without checking the Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org, references, and getting several estimates; thank you, but no thank you! Close the door – hang up the phone – whichever is appropriate. If you linger, they can come up with all kinds of trickery to convince you to let them do the work. A reputable company will respect your response. It may feel unnatural, in fact, I’m sure it will. Better to be safe, do your homework, and call them back later with an apology, than to risk losing thousands and possibly even damaging your property.

Walking back to my car from the grocery, I heard the voice of an adorable little boy, maybe 18 months old, squealing, “Dodo! Dodo!” He was kicking and lunging himself forward in the cart, pointing at me with each word. His mom noticed me watching, clasped her hand over his, said something that made him smile, and mouthed, “Sorry!” I chuckled, waved at them both, finished putting my groceries in the car, and left wondering how that little guy knew I’d been feeling like a Dodo.

I play 3 word games on my phone. Once I’ve solved the puzzles, I’m finished until the next day’s challenge. Brain games…you know? Earlier that day, though, I succumbed to clicking on an advertisement and answering some, what I considered to be, innocentenough questions. By the time I realized the questions were more intrusive than they should’ve been, it was too late. I’d signed up. I spent an hour unsubscribing, and making sure I hadn’t divulged any personal information that could be used to steal my identity.

It happens in a blink. A scammer entices us to click on a link, answer

questions during a phone call, reply to an ambiguous text, add a friend on Facebook that we’re already friends with, reply to a message within a game application, reply to official-looking mail, answer our front door … there are a multitude of ways to inadvertently allow someone access to our private information.

When it comes to scams, seniors are some of the most preyed-upon. The scammers count on us not being technologically savvy, too polite to hang up, or too compassionate to close the door. Spring is coming, which brings a seasonal host of scams, and it’s time we armored up!

With the region’s likelihood for natural disasters, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron warns us against Natural Disaster Fraud. Boggles the mind, doesn’t it - that someone would prey on us when we’re in such a vulnerable situation, and yet they do! Charity scams abound, too, during those tragic times, so make sure you’re donating to a reputable organization.

Construction and home repair scammers - particularly as the weather warms up, may approach you about

Online shopping – this is where I probably get myself into the most trouble. I think my therapy is, “Add to cart!” It’s so easy, isn’t it? Just one click here, a click there, enter payment information, and *boom!* You may never get your item, or it isn’t as it was described, and now they have all your payment information. Some advice AARP shares to keep you from making my mistake is to never click on an advertisement. Instead, bookmark the URL of your favorite sites, (the web addresses) and use those to start your shopping searches. If you want to make a purchase from someplace new, check the customer reviews, and again the BBB.

Let’s talk about phishing (pronounced fishing) – we receive an email or a text from someone claiming to be a bank, or other service provider. It’ll read that there’s been some sort of security breach, or your order is on the way (except you never ordered anything from them) and they need you to address it right away by using the attached link. DO NOT CLICK!!!

To be safe, just exit out of the text or email. If you really want to verify your suspicions, pick up the phone and call that bank or service provider directly.

By now, most people have heard of the IRS scams. Unfortunately, with tax season coming up, you can count on an increase in calls, emails, and even fake postal mail slipping through. These look and sound very convincing. Those looking to commit fraud are good … very

good at making things appear authentic. Know that the IRS will NEVER call you, threaten you, email you, text you … to act on any tax situation. You will likely receive a letter in the mail, if you have any legitimate IRS issues, which I recommend you verify by reaching out to your local IRS office.

How many of us have been on our computers, or on our mobile phones when a message pops up alerting us to a virus that has been added? By now you know what I’m about to say … DON’T CLICK! If you can’t find a way to exit out of that screen, stop using it, and have someone you trust, or a professional take a look.

Gift card scams - Scammers reach out to have us pay a bill, any type of debt, or even to claim a prize, by using a gift card. AARP tells us you’re usually asked to purchase more than one gift card, or “electronic vouchers,” to make the payment quickly. You’re then asked to share the numbers on the back of the card with them. The requests come from places you’d not ordinarily expect to take this type of payment, for example,

a utility company, or Social Security. They may even try to tell you that your grandchild is in jail and needs bail money! Hang up, delete the email or text – call your grandchild, or her guardian and just ask! Along those lines – law enforcement will NEVER come to your home asking for bond money for anyone. Close the door.

Robocalls – Do you get calls about an expiring extended car warranty? Ugh! Hanging up on these doesn’t seem to stop them. You can usually tell when you’ve received one. They’ll come from a number that you may or may not recognize, may look official, or local, but when you answer, there’s sometimes a brief second where no one acknowledges you answered, and then the spiel starts. That’s if you’re lucky and there’s a live person on the phone … other times, it’s just a digital sounding voice warning you that you’ve defaulted on something. Hang up, yes, and then register your phone number on the national Do Not Call registry at www. donotcall.gov. Once you’ve done that, calls should slow or cease completely. It may take a couple months for it to kick

in, though, so be patient. Once you’ve registered, if you continue to receive calls, you can report them on the same website where you registered your number. I’ve done it, and they stopped.

