Owensboro Living - September/October 2022

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THE SCENES

EDITOR’S NOTE

EDITORIAL

Appreciating the Memories

EDITOR

Steven Wilson PUBLISHER

Jason Tanner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

For better or worse, most of us are attached to our phones. There are plenty of times when I’m sure we’d all like to just put them down, and “unplug” for a while. The constant dings for texts, appointment reminders and notifications from apps we forgot we even downloaded can be overwhelming. But one of the things I’ve appreciated about always having my phone nearby is the “memories” that pop up each morning. With our busy lives, it’s easy to forget about the little things – a picture of the kids when they decided to don their Halloween costumes in the middle of summer, or an impromptu campfire in the backyard in the fall. Getting to revisit these snapshots in time also reminds me of all of the great memories my family and I make here in Owensboro. Our city has so much to offer, and I’ve been especially grateful for our city since we’ve reemerged from our COVID hibernation.

From the swing set at York Park to the tennis courts at Moreland, Owensboro has provided my family with so many opportunities to “unplug” and enjoy one another.

We’ve made countless memories

downtown enjoying the riverfront and exploring the museum. And the memory collection wouldn’t be complete without a snapshot from lunch at Great Harvest or our summertime tour of the local taquerias.

And these “memories” from my phone also invoke memories from my childhood - when I played with my friends at the same parks, and watched basketball games at the Sportscenter. And they make me especially grateful that I get to raise my four kids with my amazing wife in the same hometown where we were fortunate to grow up.

STEVEN WILSON, EDITOR steven@owensboroliving.com

Libby Johnson Josh Kelly John Kirkpatrick Marlys Mason Danny May Dana Peveler Jacqueline Russell 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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W H AT I’ M RE A D IN G

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles

At some point, we’ve all considered our purpose in life.

In Towles’ novel, set in 1920s Russia, the protagonist struggles with the same question. Once an aristocrat,

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and therefore a man who never worked a day in his life, Count Rostov is sentenced to house arrest in an attic room of the Metropol Hotel. While there, the protagonist recounts events of his former existence, and finds renewed meaning through relationships with unexpected friends.

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Contents

SEPT/ OCT 2022 TRENDING 6 BEHIND

THE SCENES

A note from our editor.

10 N E W S W O R T H Y The real people, places and events that shape our community, brought to you by the Owensboro Times.

CULTURE 14 T H E AT E R

The RiverPark Center at 30

16 A R T Creating Recycled Art from the Heart

18 M U S I C The Lanham Brothers Jamboree Offers Good, Clean, Hometown, Family Fun!

LIFESTYLE 46 S O C I A L

Host The Perfect Tailgate Party

48 S E N I O R

LIVING

Changing Your Diet as You Age - Identify Problems and

FEATURES

26 KENTUCKIANA LIFESTOCK MARKET A Vital Part of the Agricultural Community B Y J O H N K I R K PAT R I C K

38 FARMERS HELPING FARMERS

A Strong Community of Families Comes Together in Times of Need B Y M A R LY S M A S O N

Be Proactive!

30 WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE

FLAVOR 56 R E C I P E S

Owensboro Serves as Host for Statewide Conference

Warm & Cozy Autumn Recipes

B Y J O S H K E L LY

41 FARM TO TABLE

61 D I S H What we’re eating now: Local

If you’re looking for a wonderful, unique evening out, join the families from Cecil and Hill View Farms for their 9th Annual Farm-to-Table Dinner!

dishes we can’t live without!

BY DANA PEVELER

Sassafras: Keeping it Local

48 R E S TA U R A N T

SPOTLIGHT

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Trending N E W S W O R T H Y

5 things we’re talking about now

2 Owensboro Recognized as Destination for Retirees According to a recent article published on MarketWatch.com, Owensboro is one of the most affordable cities for retirees. In the article, a woman submitted a question asking where she

RYAN RICHARDSON

and her husband could afford to live on a $38,000 annual budget. Owensboro

Photo by

was one of three suggested destinations in the article, and the

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Peach Bliss at Reid’s Orchard

This may be the final year for the beloved Apple Fest, but this year, Reid’s Orchard hosted its first annual Peach Bliss market event on August 6. The day included fresh peaches, 20 vendor booths, food trucks, and U-pick flowers.

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author noted that Owensboro “comes with a low cost of living — and a big music scene.”

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

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Second Chick-fil-A Location Coming to Owensboro Chick-fil-A appears to have chosen a site for a new location — and it’s on KY 54 in front of Walmart.

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Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief

as a co-applicant on

Two local women with roots in Eastern Kentucky rallied the

a rezoning request

community to send donations to the flood-ravaged area. Erin

for a small piece

Williams and Leigh Ann Wallace contacted schools and local

of property that is

organizations to aid in the flood relief efforts. That turned

adjacent to the old

into the formation of a number of drop-off sites around town

Bob Evans restaurant

to accept donations in the form of cleaning supplies and water.

The Diocese of Owensboro also organized a drive that collected hygiene items and protective clothing for the victims of the flood and recovery workers.

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The company is listed

site, and both lots are owned by the same LLC. The news of a potential new Chickfil-A location was first

EDC Launches “Grow the Boro” Brittaney

Johnson,

President/CEO

reported by Owensboro Times in December, when a spokesperson said the company “is

of the Greater Owensboro Economic

happy to share that we

Development Corporation, said that

are actively pursuing

the organization is planning to help

a new location in the

“Grow the Boro” with a new program

Owensboro area.”

designed to bring remote workers to the city. The EDC will be offering some incentives to those wanting to move to Owensboro, including gift cards and memberships to businesses around town. The EDC

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

hopes to have 10 families move to the community through this program over the next year.

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THEATER: THE RIVERPARK CENTER AT 30 p. 14

IN THE KNOW: 9 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR p. 15

ART: CREATING RECYCLED ART FROM THE HEART p. 16

→

Photo courtesy of

THE OWENSBORO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

CULTURE

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Culture T H E A T E R

The RiverPark Center at 30 Written by L I B B Y J O H N S O N

For

a

that a group of symphony supporters

(RPC) is really remarkably similar,”

Owensboroans, the Riverpark Center

primarily

the

Mountjoy recalls. Though the design

has

simply

whole

to

relocate

Owensboro Symphony from Daviess

of the building closely resembles the

County High School to downtown.

original dream, according to Mountjoy,

as

That group worked with the Chamber

the development of the Riverpark

landscape. On the other hand, there is

of

the

Center expanded far beyond what he

still a large contingent of people who

idea of RPC was curated and came

personally envisioned at the outset. “If

remember life - and downtown - pre

to fruition in 1988 when Governor

you’d asked me in the beginning, I’d

Riverpark.

Wallace Wilkinson awarded the city a

have said, ‘No, this is not a place for

As the Riverpark Center turns

$4.5 million challenge grant to build

kids,’ but it has evolved into something

30 and enters its fourth decade of

a performing arts center. According

that is amazingly for kids, and that is

existence, it seems appropriate to

to riverparkcenter.org, that grant was

something to be proud of,” he says.

review and reflect on the facility’s past,

more than doubled with $10.7 million

present, and future.

in local funds.

Early on, interested parties thought

involved in its management in various

T H E PA S T

4th Street would be a great location,

roles since the beginning, is also deeply

however,

adviser

proud of the educational aspect that

entertainment epicenter now known

recommended utilizing the riverfront

has become such an integral part of its

fondly as “RPC” stemmed from a

instead.

mission. “We (Owensboroans) are so

The

of

original

the

idea

there

wanted

-

constant

been

of

anchoring the East end of the riverfront a

always

generation

/ / Photo by A P I M A G E R Y

downtown

for

the

Commerce,

a

and

eventually

Roxi Witt, who retired as General Manager of RPC in 2019 and was

site

selection

combination of desires by a handful

“Dave (Adkisson, the mayor at the

used to it being there and being part

of different groups. Jessie Mountjoy,

time) drew on a napkin at Pinocchio’s

of our lives,” she says, but it’s another

local attorney and a member of the

(a long-gone local eatery) what he

thing altogether “to witness a school

RPC board since its inception, recalls

thought it should look like, and it

bus from say, Webster County pull up

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and a little five-year-old get off and stop in awe and say, “Wow!” Witt says RPC “gave arts a place, and gives people a place for the arts,” and also allows people to feel free to be in a beautiful facility.

Reflecting on her years at RPC, Witt says that, naturally, some events and occurrences stand out more than others.

Certainly, there were challenges - lots of rain-soaked weddings, a symphony performance halted and evacuated due to rising flood waters, and a tornado warning that necessitated “stuffing 1500 schoolchildren all over the building.” Though Witt says she cannot choose a particular performance as her favorite, she recalls that The Kentucky National Guard Gala on the first anniversary of September 11th was “so powerful.”

