Murray Life Magazine Homecoming Edition 2010 by Helix Creative, LLC

What’s Inside

Kaci Bolls Bec Feldhaus

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Murray’s Home Team

VOLUME 15 - NUMBER 4 - HOMECOMING 2010 Printed in the USA www.mymurraylife.com Managing Editor Robert Valentine

Logan Abbitt & Ben Taylor

Associate Editor/Operations Manager Rita Oldham

Natural Moments John Pollpeter

Assistant Art Directors Kyle Smith | Gina Felder

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Battle of the Bands

Internet Consultant Justin B. Kimbro, K-Squared Designs, LLC

Features Famous Murrayans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Logan Abbitt Center Stage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Kenny Darnell Day Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Logan Abbitt

Departments Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Robert A. Valentine Notes N’ Neighbors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Murray Life Staff Women’s Toolbelt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Rita Oldham Pet Paws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Tom Rottinghaus Count On It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Murray Life Staff Savvy Shopper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Kim Cottingham A Laughing Matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Murray Life Staff Dining Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 From Fast to Fabulous Money Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Ron Arant Recipes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Rita Oldham Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 What’s Happening & Where Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Robert A. Valentine

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Sales & Marketing Rita Oldham | Dolly Wiseman Editorial Staff Ben Taylor | Logan Abbitt | Kim Cottingham

Ben Taylor

Art Director Justin B. Kimbro, K-Squared Designs, LLC

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Staff Photography Wm. Gross Magee | Justin B. Kimbro Contributing Writers Ron Arant | Ben Taylor Rita Oldham | John Pollpeter | Logan Abbitt Kenny Darnell | Bec Feldhaus | Kim Cottingham Tom Rottinghaus Printing Image Graphics, Paducah, Kentucky Murray Life is published five times annually for the Murray area. All contents copyright 2010 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: 608-B Main Street, Murray, KY 42071.

Subscriptions may also be made through the Web site, www.murraylifemagazine.com. All advertising inquiries should be directed to the Managing Editor at: Murray Life, 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.

Editorial

Homecoming

housands of people will visit Murray this fall, but only a modest percentage of that number will be here for formal homecoming events. Darlisha Stanfield put it best when she wrote in 2008, “Homecoming season isn’t just about football games and parades; it’s about appreciating your home and family.” As cold rain and winds drive us from patios and playgrounds into the warmth and safety of the hearth, it’s nice to reflect on the wonderful homes we have. In a way, this magazine is a sort of “home” for the people who work on it and contribute their knowledge and talents to it. That’s why we’re taking a few lines to let you know something about our “house:” It’s not for sale. By this we mean to say that, in this age of infomercials and “advertorials,” we take exception to the practice of confusing the viewer or the reader about what is our honest opinion, and what is a paid advertisement. We’re proud of our advertisers, and we trust and respect them, but ads are one thing and editorials and articles are another. We often write about people, institutions and even businesses in Murray. We quote people who may own a business or practice a profession. We like to write about Murray and its people, and we turn to local authorities for guidance. But we don’t pick subjects because they paid us, and we don’t quote people just because they buy an ad. We never have, and we don’t intend to do so. If you read about it, our writers and editors thought it was worth your time and would be helpful, informative or entertaining. We do that with you in mind; not to make a profit at your expense. We thought you should know. In this issue there are singers involved; Logan Abbitt and Bec Feldhaus tell us about two local girls who write and sing: Jackie DeShannon and Kaci Bolls. Guest writer Kenny Darnell remembers the late Dr. Hal Houston, and we’ll ask you who you think Murray picks for a favorite NFL team. We’ve got a list of great eateries, now that grilling out is too much like chilling out, and our calendar will let you know what’s happening and when. From financial security to pet care, we’ve got plenty for you to think about until the holidays arrive. So dig out the jackets, knock the rust off the rake and make sure you’ve got enough wood. Going inside doesn’t limit your life so much as it expands your imagination. Take us with you as you sit by the fireplace. Then, let the wind blow! Spring will be here soon enough, and so will Murray Life. O

Robert A. Valentine, Editor

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Notes ‘n Neighbors

Local Businesswoman Featured in Women’s Book

local writer and business professional is once again a featured guest in the Wake Up Women book series, appearing in the newest edition: Wake Up Women: Be Happier, Healthier & Wealthier. This is not the first time Rita Oldham has been published in the series; she appeared in the first anthology published in 2008 with the story about her determined struggle to achieve her goal of obtaining her college degree. In the newly published book, Rita’s story tells of the wonderful relationship she shares with her husband, Jim, and the importance of building a marriage first and foremost on a strong friendship. The Wake Up Women series is a collection of stories by women coaches, authors, experts and professionals who want to pass along their stories of personal inspiration that offer courage, understanding and hope. James Malinchak, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Athlete’s Soul, said, “Wake Up Women is filled with uplifting stories and powerful guidance.

Read this book and walk away with the insights and tools you need to start living the life of your dreams.” Rita has been working in the book and magazine publishing business for six years. She said, “Until I became involved in the process personally, I never realized how much work goes into publishing a magazine or a book. I have definitely learned so much about what it takes to create a finished product out of an original manuscript. The hands-on experience that I have received has given me a new perspective so that each time I pick up a book or magazine now, I see it in a whole new light.” Even though Rita is not originally from Murray, she has lived here for the last 21 years after coming to Murray State at seventeen-years-old. Her three children were born here and they attend the Calloway County School System so she now considers Murray her new hometown. O

News of Clarks River Refuge Spreads

urtis Niedermier’s four-page article on the new Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge (“Running the Refuge,” Vol. 15, No. 2, Summer 2010, pp. 22-25) got plenty of notice and resulted in this pleasant note from Stacey Hayden of the Refuge staff. Thanks again for the box of magazines! Both our staff and volunteers were very excited to have their own copies. We also sent copies to local government officials, state government officials (including the governor), and our federal congressmen. Cheers! Stacey Thanks Stacey. We were please to provide extra magazines to assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in spreading the word about this important 9,000-acre

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refuge right in our backyard. We hope it attracts visitors, attention, and public support for the good work of the FWS staff under the direction of Refuge Manager Michael Johnson. Our thanks to nature writer Curtis Niedermier of FLW whose interest in nature and whose expertise in wildlife matters produced the readable, informative piece you may have enjoyed. If you missed it, it is being presented again on the Web site at www.mymurraylife.com. Just click on “Murray Likes” and find out what you may have missed. O

Notes ‘n Neighbors

Murray Native Becomes Working Mom on Good Luck Charlie

ne of Leigh-Allyn Baker’s first appearances before an audience came when she was crowned Miss Calloway County Fair Queen in 1990. Today, after appearances and starring roles on some of the most recognizable television shows and voice work on popular video games, the Murray native is entertaining the family again in her role as “the mom” on Disney® Channel’s Good Luck Charlie. Coincidently, the very next year after Leigh-Allyn won the Calloway County Fair Queen title, another famous Murray-born actress was crowned—Molly Sims. The succession was not an easy one: Leigh-Allyn said, "She was so tall I had to ask her to kneel." Later, the two stars met up on the set of Molly’s regular show Las Vegas when Leigh-Allyn had a guest appearance.

Leigh-Allyn Baker was born on April 3, 1972, to Mike and Vicki Baker. She has one brother, Chuck Baker, who is the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Kentucky Lake Oil Company in Murray. Beginning in community theatre in Murray, she went on to appear in many television and movie roles, with featured roles in Charmed and Will & Grace. Her new character, Amy Duncan on Good Luck Charlie, probably comes close to being the one she can relate to the most. Both Leigh-Allyn and Amy are returning to work after having a baby and both are trying to juggle the responsibilities of working moms. Her character also has two teenagers and a pre-teen. Leigh-Allyn now lives in Los Angeles with her son, Griffin, and her husband, an entertainment executive. In a recent interview on www.mommytracked.com, Vicki Larson asked Leigh-Allyn how she hoped to give her son as normal a life as possible given the fact that the Hollywood lifestyle can be a hard one in which to raise children. “I’m from a little town in Kentucky. I grew up with a downhome, normal life. I’m hoping we raise our child the same way. I know there are many parents in Hollywood who have the best intentions, but something goes wrong. I hope to avoid that,” she replied. O w w w. m u r r a y l if e m a g a z ine . c o m

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Notes ‘n Neighbors

Celebrating Nature through Photography “

riends of LBL” formerly known as The Land Between the Lakes Association, announces The 2010 Land Between the Lakes Photo Competition. This contest was inspired by Gene Boaz, a friend to LBL and local artist (1946-1999) whose love of LBL and photography left a legacy encouraging today’s wildlife photographers and fostering greater appreciation of the Land Between the Lakes wildlife and its natural resources.

All photographs must have been taken in or of the Land Between the Lakes or of Kentucky Lake or Lake Barkley. Photographs will be judged in the following 6 categories:

1. Mammals - Portraits and Behavior 2. Birds - Portraits and Behavior 3. Small World - Tight Close Up and Macro 4. Connecting People and Nature - People enjoying the LBL 5. Habitat - Landscapes and plant life from wild areas 6. Digitally Enhanced * *Double exposures, digitally stitched photos and images containing any manipulated or added content should be entered only in category #6. Only JPG files smaller than 2 MB will be accepted. Upload your photo using the online entry form on the Web site. Repeat this process for each photo entered. The entry fee is $20.00 and $15.00 for members of “Friends of LBL”. To enter, participants may submit and verify receipt of entries by going to www.lblphotocontest.org. Entrants may submit a maximum of three (3) photos per category. An image may be entered in only one category. 8

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JUSTIN B. KIMBRO

The 2010 Land Between the Lakes Photo Competition is open to all photographers, of any age, who have submitted a complete registration form and entrance fee. If under 18, a signed permission form from his or her parent or legal guardian must be included. Members of the contest committee, contest judges and their immediate families including children, siblings and spouses are excluded.

Entries must be uploaded no earlier than October 1, 2010 and no later than 5 pm Central Time December 1, 2010. First, second, and third places will be chosen from each category. The Grand Prize winner will be picked from the 1st place winners. Judging will take place during December and awards will be presented in January 2011 (date to be set at a later time). Winning photographs will be displayed on Web sites including www.friendsoflbl.org, www.lbl.org, and www.explorekentuckylake.com.