“You’ve won!” – Unfortunately, you probably haven’t, especially if they ask you for money to get your prize!

There’s no way to cover all the scams these fraudsters are coming up with in this one article. I encourage you to sign up for email consumer fraud alerts at: Kentucky Attorney General Consumer Alerts under the Resources/Consumer Resources tab on their website. Kentuckians are encouraged to report scams to the Office of the Attorney General at 888-432-9257 or file a scam complaint online.

Scammers have been perfecting their craft since snake-oil, so why should we feel like a Dodo when we realize we’ve been duped? Don’t let embarrassment prevent you from telling someone you think you may have been scammed. Your story just might keep someone else from making the same mistake! OL

SPORTS MEDICINE PROFESSIONALS KEEP ATHLETES IN THE GAME

As young athletes and their parents gear up for spring sports season, the sports medicine professionals at Owensboro Health want to ensure they have a safe season. Owensboro Health is here to keep you in the game through specialized care and two convenient walk-in clinics.

WHAT IS SPORTS MEDICINE?

Sports medicine is a niche field in medicine, and it’s growing in popularity due to the increase in physical activity and competitive sports. This specialized field focuses on preventing and treating injuries and illnesses related to sports, physical fitness and exercise. Sports medicine can help athletes of all ages and skill levels stay healthy while participating in physical activities. Sports medicine professionals help prevent injury, improve performance and reduce the risk of long-term health issues. They also help athletes recover from injuries more quickly and fully, allowing them to return to their sport sooner. They also know how to train and condition to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury.

SPECIALIZED CARE

“return to play” decisions, conducting pre-participation physical exams to ensure their patients are ready to resume activities.

These specialists can also help an athlete enhance their performance, playing a role in developing tailored training programs for an athlete’s individual needs, strengths and weaknesses. These experts can make training regimen recommendations and identify areas for improvement.

ATHLETIC TRAINERS

Athletes test their bodies every day. Intense training can take its toll on the body and accidents happen during play. This is why having a skilled sports medicine professional at hand is essential.

OWENSBORO ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE WALK-IN CLINIC

Pleasant Valley Medical Building

1301 Pleasant Valley Road, Suite 500B

Owensboro, KY 42303

270-417-7940

HENDERSON ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE WALK-IN CLINIC

Owensboro Health Henderson Healthplex

1200 Barret Blvd.

Henderson, KY 42420

270-417-7940

Sports medicine physicians are specially trained to care for athletes, fitness professionals, and other active individuals. They understand the impacts of sports and exercise on their patients’ bodies, such as concussions and repetitive motion injuries. They work closely with orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists to develop tailored treatment plans that suit each patient’s specific needs.

They also have an in-depth understanding of how athletes use their bodies during practice and play, allowing them to provide patients with expert advice and instructions on preventing injuries and avoiding reinjuring a previously damaged area. They help athletes make important

Owensboro Health provides our region with sports medicine professionals for high school and college sports, allowing athletic trainer coverage at designated games and practices. This coverage enables immediate medical evaluation and first-line treatment of athletic injuries. Athletic trainers work closely with physicians, orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists to care for injured athletes.

WHEN INJURIES HAPPEN

The Owensboro Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Walk-in Clinics are designed to help with emergencies like sprained joints and minor bone fractures and provide access to advanced orthopedic and sports medicine care when you need it most. The clinics welcome patients ages five and up, new and established, and you don’t have to be an athlete to be treated. The specialists see walk-in patients for many needs, including sprains, fractures, carpal tunnel, old and new injuries, sore joints, concussions and more. It’s easy and convenient, and no appointment is necessary.   OL

SPEAKER REVIEW: JOE FRAZIER p. 59

SLEET’S EYES FESTIVAL: EVERYONE WANTS TO TELL HIS STORY p. 62

CHAMBER CELEBRATION WRAP UP p. 64

From the CHAMBER

We always hear that in order to succeed, it is necessary to embrace change and to innovate/adapt over time. Like any successful business or organization, we thrive on creative energy and can-do attitudes. Those two characteristics are perfect adjectives to describe Jason Tanner and his team. Since we started our partnership with Tanner+West, we have always welcomed the “what’s next” in our relationship.

This publication is “what’s next.” Owensboro Living is one of those publications you cannot wait to get your hands on. The covers always make us proud to live here and they draw us in to read the latest… whether it be human interest stories or the hottest ideas/things going on in the region, there is always good information.

Moving our quarterly GOChamber to have our dedicated space in Owensboro Living helps us reach a larger audience. And that is good for our members.

Our Chamber membership is one of the strongest anywhere. Each and every day, our team works with that in mind. We serve the people in our community making things happen and building our economy. And the Chamber membership is proof that they are at the top of the profession and that they sincerely care about where the community is headed.

As we enter into Spring and look forward to longer days and more chances to connect, we are delighted to add this partnership to our things to celebrate.

To the Owensboro Living Team, thank you for this opportunity. And to the Chamber members we will be featuring in these pages, thank you for your investment in our work. It is an honor of a lifetime to serve you.

