wen boro
BUSINESS
LIFE
R E C R E AT I O N
FOURTH QUARTER 2016
AIR SHOW C: 100 M: 76 Y: 37 K: 26
Annual event returns to C: 35 M: 13 Y: 20 Owensboro K: 0
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Everything from
a local bucket list to traditional events
ille sv an Ev
&
027
om .c oe sg 35 05 Ha 4w. 68 •
o or sb en Ow
ww
ing an on Cle ati al tor rci es R me e on ok l om ati •C ova stor /Sm ry ire em Re olste • F old R ood ph l U F • M ter/ 02 nd ng i a n sa 24 lea • W rpet 4a tC uc on •C 46 ir D ucti 2• A nstr o 81 •C
4TH QUARTER 2016
OWENSBORO
2
INSIDE THISISSUE 6
Owensboro Bucket List
10
Pretty Princesses
12
Flying High
A guide for your must-do year-end events
Fairy Dust Entertainment brings characters to life
Owensboro Air Show returns for fifth year
14
Holiday Hosting
Tips for making your holiday party spectacular
Dapper Dog
16 18 20
Local entrepreneur opens dog grooming salon
A Simple Path
Reserve soup kitchen benefits everyone
Meeting Santa
Tips for meeting the man of the hour this winter
A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MESSENGER-INQUIRER MEGHANN RICHARDSON
Special Publications Editor 270.691.7233, mrichardson@messenger-inquirer.com
ALAN WARREN
PHOTOGRAPHERS ALAN WARREN GREG EANS
Photography Editor 270.691.7294, AWARREN@messenger-inquirer.com
4TH QUARTER 2016
OWENSBORO
TO ADVERTISE: MIKE WEAFER
Advertising Director 270.691.7240, mweafer@messenger-inquirer.com
3
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
CONNECT WITH THE M-I messenger-inquirer.com Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
Ashley Coomes
An Owensboro native, Coomes has gone from being an animal lover to dog groomer to pet salon owner. As a life-long pet owner, Coomes saw the need for a professional, reliable grooming salon and pet day care center in Owensboro. Her vision was to provide a low-stress, safe grooming environment for both owners and pets. She began her grooming career more than six years ago, and in October 2015, she was accepted into the National Dog Groomer Association of America, leading to her NCG certification. Coomes is Owensboro’s first nationally certified groomer. With her success in the salon, Coomes has found a gateway to competition grooming. Over the past two years she has received various awards at competitions across the U.S. Coomes said she looks forward to serving the needs of the pet community in her home town of Owensboro. To read more about Coomes and her business see page 16. 4
@OwensboroMI & @OMISports @OwensboroMI Kishor Vora
MD, FACC, FSCAI
270-683-7553
Open 7 days a week! Extended hours! Minor injuries and illnesses, On-site X-ray, Ultrasound, CT & Full Lab
OWENSBORO
Stacy
Head, APRN
Chad
Sanders, APRN
Shauna
Roby, APRN
4TH QUARTER 2016
There’s an apple for that BY FAMILY FEATURES
I
f you’ve ever stood in the produce aisle and wondered what apple to select among the many varieties available, you’re not alone. Apple varieties can differ greatly when it comes to taste, texture, cooking and storage properties, making it important to make the right choice to get the best results for your recipe or pairing. At appleforthat.com, visitors can type in what they plan to cook — from broad categories such as salads, smoothies and snacks, down to specific recipes, such as pink applesauce, fritters, candy-coated snacks and more. The website provides information on the perfect apple to use plus suggests recipes and further information — like tips, health benefits and insights on storage and cooking — helping make the decision easy, no matter what you’re making. Using the right apple can make or break your recipe. For example, some of the best baking apples are Granny Smith and Pink Lady because these apples hold up particularly well under high heat, retaining a firmer texture. Using a good baking apple is what brings that delicious, subtle crunch to pie and other pastry delights, versus a mushy filling. The special Pinata apple is particularly well suited for baking, as it holds up to heat and boasts classic apple flavor with a tropical twist.
For everyday fruit platters, snacks and appetizers featuring fresh, sliced or chopped apples, Honeycrisp is a fantastic option because of its incredible fracturing crunch and a refreshing sweetness similar to fresh apple cider. For whipping up a classic chicken salad, try Fuji or Golden Delicious apples, which are among the sweetest around — the extra sweetness contrasts with the savory ingredients for a more complex flavor. These apples are also ideal for applesauce due to their soft textures. For more heart-healthy recipes loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C and fiber, such as this easy, two-minute version of a traditional apple tart, which uses Pink Lady apples, visit appleforthat.com.