Grand prize ..................$400 First place, all categories .......$200 Second place, all categories .....$100 Third place, all categories .......$50 Please do not call about the status of entries; send questions to competition@lblphotocontest.org. Friends of LBL thanks the following for their support of the third Land Between the Lakes Photo Contest— Honoring Gene Boaz: 1st KY Bank; Lighthouse Landing Marina and Resort; Grand Rivers Tourism Commission; Marty Colburn Photography; Hooper’s Outdoor Center; Regional Medical Center; R. Barga and Company; Kentucky Lake Productions and the USDA Forest Service. O

Women’s Toolbelt

Prepare Your Yard for Spring—Now By: Rita Oldham

he goal of any homeowner is to look across his yard and see the grass have a distinct uniformity in height and color; to view lushness only healthy grass can boast. You might think that the process to achieve this goal would begin in, say, March. You would be mistaken. Fall is the correct time to prepare your yard to be beautiful and healthy in the spring. The main thing to remember is that your grass’s roots are still growing during winter even if the grass itself isn’t. Therefore, you must protect the roots from too much or too little moisture, allow them to continue to receive the nutrients they need and provide them with the added ingredients to help them thrive so that come next spring, your grass will be greener and thicker than ever. To ensure proper drainage and prevent moisture from becoming trapped, clear off any debris from your yard that can block sunlight and water from grass roots such as leaves, pine needles, thatch, limbs or wood. Keep leaves from piling up by raking frequently or they can suffocate the roots. Cut the grass until you

see no new growth for two weeks. If the grass is left too tall it can fold over, causing it to trap moisture and develop fungal diseases such as snow mold. According to Chris Maley of Maley Lawn and Landscape Services, the height you should leave your lawn for winter depends on your yard and the conditions surrounding it. He says if your yard consists of Fescue grass and does not have many trees surrounding it, the height can be left at three to four inches. But if you live in a wooded area with heavy leaf-drop, you will want to cut it a little shorter. Warm season grasses can be cut shorter for the winter also but it’s important not to scalp your yard, he points out. “There are many variables to determining the height you should cut your lawn to for the winter. The important thing is to pay attention to it and if you have any questions, contact a lawn care professional,” says Chris. Keeping your lawn free of debris and cutting the grass to the correct height at the end of the growing season also ensures that the roots can receive nutrients without obstructions. You may want to aerate your lawn to help roots receive beneficial nutrients more quickly. You can usually rent a power aerator from an equipment or garden supply store. Fall is also the time to fertilize your lawn and apply herbicide. Fertilize between Labor Day and October

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with a mixture higher in potassium and phosphorous and lower in nitrogen than you would use in the spring and summer months. You may also want to consider a second feeding of fertilizer after the grass stops growing but before the soil freezes, sometime between Halloween and Christmas. To fill in the dormant grass in the winter and keep the nice green color going year-round, you may want to sow an annual winter rye. This seed must be sown early in the fall to be successful, since it can grow very rapidly at 60 to 70 degrees. It only lasts one winter but is the best way to have a green yard all year long. Properly preparing your yard now can save you time, money and frustration next spring when all you want to see when you look across your yard is nice, lush, green grass. Taking the steps now to prevent damage and ensure growth of the roots over the winter is key to achieving the goal of a thick, rich lawn that will be the envy of the neighborhood. So pull on your work boots now so next spring you can take your shoes off and wiggle your toes in your beautiful and healthy, new lawn. O

Women’s Toolbelt

How to best winterize your lawn: • Control broadleaf weeds such as the dreaded dandelion in early fall. • Fertilize in the fall. • If grass will be covered by a blanket of snow in the winter, cut the grass a bit shorter than one-third of the grass blade at the end of the mowing season. • When raking, remove large piles of leaves, twigs and other debris from the lawn. Grind up leaves and return them to the lawn to add nutrients to the soil.

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Pet Paws

Calloway County Program Duplicated To Help Pets In Marshall County By: Tom Rottinghaus

ave you ever noticed that good ideas are often copied? That’s the case with the Humane Society of Calloway County’s Animal Advocate’s E-mail Alert Program. This free service is for anyone who is missing a pet or who has found a pet and has resulted in more than fifty pets being reunited with their families since the program’s inception. Imagine becoming separated from your beloved pet and not knowing what has happened to it. Has it been injured? Is it afraid? Has a coyote gotten it? Did someone steal it? You tell your neighbors and friends that the animal is missing but that is such a small number of people. Now imagine having a thousand people knowing that your pet is missing and helping keep an eye out for it. Here’s how it works. When a person’s pet goes missing, a description and photograph of the animal is emailed to everyone on the Humane Society’s Animal Advocates e-mail list. That’s over a thousand people spread around Calloway County. The pet’s information is also posted on the Humane Society’s Facebook page for even more exposure. Anyone who has lost a pet, whether or not they have a Facebook account, can check the page frequently for any postings regarding the animal. If someone recognizes the animal, it’s normally reunited with its owners the same day. After having two beloved dogs go missing, Marshall County resident Sheila Robinson contacted the Murray/ Calloway County Animal Shelter to see if the dogs might have turned up there. During her conversation with the shelter’s staff, she was told about the Humane Society’s 12

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program. She followed up with the Humane Society office and an e-mail alert was sent to the Animal Advocates. One of our Animal Advocates was traveling through Benton the next day and called the office when she thought she had spotted the Robinson’s dogs. The dogs sighted turned out not to be the Robinson’s dogs, but Robinson was so impressed by the Animal Advocates’ program here in Calloway County that she began thinking about starting a similar program in Marshall County.

Pet Paws

The program’s goal in both counties is to return lost pets to their owners or find new, forever homes for the ones that cannot be reunited. After getting details about how the Humane Society’s Animal Advocates E-mail Alert Program works in Calloway County, and with the help of other animal lovers and friends in Marshall County, the Marshall County Animal Watch Program was started. Robinson simply sends out e-mails of lost or found pets in the same way the Humane Society of Calloway County does and also posts lost and found animals on Facebook where they can be publicly viewed. Since the start of the Marshall County program in January of this year, fifteen dogs have been reunited with their owners and others have been rescued from harmful situations. As in Calloway County, the program works with local veterinarians, animal shelter, rescue groups and anyone concerned about the welfare of animals. The program’s goal in both counties is to return lost pets to their owners or find new, forever homes for the ones that cannot be reunited. If you have friends or relatives in Marshall County, have them contact Robinson at sheiren@bellsouth.net or by phone at 270-898-8527 or 270-331-0859 to be added to their alert list. Anyone interested in being placed on the Humane Society of Calloway County’s Animal Advocates e-mail list can e-mail their request to HumaneSociety@murrayky.net or call the office at 270-759-1884. For more information about the Humane Society of Calloway County, visit their Web site at www.ForThePets.org. Visitors to the Web site can see animals available for adoption, read about the programs funded by the Society, view photographs from recent events, become a Society member or make a tax deductible on-line donation. The Humane Society of Calloway County is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Society receives no governmental money and relies solely on donations, membership dues and fund raisers. Visitors are also welcome at the Society office located on the first floor of the Weaks Community Center at 607 Poplar Street, Murray or you can find the Humane Society at facebook.com/ForThePets. O w w w. m u r r a y l if e m a g a z ine . c o m

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This is a medium level puzzle...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.

Again, good luck! Where is the Solution? Not sure of your answers? Visit our Web site to check your solution. Go to www.murraylifemagazine.com and click the “Puzzle Solution” symbol. We’ll see you next issue with another great puzzle! Puzzle Courtesy of www.sudoku-puzzles.net

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Count On It

Tree Stats 00:

0 f leaves , 0 2 0 mber o ature, Nu on a m oak thy h e a l tree.

617,000:

People who were injured by rakes, other outdoor garden supplies and ladders while performing yard work in 2008.

Sheets of paper that can be made from one tree.

3-6 Billion:

3,600:

Pounds of leaves an oak tree will grow and shed in 60 years of life.

8,333.3:

290:

Calories burned during every hour of raking leaves.

Number of trees humans cut down each year (which is equivalent to the size of Ireland.)

Human beings a single mature tree can support through the release of oxygen back into the atmosphere.

4,280:

300:

Number of trees it takes to counterbalance the pollution one person creates in his lifetime.

: 29.t6age of

en Perc s surface â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Earth red by cove es. tre

Pounds of oxygen an acre of trees can produce.

0: 0 0 0 , ate

1 0 proxim of er Ap

1988:

The year the most acreage of trees was planted in any single year; nearly 3.4 million acres. w w w. m u r r a y l if e m a g a z ine . c o m

b num own k n ies c spe s o n ee of tr rth. Ea

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Savvy Shopper

Laundry Room Update: Front-Loading Washers & Dryers By: Kim Cottingham

ow that the kids are back in school, you may find you have more laundry than ever—the kids have school clothes, afterschool clothes and sports clothes that need to be washed; you have work clothes, casual clothes and workout clothes. Don’t forget church and special occasion clothes, which require special care. With all this laundry to do and your busy schedule, you may be thinking about buying a front-loading washer and dryer, but want to know more about them first. After all, they can be pricey. Here, we will look at some of the benefits of these popular appliances and what to consider before making the investment in them.

Reasons to Buy You’ve probably heard that front-loading washers and dryers are more efficient than their top-loading predecessors, which is one of the main reasons people buy them. These newer machines have several features which result in time and energy savings. The cost savings can help pay for the washer and dryer over time. Both the washers and dryers are designed with a larger load capacity in less space than many top-loading ver-

sions. This allows you to clean more clothes in fewer loads, saving time and money. Because the washers don’t have an agitator, the cleaning is gentler on fabrics, thereby prolonging the life of your clothes, and stretching the clothing budget. By rotating the clothes from top to bottom, rather than from side to side as in top-loading machines, frontloading machines use less water. By using approximately 30 gallons of water less per load, depending on the brand and capacity, the front-loaders provide about 60 percent in water savings and 40 percent in energy savings. Also, owners save money by using less detergent, which benefits the septic system as well. During the spin cycle, the front-loading machines rotate much faster and therefore remove more water than their top-loading counterparts. By leaving less water in the clothes, the drying time is decreased—another way to save time and energy. Saving energy is better for your budget, and the environment, too. The washers come with the traditional permanent press, heavy duty and delicate cycles. Additional options include a cycle for cleaning woolen garments and features such as steam cleaning and sanitizing. Steam cleaning can be very cost effective. It can extend the life of clothes which would be worn out more quickly by frequent washes, when all they really need is a refreshing spin in the steam cycle. According to Jackie Capps of Sears in Murray, during the steam cleaning process, the machine’s heater raises the temperature of the water, making it even hotter than when it leaves your water heater. Households with young children will appreciate the sanitizing cycle. Clothes can be sanitized in cold water through an ionization process. You will be especially grateful for the sanitizing and steam cleaning features when the cold and flu season comes back around. More time-savers: When you start a wash

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Savvy Shopper

load, you can put the detergent, bleach and fabric softener in the designated compartments and the machine releases each product at the appropriate time. Some brands connect the washer and dryer with a computer cable so when you enter your cleaning options at the beginning of the wash cycle, the information is programmed into the dryer, which saves you a few more minutes when moving the clothes to the dryer.

