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It’s not just about offering one of the area’s largest selections of quality floor coverings from all the
Greg Dillworth
omeone once told me that everyone has a tree. A tree that means something to them. Like a Shel Silverstein Giving Tree. For some it is a tree that they can recall as if they are recalling a person for others—the type that conjures a fond memory. I remember my dad always talked about the sycamores, Platens occidentalis, that lined the street he grew up on in Brooklyn. Whenever my eyes catch their unique multicolored bark, my thoughts go to him.
My Giving Tree is a tulip magnolia, Magnolia soulangiana, that grows across the street from my childhood home. I spent many hours climbing, and hanging, from its branches. It was the perfect height for the nervous climber. I loved that tree and how its large flamboyant pink flowers seemed to shout “spring” at the beginning of the season. Then just as quickly as they blossomed, their petals dropped almost all at once, as if they were bowing—curtains closing as the next plant in the spring line-up pops up for its act.
The woman who lived in the house of my Giving Tree was Mrs. Maria Petras—I called her “Petty.” She took care of me from a baby into my preteen years. When I knew her, she was an older, Czechoslovakian woman. Petty was widowed. Her sons had moved out of her home many years before. I was her companion and her first granddaughter. I loved her so much. She was the first true loss that I ever experienced. I was in high school when she passed away and new people moved into her home. They immediately changed the color of the house, the type of siding, the fence. It startled me to see these changes. But my tree stayed the same. It has been over twenty years since she passed away, and much has changed as life does, yet that tree still stands.
Here in Paducah, my son’s Giving Tree is a white ash, Fraxinus americana. It’s a focal point of our backyard. By the size of its trunk, there is a good chance it has been around long enough to meet the original owners of my antebellum home. The branches are too high for climbing, but my son still finds ways to interact with the tree. He rides his toy tractor in seemingly endless loops around the tree, chases the dogs around the tree, picks up its fallen branches declaring many of them his special stick, and swings from our tree swing, laughing and daring my husband to push him higher.
At first thought, trees seem so stationary, stoic, and a simple backdrop to our every day. But in reality, they affect our being. They give us LIFE.
amanda@paducahlife.com
by A MANDA HUTCHISON
putting down ROOTS
THE FAMILY OF FIVE IS LITERALLY ESTABLISHING THEIR NEW FAMILY TREE IN PADUCAH
There’s always that first big project when you move into a new home. A project that changes the house from the house that you moved into to the house that is yours. For the Smith-Mullaneys, the first big project was a treehouse.
Their children, Laura, Anthony, and McKenzie had begged their parents for years for a treehouse, but there was always a reason they couldn’t build one. “We’ve lived in lots of areas with really cool trees. This has been a wish of theirs for at least seven years, but the conditions were never quite right,” their father, Matthew shares. “We moved here and we finally had the time, so we started building!” Matthew and his brother, Paul, worked on the treehouse throughout the summer. “We had no idea what we were doing. In hindsight we should have made a plan,” Matthew reflects with a chuckle. “That would have saved us a lot of trips to Home Depot.”
PUTTING DOWN ROOTS
he family has previously lived in Georgia, South Carolina, and Colorado. They wanted to find a family friendly community to raise their three children. Megan’s childhood best friend, Ivey Hanson Butler, invited Megan to her wedding. “I had always wondered about Paducah. Like me, Ivey had lived in lots of major cities and had held big corporate positions but she found her home in Paducah,” Megan shares. “It was October 2023 and Jefferson was decked out for Halloween,” says Megan. “The weather was beautiful and everything was still so green and lush. It just felt perfect.” Ivey, co-owner of True North Yoga Studio, and her mother, Toni, immediately went to work to help the Smith-Mullaneys find the perfect home. “Toni is like a second mom to me,” Megan reflects. “So just knowing that I’d have Ivey and Toni nearby made everything seem just right.” After virtually touring the house on Jefferson, the Smith-Mullaneys knew they were ready to put down roots in Paducah.
how they sprouted
egan and Matthew met while completing their master’s degrees in supply chain management at Michigan State University’s executive program. Matthew was working at chewy.com at the time and Megan was working at her family’s warehouse business, Symbia Logistics. When the program ended, Matthew moved to Colorado near Megan and worked for a startup. “Matthew has worked in so many startups,” says Megan. “They have been sort of his prequel to entrepreneurship.”
“I have worked at large firms such as UPS and JB Hunt as well as startups that have been rapidly growing,” Matthew explains. “Some of my favorite projects were robotics implementations, multiple large operation
redesigns, full operating system overhauls, pricing analysis, and a front-line employee career road map. With this last project, we were able to turn those who ‘just got a summer job’ into vested long-term employees with clear career goals.”