Two-Minute Apple Tart Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 8
1 refrigerated ready-to-use pie crust 1 pound apples, cored and sliced 2 tablespoons cold butter 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon Heat oven to 425 F. Remove pie crust from refrigerator and warm to room temperature, about 15-20 minutes. Unroll crust and place it on large baking sheet. Arrange sliced apples on crust, leaving about two inches of space around edge. Chop cold butter into small bits and scatter over apples. Mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle over apples. Fold two-inch section of open pie crust over apples - this will not cover apples, but contain them inside crust. Bake 20-25 minutes until crust is golden brown and apples are just soft.
YOUR BRIDGE TO A SOUND FINANCIAL FUTURE
OUR SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL SERVICES • Estate Planning • Elder Care
BUSINESS SERVICES
• Small business accounting • Payroll • Audits
TAX SERVICES
• Tax preparation • Tax planning • Tax problems
QUICKBOOK SERVICES • Quickbooks setup • Quickbooks training • Quickanswers • Quickbooks tips
ASK ALEXANDER!
270-684-3237 2707 Breckenridge St., Suite 1 www.acocpa.net 4TH QUARTER 2016
OWENSBORO
5
File Photo
Shoppers make their way along Second Street during the Downtown Holiday Stroll. This event offers free admission to the Owensboro Museum of Science and History, downtown dining and Christmas shopping.
Owensboro Bucket List BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
A new season brings a breath of fresh air to the community. With the hustle and bustle of summer and back to school behind us, many people look forward to crossing things off their bucket list during autumn and winter. Listed, is a roundup of events and activities to do in Owensboro to help you achieve some great memories during the close of the year.
GO PUMPKIN OR APPLE PICKING
Owensboro has several farmers markets and you-pick farms. Grab a friend or family member and head out to the country to pick your own pumpkins. Afterward, feel free to cook, carve or paint your purchase.
6
VISIT ALL CITY AND COUNTY PARKS
From the award-winning Smothers Park in downtown Owensboro to Panther Creek Park in the county, there are plenty of parks and playgrounds for everyone to enjoy. After Thanksgiving, many of the local parks put up Christmas lights and other decorations in preparation for the winter holidays.
DRINK A PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE OR OTHER FALL-THEMED DRINK
With so many local and national coffee shops in town, there is something to please everyone’s taste buds. With Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching quickly, lots of holiday flavors will be in stock and ready for you to consume.
OWENSBORO
VOLUNTEER IN THE COMMUNITY
As the holidays get closer, many organizations are looking for volunteers for help with holiday events and donations to the less fortunate. Visit volunteerowensboro.com for a list of various local organizations that need your help.
WATCH OR PLAY FOOTBALL
With four local high school teams and one college team, there are countless opportunities to catch a game under the Friday or Saturday night lights. You can also grab some friends and play a pickup game in your backyard. It’s a great way to socialize with others and burn off a few of those holiday calories. MAKE SOME HOLIDAY TREATS
4TH QUARTER 2016
Whether it’s candy and sweets for Halloween or something traditional for Thanksgiving, fall is the season for some delicious food. Eat up! Once winter arrives, make a batch of hot chocolate and cuddle on the couch with a holiday classic — movie or book. WATCH A SCARY MOVIE The Daviess County Public Library hosts several movie events during September, October and November. Check the Owensboro Malco for special showings of holiday-themed movies. SEND SNAIL MAIL Everyone loves receiving letters in the mail. Whether it’s a holiday card or letter from Santa, grab a pen and paper and practice your penmanship.
again.
PLAY IN THE SNOW When the first snow of the season arrives, grab some friends and head outside to have a snowball fight, make snow angels or just catch some flakes on your tongue. Pretend you’re a kid
HOLIDAY STROLL In December, participate in Owensboro’s annual Holiday Stroll. Stroll the streets of downtown to get in the holiday spirit. Strolling carolers, storefront decorations and indoor
performers will make this evening a reminder of the “good old days” of being downtown at Christmas. The event runs from 4-8 p.m. on Second and Third streets from Daviess to St. Ann streets.
For more events, see page 23 Locally Owned & Operated
Me
READ sse E
Me
uirer Inq CHOICE er’ ng RS
PLATINUM M WINNER
A
2013 PLATINUM WINNER
49
$
from
Why drive when you can fly? Easy connections, too.
St. Louis
*
each way
A ARDS W
ARDS W
READ sse E
PLATINUM WINNER
A
20144
Me
2012
PLATINUM M WINNER
uirer Inq CHOICE er’ ng RS
uirer Inq CHOICE er’ ng RS
READ sse E
Me
READ sse E
Me
20111
A
ARDS W
uirer Inq CHOICE er’ ng RS
ARDS W
READ sse E
A ARDS W
uirer Inq CHOICE er’ ng RS
Easier there. Easier back.