Be Sure to Consider

from about $400 to $700 each and is influenced by the capacity and optional features. Units with features such as sanitizing and steam cleaning will be in the upper end of the price range. Although the price tag may cause you to pause before purchasing, remember, “The machines pay for themselves in energy savings in approximately 10 years,” says Tom Alexander of WardElkins. If you are a very “savvy shopper,” you might want to wait to purchase your front-loading washer and dryer when they are on sale and save even more.

The controls are more complicated than those on toploading machines, which means you’ll need to spend a little more time learning how to use them. If repairs are needed after the warranty has expired, those repairs cost more for the front-loading versions due to their having more electronic components. On the plus side, the front-loaders seem to need repairs no more often than top-loading versions. The appliances come with a warranty, and the buyer has the option of purchasing an extended warranty.

You may decide to buy the washer and dryer separately, as you save the money needed for each purchase. If you go that route, remember that manufacturers often decrease or discontinue certain colors as others choices become more popular, meaning you might have trouble finding the dryer or washer to match the machine you purchased first. In that case, you may want to go with white, although several appealing colors are available, including chili pepper red, ginger, and graphite steel.

To make loading and unloading easier, you’ll want to have the washer and dryer installed on a pedestal, which raises them about 15 inches off the floor. If you do use a pedestal, you’ll need to be sure the floor is solid to reduce vibrations. A concrete floor is best. The cost of front-loading washer and dryers ranges

Washing clothes has certainly come a long way from the days of scrubbing them on a washboard and waiting for them to air dry. Now that you have some information on the latest upgrades in laundry appliances, you may find that the front-loading washer and dryer are just what you need to make life a little less hectic. Happy shopping. O

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Famous Murrayans

Kentucky Born California Girl: Jackie DeShannon By: Logan Abbitt

t was 1948, and the sweet voice of six-year-old Sharon Lee Myers drifted out of the radios in Murray, Ky. The talented young girl inspired and delighted her audience with her renditions of favorite gospel and country music songs. Listeners knew they were hearing something special, but they couldn’t know just how special this girl’s life in music was going to be. Jackie DeShannon, as she became known, had huge hits as a singer, acted in movies, toured with the Beatles, won a Grammy, and in 2010, she was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Not bad for a kid from Hazel. Jackie was born in 1942, to Sandra Jean and James Erwin Myers. She lived on a farm in the tiny community of Hazel, Ky., a town that hasn’t grown very much at all in nearly 70 years. She still recalls those days fondly. "I loved my family, so I really looked forward to Sunday dinners at Grandmother’s house." Those dinners were classic southern-style events, with lots of food and lots of music. "That’s the way I spent the first eleven years of my life, playing and singing country and gospel songs on the radio in a little town not too far away called Murray, Ky. They were very happy times for me." Music played a major part in her life from the very beginning. Her father was a country musician, her mother sang the blues, and her grandmother sang and played Irish folk songs. She used to ride the school bus home every afternoon to the farm, singing all the way. "It seemed to make the time pass quickly." Jackie’s first performance came at the age of three when her mother temporarily lost track of her, only to find her up on the stage singing with a concert performer. "This happened a few times," said Jackie. By the time she was eleven and the family moved to her mother‘s hometown of Aurora, 18

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Ill., Jackie had been singing for years. She already knew that she wanted to be a professional singer. She had a taste of performing with the radio gig, church appearances, and television talent competitions. As a teenager, Jackie started out singing country music under the name Sherry Lee. Jackie would go through several name changes: Sherry Lee became Jackie Dee, then Jackie Dee Shannon, then eventually Jackie DeShannon, the name that became famous. The name changes were prompted by marketing necessity. Recordings by boys sold, recordings by girls did not. With her low, smoky voice, Jackie could be just ambiguous enough to get a break in recording songs. The details of her early career are a bit muddled and confused with contradictory reports appearing in multiple places. (The name changes didn’t help to keep the stories straight.) We do know that in 1960, while still in her teens, Jackie was singing country songs in shows around the country, and she was starting to compose her own music. She learned early on that, as a relative unknown, she wasn’t going to be handed any of the A-list songs to sing. If she wanted a good song, she would have to write it herself, and so she did. She started writing, and she never stopped. Early on, rockabilly star Eddie Cochran told her that she was a real California girl and she should relocate to Los Angeles. A pretty girl with long blonde hair and slender figure, she certainly had the look. She took his advice and moved to the west coast where she signed with Liberty Records. Jackie made a string of promising, but unsuccessful, records. While her recording career was moving along slowly, her songwriting career blossomed. She teamed up with another young songwriter, and Cochran's ex-girlfriend,

Famous Murrayans

Sharon Sheeley. Together they wrote a number of memorable hits for other artists, including Brenda Lee ("Dum Dum") and The Fleetwoods ("The Great Imposter"). Jackie got her first significant airplay in 1963, with her songs "Needles and Pins" and "When You Walk in the Room." The songs did well in the U.S., but they were even bigger hits in the U.K. In fact, The Searchers, an English group, had much greater success with their renditions of these same songs. Jackie's exposure was enough to get her invited to join one of the biggest concert tours of the decade—the 1964 U.S. Beatles tour. Paul McCartney had requested that she

"I loved my family, so I really looked forward to Sunday dinners at Grandmother’s house." Those dinners were classic southern-style events, with lots of food and lots of music. "That’s the way I spent the first eleven years of my life, playing and singing country and gospel songs on the radio in a little town not too far away called Murray, Ky. They were very happy times for me." -Jackie DeShannon be on the tour because he was so impressed with her. “I love your demos,” he told her when they first met. They had the same publisher, Dick James Music, and they would go in the office and listen to what writers were doing from America. Jackie was one of a handful of opening acts. The tour was six weeks of onenighters, playing to about eighty thousand people every night or whatever the baseball stadiums would fit. Trying to keep the crowds satisfied while they screamed for the Beatles to take the stage was a thankless task, but she still recalls the tour as one of the true highlights of her career. In 1965, Jackie had her first major success as a singer with, ironically enough, another writer's song. "What the World Needs Now," by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, made her a star. The song also cemented her place in history, as it went on to become one of the biggest songs of the decade. She wasn't done making hits, however, and in 1969, she struck gold again. This time the song was her own composition, "Put a Little Love in Your Heart." That hit went on to be covered by different acts over fifty times. (She mentioned that the version by Annie Lennox and Al Green for the movie Scrooged is a favorite.) Jackie DeShannon also dabbled with acting during this time. She frolicked about in a bikini in the beach movie Surf Party (1964), then became a college girl in C'mon, Let's Live a Little (1967) and frolicked about in her nightie. She made a more serious attempt at acting with Intimacy (1966), an independent film with no singing, in which she played a hooker. Jackie made a w w w. m u r r a y l if e m a g a z ine . c o m

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Famous Murrayans

number of appearances in television shows such as "The Wild, Wild West" as a fetching saloon singer, and "My Three Sons" as Peggy Snell, the girl next door. It's not hard to imagine the versatile Jackie establishing a career as an actress if music hadn't been her focus. In 1982, Jackie won a songwriting Grammy for Kim Carnes' mega hit "Bette Davis Eyes." Jackie had actually recorded the song earlier, but it was never released because she disagreed with the way it was arranged. She was thrilled with Carnes' version, though, because that was the way she had imagined the song. The two singers have a similar vocal sound and Jackie has since performed the song on stage. Jackie DeShannon was one of the very first successful female songwriters. She broke new ground by creating a prodigious catalog of popular compositions in a field that was typically male-dominated. Her early record company had her under contract as a singer and as a songwriter, and her incredible output could often times be puzzling. Some songs were given away to other artists and some demo songs were never released while other demo songs were improperly released as album cuts. Jackie recorded her own songs, other artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tunes, and songs her record company forced her to record and release. The contracts were often treated as one, unfortunately, which has 20

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lead to some regrettable circumstances. For example, she does not receive songwriter and publishing royalties for "Put a Little Love in Your Heart," her biggest hit as singer and songwriter. In June of this year, she was honored with an induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame where she will be enshrined with other legends including Carole King, Paul Simon, and Brian Wilson. All told, Jackie has over 600 songs to her credit, and she's still writing today. During her incredible career, she has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music. Her songs have been recorded by an astounding array of musical acts, from Brenda Lee to Bruce Springsteen, from The Carpenters to The Chipmunks. Don't be surprised when she makes it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, too. A few years ago, Jackie was asked if she still considered herself a Kentucky girl, or was she now California through and through? She replied "I'm a Kentucky girl still, with shades of California through and through." Jackie embraced her musical roots in gospel, folk, country and rockabilly and went on to create a life in music filled with joy and success. At different times in her life, she was a country crooner, a pop princess, and a hippie high priestess, but she'll always be that special little girl who sang gospel for the hometown radio. O

“Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter.” - Carol Bishop Hipps all—it’s all about change, colors and, of course, football. So in this issue’s “colorful” insert, Murray Life brings you a collection of stories that embrace those elements of the season. From saying farewell to a friend to a star changing her life with her dreams; from animals preparing for the winter to a fad of colorful bracelets – and don’t forget the football, we have it all.

Kenny Darnell brings us a touching tribute to his friend and Murray’s long-time favorite doctor, Dr. Hal Houston. An avid quail hunter and devoted Murray State fan, his presence will be sorely missed by many. An up-and-coming singer/songwriter from Murray, Kaci Bolls, is the focus of guest writer Bec Feldhaus’ feature profile. Learn how she is beating the odds in Music City where almost every food service worker is trying to be right where she is today – a girl with a guitar and a book full of “gigs.” The naturalists are back. John Pollpeter of the Land Between the Lakes Nature Station brings us some fascinating tales of unique animal behaviors—from the mating ritual of eagles to “refrigeration” techniques of beavers. You may be surprised to learn how clever some well-known friends of the forest are when observed in their natural environments. Have you seen what appear to be colored rubber bands on the wrists of the children, teenagers and young adults in your life? Ben Taylor explores this phenomenon of “silly bandz” and their popularity in schools in our area and the nation. Nothing says fall like football which lead Logan Abbitt and Ben Taylor to ask the question “who is Murray’s home team?” They explore the possibilities and ask for your opinion in our online survey. As the leaves start to swirl and the wind begins to have a little nip to it, curl up with Murray Life and let us help you enjoy all the fall has to offer. w w w. m u r r a y l if e m a g a z ine . c o m

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O CI B KA

Murray native Kaci Bolls has a very exciting announcement to make. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taken about nine months, including anxiety, emotional trials and physical work. This is a first for Bolls, and once the project is complete, her life could change forever. Within the next month or so, Bolls will have the finished product:

her first full-length original studio album.

a a D N A

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he's a girl with a guitar in Nashville, so bravery is a given. Trying to classify her album, Bolls said there’s a little something for everyone. Its roots are in classic Americana, without having the traditional instrumentation of Nashville country music.

