Owensboro Living - January / February 2021

J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Living

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Contents

JAN/ FEB 2021 TRENDING 8 BEHIND

THE SCENES

The inside scoop on the making of the magazine.

10 N E W S W O R T H Y

The real people, places and events that shape our community, brought to you by the Owensboro Times.

CULTURE 14 A R T

Lucas Wiman: Speaking Through a Lens

LIFESTYLE 32 H O M E

Growing Forward at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden’s WeatherBerry home.

36 S E N I O R

LIVING

Something to Look Forward to

38 H E A L T H

New Year, Healthier You!

FLAVOR 56 R E C I P E

FEATURES

20 MILEWIDE BEER CO.

Louisville’s burgeoning craft brewery is making its way down the Ohio River and setting up a second shop in downtown Owensboro.

B Y J O H N K I R K PAT R I C K

Stay warm this winter with these

23 LIGHTING UP DOWNTOWN A bright idea, years in the making, finally comes to fruition, and one of Owensboro’s most recognizable landmarks gets a glowing upgrade.

B Y M A R LY S M A S O N

hearty soups.

59 D I S H

What we’re eating now: Local dishes we can’t live without!

60 R E S TA U R A N T

SPOTLIGHT

Ernesto’s Mexican Bar and Grill: Through the Fire

26 MILTON T. HALL: UNSUNG HERO

You may have heard of the Tuskegee Airmen, but you may be surprised to learn that one of the famed African-American aviators has deep Owensboro roots.

BY STEVEN WILSON

28 MURAL CREATES A LASTING LEGACY

The Northwest Neighborhood Alliance partners with Aaron Kizer to create a mural celebrating unity and the Black community.

SPECIAL SECTION

41 THE 2021 WEDDING GUIDE

B Y M A R LY S M A S O N

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Trending B E H I N D

THE SCENES

EDITORIAL

EDITOR ’S NOT E

Learning to Slow Down

T

his year I’m resolving to slow down.

Though no one that knows me would accuse me of being fast, I’m talking about

slowing down and enjoying my family – taking time to soak in the moments that really matter.

Forced quarantine has certainly helped my efforts, and to be honest, while 2020 was a train wreck by most standards, there were plenty of enjoyable moments along the way, too. While being stuck at home has its downsides in some respects, it also allowed me much more quality time with Summer and our four kids (including Henry, who was born in May). Without a calendar full of sports practices, school functions, birthday parties, etc., we’ve had more opportunities for activities like board games, and we even dusted off the Nintendo Wii. We’re not constantly rushing out the door to be somewhere on time, and it’s honestly been a welcome break. But the key is to make the most of those times, to slow down and make sure I enjoy our time together, knowing that I won’t have days like these forever. And while COVID-19 will hopefully come to an end in 2021, that doesn’t mean we have to let go of the good habits we’ve developed because of it.

But whatever 2021 brings, Owensboro Living will be here, like

always, to bring you the best of it.

EDITOR

Steven Wilson PUBLISHER

Jason Tanner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jamie Alexander Christy Chaney John Kirkpatrick Danny May Marlys Mason Laura Murphy Dana Peveler Jacqueline Jordan Russell Ashley Wedding Lora Wimsatt COPY EDITOR

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

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT DIRECTORS

Brock Quinton Robert Williams

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 888-304-5416 or email brock@tannerpublishing.com.

DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY S TA F F P H O T O G R A P H E R

Jamie Alexander

L AY O U T D E S I G N E R

Andrea Roberson AD DESIGNER

Monica Smith

DISTRIBUTION STEVEN WILSON, EDITOR steven@owensboroliving.com

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Dave Mackey

To add your business or organization to our distribution list, give us a call at 888-304-5416.

SUBSCRIBE

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W H AT I ’ M RE A D I N G My oldest son, Jude, loves to read even more than I do. Before bed, Summer and I read a chapter of Book Scavenger with him, and we enjoyed the book as much as he did. Set in San Francisco, the story follows middle-schooler Emily, as she and her friend James track

ONLINE

owensboroliving.com issuu.com/tannerpublishing owensboroliving owensboroliving

oboroliving

down clues and decode ciphers in an effort to complete the Book Scavenger game created by her eccentric idol, Garrison Griswold.

Along the way, the pair makes new friends and runs into some unscrupulous characters. It’s sure to keep kids and their parents guessing until the very end.

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TANNER PUBLISHING CO. 2624-A New Hartford Rd. Owensboro, KY 42303 888-304-5416

ON T HE COV E R

Most liked story from November WHY SURVIVE WHEN YOU CAN THRIVE? WRIT TEN BY DANNY MAY PHOTO BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

S U B S C R IBE TO OWE N SB O R O LI VI NG! We’re proud to offer our publication free to our readers at multiple sites throughout Owensboro. But since times are changing, and COVID-19 has made it difficult to visit some of our favorite local spots, we’re excited to now offer subscriptions to Owensboro Living. Readers can get all 6 issues delivered to their doors for $20/year. Or for $30/year, subscribers can receive every issue of Owensboro Living and Owensboro Parent.

To subscribe now, visit owensboroliving.com/subscribe.

When we learned that our very own Monica Smith (a graphic designer and social media guru at Tanner Publishing Co.) would be getting married the same day our Wedding Guide hit the stands, we knew we had to get her on the cover! She braved chilly and windy weather (30 degrees, but who’s counting) to stand out on the RiverPark Center’s outdoor plaza and get a shot with the newly-lit Owensboro Bridge behind her.

Monica is holding her wedding bouquet that she made herself—she is a big fan of DIY projects and made almost all of her wedding decorations (bouquets, flower girl baskets, table decor, signs, and even a large wooden cross that will be used at the

ceremony). That DIY spirit helped bring all her ideas together while navigating through a time that’s difficult to make concrete plans. Monica says while getting married during the pandemic is not ideal, they still feel blessed that they’re able to celebrate their big day with their loved ones. Join us in congratulating Monica and Cole on their New Year’s day wedding!

Cover photo by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R

DANNY MAY, Writer Danny has been a regular contributor to Owensboro Living since our very first issue. He also writes a recurring column for Owensboro Parent magazine called “Insight from an Ordinary Dad” and is the former editor of OwensboroLiving.com, where he once misspelled the word “taco” in a headline. But only briefly.

(Thankfully, online articles can be corrected very quickly).

He loves the art of storytelling, but is a self-proclaimed “nonfiction guy” and says biographies and human-interest stories are his jam. Consequently, he is also an author and ghostwriter, ghostwriting Earl Hayden’s 2014 book The First Family of Racing and self-publishing a short run spiritual memoir in 2008.

Danny is a 1996 graduate of Apollo High School and a Brescia University class of 2000 grad, as is his wife, Kelly.

Together they have two sons, 12 and 10. His full-time job is director of the Office of Marriage & Family Life for the Catholic Diocese of Owensboro.

He’s known in our office as a “bulldozer” and a workhorse for often taking multiple assignments, and most often, still meeting deadlines.

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Trending N E W S W O R T H Y

5 things we’re talking about now

2 Owensboro Distilling Company Owensboro Distilling Co. has launched three new bourbons with Heidelberg Distributing Company. The whiskeys, Yellow

RICHARDSON

Banks, Humble Bee and Ladder #9, pay homage to

Photo by RYAN

Kentucky and the region’s vibrant bourbon culture.

The newly-named Owensboro

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OHS’s Wimsatt and Fallin Receive Statewide Honor

River Spirits Co. and

After their victory in the Class 5A state semifinal over Lexington’s Frederick

historic Green River

Douglass, quarterback Gavin Wimsatt and Head Coach Jay Fallin were named Player of the Year and Coach of the Year, respectively, by the Kentucky Football Coaches Association. Wimsatt, a junior, led the Red Devils to a perfect record from behind center, while also amassing impressive stats and a long list of scholarship offers.

Fallin earned the award after notching his fifty-ninth win as head coach of the Red Devils, which places him fourth all-time in victories at the school.

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Distilling Co. is

Owensboro Living J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

part of the Green produces a variety of whiskeys at the Distillery. The new offerings will be available at retailers exclusively in the greater Owensboro area.