Megan worked in supply chain and logistics for 20 years. Most recently she was the CEO of Symbia Logistics, where she managed 23 warehouses and 1,200 team members. She has many achievements and accolades to her credit including a Women Business Enterprise Certification which resulted in a $27 million dollar contract, #68 on the INC 5000 list and #1 in the State of Colorado, 5,000% growth over three years, Top Women in Supply Chain 2021 and 2022, and Top 5 Coolest Women in Supply Chain 2021.
FROM LOUISVILLE TO PADUCAH OR PADUCAH TO LOUISVILLE
As most mothers would be, Matthew’s mother was ecstatic when she found out her son would be moving back to Kentucky. (Matthew is originally from Louisville). She was ready to shout it from the rooftops or at least from the Silver Sneakers class she teaches in Louisville. “My son is moving back to Kentucky!” she announced to her class. “They are moving to Paducah!”
“I just moved from Paducah!” responded Dr. John McCracken. It was only a little while later that the two would find out that the coincidence did not stop there. At that very moment, the Smith-Mullaney’s were in the process of buying Dr. McCracken’s Paducah home!
branching out on their own
ith years of business experience, Megan and Matthew are ready to move on to something new. With their partner, Dan Duschene of Chicago, they are purchasing an existing business in Florida and starting their own company called PackGistics. PackGistics is a moving and storage company specializing in residential moves with a smaller focus on commercial and business-to-business transactions.
Their hope is to expand their real estate portfolio in Paducah, increase their operations, and set up headquarters here. “I can’t wait until we can make another investment and open our own office,” Megan shares. “We want to be able to grow while furthering the community we live in.”
building their nest
hile the SmithMullaney’s settle further into life in Paducah and work on plans for their new business, they spend a lot of their time outdoors. The kids often climb into the treehouse to play games and watch the baby birds who took up residence in the same tree as them.
“The other day I spent about four hours up here with McKenzie,” the oldest, Laura, says. “Even on the hottest days it can feel cool up here with the breezes that pass through.”
Like their parents, the kids have big plans. Laura talks about painting the tree house blue, adding a hutch for her bunny, Ophelia, and a rug. Tony is ready to add a rope. “I want a zip line!” he declares. Every day their new home becomes more and more theirs and the kids, like their parents, love it here.
BACK ROW FROM LEFT: Gary B. Houston / Darren R. Smith
Matthew S. Eddy / Elizabeth A. Wieneke / Thomas B. Russell
E. Frederick (Rick) Straub Jr. / C. Thomas (Tom) Miller
FRONT ROW FROM LEFT: J. Paul Bradford / James (Jason) R. Coltharp Jr.
Nicholas M. Holland / Eric C. Straub / R. Christion (Chris) Hutson
★ by A MANDA HUTCHISON
TREES are everything
PADUCAH ARBORIST JONATHAN PERKINS STANDS TALL AMONG THOSE WHO HAVE LEARNED TO LOVE THE VERY ESSENCE OF LIFE IN EVERY TREE
“It felt like an impossible task. It was fall of 2013, and I was studying landscape architecture at the University of Virginia and my professor would take us on regular walks around the renowned campus pausing in front of trees we were expected to know for our weekly quizzes and the dreaded final exam.
Every week more leaves would fall making their most obvious clue harder to track down. We had to rely often on its bark. If it was young we might be able to reach for a twig for clues. If the trees were far away, we’d have to remember their form. Was it upright, multi-stemmed, wispy, haunting, craggy, joyful, brooding? As we became more familiar with the trees, the more we described them as we would describe another person. Winter approached and the final exam felt impossible. But we learned. I somehow passed, though never quite achieving any sort of mastery. I blame my eyesight. I have to blame it on something.
I’ll never forget one of my professors, a practicing landscape architect from Barcelona—Teresa Gali-Izard. Her eyes would sparkle as she spoke about trees. Nothing should demand as much respect as trees. She would discuss the way they talked to one another (yes, trees talk), and the architecture of each tree. Through her I learned to see trees beyond the environmental and physical impact. I could see growth patterns, design potential, and beauty. The days of seeing trees as homogenous clumps were gone. Trees were everything.”
—AMANDA HUTCHISON
jonathan the arborist
few years back, I took a break from my work in landscape architecture. Then I met Paducah’s arborist, landscape architect, and Paducah Tree Board chair Jonathan Perkins.
Listening to Jonathan, I recalled with shame how difficult plant identification class had been for me.
If you want to know what that certain tree is . . . go to Jonathan. “I was working on a tree inventory for the Paducah Housing Authority,” he recalls. “I was with a group of volunteers and one said to me, ‘It’s really
interesting how you talk about these trees like they’re individuals.’ I had never really thought about it before, but I guess I do. Even if they are the same type of tree, they can do different things and have different characteristics.”
After graduating from Paducah Tilghman in 1998, Jonathan spent two years at Western Kentucky Community & Technical College before transferring to the University of Kentucky in Lexington. “I had grown up watching PBS. We used to watch The Victory Garden and This Old House,” Jonathan reminisces, “And there were often landscape architects on the show.”
