Owensboro Living - January/February 2023

EDITOR’S NOTE

Finding the Help You Need in 2023

The New Year is a time for resolutions. No matter what stage of life we’re in, most of us have at least one part of ourselves that we’d like to improve. A new calendar represents a chance for a fresh start, and an opportunity to make change for the better. While most consider it a great time to lose weight or get in shape, we all know that’s easier said than done. Unfortunately, in addition to time constraints and the convenience of unhealthy eating, most folks have other life obstacles they must overcome before they can focus on bettering themselves. The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone!

Our community offers a wealth of resources, including physicians and nutritionists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals, personal trainers, and support groups made up of fellow Owensboroans whose goals are similar to your own.

Whether you’re looking to improve your physical health or your mental well-being , finding someone to take that journey with you is a great place to start. And it is our hope that you’ll find that help in the pages of this issue, begin your path to a better you, and make the most of your 2023!

STEVEN WILSON, EDITOR steven@owensboroliving.com

We all get busy during the holiday season, and with a packed schedule, I’ve found a little less time to read. But there’s always time for a podcast going to and from work. Recently, I finished the series “Uncivil,” which was released in 2017, and won a Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting. Through 12 episodes, the hosts examine what most of us learn about the Civil War in school, and then flip that narrativeç on its head. By adding little-known facts and real-life stories to the popular accounts of the war, Jack Hitt and Chenjerai Kumanyika create thought-provoking content that will make you question the history you thought you knew.

EDITORIAL

EDITOR

Steven Wilson

PUBLISHER

Jason Tanner

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Libby Johnson

John Kirkpatrick

Marlys Mason

Danny May Kristi McCabe

Laura Murphy

Dana Peveler

Jamie Plain

Allyson Sanders

Lora Wimsatt

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

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Brock Quinton

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WOMEN IN POLITICS

Pam Smith-Wright and Janie Marksberry bring unique perspectives to local politics.

BY MARLYS MASON

Terry Moss nears retirement with hopes of training an apprentice to run his shop.

BY LIBBY JOHNSON

PUZZLE PIECES LIP SYNC BATTLE

BY JOHN KIRKPATRICK

THE

WEDDING GUIDE

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

5 things we’re talking about now

Aid the Homeless

Family Court Judges Sworn In

Jennifer Hendricks and Angela Thompson were sworn in on December 15 for their upcoming roles as Daviess County’s Family Court Judges, with a big crowd in attendance to celebrate the milestone. Hendricks will officially serve as the Circuit Division 3 judge, a position created in 2016. Thompson was elected as the Circuit Division 4 judge, a position created earlier this year. That means this will be the first time there have been two dedicated Family Court judges in Daviess County.

Aid the Homeless donated a total of $8,000 to local shelters, Crossroads and My Sister’s Keeper, on Friday. It marks the second round of funds given out by the local charity this year, as Aid the Homeless donated $20,000 to other shelters in May. Aid the Homeless is a charity founded by the Greater Owensboro Realtor Association to help support important community organizations that serve to shelter those in need.

Since its inception, Aid the Homeless has donated over $408,000 to local area homeless shelters.

Photo by JOSH KELLY

DCHS Dance Preparing for Nationals

Daviess County High School dance finished as runners up in the hip-hop division of the KHSAA statewide competition. Now the Lady Panthers are looking ahead to nationals, making the trip to Orlando to compete from March 3-5.

Shop With a Cop

Sergeant Loren Yonts organizes the local Shop With a Cop through the Owensboro Police Department. This year, 112 children participated in the program, with each child able to buy $150 of clothes and toys for Christmas.

Gun Club Named in Honor of Mattingly

The Daviess County Gun Club has been renamed in honor of retiring JudgeExecutive Al Mattingly. The facility will now be called the Mattingly Target Shooting Range at Pup Creek Park. Daviess County Fiscal Court voted 3-1 in favor of the name change — with Mattingly casting the dissenting vote — during their meeting in December. A new sign was unveiled and presented to Mattingly, who thanked the commissioners and head of the gun club for the honor.

Yonts said it’s important to the officers to help the community beyond their daily duties, and they hope to show that police officers are approachable.

Brought

Photo by JOSH KELLY

Photo by JOSH KELLY

CULTURE

MUSIC:

ART: KATIE CECIL - THE FLORIST AND THE FARMER p.

Photo by REBECCA ADLER

THE GREATEST SHOWMAN INTERACTIVE FILM EXPERIENCE

JANUARY 6 @ RIVERPARK CENTER

The RPC Shadow Cast Crew will perform alongside the film in Cannon Hall!

The audience will receive a goodie bag to use throughout the film to enhance your interactive experience. Sing along with the film! Dance with the shadow cast! Dress up as your favorite character!

The event takes place from 7-9 p.m., and tickets are available via Ticketmaster.

WAR

JANUARY 7 @ RIVERPARK CENTER

Multi-platinum-selling WAR, the original street band, has been sharing its timeless music and message of brotherhood and harmony for over 4 decades before millions across the globe. The long list of hits includes “Low Rider,” “The World Is A Ghetto,” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends”. The concert begins at 7 p.m., and tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

Written by DANNY MAY

by REBECCA ADLER

LIP SYNC BATTLE

JANUARY 14 @ OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER

The Owensboro Lip Sync Battle will return on January 14, 2023, at the Owensboro Convention Center. Tickets are on sale now! This will be the sixth annual event, which serves as the primary fundraiser for Puzzle Pieces, a local nonprofit that supports more than 400 individuals with disabilities. Emcees Chad Benefield and Angel Welsh of WBKR will return this year to host the festivities.

Photo

Rhonda Vincent is no stranger to Owensboro. She performed at ROMP in 2019 and had the honor of being featured on the first episode of the first season of “My Bluegrass Story,” a TV show that was filmed on location at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum. On March 24, Rhonda and her band, “The Rage,” will take the stage at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame for what is sure to be a fun and entertaining show.

“After 2020, we have a deeper appreciation of getting to play the music we love. With our touring back to normal, thankful and grateful is what we are right now,” Vincent said in an email to Owensboro Living when asked what she was most looking forward to in the new year.

The band is working on a new project, so fans can expect to hear some new tunes at the show on March 24, but Rhonda says we can also expect the same level of energy she is known for. “We love performing the music but we also love having fun, and do our best to be sure everyone has as much fun as we do.”

GETTING TO KNOW RHONDA

Originally from the tiny town of Greentop, Missouri, Rhonda’s musical heritage traces back 5 generations of the Vincent family. Her daughter Sally is now continuing the musical tradition into the sixth generation.

Rhonda credits her father, Johnny Vincent, and Grandpa, Bill Vincent, as direct influences. She mentioned them on her episode of “My Bluegrass Story” when she reminisced on how they waited for her to come home from school every afternoon so they could play music together until supper. Then others would come over and they’d keep playing and singing another couple hours. That was just normal life for her growing up. As for other influences, she remembers listening to the Osborne Brothers, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, Loretta Lynn, Connie Smith, and The Grand Ole Opry radio broadcast every Friday and Saturday night.

JOLENE

(1.9 MILLION LISTENS ON SPOTIFY)

“I was finding the perimeters of my music back then. I almost removed Jolene from the album, feeling it was too progressive, but a friend listened and loved it and thankfully so. It’s one of our most requested.”

IF WE DON’T

(1.5 MILLION LISTENS ON SPOTIFY) WITH ALLISON KRAUS AND DOLLY PARTON, FOR THE MOVIE DUMPLIN

RHONDA’S MANTLE FULL OF AWARDS INCLUDES:

2017 GRAMMY FOR BEST BLUEGRASS ALBUM

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR 2001

SONG OF THE YEAR 2004

Singing seems to have come naturally to Rhonda. According to her bio, she started singing harmony with her parents to the “Happy Birthday” song on the way to a birthday party when she was 3 years old. Her first recording came at the early age of 5 years old when she sang two songs on a Sally Mountain Singers album. (The Vincent family had a radio show called “The Sally Mountain Show” where Rhonda became a featured singer.)

AN UNPRECEDENTED 7 CONSECUTIVE FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR AWARDS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS MUSIC ASSOCIATION 2000 – 2006

AN 8TH WIN OF IBMA FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR IN 2015

She’s also a gifted instrumentalist. Her dad, Johnny, bought her a snare drum for her 6th birthday, a mandolin when she was 8, and after that she learned every stringed instrument she

“I was in the studio with Dolly and the producer. I recorded on camera. I’d never done that before. They filmed the actual recording. Being with Dolly is always amazing. I was most surprised when I watched the movie Dumplin, and that song was in the car scene. It’s the first movie I’ve ever played mandolin in. So exciting.”

MAMA TRIED

(812,000 LISTENS ON SPOTIFY)

“I was part of the Merle Haggard tribute on the TV show ‘Country’s Family Reunion’. It’s been a great song for us, and I sang it right after my Grand Ole Opry induction with Dierks Bentley. So it will forever be a special song to me. The first song I sang as an official Opry member on 2/6/2021.”

KENTUCKY BORDERLINE

(699,000 LISTENS ON SPOTIFY)

“I wrote that Song of the Year with bluegrass broadcaster Terry Herd. I called his house and sang a musical idea I had on his phone. It ended up being the last 2 words. Kentucky Borderline. Terry came up with the content and even researched where that actual train routed to make it historically correct. That continues to be a great song for us, and I sang it recently for a filming with The American Pops Orchestra.”

STOMP

JANUARY 17 @ RIVERPARK

CENTER

STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. Come see what all the noise is about.

OWENSBORO SYMPHONY: CINEMATIC ROMANCE

JANUARY 28 @ RIVERPARK CENTER

Lights, camera, action! Enjoy an evening of Hollywood’s most romantic movie scores with music from Gone with the Wind, Romeo and Juliet, and Casablanca. The audience will be captivated by violin soloist Sandy Cameron with her performance of Danny Elfman’s Edward Scissorhands Suite, “Love Theme” from Cinema Paradiso, and more. Declared “brilliant” by the Washington Post, Cameron is one of the most strikingly unique artists of her generation.

YOUR PERFECT DAY WEDDING SHOW

JANUARY 29 @ OWENSBORO CONVENTION

CENTER

Need help planning your wedding? The Your Perfect Day Wedding Show will be held on Sunday, January 29 from Noon to 4:00pm at the Owensboro Convention Center. Meet with trusted area wedding professionals displaying popular trends and unique offerings, register for a chance to win door prizes, and more.

Admission is $3 for Adults. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Tickets will be available at the door.

Just for fun, we asked Rhonda to comment on some of her most streamed songs.

Culture MUSIC

could get her hands on. That mandolin, by the way, is now in the “My Bluegrass Story” exhibit in the Bluegrass Hall of Fame & Museum.