THE PRESENT “When people think about important events in their lives, at least some of them will have happened at the Riverpark Center,” Witt says. Local restaurateur and entrepreneur Ben Skiadis agrees. “I have the enjoyed the Riverpark Center since its inception.

As a kid going to school performances, attending the Broadway series with my family, and even directing on the big stage as a student at OHS - that was very impactful for me as a young artist,” he says. “The countless events held there certainly impact downtown business, including, of course, the restaurants owned by Skiadis and his family, and for that he is grateful. “Through every stage of my life, the RPC has played

a role,” he says, “and I’m looking forward to working with Rich Jorn and Grae Greer on my newest venture - Do INC, a single source resource for all community events.”

Both Jorn, the Executive Director, and Greer, the Marketing Director, are enthused about the Riverpark’s current status. One post-Covid innovation is the newish GhostLight Lounge. “When I was interviewed for the position, I was taking a tour of RiverPark Center, and I noticed this empty room that had a lot of potential. And I thought it would be a great opportunity for people to gather and socialize before and after a show. The GhostLight Lounge is entertainment based, a lot about the audience participation, and interaction with the patrons. We’re able to not only enhance their evening, but also, we’re able to promote future events as well,” says Jorn.

“The GhostLight Lounge’s name came about when we were discussing various ways to enhance RiverPark Center’s nightlife. A ghost light is a light that stays on the stage when the production is over, and the curtain is down. It continues to give energy to the theatre. I love that our entertainment bar is named The GhostLight Lounge because that’s exactly what it does; it is a space that continues to energize RiverPark Center after our normal programming is over,” explains Greer.

Stalwart programming for resident programs such as the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, Owensboro Dance Theatre, Encore Musicals, and the OPS Fine Arts Festival are mainstays

of the venue and continue to have their existence enhanced by access to the facility. Both Witt and Jorn attest that even after thirty years, the technical capabilities of RPC are still top notch.

“This is not just a glorified high school auditorium,” Witt says. “It can still accommodate the most high-tech shows.”

Alan Holbrook, a board member whose family has a long association with the Riverpark, co-chairs the RPC Community Relations Task Force with Mountjoy. Holbrook says he is proud of the fact that in recent years, a seat was created on the board to represent the many volunteers who staff the events.

“We’ve tried - and will keep doing soto diversify the offerings and audience.

It (RPC) really is multi-cultural and multi-purpose.”

THE FUTURE “My vision for the next decade of RPC is to grow in what we offer to the community. I definitely want to continue to do all the things the RiverPark Center is known for.” Jorn says. “I want my legacy to be that I opened up our programming so that everyone felt there was something for them at the RiverPark Center. Officially I work for a board of directors , who are great people and very supportive. But I really work for the citizens of this region, for all of them. I want to provide quality live entertainment experiences to as many people, groups, segments, etc…as I possibly can. And along the way I’d love to introduce folks to new things and new experiences.” OL

IN THE KNOW 9 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

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SIPS & SUNFLOWERS S E P T E M BE R 9 , 1 6 -1 7 @ T RU N N E L L’S FA R M M A R K E T From 6-10 pm. On September 9, spend an evening sipping wine, beer, or spirits amid Trunnell’s gorgeous sunflower fields while enjoying over a million blooms of sunflowers. The wagon ride will take you from the farm market to their Sunflower Field, where you can enjoy delicious food, a farm bar, live music, bonfires, and splendid evening views.

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THE OAK RIDGE BOYS S E P T E M B E R 9 @ R I V E R PA R K CE NT E R

Theirs is one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry.

The four-part harmonies and upbeat songs of The Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of Country hits, earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA, and ACM awards, and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. Every time they step before an audience, the Oaks bring four decades of charted singles, and 50 years of tradition, to a stage show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere.

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NASHVILLE SONGWRITER SE P T E M B E R 8 @ B LU EG R ASS MU S I C H A L L OF FA M E & M U SE U M

Featuring professional songwriters based in Nashville, Tennessee, the series focuses on both hit makers and those searching for their first hit. The series highlights stories and lives of those working to create the soundtrack of America. Seating will not be provided, so bring your own chair or blanket. Gates open at 6:30 pm, concert begins at 7 pm. Tickets are $10 each for general admission.

→

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Culture A R T

Creating Recycled Art from the Heart Written by M A R LY S M A S O N Photos by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R Jessie Carter says her style of art is labeled folk art, but she really isn’t sure what the category is for the driftwood sculptures and recycled pieces she creates.

Using wood she finds from the Ohio River, along with discarded pallets and donated jewelry, Carter creates unique pieces that give new life to the material.

“Everything is recycled that people would throw away,” Carter said, except for the wooden heads and binding materials.

Focusing on driftwood angels and Black sculpture, Carter creates one-of-akind pieces that vary in size because of the driftwood pieces she chooses. The sculpture pieces are painted black, adding jewelry, stone and a wooden head. Some wear a scarf, as well.

Because so many people asked what Carter would do with an art degree, she did not major in art when she attended Western Kentucky University, but now, after she retires from her part-time position as a bus monitor for Owensboro Public Schools, she plans to take art classes locally.

“I think taking art classes would help me more and I would learn more about art,” she said.

In the early 2000s, Carter created dolls with a friend, and the two made a pact to not

IN THE KNOW 9 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

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THE JAMES GREGORY SHOW S E P T E M BE R 1 5 @ OW E N S B O RO CONVENTION CENTER

James’ success, like his comedy, is the direct result of the values he grew up with. And now, twenty something years later, it is this unique brand of humor that packs the crowds into his sold-out shows. The absence of vulgarity sets James apart and his stories are carefully crafted art. “I have lived long enough to know people, know life”, Gregory reflects. “My comedy is based on my life experiences. It’s real, it’s funny and the audience loves it. That’s why I’m still in business.”

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PIGTAILS & COWLICKS CONSIGNMENT SALE SE P T E M B E R 16 -17 @ OWE NSB OR O CONV E NT I ON CE NT E R

This annual tradition is a consignment sale that fills the Convention Center with items from over 600 families – all for kids! They will offer toys, books, shoes, furniture, clothes, boutique items and more for children from babies to teens. There is no admission fee for the public sale, and cash and cards are both accepted.

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GIRLS DAY OUT SE P T E M B E R 17 @ OWE NSB OR O C O N V E N T I O N CE NT E R

Girls Day Out is a shopping event with a variety of great vendors! Door prizes will be given away all day.

Grab lunch at the cafe in the Convention Center.

Admission is free!

create their unique dolls if one were to die. They joined the Kentucky Crafted program that assists Kentucky artists and allows them to exhibit their art at the Kentucky Crafted Market and other events sponsored by the program, and began selling around the state.

The two also sold their dolls at The Baker’s Rack locally. When her friend died, she honored their agreement.

“I believe in God, and a lot of my art is spiritual,” she said. “God said, ‘Hey, it’s time – time to do your art.”

The first piece she created was an angel made from a bedpost, and she donated that item to Cherri Lolley at CherriCare to be placed in the room where women who have undergone breast surgery find necessary items for healing. The reception to the piece was positive and showed Carter she had a gift.

“I did not realize I had the ability to do more until I met Cherri and people liked it,” she said.

Her Black sculpture, named Grace, is a Black woman filled with grace and strength. Carter is part of the Owensboro Art Guild, and she entered Grace in the Art Guild’s 60th Juried Art Exhibition in 2022, where 74 artists from Kentucky and surrounding states entered pieces. She has had 2 pieces selected for the juried exhibition.

One of her driftwood angels is displayed at the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art as a piece of permanent art, something that Carter takes pride in as a Black artist.

“There is not a lot of Black art around here, and it is special to give back to the community,” she said.

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FALL FARM MARKET S E P T E M BE R 1 8 @ H AY D E N FA RM S

Join Hayden Farms in Whitesville for their fourth Fall Farm Market in collaboration with Ruby Branch Farms. Dalisha’s Desserts will be returning again this year, along with a list of fantastic new vendors. Grab lunch or an early dinner, stock up on you fall decor, shop with any of their other fantastic vendors, enjoy yard games with your family or take some time to stroll the nature path.

Carter

attends

art fairs and festivals throughout the area and takes her angels, Black sculptures and the sunflower pieces she paints on palettes and tables. Some of the sunflowers and angels are painted on palettes that stand four feet tall. Each sale is important to Carter

for

specific

reasons.

“It’s not just the money, but the feeling you get when someone buys it to put in their house,” she said.

Creating two angels and two Black sculptures a week is typical for Carter, but she finds that she is becoming just as popular for her sunflowers, which she now paints on four surfaces weekly.

“People really love a sunflower,” she said. “It is a symbol as well in Christianity.”

Carter

has

begun

creating

necklaces made from driftwood, adding in pieces of recycled jewelry, and those appear on her Facebook page, along with her other art.