2015 PLATINUM WINNER
Over 50,000 i l Shoes on Display!
All of your favorite brands!
Owensboro
Enjoy the ride.
Towne Square North
270-686-7508
OPEN: MON.-SAT. 9:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. SUNDAY 11:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.
4TH QUARTER 2016
capeair.com 800-CAPE-AIR *Including all taxes and fees. Fares are subject to availability and other conditions. Fares may change without notice, and are not guaranteed until ticketed.
OWENSBORO
7
serves all ages with winter programming BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
Wand more people reverting
ith temperatures getting cooler
indoors, the YMCA is trying to help people of all ages stay active through the fall and winter months. From events for the young and the old, there is something for everyone to get involved — the goal is to just be active. One of the programs that parents should take an interest in is the after-school upgrade. It’s a national initiative that’s being implemented across the country to get children more involved in their community and to encourage learning even after the school bell rings.
8
“We’re not a drop-off babysitting service,” Senior Program Director Chad Hart said. “We actually program and have structured activities, the counselors have specific training. This takes the after-school program a step further.” The staff at the Owensboro YMCA say they’re proud to say they focus programs around honesty, respect, responsibility, caring and faith. “We preach those areas every single day, as well as character development,” Hart said. “We still have a daily devotion, as well as other activities. We want the kids to keep learning after school lets out. They are learning without knowing they are learning.” Along with the after school upgrade, the Owensboro YMCA offers holiday camps for children any day that school is not in session, such as holidays, personal development days and snow days. “In a lot of cases mom and dad still have to work even when school is out,” Hart said. “They still need a place for their kids. That’s why we stay open, we want to provide that for the parents. We’ve tried to stay open through the worst of weather.” Along with the camps and
OWENSBORO
programming for children, the Owensboro Y offers programs for people of all ages. New this year is a program called Travel the Trail. Participants complete different activities such as circuit training, rowing, steps and classes — each that have an equivalence to a certain amount of miles. Participants can compete against another team, individual or compete against their personal best each month. Since healthy living is a lifestyle, this program is designed to take at least 12-16 months for most individuals. The idea is to get groups together to try and complete the length of the Appalachian Trail — 2168.1 miles.
4TH QUARTER 2016
Other fitness classes for adults include Zumba, yoga, cycling, self defense, couch to 5k programs, senior activities and more. Aside from encouraging and fostering healthy habits, the Owensboro YMCA is also teaching teens how to become hard workers and leaders. Its leaders club promotes work ethic, service and multitasking. “One of the goals of this program is to get a 12- or 13-year-old in here and start teaching them about service and expectations of being an employee,” Hart said. He said the participants volunteer at the courtesy counter and see how other adults are being nice, using manners and multitasking. “The next thing you know they are 16 years old and ready for a lifeguard job at the Y,” Hart said. “They already have four years of experience at your organization. Then when they are 18 and going to college and old enough to work summer day camp. If they go through the entire program with us, then they’ve been employed longer than most directors.” Hart said he thinks it’s important for teens to have the opportunity to be paired with people who are hard workers and have more life experience so they can learn about life in general. “This program helps teach them to
Photo by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer/geans@messenger-inquirer.com
Shirley Hartgrove participates in a yoga class at the Elizabeth Munday Center on W. Second Street. The class is instructed by YMCA Training and Yoga Instructor Terri Ann Tong.
give back to community,” he said. “There is so much the community provides to them, and it’s part of the YMCA’s social responsibility to bring people together and provide opportunities to give back.” In addition to all the programming and group activities, the YMCA also offers gym equipment for those who prefer to workout alone. Hart promotes the fact that
there is something for everyone at the YMCA. “You can walk in and see Bill Barron on one treadmill and right next to him, have someone who is one mortgage payment away from being homeless,” Hart said. “We are such a melting pot of socio-economic status. We welcome everyone.”
HAVE FUN MAKE FRIENDS GET FIT
Don’t forget24 hour access is available! Call or visit us for more details!