CANDANCE CASTLEN BRAKE President & CEO, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

New Members

A Monogram Boutique

Advanced Investment Management

Alcoa Warrick Operations

American Legion Post #9 - James

L. Yates

Amvets Post # 75

Aquatic Resource Center

B & B Extermination Inc

Berry Home Solutions, LLC

Briarpatch

CJ Kassinger Properties, LLC

Commonwealth Concrete Coatings

LLC

Enterprise Truck Rental

Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Louisville Branch

Owensboro-Daviess County Veterans Organization

Progressive Sports Therapy, Inc.

Veterans Empowered Together

VFW Post #696

Warren Farms-Dustin Warren

Wethington Family Practice

RENEWALS

Affordable Care Health Insurance, LLC

Aflac Keller & Associates, LLC

Alzheimer’s Association

American Engineers, Inc.

Ashley Furniture

Barron Commercial Group

Beef O’Brady’s

Big Rivers Electric Corporation

Blue Bridge Homes, LLC

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Boardwalk Pipelines

Briarpatch

Carmel Home

Catholic Diocese of Owensboro

Century Property Management

Champion Ford Lincoln Mazda

Chick-fil-A

Clemens, Guthrie & Wurth

Cliff Hagan Boys & Girls Club, Inc.

Coke Farms

Commonwealth Title and Mortgage Services, Inc.

Dismas Charities of Owensboro

Domtar Converting & Distribution

E M Ford

Ebelhar Whitehead PLLC

Edward Jones - Financial Advisor:

Kevin Young

Enterprise Rent-A-Car of Owensboro Goodfellows Club

H & R Agri-Power

Haley-McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory

Hayden Farms

Homes by Benny Clark, Inc.

J.J. Fosters

Kamuf Brothers Farms

KB’s Kid Zone

Kenergy Corp.

Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance -

Mandie Hicks

Key Heating and Cooling, Inc.

Kuegel Farms

L. Steve Castlen Realtors, Tyler Shookman

Lawrence & Augusta Hager

Educational Foundation

Legends

Limos By Knight

Malco Theatres

McCoy Construction and Forestry

Metalsa Structural Products

Oddball Creative

Old National Bank

Opportunity Center of Owensboro

Owensboro Career Development Assoc., Inc.

Owensboro Family Eye Care

Owensboro Surgery Center

Peacocks and Pearls Boutique

RiverPark EyeCare, PLLC

Rotary Club of Owensboro

Smith & Butterfield Office Products

Standard Sales of Owensboro

Storm Insurance LLC - Scott Stoermer

Sullivan Mountjoy, PSC

Thompson Benefits & Enrollment Group, LLC

Trunnell’s Market & Gourmet Deli on 54

Volunteer Owensboro

WBKR/WOMI

Western Kentucky Botanical Garden

Western Kentucky University

- Continuing and Professional Development

Wills Animal Hospital

WKU Owensboro Alumni Chapter

Wright Implement

Our mission is to provide leadership, advocacy and member services that foster growth and economic prosperity for our region.

JOE FRAZIER

The Public Life Foundation sponsored February’s Rooster Booster, which brought Joe Frazier to speak to our community’s business leaders.

Frazier is the founding Executive Director of the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Center for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. Prior to his role at the Chamber, Frazier served in Diversity and Inclusion related roles at different institutions including Bellarmine University as the Director of the Dr. Patricia Carver Office of Identity and Inclusion, and at Virginia Tech where he served as the Assistant Director for the Asian Cultural Engagement Center. Frazier also started his own DE&I consulting practice, Education to Action LLC.

Frazier serves on a number of boards and taskforces for Kentuckians, including the Board of Directors for Volunteers of America Mid States and the Louisville Association for Community Economics (LACE), the Kentucky Non-Profit Network’s Racial Equality Taskforce, and the President’s Advisory Council for the Noir Black Chamber of Commerce. He is also recognized among Louisville’s 2021 40 Under 40.

Special thanks to the the Public Life Foundation for sponsoring February’s event. The Public Life Foundation was founded nearly two decades ago to engage and empower citizens to take meaningful action in community decision-making and public policy. In recent years, the Foundation has expanded its scope by committing over $4 million of its assets to enhance early childhood education opportunities in our community. In 2020, the Foundation announced a multi-year partnership with the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence to help make this vision a reality.

After several months of research, analysis, and deliberation, PLFO announced the formation of the Greater Owensboro Partnership for Early Development. This coalition of community leaders—representing the business, early and K-12 education, nonprofit, higher education, faith-based, healthcare, and government sectors—is dedicated to developing bold and innovative solutions to improve early learning outcomes.

ROOSTER BOOSTER SPEAKER REVIEW

SUSAN HIGH

After over 30 years of service to the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the people of our community, Susan High is retiring. Susan came to the Chamber in 1991 when she moved from Louisville with her husband, Joel.

Over the past three decades, Susan has gone above the call of duty. Her dedication to the Chamber membership and her deep commitment to give her all every day are hallmarks of her work ethic. Her passion for her work and her fierce loyalty to the organization will be missed deeply.