Carter, who has lived in Owensboro her

whole

life,

said

that

she

is

appreciative of the reception of her art, and no matter where it takes her, she knows she wants to continue working and interacting with people.

“The best reward you can get is helping others,” she said. “While no two pieces I create are alike, they are made with the same heart.” OL

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CLAY WALKER SE P T E M B E R 24 @ R I V E R PA R K CE NT E R

Join country music star Clay Walker for an evening of his hits and to hear songs from his new album. Walker has a storied career marked with smash singles, platinum albums and countless honors and acclaim. Tickets start at $38 each and are available at ticketmaster.com.

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SPECIAL NEEDS EXPO OCTOB E R 12 @ OWE NSB O RO CONV E NT I ON CE NT E R

Wendell Foster’s Special Needs Expo is an opportunity for community agencies to collaborate in providing information about resources and services that will assist families in supporting a loved one with a disability. The Expo will include nonprofit organizations, state agencies, and private businesses that provide services in a variety of areas.

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Culture M U S I C

Good, Clean, Hometown, Family Fun! THE LANHAM BROTHERS JAMBOREE CELEBRATES 15 YEARS Written by D A N N Y M AY

/ / Photos by TAY L O R W E S T

With another soldout performance of the Lanham Brothers Jamboree on August 6 now behind them, Barry and Randy Lanham are already making preparations for their annual Christmas show at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

By gradually building their fan base over the past 15 years, the Lanham Brothers Jamboree variety show now regularly packs the house at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Woodward Theater. Each performance is also aired on KET (Kentucky Educational Television). Barry and Randy produce the show. The crew films it. Then Randy edits it and sends it to KET. The most recent show on August 6 featured mostly young performers such as Lucy Chaney, Parker Malone, Emmie Kate Williams, Skylar and Sophia Cain, the Bluegrass Brothers, and Mackenzie Bell.

WHAT THE SHOW IS LIKE The

Lanham

Brothers

Jamboree

is

a fast-paced, high-energy variety show blending a mix of musical performances, Appalachian clogging, and comedy bits, entirely emceed by siblings Barry and Randy Lanham. The brothers’ playful banter adds to the humor of the show and helps segue into each act so there is never any downtime. Each brother brings his own skills and expertise to stage. Randy is a proficient fiddle player and vocalist who teaches community lessons at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, as well as private lessons for individuals. Barry shares his passion for clogging by teaching lessons and leading a traveling group called “Footstompin Express Cloggers.”

Together, the duo has put together a show that brings out the best of each other, while also showcasing their students and

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BACKSTAGE

THE SHOW BEHIND THE SHOW

highlighting some of the best talent

same school assembly was the “light

in the region in a family-friendly

bulb” moment that inspired them to

environment.

team up for a show. “We’re brothers

“We work hard on the shows to

and we work together on different

make each show unique. No two

things anyway,” Randy remembers.

shows are ever the same. We do that

“So we thought why not put it all

so it’s entertaining for returning

together for a show? We’re not only

visitors

visitors.”

brothers, we’re friends. It all weaves

Barry, explained. “Randy works with

together into an entertaining show.”

musicians on his end. I work with

Their first show together was

dancers on my end. And then we bring

a fundraiser for the Merle Travis

them all together for the show.”

Center in Muhlenberg County. The

That

and

first-time

means

the

show

is

brothers had a blast, and both agreed

also equally entertaining for the

they wanted to keep it going, so

performers, because they’ve never

they reached out to Diamond Lakes,

seen the full show in its entirety

who agreed to host what was by

until all the pieces come together the

then known as the Lanham Brothers

night of the performance. “There is

Jamboree in the Good Times Theater.

no dress rehearsal,” Barry explains.

That was a successful partnership for

“There is a run-through with the

several years. “We loved Diamond

musicians, of course, and a separate

Lakes. We loved the facility, and the

run-through with the dancers. But it

staff was so good to work with,”

all comes together for the first and

Randy said. “Those were great times

only time at the show. We’ve been

out there.”

doing this for years, so at this point

it’s like a well-oiled machine.” [See

at Diamond Lakes, Randy knew there

sidebar.]

were plans in the works to build a new

But the whole time the show ran

Hall of Fame that would have its own

ORIGINS AND GROWTH

theater one day. It took a few years for

The idea for the jamboree came

that to materialize. Meanwhile, the

after a school assembly where Randy

Lanham Brothers Jamboree slowly

was brought in to play some songs

grew its fanbase. “In the back of my

and Barry was there to demonstrate

mind, I always hoped and dreamed

clog dancing. The dynamic of the

our show could be staged at the Hall

two Lanham brothers together at the

of Fame when it opened, and we were

Audiences have been enjoying the Lanham Brothers Jamboree for 15 years. It’s very entertaining from the crowd’s perspective. But what is it like for the performers?

“There’s a nervous energy and an excitement among all the performers backstage and in the wings. Somebody’s giggling. Or somebody lost a shoe and people are frantically trying to find it at the very last second,” Barry Lanham explains.

“Everyone has their part to play, and they perform it exceptionally well. The dancers know their routine. They know exactly when it comes in the show. They know where to stand. They know what to wear for that dance. But the dancers don’t know what songs the guest performers are going to be singing. And the guest performers don’t know what routines the dancers will be doing. So you’ll see performers peeking through the curtain to watch from backstage, or they’ll be huddled up watching from the live feed on the screen in the greenroom.”

Randy and Barry both serve as emcees and timekeepers. They know exactly how many minutes each song or dance will take so they can create a very detailed, almost to the second, set list so there are no pauses in between acts. Once the show starts, it keeps moving right on through.

“When I’m on stage, Randy’s monitoring the backstage and making sure the next performers are cued up and in place and ready to walk out, and vice versa. We work very well together. We’ve been doing this long enough that he can give me a look, or I can look at him and we know what the other will say.”

Setlists are posted in several places backstage so performers can keep up with where the show is and see when they go on next. This is also where having experienced sound and light engineers is so important, because they also follow the setlist and help keep things running smoothly. “For example, if Randy’s on stage finishing up and now it’s time for me to walk on, a sound man is ready just off stage to hand me a live mic and I’ll just grab it and walk on out,” Barry said. “As the crowd is still clapping and those musicians are walking off stage, the dancers will be getting in place behind me as I’m introducing the next act.”

There are also moms who hang out backstage and help make sure the younger performers feel confident and comfortable, and make sure their shoes are tied, or take care of any other lastsecond need, and that helps, too.

S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

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Culture M U S I C blessed to be able to do that,” Randy said.

AT THE HALL OF FAME That chance came four years ago when the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum re-opened. Both Barry and Randy say that was the tipping point for the show, and took things to the next level. “It’s always exciting to perform on the Woodward Theater stage. The atmosphere is great, and the energy of the full house is incredible,” Randy said. “The greenroom is nice. There are always lots of volunteers. It’s so much fun!

Even the crowd feels different there because performing at the Hall of Fame brings in tourists and fans from out of town. These are bluegrass and gospel music fans. That’s why they come to the Hall of Fame - to see live

performing in Goldie’s show (Goldie’s

especially through the KET broadcast.

Best Little Opry House in KY, formerly

“Almost every week someone will stop me

housed in the present-day TWO building

and say, ‘Hey Barry we saw the show on TV.

relationship with the Bluegrass Hall of

on Frederica St) as a major influence

We loved it.’ I’m just honored to be around

Fame. They are wonderful to work with.

when they were creating their show. “I

such incredible dancers that have a passion

We’ll bring in props and costumes weeks

performed at Goldie’s for years, and I

for it like I do.”

ahead of time. The sound, the lights, the

watched how Goldie and Charlie Payne

Now that the Jamboree is in its 15th

audio equipment is all top of the line. Steve

were able to weave together their show so

year, both Barry and Randy have students

Chandler runs the house (sound). We bring

beautifully,” Barry remembers. “Charlie

who performed in the show as kids who

in professional camera guys. The whole

worked the sound and lights while Goldie

are now grown and have kids of their own

production is top quality.”

worked the show on stage and backstage.

performing in the show. “This has become

They worked beautifully together, so I took

a family tradition for a lot of families.

note of that, too.”

Especially the Christmas show,” Barry said.

bluegrass music, gospel, and country.

So our show is a good fit.”

Barry echoed, “We have a wonderful

FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT

But that was more of an unconscious

“We have lots of families that participate

Barry and Randy grew up around

influence. Barry says he had no big goals

and have participated from the beginning

several relatives that played instruments,

for creating a show one day when he

and continue to do so.”

including their grandfather, who played

started clogging; preserving the tradition

Randy says that longevity is partly due

fiddle. They also remember going to square

of clogging was his main motivation. “I

to the family-friendly atmosphere they

dances and bluegrass festivals as a family.

just fell in love with clogging. It’s such a

planned from the beginning. “We knew we

Randy says watching variety shows like

unique Kentucky and Americana dance

wanted to do a family show that everyone

“Hee Haw” on TV was an early inspiration

form. It’s the Kentucky state dance now.

would enjoy no matter their age.” Randy

for the jamboree. But for Barry, Opryland

I really just wanted to keep it going in

said. “We always planned to have several

USA was also a major influence. “I loved

the area, so we started doing some shows

guests and always feature young people. So

Opryland. Growing up, we would go, and

across the state and eventually started

I love it when people say they never know

I loved watching their shows. They had

doing school assemblies. It has expanded

what’s coming next, or they had no idea

such a variety and mix between traditional

beyond anything I could have imagined.