Her turning point came when she was a teenager, when the general manager at the Grand Ole Opry happened to be in the audience and heard Rhonda performing with her family at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri. A week later, the Vincent family got a call inviting them to appear on the Opry.

Rhonda spent what she calls her “musical college years” recording for Giant Records and learning about the music business from Nashville’s best. Her pivotal bluegrass album, “Back Home Again,” transformed Rhonda Vincent into the AllAmerican Bluegrass Girl, and she was crowned the “New Queen of Bluegrass” by The Wall Street Journal in 2000. Her lifelong dream came true when she was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on February 6, 2021.

TODAY

These days, Rhonda and her husband of 39 years live in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri.

“My husband and I love the laid-back atmosphere,” Vincent said. “We lived in Kirksville near my hometown for most of our married life, so our kids would grow up in a small school. The

IN THE

entire school from K to 12 was in the same building. We’re definitely not city people. We prefer a country feel, with deer and turkey roaming our property.” She says it’s her favorite place to reset before going back out on the road.

Though they still have a place in Nashville, Vincent still considers Missouri “home” and has never forgotten her small town roots. I asked Rhonda if her hometown, Greentop (northwest Missouri), was similar to Owensboro. “My mom still lives there in the same town we grew up in. It’s truly a sleepy little town and I love it. When I visit there now, there’s an instant relief from any stress or worry. It’s just a quiet town of my mother and dearest friends. I think my friend ‘Toadie’ is 94. I love going to visit with her. She doesn’t have internet or cable TV. She listens to the radio for her news, and reads the newspaper. It’s a simple life, and I love it.”

COMING BACK TO OWENSBORO

That small town sentiment and lifetime of musical influence will be on full display when Rhonda takes the stage at the Hall of Fame on March 24. It’s just who she is, living her best life.

What does Rhonda think about performing at the Hall of Fame & Museum? “The new facility is stunning. I love that bluegrass music has a home.”

KNOW 9 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

REGIONAL DIVERSITY CONFERENCE

FEBRUARY 2-3 @ OCTC

This event provides the region with ways to incorporate diversity, equity. and inclusion into everyday organizational culture. Scheduled presenters for the conference include: Dr. SG Carthell, Executive Director, Multicultural Initiatives, Student Leadership & Inclusive Excellence – Murray State University; Abigail Cox, Director, Women’s Center and Pride Center – Murray State University; Joseph Frazier, Executive Director, Center for DE&I – Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Admission is free.

“I grew up performing with my family at bluegrass festivals, like many of my bandmates. We all share a passion for bluegrass music and a tremendous love for playing festivals. It’s like a homecoming for us at every festival, and it’s the people who attend that share that same love of the music that makes each festival special.”

- RHONDA VINCENT, COMMENTING ON HER PERFORMANCE AT ROMP 2019

NIGHT TO SHINE HOSTED BY LIFE COMMUNITY CHURCH

FEBRUARY 10 @ OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER

Life Community Church in Owensboro is excited to partner once again with the Tim Tebow Foundation and host Night to Shine – an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs ages 14 and older. Registration for attendees and volunteers is now open, and admission is free.

LORRIE MORGAN

FEBRUARY 10 @ RIVERPARK

CENTER

Lorrie Morgan, the first woman in her genre to begin her career with three consecutive Platinum albums, is back in the studio with award-winning producer Richard Landis, working on a new album. Come see her live at the RiverPark Center. The concert begins at 7 p.m., and tickets are available now.

The Florist and the Farmer

Written by MARLYS MASON

by KATIE RHODES PHOTOGRAPHY

Katie Cecil is a second-generation farmer at Cecil Farms. But running her own florist business at Cecil Farms was not her original plan when she returned to Daviess County in 2017.

Cecil previously worked at Chick-Fil-A as a marketing director in Nashville, but returned to manage wholesale produce distribution for the family farm where she oversees the produce team.  Her long list of duties includes oversight of seeding in the greenhouse, transplanting in the spring, and scheduling daily harvesting in the summer.

In addition to her day-to-day duties on the farm, her dad also had the idea for her to grow some flowers. So he gave her seed packets of zinnias to plant in various locations that were too small to farm or were not the right soil mixture for crops. She didn’t know much about growing flowers at first, but soon she had enough to take to the Owensboro Regional Farmer’s Market, where she was already taking produce to sell at the Cecil Farms booth.

“People started buying the fresh-cut flowers and we were onto something,” she said. “Zinnias are not hard to grow – they kind of take care of themselves.”

Out of this came Katie Ann’s Flowers, a small business at the time.

In 2019, White Chateau opened at Cecil Farms and Suzanne Cecil and Katie decided to add event florals to the event experiences that were being booked at the venue.

“My first event was a cousin’s wedding,” she said. “Suzanne is who said that I could order flowers at cost, so that was my first go at ordering and arranging.”

Katie began taking online courses from well-known professionals in the floral industry. She learned how to make bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces for the upcoming wedding and began studying what flowers went together and what seasons to grow certain flowers and varieties.

“I did overorder,” she said of the wedding, but she also did some advanced pieces. “I just jumped in.”

October of 2019 was Katie’s first paid florist job for a wedding and the photographs of the flowers were featured in Kentucky Bride, an award-winning bridal magazine. Since then, Katie’s flowers have been featured four more times in the magazine and online.

Photo

Cecil now grows flowers for clients throughout Western Kentucky and designs more than 30 weddings each year that use her flowers and greenery. She uses those same plots of land to grow the “random fillers” she uses for weddings and also what she dries to make wreaths. She also hosts classes at the farm where people make their own wreaths from her greenery.

Using heirloom seeds, something she adds to every year, Katie is able to incorporate her own flowers and greenery into the weddings and events for which she creates arrangements. She has partnered with White Chateau for several shows but said that many times, she is not able to because of timing.

“I am involved in agricultural programs and the dates collide,” she said. “The programs require a lot of travel – and that is the season of life.”

At the beginning of 2022, Katie was one of 22 individuals selected for the Kentucky Agricultural Leadership Program, an intensive leadership development experience that she said was an honor to have been selected to participate in. Many of Katie’s family members and friends have gone through the two-year program, so she knew what to expect.

In November of 2022, Katie was named Kentucky Farm Bureau’s Generation Bridge Advocate of the Year because of her involvement with KFB at the state and national level in conversations about farming and farm labor. She also created The Academy at Cecil Farms, a year-long program to provide interactive farming for school-age children.

Katie sees more males in her farming community and programming, but she said that within the flower industry, she has “leaned into” other women in the area who work with flowers, especially Lindsay Hart, the owner of Petal and Pine Design.

“She brought me on board, and she doesn’t see me as competition,” Katie said.

She also credits local florists who purchase flowers from her when in season, including Meagan Cooley, who previously owned a flower truck and now has a storefront in Owensboro in Old Town Shopping Center.

“We can all sit at the table,” she said. OL

Photo by KATIE RHODES PHOTOGRAPHY

Photo by JACQUELINE RUSSELL

Photo by JACQUELINE RUSSELL

Women in Politics

Written by MARLYS MASON

Pam Smith-Wright has been involved in the Owensboro political scene for over a decade. She left the city commission after five terms as a city commissioner for a 2020 mayoral run and has returned to a city commission seat in the 2022 election.

Smith-Wright said her major motivating factor in originally running for city commission was that the commission did not look like our community.

“It was five white men,” she said. “We’ve come a long way from that.”

She is quick to say that there is – and was – nothing wrong with the men serving, but that city government needs to reflect the community it represents

Prior to the commission and even still, Smith-Wright served on several community boards, which helped with name and face recognition when she ran originally.

“People understood if I said I was going do something, I would,” she said.

When, in 2011, Smith-Wright served as the first woman Mayor Pro Tem, she said people were in a state of shock as she was elected with the highest vote count in that election.

“I was trusted by then-mayor Ron Payne,” she said. “He allowed me to represent the city and trusted me with that position.”

Smith-Wright has served through several controversial city endeavors, including the downtown revitalization and the building of Smothers Park. She realizes that she is not going to make everyone happy, so she goes with the majority.

“I realize that if I gave every citizen a one-thousand-dollar bill, someone would be upset theirs was wrinkled,” she said laughing.

Smith-Wright is visible in the community and attends many events. While at events and in public, Smith-Wright really listens to community members about issues the commission hears. This term, it will be the boat dock versus the senior center, she said. She has an interest in both and said that while most people are uninterested unless it is something that affects them, she wants to do what is necessary to help.

“Everybody wants what they want, and most don’t care who gets hurt,” she said of the conversations around both topics.

Smith-Wright uses her born-and-raised-here perspective, along with being a woman and Black, in her leadership role.

“I enjoy it and I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t enjoy it,” she said. “I bring a different perspective because my life is different from the others who serve. I see things differently.”

Smith-Wright believes there is room for more women to serve and said that Janie Marksberry’s position as the first woman to serve as a Daviess County Commissioner proves it.

She added that most women are so busy it is difficult for them to serve, but reaffirmed that we need them.

“They need to take the time, be a part of it, find the time,” she said.

Smith-Wright isn’t sure what this term will hold because she said this run was different than her last campaigns. Her husband Eugene had a stroke and died in August, and she was reeling from that for most of the election cycle. But her husband is what kept her going.

“When we realized he wasn’t getting better, I told him I maybe needed to pull out [of the race] and he said ‘Don’t you

Owensboro and Daviess County each elected a woman to their commission in the past election. Both come with a wealth of knowledge – Pam Smith-Wright from her years on the city commission, and newcomer Janie Marksberry, who ran for the first time this year and brings her real estate and farming knowledge to the county commission.

dare’,” she said.

Friends stepped in and put out signs. She said she didn’t make it to the Red, White, and Blue event at the courthouse and didn’t mail fliers. She wondered how that would affect her candidacy.

“I am thankful for the city of Owensboro, who trusts me enough to give me another term,” she said. “People voted for me on my record…I am grateful for that trust in me as the longest-serving female on the commission.”

Janie Marksberry was motivated to run for east county commissioner because of property rights. She has lived on a working farm most of her life, worked for 15 years as an appraiser and now owns Marksberry Real Estate.

“From my time as an appraiser, I feel like I have a good knowledge of the roads and which roads flood,” she said.

The Outer Loop proposal, she felt, was sprung on the public during the pandemic.

“The total lack of transparency was a huge factor in my consideration [to run for office],” she said. “I felt because everyone was scared and hunkered down in their homes, this study could slip past us without our true knowledge or understanding. I feel like we, as a large group, exposed that plan and stifled it for now.”