Brought to you by O W E N S B O R O T I M E S

5 ROMP Virtual Band Contest With ROMP Festival 2020 cancelled due to Covid-19, organizers at the

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Bluegrass Music

Civilian Service Award

Hall of Fame and

Antoine Smith-Rouse was recognized by the Daviess County Sheriff’s

looking ahead. As

Museum started

Office with a Civilian Service Award. Smith-Rouse earned the recognition for his efforts in calming opposing factions during a demonstration this summer at the Confederate monument on the Courthouse lawn. Though he only intended to stay for a brief time to voice his support for removal of the statute, Smith-Rouse unexpectedly took on a larger, unplanned role when he spoke to the crowd as a whole and encouraged them to quell their anger and aggression.

part of the 2021 festival, bands that play bluegrass or acoustic roots music can compete to perform on the ROMP main stage.

The deadline for entering is January 31, but the number of participating

4

bands will be

KBP Testing Plant-Based Vaccine Owensboro’s BioProcessing plans

in

capped. Once all the band contest submittals are

Kentucky

complete, fans can

announced

view videos on the

mid-December

ROMP website,

to begin a Phase I clinical

and vote for their

trial in adult volunteers for

favorite bands,

their COVID-19 candidate vaccine innovative

created

casting up to one

using

vote per day until

plant-based

the contest ends.

technology. The study is designed to enroll a total of 180 healthy volunteers who will be divided into two age cohorts — age 18-49 and age 50-70. Results from the study are expected mid-2021 and, if positive, would allow for continued progress into a Phase

Photo by

NATHAN SEATON

GET MORE NEWS LIKE THIS ON THE OWENSBORO TIMES APP. DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY ON THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY.

2 study, subject to regulatory approval.

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ART: LUCAS WIMAN: SPEAKING THROUGH A LENS p. 14

→

Photo by

LUCAS WIMAN

CULTURE

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Culture A R T

LUCAS WIMAN:

Speaking Through a Lens Written by D A N N Y M AY

Photos Submitted by L U C A S W I M A N

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Y

ou never know when inspiration will strike you. For Owensboro-raised photographer Lucas Wiman, the moment of inspiration for his most recent project came during a trip to visit family in Bluefield, Virginia, back in June. “I became enamored with the scenery of the area and the coal mines and history,” Wiman recalled, hinting at his love for Appalachian scenery. “I just sort of dove in and started reading books and watching films, and it just captured me.” Lucas has since titled the photo collection “Coming out for Air,” and says the goal of the project is to explore the process of Appalachian communities evolving into tourism economies and leaving coal dependence behind.

Wiman hopes his photos will shine a light on small towns in Appalachia who are rebuilding their economies on outdoor recreation, music, hunting, rafting, and other interests. “So often you see negative publicity or stereotypes coming out of eastern Kentucky. That seems like a problem to me. But there are these cools stories popping up in these little towns.

For example, Whitesburg (KY) has the coolest downtown, and right now it has one of the highest rates of growth among young people living in the area,” Wiman explained.

“So there is a resurgence, or at least potential.”

The next step in the project is talking with the city of Pikeville to discuss how his photos could help them in their tourism efforts. “This began as a personal interest, but I would love for this to set me up to do this kind of work moving forward,” Wiman said.

He expects the project to last through the next several years as he pursues his Masters of Fine Arts at the University of Kentucky.

Now living in Lexington, Wiman seems to have found his creative second home in the mountains. After graduating

spent the summer shooting from Daviess County High photos of places he saw School, Lucas got his Bachelor growing up, but this time with of Arts degree at Georgetown a more artistic eye. He also College in 2017, then moved used that time to put more to Knoxville, Tennessee in late things on his online sales page, 2017 and paid his bills with and seized the opportunity to wedding photography and compile his first photo book, shooting real estate photos titled “Summer in a Small for a cabin rental company in Town.”

Gatlinburg.

He also landed “I’ve been wanting to do a a part time job at a studio in book for the past couple years.

Knoxville from 2018 until Especially since I’m changing March of this year, when, the direction of like many artists my work from and part-time IF YOU’RE LOOKING commercial type employees, his FOR A COOL GIFT stuff and wedding primary source of IDEA, BLUE BRIDGE COASTERS ARE AN photography to income disappeared INTERESTING GIFT more documentary once the COVID-19 FOR ANYONE IN or editorial work. pandemic hit.

OWENSBORO. THEY This book was a With all photo FEATURE A CIRCLEgood segue into shoots for summer CROPPED PHOTO OF projects like this and fall of 2020 THE ICONIC BLUE that I’d like to do,” canceled, he came BRIDGE TAKEN BEFORE THE NEW LIGHTS WERE Wiman said. The back to Owensboro INSTALLED. book also features to regroup, and

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Culture A R T Jordan Swift, another elk Wiman captured on INTERESTING FACT: Owensboro native, a misty morning in the THAT BULL ELK IS PART OF A HERD THAT who wrote some poetry Cataloochee Valley in the WAS RE-INTRODUCED pieces to accompany Great Smoky Mountains IN THE SMOKIES several of the photos.

National Park.

RECENTLY, WHICH After taking pre-sale “The Cataloochee IS A BRANCH OF A orders for a month, Lucas Valley is a pretty spot on HERD ORIGINALLY ordered 450 softback the North Carolina side RE-INTRODUCED IN EASTERN KENTUCKY and 50 hardback copies of the park that not many TWENTY YEARS for his first edition run. people go to,” Lucas AGO. SO THAT By the time this issue explained. “That area is ELK ITSELF IS A goes to print, the preknown for elk sightings.

KENTUCKY-TENNESSEE sale orders should be Usually they’re hanging CONNECTION. shipped to customers. along the treeline, and If you’re interested they stay hidden. So I in a copy, the book is got really lucky with that available at lucasalanwiman.com, one coming out into the field like which is Lucas’ website that also that. Any time you can photograph basically serves as a portfolio for an elk, it’s pretty cool. But that his MFA. morning, we got this great light and One of the more popular photos a nice layer of fog right behind it. on the site is a shot of a lone bull That doesn’t happen very often. But

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that’s what made that photo.”

Looking at that elk photo, if finding good light is a photography skill gained through experience, it occurs to me that maybe the same principal applies to keeping a positive perspective through the pandemic.

As Wiman put it, “If COVID hadn’t hit, I wouldn’t have made a book this year. I’m glad I finally did it and got it done. I would love to keep making books in the future. I just love seeing my work in print in its final form, rather than just on a screen.”

That statement is indicative of the refocusing Wiman has done this year. For the past six months, he has shared very few photos on social media. “Sometimes sharing everything online makes me a

little anxious about everybody seeing everything I do. Once you post something, it’s out there, everywhere, forever. But when it comes to printed work, whether it’s in book form, or framed on a wall, it’s more like a sacred space, because someone’s only going to buy it because they really want it.

So you know they really appreciate it and love the work. And also, as an artist, you have more control of the final product they’re enjoying if you’re producing work to be printed. You can control the size, the type of paper, the framing.

You can take that shot to the next level. This elk photo on my wall, for example, is presented well. It’s framed and matted, you can see the detail because it’s larger. And it will last longer than the same shot on my phone.”

He makes an interesting point.

Consider all the time invested in that one framed photo of the bull elk, for example. That particular photo was actually taken on the second trip. So half a day was invested in the first unsuccessful shoot. The second trip entailed another hour and a half drive to the location, which means Lucas

the night before so you’re already left Knoxville at 4:30am to get to the valley before the sun came up. there in the morning. There have He then shot until the light was been several spots in the Smokies not good, around 9am, then made or Pisgah forest that I’ve camped the return trip home. He clocked at least three times to get the right another three or four hours conditions to get a certain shot of a combing through all the shots flower, or tree, or sunset or sunrise to find the “keepers,” and then in the light I hoped for.” several more hours editing the But other times, Lucas says the best shots. Only then was the final adventure of photography is as selection sent off to be printed. simple as jumping in the car to see Once it was printed, it was then what you see, pulling off the road taken to a frame shop. and letting the lens capture natural That’s a good amount of time beauty. Or letting the culture of a involved in that one photo on the town speak to you. Which is the wall. And that’s not accounting for constant theme running through the equipment expenses for the “Summer in a Small Town,” camera, lens, other gear, editing software, and gas in the car.