Join the YMCA Today! Don’t forget to ask about our programs! Boot Camp, Personal Training, Water Aerobics, SilverSneakers, Holiday Camp, Afterschool, Swimming Lessons, Summer Day Camp, and so much more! For more information, call the YMCA at 270.926.9622 owensboroymca.org 270.926.9622 900 Kentucky Parkway 4TH QUARTER 2016
OWENSBORO
650 Chuck Gray Court 9
A visit from a princess Fairy Dust Entertainment brings princesses and superheroes to life
J
BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
essica Barr, owner of Fair y Dust Entertainment, is the mother of two girls. Last year, at their combined birthday party, she wanted to surprise them with something different from the run-of-the-mill birthday get-togethers. “I’ve always felt that birthdays should be a big celebration,” she said. “Like any parent, I wanted to surprise them with something they’d only dream could happen.” She wanted princesses at the party. A simple enough request, or so she thought. “When I searched for options, I only found that the results were lacking,” Barr said. “I knew this was something I wanted my own children to experience, and I had to make it
10
“It’s just a really rewarding experience for me. To see the look on the kids faces — it’s awesome. To get to bring that experience to them and make their birthday party or event that much better, it’s really neat.” — Mariah Marshall happen.” So Fair y Dust Entertainment was born. The company, which consists of several men and women who dress up as 17 characters ranging from Disney princesses to superheros, attend birthday parties, company picnics, non profit organizations, grand openings, school and hospital visits and more.
OWENSBORO
The characters are paid for perfomances and appearances, and Barr said each employee has some level of experience with either acting, working with children, singing and/or dancing. The characters interact with the children at the different events and help add that “something special” to their day. Aside from having a character, or several, attend an event or party,
4TH QUARTER 2016
Fair y Dust Entertainment also offers bedtime visits from the tooth fair y or other character, plus a snack and a bedtime stor y. They also offer photography and a cake. Barr said while the characters mainly attend events in Owensboro, she tries to reach as many people as possible with her business. “We have been invited to events from southern Indiana to Clarksville, Tenn.,” she said. “I feel this is a great opportunity for the young and young at heart to experience something magical, without spending a fortune.” Mariah Marshall, 22, is a full-time college student, software trainer for a law firm and a princess. Marshall, who dresses as Elsa, the Ice Queen from the Disney movie “Frozen” and Princess Ariel from the Disney movie “The Little Mermaid,” works at Fair y Dust Entertainment as a side job. She said while she is always busy, being a princess has always been one her dreams. “It’s just a really rewarding experience for me,” Marshall said. “To see the look on the kids’ faces
4TH QUARTER 2016
— it’s awesome. To get to bring that experience to them and make their birthday party or event that much better, it’s really neat.” She’s been with FDE for a year and said she has loved seeing the transformation of the business since its beginning. “Since I’ve pretty much been there since the beginning, it’s awesome to see how we’ve transitioned from little birthday parties to bigger events like Friday After 5 and being invited to an Evansville Otters game,” Marshall said. She said she thanks Barr for starting the company and keeping it thriving and growing. “She’s always there for us, promoting the company and making sure ever yone has a good time,” she said. “She’s like our fair y godmother.” Ever y event is different, and she said just making someone’s day is what makes the job worth it. “I think ever y little girl dreams of being a princess,” she said. “It’s neat I get to cross this off my childhood goals list. It’s a good escape from reality.”
OWENSBORO
Mike Lewis Building & Remodeling, LLC Mike & Travis Lewis Building, Custom Framing, Room Additions, Remodeling, Garages, Decks, Windows, Siding & More
Phone 270-683-7395 Fax 270-691-0739 Owensboro, KY 42303 mike@mlewisbuilding.com 11
Fans line the overlook at Smothers Park and watch as pilot Matt Younkin performs a maneuver in his Beech 18 aerobatic performance plane during the fourth annual Owensboro Air Show.
FLYING HIGH Owensboro Air Show returns for annual event
D
BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
eath-defying stunts and massive airplanes flying over the Ohio River can only mean one thing — the fifth annual Owensboro Air Show is near. The air show kicks off Sept. 30 at the Owensboro Regional Airport with a static display of airplanes and a chance to get up close and personal with the aircrafts and their pilots. One of the additions to this year’s
12
air show is the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. EAA AirVenture in OshKosk, Winconsin is bringing its B-17G bomber, Aluminum Overcast, one of only a dozen B-17s still flying, to Owensboro. The airplane will be one of many at the static display. In addition, EAA AirVenture will be offering paid rides Friday through Sunday. As the sun begin to set, a few performers will take to the sky to entertain the crowd with a nighttime
OWENSBORO
air show performance, followed by fireworks. The static display costs $2 per person and kids 10 and under are free. Saturday morning the Glover H. Cary bridge will be closed for the annual Hilliard Lyons Fitness Classic, which includes a 10-mile race from the Holiday Drive-In in Reo, Ind., to the Owensboro Convention Center. The bridge will also be open to the general public for Bridge Day events around 9 a.m.
