24 Goodbye Winter Blues, Hello Winter Migrants
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Andrea Woody
Get REAL-alistic
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Suzanne Cathey
A Musical Note Devin Perkins
Holiday’s, Anyone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Robert A. Valentine
Notes & Neighbors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Murray Life Staff
A Decade of Angels in Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 A Recollection with Donna Herndon
Pet Pause . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Caina Lynch
A Laughing Matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Murray Life Readers and Staff
Time Traveler: Homeplace 1850s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Andrew Dundee
Count On It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Caina Lynch
One Square Block, One Afternoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Erin Carrico
Trivia Quiz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Caina Lynch
Money Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Ron Arant
Homes for the Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Jamie Helton
Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Caina Lynch
Dining Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Murray Life Staff
Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 What’s Happening & Where
Crafts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Caina Lynch
The Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Robert Valentine
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VOLUME 19 - NUMBER 5 - HOLIDAY 2012 Printed in the USA www.mymurraylife.com .........................................................................
Publisher Robert Valentine Operations Manager/Sales & Marketing Vicki Jo Stevens-Valentine Associate Managing Editor Caina Lynch Art Director Justin B. Kimbro, Limelight Design Company, LLC Assistant Art Director Amanda G. Newman, Limelight Design Company, LLC Production Devin Perkins Editorial Staff Logan Abbitt | Caina Lynch Internet Consultant Justin B. Kimbro, Limelight Design Company, LLC Staff Photography Justin B. Kimbro | Caina Lynch Terry Little Contributing Writers Connie Alexander | Ron Arant | Erin Carrico | Suzanne Cathey Jamie Helton | Sandy Linn | Caina Lynch Devin Perkins | John Pollpeter | Robert Valentine | Andrea Woody Printing Copy Plus, Murray, Kentucky Murray Life is published five times annually for the Murray area. All contents copyright 2012 by Murray Life Productions. Reproduction or use of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Comments written in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of Murray Life. Subscription rate is $15.00 per year, two years $25.00. Subscription inquiries and all remittances should be made to Murray Life: PO Box 894, Murray, KY 42071. Subscriptions may also be made through the Web site, www.mymurraylife.com. All advertising inquiries should be directed to the Managing Editor at: PO Box 894, or by calling 270-753-5225. E-mail us at: murraylife@aol.com This magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. All submissions may be edited for length, clarity and style.
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[ $ ] intro editorial
Holidays, Anyone? by: Robert A. Valentine
“What reason have you to be merry?” – Ebenezer Scrooge ld Mr. Scrooge was in a serious argument with his nephew when he raised the question more than 150 years ago, but the answer is just as important to use, today. What reason, indeed?
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In this issue, we salute the season of holidays – from Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day with a hope that we will remind you, discover with you, and rejoice with you all the reasons to be merry in this season and into the new year. For many, this is been a hard
year. As it came to a close, Murray lost three of its most prominent and productive citizens in a single week. What reason, indeed. To begin, Jamie Helton’s elegant pen will take you on a tour of some beautiful homes as the Kappas of the Murray Women’s Club seek to share community with charity again this year. We’ll take you to the oldest home in the Four Rivers region with a visit to Pryor Hollow in 1862 and you won’t even have to leave your chair. Andrea Woody will take you on a journey of thousands of miles with the migrant beast and birds that pass through our area, but you won’t need your passport. Our old friend Ron Arant will help you put 2012 to bed, financially, with some tips on taxes, and we’ll join Todd Hill’s Quintet in celebration of a new recording. We’ll also celebrate ten years of angelic progress with the help of Donna H e r n d o n ’ s memories of
Angel’s Clinic and Angel’s Attic. Is that reason enough? Reasons to be merry abound in this friendliest of towns, so keep your schedule up to date, your dining plans on target, and your mind challenged with our helpful calendars, dining guide and puzzle and humor pages. Read closely and Suzanne Cathey will tell you more about Christmas trees than you thought possible. Our own Caina Lynch will give you the berries – cranberries, that is – but in some new and interesting forms. From our eclectic little group of artists and scribblers to you and yours: may the season be warmed by your heart and the darkness be dispelled by the smiles of those you love. We’ll see you in 2013, and share more reasons to be very, very merry as we each live our own Murray Life. s
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[ ] notes & neighbors
A Lot of Help from a Little Once again, in our last issue, we published a photo without giving proper credit to the photographer. We’re used to it. The reason is that many people provide photographic art to the Murray Life. We ask for permission
to use it, and we ask if we may credit the photographer. In the last few years, we’ve been getting more photos with kind and generous permission, but without a clear idea of who took the shot. 9 times out of 10, it was Terry Little. A not-so recent arrival to Murray, Terry is a fixture at public events. Armed with his very fine array of photo gear, he generously donates
his time and his talent to preserving the visual memories of the events that make Murray the place it has officially become – the friendliest town in America. We pause, in this space, to say “Thanks!” to the man who selflessly – and often anonymously – preserves the images of the community. Terry Little: have camera, will travel. s
Good Book, Anyone? Cozying up with a good book is a wonderful way to spend a chilly afternoon and a great place to find fabulous books is, of course, the Calloway County Public Library. Readers of all ages are guaranteed to find a good book whether it is an old favorite, a new release by a favorite author, or a New York Times bestseller. But many may not be aware that in addition to books the Calloway County Public Library offers a wonderful collection of audio-visual materials including Blu-Rays, DVDs and audio books, electronic resources and great programming. In May of this year, the Calloway County Public Library implemented a new library automation system that has made managing the electronic and paper materials of the library much easier. An automation system designed specifically for public libraries from The Library Corporation. Patrons can now check their library
accounts, renew books and place holds online as well as search electronic databases.
patrons and staff all of whom are enjoying the varied options that are now available with it.”
Kentucky Libraries Unbound is a consortium of Kentucky Libraries and is now available at CCPL. Patrons may access Kentucky Libraries Unbound through CCPL’s web site and after logging in with their CCPL library card number and pin number may borrow e-books, audio and video material.
So whether you are looking for great reading, information or fun you can find what you’re searching for at the Calloway County Public Library! -- Sandy Linn s
Programs the Public Library offers: (check the website for more information)
Access to all library materials and electronic resources is available to all library patrons free of charge with a valid library card. Library cards are also free and the newly designed to offer convenience for adults. Children of all ages are granted library cards with parent or guardian permission.
•
BROWN BAG BOOK GROUP
Held one Monday a month from noon to one bring lunch and discussion ideas.
THE FORT DONELSON DISCUSSION GROUP
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Meets one Sunday a month for those who love American History. •
BOOK TO MOVIE CLUB
Held one Saturday a month offers book and movie lovers the opportunity to discuss the book and the film version with snacks
Mignon Pittman, library director stated, "We’ve been very pleased with the successful transition to our new system. It has been enthusiastically received by both
and a viewing of the film.
SCARF-MAKING AND QUILTING FOR ADULTS • CHRISTMAS STORYTELLING AND SANTA WINTER BOOK SALE
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[ ] notes & neighbors
Kentucky’s 12 days of Christmas From “Bah, humbug!” to “God bless us, everyone,” and every yuletide sentiment in between, Kentucky’s Twelve Days of Christmas covers the agony and ecstasy of the season. Just released from Vested Interests Publications in time for the holidays, this collection of stories and poems features work from some of the Commonwealth’s best-loved writers, past and present. According to James B. Goode, editor of the anthology, “Christmas stories, poems and songs were being written by Kentucky writers almost from the beginning of the Commonwealth in 1792.” Kentucky’s Twelve Days of Christmas builds upon that foundation and includes works seldom seen, including Robert Penn Warren’s story, “The Christmas Gift,” and western Kentucky’s own Irvin Cobb’s “The Exit
of Anse Dugmore,” which was first published in the beloved Saturday Evening Post, December 17, 1910. More contemporary offerings were penned by Frank X Walker, whose poem “Elves” describes the agonizing wait for Santa Claus, starting with grocery shopping at the A & P, cooking chores, watching favorite Christmas specials on TV, and extending right up to Christmas morning when “…mamma teased me/ from my pretend slumber.” A more reflective note is sounded in a chapter from Karen McElmurray’s memoir, “Surrendered Child”, which recounts her journey from her teen years to middle age, when she is reunited with the son she released for adoption at birth. Kentucky’s Twelve Days of Christmas puts the spotlight on top quality writing from every era of the Commonwealth’s
history. Writers from the turn of the nineteenth century are represented, including Francis James Child. From the turn of the twentieth century, such greats as James Lane Allen, John Fox, Jr., John Jacob Niles and Paducah’s Irvin S. Cobb are featured. Some current Kentucky authors familiar to today’s readers are Leatha Kendrick, Sallie Bingham and Richard Taylor. The mood of each piece varies, ranging from solemn to silly, reverent to raunchy. A holiday narrative of mine pays homage to my Susie Walker doll who, like a veritable sugar plum, was a vision that danced in my head in the days leading up to Christmas, until an unfortunate encounter soured my passion. Kentucky’s Twelve Days of Christmas is designed as a gift quality coffee table book that will enthrall readers of all ages. At $24.95 plus tax, the book is available at www.kentuckymonthly.com, or through a toll free call to Lindsay at 1-888-329-0053. Locally, Kentucky’s Twelve Days of Christmas is on sale at the Murray State University Bookstore. s Constance Alexander won a poetry contest in fourth grade and has been writing ever since. Her column, Main Street, has been featured weekly in the Murray Ledger & Times for twenty-four years. She is a commentator on WKMS-FM, and is an award-winning poet, playwright, fiction and non-fiction writer.
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[ ] notes & neighbors
Trees Flew October 27th was a busy day in Central Park. Beginning before dawn, trailers unloaded cattle and sheep, tents went up, and men in kilts started to arrive. It was, once again, the Murray Highland Festival. This time, there was an official Highland Athletic competition. Members of the Society for Creative Anachronism staged simulated medieval combat, as folks strolled the shaded “Avenue of the Clans” toward the stages where Highland and Irish dancing was performed. The popular “Highland Reign” performed, the “Wee Bairns’
Games” were held for the children, and the weather, despite a brisk Scottish breeze, was very cooperative as bagpipers Ed Smith and Ray Main brought the sounds of the Scots to Murray. “Very successful,” was the verdict of festival board president Debbie McConnachie at the Ceilidh (party, that is) that evening. She promises more fun when the Scots get together on January 26th to celebrate the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns. Watch the Murray Life Facebook page for an update on time and place as the kilts turn out for their first event of 2013. s
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[ ] profile
A Decade of Angels in Partnership A Recollection with Donna Ruth Herndon
here are people who have never known a Murray without the Angels Clinic or its companion institution, the Angels Attic. In fact, both organizations are celebrating their tenth year of partnership in 2012 and, as fundamental and reliable as they seem to us today, the short decade of their birth and growth started with more excitement than anyone wanted.