“Coming Out for Air,” and other But therein lies the reward. projects like the Blue Bridge “Most people understand that a Coasters. (See sidebar for that painting takes hours, maybe days story). With the ultimate goal of or weeks. But what teaching on the college most people don’t level, Wiman hopes understand is there is WIMAN’S WORK IS to continue helping way more involved in a ALSO FEATURED ON nonprofits with his THE BLUERIDGERS good photograph than photography, shooting WEBSITE, WHICH IS just clicking a button. freelance editorial A COLLECTIVE OF There’s the research to MOUNTAIN REGION work, and relying on find the site, then the PHOTOGRAPHERS the mountains for work of getting to the WHO SCHEDULE more moments of site, which sometimes MEETUPS WITH OTHER involves camping out inspiration. OL PHOTOGRAPHERS. J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Living

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MILEWIDE BEER COMPANY

Spanning the Ohio from Louisville to Owensboro and Beyond Written by J O H N K I R K PAT R I C K Photo by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R

After

opening

their

first

brewery

in Louisville in December of 2016, the Milewide Beer Company decided to take a short trip down the Ohio River to open an expansion in downtown Owensboro.

After over a century-long drought, the microbrewery and taproom are the second of its kind to grace Second Street this year.

Craftily named, Milewide will join The

Brew Bridge in brewing beer in the city of Owensboro for the first time since 1903.

The company looks to use their Owensboro location as a playground of sorts, to create and experiment with beers that would only be served at the taproom.

This level of innovation is a direct reflection of co-founders Scott Shreffler, Kyle Tavares, and Matt Landon, who joined their many talents under the motto, “always flowing.� Tavares is from Henderson and serves as the head brewer -

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his familiarity with the area played a

barrier of entry was really low and it

while

pivotal role in the expansion.

wasn’t going to take long for us to get

Reluctant to set many guidelines

in and get working.”

for the type of beers they wanted to

in the country without a brewery,

The new location participated

brew, the company continues to rely

so it seemed like a good market to

in a grand opening on November 13

on input from their consumers.

start exploring,” said hype man and

before being forced to close its doors

marketing director Scott Shreffler.

just over a week later because of

“Kyle having ties to the area was a

COVID-19 restrictions. As restrictions

of their brews along with other

nice little bonus.”

are lifted, the company hopes to raise

The idea for the expansion began

visibility and bridge the gap for the

when the previous tenants of the

everyday beer drinker in Owensboro.

location, CYO Brewing, posted that

“The weather was great and

they were closing and that all of their

people were walking around Second

equipment was for sale. CYO operated

Street, so it gave us an idea of what

as a successful bar, but never actually

a post-COVID world would look

began the brewing process.

like,” he said. “We need to let people

“They posted on their Facebook

know that we are around - there are

page if anyone was interested in

individuals that don’t care about the

acquiring all of the equipment,” he

newest IPA - they need to know that

us up to The Brew Bridge.

said. “We thought it was the perfect

we’re a good option for them, too.

opportunity for us. The equipment

“Milewide

was already there, and it had been a

beers

functional bar for some time - the

experimenting

“Owensboro was the largest city

during

with

existing

ones.

The taproom features a plethora

craft beers that would excite most consumers from connoisseurs to casual drinkers. They also feature wine and limited liquor options with plans for a kitchen and food items in the future.

“We are really excited to be a part

of downtown Owensboro,” he said.

“It’s an exciting time and I think downtown is about to take off, from “We’re both trying to bring good

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locally-made beer to Owensboro,

constantly

it’s definitely a ‘rising tide floats all

produced 2020,

tweaking

over

new

recipes

boats’ mentality.” OL

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LIGHTING UP

Downtown Written by M A R LY S M A S O N

T

Photos by TA N N E R + W E S T

he Owensboro Bridge has

firsthand.

right up until his passing.

been creating a buzz of

“It really was a true passion,”

excitement

locals

this

holiday

Since the lights came on, many have

said Assistant City Manager Lelan

season with its vibrant color schemes

visited downtown to take pictures

Hancock. “His boys got to be the ones

and designs. With over 500 LED-like

with the color patterns and designs

to light the bridge [with the Mayor]

lights, the $1.9 million dollar project

that are programmed to change

and pay tribute to him.”

was celebrated through a dazzling

weekly for now.

light display in November that was

The late David Edds originally

off for seven years after a fatality

moved to a virtual event, thanks to

approached the city with an idea

occurred when the bridge was being

COVID-19 restrictions. Still, some

for pendant lights at the top of the

repainted, but City officials made the

attended in person so they could

blue bridge, and he spearheaded the

relighting a priority in recent years,

experience

relighting project for several years,

and had hoped to have it lit by the

the

newly-lit

bridge

and

out-of-towners

The lights on the bridge have been

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end of 2019. But permits, litigation

Tim Ross. “It seems to be really

and other setbacks, including delays

appreciated by our community.”

road,” Ross said.

because of the pandemic, pushed it

The lighting schemes have the

back almost a year.

capability to be solid or a pattern,

Hancock said that Mother Nature

then have fluid motion to light up

did not help, but once the rains

the downtown landscape. They can

bridge, and once the community

stopped, production level picked

also coordinate with the lighting

saw the end result, there have been

up

at the downtown parking garage

many positive comments and photos

inspectors and those with “boots on

and

the ground” were able to execute a

Center. Ross said they are able to

of people visiting the renovated

plan.

create programming for effects set

“Many people have been waiting

to music, much like the fireworks

for it for so many years,” said City of

display that Owensboro experienced

“They

Owensboro Public Events Director

in July 2020.

seeing it,” he said. OL

and

the

engineering

team,

the

Owensboro

Convention

“We have several ideas down the

Hancock said that he has always

been excited about relighting the

downtown and then posting their photos to social media. are

just

overwhelmed

The bridge, often referred to as the “Blue Bridge,” is also known as the “Glover H. Cary Bridge,” in honor of the Owensboro congressman who helped arrange the financing for the project. But the official name is the “Owensboro Bridge.” While the entrance has a plaque that says the bridge is “Dedicated to the Memory of Glover H. Cary,” the name was never officially changed. Most people also may not know that the Owensboro Bridge originally opened as a toll bridge in 1940. Dr. Dan M. Griffith, an Owensboro physician, had the honor of paying the first toll on the bridge when it opened in 1940 and the last toll right before it became toll-free at 12:01 a.m. on August 18, 1954.

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M I LT O N T . H A L L

Unsung Hero Written by S T E V E N W I L S O N Photo by M O N I C A S M I T H

In a city with such a robust history, perhaps one of our greatest heroes remains largely unknown to many.

Memorialized with a highway bearing his name and a permanent display at the Owensboro Regional Airport, the story of Milton T. Hall is one we should all know and remember.

T

he beginning of the story takes us back to 1939, when Hall moved from Bloomington,

Indiana to Owensboro. The Second World War had begun abroad, but it would be another two years before the United States entered the fray in December 1941. Also in 1941, the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, already a training ground for black civilian pilots, was chosen by the United States Army Air Forces as the site for training black pilots for military duty. Segregation was still the law of the land, and in addition to facing discrimination in employment and housing,

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black Americans could not even vote.

other Tuskegee Airmen.

But the U.S. military faced a potential

Courageous men like Hall went

shortage of pilots. And though enlisting

from being completely shut out of the

black soldiers while denying them

military to becoming decorated war

the right to vote was undeniably both

heroes that not only played a crucial role

hypocritical and exploitative, it also

in their country’s victory, but blazed a

opened a door to a group of promising

trail for black servicemembers, and left

young aviators, eager to seize the

a proud legacy for all who followed in

opportunity and take to the skies.

their footsteps.

Among those men was Owensboro’s

Tragically,

Milton T. Hall.

Milton T. Hall died in an accident at

Naively, many of those in power

age 27 on September 18, 1947, when

believed that black individuals did

his AT-6 plane collided with another

not possess the intelligence or skill to

plane during a practice exercise. During

serve as military pilots. But that did

his brief life, both his achievements

not deter Hall or others like him who

and the barriers he overcame to reach

sought not only to enlist, but to excel.

them were truly remarkable.