4TH QUARTER 2016
Photo by Sergeant Robert Bottrill, 19 Wing Imaging; used with permission from DND/CAF
The Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds demonstration team flies in the Big Arrow formation over the Strait of Georgia during rehearsals. The Snowbirds will preform at the fifth annual Owensboro Air Show later this year. Bridge Day is an annual event where everyone can walk, bike or stroll across the 4,622-foot-long bridge and see Owensboro’s riverfront prior to the start of the air show. Saturday and Sunday’s air show begins at 1 p.m. and will feature the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet TAC Demo, VFA-106 Gladiators, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team and the CAF Red Tail Squadron. Admission to the air show is free and will be in downtown Owensboro along the riverfront. Spectators are encouraged to bring money for food and drinks and a lawn chair to enjoy the show. Last year’s air show drew an estimated 50,000 people to the Owensboro riverfront over the weekend. For more information visit owensboroairshow.com.
4TH QUARTER 2016
OWENSBORO
13
Holiday Hosting How-To BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
H
oliday revelers tend to be busy with social engagements — from corporate parties to cocktails with close friends — between Halloween and New Year’s Day. Chances are, many people will be attending a party and/or hosting their own this holiday season. While attending a party requires little of celebrants other than a willingness to have a good time, hosting a holiday get-together can be hard work. Valarie Roberts, Kentucky’s Etiquette Lady, has tips for hosting holiday parties. • Make sure you have a place to hang ever yone’s coat. Either assemble a rack with plenty of hangers for extra storage or clean out your coat closet to make room for ever yone else’s. • Choose soft, calming music to play. She said she loves to play French or Italian music during dinner. • Splurge on the table setting. Use your grandmother’s china and provide real linen napkins. • Make sure the centerpiece is low enough so ever yone can see each other over it. • Use formal place cards and take time to think about the seating arrangement. • Make sure there are clean towels, a fresh bar of soap and toothpicks in the guests’ bathroom. • Have an after dinner plan like
14
port and cigars outside by the pool or wine by the fireplace. Roberts said while she loves a good potluck, a formal dinner party makes a special occasion, like the holidays, much more unique and personal. “The most important part of being a good hostess is making your guests feel welcomed when they arrive, comfortable while they are there and leave feeling like they had a wonderful time,” she said. Roberts said if you decide to host a dinner party at a restaurant instead of your home, she suggests choosing
OWENSBORO
a restaurant where you are known by the staff and can trust that you and your guests will have a good time. “If you don’t have a ‘go to’ restaurant in mind, make sure you take the time to visit well enough in advance to be able to introduce yourself to the maitre d’, select a table and familiarize yourself with the menu and staff,” she said. Roberts also suggested giving the restaurant an imprint of your credit card that should be held at the checkout station for your discrete signature. “This advanced preparation
4TH QUARTER 2016
prevents the check from being brought to you at the table in front of your guests, which is a faux pas because it could make your guest feel uncomfortable or obligated to chip in,” Roberts said. Hosts can also heed a few other time-tested strategies to ensure they and their guests make the most of their time together this holiday season. Make a game plan. Before throwing parties, set a game plan of who is invited, what’s on the menu and a day-by-day timeline for the week leading up to the party. Forget perfection. Television, movies and advertisements paint an unrealistic picture of what the holidays should be. Don’t get down if a holiday party that would make Norman Rockwell proud is beyond your capabilities. Rather than tr ying to plan a picture-perfect holiday party, channel your energy into what you do best. Cook up a holiday feast if you love being in the kitchen, or decorate till you drop if you love to deck the halls. The point of the party is to gather with family and friends, so no need to worr y about throwing a perfect party. Enlist helpers. Ask others to contribute to the party so all of the work is not on your shoulders. A potluck party is a great way to encourage participation. When ever yone brings something along and helps, it frees up time to spend
4TH QUARTER 2016
together rather than worr ying about what needs cooking in the kitchen or whether a last-minute trip to the store is in order. To mix things up a bit, you could even collaborate with a friend and co-host a party. Two people hosting a party means half the work for you. Downsize the party. Festive feelings may inspire you to expand your guest list. Social people understandably want to invite all of their circles of friends, but an over whelming guest list can make hosting more difficult. If you have trouble paring down the guest list, consider hosting separate parties, designating one for family and another for friends. You can even downsize your offerings to lessen some your load. Rather than spending days in the kitchen making unique apps, stock up on chips, snacks and pre-made appetizers so you have enough food. Hire professionals. If you’re simply too busy to handle hosting but still want to invite loved ones, hire some professional help. Hire wait staff to tend to guests during the party, and book a cleaning ser vice to clean your home in the days before the party. Don’t hesitate to have the party catered if you prefer your gathering not be potluck. Holiday hosting can be a big time commitment, but there are ways to make hosting easier regardless of how busy you are.