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good reason for prayer. “I did all I knew to do to continue raising the funds needed on an ongoing basis and then relinquished the seemingly insurmountable task to God,” Donna remembers. As it turns out, it was the best choice she could have made.
“Exactly one week after I made the decision, I received a call from a retired nun. She had been following the story of the Angels Clinic in the paper and asked, ‘Could you use The Angels Community Clinic had some money?’ My eyes opened in February 2000. The filled with tears as I support for the clinic and its mission shared my prayer of Angels Attic 2012 Open House decoration was enthusiastic, but volunteers and desperation with her.” donations were not able to keep up The welcome cash did the job, but with the need. Donna tells it best in a memoir she soon began to run short. There had wrote celebrating the Tenth to be a regular source of revenue or “Our mission to provide health care anniversary. the project would leap from crisis to to the uninsured working poor of crisis. Fortunately, it was a She had inherited some money. It our community was in jeopardy,” community project and the was invested in a CD which had recalls Donna Herndon. There was a community came to the rescue. matured. She was willing to give the Angels Clinic the In a meeting with Rev. Carolyn West entire $10,000 amount. As and Rose Bogal-Allbritten during we discussed the bleak the Spring of 2002, the suggestion situation, she suggested that was made that St. John’s church we use her donation as a could be the site of a thrift shop that match to encourage other might help raise some of the badly donors. I sent hand-written needed funding. letters of appeal to people I knew, as well as to churches, The Ledger & Times told the story and civic organizations. By nearly ten years later: “With an the end of the month, the full initiative that was started by St. amount had been matched! John’s Episcopal Church about a Photo by Mike Crick. From left to right, Betty We had $20,000 in the bank! month and a half ago, Donna Blodgett, Jackie Harrison, Donna, & Carol Sampson On Friday, July 12, 2002, the banner headline of the Murray Ledger & Times proclaimed “An Answer to Prayers.” The answers could not have come at a better time.
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provided a focus for strong cooperative relationships with Need Line, the local Red Cross chapter, the Family Resource and Youth Services Center, domestic violence and homeless shelters, and other social service agencies. Those in need could receive vouchers to Angels Attic so those needs could be met more effectively. From school clothes for needy children to help for the victims of house fires, hundreds have been helped. And the giving doesn’t stop with Murray. In August of 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans. The community sent a bus filled with relief supplies, and then received more than 100 refugees from the hurricane, most with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
Herndon, chair of the Angels Community Clinic Board, was finally able to find the answer to her prayers as plans to open Angels Attic, a thrift shop, began to flourish.”
Literally tons of clothing, “bedding, personal and household items were donated by caring people from all over the area.
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– Donna Herndon
“In a matter of weeks,” Donna recalls, “the Angels Attic outgrew the space provided by St. John’s. The community had never had a thrift shop, and the Angels Attic proved to be wildly popular. The community was thankful for a place to recycle used clothing and household objects. And shoppers loved it! But of greatest importance, desperately needed funds were being generated
to keep the Angels Clinic open.” Now, the challenge was for a larger location. In a few months, “the Attic” opened on Chestnut Street with almost 17,000 square feel of space which quickly absorbed donations and shoppers. With the increase in activity came a greater need for staff. Once again, simple acts of kindness took the form of solutions to deeper problems. “We were able to provide employment opportunities, to senior citizens who were living on fixed incomes, individuals who needed part-time work, special needs friends, and former felons who had done community service at the Attic during their incarceration,” said Donna. It was an added bonus. And the bonuses multiplied. By doing good deeds, Angels Attic was providing support for the Clinic. Now, this center for reaching out to those in need
“Literally tons of clothing, bedding, personal and household items were donated by caring people from all over the area.” Says Donna. “Angels Attic became the clearinghouse for processing and distributing all these donations.” The attempt to raise just a little more money for community health has turned into something remarkable. After a decade of partnership, the Angels Clinic now employs four caregivers, including a Nurse Practitioner as its director. Dozens of volunteers help them provide health care for the uninsured working poor of our community. To date, there have been nearly 29,000 patient visits to the Angels Community Clinic since the opening in February 2000. By tapping indigent drug programs, almost $7,000,000 worth of prescription medicines has been dispensed at no charge to patients.
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] pet pause Fostering For a Happy Future by: Brandi King
n their first visit to the Humane Society of Calloway County at the Weaks Community Center, many people are surprised to only find an office full of volunteers and two resident, adoptable cats. Instead of having a building with kennels and cages, the Humane Society has foster families that house and care for their animals as they make the transition to a forever home.
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Except for actually owning a dog or cat, nothing is more enjoyable or more rewarding than fostering an animal and realizing that you are the one making it possible for the animal to spend time with a loving family instead of at a shelter or, possibly, being euthanized.
What exactly is a “foster home?”
so fulfilling to know “thatIt’s you’ve helped an
A foster home is a transitional home from an animal’s past to its happy future. “Fosters,” as the humans are called, provide love, attention and safety for a period of time until the animal’s perfect family comes along. “It’s so fulfilling to know that you’ve helped an animal through a difficult time in its life and made it possible for it to be adopted,” says Humane Society Executive Director Kathy Hodge. “Fosters are so excited when a forever home is found for the animal they foster.”
animal through a difficult time in its life and made it possible for it to be adopted.
Don’t know if you are the fostering kind? There are as many types of fosters as there are types of pets. Each foster home is unique. They vary
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– Kathy Hodge
from college students to families with and without children at home to homes with more animals than humans. Each foster has one thing in common: the desire to help animals in need.
What kind of animals need foster homes? Foster parents are needed for puppies, young dogs, senior dogs, kittens and adult cats. Fosters are also needed for animals waiting for transport to a rescue organization and for animals that need medical care or time for recuperation from injury or illness. As a foster, you decide what you are able to foster. Foster parents are needed in all these categories at different times and the Humane Society offers orientation with each type.
How much time does it take?
On the 2nd Wednesday of each month at WKMS, we take adoptable dogs to the station. Left to right, Brandi King, Chad Lampe, Arielle Lyford and Cheyenne.
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The length of time you may be asked to foster a dog or cat varies dramatically, depending on circumstances. Foster parents don't need to be home 24 hours a day, but you might have to alter your schedule to the animal’s needs.
household is not always the best thing. If you adopt a pet that you're fostering, you might reach your limit and not be able to accept any others. That will be one less foster home for the Humane Society. Betty Enoch, a longtime Humane Society supporter, has fostered dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, and goats, specializing in animals with physical or behavioral issues. “By being a foster mom, my home is a halfway house to a forever home,” Enoch explains. “As long as I think about Long-time cat foster, Jane Shoemaker and her it that way, I don’t current foster, Rusty. get too attached. It’s What is there to do besides worth it to watch an animal love the animal? progress from being fearful from abuse to blossoming into a nice, friendly pet.” There is more involved with a foster pet than affection, feeding Some fosters say they realize and grooming. Being sure a dog the animal has a perfect family gets the appropriate exercise is somewhere and it is simply essential. Working with a dog on a guest in their home. Hannah basic training such as Wolf, college student, volunteer housetraining, chewing or and foster mom, focuses jumping will make it more on the future. “I know that adoptable. Jordan Hayes, a they (her fosters) are going volunteer and former foster mom to a good home,” she says. for the Humane Society, fostered kittens and puppies. “Fostering has really helped to make me a better dog owner and, with my My home is a halfway new job in dog training, I use the to a forever home. house knowledge about traits of different breeds to solve training problems,” Hayes says.
“
What is the financial commitment for the foster? The Humane Society pays for vet visits, medication, collars, leashes, ID tag, microchip and crates. They are happy to provide other necessities such as dishes, bedding and food as needed. s If you would like more information about saving animals by becoming a Humane Society foster home, contact the Humane Society at 270-759-1884, at humanesociety@murray-ky.net or visit us at the Weaks Community Center, 607 Poplar Street, Murray, KY. You can find a Foster Home Application Form on our website at www.ForThePets.org.
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– Betty Enoch
What if I fall in love with my foster animal? Of course, you will likely fall in love with your foster pet, but adding one more pet to your
“When a foster dog gets adopted, it opens my home to another dog that needs somewhere to stay and that's the best part.”
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[ ď‚— ] a laughing matter
Lovesick Laugh Lines by: Murray Life Staff
Just when a man's wallet is recovering from Christmas, he realizes it's almost Valentine's Day -- that is, if he's lucky he realizes it. So, let's face it: the "Love Boat" always leaks and the Road to Romance is full of rocks and ruts. We'll all get through Valentine's Day much more happily if we remember to laugh along with love. Here are a few reasons to chuckle while you snuggle with your sweetie.
Q: What did the stamp say to the envelope?
Q: What did the light bulb say to the switch?
A: I'm stuck on you.
A: You turn me on.
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At a wedding a little girl asked her mother why the bride was dressed in white. The mother responded that white is the color of happiness and today is the happiest day of her life. After thinking about what her mother said, the little girl asked "So why is the groom wearing black?" ................................................
A man and his wife were having an argument about who should brew the coffee each morning. The wife thought he should since he was the first one awake in the morning; the husband thought she should because it was her job to do all the cooking and cleaning around the house. She defended herself by saying that in the Bible the man should make the coffee. Seizing the Bible she opened to the New Testament, she triumphantly showed him at the top of several pages that it, indeed, said, "HEBREWS."
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Q: What happens when you fall in love with a pastry cook A: He desserts you. ....................................................... A strained voice called out through the darkened theater, "Please, is there a doctor in the house?!" Several men stood up as the lights came on in response to a woman's cry. An older lady, already standing, pulled her daughter to stand next to her, "Good; are any of you single doctors interested in a date with a nice girl?" ....................................................... After being with her all evening, the man couldn't take another minute with his blind date. Earlier, he had secretly arranged to have a friend call him to the phone so he would have an excuse to leave if something like this happened. When he returned to the table, he lowered his eyes, put on a grim expression and said, "I have some bad news. My grandfather just died." "Thank heavens," his date replied. "If yours hadn't, mine would have had to!" HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
This is medium level puzzle #22...Good Luck!
This is hard level puzzle #23...Good Luck!
Instructions: Place the numbers 1 through 9 in each blank field. Each column (down), row (across) and 3x3 region must contain each of the numerals only one time.
By popular demand, we are providing a two different puzzles with two different degrees of difficulty.
Again, good luck! Where is the Solution? Not sure of your answers? Turn to page 19!
If you have a favorite kind of print puzzle you’d like to see, contact us with your ideas at:
Go to www.murraylifemagazine.com We’ll see you next issue with another great puzzle!