She spent some time in the Music City before moving away. She returned in 2001, and has called it home ever since. Though her regular schedule flew out the window when she started working seriously on her newest album, she likes to write for a few hours in the mornings and then record demos in the afternoons. She says everyone in Nashville is a songwriter, so the jobs are limited. Bolls is unique. With her newborn CD, she continues her dream of actually getting paid for writing music. “It’s a limited and precious position that I hold,” Bolls said, “having a paid song-writing position is an honor.” She said every waiter and waitress in town probably has a demo CD in his or her pocket, just in case a record producer happens to walk in. The curly-haired redhead is very humble when discussing her career. Among her most memorable moments, she includes performing in Murray State University’s Lovett Live series with songwriter Don Schlitz and playing this year for Murray’s own Freedom Fest. “It was weird standing there in Murray’s Court Square and singing the songs, with the songs actually being about that court square," she said. She's not unaware of the many acts competing for loyal listeners, so she looks to veterans for motivation. “It’s inspiring to see how you can really make this your life long-career and not just be a flash in the pan," Bolls said.

"My dream has always been to make a record that is someone’s favorite record.” 24

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She was born and raised in Murray. Beginning as a tiger cub at Murray Elementary, she is a graduate of Murray High School. Along the way, she enjoyed playing soccer in the league her father helped to start, and spent innumerable days and evenings at what is now Glendale Road Church of Christ. Bolls also taught gymnastics at a local dance studio. Needless to say, music is just one of her many talents. The jovial songwriter is very modest, despite being honored with some lofty accolades. “It’s always a thrill to hear a song that I did the demo for on the radio or to see it win a CMA,” Bolls explained. One highlight she recalls is the demo she recorded for what would become a hit as Carrie Underwood's interpretation: "Before He Cheats." She's never dreamed of being a huge, country star like Faith Hill who performs to sold-out stadium crowds. Instead she dreams of packing more modest theatres as her favorites Carol King and Patty Griffin have done. "My dream has always been to make a record that is someone’s favorite record," she said. With supportive crowds in Murray, and an “all 50 states in 50 days tour,” she might not be too far off. She has a complete live album of her songs, with a live EP called 1929, now available on iTunes. For those interested in seeing what Bolls is like on her journey through the challenging world of writing, performing and recording music, she lights up the blogosphere at kacibolls.com. If you get the chance to see her perform, don’t miss the opportunity. Kaci Bolls may be a local girl, but whenever she plays, she proves she’s not just “local talent.”

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aving a medium-rare chunk of exquisitely grilled ribeye stubbornly lodged somewhere between goozle and gullet will drain the enthusiasm from any culinary exercise regardless of how delectable the morsel. I know this from an unfortunate experience some years ago which required a visit to that miracle of modern medicine—the Emergency Room. Reclining pensively on a gurney in the ER, I was told that an offending chunk of a prime cut was the cause of my discomfort (which I already knew), and that it would require the use of a device similar to a “sewer snake” to dislodge the bovine blockage (which I really didn’t want to know). During the bumpy, door-banging ride through the hospital’s catacombs on the gurney, I noticed a dapper fellow in dress shirt and suspenders working intently at a small desk. As we approached, the fellow spun his chair toward me and commented on the pending procedure which he described as being routine to the point of tedium. His voice and demeanor were so reassuring that I took him at his word, as if he had known both me and my esophagus for a good many years. That was my first encounter with Dr. Hal Houston. It wasn’t until the follow-up visit in Dr. Hal’s office that I got a glimpse of his legendary wit and wisdom. Dr. Hal not only knew everyone in Murray, from Murray, or who had ever passed through Murray, he had an end-

Happy Hunting,

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by Kenny Darnell

less supply of hilarious tales that involved all three. But thanks to Dr. Hal’s prowess with the “sewer snake” or whatever he had used, we didn’t meet again on the endoscopy table. Some years later, I answered the phone one day and heard: “Kenny, Hal Houston here.” Being now firmly entrenched in the culture of Murray, I was flattered just to receive a call from someone like Dr. Hal, but couldn’t imagine why on earth the infamous surgeon was on the other end of line. Dr. Hal had read an article I had written for the local newspaper in which I had described an idyllic Thanksgiving Day quail hunt from my youth and was thus set in remembrance of similar idyllic days from his own youth. We talked for some time. I reminded him that he had dislodged an obstruction for me some years back and he had remembered, but Dr. Hal was fixed on the story of Thanksgivings past—a story I had naively thought to be mine. But here was the preeminent physician inserting himself into my story, a story which then became his. Over the years Dr. Hal would call from time to time. Sometimes it would be a matter of months; other times years. It was always pleasant to hear his voice on the other end of the line and he always called to comment on some other article of mine he had read in the paper. I can’t say for certain, but it seemed that the nostalgic tales about the pursuit of bobwhites and cottontails while in the company of family and longtime friends always caught his attention, and he never failed to express his appreciation to me for helping him relive those fine memories. **************************************************** News that Dr. Hal had an inoperable tumor left me in the grip of despair and I wondered if I would hear from my old friend again. It wasn’t long, however, until that familiar voice was on the phone again and there was Dr. Hal reliving some special moment in his storied life. I was worried about him, so when I finally had opportunity to ask, I inquired as to his condition. “Oh, I’m alright,” he said with that same air of assurance and I could not help but believe him. That’s all he said that didn’t pertain to his passion for bobwhites and his time afield. Throughout his long ordeal, Dr. Hal still found time to call every now and then. The conversation was always about hunting—almost exclusively about hunting bobwhite quail. As he had served a long tenure as Murray

State’s team physician, I would check the bench at every ballgame to see if Dr. Hal was there and found I couldn’t enjoy the game if his seat on the bench was empty. He called not long ago and we talked again about bobwhites and whether we would ever be able to enjoy the thrill of a covey-rise as we had in our more youthful days. As always, I asked how he was doing and as always he assured me that he was okay. It was the last time Dr. Hal would call. Writers waste a great deal of time trying to foist the details of their own puny lives upon a disinterested audience. It is only when the reader sees the story as that of his own that a writer achieves true success. After all, no one has an exclusive claim on life itself. Happy hunting, Dr. Hal. O

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MURRAY'S Home Team?

By: Logan Abbitt & Ben Taylor

ootball season is on! Murray loves football and we love our home teams. Starting with high school, we support the Lakers and the Tigers with fervor. Then at the next level, Murray State becomes our team of choice. It's a university town, so it's no surprise to say that we love our Racers. We worry, we watch, and we travel with the Racers. What about the next level, though? Murray has no professional teams anywhere nearby. Professional football is the most popular sport in the country, but Murray seems curiously left out of the loop. In fact, the entire state of Kentucky is missing a major sports franchise of any kind. People in Murray watch NFL games on TV, of course, but the question is, “Who do they root for?” The nearest team is over 110 miles away, and it’s been that close less than fifteen years. Is there a professional football team that the entire community can support with the same enthusiasm that it holds for the Lakers, Tigers,

or Racers? Can Murray adopt any particular pro team as its home team? What team would that be? Let's explain what we mean by the phrase "home team." There are two primary factors that determine a home team: proximity and appeal. Proximity refers to the geographical location and this is where Murray's biggest obstacle originates. In simplest terms, a fan should be able to drive to the stadium, see a day game, and return home that night. There aren't many NFL teams that fit that criterion for fans in Murray. The second factor is appeal, by which we refer to the ability of the team to attract fans and give them something to get excited about. It's the team's charisma, its capacity to draw the community together to cheer as one. While this may be reflected in its wins and losses, it's not necessary. (Sometimes a community loves its losers the most. Just look at the Chicago Cubs.) Team history with the community is just as important, if not more so.

We gathered the four teams that are most likely to be considered a home team for Murray and discussed the pros and cons for each one. THE TENNESSEE TITANS Location: Nashville, Tennessee – 117 miles from Murray. Pros: It is the closest team to Murray, about two hours away. It has been an excellent team at times, with a trip to Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000, a game the team famously lost when a play came up just one yard short. Cons: Formerly known as the Houston Oilers, the Titans didn't come to Tennessee until 1997. By NFL history standards, the team is still a newcomer.

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THE ST. LOUIS RAMS Location: St. Louis, Missouri – 222 miles from Murray. Pros: Moving to St. Louis from Los Angeles in 1995, the team has been in this region slightly longer than the Titans, and it is only slightly further away. The Rams have been to the Super Bowl twice in the last decade, including a win over the Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV. Cons: The St. Louis Rams seem to be collapsing right now: 2007=3 wins; 2008=2 wins; 2009=1 win. It's very hard to watch that, especially considering the team’s success less than a decade earlier.

THE CINCINNATI BENGALS Location: Cincinnati, Ohio – 328 miles from Murray. Pros: While not the closest team to Murray, it is the closest one to Kentucky. The Bengals went to the Super Bowl twice in the 1980s, and is the current AFC North Division Champion. Cons: The team is still trying to live down a reputation as "The Bungles," a franchise that had the most consecutive losing seasons in NFL history.

THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS Location: Indianapolis, Indiana – 344 miles from Murray. Pros: The Colts is an incredible success story of the 2000s. The team had 101 regular season wins over the last decade (second only to the Patriots, with 102), two trips to the Super Bowl (including one win), and Peyton Manning is vying for his place as the greatest quarterback of all time. Cons: At 344 miles away, it is at the virtual limit for what could be considered a home team. A day trip to see a live game would truly take up your whole day.