And in spite of misguided preconceived

community, Hall also left an imprint

notions of their abilities from those in

through his involvement in the H.L.

the military, as well as an overtly racist

Neblett Community Center.

climate in the nation as a whole, Hall

and his fellow black pilots proved all

Holloway, carried on his legacy by

their doubters wrong.

retelling her brother’s story to students

and historians.

Though no one knew it at the time,

Second

Lieutenant

In our

After his death, Hall’s sister, Emily

In her own right,

these brave men would go on to become

Holloway also made a lasting impact on

one of the most revered squadrons in

Owensboro. Beginning in 1992, she led

U.S. military history – the Tuskegee

the Greenwood Cemetery Restoration

Airmen.

escorting

Committee, which worked to restore

bombers to protect them from enemy

the 16-acre cemetery that was founded

planes, the Tuskegee Airmen piloted

by a group of African American men

P-51 Mustangs during raids deep into

in 1906.

enemy-occupied territory.

Tasked

with

Holloway was honored for

With the

her efforts in 1999 with a Mayor’s

tails of their planes painted red, they

Award for Excellence. Because of their

famously became known as the “Red

contributions to our city, individuals

Tails.”

like Milton Hall and Emily Holloway are

In addition to being a “Red

Tail” pilot, Hall also trained numerous

truly Owensboro’s unsung heroes. OL

Hall’s roots in Owensboro date back to well before the 1940s. Hall and Holloway are the great-grandchildren of Edward Claybrook, who, in 1882, formed a committee to fight for fair funding for the city’s black schools. At the time, a Kentucky law provided that black schools would be funded by taxes paid by black citizens. Because finding jobs and housing were difficult after the Civil War, this created a grossly disproportionate schooling system. Claybrook filed a lawsuit in Federal District Court (Claybrook v. Owensboro), challenging that law on the grounds that it denied black children equal protection of the laws as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.

Claybrook and his committee won the suit, and a law was passed the following year that funded black and white schools from a common fund. This civil rights victory is memorialized with a plaque in KendallPerkins Park.

J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Living

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Owensboro Living J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

M U R A L C R E AT E S

A LASTING LEGACY Written by M A R LY S M A S O N

Photos by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R

A project that was first conceptualized in

2015 is finally off the ground. The Northwest Neighborhood Alliance, led by chairperson Rafe Buckner, has begun a collaboration with Aaron Kizer to create a timeline of African art meant to celebrate unity and the Black community.

“We wanted it [to be] local as much as we

could, and Aaron is probably the biggest artist here,” Buckner said.

An over 600-foot long and 60-foot high wall

separates Kendall Perkins Park and an adjacent neighborhood, and the mural will be created in phases along the wall with Kizer working on the initial section and then collaborating with other artists who will paint the concluding panels.

Kizer said they began the first phase in

November 2020 so that people could have faith that it was actually happening.

“Five years of work gives a visual,” Kizer

said, but added that to garner interest from other artists, they needed to begin the mural so others could see it really is going.

Bucker said the goal is to have the finished

wall mural by 2025, although the Alliance hopes it will be earlier.

J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Living

29

The first section celebrates ancient

to items that others may not have

powerful and thinking about what

Africa, and is represented by Egyptian

access to through his experience in the

people can do to better society for the

portraits. Kizer said the concept and

art world and construction world.

future is why Kizer said he wanted to be

idea were developed before beginning

part of this.

the massive undertaking, which allows

the beginning of the mural that he has

“I may not see the fruits of the

for a cohesion to the whole wall.

done, but rather the work he hopes will

labor, but my kids will,” he said. This

be done in the future.

“The concepts were already decided

Kizer said that his takeaway is not

future thinking is what draws him

by those it was representing,”

to do one project over another as

he said. “Everything on there,

he gets older. He ponders, “What

I was given. I could change the

will I leave behind for my family

layout but [had to] stay true to

and their kids?”

the images.”

The

What drew him to this

wall

is

unique,

and

needs to be promoted as a tourist

project was the history of the

attraction, Buckner believes, and

wall, which was originally built

hopes that when people begin

for segregation. Kizer’s two

traveling again, it is one of the

children are half Cambodian

attractions that people visit in

and he realized that there are

Owensboro, since it is “basically

no representations of them

on the doorstep of downtown.”

or their culture locally. He is

The

hoping that this mural can be

applicants

more than a painting to those

alliance to

is

seeking

contribute

their

represented.

“It’s the tail end that extends

painting talents to the mural, and can

“That wall will represent history,

metaphorically for Owensboro,” he

email kendallperkinsmural@gmail.com,

and the history on it is important,”

said. “How does the future take the

if interested. Funding for the wall is

Kizer said. And while he will not be the

idea and progress further? How do we

also important, and those interested in

sole artist working on the mural, he

do it to teach each other?”

donating can contact Adrienne Carrico

will stay involved because of his access

Being

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Owensboro Living J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

part

of

something

this

at 270-687-8561. OL

HOME: GROWING FORWARD p. 32

SENIOR LIVING: SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO p. 36

HEALTH:NEW YEAR HEALTHIER YOU p. 38

→

Photo by

JAMIE ALEXANDER

LIFESTYLE

J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Living

31

Lifestyle H O M E

Growing Forward Written by A S H L E Y W E D D I N G Photos by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R

W

hen the historic downtown WeatherBerry home was put up for sale, officials at the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden considered purchasing

it with the intent of establishing a welcome center. But with the $575,000 price tag, Garden board members opted to push forward with plans to build a new welcome center and outdoor pavilion.

But when the WeatherBerry owners, Shana and Ed Champion,

lowered the price of their home by $100,000, all of the Garden

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Owensboro Living J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

board unanimously agreed to scrap the building

and breakfast for 10 years in the early ‘90s.

plans and make an offer. Since September, the

The Tylers actually gave the WeatherBerry

3,848-square-foot WeatherBerry farmhouse

its name, derived from its previous owners,

has officially been owned by the Garden.

the Berry family, who owned the property for

“This integrates the new with the old,” said

75 years. The Berry patriarch was involved in

WKBG Executive Director Laurna Strehl. “This

local weather reporting. Combining those two

will bring a bigger presence to the Garden,

ideas, the Tylers came up with WeatherBerry.

because we will be visible from Second Street.

“The WeatherBerry has a history with

It really launches us to get us on the map in

the Garden,” Strehl said. “It is coming full

a bigger way. But it also shows we’re not just

circle, which makes this whole story more

talking about growing and changing. This is

heartwarming.”

evidence we are moving in that direction.”

The return of the 1840 home to the Garden

Register of Historic Places, has been well

is a full circle milestone. Bill and Susie Tyler

maintained throughout its history, with a

who donated the original 8 acres for the

fully-renovated

Garden in 1993, were the former owners of

space, which Strehl will use for meetings,

the WeatherBerry, and operated it as a bed

events and a gift shop. But in changing the

The WeatherBerry, which is on the National

kitchen

and

ample

open

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33

Lifestyle H O M E

The WeatherBerry is not the only change Western Kentucky Botanical Garden has made. Mile markers will soon line the outermost walking path on the property to entice community members to utilize the Garden for exercise. A special fragrant garden has been planted to enjoy in 2021, as well as a labyrinth project, which Executive Director Laurna Strehl says will be fun for children and an excellent spot for photography.

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Owensboro Living J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

home to be zoned as a business,

brought in $70,000. Strehl said

specific modifications must first

this will allow her to proceed with

occur,

the

making the bathroom accessible

widening

and adding a ramp to the home.

including

building

making

accessible,

the driveway and expanding the

Strehl

parking area.

needs for the property will come

in around $200,000.

“I wish I could make it move

estimates

the

asphalt

faster,” Strehl said. “Step one

was getting it rezoned. I may have

that much money on asphalt,”

to fundraise before I can make all

Strehl said. “I would rather spend

of the changes.”

that money on a gorgeous statue

or some significant new garden.

The Garden held a Backwoods

Brawl

bourbon

raffle,

which

“We are not excited to spend

But we understand that that

money needs to be spent on the infrastructure.”

Buying the WeatherBerry was a more expensive option than building a new welcome center, but the history and charm the home will bring to the Garden outweighed the extra cost.