Puzzle Editor, Murray Life PO Box 894 Murray, KY 42071
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[
] day trips Time Traveler: Homeplace 1850s by: Andrew Dundee
illiam Pryor was a busy man. In the early 19th Century, the industrious farmer acquired about 40 acres of land lying between the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers in what is now modern day Stewart County, Tennessee, not far south of the KentuckyTennessee border.
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was much closer, “andReality far more fearful.” – Andrew Dundee
Pryor’s family worked the land for at least 10 years, and the fertile flatland, ringed by low hills, became known as Pryor Hollow. Today, nearby Pryor Creek and Pryor Bay give evidence that the family was well
known in the region. Their homeplace was well situated, with protection from the winds, access to fresh water from the runoff of the hills, flat grazing acreage and plenty of wood for building. Today, their homeplace is just that: the Land Between the Lakes’ Homeplace 1850s. The farm, which includes 16 log buildings – 14 of them retrieved and restored from sites within 10 miles of Pryor Hollow – represents a prosperous farmstead from a century and half in the past. A visit to the place, carefully and lovingly maintained, must be much akin to stepping out of a time machine into an age where hard work paid big dividends, life was simple and often dangerous, and events such as war and scandal were worlds away. This December, however, the
Photograph Courtesy of Friends of the LBL
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greatest war in American history will visit the bucolic paradise, just as it did in 1862. The time machine that is Homeplace 1850s will spin the dials and deliver visitors to the early days of the Civil War, when armies moved across the Land Between the Rivers, when men and boys might be called to arms and women were thrust into positions of leadership and responded with wisdom and courage. You could be there. On Saturday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., the volunteers and staff who bring Homeplace to life of its visitors will portray what must have been one of the most difficult times for the farmers, iron workers and craftsmen who lived and worked between two of America’s greatest rivers. The Civil War will come to Pryor Hollow. What you will see is a farm where Federal Troops, under the general command of the newlyminted Major General Ulysses S. Grant, may have marched through on their way to Forts Donelson and Henry, one on the Cumberland and the other overlooking the Banks of the Tennessee. Grant, whose command included General Lew Wallace, later to become famous for writing the book, Ben Hur, took both forts during the early part of 1962, thus cutting off the rest of the Confederacy from the
Photograph Courtesy of Friends of the LBL
productive Tennessee Valley. In a year, he would take Vicksburg, dividing the south in half. But all that was only rumor to the people who tried to maintain their lives and their property in Pryor Hollow. Reality was much closer, and far more fearful. LBL interpretive director Cindy Earls puts it this way: “The Union Army stationed at Fort Donelson is sending out foraging parties to gather food, bedding, livestock, etc., to supply the army’s needs. Irregular Confederate guerillas are also foraging for food to feed
their men; some harass families that have Union sympathies. Some, still under the guise of guerillas, are criminals that are taking advantage of the situation and rob families of valuables. We find our Homeplace family in December 1862 facing a winter with limited food supplies and little money to buy any provisions for their family, even if they were available. There is a constant worry about the safety of husbands, sons and brothers who are in distant army camps.” Visitors will be spared the worry. They have only to cross the bridge over the small, usually dry creek in order to enter a Confederate winter camp somewhere in the South. You can chat with these citizen soldiers and learn what life is like when you are facing a dangerous winter, far away from home. On the farmstead, you will be able to look about you at the smokehouse, the barns and
stables, and the fields. During summer, it is easy to imagine the fertile soil providing plenty of food and a good living for hardworking families. Now, as the last leaves fall from the oaks and the sun rides low on the southern horizon, the farmyard is silent; most of the farm animals are either taken by foraging parties or hidden in the woods. Without work animals, putting in a crop next year will be difficult, if not impossible. “If they are able to put in a crop,” says Cindy Earls, “there is a big chance that it will be taken by the army or destroyed by unsavory characters. If all the men go to war, it is left to the women next spring to put in a crop to feed their family.”
A visit to the place . . . “must be much akin to stepping out of a time machine.
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– Andrew Dundee
It was a time when legends were created. It only waits for you to join the spirits of the past to better appreciate your own present. The program is free with Homeplace admission. Don't mind the cool breezes of December; the ghosts of the Civil War are wrapping their arms around you in welcoming hugs. s
For further information, contact Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area 100 Van Morgan Drive Golden Pond, KY 42211. Phone: 270-924-2000 Toll Free: 800-525-7077 Email: LBLInfo@fs.fed.us, or visit www.LBL.org.
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[ ďƒ‹ ] count on it
New Years by the Numbers by: Murray Life Staff
As the old year nears an end, we prepare for the time-honored traditions of the big party on December 31, the long, football-filled January First, and the expectations for a fresh start, lost weight, and less procrastination. However, a quick look around the country and across the world might surprise you!
1 million:
77 feet:
80%:
babies conceived on (or around) New Year's Day
the distance the ball on Times Square travels in one minute on New Years Eve
New Years Resolutions which fail
#1: New Years Resolution -lose weight
1 billion: people around the world watched the ball drop on television in 2011
1 million: people watch the ball drop live on Times Square
38%:
46:
Waterford Crystal Triangles cover the ball
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people spending New Years Eve with family and/or friends
103:
2,688:
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90%:
the number of ball drops at Times Square since it first began in 1907
weight of confetti released over Times Square at midnight
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single adults who would rather have a kiss at midnight than a new laptop computer
Americans who never make resolutions
1 ton:
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59.5%:
the year (BC) Julius Caesar established the Julian calendar, and January 1 became the first day of the year
40%: traffic fatalities during the holidays involve a driver who is alcohol impaired
how you did!
on page 22? Letʼs see
Answered the Questions
Have I got an answer for you? 1. C – You canʼt make up stuff like this. 2. A – Does Colonel Sanders wear a white kimono in Tokyo? 3. B – Maybe sheʼs a good witch. 4. D – Itʼs when they unveil next yearʼs iphone, too. 5. B – At least it wasnʼt broccoli. 6. D – Of course, in Iceland, you need more clothes. 7. A – Does Rudolph have a blue flashing nose over there? 8. C – No wonder they have so many reindeer! 9. C – to wish everyone good luck in the next year. 10. A – a reminder that the Christ child was laid in a straw-filled manger.
Sudoku Answers from page 16
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[
] day trips One Square Block, One Afternoon by: Erin Carrico
aducah is more than Kentucky Oaks Mall. Paducah is more than Olive Garden. Paducah is an eclectic mesh of artisans, local crafts and creative experiences. Seeing Paducah from a different perspective, as a tourist, created the most enjoyable afternoon.
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Being a visitor to Paducah can be overwhelming. The options are plentiful – downtown, Lowertown, museums, malls, shopping and beyond. I am going to the beyond. One block and two streets surrounding the Market House Theatre downtown provide more than one afternoon of delightful entertainment. BeBe Artisan Market is the solid pillar for the downtown area. Keeping local artist’s works on display for more than twelve
years, BeBe’s remains the place to go for unique pieces fitting anyone’s budget. Art is more than just a simple painting found in the historic establishment. Art is jewelry created from intriguing materials, kitchen accessories crafted in interesting ways, hand-made soaps that smell more amazing than candles and garden sculptures offering different effects from the basic bird bath. Customer service is top-notch at BeBe’s. The staff knows about the All photos courtesy of Erin Carrico pieces on display and greets customers with a warm, friendly smile. Every Next door to BeBe Artisan place a patron’s eye falls, an Market is the best kept secret in intricate piece of art appears. The downtown Paducah. The term “something for everyone” Chocolate Factory has been a applies to BeBe’s in the most staple of Market Square since I flattering way. Shopping there was a small child. Walk into this makes a customer feel as though it confectionary wonder and old is okay to simply enjoy and wooden floors creek as the smell appreciate regional artists by of fudge wafts through the air. taking a small piece of them home. Shelves and counters are lined with old-fashioned glass jars, filled with freshly made Art is more than chocolates and sugars. just a simple painting Homemade fudge lines the back counter, standing in front of the historic the in found kitchen where customers can establishment. watch the fudge being made. Delicious candies (sugar-free – Erin Carrico options, too) are placed into wax
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bags giving a nostalgic feel to the experience. Being downtown for over twenty-seven years, the Chocolate Factory has seen changes come and go, but the welcoming staff offer an experience hard to find. Handmade English toffee and chocolate truffles are mostly seen in boxes in large stores, but not at the Chocolate Factory. At the Chocolate Factory customers can re-live a childhood memory. A new edition to Market Square is Glisson Winery. Beginning as a hobby twelve years ago, grew by leaps and bounds into passion by the vinter, Steven Glisson. The family-operated tasting room is housed in an eclectic and colorful building that cascades into a charming back patio. Beautifully handmade wine shelves offer a deep, rich feeling. Warmth is felt throughout the large establishment, but customers will not feel lost. Cozy corners and chairs nestled into different areas create a coffee house feel, except with wine. Board games are left to encourage guests to
Large “patrons
windows offer prime viewing happenings the of downtown.
”
– Erin Carrico
relax and enjoy the local wine. Chef Andrew Cope offers tasting platters of gourmet foods the pair well with the wines offered. A tasting costs only $5.00 for six wines, which includes the complimentary Glisson Winery wine glass.
happenings downtown. If the weather permits, Shandies offers caféstyle seating outdoors. The cuisine offers traditional food with a twist. Pickled fried green tomatoes with a pink peppercorn ranch give new life to the traditional southern dish. Plain chicken salad sandwiches are not an option at Shandies. Instead, enjoy a Riesling Chicken Sandwich where the chicken has been poached in the semi-sweet wine creating a moist, succulent sandwich. Daily specials and live entertainment help to create the life of downtown Paducah. In the one block of Market Square, there are more than seven restaurants, the Yeiser Art Center, boutique shops and a winery. Much like the tapas offered at Glisson Winery, this one block of downtown Paducah is simply a taste of the great things to find in one afternoon. s
See For Yourself
An enjoyable afternoon ends well with dinner at Shandies, one of the new hotspots of downtown Paducah. Shandies is located in the old historic C.C. Cohen restaurant sitting on the corner of Market Square. Large windows offer patrons prime viewing of the
BeBe Artisan Market 107 Market House Square
The Chocolate Factory 109 Market House Square
Glisson Winery 126 Market House Square
Shandies 202 Broadway St.
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[ ] guess what
Christmas Around the World by: Caina Lynch Just as Santa Claus may be known as “Pere Noel” in France, different countries – and different parts of our country – have varied holiday traditions. How much do you really know about Christmas on this planet? (See the answers on page 19 – but no peeking!)