JULIA KIMBRELL

In her role with the Chamber, Kimbrell will be responsible for the coordination and implementation of all printed, electronic, and social media communications and the coordination of all Chamber events.

“We are thrilled that Julia Kimbrell has joined our team,” said Candance Castlen Brake, President and CEO of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. “She is a success story of our community’s talent recruitment effort – the young people that go off to college and then come back to give back. We are so fortunate that she cares so deeply about Greater Owensboro and the future and we cannot wait to watch her gifts take flight in our work.”

Kimbrell was born and raised in Owensboro and her family has called Owensboro home for generations. As a graduate of Owensboro High School, she was involved in many community organizations such as the Wendell H. Ford Statesmanship Academy and Impact 100 Next Gen. Julia went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky, where she majored in Integrated Strategic Communication with a minor in Community Leadership Development. Julia brings a breadth of experience in creative advertising, strategic communication, and digital marketing to the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. Her background includes roles in strategic advertising campaigns, branding, web design, email marketing, social media marketing, SEO, content creation and advertising strategy.

“It is an honor to be stepping into the role of Communications and Events Coordinator with the Chamber of Commerce. I am looking forward to using my skills and talents to serve our community.” said Kimbrell. “My family has deep roots in Owensboro, and I have always been passionate about the initiative to promote growth and success within the Owensboro area. The Chamber is an outstanding advocate for our community, and I am delighted to join a team that is recognized for their leadership, empowerment, and growth.”

Julia Kimbrell has joined the staff of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce as its Communications and Events Coordinator.

Owensboro DAY IN Frankfort

BEHIND THE SCENES

Greater Owensboro Chamber Day in Frankfort was held on February 15. Community leaders and elected officials came together to demonstrate Owensboro’s strength and collaborative spirit.

The day featured a lunch with other West Kentucky Chambers where Governor Beshear addressed the group; meetings and discussions with our delegation; opportunities to visit legislative session and a reception at the end of the day.

The Chamber continues to lead advocacy efforts to foster economic growth and competitiveness for our region. We are happy to welcome advocacy chair Shawn Patterson, CEO of Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline as this year’s advocacy chair.

Everyone wants to tell his story

HOW A FESTIVAL HONORS OWENSBORO’S BIGGEST HISTORIAN

WRITTEN BY JOSH KELLY

Owensboro hosted the first step in honoring Moneta Sleet Jr. with the Through Sleet’s Eyes Festival geared at providing a focus on the first Black man to win a Pulitzer Prize and the first Black winner of a Journalism Pulitzer.

What started as an idea in Festival Chair Emmy Woosley’s mind, eventually grew into a weekend-long celebration, a documentary and a few more things in the works, she said.

“We want to as a community lift up our heroes and lift up the good stories and just shout them out so that they drown out any negativity,” she said.

Woosley told her Leadership Owensboro class that by creating an event or art display, people will come together to enjoy history and take pride in Sleet’s successes by educating everyone on them.

Immediately after hearing about it, NAACP President and fellow classmate Rhondalyn Randolph said that immediately she knew it was a fantastic idea and opportunity to share with the community.

“This was something that should have been done a long time ago and we just went on and on and on about how great of an idea it was,” Randolph said.

And the community agreed.

Over 40 local businesses and organizations — and even more outside of Owensboro — came together to help the festival tell the accomplishments of Sleet

PHOTO BY KEVIN BROWN OF TRICK CARD PRODUCTIONS

and shine a light on his story.

“There’s a lot of people outside Owensboro that already know the magnitude that is Moneta,” Woosley said. “Everybody just wants to be a part of telling his story.”

And his story is that of Owensboro origins. Born in Baptist Town in 1926 — just across the street from the newly named Moneta Sleet Jr. Park — he graduated from the segregated Western High School and enrolled in Kentucky State University.

After graduating with his degree in business, he went on to New York University to obtain his master’s in Journalism and from there, he stayed in the Big Apple, eventually reporting for Johnson Publishing.

Through working with Johnson Publishing, Sleet spent lots of time flying overseas to document scenes in Norway, Ethiopia, South America and more.

But he is most known for his many photos of Martin Luther King, Jr. as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, Sleet is also widely recognized for his Pulitzer Prize-winning photo of Coretta Scott King and her daughter at the late King’s funeral.

Throughout his journey documenting the last

- Candance Castlen Brake

half of the 1900s, he had many colleagues and peers join him along the way. Many of whom, still to this day, want to talk about the impact Sleet had on them.

Owner of Wonder Boy Media Drew Hardesty traveled across the nation interviewing Sleet’s peers and documenting the stories they had to tell in a documentary titled ‘A Fine Remembrance.’

“I’ve noticed that as time has gone on, I’ve fallen more in love with the man that I’ve never met, and because the people we interview just exude this great joy and happiness and love for him as well, you can’t help buy into it,” he said.

News of the documentary and the festival traveled quickly throughout the state and some parts of the nation as people wanted to know how they can also celebrate Sleet’s legacy.