Owensboro had so much talent. That’s a

country

songs

We introduced clogging to Shanghai, China

great compliment to us.”

choreographed with dancing. I remember

once. Wherever God wants to take this, I’m

how flawless the show was. I was amazed

just along for the ride.”

and

newer

country

by that, and it always stuck with me.”

Both brothers also give credit to

22

Owensboro Living S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2

The Lanham Brothers Jamboree is now helping expand that reach, as well,

If you didn’t catch the show on August 6, be sure to buy tickets early for the Christmas show. Tickets are available at Bluegrasshall.org. OL

S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

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Owensboro Living S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2

Agriculture

SPONSORED CONTENT

THE COTTAGE FARM STAND & BAKING CO.

Sunflower & Pickle Festival Kicks Off October 1st H ot off the heels of the successful Strawberry

Festival,

The

Cottage Farm Stand & Baking Co. is

gearing up for the Sunflower & Pickle Festival on October 1st and 2nd from 9 am to 4 pm each day.

“I always look forward to fall weather and when the sunflowers are in bloom and the pumpkin patch is full, I know fall is here,” said Marlene Knight, owner of The Cottage.

“Pickling vegetables is one of my favorite things to do. My plan is to always have enough pickles on hand to get me through the winter, but they never last that long in my house,” Knight says with a laugh. “We try to keep The Cottage stocked with pickled beets, Kosher dill pickles,

favorites as we can into this event,” Knight said.

Like the Strawberry Festival,

Festival visitors will also be able

there will be around 80 vendors setting

to cut their own sunflower stems

up shop. You’ll find everything from

for $1 each or just take advantage of

jewelry to clothing to houseware.

the once-a-year Instagram moment

Anyone interested in renting a booth

when the sunflowers are at their

at the Sunflower & Pickle Festival

peak. Check The Cottage’s website or Facebook page for special sunflower, pumpkin patch & corn maze hours this fall.

“We’ll

also

have

plenty

of

pickled okra, bread & butter, hot &

pumpkins at the festival. Little ones

spicy —you name it and we pickle it.”

for the kids to paint all the way up

And as if that wasn’t enough,

to large ones ready to be carved into

the Sunflower & Pickle Festival will

something new, too.”

jack-o’-lanterns,” Knight said.

offer something “sunny” or pickled

The Sunflower & Pickle Festival

for every palette. There will be fried

is also adding food trucks and other

pickles, pickle Kentucky Kolache,

local fare to the event this

pickle ice pops, pickle cotton candy,

year.

pickle popcorn, sunflower shaped

excited to be able to offer

cookies & cake pops, pickle juice

even more food options at

shots, slushies and more. “We like

this event. The Cottage will

to let our imagination run wild. The

be open and serving our

festival is only two days so we want

customer’s favorites, but

to pack as much fun with two fan

we hope you’ll get to taste

Knight

said,

“I’m

should contact Marlene via email at marleneknightevents@gmail or send a message via The Cottage Facebook page @cottagehwy56. There are only a few spots left.

You don’t have to wait for the festival to visit The Cottage though.

The Corn Maze opens August 26 and will be open until 6 pm every Friday and Saturday through October and is $5.00 per person. Children under 2 get in free.

SUNFLOWER & PICKLE FESTIVAL OCTOBER 1ST AND 2ND 9 AM TO 4 PM EACH DAY $5 PARKING

Visit

The

Cottage

Farm Stand & Baking Co. at 6869 Highway 56 in Sorgho and find them at the Farmer’s Market every Saturday. OL

S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

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Agriculture

Kentuckiana Livestock Market A VITAL PART OF THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY Written by J O H N K I R K PAT R I C K

26

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

Owensboro Living S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2

K

entuckiana Livestock has

primary objective is to assist the

Walker said calves primarily

been the Tristate’s leading

calf producers in marketing their

remain in the region until they

livestock auction market for

calf crops. The organization also

reach 850 pounds. He added that

more than seven decades. The

sells cull cows, bulls, and feeder

the meat quality depends on

group is part of the Livestock

cattle.

the finishing yard and how well

Market

(LMA)

Danny Fulkerson and Riley

and serves several counties in

Association

Livestock own the market, while

Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.

Walker serves as the auctioneer.

“You have to start with a

The process has many moving

good quality product, and our

cattle, but they also facilitate

parts,

local farmers do that,” he said.

goat and sheep transactions.

seasoned

Aaron Walker has been involved

knowledgeable

with Kentuckiana for most of his life, and said the market plays an

science.

Kentuckiana specializes in

essential role in the area.

but

Kentuckiana’s

veterans

and

they adhere to suggested feeding standards.

the

“If the finishers don’t continue

agricultural

to feed the cow properly, the

community have it down to a

result can be a sub-par product.”

Kentuckiana’s

“Producers

and

long-

ranchers

standing success and reputation

“We’re providing a necessary

will bring their product to the

are likely attributed to the many

service to the local community

stockyard where it is sorted

generations of families keeping

and bordering areas,” Walker

into uniform groups,” Walker

cattle

said. “Livestock producers need

said.

paired

relevant. Walker said farming

a good, reliable place to market

together and offered to buyers

is generational by nature, and

cattle. We’re fortunate in this

who

the market embodies a family

area that we don’t have to drive

vaccinate them, ween them,

100 miles to conduct business.”

and any preconditions to send

“There’s definitely a lot of

to a finishing yard out west or

repeat business from several

Texas.”

generations of families,” he said.

Most

local

farmers

own

mother cows, and Kentuckiana’s

“Like will

cattle

is

background

them,

farming

in

the

area

atmosphere.

S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

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Agriculture

“There’s one individual in his 90s

The Baker family created the

who has only missed two auctions

market in the 60s, with Mike Baker

since the market’s conception.”

continuing to clerk every sale.

Kentuckiana

hosts

sales

every Monday at 1 p.m. with few

Fulkerson is tasked with grading every calf that enters the market.

exceptions. They also facilitate certified

and

preconditioned

health sales on Thursdays.

“The need for the yard is what makes it successful. Without this, we would have to travel a long

While the market continues to

way to market our cattle,” Walker

thrive, Walker said the number of

said. “We operate with honesty

cattle farmers in the area continues

and integrity at the forefront of

to dwindle. He is hopeful that a

what we do, and we have enough

young generation of farmers will

producers in this county to keep it

take an interest in the industry.

going.” OL

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Owensboro Living S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2

murphy excavating

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Agriculture

WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE OWENSBORO SERVES AS HOST FOR STATEWIDE CONFERENCE Written by J O S H K E L LY

U

niting women in agriculture has

been

joined

women of like mind and that were

the Daviess County chapter of the

in careers in ag, and so I did that

got in the industry as a college

organization and ultimately went

and met lots of great women and I

graduate, and now she will have the

on to serve for over 20 years as the

stayed involved with them and on

opportunity to share her passion at

chair of the chapter. She felt it was

the board up until November of last

the upcoming Women in Agriculture

important at the time, and even

year,” she said.

Conference in October.

moreso now, to find women of like

passions

of

Jenny

since

From October 10 - 12, the organization will gather in the

Stelmach

conference looking to meet some

she

Stelmach’s

one

in Owensboro. originally

mind in her industry. the

alongside and build longstanding

Center

industry, she said there were a few

relationships with several women

and have several opportunities to

women in the field, but all had the

throughout

expose the attendants to the many

same passion as her for agriculture.

all bonding on their passion of

different agricultural opportunities

“I went to my first women in ag

agriculture. “It has been great to

Owensboro

30

Convention

Owensboro Living S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2

When

she

started

She said that with since being a member, she has gotten to work

in

the

Commonwealth,

work with any of the women that

see the recognition and publicity

campus and attending a Pure Barre

have come into the group looking

for what [the local industry] is

class. With this agenda planned,

for the same thing that I was,

doing. So we wanted to feature the

she hopes the guests appreciate the

and looking to find that common

different things that have happened

history of Owensboro’s agriculture,

passion, someone to network with

in Owensboro and the agricultural

and also the many directions that

and talk to be able to confide in and

field since the conference was last

Owensboro is expanding. “I want

establish relationships,” Stelmach

held here,” she said.

them to see that Owensboro has a

said.