Focusing on her new position as the east county commissioner, Marksberry said that she is excited to work with all of the commissioners, all of whom are new to the commission.

“I am very excited,” she said. “We have met and all have different personalities, but mesh well together.”

Marksberry hopes to transform the old way into the modern way of doing

business.

“We need to run our county like an efficient and successful business and one that works for all of the people,” Marksberry said. “Whether large corporations or small business owners, everyone needs to believe they can do business here in Daviess County.”

She believes that being more business-friendly and implementing “commonsense” property decisions will allow entrepreneurs to succeed.

“The idea of infringing on an individual’s personal and property rights in the same ‘good ole boy’ system is no longer productive for the people,” she said.

Marksberry wants to be remembered and known for the good she brought to the community.

“Yet, because I am a woman, I hope to inspire other women to step up and out of their comfort zone. We need the wisdom and understanding that comes with being a woman, along with the grit and determination to see things through.”

Marksberry wants women to become passionate about helping society and to prioritize what is important to them and their community.

“Then follow your instincts of what is needed along with talking to as many people as possible to assess and understand their issues,” she said. “I think women have unique qualities of keen observation that sometimes eludes our male counterparts.” OL

“I hope to inspire other women to step up and out of their comfort zone. We need the wisdom and understanding that comes with being a woman, along with the grit and determination to see things through.” -

JANIE MARKSBERRY

“I bring a different perspective because my life is different from the others who serve. I see things differently.” -

PAM SMITH-WRIGHT

PUZZLE PIECES

Lip Sync Battle

Written by JOHN KIRKPATRICK Photos by AP IMAGERY

Puzzle Pieces hosts many fundraisers and events throughout the year, but none are more famous than its annual Lip Sync Battle, which will take place on January 14. The battle pits local teams against each other through lip-sync performances, complete with choreography, elaborate costuming, and pyrotechnics.

The event raised over $140,000 in 2022, and organizers expect to exceed that number in 2023. Eight teams will square off this year in one-on-one matches, while three former champions will face off in the grand finale.

Two of those former championship teams are Mom Squad, a group of Whitesville moms, and the Hose Handlers, a team of firefighters’ wives. Leslie Leonard of the Mom Squad said her group first entered the contest when it was held virtually amid the pandemic, while the Hose Handlers, led by Cathy Thomas-Pickrell, first performed in 2021.

Both women said Amanda Owen, Executive Director at Puzzle Pieces, played a pivotal role in getting them involved.

“Amanda had asked on Facebook if a group of people might want to participate virtually,” Leonard said. “She wanted to bring in something different during the pandemic. I have a lot of cousins, and we all love Puzzle Pieces and work well together, so I asked my sister, Emily, and my cousin, Allie, to form a team with me. Several others support us off the stage, and that’s where they like it.”

Thomas-Pickrell’s primary

inspiration stems from the loss of her daughter, Roxanne, who passed away from a brain tumor in November 2019. The Hose Handlers typically challenge the Handcuff Hunnies – wives of local police officers – but are excited to be part of the first-ever three-team challenge.

“The fire department and the police department used to battle, and I think the guys got tired of doing it,” Thomas-Pickrell said. “However, to my understanding, it was one of the crowd’s favorite battles. Amanda thought it may be fun to recruit fire and police wives to take their place, so we did.”

The Hose Handlers won their inaugural battle in 2021 and, despite falling short to the Handcuff Hunnies in 2022, raised more money than any group ever. Because of their fundraising efforts, Puzzle Pieces extended them the Community Award, which Thomas-Pickrell said speaks volumes of Roxanne’s lasting legacy.

“Much of the fundraising we do is done in my daughter’s name to keep her memory alive,” she said. “Once we finish the Lip Sync Battle and have ‘worn out our welcome,’ we will continue with most of our fundraisers, donating the proceeds to a local nonprofit. While this is a great way to support Amanda and Puzzle Pieces, it’s also an avenue for

me to keep my daughter’s name and memory alive.”

Leonard traces her relationship with Owen back to their childhood days, which includes memories with Owen’s brother Nick, who was her primary inspiration for creating Puzzle Pieces. Owen left her career in special education and created Puzzle Pieces more than a decade ago to offer her brother and other students a community center to socialize with peers and learn skills for lifelong success.

Remaining close friends into their adult lives, Leonard remains steadfast in her efforts to support Owen and her mission at Puzzle Pieces.

“I had always donated to Puzzle Pieces, volunteered when I could for different events, and tried to show support when needed,” Leonard said. “Performing in the Lip Sync Battle and raising money throughout the year has been on another level for me. The thrill and fun of performing paired with a bigger purpose have been so fulfilling.

“It’s also fulfilling to see your childhood friend’s dreams and passion unfold into a big purpose.”

Both groups admitted the battle required long hours and a lot of work, not just memorizing lyrics and choreographing dances, but also fundraising. It’s the bond they form with their teammates, however, that

keeps them coming back.

Thomas-Pickrell, Jean Owen, and Lori Zoglmann have been on the team since its inception, and have formed quite a bond. Owen crafted the name, and they all take great pride in being a part of something bigger than themselves. They also have a lot of fun.

“I think what I have gained most from the experience is a connection with the other women,” Thomas-Pickrell said. “I have always been friends with other firemen’s wives, but participating in this event has allowed me to get to know some of the wives on a deeper level. We spend a lot of time together between October and January fundraising and practicing.”

Leonard and her teammates Allie McDaniel and Emily Payne, along with the backstage crew, have also formed quite a connection over the past three years. They also enjoy connecting with other performers, and as the Hose Handlers said: it’s fun.

“I think my favorite is the bond our group has formed – it makes me teary-eyed to think about it,” she said. “Not only do I get to perform with my sister and my cousin, that is like a sister, but with a group of likeminded women that lift each other up, empower each other, cheer for each other in all aspects of life, including our lives outside of our Lip Sync Battle squad.”

Leonard added that the preparations for the event bring an entirely new meaning to the phrase “mom time,” and offers the perfect opportunity to raise money for such a worthy cause. She said the memories they’ve formed because of the battle are irreplaceable.

During the virtual competition, the Mom Squad leaned on their experiences with their high school dance team, and rallied off a Beyonce-themed performance. Last year, they continued their nod to Beyonce and operated under a “boss babes” theme, showing the crowd that “these moms still got it.”

The Hose Handlers pulled off a Christina Aguilera Moulin Rouge theme in 2021 before shifting to a Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation theme in 2022. Thomas-Pickrell said their costumes for last year were a hit, and they “nailed” some tough choreography.

Neither group would reveal much about their plans for this year. Thomas-Pickrell said fans would see glimpses of old and new movies, while Leonard simply said, “moms need to have fun too.”

Sponsored by Vineyard Primary Care, this year’s Lip Sync Battle begins at 7:30 p.m. and concludes at 12:30 a.m. at the Owensboro Convention Center. Standing room-only tickets for the event are still available. OL

Finding Someone to Fill His Shoes

TERRY MOSS, OWNER AND OPERATOR OF MOSS SHOE REPAIR ON TRIPLETT STREET, HAS BEEN THE ONLY SHOE REPAIR SHOP IN TOWN SINCE 2016. SINCE THEN, HIS BUSINESS HAS GROWN EXPONENTIALLY.

“MY SHOP IS BIGGER THAN ME,” HE SAYS. NOW, AT AGE 63, HE IS LOOKING TO SELL HIS BUSINESS.

Written by LIBBY JOHNSON // Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

Moss, who took over the business from his grandfather, Jessie Frakes, loves the idea of passing his business down to a family member, but says that is not feasible at this point. Instead, he plans to spread the word through a variety of channels - including trade magazines and local realtors, to find a person who wants to live in Owensboro and own and run a shoe repair shop. While Moss is willing to train and work with the next owner, he does not want to employ the person or own any of the business.

Moss wants the next owner to purchase the shop before he trains them, so the new owner is personally invested in the endeavor. “Anybody can learn this trade,” he says, noting that the need is high and that is unlikely

to change. After the passing of Don Raines, who owned the Shoe Hospital on 4th and Frederica for decades, and was more of a friend than competitor to Moss, Moss says he was so busy he literally couldn’t keep up. In the last 6 months, he has only opened his shop Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Though he works Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, as well. Closing the door to drop offs three days a week was the only way he could keep up with his work.

“I have great customers, and I love to talk,” Moss said. “Some people come by just to talk,” he added. The ebb and flow of customers varies, he says, but not a day goes by when the shop is open that he doesn’t get new customers. Moss requires payment before he does work on

shoes and boots to avoid folks deciding not to pick up their newly redone shoes. He admits his work can feel costly, but most people are surprisingly attached to their favorite footwear. The statements he most often hears in justification of repairing shoes that may not have been expensive in the first place are, “they are just so comfortable,” and “I can’t find any others like them,” he says. Often, repairing shoes with a non-leather sole involves Moss’s least favorite processglue jobs. ”I’d rather do anything than that,” he says. As far as the most well-made shoes he sees come in and out, Moss says dress shoes by Allen Edmonds are the finest as far as he’s concerned.

Anyone who has been a customer of Moss’s knows that when you get an item back from

Terry Moss, it almost always comes to you with a Bible verse or inspirational poem tucked inside. After getting saved about ten years into owning the shop, he found himself wondering how he could glorify God through his business. He was inspired by a preacher he knew who handed out gospel tracks and decided to follow in his footsteps. Moss says he receives semi-regular feedback from people regarding his ministry. “Recently, a man texted that he received a Psalm in his shoe from me and he said, ‘I really needed that.’”

Moss says he has never had to advertise, which should be an appealing aspect for a prospective buyer. His location, across from the Farmers Market, has proved fruitful, and he says he has enjoyed seeing the area improve over the years. There’s no timetable on Moss’s departure, and he seems optimistic that the right buyer will come along. “I’m not going anywhere just yet,” he says, reiterating his promise to train the next owner. “Owensboro needs a fullservice shoe and leather shop.” OL

2023 WEDDING GUIDE

PLANNING A Destination Wedding

Written by JAMIE PLAIN

In September of 2022, I got married in Iceland to my (now) husband Ian, with our amazing parents there supporting us.

There were a lot of reasons Ian and I chose to get married overseas. We had visited Iceland on a holiday before and fell in love with the tiny church overlooking the ocean. Although we knew it wouldn’t be possible to bring all of our family and friends on such a trip, we loved the idea of sharing such a special moment with just our parents. I also won’t hide that the thought of having so much focus on me for a day made me deeply panic - walking down the aisle with all eyes on me was just not my idea of a blissful moment. There were more practical reasons for us as well: We worked as a wedding photography team for ten years and saw the many issues that arose on wedding days, so we knew that we wanted our day to have as little stress and hassle as possible. We wanted to avoid the thousands of decisions that accompany wedding planning. We knew that a microwedding overseas would actually be close to half the budget we would have needed for a large reception locally. Most importantly, we wanted our focus to be solely on each other that day.