“I think the support we’ve received is a testament to him as an individual and the character he embodies as a person. Also, the imprint that he left on individuals that he worked with that talk about his work ethic or his dedication, or the heart behind the work,” Randolph said.

Now as the festival is in the rearview, Woosley said she knows this isn’t where the shutter closes on Sleet’s story.

A painting of Sleet has traveled through the community over the past year and is now heading to its home at H.L. Neblett Community Center. After traveling for so long, Woosley said it will finally land among young students who are able to daily admire Sleet’s story.

“That painting allowed thousands of people in the Owensboro-Daviess County area to not only know who Moneta Sleet is but also to know who K.O. Lewis is as a painter,” she said. “I was told a little girl at Girls’ Inc heard Moneta’s name and she said ‘Oh I know him, he was the guy in the picture at my school.’ Stuff like that shows how meaningful what we’re doing is.”

In addition, Hardesty said that oftentimes, photography is an unheralded industry as they work to instead tell the story of their subject. So Hardesty and Woosley set out to tell Sleet’s story by adorning downtown with a bronze sculpture of Sleet to forever commemorate his contributions to American history.

The board is seeking funding to commission the sculpture, but even if they do not receive funding, they don’t plan to stop until they are able to permanently tribute Sleet.

“The Moneta Sleet Festival is a story of community, partnership, and collaboration. Created by Leadership Owensboro class of 2020, the concept grew quickly and demonstrates how our community can come together and make phenomenal things happen. This festival will be a story we use for decades to inspire generations of community members to ask the question “Why not?” And then go make goodness happen. That is what Leadership Owensboro is all about.“

Chamber Celebration WRAP UP

In January, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce held their annual Celebration, to highlight members within the community and people who have achieved excellence over the last year.

“This is a small businesses celebration,” said Chamber President and CEO Candance Castlen Brake. “We celebrate every thing from people’s specific contributions to our community to people and their businesses and how well they’re doing.”

The Celebration also included an address from presenting sponsor, Owensboro Health, and the “passing of the gavel” from 2022 Chamber Board Chair Brenda Clayton, Brenda Clayton CPA to 2023 Chamber Board Chair Sarah Ford.

2022 Director of the Year

BART DARRELL & BRIAN WRIGHT

This award is selected by the members of the Chamber Board of Directors and all board members, except the board chair, are eligible to receive this honor. These Directors have dedicated many years to our Board and have greatly contributed to the success of the Chamber and its programs.

2022 Ambassador of the Year

JUSTIN MERRITT

This Ambassador exemplifies volunteerism as he has been an active Ambassador for over 3 years. You can catch him all around town thanking members for their investment in the Chamber as well as greeting at the monthly Rooster Booster with his young son right beside him! He won Ambassador of the Month 4 times in 2022. He is dedicated to the Chamber and its mission, advocating for every member.

Pictured: outgoing 2022 Chamber Board Chair Brenda Clayton, Board Member Mario Vizuet accepting on behalf of Brian Wright and Bart Darrell

2022 CYP Member of the Year

KEITH COTTONER

This year’s member of the year is the epitome of a servant leader. His optimism and compassion continue to inspire others to better our community through CYP philanthropy events and community service projects. In addition to serving as the Executive Director of our H.L. Neblett Center, he serves on the Executive Committee as the Philanthropy Chair and is in this year’s Leadership Owensboro class.

2022 Member of the Year

MARILYN AND WILLIAM YOUNG FOUNDATION

The Marilyn and William Young Foundation is in the business of making good things happen all around them. Greater Owensboro has their mark all over, but you won’t see them taking credit for the real change they make. Launching a new strategic plan that is addressing so many important issues, the Marilyn and William Young Foundation has risen to the occasion to assist nonprofits when they need it the most and to build real civic engagement in our community.

2022 Minority Business Leader of the Year

ALLYSON SANDERS

A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult. Allyson Sanders personifies this year’s minority business leader of the year. After her year in Leadership Owensboro, she decided that she was going to open a business that she felt was needed here locally. And wouldn’t you know, she opened weeks before COVID. But she never gave up. She continued to invest in her business and add more components. And she did all of this while working her day job serving our community in the workforce solutions at Owensboro Community & Technical College.

2022 Leadership Owensboro Class Member of the Year BLAINE MATHEW

Leadership Owensboro Class Member of the Year Award recipients are selected by their fellow classmates. Blaine is constantly finding ways to serve Greater Owensboro. His love for this community is unmatched and his kind and selfless disposition inspires us all. He will be serving on the executive committee for Leadership Owensboro Alumni during its relaunch this year.

2023 Business of the Year 1-10 Employees

RED WING SHOES

Red Wing Shoes opened its doors in Owensboro in 2017 and boasts over four generations of shoe expertise. Their passionate team is always looking for ways to get involved in the community and recently announced they will be providing scholarships to higher-education students in Owensboro!

2023 Emerging Business of the Year

GRAMPS COFFEE AND DONUTS

For years, Gramps Coffee and Donuts dreamed of owning a company where they could provide a place where all kinds of people could experience genuine community over a meal—That’s where the idea of their coffee and donut shop was born. Located downtown as a hub for all coffee-lovers, this small business is fashioned with a friendly face who has become a community icon.