OWENSBORO
Design Print Delivered
CONTACT YOUR MESSENGER-INQUIRER ACCOUNT MANAGER TODAY.
270-926-0123 www.messenger-inquirer.com 15
Photos by Alan Warren, Messenger-Inquirer/awarren@messenger-inquirer.com
Ashley Coomes, owner of The Dapper Dog, trims up Jesse, a black miniature poodle, at her shop at 3238 Kidron Valley Way #1 in Owensboro.
DAPPER DOGS
New salon pampers pets O BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
nce Ashley Coomes started working with animals at 16 years old, she knew she wanted to make it a career. A decade later, Coomes owns her own grooming salon and pet daycare — The Dapper Dog, LLC, located right off Hwy 54. The salon is small, but welcoming. Coomes, who said she basically lives at the salon — which is open six days a week, can usually be found playing with her Great Danes, Bruce and Stanley, tidying up shop or hanging out with Gatsby, a Sphynx cat that is a member of the daycare. She said she
16
stays busy, but loves her job. While owning her own shop might not have been the original plan, it quickly turned into a reality after Coomes, an Owensboro native, returned home from Louisville after learning to become a better groomer. After obtaining more education and becoming a nationally certified groomer, she said she wanted to come back to her roots to open up shop. “I’ve always loved animals,” she said. “But owning my own business wasn’t in the plans at first. I had no interest it in. Then I woke up one day and said ,‘I want to do things differently’ — and here we are.”
OWENSBORO
Coomes said she just wanted to serve people and pets with good service and a friendly smile. Along with running her own business, Coomes also competes in dog grooming competitions, where she has won several awards, most of them displayed when you walk into The Dapper Dog. “The grooming competitions are made up of three different divisions and are all judged on technical skills, like how you groom a dog and how you can correct structural faults by the way you groom them,” she said. “I mainly learned from other groomers and got more of a hands-on education. I just
4TH QUARTER 2016
love what I do.” Some of the services The Dapper Dog offers are grooming for cats and dogs, baths, nail grinding, dematting, training and more. Coomes and her friend Megan Staack are the only two groomers, but The Dapper Dog also employs a few bathers and hopes to expand in the future. “I just want to offer better quality of grooming in Owensboro and a much safer environment,” she said. “Less stress and a more friendly atmosphere where the dogs are happy to come in, instead of terrified and stressed out.” The Dapper Dog offers Owensboro’s only non-in house pet daycare service. The dogs are free to roam around in the salon’s air conditioned play area and the only requirement for a dog to be accpeted into the daycare is they must get along with other animals. As for the location, Coomes said she was in love with the it even before she moved away from Owensboro. “Everything is kind of moving out here, and when this building was being built, before I moved to Louisville, I said ‘I want a salon in that building,’” she said. “Two years later it was still open, so I jumped at the chance. We put up all the walls and repainted everything and took about a month and a half to get everything ready for the opening.” Coomes said her dad and uncles helped a lot before the grand opening on July 18. She also enlisted the help of some friends with painting artwork for walls and decorating the salon. She is still spreading the word about her services through friends, family and Facebook. In a couple years she said she wants to open a location on the west end of town in order to be accessible to more people. “The first seven weeks have been awesome — they’ve been so much better than I could have ever imagined,” Coomes said. “We’re not at full capacity, but we’re staying busy and getting new dogs every day.”
4TH QUARTER 2016
Does your business have less than 1,000 transactions per month? If so,
you qualify for
PBI Bank Simply FREE Business Checking* gives you 1,000 FREE monthly transactions with no monthly ance. maintenance fee and no minimum balance.
Simply FREE Business Checking*!
out Call or stop by today to learn more about g* Simply FREE Business Checking*.
Powering Possibilities
1819 Frederica Street Owensboro, KY 42301 270-684-0044 1-877-369-2265 www.pbibank.com
I
I
PBI Bank NMLS ID #450016
*Transaction items include all debits and credits regardless of initiation method. If the Simply Free Business or Non-Profit account exceeds 1,000 free monthly transactions or other disclosed transaction limitations, the account may be converted to another checking product at which time the fees and terms of that product apply. Other fees such as nonsufficient funds, overdraft, sustained overdraft fees, uncollected fund fees, cash management services fees, etc. may apply. See fee schedule for details. Minimum opening deposit is only $50. Government entities have separate account requirements. Bank rules and regulations apply. Ask us for details.