“Someone

that’s

going

Stelmach

considers

the

great agricultural heritage and I also

landscape

in

believe that it is a very diverse city,”

or has the same type of questions

Owensboro diverse, and since this

Stelmach said. “There’s a lot of

that they would.”

will be the first time in 20 years

things going on in Owensboro in the

through the same kind of struggles

agricultural

Now, the representation has

that participants will be able to see

agriculture field as well as economic

grown and there are several women

the city, she wants to spotlight as

development.”

in all different positions across the

many places as possible. By the time

In addition to the conference,

industry. But that doesn’t make the

the conference is over, guests will

they are offering childcare for

organization any less important

have gone to Cecil Farm’s White

participants. The decision to include

now to her. As time has passed, she

Chateau, Hayden Farms and Reid’s

childcare was a new addition to

notes that she sees more younger

Orchard. However, that will not be

the organization in an effort to

women joining and taking part in the

all that they have seen during their

not deter women from not being

programs they offer. The conference

time in Owensboro. The committee

able to participate. They are also

has been going on since 1990 and

who planned the conference wanted

accepting registrations for more

each conference rotates throughout

to ensure that guests saw a variety

people to attend the conference.

the Commonwealth. The conference

of local business and organizations

To register, head to their website

has only been held in Owensboro

in town during their stay. These

www.kywomeninag.com/annual-

once in 2001. “It’s been great to

include touring the Wendell Foster

conference. OL

S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

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Owensboro Living S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2

Agriculture

SPONSORED CONTENT

OCTOBER EVENTS AT T R U N N E L L’ S FA L L FARM EXPERIENCE

T R U N N E L L’ S FA R M E X P E R I E N C E

The Place to Be this Fall!

W

Wine Your Way Out OCTOBER 1 & 7

Great Pumpkin Glow Fest

hen the weather cools and the air turns crisp, there’s no better

place to feel the magic of fall than on

caramel apples, search for the perfect

the farm.

The harvest season brings

pumpkin, get lost in the giant corn

colorful foliage, crisp apples, mild

maze, grab a cocktail slushie or sip on

weather and pumpkins galore.

your favorite fall drink. Every autumn,

The

Farm is the place to be this fall.

Trunnell’s the

premier

Farm

thousands of visitors flock to this

Exprience,

agri-tainment

family farm to make lasting memories.

OCTOBER 8, 14, 22

Adult Only Fall Fest OCTOBER 15

Family Flashlight Night

venue

Kids that come to Trunnell’s long

in Western Kentucky and Southern

treasure the memories of taking an

Indiana, is the place to score the perfect

old-fashioned tractor-drawn wagon

pumpkin and farm family fun this

ride to the pumpkin patch and picking

season! You’ll fall in love with fall over

their own pumpkin right off the vine.

and over again at Trunnell’s. You can

Sometimes that means tall and skinny,

HalloWine Bash & Brew Fest

enjoy the warmth of the bonfires, eat

sometimes short and round, sometimes

OCTOBER 29

OCTOBER 21

S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

35

Agriculture even green and misshapen!

cold, crisp apple cider.

While

Trunnell’s Farm Experience

strolling among the thousands

& Market located in Utica, KY

of pumpkins displayed, your ears

off Hwy. 431 (Frederica Street),

ring with laughter from families

at first glance looks like many

making memories exploring the

other farms across the tri-state this time of year, but there is something magical about this farm and the experience they give their guests.

The minute

you step out of your vehicle, you are greeted by a sea of bright orange pumpkins, golden corn shocks, colorful gourds, bales of straw and stunning mums.

As

you approach the farm market,

35+ attractions at Trunnell’s Farm Experience!

From atop

the hill, you can see hundreds of families walking the paths of the giant corn maze adventure and

the

beautiful

sunflower

fields! Kevin Trunnell exclaims, “Guests of all ages love to visit our farm and make magical memories!

We are excited to

the delicious smell of fresh baked

share with all our guests the

pumpkin bread, fried apple pies,

new additions we have for the

and apple cider donuts

tickle

2022 fall season September 3 -

your nose, and your mouth

October 30! SEE YA’LL AT THE

starts to water for a glass of their

FARM! OL

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Owensboro Living S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2

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Agriculture

A STRONG COMMUNITY OF FAMILIES COMES TOGETHER IN TIMES OF NEED

Farmers Helping Farmers Written by M A R LY S M A S O N Photo by R YA N R I C H A R D S O N

L

ocal farmer Dustin Warren isn’t

Warren said that all that day

“It’s just what you do; you don’t

one for the spotlight, but when

people were stopping what they were

the local farming community lost

doing on their farms and coming to

Warren learned what was needed

one of their own, he knew the story

help the Thompsons in any way they

for families in difficult situations in

of brotherhood needed to be shared.

could. Volunteers ultimately cut,

1999, when his father, a part-time farmer, was dying of cancer.

“I am a small piece to this

baled and stored nearly 3,000 bales

puzzle,” Warren said. “But someone

of hay at the Thompson’s western

has to be the front man.”

Daviess County farm.

think twice,” he said.

“A neighbor came to tell us he was going to cut our tobacco and for

Recently Joey Thompson, co-

“People were still coming at night

owner of the multi-generational

as word spread,” Warren said. “After

Fifteen years old at the time,

farm PPJ Thompson, went in for

we finished, we sat under shade trees

Warren said that his feelings were

heart surgery and was expected to

telling stories about Joey.”

hurt because he wanted to help, but

return home, but died a week later from a pulmonary embolism.

“I guess the Lord just said, ‘Your work here is done,’” Warren said.

us not to worry,” Warren said.

Warren said that this feeling of

he now realizes what they were doing

stewardship is so important at these

by allowing the family to be together.

times.

He

said

he

frequently

was

“It’s more than just getting a

asked why he didn’t choose to get a

hearing

crop in, it’s asking ‘What do you

different job where he could make

the devastating news, the farming

need?’” he said. “There are so many

more money, but each time there is

community and neighbors began

stories like this that I think nothing

a call for help, he says he couldn’t

asking what they could do to help the

of it.”

drop what he was doing if he was in a

Within

minutes

of

farm, while also allowing the family

Warren

is

also

for

St.

a

volunteer

to not worry about the farm and

firefighter

Fire

“It’s us out here in the country,

take the necessary time to plan the

Department and says the same is true

and we are doing what we do,” he

funeral.

when they are called to situations.

said.

38

Owensboro Living S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2

Joseph

factory job.

Local farmers did the same when David Sparks was hospitalized and died from COVID-19 in the fall of 2021 when it was time for harvesting. Ten area farmers who helped with the harvest of the corn and soybeans at the Sparks family farm received the 2022 Humanitarian Award at the 42nd Annual Farm City Breakfast this year.

“So many farmers come – bringing combines and whatever else is needed to finish a crop even if theirs is still standing,” Warren said.

In

January

2022,

local

farmer

Bill

Murphy

succumbed to cancer and the farming community paid tribute by lining the road to his visitation at his house with tractors. Some came from as far away as Union County and Henderson County.

“They lined up to show support and respect,” Warren said. “It’s just another way of helping to show they care.”

Warren believes in the power of help, and said the farming community takes this with them wherever they go. Jumping in gives people this avenue to help, something he believes all people want and need.

“We’re all friends here,” he said. “We jump in to help and we are down to help. We need a good song, a good story. I hate that it took Joey to tell us this.” OL

S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

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Owensboro Living S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2

Agriculture

FA R M TO TA B L E

A Family Tradition If you’re looking for a

wonderful, unique evening out, join the families from Cecil and Hill View Farms for their 9th Annual Farm-to-Table Dinner! This year’s 21 and over event will be held on Thursday, September 22nd at Hillview Farms, 5024 Lee Rudy Road, here in Owensboro.

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

Written by D A N A P E V E L E R

B

oth Jim Gilles with Hill View

the article about the idea of a Farm-

meat, which will be chicken, pork or

Farms Meats, LLC, and Suzanne

to-Table Dinner, it was perfect for us

beef, while Cecil Farms provides the

Cecil White with Cecil Farms

to do jointly,” Gilles said.

produce. Chef Matt Weafer creates

say their families have known each

being

a fresh, flavorful meal directly from

other for many years, well before

able to relax and spend time with

what is in season and available from

they started their annual dinner,

current and potential customers in

the two farms. Jim hopes to have

and share the same passion to build

a laidback environment – getting to

several Kentucky-based beverages

community relationships through

know each other in a different light,

for the guests, as well.

healthy food.

Both are committed

all while enjoying delicious, fresh

to giving back to the community

food, and listening to exceptional

comfortable in for this outdoor fall

through their investments in youth

entertainment in a truly beautiful

evening event.

and agricultural programming.

setting.