2023 Business of the Year 50-249 Employees

INDEPENDENCE BANK

Independence Bank lives the mantra “local love.” A force behind so many businesses, Independence Bank’s iconic corporate headquarters is located in the heart of the City of Owensboro. The team at Independence Bank is always eyeing the future but also celebrating the core of who we are as a community.

2023 Business of the Year 11-49 Employees

FASTEK SERVICES, LLC

Fastek Services demonstrates their dedication to helping other local businesses succeed each and every day by exceeding customer expectations and thus ultimately improving our community’s business environment and competitiveness of Greater Owensboro. Fastek Services was founded in 2014 by Chris Murphy.

2023 Business of the Year Over 250 Employees

BIG RIVERS ELECTRIC CORPORATION

Big Rivers Electric Corporation has embarked upon a journey to the heart of downtown Owensboro. Relocating its corporate headquarters downtown is just the beginning of their growth here.

2023 Non-Profit of the Year Fine Arts RIVERPARK CENTER

RiverPark Center seeks to improve the quality of life by hosting and presenting diverse arts and civic events, focusing on arts and education. As a regional performing arts and civic center, RiverPark Center entertains and educates nearly 200,000 people – including 25,000 children –through 800 annual events.

2023 Education & Workforce Development Institution of the Year

PUZZLE PIECES

Puzzle Pieces’ division Employment Opportunities is changing lives by addressing our community’s workforce needs in an innovative and inspirational way. They have helped 68 individuals with disabilities find jobs in the local workforce. Through strategic workforce partnerships, this team is building a more inclusive Owensboro.

2023 Non-Profit of the Year Human Services

DIOCESE OF OWENSBORO CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Diocese of Owensboro Catholic Charities is known for not only seeing a need but responding to the need. Not only do they work tirelessly with our refugee community, they were also the first on the ground helping with tornado relief. They are dedicated and strong group of individuals, serving the societal needs of our community.

2023 Manufacturer of the Year

DOMTAR OWENSBORO CONVERTING AND DISTRIBUTION

Owensboro has been ranked one of the best cities in the country to work in manufacturing. Domtar Owensboro Converting and Distribution exports its products globally and continues to grow. They are a part of what makes Owensboro great!

2023 Rick Kamuf Agri-Business of the Year

MACK ESTES FARMS

This award was created after the untimely passing of Chamber Board Member and Community Leader Rick Kamuf. Rick lived a life built around the values of faith, family and hard work. Mack Estes is a farmer who demonstrates love of community, passion for his work, and dedication to serving others. We are grateful for the example of hard work, leadership, and commitment to farming he has shown throughout the years.

2023 Legacy Award KEITH LAWRENCE

The Legacy Award was presented to Keith Lawrence, a journalist who dedicated his career to delivering news to our community. Keith began his career at the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer in January of 1972. His commitment to journalism and his community earned him a much-deserved induction to the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame.

2023 Bill Young Leadership Award

The Bill Young Leadership Award was established by his widow, Marilyn, in 1984, and is presented annually to an outstanding Leadership Owensboro graduate. The award is presented by the Marilyn and William Young Charitable Foundation to honor Bill Young and his commitment to Field Packing and his extensive community leadership.

Together Bill and Susie Tyler operated the Weatherberry Bed and Breakfast for years. They donated 8 acres to start the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden in 1993. Under their guidance, the Garden has gone from a soybean field to a valued part of our community, with more than 13 themed gardens, a thriving education program, and a destination for people from 47 states and 4 foreign countries in 2022. They continue to donate countless hours to ensure that everything is running smoothly and operating efficiently. The foundation they laid with their dedication and unlimited enthusiasm for the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden ensures that the Garden will be here for many future generations to enjoy and experience the beauty of nature.

(Pictured is 2022 Chamber Board Chair Brenda Clayton; Carol Bothwell, Board Chair of the Young Foundation; Marcia Carpenter who received the award on behalf of the Tylers; and Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Candance Castlen Brake)

Ribbon Cuttings THE CHAMBER REPORT

SPIRIT SPA

FAST LANE

BEVERLY’S HEARTY SLICE

FRESH START FOR WOMEN

CRAVENS

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: BEEF O’BRADY’S p. 78 RECIPE: ENHANCING DISHES WITH PUFF PASTRY p. 74 WHAT WE’RE EATING NOW: PANCAKES p. 77

FLAVOR

Photo by JAMIE PLAIN

Enhancing Dishes with Puff Pastry

Recipes and photos by JAMIE PLAIN

The use of puff pastries in recipes is an easy way to upgrade any dish! It’s incredibly convenient to take a pre-made puff pastry and add a rich and flakey element to any dish. While it’s commonly used as crusts for tarts or wraps for turnovers, they can also be used as a topper for savory pies like the beef & ale pie we shared here! As a bonus, we’re also sharing these incredibly easy chocolate croissants that you can make for dessert.