1. Between December 16 and 24 it is customary in Caracas, Venezuela to ____ to the daily early morning mass services. A. jog at sunrise B. drive with the entire family C. roller skate D. forget to go
2. Although less than 1% of their population is Christian, what country has made it a common practice to eat Kentucky Fried Chicken during Christmas? A. Japan B. Scandinavia C. Australia D. Mexico
3. In Italy, the Christmas celebration lasts 3 weeks and on Epiphany Eve (January 5) children are visited by La Befana instead of Santa. What is this woman that children leave wine and food for at night? A. an elf B. a witch C. an ogre D. the neighbor
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4. What is the event held during the holiday for Santas and elves in New York?
7. Sending a red Christmas card in Japan is considered bad manners because usually ______ are printed in red.
A. "World's Largest Santa Festival" B. "Welcome to the New North York Pole" C. "Santa and Elf Day" D. "SantaCon"
A. funeral notices B. Cupid cards C. birthday cards D. baby announcements
5. Mexican artisans carve nativity scenes out of what vegetable, which has its own celebration?
8. It is traditional in Iceland that everybody receives a new piece of ____ for Yule.
A. carrots, Carnival of Carrots B. radishes, The Festival of Radishes C. pumpkins, The Party of Pumpkins D. onions, The Celebration of Layers
A. furniture B. jewelry C. candy D. clothing
6. People from all over the world send letters to Santa in this country because it is said he lives north of the Arctic Circle?
9. In France few people send Christmas cards, instead opting to send cards on which holiday?
A. Russia B. Iceland C. Finland D. Antarctica
A. Valentine's Day B. Boxing Day C. New Years D. Marie Antoinette's birthday
10. In Slovakia it is the custom to lay this underneath the tablecloth. A. straw B. pine needles C. dirt D. dirty sponges
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Hello Winter Migrants
GOODBYE WINTER BLUES,
B Y : A N D R E A W O O DY P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y : W. G R O S S M A G E E
inter. My feelings about winter are as frosty as the season itself. The days are shorter, it’s cold, the flowers are gone, and fun outdoor activities are a ‘no go.’ There is only one redeemable truth about winter, in my humble opinion: it is a wonderful time to be an animal lover.
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travel south to warmer, greener pastures. While winter in Kentucky might seem cold and dreary to us, to some animals this region is a refreshing vacation.
When the sun sets earlier and the cold breezes keep you from going outside, many of the animals we cannot see during other seasons appear. They leave the cold, short days of their northern ranges behind and
Migration is one of life’s greatest mysteries. There is not much mystery about wanting to travel somewhere warm in the winter; the mystery is, “How?” How do they know where to go? And how are animals, some as small as the head of a pin, able to physically endure such long-distance trips?
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Migration is one of L I F E ’ S G R E AT E S T
Mysteries
How Do They Do It? It is not easy. Migration means facing many obstacles: swimming upstream, moving nonstop, fasting, avoiding predators, overcoming barriers (mostly man-made), and making complex round trips over land, sea and mountain before reaching that final destination. Migrating animals must physically prepare and change in order to survive a substantial trek to warm weather and ample food. Some will start eating high protein and energy diets to boost their fat reserves before the trip. Extra fat means extra fuel for the trip. Other animals will forgo excess weight, but will change their bodies in other ways. For example, some migrating birds will develop larger wings and breast muscles while shrinking the “unnecessary” organs, such as the stomach, gut, and liver. Migrants will do whatever they can in order to make travel fast, quick and safe. [ 26 ]
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There is still one big question left: how do they know where to go? Whatever it is that points migrating animals in the right direction is the biggest mystery of all. Naturalists have discovered that some animals, such as ants, might use the sun to find their way. Others, such as salmon, use their sense of smell. Still others, like bats and sea turtles, may use the Earth’s magnetic field. Yet there are some animals’ treks that remain a complete mystery to us. For example, one special generation of monarch butterflies stays alive for up to 7 months, as opposed to the regular life span of only a few weeks, in order to travel thousands of miles, cross-country to an overwintering site in Central Mexico. There they hibernate through the winter. What is astounding is that these tiny travelers are the great-great-grandchildren of the butterflies that traveled to Mexico the previous year. They themselves have never been there before, nor has anyone showed them the route. So, how do they always find the same twelve mountain tops?
Who Migrates to Kentucky? So, what does all this migrating mystery have to do with making winter more bearable? The changing season brings a number of exciting migrants: animals seen in our area for only a short time each year. Some of them only stop to visit for a little while. Others stop and stay until spring arrives. As you can imagine, the list of migrating animals is overwhelmingly avian. Winged visitors include: Common Goldeneye, Mergansers, Ruddy Ducks, Peregrine Falcons, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Sandhill Cranes, Horned Grebes, and the Common Loons, just to name a few. In other words, it is a great time to be a birder! There is one big bird in particular that has been making an even bigger impression here in western Kentucky: the American White Pelican. Pelicans are ocean birds, right? The truth is that American White Pelicans have been making themselves at home on Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake since 1984. In fact, American White Pelicans spend much of their lives inland, nesting on the lakes of the Northern Great Plains and Canada during spring and summer, and then migrating south to their wintering grounds. Most travel to the coast of Southern California, Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico, and the lower Southeastern states. But, somewhere along the way, some pelicans stopped in Western Kentucky, and stayed! Wintering pelicans have become a more frequent sight on our lakes ever since that flock of pioneer pelicans
arrived in 1984. Still, the majority of pelicans, sometimes flocks of hundreds, can be seen as they migrate through our area during March and October. More and more pelicans are coming every year. So now the only question is; how many will we have this year?
Pe l i c a n P u r s u i t So, if you are like me and the winter quickly starts to become grating, it is time to get outside (bundle up!) and look for those pelicans. Even if you love the winter time, watching these seemingly out-of-place giants is a pleasure. Your best bet is to head to Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley, and two great hot spots are the Kentucky and Barkley Dams. When pursuing pelicans, remember that they are one of the largest birds in North America. They have a wingspan wider than a Bald Eagle’s at 8 to 9½ feet across, so you are looking for a really big bird! Generally, they appear to be solid white when they’re on the water with their wings tucked in. When you spot them in the air, usually flying in a V-shape or riding air currents, you can spot their black wing tips. Also, keep in mind that you are more likely to run into a big group, or pod, of pelicans, than you are a solitary pelican. So, despite my chilly feelings about the season, I can always find something to appreciate and I hope you can, too. I think that the exciting mystery of migration reminds us, as Aristotle observed: “there is something of the marvelous in all things of nature.”
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! c i t Get -alis L A E R hey
zan
at ne C
Su By:
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he tradition of the Christmas tree can be traced to the ancient Egyptians. During the winter solstice, they brought in green date palm leaves to celebrate life’s triumph over death. The Romans also celebrated the solstice by decorating houses with greens and lights and exchanging gifts. Druid priests in Great Britain used evergreens in mysterious rituals during the solstice by placing them over doorways to drive away evil spirits and medieval Germans placed evergreen trees inside their homes to show their hope in the forthcoming spring. Most believe our modern day Christmas tree evolved from these early traditions. The Christmas tree tradition may have been brought to the United States with Hessian troops during the American Revolution or with German immigrants to Pennsylvania or Ohio. The custom was not immediately accepted by society; in fact, the Puritans banned Christmas in New England and even as late as 1870 the tradition was not widely celebrated. The first Christmas tree farmer came on the scene around 1851 when a Catskill farmer named Mark Carr hauled two ox sleds full of evergreens into New York City and sold them all. By the early 1920’s the custom was universal. During the depression, nurserymen couldn’t sell their evergreens for landscaping so they cut them for Christmas trees. These trees had a more symmetrical shape than wild trees and thus began the Christmas tree farming industry.
About 90% of the nation’s Christmas tree trade is comprised of only 6 species of trees. With about 40% of the market, the scotch pine ranks first, followed by Douglas fir, and finishing with noble fir, white pine, balsam fir and white spruce. In the United States, Christmas trees have been subject to many fads and fancies. In the 1930’s the Addish Brush Company, a U.S. based toilet brush manufacturer, created an artificial tree using brush bristles. At some point in the early 1960’s, flocked trees became all the rage.
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From a nostalgic point of view, the pure aroma of evergreen brings back memories of childhood, when Christmas is magical. Keeping my family’s tradition, my husband and I would take our young family to our farm and search high and low for the perfect cedar tree. You and your family can still participate in the family tradition by visiting our nearby Land Between the Lakes Recreational Area. You must have a special permit to harvest a tree, so call their office at 270-924-2000 for more information. If you don’t think the wild look of a cedar is for you, there are other types of real trees that you can readily find this season. Some favorites are Fraser Fir, Scotch Pine, White Pine, Douglas Fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, Balsam Fir, Noble Fir and Norway Spruce.
“A Real Tree grown in the United States creates over 100,000 jobs.”
Justin Kimbro
Uncle Carl
considering the dangers and negative environmental If you choose a real tree, there are positive economic impact, they should not be your first choice for a and environmental consequences to consider. A real Christmas tree. tree is grown in the United States and the industry creates over 100,000 American jobs. There are If the thought of cutting a real tree bothers approximately 33 million real trees sold in you, consider a “living Christmas tree” North America each year. A single farmed Try a Living which would give you the best of both tree absorbs more than one ton of Christmas Tree worlds. There are a number of carbon dioxide during its lifetime and evergreens can be used as a each acre of trees produces enough Christmas tree and then planted in oxygen for the daily needs of 18 Common varieties found in our area include: the landscape. people. For each tree harvested, one Leyland Cypress • Carolina Sapphire Cypress to three seedlings are planted the Northern White Pine • Canadian Hemlock Keep in mind that living trees can following spring, ensuring a healthy Eastern Red Cedar • Virginia Pine be very heavy because you need to supply of trees. Real trees are 100% Eastern White Pine • Norway Spruce keep the roots consistently moist. biodegradable, support complex Make sure that you can manage this ecosystems and can be recycled. Evergreen shrubs may work as well: much weight without damaging About 93 percent of real trees are Buford Holly • Arborvitae yourself or your floor. Also, you can recycled into mulch and used in China Girl Holly only keep a living tree inside your house landscaping and gardening or chipped Dwarf Alberta Spruce for a brief period -- no more than 7 to 10 and used for playground material, hiking days; any longer could be detrimental to the trails, paths and walkways. tree. Be sure and find out how tall and wide the tree will be at maturity and plant it where it will fit your There are many who argue that artificial trees are the most landscape. Dig your hole for the tree and cover it with a board economical choice when compared with the annual expense of in case the ground is frozen when you get ready to plant it after a real Christmas tree. Also, many people think cutting down a the holiday. This is not likely in Kentucky but you want to be new tree each year has a negative environmental impact on our prepared. earth. It’s true that fuel is used and pollution is created when trees are move hundreds of miles from the farm to a sales lot. I am happy to report that I sense resurgence in the number of people switching back to real trees in their Christmas décor. I But consider that 85% of all artificial trees are manufactured in hope that recent campaigns like “Buy Local” and recent news China. The few hundred miles some real trees may travel is stories encouraging us to support American farmers might insignificant considering the thousands of miles an artificial influence this buying trend as well as is a yearning for the tree travels from overseas. Fake trees are non-biodegradable “good old days” that is driving this trend. plastic and metal and stay in landfills for years. They have tested positive for lead, PVC’s and other chemicals; their Fresh cut trees will need a substantial stand that will keep the manufacturing process uses petroleum – a vital a nontree upright and will hold enough water to keep the tree fresh renewable resource. They might not shed on your floor but
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Caina Lynch
Bob’s Mom
throughout the season. Make sure your tree is not top heavy and is placed where there is no chance it can tip. One year, our three children pulled our tree over not once, but three times! In desperation, my husband finally wired the tree to the ceiling. Finally, if you decide to switch from artificial to real this year, it is important to ensure that your tree is the freshest possible. You can easily discern this when you, literally, “pick up” your tree: see how heavy it is. A really fresh tree will be very heavy since it has not dried out while waiting to be shipped. If you know your retailer ask if they know when the tree was cut.