OWENSBORO
17
A Simple M Path
Reverse soup kitchen serves homeless and community BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
ost soup kitchens include store-bought food and local volunteers who are willing to serve the homeless. In Owensboro, A Simple Path is flipping the script on traditional soup kitchens and cooking up some delicious food in the process. Founded by Kim Jagoe, founder of Adrienne’s House and former director of St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter, A Simple Path’s kitchen training program seeks to equip those who are homeless or impoverished with skills needed to become self-sufficient, healthy individuals. That means the homeless cook the food and serve the community in exchange for donations to keep the program and Adrienne’s House operating. The group, which mainly consists of women who live in Adrienne’s House, also includes men and other women from the homeless community. The group cooks and serves out of the renovated industrial kitchen in the basement of New Life Church at
18
OWENSBORO
4TH QUARTER 2016
Photos by Greg Eans, Messenger-Inquirer
Dee Ward, assistant director at A Simple Path, fills a large colander with local tomatoes from Cecil Farms as Jessie Clark prepares bagels in the kitchen. the corner of Fourth Street and Crabtree Avenue. Working only three days a week, the group finalizes a menu, buys fresh and organic produce for the recipes and preps and cooks the food before serving the public on Fridays. Dee Ward, assistant director at A Simple Path, said Jagoe had a vision about helping homeless people in the community. “She wanted to empower them by giving them skills to succeed,” she said. “I’ve witnessed this program change lives. We’ve had several people in this program, women who have self-esteem issues or come from domestic violence backgrounds, come in, and we give them a safe haven where they can be safe and start to grow direction they need to grow.” Ward said even after participants leave the program, many come back on their own time to volunteer. She said recently there was a mother and daughter who lived at Adrienne’s House for a year, before getting their own apartment, who still come back and volunteer regularly because of the bond they made with the other women. “We want to empower people at their own pace,” she said. “There are no time restrictions here. Some women are going back to school and taking classes, others are working retail jobs and applying for apartments That’s why we do what we do, to keep people moving forward.” Jessie Clark, a resident at Adrienne’s House, has been working at A Simple Path for almost a year. Since she has been with the program
4TH QUARTER 2016
longer than most, she usually helps Jagoe and Ward with the newcomers by showing them how to set up various work stations and to properly handle knives. “We train everyone like they’ve never been in a kitchen before,” she said. During a week in August, the women were making a tomato gallette, which is basically a tomato pie, with pesto sauce and orange cookies for dessert. “Working here has helped me in a lot of ways,” Clark said. “I have PTSD, so I’m not very social, so it actually helps me with my social skills. I’ve also learned how to fix different types of food that I wouldn’t normally fix myself.” Clark said she found out she loves keesh. “You can do a lot of things with it,” she said. “Our most popular one is the spinach and mushroom.” Clark said prior to working at A Simple Path, she had also never heard of spanakopita, a Greek dish made from filo dough, spinach and feta cheese. “I don’t usually like spinach, but I will fight someone over a spanakopita,” Clark said with a laugh. She said since A Simple Path tries to use the most fresh and organic ingredients, she is also learning how to eat healthier. Clark said the program has helped her in so many ways, and that she appreciates everything Jagoe and Ward have done for the homeless community. For more information on menu and prices visit A Simple Path’s Facebook page.
OWENSBORO
Your Y our beautifully kept kept beautifully
flower garden also p also part art o off y your our llegacy. egacy.
270-684-9891 HaleyMcGinnis.com 19
Coverage for Auto, Home, Boat, Wedding, ng,
& more!
Visiting Santa
It’s your BIGGEST INVESTMENT.
Make sure it’s well protected. Whether you own or rent a house, condominium, or apartment, Jones Insurance Agency and Travelers will work as a team to find you the coverage and service you need.