Beef & Ale Pie

INGREDIENTS:

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 large white onion, diced

1 (8 oz) package baby Bella mushrooms, thinly sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup chopped carrots (two medium carrots)

1 Tbsp thyme leaves

2 lb sirloin beef tips cut to cubes

1 cup beef stock

1 cup dark beer

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

1 cup peas

1 package frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 egg, lightly beaten Coarse salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp oil, onions, carrots, thyme, and mushrooms. Season with salt and sauté until vegetables start to soften. Add garlic and sauté another minute.

2. Move vegetables from the skillet and into a bowl - set aside. Add 1 Tbsp of oil to the pan. Pat dry the meat with paper towels, then add to the pan to brown. Once browned, remove from the skillet to a plate - set aside.

3. Take the skillet off heat and add the beer, using it to deglaze the pan (scrape all the bits off the bottom of the pan). Add beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Add meat and veggies back to the pan. Bring to a boil then cover and let simmer for 1 hour (until meat is tender)

5. Mix flour and water together in a small bowl to get rid of lumps. Add it in sections to thicken the liquid (until it reaches desired consistency. Add peas to combine.

6. Spoon beefy mix into six ramekins or mini pots. Cut thawed puff pastry into six squares and place over each pot. Brush with egg wash.

7. Place all ramekins on baking dish and bake 25-35min (until pastries are golden brown)

8. Let rest for 5 min, then serve.

Easy Chocolate Croissant

INGREDIENTS:

2 sheets of frozen puff pastry (thawed)

Nutella (to taste)

1 egg (for wash)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

2. Roll each puff pastry sheet out to 1/8” thickness.

3. Lay one sheet flat on parchment paper, then spread Nutella evenly across the entire surface (if you spread it too thick it could get difficult to roll/might leak). Lay the other sheet on top of the Nutella layer.

4. Cut even triangles using a knife or pizza cutter, then roll each croissant starting with the broad side.

5. Place the croissants on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use the egg to create an egg wash (if you want a deep golden brown color for your croissants, use only egg yolk).

6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm!

What we’re eating now

Last issue we brought you a fresh take on local juices for those readers looking for a healthy option. This time around, we’re going the opposite direction, and introducing you to some of the city’s best pancakes. So take a ladle (or a whole bowl full) of batter, mix in some childhood nostalgia, sprinkle on your favorite toppings, and grab a fork.

Deloris’s Café

It’s clear that we like our breakfast spots in Owensboro, and the local diners keep customers coming back. At Deloris’s you can treat yourself to a Pancake Plate, complete with a buttermilk pancake, two large eggs, plus bacon or sausage. And don’t forget the syrup!

Lizzie’s Diner

The Very Happy Hotcakes at Lizzie’s are a customer favorite for kids and adults alike. These 3 large fluffy buttermilk pancakes are served with butter and maple syrup, plus your choice of one breakfast side.

Dee’s Diner

If you’re looking for a pancake so big that it’s served in a pizza box, look no further than Dee’s Diner. These colossal cakes are probably enough to feed a family, but nobody will judge you for trying to tackle one all by yourself.

Serving Up Community Spirit

Written by JACQUELINE RUSSELL

Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

When Stacy and Barry Bratcher opened Beef O’Brady’s on Highway 54 in 2006, they were looking for a way to put their young children through school. Now, they own the highest-performing Beef O’Brady’s in the country, and they’ve found a community of loyal customers.

For the last two years, based on having the highest volume of sales, the franchise has been Beef O’Brady’s highestperforming location. Stacy credits the staff for the accolade.

“We have the best staff I feel like there is,” she said. “When you own a business, you know that your staff makes or breaks you,” she added.

The couple first had the idea to open the restaurant as they were looking for a way to supplement their children’s education funds. Barry found information about Beef O’Brady’s online, and the couple visited one in Louisville. “The concept just fit our family at that time perfectly,” Stacy said. “You can go in without getting dressed up, it’s family-friendly, and then we just fell in love with it as soon as we saw the feel of it.”

Seventeen years later, the rest is history. The kids are grown and through school, and Stacy says the family now enjoys “just being here for the community and our staff.”

Stacy said the restaurant’s most popular dish is wings, which come in a variety of flavors. They’re also known for their salads, wraps and steaks, but their

BEEF O’BRADY’S

“We have the best staff I feel like there is. When you own a business, you know that your staff makes or breaks you.”

burgers draw crowds — especially during Owensboro’s annual Burger Week.

They’ll create a special burger to participate in this year’s event, which is March 3 - 11. They’ve participated since it started in 2021.

“We had no idea what was going to happen the first year,” Stacy said. “We were shocked by what we normally see because the past two years, Burger Week has been five days. In a typical five-day period, we would sell about 400 burgers. The first year for burger week, in five days, just the special cheeseburger sold 1,377.”

Last year, they created a Campfire

Burger, and they outdid themselves, selling 2,100 burgers in five days.

“We were shocked,” she said.

This year, the event is nine days long instead of five, and the Bratchers and their staff are looking forward to it. “It just adds excitement,” Stacy said. “You might see people you don’t normally see.”