In an effort to find out the elusive answer to the “Who is Murray’s home team?” question, Murray Life has put together a quick, online survey. The preliminary information is showing two teams dominate the landscape, but outsiders like the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys are almost as popular. We need your input! Visit www.mymurraylife.com and take our Home Team Survey. Let us know what you think—who is most worthy of Murray's loyalty? The results will be published in the next issue of Murray Life Magazine, just in time for the playoffs. Go team, whoever you are! .................................................................................................................................................................................... “There was little choice about being a professional sports fan while growing up in Cleveland, Ohio. The city that sits on Lake Erie contains within it two types of sports followers: the hopeful die-hards who will praise nothing, but have pride in and see the potential of their beloved teams, and those who have been devastated too many times by dream-destroying moments such as ‘The Drive,’ ‘The Fumble,’ ‘The Shot,’ and, most recently, abandonment by the city’s home-grown star, narcissist LeBron James, in ‘The Decision.’ Despite all of the highs and lows, one thing remains for Cleveland fans—there are no other teams. The Indians, Browns and Cavaliers are, without a doubt, law of the land in northeast Ohio. These three logos have monopolized the shirts on our backs and the hats on our heads. When asked who our favorite team is, there is no hesitation or assessment, only pride and loyalty. Outsiders will tell us there is no future for our teams, but we will always tell you differently. We are considered some of the most passionate fans in the world, regardless of the win-loss record. Sure, we aren’t the most achievement-based city when it comes to sports, not by a long-shot, but I’ll take a few top-ranking years, a few conference championships, and having an every-so-often blue-moon shot at a title. The fair weather fan may get to watch more championships, and get to rally behind more superstars, but at the end of the day, he cannot call that team his own. It means more with your city; you can really feel the wins and losses. You know when players and seasons come and go that the teams will carry on, because the city and its people still remain. I don’t have any grand plans to move back to northeast Ohio and purchase year-round season tickets for my teams, but I will always remain a fan in whatever part of the country I end up. After all, I never really -Ben Taylor chose to be a sports fan of Cleveland: It chose me.” “Despite being a professional football fan for many years, I haven't had a home team to root for during most of my life. That comes primarily from moving a lot, but it also comes from living in zones where no single team dominated the scene. As a kid, I lived in northern California near the 49ers and the Raiders. The 49ers was just starting its dynasty behind Joe Montana, so it was Mom's team; but the Raiders had the history and the image, so I rooted for that team. (The rivalry is a wonderful aspect of fandom, but that's for another time.) I was just a kid, though, and I didn't really understand or watch football that much, so it was no big deal either way. Then we moved to Oregon, and we were both without a team to root for. Los Angeles had two teams when I moved there, but L.A. was never a football town. Both teams moved away in the same year and football has yet to return. Many towns and many years later, I moved to Tampa, Florida. It was the first time in my life that I lived in a city with a pro football team, and it was amazing. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated the landscape. The team was the main topic on TV and radio throughout the area. I started to watch the games and soon became a real fan. I learned the players' names—even the second stringers. I read about the team history and the story behind its "creamsicle" uniforms (the ugliest in NFL history, in my opinion). My heart broke when the quarterback we tossed aside won the Super Bowl with another team (in Tampa, just to pour salt in the wound), and it burst with pride when we finally won the big game in 2002. There's simply nothing like watching your team win the championship. I moved again, however, and even though I tried to maintain my relationship with the Bucs, it just was-Logan Abbitt n't the same anymore.”

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Natural Moments By John Pollpeter

ecently, Discovery Channel® broadcast two spectacular series: “Planet Earth” and “Life,” which documented amazing scenes in the natural world. Filming took place in such exotic locations as the Serengeti, the Great Barrier Reef, the Amazon, and the Inner Passage. Few realize that the uniqueness and complexity of the natural kingdom is also right outside our back door, at Land Between the Lakes. Here are a few:

can be seen up against a shallow beach or cove and other birds and fish partake in the feast, benefiting from the pelicans’ strategy.

Dalliance of the Eagles

Pioneering Pelicans

Walt Whitman described it in a famous poem “The Dalliance of the Eagles,” and every January the event occurs on Kentucky Lake. The poem is a romantic account of avian courtship. The love affair begins on frosty mornings above the frigid waters of LBL’s largest bays. For the past decade, LBL’s population of American White Pelican has increased. This species normally migrates over the Jackson Purchase with an occasional stopover. This migrating pelican is one of the largest birds in Kentucky, with a seven foot wingspan. They spend the majority of their time on large bodies of water eating small fish. Once rare, the pelicans are beginning to favor our region due to the banning of DDT (a deadly pesticide), recovery of fish stocks, and the creation of large reservoirs like Lake Barkley. It is not uncommon to see several thousand occupying the shallow shorelines and bays of Kentucky Lake from October through early April. In recent years, several non-breeding pelicans have stayed all year round. The pelicans feed in an unusual manner. Large flocks gather in a shallow inlet forming an extended circle. The circle begins to close in as the pelicans swim in a clockwise direction, their large bills primed for the slightest touch. Small silver-sided minnows in a panic, group together, pushed towards the ever-crowded center. The circle surrounds them, the pelicans press closer and closer until there is very little distance between birds. The fish concentrate into a large “bait ball.” The pelicans open their enormous gaping mouths and net the schooling fish. Often this behavior 32

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The eagle pair rides a thermal to its greatest height. The monogamous couple gently grasps talons and begins to free fall. Wings outstretched, clutching each other, tumbling over and over. As they approach the icy lakeshore, the eagles separate, flying back up to that original lofty point. In that brief moment of careening towards earth, they have mated.

Busy as a Beaver

Walking around Hematite Lake, one cannot help but notice all the work beavers have done to manipulate their environment. Whether it is trenching canals to

better feeding grounds, felling towering trees, or placing mud and debris across waterways, beavers seem to always be busy. Each June, beavers are actively preparing for the future. These sizable rodents (second largest in the world, reaching about 60 pounds) raise their offspring (called “kits”), reinforce swollen dams, and keep the lodge above water. One of the most interesting behaviors is their ability to store green vegetation for the winter. During summer, these strict vegetarians will fell large trees with very palatable leaves and limbs. Beavers can cut down a two-foot diameter tree in twenty minutes. The beavers then begin to sheer off branches which they haul off to the middle of the pond. They dive below to the deepest point and shove the leafy branches into the muddy bottom where it is so cool; it acts like a refrigerator, keeping the greens fresh through winter.

Stilt Walkers of LBL

If you are a boater, you have had the chance to observe the several species of herons and egrets of the Lakes Region. These long-legged, graceful predators dot the shorelines, but dart off if you wander too close. Land Between the Lakes hosts the largest rookery of these tall birds in the state of Kentucky: Close to 5,000 birds make a four-acre island on Lake Barkley their home. The rookery island is used by snowy egrets, great egrets, little blue herons, cattle egrets, black-crowned night herons, green herons, and cormorants. It is a scene from another place, as sounds of begging chicks, squabbling couples, territorial stand-offs, and predatory stalking can be quite deafening. There is immense visual activity as all the species of birds crowd onto this tiny piece of valuable real estate.

On Golden Wings Every fall, tiny golden wings descend upon the Jackson Purchase, heading for their tropical destination as the monarch butterflies migrate south. They visit each flower, very delicately touching down and

extending their long proboscis to collect the necessary energy boosting nectar. They come from as far as Canada, the Midwest, and most of the Eastern United States. Although these monarchs have never been to their wintering grounds, they know how to reach their final destination: the Transvolcanic Mountains of Central Mexico. Millions of monarchs winter there from November to March, then begin the journey north. In Texas, the fertilized female will place eggs on her favorite plant, milkweed, then she dies. The new young continue the journey to Kentucky. They find milkweed, lay eggs, and die. The next generation keeps heading north and repeats the cycle. The last generation, the one we see in early autumn, lives the longest—seven months—and is the one to migrate down to Mexico. By late September, the weary, battered monarchs land in our fields and pastures. During the day, they feed on blazing stars, asters, and goldenrods. The monarchs follow the sun, trying desperately to keep their body temperatures up so they can continue on the journey. At dusk, the golden wings gather up in the oaks and hickories at the edge of the prairie, shimmering like a sunlit rain shower, settling in for the night. By the next morning, the monarchs are off again on their never-ending migration. Amazing natural events are happening all around us at all times of the year. The keen observer and the amateur naturalist can enjoy these phenomena with a little bit of knowledge, good timing, and patience. Maybe you, too, can experience the tumbling dance of the eagles, the golden rainstorm of the monarch, the life gathered at the edge of a beaver pond, or the silent stalking of a snowy egret. If you want a little help in discovering our local natural moments, Land Between the Lakes and the Woodlands Nature Station are hosting once-a-season, a new wildlife-viewing program called the Nature Watch Series: All of the above events are featured. Contact LBL at 270-924-2000 or go to www.lbl.org for more details. O

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Battle of the Bands By: Ben Taylor

hen it comes to fads, kids typically aren’t easy to please. The most successful campaigns, such as Pokémon cards, derive their profits from intricately designed buy-and-trade markets. Much like baseball cards, they hold different values between rare and common and can be traded accordingly.

Among these more complex and expensive forms of entertainment, a simple and inexpensive product has exploded onto the market. Originally designed by a Japanese artist, Shaped Bracelets (also known as Silly Bandz and Zany Bandz) have swept across the nation from the elementary schools to college campuses. Made out of silicon, these bracelets act like rubber bands, but form a shape when put on a flat surface. Designed to fit snugly around the wrist, these bracelets return to their original shape when removed. The bands were originally designed with animal shapes, but new shapes ranging from cartoon characters to licensed sports team mascots are being developed— and some glow in the dark. This unique, simple style of collectable fashion was originally intended to be an environmental movement. The bands were designed to reduce the amount of rubber that is thrown away through rubber band products. Whether or not environmentalism is the reason kids are buying these bands doesn’t overshadow the sheer magnitude of this latest craze. Based on their current growth and popularity, these fun and colorful shaped bracelets will be providing kids with some simple entertainment for quite some time. O

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Day Trips

Day NIGHT Trips By: Logan Abbitt

Darkness Falls across the Land The Midnight Hour is Close at Hand Question for you: What is the biggest social-event-driven holiday of the year? Would you be surprised to learn that it's Halloween? While Thanksgiving and Christmas have much bigger hype, socially they are often spent with loved ones. On Halloween, we like to go out and join the crowds for parties and celebrations, sometimes for an entire month. Theme parks devote a major portion of their resources to recreating themselves during October. They build new attractions; they stay open till midnight or beyond; they populate the park with countless monsters, ghouls and freaks in an effort to terrify you into having the time of your life. I have had the pleasure of working behind the scenes at one of these attractions, and I can tell you that the reactions from the park's patrons are fantastic. You don't need to travel to a major theme park to join the fun, though. We're going to let Michael Jackson and Vincent Price be our guides as we visit some of the showiest and scariest Halloween celebrations you'll find close to home.

Creatures Crawl in Search of Blood To Terrorize Your Neighborhood The Evil Community of Talon Falls features a new interactive theme every year. Over 100 plus live actors entertain you throughout your 30-40 minute journey. Talon Falls is a combination of indoor mazes and outdoor paths through woods, junkyards, lagoons, crypts, and much more. This event has interactive themes and the uniquely frightening abandoned town of Talon Falls. In 2010, look for the new attraction, the Blood Creek Haunted Hayride! Warning: Parts of this attraction may be too scary for children. Parental discretion is advised. Event runs weekends in October . 2932 State Route 849 West, Melber, KY 42069 www.talonfalls.com

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| Murray Life Magazine

Day Trips

And Whosoever Shall Be Found Without the Soul for Getting Down

be too scary for children. Parental discretion is advised.