Destination weddings and elopements aren’t for everybody. It is difficult to sacrifice a full wedding if that is what you had envisioned your entire life. Not to mention there is a level of research involved for the destination if it’s a place you aren’t completely familiar with. You must be an adventurous type of person that can “go with the flow,” due to the unpredictable elements involved. For someone who is a detailed

planner and scheduler (raises hand), that will take a bit of mental preparation beforehand. The main reason it might not be for you is because it means your full family won’t be there to celebrate (we fixed this issue by having an intimate “after party” locally once we returned). It will likely be a disappointment to some family members. You might feel conflicted, but ultimately the decision should only be between you and your partner – it’s your day!

After going through the process of planning a destination wedding (and making a few mistakes), there are definitely things I can say that I wish I had known. My hope is that by reading these tips, you can decide if a destination wedding seems like the right fit for you!

MAKE SURE YOU ARE AWARE OF ALL THE LEGALITIES.

This is particularly true if you decide on a different country than your own. Even if you won’t be getting married in your state, you’ll need to look into all the paperwork needed for your wedding. As romantic as it sounds to spontaneously elope, there is still the boring aspect of paperwork. When we had our wedding in Iceland, we had a bit of stress

hunting down paperwork that isn’t typically needed for weddings here in the States.

HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER TO MAKE THINGS EASIER.

It’s hard putting all your trust in someone you may not be meeting in person, but it’s even more difficult having to hunt down all your vendors in a location you aren’t familiar with (particularly if they speak a different language)! Using a planner meant that all I had to do was tell her my wishes and she would make them happen. Whenever I told her I wanted a certain detail, she would send me a portfolio of several local businesses to choose from. While this is not something that you must do, it changed the entire planning experience for me. I went from feeling completely overwhelmed to feeling taken care of instantly. If you decide a wedding planner is not for you, make sure you research all of your vendors thoroughly!

CONSIDER HAVING YOUR WEDDING “OFF SEASON”.

In recent years, Iceland has become an extremely popular tourist destination. On top of that, we also got married in one of the busiest years for traveling

and weddings ever (considering so many people had postponed weddings and travel plans during the pandemic). Although September is known to be a bit more risky when it comes to the weather, we still chose it due to it being considered off-season, meaning less tourists and cheaper lodging options. It’s a good idea to research what seasons look like at your destination - it could be a way to save money!

GIVE ALL YOUR GUESTS KEY INFORMATION.

This one is only for the people that will be bringing guests along with them, as well (and if you aren’t, keep in mind that many places require witnesses for your wedding no matter what, so plan accordingly). Your guests might not be familiar with the area. I didn’t want my family to stress about researching the trip, so while the time before the wedding was spent sight-seeing together, after the wedding I made individual itineraries for everybody detailing everything from lodging to restaurant

suggestions! It was (of course) more work for me, but it was important to me that they had a great experience since they traveled so far to witness our wedding. If you plan on inviting a lot of guests, you need to keep in mind that it’s a massive undertaking. You can’t be offended if some guests are unwilling or unable to make the travel arrangements. Make sure that you give people plenty of time to begin planning.

EXPECT THE BEST, PLAN FOR THE WORST.

Not only did a volcano close to the only airport erupt weeks before our wedding, but we had already had to change our date entirely due to a miscommunication with our wedding planner. It was nobody’s fault - it is just difficult to get on the same page when the time zones (and languages) are completely different! It was a big stress to us at the time, but it turns out the date that we had chosen originally ended up being right in the middle of a large wind storm that shut down the entire country for days. It ended up

working in our favor, but these things can happen anywhere! Things will go wrong with any wedding - having back-up plans prevented me from feeling too stressed.

KEEP THE TRAVELING ASPECT TO

DESTINATION WEDDINGS IN MIND.

While traveling can be a beautiful adventure, it can also be incredibly stressful. Like I mentioned above, there can be weather that causes delays, or maybe even issues with airport and air-travel in general. Make sure to cushion enough time to get to your location several days before the wedding in case you get delayed a couple of days. I also prepared by bringing medication for any possible ailment that might have happened (which produced a lot of laughs from my family until I caught a horrible cold my second day in the country). Also, if you are bringing a wedding dress consider how it will travel! I had my dress wrapped in plastic and asked the flight crew if I could hang it in the first-class closet (very rarely will someone say no). We brought a travel steamer to get everyone’s outfits photo-ready.

My husband and I made sure to keep things as simple as possible while also incorporating small details that reflected our love for travel, loved-ones that couldn’t be with us, and his Scottish heritage. With the beauty of the scenery surrounding us, it wasn’t important to have a lot of details. However, that can be an exciting part of planning a wedding for many couples! As you can tell from all the tips listed above, it all comes down to considering what aspects of a wedding are most important to you and your partner. There is no right or wrong answer! OL

WEDDING PLANNING BIG 4: Budget and breathe!

Written by ALLYSON SANDERS

You said yes and they said let’s go! Where do we go from here, you ask? Well let’s get right to it! I am happy to share 4 key areas to consider for a happy wedding plan. As a wedding planner who has seen a lot, I hope this breakdown will make your process easier. No matter what, at the end of the day, you are marrying your best friend. The wedding day is just that - a day you want to remember, not cringe over! These are my big 4.

1. Know your budget, speak your budget, and stay within your means. Not your mom’s means or whatever Pinterest tells you. Every bride wants their wedding day to be special and unique. But when you dreamed of your fairytale wedding as a child, you did not imagine the itemized bill. Yikes! I’ve seen budgets spin out of control due to lack of realistic expectations. Decide who pays and where money can be saved early in the planning process. Start with your venue cost and work your way back.

Common wedding expenses include: Venue rental   Flowers   Officiant fees

Marriage license

Catering (per person)

Wedding cake   Photographer

DJ or live band  Wedding invitations

Wedding gown  Groom’s attire

Hair and makeup

Travel Expenses

Wedding favors

2. Work with your partner to determine a realistic guest list.

Guests are great for a party but let’s be real, they are expensive! Food is not cheap. Your meal is determined by how many guests there are. Are you going to cater or potluck it? Either way, do you! Caterers are great to talk to when it comes to the planning phase, and talking is free. Make the calls and remember your budget. I cannot express that enough. There is no shame in making simple appetizers or finger foods, either. Your friends and family are coming to celebrate you, not for leftovers. And if they are… well maybe they should not make the guest list!

3. Ask your friends and family to help!

I know it seems cheesy, but your wedding day isn’t entirely about you. Your loved ones will be right there with you on the big day, so why not enlist their help?

Brides can be so tense on their wedding day that they can lose sight of “the moment.” Remember, you have some highly creative friends and family in your arsenal or social media circle. Will

it be as great as a professional? Maybe or maybe not! But it’s impossible to beat free, so make all your pennies count! You only have a few hours to be the bride.  Stop a second and look around you, remind yourself why you are here and consider yourself lucky to be surrounded by awesome people sharing this special milestone with you.

4. Don’t miss your day!

If you can hire a planner, hire one! If one of your friends or family members is super organized and bossy, let them take the helm! Having someone there from the beginning or just the day of is worth its weight in gold. The goal is to remain sane and to be able to afford to live happily ever after when it’s all said and done. That means not overtaxing yourself or overspending. Flowers can wilt, cakes can topple over, and Aunt Karen may make a scene, but once you walk down the aisle, you will forget all of that and move toward your forever. And that, my friends, is priceless! Happy planning! OL

A Wedding Registry AS UNIQUE AS YOU

Are you planning a wedding in 2023? If so, Julep Home and Gift in Owensboro’s Wesleyan Park Plaza would like to help you create a wedding registry unique to your style and needs.

A wedding registry should contain items for the home that the couple can enjoy for many years.  It is a great opportunity for the engaged couple to select tabletop, entertaining pieces and home accessories that match their color preferences, everyday needs and entertaining style.

“Do you entertain friends outdoors? Do you like to mix and match colors, or would you prefer a simpler look? Will you be hosting a dinner with beautiful china?  These are just a few questions we ask couples to consider as they develop their registry,” said Sharon Wilson, coowner of Julep.

“We are here to help couples plan for their current and future needs as their family grows and moves,” noted Sharon.

“The gift registry is also important to friends and family that want to express their well-wishes with a gift for a shower or the wedding,” added Elizabeth Wilson, co-owner of Julep. “It gives guests a gift guide with many options, including different prices.”

Elizabeth also added, “Julep Home and Gift will host a couple’s wedding registry on our website, and also provide a link to the couple’s wedding website for the guests’ convenience.”

One of the biggest advantages to a  local gift registry is convenience. When making their selections, couples can “feel and touch” items as they inspect them for color, style and quality.  Couples can also exchange items without costly return postage. Guests will also benefit from free gift wrapping and free local delivery.

Julep Home and Gift offers a variety of brands known for their high quality and durability so couples can choose registry items for their  tabletop, entertaining, cookware, home accessories and linens for table, bed and bath, and more.

Call 270-215-7750 to schedule your appointment with the wedding pros at Julep Home and Gift. OL

Sponsored Content from JULEP HOME AND GIFT

Wedding Guide

SOMETHING OLD, Something New...

Written By LAURA MURPHY

The old English rhyme, “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue,” describes the items a bride should have with her on her wedding day. Locally, the community is fortunate to have unique options for weddings and events, including a few new options that have recently emerged. Putting our own spin on the popular saying, let’s take a quick peek at a few of the options around Owensboro for those planning their big day.

SOMETHING OLD:

Just a few decades ago, the traditional option for engaged couples was to get married and hold the reception at the church they attended. Many churches offer a beautiful backdrop for the recitation of vows and are a great option for couples looking for a more traditional feel to their ceremony. With over one hundred churches in Owensboro, it is not difficult to find a church to host their wedding if this option is best for you.

SOMETHING NEW:

When Idyllwood on Veach opened in Owensboro recently, it offered guests a picturesque outdoor space where guests can take in the views of the lake, walk the stunning grounds or gather underneath the twinkling

lights of the large tent.

“The convenient location paired with the country views is unique. How amazing to have the remote country views and secluded feeling, but be right in the middle of town. We have affordable pricing for anyone who has pictured their event on a farm or under the stars.  We want everyone to be able to access this gorgeous

January, the Party Space Place LLC is expanding to offer a larger venue next door to their original location, which will be called TPSP LLC Bayside.