“The first
Christmas Tree Farmer came on the scene around 1851.”
Photo by: Adam Funk
Once you have purchased your tree, cut a couple of inches from the bottom to open the capillaries, whether you need to reduce the height in the stand or not. Immediately put it in a bucket or stand full of water. A study has been done by North Carolina University that proved a Fraser Fir, cut fresh and treated properly, will have excellent needle retention and color all the way to the end of February. I guess you could hang red hearts on it and be the first in our area to have a “Sweetheart Tree.” The look and the fragrance of a real tree remind us of the Norman Rockwell paintings of Christmases of the past. In this face-paced world, it is comforting to go back to our childhood and remember going to Grandma’s house on Christmas Day for dinner or the excitement of opening our gifts on Christmas morning, with that living, sweet-smelling Christmas tree at the center of all.
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[ ] the money pages
2012 Year-End Tax Planning by: Ron Arant iven the current level of uncertainty, yearend tax planning for 2012 is extremely challenging. With a host of major tax provisions expiring at year-end and new taxes taking effect January 1, 2013, some year-end moves have the potential for significant savings. But will new legislation change the tax landscape once again? It's impossible to say for sure. Your best bet is to evaluate your tax situation now, consider your options and stay on top of late-breaking legislative developments.
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Higher tax rates a significant consideration A fairly common strategy at year-end is to try to shift income into the following year by, for example deferring a year-end bonus, or delaying the collection of business debts, rents and payments for services. This year, however, you have to consider any income timing moves very carefully. That's because federal income tax rates are scheduled to jump in 2013. We'll go from six federal tax brackets (10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33% and 35%) to five
(15%, 28%, 31%, 36% and 39.6%). The maximum rate that applies to long-term capital gains will generally increase from 15% to 20%. And while the current lower long-term capital gain rates apply to qualifying dividends, starting in 2013, dividends will be taxed as ordinary income.
Make sure to consider “whether you'll be affected by these new taxes in 2013.
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– Ron Arant
Could the current federal income tax rates be extended yet again? Of course, but it's far from a certain bet. That means any moves you contemplate have to be considered in the context of several "what-if" scenarios. New taxes also a factor New Medicare taxes created by the health-care reform legislation passed in 2012 take effect January 1, 2013. Beginning then, the hospital insurance (HI) portion of the payroll tax- commonly referred to as the Medicare portionincreases by 0.9% for high-wage individuals. Also beginning in 2013, a new 3.8% Medicare contribution tax is imposed on the unearned income of highincome individuals.
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Who is affected? The 0.9% payroll tax increase affects those with wages exceeding $200,000 ($250,000 for married couples filling a joint federal income tax return, and $125,000 for married individuals filing separately).
end of the year. Or, with higher tax rates coming next year, you might consider trying to postpone deductions so that you can claim them in 2013 rather than 2012, since a dollar in deductions will be worth more if the tax rate is higher.
Make sure to consider whether you'll be affected by these new taxes in 2013. Keep in mind also that the current 2% reduction in the Social Security portion of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) payroll tax is one of the tax provisions that expire at the end of 2012.
There are a couple of things to keep in mind, though. The first is that, as things stand right now, in 2013 most itemized deductions (and personal exemptions) will once again be phased out for individuals with higher adjusted gross incomes (AGIs). The second is that, starting in 2013, the itemized deduction "threshold" for claiming unreimbursed medical expenses increases from 7.5% of AGI to 10% of AGI (there's a temporary exception for individuals who are 65 and older). If you're itemized deductions are going to be limited in 2013 because of these changes, deferring deductions to 2013 might not make sense.
Looking closely at itemized deductions It's sometimes possible to accelerate or defer deductions so that they can be claimed in one year instead of the other. For example, you might be able to accelerate deductions into 2012 by paying some deductible medical expenses, interest, or state and local taxes before the
AMT - a big wild card If you're subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT) - essentially a separate federal income tax system with its own rates and rules- it gets even more complicated. AMT effectively disallows a number of itemized deductions, making it a significant consideration when
itemized deduc“tionsIf you're are going to be limited in 2013 because of these changes, deferring deductions to 2013 might not make sense.
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– Ron Arant
it comes to year-end planning. And, while a series of temporary AMT "fixes" have increased AMT exemption amounts since 2001, forestalling a drastic increase in the number of individuals ensnared by the tax, the last such fix actually expired
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at the end of 2011. As things stand now, the AMT exemption amounts that apply for 2012 and 2013 are significantly lower than for 2011. As a result, unless Congress retroactively changes the AMT rules, it's estimated that more than 30 million taxpayers (roughly 20% of all taxpayers) will be hit by the AMT in 2012. (Source: The Tax Policy Center, "T12,-0169- Baseline AMT Projections Aggregate AMT Projections, 2011-2022," September 13, 2012.)
AMT EXEMPTION AMOUNTS
2011
2012 & 2013
MARRIED FILING JOINTLY
$74,450
$45,000
SINGLE OR HEAD OF HOUSEHOLD
$48,450
$33,750
MARRIED FILING SEPARATELY
$37,225
$22,500
Other important changes The earned income tax credit, the child tax credit, the adoption credit, the American Opportunity (Hope) tax credit all revert to prior, lower limits and (less generous) rules of application. Also gone in 2013 is the ability to deduct student loan interest on student loans after the first 60 months of required repayment. Tax changes that were originally made to address a perceived "marriage penalty" also expire at the end of 2012. If you're married and file a joint return with your spouse, you'll see the effect in the form of a reduced 2013 standard deduction amount, as well as in lower 2013 tax bracket thresholds in the tax rate table (i.e., couples will move into higher rate brackets at lower levels of income). Talk to a professional When it comes to year-end tax planning, there's always a lot to think about. And this year is more complicated than usual. A financial professional can help you evaluate your situation, keep you apprised of any last-minute legislative developments, and determine if any year-end moves make sense for you. s
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2623 Wayne Sullivan Drive Paducah, KY 42003 Phone: 270-442-9726 Fax: 270-442-5058 www.computer-source.com
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[
] community Homes for the Holidays by: Jamie Helton
he Kappa Department of the Murray Woman’s Club will host its 32nd annual “Homes for the Holidays” tour on Sunday, December 9 from 1-4 pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $7 at any branch office of Community Financial Services Bank, The Murray Chamber of Commerce or from any Kappa member. Tickets can also be purchased at the homes for $8 on tour day. This year’s proceeds will go to the following organizations identified by the homeowners: Kids Against Hunger (Fosters), Operation Blessing (Clauds), and Junior Achievement (Pittmans). The Kappa Department will donate to the organizations in the homeowners’ honor to thank them for participating in the tour.
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From old medicine bottles, to antique sewing machines, to a mother’s chair, the three homes on the tour this year give a nod to the past and are full of history and charm. JASON AND AMANDA PITTMAN 303 NORTH 6TH STREET Striking navy blue siding, crisp white trim, and well-designed landscaping make Jason and Amanda Pittman’s 1935 home a showstopper, and the white ceramic pig sitting proudly on the porch provides a touch of whimsy. Originally owned by the Wallis family of Wallis Drug Store, the home was sold and fell into disrepair during the 1990s.
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Jason and Amanda Pittman • 303 North 6th Street Purchasing the house at the courthouse in 2006, the Pittmans began a major restoration that included new floors, windows, walls and a reconstructed open floor plan. The original mantel and brick chimney were preserved as well as the arched entry that was replicated in additional archways. Also preserved was a basement bomb shelter that now serves as a storm shelter. The kitchen was relocated, and the old kitchen became a lounge area. New French doors in the dining room and master bedroom open to a large deck that is perfect for entertaining. A repurposed sideboard is now an island in the open kitchen, and a vintage china cabinet holds medicine bottles from the old drug store. A medicine label cabinet also from the store is displayed on top. An eye-catching gallery wall in the lounge area is filled with framed posters that hold special meaning to the couple. A sophisticated color palette reflects the chic style
Holiday Edition
of this young couple. Jason said this restoration could not have been possible without the assistance of his parents, Sammy and Dora. They took a diamond in the rough and polished it to perfection. This home will sparkle for the holidays with an abundance of trees including a gold silver one, another with candy canes, and even a chef’s tree complete with kitchen utensils. JANICE AND KEN CLAUD 90 KING RICHARD DRIVE Ken and Janice Claud have always liked older homes; however, in 2009 they decided to build a spacious Craftsman-style home and have filled it with vintage and family treasures. The home features transom windows repeated over the interior French doors that lead the eye up to high ceilings. One family treasure is evident right at the curb with a 100 year old iron fence in the
Janice and Ken Claud • 90 King Richard Drive circular flowerbed. Originally bordering an old school in Columbus, Kentucky, the fence was removed due to flooding and was rescued by Ken’s grandfather. Ken’s carpentry skills can be found in handsome cabinets in the study and living room along with furniture throughout the home. Warm hardwood floors complement the autumnal colors used throughout the home. A quilter, Janice has a cozy sewing spot on the only second-floor room where she keeps the two sewing machines she inherited from her grandmothers. Her greatgrandmother’s machine dates back to the early 1900s. Janice has also inherited family quilts which dress the beds in the guest rooms. Ken’s grandmother’s 110 year old glass
cake stand that survived a 1918 cyclone is now safely tucked away in the china cabinet in the warm and inviting dining room. The Clauds will be ready for the holidays with numerous trees that include one filled with Santas from Janice’s extensive collection, and additional Santas will also be displayed around the house. Another special tree is one decked out in ornaments representing the couple’s twenty-five years of marriage. The phrase “May Our Home Be Warm and Our Friends Many” over the fireplace perfectly describes this home and the couple who lives here. RON AND LASHLEE FOSTER 2104 SPINDLETOP DRIVE
Ron and Lashlee Foster • 2104 Spindletop Drive
Built in 1996, Ron and Lashlee Foster’s home is a one-level beauty that is perfect for this couple who are fortunate to have their children, Scott and Leslie, as well as four grandchildren, living in Murray. This comfortable home where the family can gather is layered with inherited pieces, family treasures, and items Lashlee picked because she liked them. She defines her style as, “a little country, French, and Chinese,” and this eclectic style creates an interesting and thoughtful home. A treasured fruit-filled dough bowl from Lashlee’s greatgrandmother sits front and center on the table in the French country kitchen, and a whimsical collection of animals can be found on tabletops throughout the home. The great room with a fireplace and large windows is all about family and nesting. Their son Scott’s as well as grandchildren’s artwork is proudly displayed there and an inherited tobacco basket will hold a wreath to announce the holidays. Two chairs in the master bedroom have special meaning to Lashlee. One is her mother’s chair that sits at the end of the bed, and the other is one that daughter Leslie beautifully reupholstered as her first upholstery project. Lashlee’s signature color is red and can be found in every room which gives the Fosters a head-start with holiday decorating. The tree in the great room will be filled with ornaments representing all members of the family. Santas will be tucked in here and there, and you just might find an animal or two with a festive bow. An extensive Carolers Collection will be on display in the lovely red dining room. The Fosters have created not only the perfect home for the holidays but all year round. s
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[ ] uncommon mystery The Bad Quarto
(2007) Jill Paton Walsh
by: Michael Cohen
mogen Quy is the college nurse of a fictional college at Cambridge named St. Agatha’s. She moves into the quarters of the dead Professor Talentire, who apparently killed himself by taking the foolish leap, known as Harding’s Folly, between his fourth story college rooms and the ledge of the library nearby. There’s quite a lot in this book about the culture of climbers at Oxford and Cambridge: undergraduates, usually, who climb the seemingly impossible sheer faces of towers and turrets in these old college towns.