Sinister Tombs Haunted House is a non-prof-

Event runs weekends, September 24 through October 31. 3436 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076 www.hauntednashville.com

it, volunteer-created attraction that has been drawing crowds for years. If, by chance, you find yourself in the woods around Eastview, Ky., and you begin to hear leaves rustling, footsteps, or the sound of growling beasts, remember that there are no such things as werewolves, no such things as vampires, no such things as zombies and witches. None of these creatures exists, but the security guards are armed with silver bullets and holy water, just to be safe. For those with children, they do provide a night care-free of charge to watch the kiddies while mom and dad play. Event runs Fridays & Saturdays in October. 3246 Meeting Creek Rd, Eastview, KY 42732 www.sinistertombs.com

Must Stand and Face the Hounds of Hell And Rot Inside a Corpse’s Shell Skeleton’s Lair: Zombie Nation is a high energy, interactive haunted attraction near Bowling Green. The attraction has over 50 live actors, animation, pyrotechnics, fog and special effects in three attractions this fall: Gold City Ghostride, Heckleville Haunted Woods, and Skeletal Visions 3-D. Now in its 11th year, it was voted one of the top haunts in Kentucky by AOL Events. Spokesperson Amy Burge says “We’re not a lot of blood and gore. We are high startle scares. We are entertainment.” Warning: Parts of this attraction may be too scary for children. Parental discretion is advised. Event runs weekends, September 24 thru October 31. 48 Locketts Dream, Settle, KY 42164 www.skeletonslair.com

The Foulest Stench is in the Air The Funk of Forty Thousand Years Haunted Nashville is a massive haunted house complex with exquisitely detailed sets and top-quality special effects. There are three walkthrough attractions under one roof: House of Distortion, Turbidite Manor, and new for 2010, EPIDEMIC! Turbidite Manor is an award-winning attraction recognized in the Haunt Industry as “one of the most unique, authentic, and creepy looking attractions” around. Warning: Parts of this attraction may 38

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And Grizzly Ghouls from Every Tomb Are Closing in to Seal Your Doom Winders' Farm is a family-owned farm in Mortons Gap, Ky. They grow their own vegetables and any extra food is given to those in need. They created their pumpkin patch for children to help kids recognize the importance of farms. They're open from March through November, but in late September they transform for the Halloween season. Winders' Farm Haunted Mansion is in its fourth year of terrifying the people of western Kentucky. Attractions include is a haunted hayride, a mysterious manor, and real ghost walks. They also take reservations for Halloween, birthday parties and weddings. This one is safe for all ages. Event runs weekends, September 24 through October 31. 127 Flat Creek Street, Mortons Gap, KY 42440 www.windersfarmhaunt.com

Day Trips

And Though You Fight to Stay Alive, Your Body Starts To Shiver

and 1,000 monsters roaming for their next victim. Learn more at haunt.knotts.com.

On Snap Apple Night, The Homeplace, a living

Fright Fest – It’s Thrills by Day, Chills by Night as all Six Flags Theme Parks will be totally transformed into a Halloween playground in October. Enjoy their hair-raising shows, electrifying street entertainment, haunted hayride and thrilling haunted house. Plus, experience all your favorite rides in the dark. They also have a special trick-or-treat trail just for kids. More information on each park at www.sixflags.com.

history farm in the LBL National Recreation Area, takes on a magical and mysterious atmosphere. Experience Pryor Creek as the early Scots-Irish settlers did. The evening begins outside around a blazing bonfire, where the finest storytellers around will entertain with eerie tales. Then join an old-time Snap Apple play party, but be prepared for the unexplained as you follow the lighted trail beyond the security of the fires! This event will be held rain or shine, so be prepared for the weather. Chairs and blankets are welcome. This event is appropriate for all ages. October 22 Only. The Homeplace is located in the Tennessee portion of LBL. From the Golden Pond Visitor Center, travel south on The Trace about 12 miles. 100 Van Morgan Drive, Golden Pond, KY 42211 www.lbl.org

Howl-O-Scream – All three Busch Entertainment parks change into something terrifying during the October nights, each with their own scare themes. Howl-O-Scream 2010 is designed to amp up your deepest, darkest fears. Devious creatures infest more haunted houses than ever before, with all-new scare zones and thrilling shows. Even the streets themselves will have guests watching their backs. Incredible roller coasters keep the screams coming all night long. See more at www.howloscream.com.

For no Mere Mortal Can Resist The Evil of the Thriller Perhaps you prefer your scares to be from roller coasters and thrill rides. Here is a quick list of some of the biggest, loudest, and most horrifying Halloween events across the country. Take heed: These events usually require a separate ticket in addition to the standard day-admission.

Knott's Scary Farm – Knott’s professional “scaremasters” have transformed the old Berry Farm into Knott’s Scary Farm for another year of the world’s first, biggest and most famous theme park Halloween event! This is the original, in-your-face LIVE Halloween experience – a 160-acre living horror movie filled with mazes, shows, horrific scare zones

Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the Halloween-themed special event held in the Magic Kingdom theme park. During the event, guests of all ages are encouraged to dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes. Even better, you can collect delicious candy as you trick-or-treat around the Magic Kingdom. In addition to many favorite Disney attractions, you'll find special entertainment, including Mickey's "Boo-to-You" Halloween Parade, and many favorite Disney characters and Villains in special Halloween costumes. The event is appropriate for children of all ages. Find out more at disneyworld.disney.go.com. Whether you prefer haunted houses or hayrides, this Halloween season is going to be a thrilling one. We hope you survive! O

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| Murray Life Magazine

Laughing Matter

Election Advice Q. What do you call a politician who swears to tell the truth? A. A Liar. ............................................................................ My four-year-old and I were discussing holidays, and I asked him, "What is the day which comes after Halloween when you have a turkey?" My husband quickly answered, "Election day." ............................................................................ The trouble with political jokes is they get elected. ............................................................................ Political commercials just prove candidates can tell all their good points and qualifications in under 30 seconds. ............................................................................ "Four years ago, my brother ran for state senator." "What does he do now?" "Nothing. He got elected." ............................................................................ A politician dies and upon his arrival at the pearly gates, he is told he has the choice of going to heaven or hell, and that he will spend one day in each to help him decide. Upon his visit to hell, he is greeted by some of his fellow politicians who take him to a fancy golf club, where they spend their day golfing, drinking champagne and eating caviar. During his visit to heaven, he spends his day floating on clouds, playing harps and singing. When asked by St. Peter where he wants to spend eternity, he chooses hell. So, St. Peter escorts him down to the gates of hell, where he sees his fellow politicians now dressed in rags as they slave away for the devil. The politician is confused and asks the devil "What happened? It all was so wonderful yesterday." The devil responds: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yesterday, we were campaigning. Today, you voted.â&#x20AC;? 40

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Seen Around Town

Visit us online at :: www.wallappeals.com

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Murray Dining Guide

ith each issue we are including a comprehensive list of the wonderful places where you can eat in Calloway County and the surrounding area. We’re hoping this will serve as a reminder to our residents that you don’t have to go far for a great meal, and will offer some help to visitors and newcomers. We think you’ll find pleasure in the wide variety of styles and locations available to you. Our listing is organized by categories of style so you can easily choose the dining that suits your taste. If your favorite restaurant isn’t listed, please let us know. We’ll do our best to keep up. Enjoy! Los Portales 506 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . ...(270) 767-0315

Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill 816 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-5551

August Moon 1550 Lowe’s Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-4653

Baldy’s Grill 901 Coldwater Rd. . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 762-0441

Big Apple Café 1005 Arcadia Circle . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-8866

El Mariachi Loco 406 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-9000

El Tequila 716 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 767-0026

Gloria’s World Village Food 124 N. 15th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-3233

HRH Dumplin’s

200 N. 15th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-3406

Olive Pit 905 Mineral Wells Ave. . . . . . .(731) 642-5030 Paris, TN

Shogun 706 N 12th St., Suite 9 . . . . . . .(270) 761-7486 1051 N 16th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 762-0040

The Olive 216 N. 15th St.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-3663

306 Gilbert St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 492-6284 Hazel, KY

La Cocina Mexicana 501 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 767-1627

La Cocina Mexicana 314 Main St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (270) 492-6392 Hazel, KY

500 Eagle Nest Rd. . . . . . . . . . .(731) 642-6192 Buchanan, TN

Kentucky Dam Village 166 Upper Village Dr. . . . . . . . .(270) 362-4271 Gilbertsville, KY 4645 Hwy. 119 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(731) 232-8323 Buchanan, TN

Willow Pond Catfish Restaurant 16814 Hwy. 68 E. . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 474-2202 Aurora, KY

Tom’s Grille 501 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-4521

Tumbleweed Southwest Grill 807 Walmart Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 873-2300

Ann’s Country Kitchen 318 Main St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 492-8195 Hazel, KY

506 N. 12th St. Suite E . . . . . . . .(270) 761-8424

Magnolia Tea Room

Eagle Nest Marina & Dockside Bar and Grill

Largo Bar & Grill The Keg

Jasmine Restaurant - Thai & Asian Cuisine

638 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-3788

2740 Cypress Trail . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 436-5496 New Concord, KY

Quarters

305B S. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-0000

King Buffet

Cypress Springs Resort

Bad Bob’s Bar-B-Que Aurora Landing Restaurant 542 Kenlake Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 474-2211 Aurora, KY

806 Chestnut St. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 767-0054

Coldwater Bar-B-Que & Catering 8284 Hwy. 121 N. . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 489-2199

Belew’s Dairy Bar US Highway 62 East . . . . . . . . .(270) 354-8549 Aurora, KY

Brass Lantern 16593 Hwy. 68 E. . . . . . . . . . . .1-800-474-2770 Aurora, KY

Cindy’s on the Barge 888 Kenlake Marina Ln. . . . . . .(270) 474-2245 Hardin, KY

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Cracker Barrel 650 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 762-0081

Crossland Diner 3034 Stateline Rd. W. . . . . . . . .(270) 492-6424 Hazel, KY

Domino’s Pizza 117 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-3030

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Murray Dining Guide Happiness Restaurant 412 Main Street . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 293-4952

Spanky’s 9505 Hwy. 641 N. . . . . . . . . . .(731) 247-5527 Puryear, TN

Holmes Family Restaurant 1901 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 767-0662

T & J’s Diner 2667 St. Rt. 94 E.. . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-4826

Huddle House 1514 Hwy. 121 N. . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-1712

The Lodge 1674 Hwy 121 N... . . . . . . . . . .(270) 761-3663

Hungry Bear 1310 Main St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-7641

Tom’s Pizza 506-A N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-9411

Laird’s Bar-B-Que

1407 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-1648

Mary’s Kitchen 11205 Stadium View Dr.. . . . . .(270) 759-2036

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 605-C S. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 767-1199