Named for the large doors that open to face the water behind their new business, the space will offer outdoor seating, a bridal suite, a prep kitchen, and an area that can be flipped from cocktail hour to a dancefloor. The

want people to feel like they aren’t in Owensboro even though they are. From coordinating to decorating, to offering people a space, we can pretty much do it all,” owner Allyson Sanders said.

SOMETHING BORROWED

A unique rental business for events, Something Borrowed serves Kentucky, Indiana and Tennessee. The partnership between two local couples—Marshall and Allyson Sanders and Summer and Kirk Aldridge, is a collaboration effort to bring a needed service to this community.

“We always wanted to collaborate on something and knew we wanted to figure out a way to offer something that customers needed. There is nothing like it in Owensboro. We

offer backdrops, a digital photo booth, beautiful vintage chairs and other unique items,” Sanders said.

SOMETHING BLUE:

With the beautiful backdrop of the Glover Cary Bridge, Owensboro offers couples and those planning big events the opportunity to use the Blue

Bridge as a backdrop for ceremonies, receptions and photo opportunities. Reception venues like The Riverpark Center, The Convention Center, and Green River Distilling Co., all located along the Ohio River, utilize the ambiance of downtown and the bridge for the perfect example of “something blue.” OL

Take the Stress Out of CREATING YOUR REGISTRY

Sponsored Content from WILLOW AND PINE MARKET

Planning a wedding can be a stressful time. At Willow and Pine Market, we strive to make the registry process as easy as possible. Often couples are a bit overwhelmed by the process and need a little guidance in creating their perfect wedding registry.

First, take a quick inventory of what you both have. Which items do you want to take with you into your new life together? Which items will no longer meet your needs as a married couple (or are left over from your college apartment days) and need to be thrown away/donated and replaced?

Think about your life now and

what it might look like 5…10…15 years from now. Do you enjoy baking and cooking? Do you entertain? Will you host meals for your extended families during the holidays? Do you plan on having children?

Consider your lifestyle and register for practical items such as baking and cooking utensils and tools, easy-to-care for serving and baking dishes, and everyday dinnerware. You’ll also need things for entertaining, both casual and formal, like charcuterie boards, serving bowls and platters, barware, and nicer kitchen/table linens. And, of course…every family needs those beautiful, special pieces that

are treasured, shared at special occasions, and passed down to the next generation!

Finally, ask your mother, or a married friend, about their own registries. What did they register for that they absolutely love? Are there items that they did not register for, but wish they had? Which items from their registries are in a box under the bed and never ever used?

We love creating wedding registries and encourage engaged couples to call the store at 270478-1022 to set an appointment and begin the process. Our registries are available online and we offer free gift-wrapping and delivery. OL

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

Choosing the Right Ring

Preparing 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.

LEARN THE “4 C’S” OF DIAMONDS.

These are: cut, color, clarity, and carat. Here’s the translation: Cut: The cut of a diamond is the most important factor in determining its fire, brilliance, and sparkle.

Color: Not all diamonds are clear; some have varying tints of yellow. Clarity: A measure of the number of flaws or inclusions in the stone.

Carat: A measure of the weight of the diamond. However, more weight also indicates a bigger size.

CONSIDER SHAPE.

The common diamond shapes used in engagement rings are round, cushion, pear, oval, princess, radiant, and emerald. Each of these shapes has its fans and distinctive features. For example, a round diamond is the classic engagement ring style, but the larger facets of a cushion style can enhance brilliance, and the elongated emerald cut presents a bold look that can make a diamond appear larger than its carat weight.

CHOOSE A SETTING.

Deciding the right setting or diamond shape for your stone is a personal decision. Some people have specific ideas for a setting, and take more time on the stone, or vice versa. However, not all settings accommodate all shapes so it’s important to prioritize one or the other if you are set on a particular shape or setting. Typical engagement ring styles include the solitaire, a simple band that showcases any diamond shape; halo, in which a central stone is

surrounded by smaller diamonds; classic, which features a row of accent diamonds along the ring band; and vintage, which replicates design styles from different time periods.

CONTEMPLATE YOUR CENTER STONE.

When it comes to your center stone, there are a few different options to choose from. Although diamonds are the most popular, birthstones, moissanite, and cubic zirconia are also great budgetfriendly options. In regards to diamonds, there are two types to choose from: mined diamonds and lab-created diamonds. While mined diamonds are extracted from the earth, lab-grown stones are guaranteed to be ethically sourced and, as mentioned above, up to 40 percent less expensive. Both types are identical in terms of chemistry and physical appearance. However, interest in lab-created diamonds has surged in recent years as more couples are concerned with sustainability, as well as beauty and romance.  OL

TIPS AND ADVICE FROM LOCAL PROFESSIONALS

HEALTH & WELLNESS

&HEALTH wellness Getting (and Staying) Active in Owensboro

Written By KRISTI MCCABE

Owensboro’s multiple walking and biking trails, city parks, and fitness centers combine to create a community that is conducive for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and promoting wellness.  From the 16.5-mile Adkisson Greenbelt Park to the Rudy Mine trails to the state-of-the-art fitness facilities at the Health Park, the city of Owensboro has invested in the health of its citizens by providing countless ways to stay active.

Mark Myles, a native Owensboran and cyclocross racer, takes full advantage of the many opportunities his hometown has to offer for training.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to race all over the world,” remarked Myles.  “I’ve competed in Belgium and the Netherlands; cyclocross is big in Europe.  We race in all weather conditions, rain, snow, everything.  In Europe, their season goes until the end of February.  I train here in Owensboro and compete in the U.S., as well, so it’s nice to have places to train locally.”

Myles began racing at the age of 8 and in 2021 competed in his 7th Cyclocross Nationals race.  Myles credits the cycling community in Owensboro for being a supportive piece of his success.

“There is a core group of about 15 to 20 who ride together a few times a week,” said Myles.  “It’s nice to come home after a stressful week and just get out and ride on those country roads, enjoy the scenery and see the leaves changing color.”

The cycling business is a way of life for Mark Myles and his family, and he enjoys helping others get started on the road to racing, too.

“Our business began as a coaching company and a bicycle racing team in 2012,” Myles said.  “My father is a performance and endurance coach, a runner, cyclist, and multi-discipline mentor.  We had been running our business out of area shops, and when the Big O Bike Shop closed, we put our heads together and decided to open our own shop.”

Be Real Sports, Cycling & Fitness opened its doors in April 2018.  Operated by Mark and his parents,

as well as two part-time employees, the business is going strong, offering services, repairs, fittings, bicycles and accessories, as well as performance coaching and fitness classes.

“We consider ourselves the only bike shop in town because we are the only venue that sells just bikes,” Mark noted.  “This business is our passion, and we look forward to many more years of helping others live active lifestyles.”

Another Owensboro native has channeled his passion for marathon running into a successful venture, making it all the way to the Boston marathon.

“I’ve been a lifelong runner,” said Dean Roberts.  “I first began running in elementary school and continued through high school, then picked it back up as an adult.  In my 40s, I decided that if I was ever going to get into marathon running, it was time to go ahead and do it.”

Roberts ran his first marathon in 2008 in Memphis– the St. Jude Marathon; after that, he was hooked.   Next came the Boston Marathon and the Chicago Marathon. Roberts finished in the 600s out of 26,000 runners in the prestigious Boston Marathon.

“I train year-round,” Roberts said.  “When I first started, I set a time goal of two hours fifty minutes.  I met that goal in 2011 at the Indy Monumental Marathon.  After that, I shifted my focus from marathon running to triathlons.”

Roberts then set a goal of completing an Ironman Triathlon, which consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle race, and a 26.22- mile run.  He completed the Louisville Ironman in 2013 and called the experience a “huge shift” from just running.

“Adding cycling and swimming was eye-opening,” said Roberts.  “I was used to being at the top of my field in running and was in the middle of the pack in the Ironman event.  It was a good, humbling experience and a new challenge.  I had a baseline and then set some improvement goals.”

Roberts made it all the way to the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii in 2016.  After that, he turned his focus back to running.  An injury that he sustained while cycling one day, however, left him with a broken pelvis and he underwent a six-month recovery.

That injury and recovery period opened Roberts’ eyes to another important facet of staying physically active. “Another benefit for athletes living in Owensboro is the many choices we have of fantastic

doctors and physical therapists,” said Roberts.  “They really helped to get me back in shape and healed completely.”

Dean Roberts and his wife Paula run a coaching and endurance business called RyR Endurance. They enjoy helping others live an active lifestyle and meet their performance goals.  Living in Owensboro helps them meet these goals, as the couple intentionally chose a home close to the Greenbelt, for easy access to running trails.

“My focus has been more on getting back into running over the past few years,” noted Roberts.  “My wife is an avid marathoner as well, and we run together.  We finished the Chicago Marathon in October and the New York City Marathon in November.  Next, we are doing three marathons in three states in three days: the Bear Lake Trifecta.”

Owensboro has much to offer for the fitness-minded, and also for those

who are active in competitive athletic events all over the world.

“Much of my success has been enabled by living here in Owensboro,” said Dean Roberts.  “We have wonderful doctors and physical therapists, topnotch training facilities, beautiful riding and running trails, and a supportive, active community.  This is a great place to live and train if you want to live a healthy lifestyle.” OL

FOCUSING ON MENTAL HEALTH

Written By DANA PEVELER

Bereavement Counseling

Caleb Potter, Bereavement Coordinator with Hospice of Western Kentucky, trained professionally to be in the ministry. He also holds a certification in Thanatology, the scientific study of death, as well as the needs of the terminally ill and their families. When he learned of the position of Chaplain at Hospice, he believed it would be a good fit.

“Grief has such a catastrophic effect on people’s world view, that putting myself in a position to try and understand that as best I could, was a passion immediately stepping into the role as Chaplain,” Caleb said. He wanted to be as attentive and present as he possibly could because, “you were never going to be the expert in that because everyone’s grief is so different.”

Originally coming to Hospice as a Chaplain, Caleb transitioned to the position of Bereavement Coordinator where he has worked for the last 8 years. During that time, he has received two grants to publish two children’s books on grief, as well as the most recent grant from an organization called the Eluna Network, who selected 5 organizations across the U.S. to host a program called Camp Erin.

The project is an overnight grief camp for campers age 6 – 17. Having previously offered a day model from 9:00 a.m. to

4:00 p.m., “this concept was unchartered waters,” Caleb said. The Eluna Network had a model ready to go. Caleb shared that they were, “unbelievably and miraculously selected,” hosting their first Camp Erin this past summer. They had 32 campers their first year! They were told to expect a few campers to go home due to homesickness, but all of his stayed the full 3 days and 2 nights!

He shared that Hospice’s and his next endeavor will be the development of a children’s bereavement center. They hope to make a lot of headway in 2023, hosting peer-to-peer support groups with kids who have experienced the loss of a loved one.