“I am always looking at things from a visitor’s perspective,” Strehl said. “I want people to leave there with a strong memory about how wonderful their experience at the Botanical Garden was and having this house as the new entrance — first impressions are everything. And that’s a pretty wonderful first impression.” OL

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35

Lifestyle S E N I O R

LIVING

Something to Look Forward to Written by D A N A P E V E L E R

I

went to a department store this

matter – to look forward to something.

the bottom of the barrel and just looked

week. To me, it’s a whole different

The realization changed me, it reminded

forward to the lunch menu, other days it

feeling to shop for clothes or gifts

me what life before COVID was like and

was wearing something new, or getting

than it is shopping for groceries, and I

that I had stopped being hopeful; stopped

my hair done.

felt like a bird out of a cage! I hummed

creating things to look forward to.

though, and it worked!

along with the piped in music, smiled at

wondered if our seniors felt the same way,

people behind my mask, then realized I

and what they did to maintain resilience

day – how about making it the day you’re

needed to speak the words, “Hi, how’re

and hope. A lot, as it turns out! Here’s

going to treat yourself to your favorite

you?” I even caught myself rambling on

what they suggest for a New Year and new

dessert or meal at a drive through? Maybe

and on with the poor girl at the checkout.

you!

before your online weekly Bible Study,

In reflection, I think I had been so looking

forward to going someplace fun, just to

to. I should’ve remembered this!

As a

that you would’ve had if you’d gone in

have fun, that the experience was even

kid, sometimes going to school seemed

person. Was shopping something you

more pleasant than it may have been

endless and plain awful. To get through

did on Fridays? If you’re anxious about

otherwise.

some of the longest dry spells, each night

getting out to shop, ask your favorite local

I

Plan things you can look forward

I did this religiously,

Rather than making Monday laundry

make yourself a plate of refreshments

It dawned on me that it had been a

at bedtime, I would make myself find

shops if they have websites, hop online

very long time since I had given myself

at least one thing I could look forward

and use one of my new favorite buttons,

a reason – or even permission for that

to the next day.

“Add to Cart”! You can even buy yourself

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Owensboro Living J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

Sometimes, I scraped

or your favorite shopping

cancellations, some for up

buddy gift cards to use later

to 18 months from January,

to give each other something

2021?

to look forward to! Have a favorite restaurant that you frequented?

Set

yourself

up a day to order carry out.

It’ll help the restaurant, and

Hotels, condo and

house rentals are all offering no-fee changes so that you focus on the fun of the trip.

Look online or give them a call

satisfy cravings, too!

to see what their policies are.

Finding something to look

While we’re planning for

forward to doesn’t have to be

2021, let’s also sprinkle in

costly, just creative.

I can’t

large amounts of gratitude.

get out to go see my favorite

It is natural for us to get

new releases at the movies, but I’ve watched with great anticipation, the return of some of my favorite series and book releases! It can even

into

the

cycle

of

talking

about the disappointments of 2020. to

I was encouraged

acknowledge

those

be as simple as taking a day

disappointments,

and committing to not doing

to

a single thing. Not cooking,

something I am grateful for.

not cleaning … zip! I realize

It could just be a review of

we’re a nation of workaholics,

your day and realizing all you

but this new stress we’re under is a job in and of itself.

Take a break from the stress and pamper yourself, you’ve earned it!

match

each

accomplished.

but one

with

It was hard

at first, but after trying it, I have to say, it changed my focus and left me feeling more

Plan reunions and parties!

positive and hopeful. Again,

Plan them with your friends.

some days I have to fall head

Plan them with your families.

first into that deep barrel,

Plan every detail – make it a

legs sticking straight up in the

fantastic event because when

air, to dig out something I’m

we can all get back together – and we will – it will truly be cause to celebrate. Involve everyone – make calls, write letters, emails … every single

grateful for, but I promise you, if you commit to coming up with just one thing, you’ll find two, then three, and then your

detail. If you’re worried about

focus will shift from heartache

having to change it, plan for

to hope. Personally, each and

that!

every day, I’m thankful for

Has

your

squelched?

travel

been

everyone who has made an

Mine,

too.

effort to sacrifice their own

Rather than focus on what we’re lacking, let’s plan that vacation! Plan your wardrobe, make arrangements for your pets, make lists, and make

comfort for the safety of our seniors and our community.

We have all changed for the better – I truly believe this!

notes on your calendar. Did

That should give us all hope

you know most airlines are

for a much, MUCH better New

offering no-fee changes and

Year! OL

J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Living

37

Lifestyle H E A L T H

SPONSORED CONTENT

NEW YEAR, HEALTHIER YOU!

A

new year is a great time to make

recognize when you are

lifestyle changes. Many people

feeling full. Choose more

make New Year’s resolutions

vegetables, fruits, whole

that will help them feel better, be more

grains and fat-free or

productive or spend more time with

1% milk dairy products.

family. The key is to focus on things that

Cut back on foods high in

will enhance your own wellness. We can’t

solid fats, added sugars

be our best or care for others if we don’t

and salt. Also make sweet

invest in our own self-care. Since this

treats

past year has been full of challenges, 2021

enjoy on occasion and

offers a blank slate and a chance to make

not every day. Be sure to

your own health a priority.

stay hydrated when being

something

you

family or friends remotely. Continue to

active.

connect with your church or other groups

Here are some tips to maintain a healthy

SLEEP AND REST. Getting enough sleep and

lifestyle in 2021:

rest is not only essential to your physical

BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE.

It is important to

health, it affects your mental health as

exercise and keep your body moving. There

well. EHE Health, a company focused on

are numerous studies that document the

preventive healthcare, suggests setting a

benefit of exercise. Dr. Richard Simpson,

sleep schedule so that you go to bed and

PH.D, is quoted in his article Exercise,

wake up at the same time every day. Relax

Immunity and the COVID-19 Pandemic

before bedtime by practicing meditation

as saying that exercise not only keeps the

and deep breathing, playing soothing

body fit, but boosts the immune system.

music, reading a book or taking a warm

“Not only can exercise have a positive

bath. Try avoiding the use of electronic

direct effect on the cells and molecules of

devices such as computers or phones

the immune system, but it is also known

before bed.

confinement stress on various aspects of

MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.

immunity.” Try to be active daily. Take

something you are thankful for every

a walk, participate in an exercise class

day. Take the time daily to write down a

in person or virtually, or put on music

blessing that you have. It is important to

and dance in your family room. The

understand that things happen but take

main point is to keep your body moving.

the time to learn from mistakes and be

The recommendation is to maintain 150

willing to get back on course. Be sure to

minutes of exercise each week.

allow yourself some time for fun activities

Think of

you enjoy.

U.S.

HEALTHY.

According

Department

ChooseMyPlate.gov

of

to

HAVE A SUPPORT SYSTEM.

It is important

website, habits for

to maintain connectivity to family and

maintaining a healthy diet include eating

friends. While COVID-19 has made it hard

smaller portion sizes, eating slowly to

to be together due to social distancing,

enjoy the taste and textures, and paying

there are creative ways to still stay in

attention to how you feel. Use hunger and

touch. Take time to contact friends via

fullness cues to recognize when to eat and

telephone for a conversation. Schedule a

when you’ve had enough. Eat slowly and

video call for a group and catch up with

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Owensboro Living J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

appreciation to those you haven’t seen for a while. Invite a friend to take a walk outside – just maintain distance and wear a mask.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW.

Take the time to

learn something you’ve always wanted to do. Schedule the dance lessons or drawing class you’ve always wanted to take. Take advantage of virtual options that offer free instruction or resources to get you online class or program to enhance your skills.

The beginning of 2021 offers a chance

to start with a renewed outlook. Investing in your own health and wellbeing will provide many positive outcomes and ensure you are the best you can be!

Ready to make your health a priority?

Let the Owensboro Health Healthpark be

the

Agriculture’s

porch visit or delivery of a small token of

started. Maybe consider signing up for an

to counter the negative effects of the

EAT

you participate with virtually. Plan a front

your

wellness

resource!