Renfro’s Hih Burger Inn 413 S. 4th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-1155

Ruby Renee’s Restaurant 1196 St. Rt. 121 N. . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-1632

Ryan’s Steakhouse 801 Walmart Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-3809

Sirloin Stockade 922 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-0440

Snappy Tomato Pizza 1550 Lowes Dr. . . . . . . . . .(270) 761-7627

Sonic Drive-In

217 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-9885

Subway

622 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-7827

Taco Bell

402 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-8758

Taco John’s

Victor’s Sandwiches

1301 W. Main St. . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-7715

Lynn Grove Country Corner Martha’s Restaurant

974 Chestnut St. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-5434

1100 Chestnut St. . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-9697

77 W. Main St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(731) 247-3060 Puryear, TN 7010 Hwy. 94 W. . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 435-4500

Sammon’s Bakery

Arby’s

507 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-8841

Backyard Burgers

801 Paramount Dr. . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-2480

Vitello’s Deli

216 N. 15th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-3663

Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers

1111 Chestnut St. . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-4695

Brothers BBQ

4th & Sycamore . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 761-7675

Burger King

814 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 759-8266

ARE WE MISSING ANYTHING? If we’ve missed one of your favorite dining locations, please let us know by calling (270) 753-5225 or by emailing us at murraylife@aol.com. – Murray Life

Burrito Shack

214 North 15th St. . . . . . . . . . .(270) 761-4444

Butcher Block

1203-C Chestnut St. . . . . . . . . . .(270) 761-MEAT

Captain D’s

700 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-9383

Culver’s

818 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 761-2858

Dairy Queen

1303 Main St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-4925

Dinh’s Vietnamese Eggrolls

715 S. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 761-7655

Doughnut Hole, The

404 S. 12th Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-4900

Fidalgo Bay Coffee Shop

1201 Payne St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 761-4800

Hardee’s

505 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-3246

KFC

205 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-7101

McDonald’s

107 N. 12th St. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-5548

Quizno’s Subs

1203 Chestnut St. . . . . . . . . . . . .(270) 753-8880

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| Murray Life Magazine

The Money Pages

How Can Interest Rates Impact Your Portfolio? By: Ron Arant, a Financial Consultant for Hilliard & Lyons

ou’ve probably seen the headlines: interest rates are falling. This isn’t the first time it’s happened: the federal funds rate—the rate on which short-term interest rates are based— has varied significantly over time. However, its cycle of ups and downs can affect your personal finances—your credit card rates, for example. But what about less familiar effects, like those that interest rate changes can have on your investments? Understanding the relationship between bonds, stocks, and interest rates could help you better cope with inevitable changes in our economy and your portfolio.

Bond Market Mechanics Interest rates often fall in a weak economy and rise as it strengthens. As the economy gathers steam, companies experience higher costs (wages and materials) and they usually borrow money to grow. That’s where bond yields and prices enter the equation. A yield is a measure of a bond’s return based on the price the investor paid for it and the interest the bond will pay. Falling interest rates usually result in declining yields. As rates spiral

Although you can't change interest rates, you can assemble a portfolio that can potentially ride out the inevitable ups and downs. Risk reduction begins with diversifying your investments in as many ways as possible. downward, businesses and governments “call” or redeem the existing bonds they’ve issued that carry higher interest rates, replacing them with new, loweryielding bonds to save money. (A homeowner refinances his or her home at a lower mortgage rate for the same reason.) Interest rate changes affect bond prices in the opposite way. Declining interest rates usually result in rising bond prices and vice versa — think of it as a seesaw relationship. When interest rates rise, investors flock to new bonds because of their higher yields. Therefore, owners of existing bonds reduce prices in an attempt to attract buyers. Investors who hold on to bonds until maturity aren’t too concerned with this seesaw relationship. But bond fund investors may see its effects over time.

Evaluating Equities Interest rate changes can also affect stocks. For instance, in the short term, the stock market often declines in the midst of rising interest rates because companies must pay more to borrow money for expansion and capital improvements. Increasing rates often impact small companies more than large, well-established firms. That’s because they usually have less cash, shorter track

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$ records, and other limited resources that put them at higher risk. On the other hand, a drop in interest rates may result in higher stock prices if corporate profits increase. This isn’t always the case. Sometimes stocks decrease in value even as interest rates fall because industry or company-specific factors can impact stock prices more than rate changes.

Taking Action When examining your fixed-income investments, be sure to hold bonds of different maturities—short- and long-term—and types, such as government and corporate. Different types of bonds react in their own way to interest rate changes. Long-term bonds, for instance, are more sensitive to rate changes than shortterm bonds. As far as equity investments, consider investing across different sectors, because no one knows which of today’s industries will fuel the next expansion. Also, be aware that some sectors—such as energy—are more economically sensitive than others, which can lead to increased volatility. Additionally, consider stocks or stock mutual funds that invest in different market caps and have different investing styles, such as value and growth.

The Money Pages

The complexities of building, preserving and passing along wealth have never been greater. Affluent investors are increasingly seeking guidance and comprehensive solutions that consider their unique circumstances and long-term goals. It’s my pleasure to work with such individuals to offer insight, advice and solutions in helping them reach their goals.

Interest rates will always fluctuate in response to economic conditions. Take some simple steps to create a portfolio that will serve your needs well—no matter which way rates go. O Hilliard Lyons does not offer tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney before making any decision that may affect your tax or legal situation. Securities offered through J.J.B. Hilliard W.L. Lyons, LLC. | Member NYSE, FINRA and SIPC. ©2007-2009 All rights reserved.

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Recipes

Autumn Harvest Pies – Get ‘em While They’re Hot! Compiled By: Rita Oldham

t’s autumn. The breezes are blowing. The leaves are falling. And the pies are baking. They go together like candy, costumes and Halloween. Part of this, I’m sure, is due to the abundance of freshly harvested fruits and vegetables which are the main ingredients in the countless pies people tend to bake this time of year. Here are some of my favorite, mouth-watering selections. If you are feeling especially Martha Stewart-ish, I have included a made-from-scratch pie crust recipe, for a truly authentic homemade pie.

BEST PIE CRUST

(USE FOR ANY PIE BELOW)

Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup chilled butter or stick margarine, cut into small pieces 1/4 cup vegetable shortening 1/2 teaspoon cider vinegar 5 to 7 tablespoons ice water

Directions: Combine two cups flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Cut in butter and shortening with a pastry blender or 2 knives, until mixture resembles coarse meal. Add vinegar and enough ice water, (1 tablespoon at a time) blending with a fork, until dough is moist. Divide dough in half. Gently press each half into a 4-inch circle on heavy-duty plastic wrap, and cover with additional plastic wrap. Roll one half of dough, still covered, into a 12-inch circle; chill. Roll other half of dough, still covered, into an 11-inch circle; chill. Note: recipe should be cut in half for uncovered pies.

SWEET POTATO PIE Ingredients: 2 deep dish pie crusts 3 large sweet potatoes 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 tablespoon nutmeg 2 cups water 1 cup evaporated milk

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash potatoes. Leave peelings on. Boil in water until tender. Cool for 30 minutes. Remove peelings and mash potatoes with bottom of large spoon until creamy. Add butter, milk, and sugars. Blend well. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla extract. Taste and add additional seasonings as desired. Pour batter into pie shells. Bake for 30-45 minutes.

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Recipes

BUTTERNUT SQUASH PIE Ingredients:

1 unbaked and chilled 9-inch pie shell 1 large butternut squash, cooked and pureed, about 1 1/2 cups pureed squash 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed 3 large eggs 3/4 cup evaporated milk or half-and-half 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon melted butter 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions: To cook squash, cut the squash in half lengthwise; remove stem and scoop out the seeds. Place the squash, cut side down, on a foil-lined oiled baking pan; add about 1/2 cup of water to the pan. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 400 degrees for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the squash is tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. Let cool completely then peel and mash or puree the squash or put it through a food mill. Measure 1 1/2 cups of the squash and set aside. Reduce oven to 350 degrees and position an oven rack in the center of the oven. In a mixing bowl with electric mixer, beat the squash with the brown sugar. Add eggs, evaporated milk, spices, salt, flour, butter, and vanilla. Beat until well blended. Pour the filling into the chilled pie crust and place on the center oven rack. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until set. Check after about 35 minutes and loosely set a ring of foil or a pie crust protector over the browned crust so it won't get too dark. When the filling is set, transfer the pie to a rack to cool. Serve just warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped topping or whipped cream.

FRESH PEACH PIE Ingredients:

1 double pie crust 1 egg, beaten 5 cups sliced, peeled peaches 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter

Directions: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie plate with one of the pie crusts. Brush with some of the beaten egg to keep the dough from becoming soggy later. Place the sliced peaches in a large bowl, and sprinkle with lemon juice. Mix gently. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Pour over the peaches, and mix gently. Pour into the pie crust, and dot with butter. Cover with the other pie crust, and fold the edges under. Flute the edges to seal or press the edges with the tines of a fork dipped in egg. Brush the remaining egg over the top crust. Cut several slits in the top crust to vent steam. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce the heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is brown and the juice begins to bubble through the vents. If the edges brown to fast, cover them with strips of aluminum foil about halfway through baking. Cool before serving. This tastes better warm than hot. O

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| Murray Life Magazine

Calendar of Events

Now until October 2, every Thur., Fri. & Sat. 2nd Annual Corn Maze

Locust Grove Baptist Church $3.00 per person (Children 5 and under are free!) All proceeds benefit the youth ministry and missions ministry at Locust Grove Baptist Church.

Now until October 30, 8.00 am Noon Downtown Saturday Market

Downtown Court Square Downtown Murray continues to come to life early Saturday mornings when farmers, artisans, and craftsmen line the Court Square with their finest.

highs and lows, and the contestants sing and dance through these ups and downs. Add in a group of grown-up characters that hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite grown up, members of the audience, and surprise guests, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a roller coaster of music and fun! Purchase tickets and view other showings at Playhouseinthepark.net.

September 18, 8:00 pm Richard Buckner ONSTAGE

Lovett Auditorium Award winning singer/songwriter comes to Murray. To purchase tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.

September 18, 7:00 am - 12:00 pm Fall City-wide Yard Sale

Bargain hunters come from far and wide to shop the fall city-wide yard sale. With over 80 participants, every penny-pincher out there can find something. Maps, sold at 201 S. 4th St., show yard sale locations as well as a listing of sale items. Contact: Murray Convention & Visitors Bureau. Email: stephaniebutler@tourmurray.com or phone: 270.759.2199.