I
Quy becomes involved with a college dramatic society that’s in
serious financial trouble. A rich undergraduate offers to bail out the society if the players will let him act the lead role in Hamlet. The artistic director, horrified at the idea but outvoted by the other members, picks the text of Hamlet known as the Bad Quarto. It was the first printed version of the play, in the ordinary size that the book people call a quarto, and it’s called bad because it’s generally thought to be an unauthorized version of the play, put together from memory by actors from a rival company who went to see the play in order to steal it. The Bad Quarto is only half as long as the other versions of Hamlet we have; so the artistic director thinks a production with an amateur in the lead will be only half as painful with this version. When the play is performed, the Bad Quarto turns out to be not so bad, the amateur undergraduate’s performance is not the disaster the director feared, but most surprising of all, the play within the play, which Hamlet arranges in order to accuse his uncle of murder, is used by the undergraduate for a very different purpose: it not only suggests the death of Professor Tarentire was murder, but it directly accuses another English professor of the crime.
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Many mystery writers have used Shakespeare for titles, quotes, and plot inspiration; Ngaio Marsh’s Light Thickens, Michael Innes’s Hamlet, Revenge! and John Dickson Carr’s Panic in Box C are constructed around performances of Macbeth, Hamlet, and Romeo and Juliet. I’m not sure Jill Paton Walsh is quite in the same league with those folks, but she manages to keep us wondering whether the professor’s fall was really murder and, if so, who did it. This is the fourth book Walsh has written about Imogen Quy, though some of you may know her better for having written Thrones, Dominations, starting with a manuscript Dorothy Sayers left unfinished at her death. Since that book she has published yet another Lord Peter Wimsey novel on her own. The Bad Quarto will appeal to you if you like backstage mysteries, academic mysteries, or the gentle sort of murder mystery perfected by the English and often known as the British cozy. s
Michael Cohen has been doing a feature commentary, “Uncommon Mysteries,” on WKMS for several years. These short mystery reviews focus on the unusual or uncommon stories which may be a deviation from conventions of the mystery genre, an odd viewpoint or historical first, or a new twist on an old plot device, such as the locked room murder or the unwilling amateur detective. This is an excerpt from Cohen's forthcoming collection of reviews.
A Decad of Angels in Partnership continued from page 11
The Angels Attic staff now includes 16 employees, 35 regular volunteers, and countless other volunteers from within student and church groups. “The Attic” is a major resource of reasonably priced clothing, household items, furniture, appliances, toys, books and other items. Needed medical equipment such as shower benches, walkers and crutches, are loaned to anyone in need. In need of more space Angels Attic expanded to a second building, conveniently located behind the Chestnut Street location at 976 Arcadia Circle. After the opening of the new location, "Angels Attic 2" you will be able to find mainly furniture, purses, jewelry, vintage/collectables and appliances. The help goes even to the environment itself. “We recycle metal, paper and cardboard,” says Donna, “and tons of clothing which ultimately goes to inner cities and third world countries.” In a decade of partnership, support of the Angels Clinic by Angels Attic now totals and estimated $1,500,000. “When God answered my prayers,” says an enthusiastic Donna Ruth Herndon, “He definitely surprised and overwhelmed me with His bountiful blessings!” It seems to the rest of us that He included Donna Herndon as part of His blessing to Murray and Calloway County. And we don’t think He’s finished, either. s
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[ ] food
It’s the Berries! by: Caina Lynch
turkey dinner without a side of cranberry sauce may sound absurd to you but the early Americans managed quite well, thank you, at the first hundred holiday meals. The cranberry wasn't served as a dining embellishment until Ulysses S. Grant ordered it in sauce form for his troops in 1864. Nearly fifty years later, in 1912, the Cape Cod Cranberry Company began canning cranberries for the public. But let's examine the more interesting facts about the berry that can bounce.
A
That's right, cranberries bounce; not the cranberries that plop out of a can the day of a turkey dinner (jiggling doesn't count as bouncing) or the dried berries we find on salads. Cranberries when fresh can bounce -- a theory that may be hard to prove for the average consumer considering only 5% of cranberries produced are sold fresh. The rest are devoted to dried berry, juice and sauce production. Our "cranberry" was originally referred to as the craneberry, which came from the plant's
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flowers that dip down and resemble the head of a crane. The crane also loves the berry that in nature is grown in bogs where these birds make their homes. These bogs were first created by glacial deposits and formed water-retaining beds layered with sand, peat, gravel and clay. The berries are grown on the vine and at harvest time the bogs are flooded, the ripe berries are loosened from the vines and then float to the surface.
Full of “cranberries
antioxidants, can protect cells from damage.
”
– Caina Lynch
Natural changes in the environment can easily affect the growth of cranberries on the vine. They require an acid peat soil, an adequate fresh water supply and sand in the bogs very similar to where these craneberries first began to grow. The growing season stretches from April to November, including a dormancy period in the winter months that provides an extended chilling period that is necessary to mature fruiting buds. Cranberry producers do not have to replant vines as often as other
Holiday Edition
producers; an undamaged cranberry vine will survive indefinitely- some vines in Massachusetts are more than 150 years old. The cranberry joins the only other two fruits (blueberry and Concord grape) that can trace their roots to North American soil. The early Native Americans used these cranberries not only for food but also as dyes and medicine. Full of antioxidants, cranberries can protect cells from damage by unstable molecules. Also, drinking cranberry juice can block urinary infections by binding to bacteria so they are unable to cling to cell walls. The National Institutes of Health funds research on the effect of cranberries on heart disease, yeast infections and other conditions. Cranberry sauce may grace the table next to the entrée; here are a few ideas to add this delicious fruit to your desert table as well! ....................
Chewy Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies Warning: These cookies, if revealed before dinner, may disappear by desert time! Add chopped pecans or chocolate chips to take your taste buds on a rich ride. Ingredients 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda
Ingredients 1/2 cup unsalted butter 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules 2 large eggs 2/3 cup packed dark brown sugar 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup dry-roasted, unsalted pistachios 1/3 cup dried cranberries Directions Preheat oven to 350째 F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick aluminum foil. 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 1/2 cups old fashioned oats 8 ounces unsalted butter, slightly softened 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs, beaten lightly 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 1/3 cup ounces dried cranberries
and no longer look wet; about 911 minutes. Let cookies harden for 5 minutes before removing from parchment paper. .....................
Cranberry & Pistachio Brownie Bites These bites are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Pour water to a depth of 1 inch into bottom of a double boiler over medium heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer; place butter, chocolate, and coffee in top of double boiler over simmering water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until melted. Remove from heat, and let cool.
Directions Preheat oven to 350째 F. Line sheet pans with wax paper. Mix the flour, salt and baking soda, then stir in the oats. Set aside. Beat the butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, honey and vanilla. Beat until blended. Slowly add the flour mixture. Stir in the cranberries (and chocolate or pecans). Drop by tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart on parchment lined sheet pans. Bake until the centers of the cookies are soft
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In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs on low speed. Add sugars, vanilla and salt; beat until blended. Stir in chocolate mixture; fold in flour. Stir in pistachios and cranberries. Pour into prepared baking pan, spreading batter evenly. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Cover with plastic wrap and chill 8 hours or overnight. Cut brownies into squares. .....................
Cranberry Christmas Punch
Directions Combine all ingredients in a large punch bowl. Add a large block of ice to keep cool. Serves 20. Do not drive or operate heavy equipment during or after consumption. . .....................
Ms. Claus' Punch This punch comes with quite a punch. What more could you expect from a woman who is surrounded by elves? If we thought anyone would actually try this, we would warn: “One to a customer, please.”
Chill the fingers and warm the hearts of your friends and family (those above the legal age of course) with this sweet cocktail punch.