Visit

OwensboroHealth.org/Healthpark. OL

Written by

COLLETTE CARTER

Director of the Owensboro Health Healthpark

J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Living

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Owensboro Living J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

THE 2021

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Photo by

JAMIE ALEXANDER

WEDDING GUIDE J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Living

41

The Wedding Guide

H OW T O

Postpone Your Wedding Written by J A C Q U E L I N E J O R DA N R U S S E L L Photos by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R

If you’ve decided to postpone your wedding, or you’re thinking you might have to – I can relate. We planned an April destination wedding in New Orleans with our closest friends, and the pandemic exploded about two weeks before our big day. Once we realized things weren’t going to get better quickly, we decided to scrap our plans and have an intimate wedding closer to home. Now, looking back, we wouldn’t change a thing. While wedding planning in a pandemic isn’t ideal - there’s still space to create a memorable wedding ceremony, even if it’s not your original plan.

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Owensboro Living J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

A

s a wedding photographer

packages and elopement days for

schedule farther out. If you’re

and former event planner,

couples who have to change up

moving forward with a micro

I know all those details that

their wedding day.

wedding, you probably don’t

make up your big day and how

have to schedule as far in the

important they are. If you’re

REACH OUT TO YOUR VENDORS

future as someone hoping to

considering

your

Next, reach out to all your

have 200 guests. After you make

ceremony, here are some tips to

vendors – your photographer,

considerations for the pandemic,

help you through this tricky time.

caterer, florist, etc. – with your

ask these questions:

potential new dates and see when

When are we available?

postponing

CONTACT YOUR VENUE

they’re available. Some of them

will likely be booked for your new

Your venue is probably your

When are our families available?

and

date, but hopefully your most

When is our venue available?

the hardest to reschedule, so

priority ones will have similar

When is our photographer

start there. Let them know the

availability.

available?

most

important

vendor,

situation and find out what

When are other important vendors

other dates they have open. They

CHOOSING YOUR NEW DATE

may have the majority of their

After seeing what dates are

Saturdays booked, but there’s

open, pick a new one that feels

nothing that says a Friday or

comfortable to you. If you’re

one or two dates!

Sunday wedding can’t be just

dreaming of a large wedding,

FORMALLY TELL YOUR GUESTS

as

are

keep the health guidelines and

If you’ve already sent out

even putting together special

capacity limits in mind and

your invites and your new date is

great.

Some

venues

available?

Ideally, that will land you on

J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Living

43

The Wedding Guide VENU E : W E AT H E R B E R RY HOUSE (N OW OW N E D BY T H E W ESTERN K Y B OTAN I CAL GARD EN) P HOTO GRAPH ER : JAM I E ALEXAND ER F LOW E RS: KD D ECOR C A K E : DALISHAS CAT E RIN G: M I LL ER HOUSE

within the next three months, you may consider sending out an updated invitation digitally. If you’ve only sent your save the date cards, a great option is to send out “change the date” cards and an updated invitation later.

Remember that some things don’t hinge on your

date, so you can go ahead and get your invitation envelopes addressed (especially if you’re having them professionally calligraphed) and have them for when you’re ready!

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

One big concern couples have about moving their

wedding to a different season is making it work with the color palette you’ve chosen. For instance, how will your spring colors look in fall? Talk to your florist about how to be mindful of the season, but still keep your dream colors. Don’t limit yourself! Those beautiful spring colors can transition into fall with the right shade, and you can add lighter accents to fall colors to make them work any time of the year. The key is to communicate with your florist.

If you’re changing seasons, you might also be rethinking how your food and cake will fit into the new

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Owensboro Living J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Living

45

time period. If you’re changing to a fall wedding from spring or summer, you might consider changing your fruity cake flavor to one that’s more like pumpkin spice. If you’re downsizing your guest count, you can still have a beautiful wedding cake - just change the number of tiers to be more appropriate.

With a little imagination, a lot of patience and the

help of your wedding vendors, you can still have a perfect wedding day, even if it looks nothing like your original plan. OL

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J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Living

47

The Wedding Guide

Choosing the Right Ring

P

reparing to pop the question this

Valentine’s

Day,

but

unsure how to choose the

right engagement ring? Read on for all the tools you need to make the perfect pick!

While choosing an engagement

ring can be exciting, the variety of settings, precious metals, and diamonds can be overwhelming.

However, the following tips will help

you

in

finding

the

ideal

diamond engagement ring.

SET YOUR PRICE LIMIT.

Before you start shopping, know

how much you want to spend. There is no right or wrong amount to put toward a ring, and many beautiful stones and styles are available to suit any budget. It’s important to note that lab-grown diamonds can be up to 40 percent less expensive than mined stones.

CONSIDER SHAPE.

surrounded by smaller diamonds;

The common diamond shapes

classic, which features a row of

used

in

round,

engagement cushion,

princess,

radiant,

are

accent diamonds along the ring

oval,

band; and vintage, which replicates

emerald.

design styles from different time

rings

pear, and

Each of these shapes has its fans and

distinctive

features.

For

periods.

example, a round diamond is the

CONTEMPLATE YOUR CENTER STONE.

classic engagement ring style, but

When it comes to your center

the larger facets of a cushion style

stone, there are a few different

can enhance brilliance, and the

options to choose from. Although

elongated emerald cut presents a

diamonds are the most popular,

bold look that can make a diamond

birthstones, moissanite, and cubic

appear larger than its carat weight.

zirconia are also great budgetfriendly options. In regards to

CHOOSE A SETTING.

diamonds, there are two types to

Deciding the right setting or

choose

diamond shape for your stone is

and lab-created diamonds. While

a personal decision. Some people

mined diamonds are extracted from

have specific ideas for a setting,

the earth, lab-grown stones are

The cut of a diamond is the most

and take more time on the stone,

guaranteed to be ethically sourced

important factor in determining

or vice versa. However, not all

and, as mentioned above, up to 40

its fire, brilliance, and sparkle.

settings accommodate all shapes

percent less expensive. Both types

Color: Not all diamonds are clear;

so it’s important to prioritize one

are identical in terms of chemistry

some have varying tints of yellow.

or the other if you are set on a

and physical appearance. However,

Clarity: A measure of the number

particular shape or setting. Typical

interest in lab-created diamonds

of flaws or inclusions in the stone.

engagement ring styles include

has surged in recent years as

Carat: A measure of the weight

the solitaire, a simple band that

more couples are concerned with

of the diamond. However, more

showcases any diamond shape;

sustainability, as well as beauty and

weight also indicates a bigger size.

halo, in which a central stone is

romance. OL

LEARN THE “4 C’S” OF DIAMONDS.

These are: cut, color, clarity, and

carat. Here’s the translation: Cut:

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Owensboro Living J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

from:

mined

diamonds

J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1 Owensboro Living

49

The Wedding Guide

5 TIPS FOR

Planning Your Perfect Registry Written by C H R I S T Y C H A N E Y

T

he moment that sparkly piece of

where you can set an appointment and

wedding is one of the few times it’s fun

wonder slides past the knuckle

get the 5-star treatment! And if you

for everyone. Bring the whole gang

on your left ring finger, it sets

do it all from behind a computer, it is

along. It’s an opportunity to create

into motion a string of events that will

a missed opportunity for a wedding

your home together. Some brides are

literally change the course of your life.

planning memory.

all about the dishes, but the grooms are

And so the planning begins.

excited to man a grill or stock a bar. And

There

are so many things to think about and

OPT FOR HEIRLOOMS. This is one of the

decisions to be made, and one of the

few times in your life to receive gifts

most important items up for discussion

that may very well be passed on to your

is, when it is all said and done, in what

grandchildren - items you would never

type of household will you be starting

purchase for yourself but will last more

your new life together.

Whether

than a lifetime. Be sure to put a few

eclectic, farmhouse chic, traditional or

pieces on your list that will stand the

modern, your look will be determined

test of time, like a crystal vase, julep

by the items you register for.

cups or china. A traditional piece or two

What follows are the top 5 things to

will carry you through each reinvention

remember when planning your registry.

of yourself, and be a reminder of where it all began.

REGISTER EARLY.

Once you utter that

LOVE IT! If you don’t love it, then leave

things to celebrate the momentous

it off! You should be excited to set the

occasion. As not to leave it all up to

table with your new dishes, hang dish

chance, this is when you can set the

towels from someone special in the

guidelines and esthetic for what type

kitchen, and display art that will trigger

of bride, groom and family you are and

a memory. Each item on your registry

will become. It is perfectly acceptable

is going to tell your love story, so make

to register in more than one place and

sure to love it all! If you receive an item

for a broad range of price points. You

that does not ignite that passion, it is

can always list each registry location

okay to exchange it for something that

on your online wedding profile, and

does. This is your home you are creating.

update it as needed. But try not to do it

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BRING PEOPLE.

that is what makes it fun. It’s a great time to plan your household together with your family and what is soon to be your new family.