September 25, 10:00 am Arts on the Square

Downtown Court Square Murray Main Street and the Murray Art Guild host Arts on the Square, allowing young ones to create their own art! Contact: Murray Main Street at 270.759.9474 or Murray Art Guild at 270.753.4059.

September 26, 7:00 pm September 17, 18, 24 & 25, 7:00 pm, and September 19 & 26, 2:30 pm The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Playhouse in the Park A surprise hit on Broadway, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is about six adolescents vying for the top spot in a competitive county bee. The kids are a lovable, disparate group of outsiders for whom the spelling bee is a way "to not feel rotten." As the competition moves forward, there is a series of emotional 50

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Jason Mraz in Concert

MSU Regional Special Events Center Opening act: Christina Perri. Tickets are $39.50/$27.50, MSU students receive a discount. For more info: 270.809.3000. To purchase tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.

October 1, 7:00 pm Steven Curtis Chapman

Lovett Auditorium Award-winning Christian artist brings his tour to MSU. To purchase tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.

October 1 & 2, 7:00 pm

CSRA Rodeo Dynamite Series

TNT Arena, Hazel CSRA Rodeo Dynamite Series. Event cost for spectators: $10 for adults and $6 for children. Free for children under the age of 5. One dollar discount for purchasing tickets in advance. For more information, visit Statelineranchandhome.com or call 270.492.6144.

October 2 Western Kentucky Highlands Festival

Central Park Arcadia Circle and North 8th Street Please join us for a celebration of Scottish-Celtic heritage featuring all things Scottish including bagpipe bands, music, amateur athletic competitions in cabre-tossing, sheath toss, weighted throws, stone throws. Clan tents, Scottish entertainers and vendors, genealogy tent, highland cattle, sheep herding and MUCH MORE! There are events the whole family will enjoy! Phone: 270.753.2225. More Info: www.wkyhighlandfestival.com.

October 2, 9:00 am

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 info, call (270) 809-4771.

THE CHERI THEATER Murray’s seven-screen movie theater. For a list of current movies and times, please call (270) 753-3314 or visit www.moviesinmurray.com.

MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY’S FINE ARTS Presenting a variety of performances from dance to plays, from symphonies to choir concerts. For current information, call (270) 809-ARTS.

THE CLARA M. EAGLE GALLERY AT MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITY

H.O.R.S.E.S., Inc. 5K Race

Kenlake State Resort Park Kentucky Lake’s largest 5K Race. Race begins at 9:00 am and packets can be picked up 7:00-8:45 am behind Tennis Center. This is a challenging course of rolling hills and slopes on beautiful Kentucky Lake. Entry Fee is $15 pre-registration or $20 day of race. For entry forms, visit our Web site at www.horsesinc.org, click on Events. Beside 5K, click on More Info or call the Race Hotline at 270.205.1441.

October 8, 7:30 pm Miranda Lambert in Concert

Calendar of Events

MSU Regional Special Events Center CMT 2010 Tour features Miranda Lambert REVOLUTION tour with special guest Eric Church. Presented by Alltech Fortnight Festival and Froggy 103.7. For tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.

Offering 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 Calloway County’s 25-year-old community theatre. Playhouse presents a variety of plays throughout the year. For detailed information, please call (270) 759-1752.

THE MURRAY ART GUILD 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 500 N. 4th St. For additional information, please call (270) 753-4059.

October 9, 3:00 pm Murray State University Homecoming Roy Stewart Stadium MSU Racers vs. Missouri State

GLORY BOUND CHRISTIAN MUSIC 7-9 p.m. every Thursday at the Goshen Family Fellowship Center. For more information, call Joe Lawrence at (270) 753-5643.

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| Murray Life Magazine

Calendar of Events

October 11

The Carson Four Rivers Center Events

Columbus Day

October 11 – 15 Calloway County Schools & Murray Independent Schools Fall Break

October 29 – 30 & November 5 – 6, 7:00 pm; October 31, November 7, 2:30 pm To Kill a Mockingbird

Playhouse in the Park Christopher Sergels' To Kill a Mockingbird is a faithful reproduction of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize winning 1961 novel. The novel has become a classic read for millions and was made into a major motion picture in 1962, starring Gregory Peck. Lee herself describes the play as "a love story, pure and simple"—love for the South, a father's love for his children, and their love for him. Told through the eyes of a young girl named Scout Finch, this is a story about dignity, tolerance, and the difficulties of growing up in a rural community in Alabama during the depression. Purchase tickets and view other showings at Playhouseinthepark.net.

October 30, 5:00 pm Trail of Treats

Chestnut Park A safe, fun alternative for trick-or-treaters. Featuring fun rides, games and, of course, candy! For more information, call: 270.759.1752 or visit: Murrayparks.org.

November 7, 2:00 am Daylight Savings Ends

Remember to set your clocks back an hour.

November 11 Veterans Day

September 25, 7:00 pm & 9:15 pm Bill Engvall

Mr. Engvall has starred in popular shows such as Blue Collar Comedy Tour and The Movie, which premiered on Comedy Central, and was the most watched movie in the channel's history. Aged and Confused, which aired on Comedy Central in November 2009, is Mr. Engvall's newest one-hour special. Bill Engvall hosts one of the top-rated shows on CMT, Country Fried Home Videos, and is one of the busiest (and funniest!) comedians in the country today. He was the star and executive producer of the TBS sitcom The Bill Engvall Show, which ran for three seasons. Prices: $30.00-$50.00.

October 8, 7:30 pm

Forever Plaid

This quirky, funny and entertaining tribute to friendship, music and following your dream has been delighting audiences for more than 20 years. Singing in delicious four-part harmony, this all-male group will serenade you with 1950s hits such as "Three Coins in the Fountain," "Sixteen Tons," and "Heart and Soul." Prices: $30.50-$52.50.

Saturday, October 23 at 6:00 pm The Distiller’s Dinner

Sponsored by Roof Brother’s Wine and Spirits

The Distiller's Dinner begins with a reception at which you mix and mingle with Master Distiller Jim Rutledge - and enjoy appetizers and cocktails. Artisan Kitchen will serve a scrumptious multiple-course gourmet dinner, with each course delicately laced with the featured premium bourbon. During a seated dinner on the Carson Center's beautiful main stage, the Distiller will make interesting remarks on the traditions and meticulous process of making bourbon; generations of fascinating people behind the featured bourbon; and some good stories. Proceeds from the Distiller's Dinner benefit the Carson Center. Price: $125 per person

Tuesday, November 16 at 7:00 pm Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker is the must-see production of the season! Critically acclaimed for exquisite artistry, and dazzling sets and costumes, the Great Russian Nutcracker is the defining holiday experience. Bring your family and friends together for a heartwarming performance featuring larger-than life puppets and pristine choreography in a not-to-be missed holiday celebration! Prices: $28.50-$68.50. Visit our Web site: www.thecarsoncenter.org Paducah’s world-class entertainment venue. Please call (270) 450-4444 for tickets or more information on any of these events. For group sales, call (270) 443-9932, ext. 2242. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Saturday and Sunday. Note: Open two hours prior to each performance.

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| Murray Life Magazine

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Murray Animal Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Randy Thornton Heating & Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

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Dwain Taylor Chevrolet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Murray Electric System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Toyota of Murray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

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Murray Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Urology Associates, H.S. Jackson, MD . . . . . . . . . .53

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Wallpaper For Less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

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Murray Woman's Clinic . . . . . . . . . .14 & Inside Front

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West Kentucky Highland Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

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Playhouse in the Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

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Primary Care Medical Center (Ob/Gyn) . . . . . . . . .9

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Primary Care Medical Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

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| Murray Life Magazine

Opinion

Home Going By: Robert A. Valentine

Mrs. Rosetta Amelia Carter Stambaugh was moving. Not a soul in her neighborhood could recall a time when “Miz Rose” had not occupied the big blue-gray two-story frame in the middle of the block. Her lawn was always a showplace, and her veranda was always filled with neighbors, family, and youngsters—the last of these deputations usually munching very contentedly on one of her huge honey-ginger cookies. But Carl Stambaugh was long in his grave, and Miz Rose’s two sons lived far, far away. The big old landmark of a house was too big, and the candle count on her birthday cake was too high for her to live there alone. It had been decided: she was moving. She was sitting in the cool of the evening, alone, in her favorite wicker rocker when she saw Rodney Donald Hill quietly ascend the seven stairs to the front porch. As much as she loved the little boy from next door, she might have preferred to be alone with her memories this evening. Whether he wanted a cookie or just to pass some time, she felt it would be an intrusion. “Go get a ginger, Rodney,” she smiled, without even looking at him. But the big screen door didn’t slam; there were no hurried steps down the long hall toward the kitchen in the back of the house, Rodney—all 37 inches and all 6 years of him—was standing in a sad shadow, barely visible and silent as the night itself. “Miz Rose,” he said, so quietly that she had to lean forward in her chair. “I gotta go.” “Well, you just run along then Rodney. It was nice to see you,” she said. “I mean, we have to move. My Daddy has a job and stuff in Carrotliner, and I have to go. It’s far away, and I have to go. I have to leave you,” he said, and a tear ran down his cheek. Miz Rose’s voice was huskier than she intended when she spoke. “I have to move, too, Rodney. I have to go stay with my son in Texas, and that’s a goodly distance from here. I’ll miss you, but we have to stay with our families, don’t we?” Rodney was now standing next to her chair, and she reached out to stroke his hair as she had done so many times. “Who will play with you, Miz Rose?” he asked. “Well,” she tried to smile, “I’ll have my two grand56

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children, and I’ll have all their friends, too. My son has a swimming pool in his back yard, so I suppose I’ll have lots to do. My granddaughter is as old as you were when we first met. Goodness! It’s been four years, hasn’t it?” “I guess so,” said Rodney. “Anyway, when you play with your grandbaby, maybe you could need this.” And from his baggy pocket he withdrew a dirty, threadbare doll of a blue dog with one plastic eye remaining near the former site of a button nose. “You and me used to play with him when I was little.” Miz Rose leaned back into the shadow so the boy wouldn’t see the moisture welling in her eyes. “Oh, yes,” she said. “He used to save us when the bandits came to steal our cookies, didn’t he?” Rodney smiled at the memory. “Yeah, and he’s my friend, too. I sleep—I mean, when I was little, he sleeped with me. But he should go with you, now.” Rose never knew how she spoke her next words without dissolving into tears of affection. “Well, that will surely make it easier for me to leave this old house,” she said, “Knowing that an old friend like Blue Dog can go with me.” Rodney grinned with pride. “I can’t thank you enough, Boy.” Rose looked out into the moonlit neighborhood. “It’s hard to go, you know. I’ve lived here just about all my life.” “Yeah,” said the brave little man called Rodney Donald Hill. O “Me, too.”