Ingredients 25 oz X-Rated Fusion liqueur 25 oz Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila 25 oz pomegranate juice 25 oz cranberry juice lime twists for garnish
Ingredients 2 cups vodka 4 cups cranberry juice 1 ½ cups fresh or rose's lime juice 2 cups water 3 tbsp sugar
Directions Combine blanco tequila, fusion liqueur, pomegranate juice and cranberry juice in a punch bowl. Add ice block to chill. Garnish with lime twist. s
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Holiday Edition
[ ] advertiser’s directory Need a phone number or an address to a business but can’t remember the page you saw it on? This is your guide to Murray Life Magazine’s advertisers. Enjoy! Advertiser BB&T Bank
Page #
Advertiser
Page #
Advertiser
Page #
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Heritage Family Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Murray Woman's Clinic . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front
Beans to Blossoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Kentucky Farm Bureau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Northwood Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Carey’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Kopperud Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2, 3, 50
Oral and Maxillo Facial Surgery . . . . . . . . . . .57
Carson Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Lee Jewelry Artisans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Playhouse in the Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Computer Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Loft, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Primary Care Medical Center
Der Dutch Merchant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Love Yo Mug . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Presbyterian Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Ezell’s Cosmetology School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Mattress Guys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19, 50
Randy Thornton Heating & Air . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Froggyland Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29, 55
Michelson’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Red Bug on Third . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Gear Up Cycles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
MidSouth Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Rolling Hills Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Grey's Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Murray Auto Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Roof Brothers Wine & Spirits . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
Henry County Medical Center . . . . .Inside Back
Murray Bank, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
SBG Real Property Professionals . . . . . . .39, 48
Hilliard-Lyons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Murray-Calloway Co. Chamber . . . . . . . . . . .50
Urology Associates, H.S. Jackson, MD . . . . .19
Humane Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Murray Dance Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Wall Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Imes-Miller Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Murray Electric System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
WENK/WTPR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Jarvis Vision Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Murray Electric System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Western Baptist Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
K-Squared Designs, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Murray Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
West Wood Wine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Keller Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Murray Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
WKMS FM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
. . . . . . . . . . . .58
[ ] coming soon ... The holidays are here and it's time for everyone to relax. Our next edition will kick off 2013 with our "Spring" issue, scheduled to be on your coffee table by the end of February. • The American Shakespeare center will be performing once again in Lovett Auditorium as part of the Murray Shakespeare Festival, March 6th through 8th . The MSU English Department will welcome the "Tempt Me Further Tour" and 4 performances, and we will bring you the backstage story on this annual event. • We return to our series on preserving community history with Part 2 of “Is History, History?” We’ll find out why making everything digital is both a benefit and a threat to future generations, and what’s being done in Murray to make sure the past is accurately preserved. • You’ll enjoy our annual look into the Calloway County of a century ago, and you’ll be surprised at the names who were in the news ‘way back when.
Don’t miss the fun, the facts or the features. Subscribe to Murray Life for only $15 for 1 year; $25 for two. Send your check to “Murray Life Subscriptions, Box 894, Murray, KY 42071”
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[ ďƒŤ ] seen around town
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Holiday Edition
[ ] dining guide Shogun Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill 816 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 759-5551
Asian Buffet 638 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-3788
August Moon 1550 Lowe’s Dr. . . . . . .(270) 759-4653
Baldy’s Grill 901 Coldwater Rd. . . . .(270) 762-0441
Big Apple Café
Largo Bar & Grill
706 N 12th St., Suite 9 (270) 761-7486
The Keg 1051 N 16th St. . . . . . .(270) 762-0040
216 N. 15th St. . . . . . . .(270) 759-3663
Tom’s Grille 501 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-4521
Ann’s Country Kitchen Tumbleweed Southwest Grill 807 Walmart Dr. . . . . . .(270) 873-2300
604 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 761-8226
Gloria’s World Village Food 124 N. 15th St. . . . . . . .(270) 759-3233
HRH Dumplin’s 305B S. 12th St. . . . . . .(270) 753-0000
Jasmine Restaurant - Thai & Asian Cuisine 506 N. 12th St. Suite E (270) 761-8424
Magnolia Tea Room 306 Gilbert St. . . . . . . .(270) 492-6284 Hazel, KY
La Cocina Mexicana 501 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . .(270) 767-1627 Murray
La Cocina Mexicana 314 Main St. . . . . . . . . . (270) 492-6392 Hazel, KY
Latin Lovers 716 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 767-0026
318 Main St. . . . . . . . . .(270) 492-8195 Hazel, KY
Bad Bob’s Bar-B-Que 806 Chestnut St. . . . . . .(270) 767-0054
El Mariachi Loco Fiesta Grill
Willow Pond Catfish Restaurant 16814 Hwy. 68 E. . . . .(270) 474-2202 Aurora, KY
The Olive
1005 Arcadia Circle . .(270) 759-8866
406 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 759-9000
4645 Hwy. 119 . . . . . . . .(731) 232-8323 Buchanan, TN
Aurora Landing Restaurant 542 Kenlake Rd. . . . . . .(270) 474-2211 Aurora, KY
Coldwater Bar-B-Que & Catering 8284 Hwy. 121 N. . . . .(270) 489-2199
Cracker Barrel
Belew’s Dairy Bar US Highway 62 East . .(270) 354-8549 Aurora, KY
650 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 762-0081
Domino’s Pizza 117 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . .(270) 753-3030
Brass Lantern 16593 Hwy. 68 E. . . . . . 270-474-2773. Aurora, KY
Cindy’s on the Barge 888 Kenlake Marina Ln.(270) 474-2245 Hardin, KY
Happiness Restaurant 412 Main Street . . . . . .(270) 293-4952
Holmes Family Restaurant 1901 N. 12th St. . . . . . .(270) 767-0662
Hungry Bear
Cypress Springs Resort 2740 Cypress Trail . . . .(270) 436-5496 New Concord, KY
Eagle Nest Marina & Dockside Bar and Grill 500 Eagle Nest Rd. . . .(731) 642-6192 Buchanan, TN
Kentucky Dam Village 166 Upper Village Dr. .(270) 362-4271 Gilbertsville, KY
1310 Main St. . . . . . . . .(270) 753-7641
Laird’s Bar-B-Que 77 W. Main St. . . . . . . .(731) 247-3060 Puryear, TN
Martha’s Restaurant 1407 N. 12th St. . . . . . .(270) 759-1648
Mary’s Kitchen 11205 Stadium View Dr..(270) 759-2036
Los Portales 506 N. 12th St. . . . . . ...(270) 767-0315
Quarters 200 N. 15th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-3406
Olive Pit 905 Mineral Wells Ave.(731) 642-5030 Paris, TN
Ruby Renee’s Restaurant 1196 State Route 121 North(270) 761-7829
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[ ] dining guide Matt B’s Main Street Pizza 1411 Main St. . . . . . . . .(270) 759-1234
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza 804 Chestnut St. . . . . . .(270) 753-6656
Mugsy’s Hideout 410 Main St. . . . . . . . . .(270) 767-0020
Nick’s Family Sports Pub 614 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 762-0012
Pagliai’s Pizza 970 Chestnut St. . . . . . .(270) 753-2975
Papa John’s Pizza 656 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-6666
Pizza Hut 1113 Chestnut St. . . . . .(270) 759-4646
Pizza Pro 1304 Chestnut St . . . . .(270) 767-1199
Renfro’s Hih Burger Inn 413 S. 4th St. . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-1155
Rudy’s, “On the Square” 104 S. 5th St. . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-1632
Ryan’s Steakhouse 801 Walmart Dr. . . . . . .(270) 759-3809
Sirloin Stockade 922 S. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-0440
Burger King
Murray Donuts
814 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 759-8266
506 B North 12th St. . . .(270) 761-1818
Quizno’s Subs
Burrito Shack 214 North 15th St. . . .(270) 761-4444
1203 Chestnut St. . . . . .(270) 753-8880
Sammon’s Bakery
Captain D’s 700 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-9383
974 Chestnut St. . . . . . .(270) 753-5434
Sonic Drive-In
Candy Cravings 506 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 759-2010
217 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . .(270) 759-9885
Subway
Culver’s 818 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 761-2858
622 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-7827
Taco Bell
Dairy Queen 1303 Main St. . . . . . . . .(270) 753-4925
402 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-8758
Taco John’s
Dinh’s Vietnamese Cuisine 1407 Main St. . . . . . . . .(270) 761-7655
1100 Chestnut St. . . . .(270) 753-9697
Victor’s Sandwiches
Fidalgo Bay Coffee Shop 1201 Payne St. . . . . . . . .(270) 761-4800
1301 W. Main St. . . . . .(270) 753-7715
Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers
Hardee’s 505 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-3246
1111 Chestnut St. . . . . .(270) 759-4695
Zaxby’s
KFC 205 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-7101
1209 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . .(270) 792-2375
Little Caesar’s Pizza 500 S 12th St. . . . . . . . .(270) 761-7777
McDonald’s 107 N. 12th St. . . . . . . .(270) 753-5548
Snappy Tomato Pizza 1550 Lowes Dr. . .(270) 761-7627 Spanky’s 9505 Hwy. 641 N. . . .(731) 247-5527 Puryear, TN
Tom’s Pizza 506-A N. 12th St. . . . . .(270) 753-9411
Backyard Burgers 801 Paramount Dr. . . . .(270) 759-2480
Boulders 317 Chestnut St. . . . . . . .(270) 761-9727
Brother’s Barbeque 401 Sycamore St. . . . . .(270) 761-7675
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[ ] calendar of events The Murray Life Calendar of Events is graciously provided by the Murray Convention and Visitors Bureau. The CVB is your source for information on everything from dining, shopping, recreation and fun in the community to relocation. Learn more at www.tourmurray.com.
H. Thomas Rushing Breakfast
december 1 The Rotary Club of Murray hosts this annual breakfast, held at Pagliai's just before the Christmas Parade. Support the charitable efforts of the club by attending the breakfast and enjoy good food and fellowship. For more information on the breakfast call 270-753-5171.
Rotary Christmas Parade
december 1 Thousands of people line Main Street during the annual Rotary Christmas Parade. Celebrate the joy of the season by attending this event with the whole family. Churches, businesses and organizations all enter holidaythemed floats. The parade route begins at 10th and Main Streets and ends in the Briggs and Stratton parking lot. Call 270-7535171 for more information on the parade.
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"A Christmas Carol"
december 7-16 (Friday-Sunday only) Playhouse in the Park celebrates Charles Dickens' 200th birthday in 2012 with the presentation of "A Christmas Carol." Dickens wrote the novel in 1843 and yet it remains popular, has never been out of print and has been adapted to film, opera, and, of course, stage. The world of Scrooge, Fezziwig and Tiny Tim comes alive, igniting the holiday spirit for young and old alike. Tickets may be purchased at playhouseinthepark.net. For more information on the performance call 270-7591752.
The Civil War comes to Pryor Hollow"
december 8 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The volunteers and staff who bring Homeplace 1850s to life for its visitors will portray what must have been one of the most difficult times for the farmers, iron workers and craftsmen who lived and worked between two of America’s greatest rivers. The civil war will come to Pryor Hollow. Learn how women took the place of men called to war and visit a Confederate encampment; the hardships and the heroism amidst the practical necessities of life in 1862 in what was one of the critical battles of the War. Free with admission to Homeplace, located 12 miles south of Hwy 68/80 on The Trace.
Holiday Edition
Murray State University Commencement Ceremonies
december 15 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CFSB Center Traffic will be heavy on the northern end of town until around 2 p.m. Several hundred graduates are expected to receive degrees.
The Marvelous Wonderettes
january 11-20 Welcome to Springfield High School’s 1958 prom, where the Wonderettes, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts, provide the evening’s entertainment. Then stick around for Act 11, when the Wonderettes reunite for their 10year class reunion. This musical trip down memory lane has over 25 classic songs from the 50s and 60s! For more information call 270-759-1752. Tickets may be purchased at playhouseinthepark.net.