FORGET THE RULES. If fine china is not your thing, then don’t get it! This is your registry, and there are no ceilings here. If you don’t want dishes at all, that’s fine, too.

Register for home

decor, serving ware, heck, a basketball goal is not completely off-limits at this

crucial “YES,” people want to buy you

all online. There are wonderful stores

sometimes it’s the exact opposite, and

point. Some guests prefer to stay the course of tradition and buy you staple household gifts, but others would love to give you something memorable that may be completely off the wall. The options are endless!

Find your local gift boutique, head

into the big box store, find an online site that offers a registry, and start building a home for your love to land in when the wedding whirlwind is over. Create a space and aesthetic to call your own, built piece by piece by the people who

Registering for your

love you most. OL

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The Wedding Guide

6 QUESTIONS TO ASK

Before Hiring Your Wedding Photographer

Some moments are simply too important to trust to a

camera phone.

Your wedding will be one of the most memorable times of

your life, and no one can capture it better than a professional photographer. So how do you find the right one? As you interview photographers, ask them these questions to help you determine if he or she is the right photographer for you.

1. Do you have a portfolio I can review?

Reviewing sample work allows you to see the

photographer’s style. Is it more formal or candid? Look for images you can see yourself in. Think of three words that describe you and share those with your photographer

2. Will you create a detailed shot list?

This list will ensure no important photo is missed during

your wedding. You should be able to create that list together.

Take an honest look at what images really matter and fill your photographer in on situations he or she might need to be aware of in order to prevent awkward moments.

3. Do you have backup equipment?

You’ve prepared contingency plans for every other aspect

of your wedding; your photographer should as well. A true professional will always bring one or two backup cameras, lenses, flashes, lighting equipment, extra memory cards and batteries.

4. Do you have liability insurance?

Accidents happen, and if one of your guests trips over

your photographer’s light stand, it’s good to know you both are protected. Your reception venue may even ask the photographer to submit a certificate of liability ahead of time.

5. What happens to my images after the wedding?

Will your images be backed up to a hard drive or the cloud

once processed? How long will your photographer keep the images afterward? If you have any concerns about losing your photos, knowing what the photographer plans to do with your images after your wedding is important.

6. When will I get my photos?

Printed photos usually take several weeks, but your

photographer may be able to get you some images for social media quickly. Just ask.

You won’t be able to see everything that happens at your

wedding. The right photographer will capture moments you never knew existed. OL

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RECIPE: STAY WARM WITH HEARTY SOUPS p. 56

WHAT WE’RE EATING NOW: VEGGIE BURGERS p. 59

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: ERNESTO’S p. 60

→

Photo by

JAMIE ALEXANDER

F L AVO R

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Flavor R E C I P E STAY WARM THIS WINTER

Hearty Soups Article and photos by

JAMIE ALEXANDER

T

here is nothing better than entering your house after a long day out in the cold

and smelling your warm dinner that’s almost done cooking in the crockpot. Soup and winter are a classic combination, and these comfort soups will hit the spot perfectly. Grab a bowl and curl up with some soup in front of the crackling fire (or virtual fire if you’re like me and don’t have an actual fireplace)!

These soups taste best if you’re feeling as cozy as possible.

Lasagna Soup INGREDIENTS: 1 lb Italian sausage 1/2 lb ground beef 2 tbsp olive oil 1 yellow onion 4 garlic cloves, minced 6 cups chicken broth 1/8 cup tomato paste 2 14.5oz cans diced tomatoes (fire roasted) 2 tsp dried oregano 2 tsp dried basil 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

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salt & pepper to taste 2 bay leaves 8oz mafalda pasta (rigatoni, bowtie, or chopped up lasagne are good substitutions) INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Heat olive oil in

a medium pan over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and ground beef, and break it up in the pan as it cooks.

Once it begins to brown, add the onion, garlic, oregano, dried basil, salt & pepper. Once the onion is translucent and the meat is browned, stir in tomato paste and let cook about a minute.

2. Transfer the meat

mixture into the crockpot before adding diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and bay leaves. Cover and cook on low for eight hours or high for four hours.

3. When there is about 30

Roasted Red Pepper, Tomato, and Smoked Gouda Bisque INGREDIENTS: 16oz. roasted red peppers

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. In a medium pan on medium heat, saute the onion and garlic in butter until

minutes left of cooking, stir in pasta and allow to cook to al dente.

3 cups chicken stock

the onion is translucent.

2 14.5oz. cans fire roasted tomatoes

2. Add sauteed vegetables and all other

4. Serve warm with fresh

1/8 cup tomato paste

basil, ricotta/parmesan mixture, red pepper flakes, and shredded mozzarella.

Optional garnish: mix an even amount of ricotta cheese with parmesan cheese and add a dollop to the soup. It’s great mixed in right before serving! I also recommend fresh basil and shredded mozzarella as additional garnishes.

1 yellow onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/8 cup butter

ingredients besides heavy cream into a crockpot. Cook on low for 4 hours

3. After 4 hours, use an immersion blender (or high-powered counter blender) to blend soup until smooth.

Then pour back into the crockpot.

8 oz. smoked gouda, shredded 1/2 cup heavy cream

4. Stir in heavy cream and gouda and let cook for one additional hour. Serve warm!

2 tablespoons dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano salt & pepper to taste additional garnishes in notes

Notes: To make puff pastry hearts, cut your flattened puff pastry into your shape, then

→

bake as directed! I used this as a garnish, along with fresh basil and parmesan.

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Flavor R E C I P E

Chicken Lime Soup INGREDIENTS: 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

celery, jalapeno, and garlic.

Cook over medium heat until

2 tbsp olive oil

onions are translucent.

1 yellow onion, diced

2. Add raw chicken breast to

1 jalapeno, diced

the bottom of the crockpot,

4 cloves garlic, minced 2 10oz. cans diced tomatoes with green chilies

before topping with cooked vegetables and all other ingredients besides lime and cilantro.

3. Cook ingredients in the

1 tsp oregano

crockpot on high for four

1/2 tbsp cumin

hours, or low for eight hours.

1/2 tbsp paprika

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pan before adding onion,

6 cups chicken stock

2 ribs celery, diced

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INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Heat olive oil in a medium

After cooking, shred the chicken and stir in lime juice

Juice of 1 lime

and cilantro. Serve warm!

1/2 cup cilantro leaves -

Optional garnish: avocado,

chopped

tortillas, sour cream

Flavor D I S H

What we’re eating now With the New Year comes a resolve to make new, healthier choices. And if you’re looking to eat healthy, it helps to find dishes that taste great, too.

Luckily, Owensboro has options when it comes to offerings that are both nutritious and appetizing.

Gene’s Health Food Known for their long history of providing flavorful healthy options, Gene’s doesn’t disappoint with their vegetarian burger patty on a sprouted grain bun. Add cheese, sprouts, tomato, or even avocado for a truly tasty experience.

Drake’s If you’re looking for a burger packed with flavor, but without the beef, then look no further than Drake’s black bean avocado burger. This spicy veggie burger is made with black beans, corn, tomatoes, chili peppers, chipotle-jack cheese, avocadolime slaw and honey-jalapeno mayo.

Gary’s Drive-In Maybe you’re not ready to leave all of your fried favorites behind just yet. Or maybe you’re just in the mood for that diner experience. If so, Gary’s has you covered. In addition to favorites like bison burgers and fries, this local spot also offers a veggie burger for those that want to lean in to that New Year’s resolution.

Owensboro has long been known for its love of eating out. Lucky for us, our options are always expanding. Check out these new restaurants, and let us know what you think by using #obkyflavor!