If you are in need of bereavement counseling services, regardless of whether your loved one utilized their program, you can reach out at (270) 926-7565 or at hospiceofwky.org.

Biblical Counseling

Noah Elkins is a Biblical Counselor with Deep Waters Biblical Counseling, as well as an English Teacher with Grace Christian Academy. As a former banker, Noah found his way to counseling after realizing he’d spent years as a loan officer counseling clients through various aspects of the lending process. He found he enjoyed the counseling aspect of the role, saying, “I always knew the two things I wanted to do was counsel and teach. Stepping out in faith, it ended up letting me do the two things I’m passionate about, counsel and teach. It was really powerful.”

As a counselor with Deep Waters Biblical Counseling, LLC, the largest part of his role is to work with clients from Friends of Sinners, a Christ-centered residential substance recovery program. Noah shared, “Just the reconciliation and healing that’s come from counseling after decades of trauma and pain has been spectacular to see.”

Noah recently became a volunteer with Mentor Kids. He wanted to find a way to get out in front of the trauma that comes from being a child raised in a home with challenges, such as addiction. He wants to help youth to ”see their worth, their value, what they’re good at.” He said “Counseling is not about giving advice. It’s about listening without interrupting – really listening without interrupting their story.”

Deep Waters has established a partnership with Care-Net Owensboro to provide the counseling services for women who have lost a child, or experienced postpartum and other related concerns. “It has been a beautiful circle of connections,” Noah said. When they first arrived in Owensboro, they did not yet have insurance and his wife was expecting. After concerns that his wife may be losing the baby, they went to Care-Net. Providers there were able to get a heartbeat, and they welcomed their new baby girl in late November.

Deep Waters strives to schedule services within a week of the referral, and anyone is eligible to receive services. You can reach them at DeepWatersBC@ gmail.com or through their website, at deepwatersbc.com.

Have you considered making positive mental health a priority for your New Year? Three community mental health providers are working to ensure you have the opportunity to do exactly that.

Marriage and Family Counseling

Lauren Early is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who is in private practice specializing in Marriage and Family Issues and Trauma.

She works a great deal with children who struggle with Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder systems, as well as trauma. Having first started her career with Sunrise Children Services, she works with children whether they’re adopted or in the foster system. She has spent the last 7 years in private practice.

Lauren has always had an interest in studying how people’s minds work.

Previously working in a church, Lauren found she was getting requests to meet with people when she realized there was a whole population that had needs going unmet. “My heart really went out as a believer, the faith side of things, and also the mental health.”

Early enjoys many elements of her work, saying one is, “showing a parent how to hear their child, how to work with their child. My hope is to restore and cultivate that connection between parent and child.” She loves “getting to see people realize what they’re capable of; when people realize they’re not alone and have everything they need in order to live a healthy life…. seeing reconciliation in relationships and hope restored.”

Lauren explained that we are, “holistic beings who like to compartmentalize, like a lunch tray, but realistically, our brain impacts our being in how we function physiologically – and if that’s not well, we are bound to struggle in other areas.” Her goal is that individuals “would be able to recognize that asking for help and inviting someone into their world, isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather great courage.”

Her favorite part of being a therapist

is “the honor and privilege that I have to get to be the person invited into someone else’s struggle and growth.”

Lauren receives referrals through current clients. She finds that she really loves the clientele that comes from those sources.

Each of our providers shared some joint observations:

• Men are more likely to seek assistance now than in the past.

• COVID seems to have helped us be less inhibited when it comes to having mental health conversations.

• We are social beings who, by sharing our experiences, our grief, and traumas, can build meaningful connections, and heal, whether that’s through counselors, psychologists, or peers.

• They each see their work as a ministry.

Their stories are those of just 3 of the amazing providers we have in our community. If each of them could pass along one tidbit of wisdom, it would be that if you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek assistance. OL

wellness

Vineyard Primary Care

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER (PCP)?

The short answer is because it matters. Widely available primary care is linked to lower costs, better health status, and fewer health disparities as described in an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association in January of 2019. In fact, in countries where primary care is widely available and utilized, healthcare spending is less, and healthcare outcomes are better than in the US. Recent reforms in healthcare in the US have taken note of this and striven to promote the importance of primary care. However, beyond the statistics it is important for everyone to have a PCP because it results in better care for the individual. The importance of a relationship between a physician

and a patient cannot be overstated and nowhere is this relationship more front and center than in the relationship between a PCP and his/ her patient. PCPs develop longterm, longitudinal relationships with patients. This benefits the patient because the PCP can better diagnose and treat health issues with the background knowledge and experience with the patient in the past. PCPs can avoid pitfalls of urgent care and other options for episodic care because just like a mechanic who repeatedly works on the same care knows how best to address problems with that car, a PCP knows what to avoid and what often works to correct issues when they arise.

Additionally, just like preventative maintenance on a car is important to extend the longevity of the car, preventative care is equally important to having a long and health life. Early detection with screening as well as regular annual checkups helps to prevent problems before they occur and/or detect them early when they are easier to address. If you do not have a PCP, I strongly urge you to find one who fits your personality. If that is one of us at Vineyard Primary Care then we are happy to serve, but if it is someone else then I urge you to find someone whom you can develop that long-term relationship with that results in a happier, healthier life.

HOTWORX

Are you intimidated by large gyms? Do you wish for a yoga or core class on Saturday night? Or in the middle of the day? How about a private workout with your spouse? Want to DETOX? These are some of the reasons Carey Turner and her husband, Matt, loved the concept of HOTWORX.

The couple opened their first HOTWORX in April of 2019, with their second this summer in Lexington. HOTWORX is a virtually-instructed exercise program created for users to experience the benefits of infrared heat absorption, while completing a 30-minute Isometric workout (low impact) or a 15-minute High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session. The patented sauna combines heat, infrared, and exercise, which is referred to as HOTWORX’s 3D Training.

“My WHY is very simple,” Carey said, “I was on 3-4 prescription drugs at the age of 39 and still felt miserable. I had 2 high risk pregnancies, which landed me in the ER, a small blood clot, anxiety, chest pain, optic migraines, joint stiffness, etc., and was later diagnosed with MTHFR.” MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is a genetic mutation that almost half the population has without knowing. “In a nutshell, I have trouble with absorption of B-vitamins and detoxing my body properly. After a lot of research, I decided to buy a sauna, but I found trouble adding that to my already packed routine.…then someone mentioned HOTWORX.” After a quick trip to the corporate office in New Orleans, the couple got to work bringing this unique fitness model to

the area. “For me, I was able to get off almost all medications, and now, at the age of 47, I crave the infrared energy for better circulation, toning, and my overall health.” As for others, HOTWORX success stories range from putting on shoes without pain to riding a bicycle from Memphis to New Orleans.

The studio houses 9 infrared saunas alternating semi-private, virtually instructed workouts, 24 hours a day. The sessions range from yoga, bands, buns, Pilates, barre, cycling, rowing, and more. This means you are able to get a quick 15–30-minute workout anytime of the day or night. There is also the FX Zone, a functional training area, full of free weights, kettlebells, medicine balls, and a Nautilus cable machine. Some of the benefits of infrared

saunas plus exercise include pain relief, stress reduction, improved sleep, muscle recovery, and detoxing. There are several options to utilize the studio from day passes to memberships. Carey said, “We have people from 12-75 in age enjoying the studio. So, whether you are an avid athlete, injured, or just getting started on your fitness journey, there is something for you.” She does recommend going at your own pace, keeping the temperature suitable for you, and asking your doctor if you have concerns. “This is meant to cut down the warmup, decrease injuries, and feel good.”

HOTWORX is located at 2928 Heartland Crossing, in front of Meijer on Highway 54. Call 270.993.WORX (9679) to set up your free session or visit hotworx.net/studio/owensboro.

Get the Most from Your 1st Mental Health Therapy Session With These Tips

long have you been married, divorced, living with your parents,” or whatever your current situation. They’ll likely inquire if you’ve had counseling before or ever seen a psychiatrist.

Openly respond to any questions asked. Some people find it unnerving to reveal personal business to a therapist. However, the more open you are, the more smoothly your sessions will move forward and ensure a satisfactory conclusion. Use “feeling” words to help the therapist understand what you’re experiencing. Words like, “sad,” “hurt,” “angry,” and “disappointed” will shed light on your current emotional situation for the therapist. Embrace this opportunity to heal by sharing feelings honestly.

If you’re like most people, it probably takes some time to admit you’re dealing with something too difficult to handle on your own. However, once you come to the conclusion that it’s time to seek professional help, you’ll most likely be relieved that you’re finally taking some action.

Your first mental health therapy session will lead you down the path toward successful resolution of your challenging emotional issues.

Make the most of your first appointment with these tips:

Complete pre-planning. When you call the office for the first appointment, focus on the office staff’s instructions. Have pen and paper ready as they’ll likely tell you what to bring, such as your identification and insurance cards. During the call, inquire about costs for services and how long the sessions will last. Confirm the street address for the office location and ask for specific

directions or landmarks nearby.

Arrive 15 minutes prior to appointment. The office staff will have forms for you to complete. It’s important to be present when the therapist is ready for you. They often schedule clients consecutively and won’t have excess time between sessions to accommodate late-comers.

Be cooperative. Although you’re unsure of the process, the more helpful you are with the therapist, the better able they are to assist you. Strengthen your resolve to do what’s necessary to feel better.

Recognize the therapist does considerable information-gathering during the first session. Because the therapist needs your personal history to understand your situation, they’ll inquire about various parts of your life. The therapist will ask, “Who lives with you,” “What kind of work do you do,” and “How

Accept that you might shed tears. During your first session, you might cry because you’re relieved to be finally “unloading” your feelings. Also, opening up about situations that have been troubling you taps into feelings that could trigger crying. Go ahead and let go.

Be willing to return for a second session if the therapist recommends it. Even if you’re unsure about how the session went, attend a second session. You’ll probably feel better a few days after the first session and even better still after the second.

Attending your first mental health therapy session can be very motivating. Rest assured, it’s completely normal to seek out professional help when you feel the need. With these tips, you’re ready to embark upon what could be one of the most enriching and enlightening adventures of your life! OL

&HEALTH wellness

SENIOR LIVING

Making Your Food Work for You

Written by DANA PEVELER

It’s after the holidays, and if you’re like me, you’re probably riddled with regret after a month of eating with reckless abandon!

Our 2-year-old granddaughter was in the background last week, during a Facetime call with my daughter, insisting, “I’m hungry! I want to eat!” What started as a calm announcement of fact, increased in urgency with a foot stomp and broken cries of starvation if she didn’t get immediate nourishment!