Gilles added, “The dinner

friends, or a special date. All party

The event truly is a labor of love,

gives us a chance to be with our

sizes are welcome! Appetizers and

with over 20 family members and

customers, and even folks who aren’t

drinks will be served at 6:30, with

friends coming together to put on the

yet customers, in a different light; a

dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $75

dinner. “Our families go back a long

relaxed state.”

each.

way, and when Suzanne showed me

Both

farms

treasure

Hill View Farms provides the

Wear

whatever

you’re

Bring a group of

Seats are limited and sell

out fast! You can visit Cecil Farms S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

41

Agriculture

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

Farms Meats at: www.hillviewfarmsmeats.com to reserve your seat. You can also follow them on social media for updates!

This year’s event is sponsored by Cecil Farms, Hill View Farms Meats, as well as Melon 1, and Mischel Monuments.

Proceeds will continue to

support youth and agricultural programming in the community.

In the meantime, if you want to stop in and purchase some fresh items or gifts, you can visit Cecil Farms at the local Farmer’s Market, or call (270) 929-1445, or stop by 8753 Mulligan Road, Owensboro, KY.

You can also email at hello@

cecilfarmspd.com. To reach Hill View Farms Meats, LLC, visit their store The Market at 5024 Lee Rudy Road, Owensboro, KY, or call (270) 570-7039, or even email at hillviewfarmsky@gmail.com! OL

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Owensboro Living S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2

Photo by B R E T & B R A N D I E P H O T O G R A P H Y

website at: www.cecilfarmspd.com and Hill View

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Owensboro Living S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2

SOCIAL: HOSTING THE PERFECT TAILGATE PARTY p. 46

SENIOR LIVING: CHANGING YOUR DIET AS YOU AGE p. 48

→

LIFESTYLE

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Lifestyle S O C I A L

Host The Perfect Tailgate Party Written by J A C Q U E L I N E J O R D A N

FALL IS FINALLY UPON US, AND THAT MEANS IT’S TIME TO TAILGATE BEFORE THE BIG GAME! WHETHER YOU’RE TAILGATING IN THE PARKING LOT, YOUR DRIVEWAY OR EVEN YOUR HOUSE — THESE TIPS WILL HELP YOU HOST WITH EASE. SHOW YOUR TEAM SPIRIT It’s not a party without some decorations! You can create a fun and inviting atmosphere — even in the parking lot. Add banners, balloons and signs to your space to make it feel festive, and make sure your

steaks, fajitas or seafood. Chop

necessities, like napkins and cups,

peppers, onions and other items the

match team colors. These details will

night before so you don’t have to at

Slow cooker meals are another

create a fun atmosphere and make

the game. Think about foods you can

grilling alternative (or supplement!).

your tailgate zone stand out.

eat with your hands, like burritos,

A nice hearty soup or stew can warm

wraps or sandwiches.

up those chilly tailgaiting days. Serve

EAT UP

meal while they hang out.

up bowls of chili or chicken tortilla

You want to be part of the action, not

Don’t feel like grilling? Try walking

soup to warm everyone up and feed

behind the scenes on game day, so be

tacos! Make taco meat ahead of time,

a crowd relatively easily.

sure to plan a simple menu and prep

and bring individual bags of chips

ahead if you can. If you’re grilling

and taco toppings. Guests can pick

To lighten your load as host, provide

at the game, pick foods that cook

their bag of chips and fill it with taco

the main dish and ask your friends to

quickly, like burgers, brats, chicken,

goodness to have an easy-to-carry

bring the sides and desserts! Create

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a list of what people are bringing and share it with everyone, so no one brings the same thing. If anyone needs help, offer ideas, and let them pick.

IT’S GAME DAY Football doesn’t have to be the only game of the day. If you’re planning on tailgating for a while, bring along yard games like cornhole or giant Jenga. Kan Jam is also a great addition to your party, and everyone from kids to seniors can participate.

HAVE AN AFTER PARTY Instead of fighting traffic when the game is over, plan to linger in the parking lot for a bit with a tailgate after party. Rehash the highlights of the game over drinks, snacks or dessert.

Tailgating Checklist ​Aprons

Ice

Bins for washing and rinsing

Mosquito repellant

Bottle and can openers

Paper towels

Paper cups and plates Snacks

Chairs

Stadium seats

Coolers

Sunblock

Drinks Desserts Easy-up canopy or tent

Tables and tablecloths for prep and for eating

Food

Team flags and banners

fun! Make friends with your tailgate neighbors (no

Footballs, frisbees

Trash bags

matter who they’re cheering on) and share some of

Games

Water for cleanup

your treats or challenge them to a game of cornhole! OL

Grill and charcoal

Wet wipes

No matter your plans, the important thing is to have

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Lifestyle S E N I O R

LIVING

Changing Your Diet as You Age IDENTIFY PROBLEMS AND BE PROACTIVE! Written by D A N A P E V E L E R .

Executive Director of Senior Living—Leisure Living Communities

“Dana, I ran some tests on you because I had a suspicion, and needed to verify before I brought it up. You have Celiac Disease. It’s an autoimmune disease, that you’ve most likely had your whole life, it’s just started giving you problems now ….”

After that, every syllable was muffled under the roaring of questions. I don’t remember much else of what she said, except that I’d feel amazingly better in a few weeks of going on a glutenfree diet. Gluten-free?! I wasn’t even sure what gluten was, let alone how to make sure my diet was free of it! She gave me the information for a dietitian who would help me sort out what I could and couldn’t eat from now on. I left and marched straight into Einstein’s Bagels where I ordered my very last (on purpose) gluten-filled sandwich. While I sat there savoring

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every bite, waves of dread and fear pulsed through what felt like every cell of my body. What did she mean, no more wheat? What all was gluten in?

How would I grocery shop? Why, if I’d had this all my life, was it suddenly a problem? What is the gluten actually doing to my body? What happens if I cheat?

As we age, diagnosing food allergies becomes harder to do. It may be that we overlook a recurring symptom because we just started a new medication. Maybe we have more than one health concern that can cause many of the same symptoms, or maybe we’re reluctant to believe we could have a problem because we never have before. Aging changes things – it changes our gut’s absorption. It changes our skin, our sinuses, and so many more elements that can

impact the development of allergies or sensitivities. For example, the average age of those diagnosed with Celiac Disease are between 40 and 60, with about 20% being diagnosed after the age of 60. I was lucky. My doctor was able to identify my symptoms even before I recognized them.

Did you know nearly 11% of adults have a food allergy and about half of those were newly diagnosed in later years? Allergies like fish and shellfish, tree nuts, dairy, and wheat are just some of the most commonly reported adult-onset allergies and sensitivities.

How can you help identify whether you may be experiencing a food allergy? The first thing you can do is discuss it with your doctor. Start keeping a journal of those times when you are experiencing symptoms, and be descriptive of your environment, the times of day, how long it lasts, what you ate, what medications you’re taking, and when. Remember, just because you’ve never noticed a reaction to something before, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not having one.

Once you have identified that you definitely have an allergy or sensitivity, make sure to share that information with your family and friends. They love you, and they want to make sure you stay healthy. Don’t suffer in silence like I did for a few years, not wanting to put anyone out.

I can’t tell you how many potlucks I attended without eating.

This probably made them feel like I didn’t appreciate their food, when the truth was, I would’ve loved to have eaten that entire chocolate pie!

Meet with a dietician. Let him or her show you the way to shop and eat safely. I left my dietician’s office crying out of gratitude because she told me I actually could have a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup – it didn’t have gluten! For weeks, I’d spent countless hours at the grocery reading labels and not understanding them fully; fearful of every bite I put in my mouth that it may counteract all the

effort I’d put forward up to that point; severely depressed because my future seemed overwhelmingly complicated and bleak - new recipes with strange ingredients, that didn’t seem to measure cup for cup or tsp. to tsp. and that tasted entirely foreign to me. I kept at it, though, and learned some tricks, and identified some favorite products that work well.

Check out or buy a book on your specific needs. I carried around a book for months that helped me navigate the path I suddenly found myself on.

It’s been 12 years, and I still refer to it sometimes.

Join a Facebook group, or find an organization online you can consult to collect information. I get some of my best ideas from them.

Absolutely do not give up eating out if that brings you joy! I remember eating only a bowl full of mashed potatoes at Chili’s because I had no idea how to ask the server for a glutenfree menu. Don’t be shy! If the website

doesn’t tell you, call ahead to see what menu options they have available for you. Let your server know about your needs, and ask what foods you can eat. More often than not, they have a menu with allergens or nutritional information. Sometimes the chef will even come out to discuss your options with you. If you’re in food service, and have the freedom to make changes to your menu, if they’re easy changes to make, make them! No kidding – I get so goofy-giddy when I get to order a sandwich with actual gluten-free bread! Don’t even get me started about dessert! Did I encounter servers who didn’t take my request seriously?

Yes. But that’s where I learned to be proactive. Fortunately, that hasn’t happened in several years! Advocate for yourself.

Yes, I’ve been that woman who strutted into a restaurant clutching a bottle of gluten-free soy sauce in a brown paper bag!