NEW

COMING SOON

LIZZIE’S DINER

J’S GOOD GRUB SECOND FOOD TRUCK

Long home to JD’s Restaurant, the building a

After earning a loyal following with his first food

1420 Breckinridge Street will see a new tenant in

truck in 2018, Jay Johnson plans to expand in the new

2021. Elizabeth Thompson plans to open Lizzie’s

year. Even with setbacks due to his health, Johnson’s

Diner at the location on January 4. With a crisp,

business continued to prosper, largely due to help

clean new look on the inside, Thompson and her

from his wife, Antoinette. Their success prompted

family are excited about their new venture. The

the couple to create a new food truck that will

restaurant will offer a full breakfast menu all day,

include vegan and gluten-free dishes, with options

as well as burgers and plate lunches.

like salads, veggie burgers, wraps and sandwiches.

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Flavor R E S T A U R A N T

SPOTLIGHT

ERNESTO’S MEXICAN BAR AND GRILL

Through the Fire

Written by L A U R A M U R P H Y

E

rnesto Martinez knows what it takes to get ahead. He spent years working toward his goals, yet he

refuses to take any credit for his recent successes.

After facing numerous setbacks to

his business in 2020, the new restaurant owner is still very positive about pursuing his dream.

His

journey

in

the

restaurant

industry started with experience at Owensboro establishments like

La

Fiesta, Casa Martinez, Cinco De Mayo, and Mezcal.

After moving away from Owensboro

for 10 years, acquiring more experience in restaurants in other parts of the country, Martinez was excited to return to Owensboro to pursue his dream of opening his own restaurant.

Martinez officially opened Ernesto’s

Mexican Bar and Grill in early 2020, alongside his brother Oscar Martinez.

He credits many people who helped him along the way, and says it would

shutdowns and a fire that closed his

few minor changes.

be impossible to repay them for the

business for nearly four months.

bathrooms, and fresh paint freshened it

kindness they have shown him.

“The kitchen caught fire in July, and

up a bit. The new, more efficient HVAC,

“Mezcal was a good experience

we had to wait months to open back

all LED lighting, and added insulation

for me. David Lanham, who owns the

up,” Martinez said.

should also help keep his utility bills

business on West 2nd Street, helped me

down substantially,” Hagan said.

a lot. He made a great difference in my

Construction, the actual fire damage

Hagan

life, and is just one of the people who

was pretty well contained to the kitchen

passionate, hard-working man, with

helped me through the years,” Martinez

area and roof above it. However, the

a never surrender attitude. He believes

said.

smoke damage more or less made it a

closing due to COVID-19 and a fire

According to Daniel Hagan, of Hagan

describes

But new floors,

Ernesto

as

a

own

complete gut job. The final product after

would be enough to make most want to

restaurant may have started years ago,

the restoration work may prove to be a

quit after opening a new restaurant.

but as his dream came to fruition in

blessing in disguise.

2020, he would face several obstacles,

“We put the building back pretty

day after we started putting the building

including

much just like it was with only a

back together, cleaning equipment,

His

60

plans

of

owning

mandatory

his

restaurant

Owensboro Living J A N U A R Y / / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 1

“He was there pretty much every

Photos by

JAMIE ALEXANDER

ERNESTO’S IS LOCATED AT 611 EMORY DR .

IN OWENSBORO

painting tables, etc. And then maybe two

me well, blessed me, and texted me to

never stopped waiting for the restaurant

weeks after reopening, he gets hit with

check on us,” Martinez said.

to re-open. His patio with heated outdoor

a second round of shutdown. Somebody

Nearby businesses and patrons were

seating allows him to continue to serve

give this guy a break!” Hagan said.

pleased to see Ernesto’s able to re-open

his loyal customers even under less than

at the start of November, just before the

ideal circumstances.

to re-open, Martinez says the people he

second round of closures would hit.

met and the support of the community are

“We love that we can walk to Ernesto’s

love to open two more locations. As far

what carried him through a difficult time.

from our home and from our business.

as his favorite part of the business, he

He had over 1,000 Facebook followers

We are beyond blessed to have such great

enjoys seeing the restaurant teeming with

who he says were waiting for him to re-

neighbors in Wesleyan Park Plaza,” said

customers.

open so they could support his business.

Annie McCrary, owner of Pure Barre

Owensboro.

love this place. We picked up in November

people. Hocker Associates that own all of

On the other side of the struggles,

when we re-opened after the fire and even

our buildings over here are some of those

Martinez says he is left feeling the support

with this shutdown, we have support,”

great people. Everyone helped me, wished

of Owensboro, backed by customers who

Martinez said. OL

During the long months of waiting

“In those four months, I found great

In the future, Martinez says he would

“I like just seeing this place busy. I

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

Time-Honored

TRADITIONS Written by

L O R A W I M S AT T

W

eddings

are

filled

with

time-

honored traditions. Even in this environment

of

individuality,

creativity and a couple’s desire to make their wedding unique and different, many brides are still careful to wear something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue, and the groom must not see the bridal gown before the ceremony.

Brides wear white and carry flowers.

Rings are exchanged. Family and friends applaud the first kiss.

And of course, there is a wedding cake.

Many of these traditions are passed

down from generation to generation, usually without a thought regarding where the tradition originated. It’s just something we “do.”

But according to an article published

in the Owensboro Messenger on May 21, 1920, there is something couples used to “do” that is no longer done.

Let’s take a look back.

Writer Doris Blake published an article

titled “Wedding Cake Lore” that starts with the assumption that tiny items will be added to the batter of a wedding cake before it is baked. These items are designed to bestow a gift or blessing upon the guests

This photo was taken in June 1922 in Hobart, Indiana. This is the wedding of Myrtle Scharbach and Louis Kramer. Attendants include (standing left to right) Florence Ewigleben, George Kramer (brother of the groom), Elmer Scharbach (cousin of the bride) and Erna Piornack. The flower girl is Mary Grace Barnard. Erna is my second cousin once removed. I never met her but I have a quilt that she made and gave to my Mom’s cousin as a wedding gift. Erna’s grandfather is Wimsatt’s great-greatgrandfather. Her mother was a sister to Wimsatt’s great-grandfather. opportunity to make a wish, which is sure

to come true, and whoever finds a penny

other traditions and symbols associated

or dime is promised riches. This custom,

with the wedding cake. According to

which sounds a little like the Mardi Gras

this article, the dough for a wedding

custom of baking a tiny baby doll, coin,

cake should ideally be prepared by seven

A thimble is just the opposite: The

bean or another trinket into the King Cake,

maidens, which will ensure that the bride

person who finds this item is doomed to

has apparently gone by the wayside, but

has seven children. That might have

“an old maid’s fate.” Similarly, a button

perhaps 2021 will be the year for this old

sounded like a good idea back in 1920, but

foretells bachelorhood for the one who

tradition to be revived.

it’s less likely that very many couples will

finds this item in his cake.

want to commit themselves to such a large

lest their fortune break a tooth or be

family these days!

swallowed!

who find these items in their slice. The person who finds a tiny ring in his or her cake will be the next to marry. There is no notation of what this means if the person who finds it is already married!

A miniature wishbone – often made of

silver or gold – bestows upon its finder the

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Just tell your guests to chew carefully

The article goes on to describe many

Whether baked by seven maidens or

not, however, it is unlucky for a

bride to bake her own wedding

that if the crust of the

cake, and it is also unlucky for

wedding cake gets moldy

the cake to be tasted before

from standing, the marriage

the wedding. In the meantime,

will not turn out happily.

it was a good idea to keep the

This might be problematic

groom away while the cake was

in that household filled with

baking, for if he were to enter

unmarried sisters!

the house in the meantime, the

cake would fall. And if that, or

lot sharper in those days, for

any other accident should befall

the article reminds the bride

the cake, it was a guarantee of

and groom that if they cut

sorrow in married life.

their finger while slicing the

cake, that’s a bad omen.

When there is a wedding

The article also cautions

Knives must have been a

in the family for the first time,

Either way, the first slice

this article warns, a piece of

should be cut by the bride.

the wedding cake must be

Another

left in the house until all the

that the bride who serves

unmarried daughters are wed,

her cake to the poor would

or they will be doomed to lives

be promised good luck and

of spinsterhood. But on the

happiness. It’s good to know

other hand, if the bride leaves

that all acts of kindness and

a piece of wedding cake on her

compassion are rewarded,

plate and an unmarried woman

even in – dare we say it? – old

eats it, she will be married soon.

wives’ tales. OL

custom

suggests

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