I chuckled yesterday when I was reminded of the call when I heard myself saying, “Why’s everybody still seated? I’m starving and I thought we were going to eat!”

No kidding, I’m a walking example of those candy bar commercials where someone is a beast until they eat. They’re funny, but the truth is, not eating is dangerous and can cause a multitude of avoidable problems!

For me, if I skip a meal, or just

don’t eat properly, I lose all zip in my proverbial zipper! Even worse, I may get shaky, dizzy, or even pass out! I’m not alone. Science has proven that maintaining a healthy diet helps us live longer… and healthier!

It isn’t easy for everyone, though, particularly as we age. Our appetites and/or nutritional needs may change due to medications, slower digestion, illnesses, recovering from a surgical

&HEALTH wellness

procedure, and even grief. If we’re not paying attention, our dietary changes can drastically affect our quality of life whether that’s a decreased energy level, or an adverse effect on our health.

How and what we eat can directly impact our energy levels, as well as our overall physical and mental health. Let’s start with hydration. I used to get so irritated with my husband when I’d complain of a headache. Expecting sympathy, I’d get a, “Well, have you drank anything but coffee today? Any water?” Ugh. He was spot on, though. We need about 6 to 8 glasses of water every day. Unfortunately, sugary water, or water filled with caffeine or alcohol can dehydrate us, which drains our energy.

Next, let yourself eat more often. One big meal, for a variety of reasons, can cause you to lose energy, believe it or not, especially if you compensate by skipping the next meal. As I’m quick to remind my grandfather, getting dizzy from skipping a meal is just flat unsafe!

I realized not eating was no longer an option for me after waking up face down in my hallway!

I’ve learned that if I eat smaller amounts more frequently, my blood sugar levels are more stable. I’m able to make more sensible choices, and avoid overeating, and that draggy, “shoes are filled with concrete,” feeling.

Our brains are designed to cause us to crave types of food that help keep us alive. When you’re suddenly wanting a snack, tell

yourself that’s your brain keeping you alive … and also tell yourself a cookie is probably not going to do that as well as something with protein and healthy carbohydrates! I’m absolutely no expert, nor am I professing to have perfect nutritional fitness, but I have found that I feel better when I reach for nuts, fresh fruit, crackers, and natural cheeses. They are filling, and don’t cause me to slip into a sluggish feeling that puts me back into that unhealthy spiral.

One way to make your food work better for you is to keep an eye on the nutrients your choices are giving you. For example, foods rich in Vitamin C, like oranges, bell peppers, and even broccoli, are high energy foods. Foods enriched with Vitamin D, like tuna and other types

HEALTH wellness

of fish, help with energy levels, too, can enhance the immune system, and can also provide you with much needed protein, and omega 3’s. B12 is another nutrient that boosts our energy as well as brain and nerve health. Consider switching to almond or soy milk in your oatmeal, adding yogurts, cheeses, most fish, eggs (the yolks) to increase your B12.

Protein is our friend, too!

For most, high quality protein increases muscle mass, boosts the immune system, and may even help with memory recall. In case you weren’t already aware, we can increase our protein in other ways besides just through our red meat. Let’s face it, most of us love red meat, but find it zaps our energy after we eat it. There’s hope,

though. Protein can be found in easier-to-digest foods like white meats, fish, and even vegetables. Try pinto beans – who doesn’t love a big pot of pinto beans this time of year? In fact, many types of beans, for example, lima, kidney, and edamame (soybeans) have a good deal of protein. Chickpeas and lentils are often in soups, but I have also found them in crackers, and some types of pasta. Peas, brussels sprouts, potatoes, sweet corn, spinach, asparagus, avocado … it really is in a lot more than you think!

Some health conditions, such as kidney, heart disease, or diabetes may require a more specialized plan so check with your physician about your specific nutritional needs. He or she can order bloodwork that

gives you both a better idea of how your body is utilizing the fuel you’re feeding it.

I realize that there may be barriers to eating healthily. Medications can cause foods to taste differently. Loss of appetite, problems chewing, and frankly, grocery prices can be barriers, too. I urge you to discuss your situation with someone you trust, whether that’s a close friend, family member, or your physician. Hopefully, together, you can come up with solutions.

So, as we turn the page on a new calendar to 2023, let’s hang it on the wall with the resolution we’ll all enjoy - that we will focus on eating … eating enough, and eating well! OL

Healthpark Focuses on Services to Address Whole Health

The Owensboro Health Healthpark is more than just an exercise facility — it’s a comprehensive health center committed to keeping people healthy and restoring health to those who have experienced an illness or injury. As part of the Owensboro Health system’s continuum of care, the Healthpark offers integrated wellness services that can fit anyone’s needs.

“The Healthpark works to focus on friendliness, cleanliness and a commitment to be a facility you would want to refer your family or friends to,” said Collette Carter, Healthpark Director. “We recognize that it is important to feel welcome, safe and comfortable in the environment where you work on health improvement. We approach wellbeing from the whole health perspective with easy access to services in a place where our customers feel supported.”

The facility includes a variety of options to keep workouts interesting. Kenny Riley visits the Healthpark at least four times per week to utilize the fitness equipment, hot tub and other amenities. He also took swim lessons to add to the ways he works to keep fit. “The Healthpark offers a great atmosphere to work out in. From the front desk and throughout the facility, the staff

is always helpful and kind,” Riley said. “It’s a complete workout facility that offers top-notch programs and services that I recommend to others.”

For more than 24 years, the Healthpark remains the only certified medicalbased fitness center in Kentucky. This designation is only possible by having medical oversight, documented program outcomes, degreed staff and processes focused on safety. Dr. Scott Black, Healthpark medical director, works closely with the team and a diverse medical advisory committee to oversee the programs and services offered.

“It’s essential to do the right exercise for the issue someone is trying to address. For example, walking might be very good for you, but it probably won’t build bone density if you have osteoporosis,” Black said. “If someone is going to make the effort and take the time out of their day to exercise, they should make sure the exercise will help them get the results they want. An exercise professional can help determine the best exercises.”

Along with exercise professionals at the Healthpark, dietitians, diabetes educators and health coaches are also there to provide additional education or guidance. Trained experts and licensed/certified staff work

Visit OwensboroHealth.org/Healthpark to learn more.

collaboratively to address health risks with individuals or designated populations.

Healthcare providers can refer patients to the Exercise is Medicine program, B.A.S.E/Fall Prevention course, outpatient nutrition services and diabetes education. Individuals can become a Healthpark member without a referral, or visit the facility for massage services, the Connections program for seniors and other wellness services.

With a focus on safety, all Healthpark team members are certified in CPR and First Aid. There are protocols that ensure a prompt response when things happen unexpectedly.

Long-time Healthpark member Judy Stewart said she joined the Healthpark after her open heart surgery because it is where she feels safe to exercise. “The staff check on me and are always attentive to how I am doing when I am here,” Stewart said. “I don’t feel like other fitness facilities would be trained and qualified to provide a place where I feel safe if something was to happen. Everyone is so nice, and I appreciate it. It is evident in the actions of the staff that they care about their members.” OL

Gene’s Health Foods

HOW TO STICK TO YOUR NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

1. Our number one piece of advice you’ll hear everyone in the store say is…IT TAKES 30 CONSISTENT DAYS TO CREATE A HABIT. If you begin knowing that you must push through for the minimum goal of 30 days, it feels more reachable.

2. Have a big goal? That’s ok, you can use this principle to break your goals into more manageable chunks. BREAK YOUR MARATHON TRAINING SCHEDULE INTO 30 DAY BENCHMARKS WITH A WEEK OF REST IN BETWEEN.

3. WRITE IT DOWN. Whether the goal will be achieved at the end of 30 days or if it’s steps throughout the year, write out each step either on your phone or on paper. Then, go ahead and set alerts to remind you to check in on your progress.

4. REMOVE OBSTACLES AND BE REALISTIC. What’s stopped you from eating healthier or learning how to run correctly? Can you remove those obstacles now? Have you prepared yourself and others for your changes? Step back and

assess how to make your goal setting more successful.

5. REWARD YOURSELF WITH A PUSH PRESENT. You gave birth to this idea and nurtured it into fruition. Yay you! Build the reward into your plan.

Be sure to shop at Gene’s Health Food either in store or online for contactless shopping at www.GenesHealthFood.com.

SAVE MONEY! GET HEALTHY!

Eating Healthy on a Budget

With the economic situation in the world being what it is, it’s important to find ways of eating healthy on a budget. It’s possible to purchase foods that are good for you and your budget; you merely have to plan ahead to get the best food you can for the money you have available.

Having a plan and sticking to it can help you get more food at less cost and allow you to prepare better, more healthy meals.

Here are some tips to help you succeed in eating healthy on a budget.

GROCERY SHOPPING

1. Set aside time to make your food plan. Find the sales ads for each of the grocery stores in your area and decide on your meals for the coming week ahead of time.

2. Make a list. After you’ve planned your meals, write down everything you need for each meal. Check your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator to

see if you already have some of the items. Make your grocery list and determine to stick with it!

• Include what you’ll need for drinks, snacks and desserts.

• Remember your ingredients for preparation, such as butter, flour, sugar, and spices.

• Replenish cleaning supplies.

3. Clip coupons for items you know you’ll use. Leave the remainder of

the coupons at home so you’re not tempted to “save” money on items you don’t need.

4. Never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach because you’re more likely to buy items that look good rather than those on your list.

If you can’t go to the store right after a meal, take along a light snack to help you resist temptation while in the store.

5. Buy items on the perimeter of the store first because these items are the healthiest choices. This will include fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy items. The center items are processed or convenience foods. Not only are they more expensive, but they aren’t healthy.

6. Look for fruits and vegetables that are in season as these will often be cheaper than non-seasonal choices. While you’re looking at the fruits and vegetables, see if there are any sales on these healthy, nutrient rich foods.

Choose large bags rather than individual pieces of fruit. The larger bags are often cheaper by the pound.

7. Buy store or generic brands. There usually isn’t much difference in the way the foods taste but you can definitely see a difference in the price.

OTHER WAYS TO EAT HEALTHY ON A BUDGET

1. Make your own snacks for your family’s time away from home rather than allowing them to purchase food from vending machines. Fresh fruit and vegetable sticks with dip are much healthier than the bags of chips or crackers that come from the machines.

2. Eat at home. Whenever possible, make your food from scratch and eat it at home. Not only will this give you more control over what your family eats, but it can also save you a considerable amount of money.

Eating out also encourages overeating because portion sizes are massive.

3. Drink healthy. Finally, when eating healthy on a budget, don’t forget to think about what you’re drinking. Expensive, sugar-laden

drinks are the bane of your budget and counter-productive to healthy eating.