And that’s important to the couple, who have been lucky to build a community of regular customers.

“They have been so loyal to us,” she said. “Through the years, we’ve had people that have been coming in since day one. And you know, we just want to take care of our customers. It’s amazing to me because we have customers that come in and they bring gifts to our servers. I’ve never had that experience of going somewhere and being so close to the staff at the restaurant. I just love the interaction.”

That interaction extends beyond the walls of the restaurant, as they make a point to help the community when they can.

“Every organization that comes to us, we say ‘yes’ to,” Stacy said. “It might not be exactly what they asked for, but we’re always happy to work with people — especially youth programs and churches, or people fundraising for medical expenses or whatever. It’s just always been important to us.”

The love for the community is mutual, with some regular customers stopping by once or even twice a day. “Maybe it might just be for a drink for a few minutes,” Stacy said. “But then they come in and see their friends, and it’s just somewhere where they feel welcome.” OL

THE SMOKESHOW: OUR FRESH, NEVER FROZEN, FLAT TOP GRILLED ANGUS BURGER TOPPED WITH MELTED PROVOLONE CHEESE, SMOKEHOUSE MAPLE CANDIED BACON CRUMBLES AND CRISPY PICKLES ALL GENEROUSLY DRIZZLED WITH OUT SWEET AND SPICY BOURBON GLAZE ON A TOASTED BRIOCHE BUN. SERVED WITH A SIDE OF BBQ CHIPS TO ADD ON TOP FOR AN EXTRA CRUNCH!

100 Years of Owensboro Gardening

Written by LORA WIMSATT

One hundred spring seasons have bloomed and faded away since 1923, but residents of Owensboro, then as now, looked forward eagerly to the season of renewal and refreshment.

A poetic article illustrated with a pen-and-ink drawing by “Artist Satterfield” fairly sings with the observation of spring’s swift approach, and “the seed-planting instinct inherited from the days when our ancestors lived naturally, close to the soil. It is an instinct that dies hard, even when smothered by the congestion of cities. You realize this as you see the city man planning a home garden almost pathetic in size, and his wife eager to plant flowers.”

That seemed to be the case throughout Daviess County, as a newspaper headline from March of that year confidently proclaimed that “Signs of Spring are in Evidence,” with “activities pointing to beautiful homes, early gardens everywhere.”

The anonymous writer warned that “city gardeners usually get the ‘fever’ early,” while their rural counterparts knew “it is futile to crowd the season.”

Easter fell early that year – April 1 – which inspired many to hurry in putting out their gardens, ignoring the very real possibility of a lateseason freeze that would undo their efforts.

“Experienced gardeners do not often take the chance, but wait until the ordinary probability of freezes has passed,” the article stated. “In

the long run, they say, they get earlier gardens than those who plant early and suffer setbacks by freezes.”

Nevertheless, another article published in mid-April reminded readers that by the end of the month, their home gardens should be planted with string beans, sweet corn, leaf lettuce, and the second crops of peas and radishes.

Gardeners were also cautioned to tend to their rhubarb plants, with specific guidance offered that the ground “should be worked thoroughly in the spring and a little well-rotted manure worked into the soil.”

Whether or not they were assisted by well-rotted manure, we do not know, but ladies across Owensboro were engaged in keen competition to win a free trip to “Farm and Home week” at the University of Kentucky, a prize to be awarded to the woman whose garden and canned produce were judged to be the best at the end of the season.

While home gardens were an item

of intense interest, sadly, school gardens were already becoming a thing of the past by 1923.

An April 17 article announced that “no school gardens will be planted and supervised at Owensboro Public schools this season as interest and results were poor last summer.”

Large quantities of seed that had been received from the U.S. Agricultural Department had been distributed to students with instructions for them to be planted at home during the short vacation – apparently Spring Break was a “thing” back then, too.

School principals were expected to inspect their students’ home gardens sometime in May, apparently to ensure that this “home work” assignment had been carried out.

Meanwhile, down on the farm, dairymen faced the annual challenge of minimizing or preventing “badly flavored milk and cream, due mostly to weeds.”

The article went on to say

that “probably the most undesirable flavor that contaminates cream during the spring months is that of onions. Since there is no satisfactory method for removing this flavor, dairymen should remove the cause of it and keep cows off all infected portions of the pasture.”

Returning to the article with which this column began, the writer – his name forgotten but his words remembered – encouraged readers of 100 years ago to hold fast to a truth that stands still today: “In all philosophy, there is nothing more fundamental and far-embracing than the Biblical parable about the sower who went forth to sow. ... Effort is like seed. Not all of it brings results. But some does. … Handed down from the misty past is the bit of wisdom, that we reap as we sow. Many of us, wretched and unhappy now, are merely reaping the harvest of wrong seed sown in the past. The approach of spring should bring new courage and determination, for spring fairly shouts to us to forget the old crop and sow seeds for a new harvest. As we are sowing now, we’ll reap later – money, fame, happiness, health.”

May your harvest in 2023 – and beyond – be bountiful. OL