If you love someone with a food allergy, sensitivity, or health-related

restriction, ask them what they’d like you to do for them. I was fearful for friends or even family to cook for me because cross-contamination is so innocently and easily done. Ask them to help you understand the hidden ingredients, and necessary utensil safety. If you know someone is going to be there with a restriction, write down what ingredients and even brands of ingredients you used along with the recipe so they can see for themselves what’s in it. If you’re the one with the restriction, take extra food to gatherings for yourself so you never have to worry about having something to eat.

Relationships

are

built

and

cultivated around meals. Remember that with every change you make, with every person you educate, you’re doing your part to ensure you get to enjoy those relationships for many years to come! OL

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Lifestyle H E A L T H

SPONSORED CONTENT

favorite foods: A tooth replacement allows you to chew your food more comfortably and naturally.

You’ll enhance your speech and smile: Clear communication and a natural smile can make you feel noticeably more confident in your interactions.

You’ll improve your overall oral health: Replacing your missing tooth will keep your jawbone strong and help protect against tooth decay and gum disease in the surrounding area.

HOW CAN I REPLACE A MISSING TOOTH?

BLUE G R ASS DE NTA L D IS C U S SES TO OTH LOSS AN D DE NTA L IM P L ANT S

W H AT H A P P E N S I F I D O N ’ T R E P L A C E A MISSING TOOTH? Missing one or several teeth can significantly impact your day-to-day life, as well as your future oral health. If you choose not to get a replacement, you could suffer several consequences both now and throughout your lifetime: You might not be able to pronounce words or chew correctly: Your teeth have a crucial function — to help you eat and communicate. A missing tooth might impact your ability to pronounce words correctly or clearly and can also impede chewing.

Your teeth can become misaligned: As your teeth shift toward each other to fill in the gap left behind by a missing tooth, they can become misaligned, which can strain the jawbone and lead to greater difficulty chewing.

Your jawbone starts to deteriorate: Because the gum and bone are no longer stimulated, your jawbone will begin to shrink, and your gums will pull back around the missing tooth. This process causes your face to sag and any adjacent teeth to weaken.

REASONS TO REPLACE A MISSING TOOTH The benefits of tooth replacement are numerous and can help you regain enjoyment and confidence in your life: You’ll look younger: By maintaining the contours of your facial structure, replacing a lost tooth can prevent your cheeks from sagging.

You’ll find more enjoyment in your

The importance of replacing missing teeth should not be overlooked.

Fortunately, you can choose from numerous options for replacing a lost tooth, including: Dentures: Dentures are a set of false teeth that can replace either a couple missing teeth or a full set of teeth.

However, they are often uncomfortable to wear and can slip out while speaking or eating.

Dental bridge: A dental device “bridges” the gap of a lost tooth between your two natural teeth. The adjacent teeth must be cut down to secure the bridge, causing irreparable damage. Bridges are not a bad option at all, especially if there is not sufficient bone for a dental implant.

Dental implant: Considered by many doctors to be the best replacement option, natural-looking implants are surgically placed into your jawbone for teeth that last a lifetime.

IN SUMMARY Note that the problems described above are just a few of the issues you might encounter if you have missing teeth at the back of your mouth. Having the tooth restored, preferably with a dental implant, will help maintain your oral health and facial appearance. If you have lost a tooth due to infection or decay, contact the dentist immediately for a dental restoration.

Missing a tooth? Loose Dentures?

Bluegrass Dental offers free implant consultations, including a 3D CBCT scan to determine if you might be a good candidate for dental implants. OL

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Lifestyle H E A L T H

SPONSORED CONTENT

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT NAMES OWENSBORO HEALTH REGIONAL HOSPITAL A HIGH PERFORMING HOSPITAL

U

.S. News & World Report, the

“We’re pleased to be recognized

global authority in hospital

for our commitment to excellent

“When patients are considering

rankings

care,” said Beth Steele, Owensboro

their options for care, the Best

advice, has named Owensboro Health

Health

Chief

Hospitals ratings are designed to help

Regional

2022-2023

Operating Officer. “Our physicians

“High Performing Hospital” (the

and team members demonstrate

them identify hospitals that excel

highest rating available) for the care

their dedication to our patients and

of heart attacks, strokes, COPD and

community daily. We will continue to

kidney failure.

invest in innovative technology along

and

Hospital

a

consumer

These annual ratings are intended

Regional

with a focus on recruiting and

to help patients and their doctors

retaining

make

ensure

informed

decisions

about

where to receive care for challenging health conditions.

Based

patient

expert

high

caregivers

quality,

safety

to and

service.”

For

the

2022-2023

Best

in the kind of care they may need,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A hospital that’s earned a High Performing rating in a service may be a good option for patients in need of that service and their medical professionals to consider.”

The

U.S.

News

Procedures

&

outcomes,

Hospitals rankings and ratings, U.S.

Owensboro Health Regional Hospital

News evaluated more than 4,500

earned “High Performing” ratings

hospitals across 15 specialties and

entirely on objective measures of

for the care of heart attacks, strokes,

20 procedures and conditions. Fewer

quality such as survival rates, patient

COPD and kidney failure, which was

than half of all hospitals received

experience, and how successfully

significantly better than the national

“High

each hospital helps patients get back

average.

only four earned this rating in all

52

on

Hospital

procedures and conditions.

Owensboro Living S E P T E M B E R / / O C T O B E R 2 0 2 2

Performing”

ratings,

and

Conditions methodology is based

home. OL

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RECIPE: WARM & COZY AUTUMN RECIPES p. 56

WHAT WE’RE EATING NOW: FRESH PRODUCE p. 61

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: SASSAFRAS p. 62

→

Photo by

JAMIE ALEXANDER

F L AVO R

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Flavor R E C I P E

Warm & Cozy Autumn Recipes Recipes and photos by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R For our agriculture issue, we thought we’d share some recipes you can make with some fresh autumn produce. So many flavors and ingredients are synonymous with autumn, and we picked some that are perfect comfort dishes that really hit the spot once the weather starts to cool. So once you see the leaves start to change, pull out the chunky socks and baggy sweaters and sit down with an oversized plate filled with these delicious fall flavors.

Acorn Squash Mac & Cheese INGREDIENTS 1 acorn Squash (plus additional if you plan on using as bowls)

Garlic powder to taste

minutes, or until golden brown and soft.

Dry mustard to taste

2. Once roasted, take the halved acorns

Salt & pepper to taste

(not the ones used as bowls), and

INSTRUCTIONS

butter, broth, milk, garlic powder, dry

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut one

acorn squash in half. If you plan on using others as bowls, you will slice the bottom

combine them in a large pot with the mustard, and pepper. Stir consistently while heating up on medium heat (about 8min).

16oz. box of pasta (your favorite bitesized!)

points off so they can stand upright, and

3. Remove from heat and blend with an

then the top portion at the widest point

immersion blender or food processor

3 cups shredded cheese (again, your favorite - I mixed white cheddar/ parmesan)

(to act as a lid). Scoop out the middle of each squash (seeds, etc), and discard.

until smooth, then slowly add cheese

1 cup milk 1 cup chicken broth 2 Tbs butter

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Then drizzle olive oil on top of what remains and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place the squash and

until all cheese is melted.

4. Add cooked pasta and stir until coated.

Then transfer into the squash “bowls”

lids on a baking sheet and add a small

and cool a few minutes before serving!

splash of water in each squash and on the

The interior of the bowls will also be

pan itself. Roast in the oven for 40-50

edible!

Sweet Potato Casserole INGREDIENTS FILLING: 4 pounds raw sweet potato 2 large eggs 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp salt 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1 tsp cinnamon TOPPING 5 Tbs unsalted butter, melted 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup pecan halves 1/4 tsp salt

INSTRUCTIONS

3. Add eggs, butter, milk, brown sugar,

Then add brown sugar, flour, and salt.

1. Peel and dice sweet potatoes into

granulated sugar, vanilla, salt, nutmeg,

Toss with a fork until moist crumbs

and cinnamon. Beat with an electric

form. Add the pecans and toss until

large chunks. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Cook with high heat until the potatoes are tender, then drain and

mixer on medium speed until combined and fluffy. Pour into the baking dish and

incorporated.

smooth the top out with a spatula. Set

5. Spread the topping overtop the filling

aside.

evenly. Bake for 45 minutes, or until the

spray a 3-qt baking dish with cooking

4. To make the topping, add butter

top is golden brown and the edges are

spray.

to a microwave-safe bowl and melt.

set. Serve immediately!

transfer to a large bowl.

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and

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Flavor R E C I P E

Easy Apple Tart INGREDIENTS 1 sheet puff pastry 4 apples 3 Tbs Sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 2 Tbs apricot jam 1 tsp water 1 egg (for egg wash - crust)

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INSTRUCTIONS

the crust. Combine the cinnamon

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

and sugar and sprinkle over the apple

Roll out puff pastry sheet on a baking

slices.

sheet lined with parchment paper.