JONES INSURANCE AGENCY OWENSBORO
GINNY DANNER
724 TIME DR. OWENSBORO, KY 42203 P: 270.691.9100 F: 270.691.9594 E: JONESINSOWB@YAHOO.COM WEB: WWW.JONESWOOLFOLKINS.COM WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JONESWOOLFOLK
This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to the provisions, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy. For an actual description of all coverages, terms and conditions, refer to the insurance policy. Coverages are subject to individual insureds meeting our underwriting qualifications and to state availability. ©2011 The Travelers Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. The Travelers Indemnity Company and its property casualty affiliates. One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183
20
C
hristmastime is filled with many different traditions. Many people decorate their homes with Christmas trees, and songs are sung with family members who come from near and far to share gifts and companionship. Families with young children often make visiting Santa Claus a part of their annual traditions. During the holiday season, Santa can be found taking up residence at Towne Square Mall and other locations around Owensboro. Thousands of children and their parents will wait in line to get some face time with jolly St. Nick. The following are ways to make kids’ visits with Santa their most pleasant. • Do a test run. If your child has not taken a photo with Santa before, he or she may be frightened and the result will be a poor photograph. The beard and the red coat coupled with the fact that kids are sitting on a stranger’s lap can be terrifying for youngsters. Acclimate your child to the experience by visiting the mall to see Santa and become familiar with what he looks like and how he acts. • Go off-peak. Visit Santa when the store just opens or when lines are not as long, such as during school hours
OWENSBORO
or dinner time. This should cut down on the wait and create a less tense experience. Confirm visiting hours so you don’t arrive only to find he’s out to lunch. • Dress comfortably. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing so neither you nor the kids will be uncomfortable. The goal is to look nice for the photo, but not at the expense of the children’s comfort level. And while you should be comfortable as well, be sure to look presentable, in the event you have to hop into the photo if that’s the only way your son or daughter will tolerate the experience. • Pack some supplies. Bring snacks and drinks for the kids so hunger does not make them antsy. Bring along a change of clothes in case someone spills food or spits up before your turn. • Get Santa recommendations. Ask friends and neighbors which Santas they visit. Many stores will have a Santa on hand, but not every Santa is as adept at handling children. Above all, try to have a good time and don’t expect perfection. Sometimes the best Santa-visit moments are the ones that are unrehearsed.
4TH QUARTER 2016
BY THE NUMBERS 4,500
95
Average number of calories consumed by one person on Thanksgiving
Days until Christmas
882 101
$
Average amount spent on holiday gifts
days until
Owensboro’s Locally Owned Office Supplier!
We’ll match ANY delivered office supply price! FREE DELIVERY
As a member of the “Office Plus” buying group of over 500 dealers, y cheaper p and we can buy sell cheaper!
1701 Breckenridge St.
926-2222
Order Online at
www.OwensboroOffice.com 4TH QUARTER 2016
OWENSBORO
21
UPCOMING EVENTS 22
OWENSBORO
4TH QUARTER 2016
SEP T EMB ER
September 29 - October 2 — Highway 60 Yard Sale September 30 - October 2 — Owensboro Air Show, 1 p.m., Owensboro Riverfront September 30 — Bluegrass on the Banks
O CT OBE R
October 1 — First Saturday for Kids (ages 5-11): The Great Pumpkin, 10 a.m., Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens October 1 — Historic Coal Mine Tour, 3 p.m., Owensboro Museum of Science and History October 1 — Glow in the Park, 6:30 p.m., Wendell Foster Campus Sensory Park & Garden October 1-2 — Annual Whittaker Guns Octoberfest Outdoor Show, 7301 Hobbs Road October 7 — Rosine Barn Jamboree — 6 p.m., Rosine Barn, Ohio County October 7-8 — Monsters on the Ohio, all day, launch from English Park Boat Ramp October 7-8, 14-15, 2122 and 28-29 — Boo Fest at Diamond Lake Resort, 7301 Hobbs Road 4TH QUARTER 2016
October 8 — Walk to End Alzheimer’s, 9 a.m., Smothers Park October 15-16 —Reid’s Orchard Apple Festival, 10 a.m., 4812 Kentucky 144 October 21 — Spooktacular Skate, 7 p.m., The Edge Ice Center October 23 — Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, 2 p.m., Smothers Park October 27 — Trail of Treats, Smothers Park October 29 — Boo Run, 9 a.m., Daviess County Middle School
N O V E MB E R November 5 — Kentucky Remembers Veterans Day 5k, 8 a.m., Shelton Memorial, Smothers Park November 5 — Veterans Day Parade, Noon, Second Street November 11-13 — Kraftucky Arts and Crafts Expo, all day, Owensboro Convention Center
November 19 — Owensboro Ballroom Dance Club - Hoedown Dance, 7 p.m., Kentucky National Guard Armory November 19 — 80th Annual Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade, 4:30 p.m., downtown Owensboro November 25 - January 1 — Christmas at Panther Creek, 6-9 p.m., 5160 Wayne Bridge Road
D E C E MB E R December 2-4 — Owensboro Christmas Show, 11 a.m. Owensboro Convention Center December 3 — Reindeer Run 5k, 9 a.m., Smothers Park December 3 — Holiday Stroll, 4-8 p.m., Second Street to St. Ann Street December 2-3 — Owensboro Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker,” 7 p.m. RiverPark Center December 10 — Skate with Santa, 1 p.m. The Edge Ice Center
November 12 - December
December 13 — Owensboro
31 — 40th Annual Holiday
Symphony Orchestra presents
Forest, Owensboro Museum of
Holiday Pops, 3 p.m. 101
Fine Art, 901 Frederica St. OWENSBORO
Daviess St. 23
24
OWENSBORO
4TH QUARTER 2016