• Look for 100% pure juices.

• Drink low fat milk.

• Drink more water.

• Cut out soft drinks.

If you follow these tips, you’ll soon discover the joys of healthy eating and you’ll save money in the process. You may have to spend some extra time preparing food, but the benefits are astounding! OL

FLAVOR

Photo by JAMIE PLAIN

A Flare for City Fare

Written by KRISTI MCCABE Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

City Walk opened its doors in 2017, only as a lunch destination in the beginning.  When it became evident that locals were a fan of the new eatery’s laid-back atmosphere and original yet familiar dishes, City Walk then expanded to offer a dinner menu, as well.

“We’ve been growing ever since,” said restaurant owner and manager Travis Tong.  “We made it through COVID by offering family-style meals to-go and have been going strong ever since.  We have never really done a lot of marketing; fortunately, we’ve been able to rely on growing our business by letting our customers get the word out.  We focus on great customer service and food quality, and let the word spread.”

Travis grew up in the restaurant business. His father, Anthony Tong, was the former chef of Gabe’s Tower and Chef’s Kitchen.  Travis tried his own hand at being a restaurateur with the opening of Brickhouse Pizza in 2014 and the Local in 2016.

“Third time’s the charm,” Travis joked.  “With the experience from those two places under my belt, the foundation for success was laid for City Walk.”

The name “City Walk” was chosen to tie in with the names of some other downtown businesses such as River Walk Barbershop, demonstrating the new restaurant’s desire to join the already existing downtown vibe and add its own unique flavor.

“We love being a part of the

CITY WALK

downtown scene,” remarked Travis.  “Our vibe is comfortable but not too elevated.  Some customers show up in business suits, some in work clothes.  Some order high-end steaks, others get burgers.  There’s a little something for everyone.”

City Walk’s dishes are traditional, yet unique, or as Travis described, “Meals you don’t normally see any more in Owensboro.”

“We offer a made-from-scratch chicken cordon bleu.  It’s comfort food, but not common anymore.  We also have staples like meatloaf and catfish, and have become known for our highend steaks.”

Creekstone Farms out of Kansas raises pasture-fed Black Angus cattle that are finished with high-quality, corn-based feed ration, and are one of the suppliers for City Walk’s steaks.  These grilled filets paired with add-ons like sauteed mushrooms and onions or bourbon glaze with bacon crumbles are a rare find for the steak lover.  Another treat for those with refined palates is City Walk’s beef wellington.

From flatbreads to baked mac and cheese to bourbon glazed pork loin, the lunch menu ranges from casual fare to gourmet and comfort food.  City Walk’s convenient location offers a perfect venue for hosting business meetings or casual luncheons.

City Walk also has an exciting cocktail and spirits assortment, including staples like sangria

and the traditional Bloody Mary, as well as a long list of bourbons for the barrel-aged whiskey connoisseur.  Their wine list boasts a 2014 Silver Oaks cabernet, for those celebrating special occasions.

“We do have some rare bourbons,” noted Travis.  “And an occasional Pappy.  There’s a nice selection, but not too many choices to be overwhelming.”

The restaurant’s atmosphere is part of its allure, as is evident from the attractive and comfortable furnishings.   From the hand-crafted tables made from bourbon barrels outside, to the tables, bar and hostess stand to the rustic flooring, the same attention to detail that guests find in the menu can be seen in the building itself.

Having a hard-working and loyal staff is another key ingredient in the restaurant’s success. “The core kitchen crew and chefs that we have today are the same ones as the day we started. Not having turnover has helped us to be consistent and cohesive with our menu and quality of food. And I couldn’t be more thankful for them.”

Added Travis, “We are grateful for the community and the people who support us. We want people to feel welcome here and to come to City Walk and just relax with family and friends and make memories.  Looking to the future, we hope to become a permanent fixture in downtown Owensboro for years to come.” OL

Easy-to-Make Healthy Snacks

Eating healthy isn’t always the easiest thing to do. If you are a person that loves snacking, there are a lot of times that you just crave something crunchy or sweet. With very little prep work, these snack recipes are a great way to help you satisfy the cravings with healthier options. You don’t have to feel like you are neglecting yourself from anything to make small changes that will lead towards a healthier lifestyle!

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

INGREDIENTS

2 15oz. cans chickpeas

3 Tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 tsp paprika

1 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

INSTRUCTIONS

Note: this recipe uses a spicy mixture, but chickpeas can be seasoned in many different ways. Use your own combination when tossing in olive oil! Make sure to try ranch seasoning, BBQ seasoning, or cinnamon sugar versions!

1. Preheat an oven to 400 degrees. Drain the cans of chickpeas, rinse them, and roll them between two kitchen towels to dry them out as much as possible. The more dry you get them, the crispier they will be.

2. Toss the chickpeas in a bowl with the olive oil and all of the seasoning until they are all evenly coated. Then spread them out in a single-layer on a baking sheet.

3. Roast the chickpeas in the oven for 3040 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on them towards the end, as they’ll start to burn quickly! Once they are cooked, Enjoy! Let them cool completely before storing.

Recipes and photos by JAMIE PLAIN

2. In a small bowl, mix together your cream cheese and greek yogurt until smooth. Put in a piping bag and add a dollop to each cucumber slice (or just spread on with a knife). 3. Top with Everything Seasoning and enjoy!

Banana Bars

INGREDIENTS

3 ripe bananas

1/3 cup natural peanut butter

4 oz. melted chocolate

Crushed peanuts to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cut a banana into two (or three, depending on size) pieces, then slice them lengthwise down the middle.

2. Spread peanut butter over the flat side of each banana piece. Melt chocolate in the microwave and drizzle it over the peanut butter.

3. Chop or crush peanuts and sprinkle them on top of the chocolate. Place the banana slices on a pan to freeze.

4. In 2+ hours, take the bananas you plan on eating out and let them sit for a few minutes (to make them a bit easier to eat). Enjoy! OL

What we’re eating now

Eating healthy isn’t always easy. But what about drinking your vitamins? Fresh juices are a great option as a snack or a meal replacement. And if you don’t have a juicer at home, or simply don’t want to deal with the prep work and messy cleanup, these local juices are a great choice!

Wheatgrass Juice Bar

GET GOING ORANGE, BLOCK PARTY LEMONADE, AND HITCHIKER

Each juice combines different fresh, organic ingredients such as carrot, ginger, lemon and greens. Grab one on the go from their fridge, or create your own combination.

Gene’s Health Food

PUMP UP THE BEET

This juice, made with organic ingredients, includes carrot, beet, orange and ginger. If you’re looking for something extra, add a Breath of Fire Shot, which consists of ginger, lemon, coconut sugar, reverses osmosis water and cayenne.

Hart & Soul

Their cold-pressed offerings often include tasty tropical flavors like pineapple and ginger. Usually found at the Farmers Market, their juices are also available at Niko’s Bakery, Sassafras, and Niko’s of 54.

FROM

“When health is gone, the rest doesn’t count for much.”

Many of us welcome the new year of 2023 with resolutions to improve our overall well-being. We promise to stop smoking, improve our diets and get more exercise.

Our ancestors of 100 years ago were also thinking about health and wellness, but while their goals may have been similar, their specific areas of concern, and their methods of initiative were very different.

First, there was a kerfuffle about who would oversee public health in our community. A newspaper article published on Feb. 24, 1923, announced that the establishment of the Daviess County Board of Health “didn’t meet law.”

It seems that fiscal court had established the local board of health in 1919 – at which time it adopted a resolution to appropriate $5,000 a year toward its maintenance, with a matching amount to be granted by the state board of health. However, the appellate court in Frankfort determined that the health department had not been established at a regular meeting, as required by law.

The issue was eventually resolved, of course, and later that year, the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reported that the Daviess County Board of Health’s “worth is proven.”

From March to December, the board had documented 20,000 nursing visits by its staff. In addition to those visits, which were valued at the rate of 75 cents a call, were a wide spectrum of services such as food and dairy inspections,

inoculations, smallpox vaccinations, quarantine visits, detection of physical defects and other “splendid work,” and altogether would have cost $200,000 if the work had been done privately. Rabies treatments alone were valued at $33,750.

Records also documented 134 “suspects” being examined for tuberculosis at free clinics in Knottsville, Habit, Sorgho and Owensboro, with 30 of those examined showing “definite signs of infection.” An examination of data concluded there were probably about 500 active cases of TB in Daviess County.

“As will be noted under statistics,” a newspaper article reported, “six hundred and eighteen visits have been made by staff nurses for the purpose of rendering bedside care and instructing patients with the disease how to live that others would not be infected by them. Many of the patients were charity patients and eggs, milk and medicines were supplied free by the Anti-Tuberculosis society, with money derived from the sale of Christmas seals.”

Time has a way of putting a lot of

things in perspective, including what seems to us today to be an alarming statistic that was presented as relatively “good news” 100 years ago: The infant mortality rate in Daviess County was “only” 75 per 1,000 births for the first 10 months of 1923. Statewide, the childhood mortality rate showed that 65 percent of those died during their first month of life.

But children weren’t the only ones with worries about health and wellness.

Ladies of the day were cautioned that “beauty always wanes when health is neglected” – but another (slightly more forward-thinking) article also directed toward the ladies scoffed at the notion that a healthy-looking female ran the risk of “looking like a peasant.”

Gone are the days, this writer trumpeted, when “it was quite pardonable and expected for the young girl to faint at dances or to be missing at dinner … because of a headache or a ‘slight indisposition.’”

Written by LORA WIMSATT

tablets after luncheon.”

Not that men were immune from criticism!

As reported in another article, one-fifth of the Class 1 men examined for the American army during the World War (back when there was only one of those) were found “physically unfit to perform any kind of military service either at home or abroad.”

“Defects of the bones and the organs of locomotion” were the most common causes of rejection, followed by diseases of the heart and blood vessels, diseases of the eyes … and tuberculosis.

Rhode Island ranked worst, as far as military recruits were concerned, with 42 percent of RI residents “so physically defective that they were rejected.”

There was a theory for this: Rhode Island’s “bad showing, according to experts, was due to being a factory state.”

The article concluded that “money-mad America thinks too much about its natural resources and industrial products, not enough about our greatest product – the human being and his health.

“Health should always come foremost. … Personal health is nine-tenths up to the individual.

“Get plenty of wholesome food, sleep, fresh air and outdoor exercise, and, barring the bad luck of incurring germ disease, health will be fairly good on the average. In particular, the auto driver should lock up his car and go about on foot at least one day a week.

“When health is gone, the rest doesn’t count for much.”

Hmm. Those closing lines have stood the test of time, with their advice as strong and healthy now as they were 100 years ago. OL