Welcome Back MSU!
january 12-14 Murray State University students move in; classes resume on Monday, January 14.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
january 21 Murray pauses to honor an American hero.
Every Day in Murray The West Kentucky/Wrather Museum Preserving the visual and emotional traditions of the Jackson Purchase Area. Located at North 16th Street and University Drive on the campus of Murray State University, the museum is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. handicap access. For more information, call 270.809.4771.
The Cheri Theater
Campus Lights
Murray has a seven-screen movie theater located on Chestnut Street. For a list of current movies and times, please call 270.753.3314 or visit www.moviesinmurray.com.
january 24-27
Murray State University’s Fine Arts
Lovett Auditorium. Started in 1938, Campus Lights is the longest-running musical that is entirely produced and performed by students in the South. Phi Mu Alpha Symfonia, the music fraternity, started the production as a means to fund its charter fees. Today, along with the Sigma Alpha Iota music sorority, it is an annual fundraiser for Murray State’s music department scholarships.
The University presents a variety of performances form dance to plays, from symphonies to choir concerts. For current information, call 270.809.ARTS.
The Clara M. Eagle Gallery at Murray State University The gallery offers a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, from student artwork to national tours. Art ranges from drawing to sculpture, from photography to multimedia. For more information, please call 270.809.6734.
Playhouse in the Park
2013 West Kentucky Boat & Outdoor Show
Calloway County’s 30-year-old community theatre. Playhouse presents a variety of plays throughout the year. For detailed information, please call 270.759.1752
january 24-27
The Murray Art Guild
CFSB Center. This is the 29th annual Kentucky Lake Area Premier and Boat Show. Come out and try the FLW Outdoors Simulator. This is a family friendly environment and a great way to view the new and exciting world of boats. Free Admission
A nonprofit organization that offers workshops and exhibitions for children and adults. Stop by and see some of the area artists at work. The Guild is located in downtown Murray at 500N. 4th Street. For additional information, please call 270.753.4059.
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[ ] calendar of events Little Big Town – The Tornado Tour
International Day of Reprieve
january 31
february 13
Lovett Auditorium. For more information visit cvsbcenter.com or call 270-8095577
Last day for men to realize the Valentine’s Day is tomorrow. Murray jewelers, florists, and vendors of fine candies (check your local drug store) will be on hand to help out with last minute suggestions. May we recommend gift certificates to local spas (we have some great ones) or a break from cooking at a nice Murray restaurant? See our Dining guide in this issue, or on-line for our latest suggestions.
moonless night in the middle of winter, all is not quite what it seems in the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. As the northern lights hover in the star filled sky above, Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and other hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken, but the bruises heal, and the hearts end-almost-in this delightful midwinter night’s dream. For more information call 270-759-1752. Tickets may be purchased at playhouseinthepark.net.
"Almost, Maybe" “Blankets”- Exhibition of Murray Art Guild Weavers
february 1-22 Murray Art Guild/Guild Gallery Opening Reception, Friday Feb. 1, 5 p.m. -7 p.m.
february 14-17 Playhouse in the Park. Make a date with your sweethearts when Playhouse presents this “whimsical approach to the joys and perils of romance” for Valentine’s Day weekend. On a cold, clear,
Luther F Carson Center for the Performing Arts A Miracle on 34th Street Monday December 17, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy the stage production of the classic story and film, with a script and score by Meredith Wilson that brings a holiday tradition to life onstage as Santa takes the stand in defense of Christmas.
Shrek the Musical Tuesday January 29, 2013 and Wednesday January 30, 2013 at 7:00 pm. Based on the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks film that started it
all, brings the hilarious story of everyone’s favorite ogre to life on stage.
A Chorus Line Friday February 22, 2013 and Saturday February 23, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. It's the one opportunity for 17 dancers auditioning to do what they've always dreamed -- to have the chance to dance. The musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line.
For more information call 270.450.4444 or visit www.thecarsoncenter.org
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[ ] arts review
A Musical Note by: Devin Perkins
...the band jumps and “bounces, infectiously
s a general rule, I do not believe in time travel. There are principles of physics involved, but since I don't understand them, I won't bother to explain. Kala Dunn with the Todd Hill Quintet, however, is your own personal “Wayback Machine,” specially tuned to take you to the jumpinest joints of an age gone by. Recorded at Murray State University’s storied Lovett Auditorium, the album has the unmistakable ambience of a jazz nightclub.
about any social hotspot from the 1930s or 40s. One listen conjures images of brightly sequined gowns, tuxedoed waiters, polished floors, and under the spotlights, the suited band working their magic on an unsuspecting crowd.
Any song on offer here could easily find a home in just
Stepping away from the music for a moment, even the
A
daring you to not tap something.
”
– Devin Perkins
packaging itself is participant in this guided nostalgia. Everything from the retro cover art to the simple, elegant design of the art printed on the CD itself adds to the overall impression that one is being led backward to a richer, more soulful past. In the strength of the songs it contains, this album swings for the fence, and this band carries a large bat, indeed. There are a number of Big Band songs, made famous by such luminaries as Duke Ellington and Glenn Miller, as well as hits from the Nat King Cole Trio, Johnny Mathis, and the legendary Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.
...one is being led back“ward to a richer, more soulful past.” – Devin Perkins
Ms. Dunn’s voice is up to the task, flowing effortlessly from the exotic and somber tones of Duke Ellington’s “Caravan” to the staccato rhythms of James Moody’s “Moody’s Mood For Love.” She is at all times in command of her instrument, and she uses it to good effect. Mr. Hill’s piano is undoubtedly in command of these performances, and he lives up to his task undaunted
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Discography Kala Dunn with the Todd Hill Quintet is the product of Murray-based artists. Pianist Todd Hill is a member of Murray State’s distinguished music faculty, and Kala Dunn is an MSU graduate herself. The balance of the Quintet hails from all over west Kentucky and Tennessee. As such, the CD might make a wonderful gift for music lovers or those in search of something representing the Friendliest Town in America. Get your copy at the New Life Christian Book Store at 5th and Main in Murray. In Paris, visit Leach’s Music downtown, and you will also find it at the Eddy Grove Vinyard at 300 Martin Road in Princeton.
by the weight of his material. Standouts include “Sunny Side of the Street,” made famous by Tommy Dorsey, Fats Waller’s “Honeysuckle Rose,” and “Close to You,” recorded no fewer than three times by Mr. Sinatra. On the more lively tunes, the band jumps and bounces, infectiously daring you to not tap something. When the songs turn more mellow, the warm interplay between voice and piano is intimate and inviting. By the end of the first listen, one is immediately and powerfully tempted to skip back to the beginning and do it all over again. These confident, faithful renditions of Big Band and Jazz standards combine to make this album a supremely easy listen. While Kala Dunn with the Todd Hill Quintet may not challenge the listener, it certainly entertains s him. Photo by Dianne Lisette Photography
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[ ] crafts
Coney Crafts by: Caina Lynch
Here’s a fun family ornament to make on a chilly afternoon while the kids are out of school for the holiday. Gather a basket of pine cones and “get coney” with items around the house. Be sure to have plenty of pine cones to play with because once you get started you won't want to stop!
What you will need: Pine cones Glue or paint Glitter Ribbon/yarn Paper clips or ornament hooks Directions: Cover craft area with old newspapers and spread out pine cones. Use a foam paint brush (or tiny fingers work well) to paint the tips of the pine cone petals with glue. Shake glitter onto the glue. You can use one color, or combine several. For a vintage version of this fun Christmas craft, spray paint the pine cones silver or gold and tie a classic ribbon from the top. Attach a loop of ribbon or yarn to the top of the pine cone so it can be hung to dry over night before hanging on the tree. Tie a hook or paper clip to the ribbon to hang on the tree branches.
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[ $ ] the last word
The Present by: Caina Lynch
ally and Steven Wilson rushed down the stairs on a Kentucky Christmas morning, faces as bright as the lights hanging on the drooping branches of the live tree. The two “big kid” bicycles next to the ottoman were the first things they saw and seized. Their parents settled on the couch, coffee in hand, enjoying the view and taking a break from the early morning work of setting up.
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Eve, the children set out cookies and milk for Santa along with a bowl of baby carrots for Rudolph and his friends. Then, in the morning, while Lana made coffee, Mike went to work “preserving imagination.” Among other things, he took hair from the neighbors’ golden retriever and strategically placed it on the chair beside the bowl of gnawed carrots.
“No, Dad ate them,” she declared. “Sally," Lana spoke with a disapproving tone, "You know Daddy can’t eat cookies because of his health.” Both of the Wilson's had noticed Sally's holiday attitude growing cynical in the past few years, and they had both decided to take steps to preserve the joy of childhood this season. So, on Christmas
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“Daddy, that’s gross,” Sally said as she joined her brother on the floor. “Well I didn’t put it there; your mother would make me clean it up. You made the cookies so that makes it your mess to clean up,” he told his daughter with a smile. “Umm no,” Sally said matter-offactly and, as if it had never happened, she sat back down in her corner to open the next gift.
Steven sat on the blue bike, his feet dangled far above the ground when he noticed the fragments of the cookie that had been left for Santa the night before. “Look Daddy, Santa was hungry!” Both Mike and Lana Wilson smiled at their youngest child, but their happiness was interrupted by the 11year-old who was hovered over the ottoman throwing a skeptical look at the cookies and half-empty glass of milk.
“Looks like Rudolph ate Santa’s cookies,” his father told him.
“Umm no”
Halfway through the unwrapping of presents, Steven scooted over to the big box at the corner of the rug. His seven year-old arms couldn’t lift the box that contained the fingerpainting kit and easel so his mother came over to help him carry the box to his “un-wrapping station” by the ottoman. Then the children saw the “unwrapped present” on the floor. Both children gasped in a combination of disgust and awe; Steven dropped to his knees on the floor just inches from the “present” while his elder sister stood above him flabbergasted. "Look!” he cried. “There’s reindeer fur by the chair, and Rudolph left a . . . .” “Steven, don’t touch that!” his mother ordered.
Holiday Edition
Minutes later, as the children got dressed to go outside to attempt riding their new bikes, their parents cleaned up the shredded gift-wrap and leftover Santa treats. Lana was clearly upset, and made no attempt to conceal it when Justin Porter, the neighbor, stopped in to bring a Christmas card. "Justin! You didn’t help him with this, too, did you?" Her strong voice froze both men as they stood near the “unwrapped present.” Justin knelt near the offending evidence and looked up with an astonished frown. “This is good, Mike,” he said. “You even stuck in bits of hay and carrots.” “But, Honey,” Mike said to his wife, "I didn't put that . . . .” “And how’d you make this muddy hoof print in the rug?” asked Justin. No one had an answer for that. s