3. Bake in the preheated 400 degree

Score out a 1/2 “crust” around the perimeter, then poke holes through

oven for 40 minutes.

the interior.

4. Mix apricot jam and water in a

2. Cut the cores from each apple,

bowl (microwave for 10-15min if it

then slice them into 1/8” pieces.

Arrange them on the puff pastry,

needs to be thinned out more). Brush the jam over the baked apples and

overlapping slightly within the 1/2

crust to make a glaze. Cool before

inch crust. Brush an eggwash over

serving! OL

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Flavor D I S H

What we’re eating now

Since this is our annual issue on our community’s agriculture, we thought it fitting to feature fresh, local produce. And everyone knows our farmers produce some of the best veggies (and meats) around.

Stuffed Tomato

Hillview Hash

For a fresh take from a local favorite,

Like we said, in addition to the county’s

COLBY’S DELI

try a farm-fresh stuffed tomato from Colby’s Deli. They start with a giant tomato from Riney Farms, and stuff it with chicken salad (or tuna salad, if you prefer). Then Colby’s Deli serves it on a bed of greens with egg and cheese and your choice of salad dressing.

SASSAFRAS

fresh vegetables, our local farmers also produce outstanding quality meat. For their hash, Sassafras uses slow smoked, fresh beef short rib from Hillview Farms.

They finish it with locally-sourced sauteed cabbage, carrots, onion and cherry tomatoes.

Peach & Halloumi Toast

NIKO’S BAKERY AND CAFÉ For something to satisfy your sweet and savory craving, try Niko’s Bakery & Café’s Peach & Halloumi Toast. Made on Niko’s fresh sourdough bread with halloumi cheese, and featuring Reid’s Orchard Peaches and Cecil Farms honey and rosemary.

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Flavor R E S T A U R A N T

SPOTLIGHT

SASSAFRAS

Keeping It Local Written by J A C Q U E L I N E R U S S E L L Photos by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R

S

assafras, a hyper-local restaurant featuring

scratch-made

Kentucky

and regional food with a global

influence, is now open in downtown Owensboro. The owners, brothers Matt and Dennis Weafer, say this is just the beginning.

“Something like this has always been in the back of my mind,” Matt, who also owns Niko’s Bakery & Cafe, said. “And my brother and I have always wanted to do something together.”

“We’ve talked about working together for a long time,” echoed Dennis, who owns Fetta Specialty Pizza.

The two have combined their talents to create a new restaurant that highlights the best local ingredients and spirits, where patrons can dine surrounded by local art.

“It’s comfort food,” Matt said. “It’s the stuff that my brother and I grew up eating, stuff from backyard cookouts.

That’s the origin of it.”

The dishes are familiar, but often with a twist — like chicken and dumplings, but with smoked chicken and French gnocchi.

“We wanted to remind you of stuff you’d have at your grandmother’s house, but not that close, because Grandma always makes it better,” Matt said. “We want to make sure it’s different enough.

It’s not grandma’s chicken, but it’s special.”

Dennis said he’s proud to stand behind any dish they serve, but his favorite is anything featuring their smoked pimento cheese.

Sourcing instead

of

hyper-local using

more

ingredients prominent

restaurant vendors not only makes the

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“Local vendors have worked out great, and it’s a more sustainable way for smaller restaurants.

We can change our menu as the seasons change, depending on what’s available.”

SASSAFRAS IS LOCATED AT 420 FREDERICA STREET AND IS OPEN TUESDAY - SATURDAY, 11 A.M. TO 9 P.M.

restaurant special, but could also be what keeps it

distilleries we want to feature and highlight,”

going during uncertain economic times.

Matt said. “We have a handful of gins and handful

“We buy the food from local farmers, and with almost everything, we’re on a first-name basis,” Matt said. “Most of our farmers, we just send them a text, and they come straight from the farm.

of vodkas that are made here in Kentucky. Same thing with the beers, with the exception of a few major domestics that people have to have.”

Suzanne Cecil (of Cecil Farms) brought a bunch of

The brothers say this is just the beginning.

produce down here earlier, and she’s like, ‘I just

“We are all a bunch of food geeks and the thing

picked it this morning. It’s still dirty.’ But that’s

we’re most excited about is the possibilities of

what I want.”

“It’s a unique situation,” Dennis said. “Large

what we get to make,” Matt said. “We want to play

food vendors have anything you’d want, but that

around with making our own charcuterie and our

changed with COVID. Local vendors have worked

own cheeses. We’re going to start bottling sauces

out great, and it’s a more sustainable way for

and put them up on the shelf to sell.”

smaller restaurants. We can change our menu as the seasons change, depending on what’s available.”

Even the drink selection has local roots, sourcing locally made liquors.

“Kentucky

has

so

many

cool

boutique

After launching with a slow, soft opening to get everything just right, Dennis wants everyone to know the restaurant is ready for customers.

“We’re open,” he said, “And I’d highly recommend making a reservation.”

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

Fertile Land and Hardworking Farmers Written by L O R A W I M S AT T

D

aviess County farmers crowded into the circuit courtroom 100 years ago to consider an endorsement presented by the Burley Tobacco Growers Co-operative Marketing Association – and overwhelmingly voted to organize a similar organization in the Green River, One Sucker and Stemming district.

Yes, that’s what it was called, according to an article published in the Jan. 15, 1922, edition of the Owensboro Messenger.

The eloquent appeal detailing benefits of cooperative marketing included an example previously experienced by fruit growers in California. Prior to their organization, they had received anywhere from 8 to 12 cents for every $1 spent by consumers for their products. Now, their share had risen to 48 cents.

In describing how the system would work for local farmers, Virgil Chapman of Lexington, the assistant general counsel of the cooperative marketing association, explained that “under the present system, the tobacco manufacturer and buyers borrow money with which he buys tobacco, pays insurance, wages, handling costs, etc., adding these to the price he asks for his tobacco – but not taking into consideration the cost to the farmer growing the crop.”

He added: “Under the co-operative system, the farmer would figure land values, depreciation, labor, interest on his investment, and base the price for his tobacco on the actual cost of raising it plus a reasonable profit.”

The co-op also offered the benefit of consistent grading, and the speaker promised that buyers and

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warehouses were not opposed to the development of the organization.

This was a big deal to local farmers.

As of Feb. 19 that same year, the tobacco crop in the five-county Green River district had been measured at 28,000,000 pounds – and its growers had been paid $4,085,881.83.

A lot of money then (and now!) – especially when a quick zip through an inflation calculator places that figure at $72,056,471.73 in 2022 dollars.

By June 1922, more than 25 percent of Daviess County’s tobacco acreage – conservatively estimated at 14,000 acres – had been pledged to the “tobacco pool.”

The figure would have been higher, the newspaper reported, but of course “the growers are all very busy,” and so far only eight out 86 districts had been surveyed, but of those eight districts, anywhere from 75 to 85 percent of farmers signed up.

Recruitment was important because of a requirement that two-thirds of

the total acreage of tobacco grown in the county had to be pooled before the contract became binding.

Chairman Will Hayden reported “the organization committee was highly elated over the spirit displayed on all occasions when workers have submitted the contracts to growers.”

As an example, about 115 acres out of a total of 214 in the Masonville district were committed. J.W. Ellis of that district said it was an easy decision: “There is nothing else to do if the tobacco growers ever expect to get anywhere than mere laborers by the day.”

By Aug. 27, about 15,000 acres had been pledged, including 8,000 acres in Daviess County – and it was clear that the overall district quota would be met. Farmers were informed that receiving stations would be held in Owensboro, Fordsville, Hartford, Calhoun, Cloverport, Hawesville and Livermore, and the growers would receive advances on their crops after they had been delivered and graded.

It was just one example of progress being developed among the agricultural foundation upon which Daviess County stood so strongly. Overall, 1922 was a very good year for local farmers, with an Owensboro Messenger article on Oct. 15 saying crop reports in Daviess County exceeded those of neighboring counties. Corn, wheat, Irish potatoes, tobacco, sorghum for syrup and, of course, tobacco, were all having a successful year of production.

And it may have been for that reason that land values in Daviess County exceeded those of other counties in the district. Land without improvements was valued at an average of $77 an acre; with improvements, the valuation soared to $94.

By comparison, unimproved land in Hancock County was valued at a measly $23.33 per acre; Ohio County, not much better at $23.75; McLean, $45; and Henderson, $50. With improvements, values “rose” to $32.25 in Ohio County; $46 in Hancock; $58.33, McLean; and $60 in Henderson County.

What does it all mean? Maybe nothing.

Or maybe everything.

Because here’s what we know for sure: Farmers are important, their work is essential, and their contributions to our community, state, country and the world are priceless. OL

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