Jonathan studied landscape architecture with a minor in plant and soil science at UK. The university had, and still has, the only landscape architecture program in the state. While there, Jonathan worked for landscape
Jack, Jonathan’s tree sidekick and son, explores the woods at Metropolis Lake. The area includes an impressive amount of large bald cypress trees.
architect, Morgan McIlwain. After graduation, he worked for a large engineering firm in St. Louis, where he worked on military planning. “I got to do a lot of traveling, which was fun,” Jonathan reflects. “But it wasn’t rewarding.”
He was then invited back to McIlwain’s firm. “I started attending the Lexington Tree Board meetings and got to know some of the foresters and arborists,” Jonathan shares. “I really liked these people, what they were doing, and the passion they had.” Jonathan realized that with his background, all he had to do was sit for a 3.5-hour exam. So, in 2011 he became an ISA Certified Arborist. “I learned a lot from my grandfather. He was a farmer and land surveyor,” Jonathan shares. “During the summertime when I would work on his farm, he would show me different trees and identify them.”
In 2015, Jonathan was invited to join BFW Marcum as their first landscape architect. At the firm, he works on building site plans, planting plans, multi-use trail designs, park master plans, and tree inventories and assessments. “I realize I like extremes. My two favorite things to work on are trees and pavement design,” Jonathan says. “I know it seems like an odd combination, but as much as I love designing with and talking about trees, I can also get really into designing pavements.”
Outside work, Jonathan and his son, Jack, offer arborist services through Trees! Paducah—a pruning and consultation business. Jonathan also recently started to teach himself how to climb trees. “Over the winter, I started rope climbing trees. I still need to develop the skill. It’s difficult since I’m not up in a tree every day.
I had Jack try with me when I first started. He climbed 20 feet and he said he was fine,” Jonathan marvels. “He was not scared at all. It’s the opposite for me. I can feel my heart rate increase as I go up.”
Jonathan is the current chair of the city’s Tree Advisory Board. “A lot of what we do is educate the public. We try to be in the public eye for occasions like Arbor Day or when there is a large tree clearing project,” Jonathan says.
trees of paducah
o, what are the most interesting trees in Paducah? I expected when I asked this of Jonathan that it would be an easy list—maybe a map of some of the biggest, tallest, rarest specimen trees. Instead, I got kind of a mixed answer. There are trees that Jonathan notices and ones that are noticed by the public. For example, the post oak tree in front of the court house is currently the state champion. It is recorded as the largest post oak tree in the state.
What about the oldest trees? Well, that’s hard. Together Jonathan and I went over to the home of Charlie and Gail Ransler on Broadway. Henry Barbour, a retired forester, had once measured the Ransler's large oak tree and said it was likely the oldest oak tree in McCracken County. “A Quercus pagoda,” Jonathan immediately assesses. “Cherry bark oak.” Without hesitation Jonathan thinks up another cherry bark oak tree that may be bigger. “There’s another near Fountain Avenue in an alley that may be bigger,” Jonathan recollects. “The difficulty is that there are many trees tucked away on private property that we cannot access.”
One hidden gem Jonathan did suggest was at Metropolis Lake. “There are some really cool silver maples, bur oaks, and massive bald cypress trees. There are no trails, but it is pretty clear and easy to walk through,” Jonathan describes. “If you have a sensitivity to poison ivy proceed with caution or at least wait until the fall or winter,” he cautions. It never ceases to amaze me the inventory of trees that Jonathan has memorized around Paducah. I asked him about the great ash tree that is a focal point of my own yard. “Could it be a contender for interesting trees of Paducah?” I asked. “Yes, that MIGHT be the largest, but you know there is also one on the 700 block of Broadway.” (At least I’m in the running!)
LEFT TO RIGHT: Dawn redwood, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, is a unique tree to Paducah and likely the largest of its kind in the city. It is located at the riverfront. / This post oak, Quercus stellate, is located in front of the county court house. It was named the state champion in 1973. It is 180 feet tall. / This massive cherry bark oak, at the home of Charlie and Gail Ransler, is likely one of the oldest oak trees in McCracken County.
Marshall County Skylar Waller | McCracken County Weston Miller, Ashley Higdon, Daniel Higdon & Ally Hutchins | PTHS Brayden Stroud | Murray Emerson Vaughn
thetree
AT THE EDGE OF THE DAIRY
HOUGH JONATHAN PERKINS WAS UNABLE TO DECLARE CHARLIE AND GAIL
Ransler’s cherry bark oak tree as a record breaker, it is an impressive specimen and clearly has held the attention of its owners. Under the previous owner, a plaque was placed in the garden to celebrate the great tree. It’s a little funny to now think that 2830 Broadway, wedged between Keiler Park and Baptist Health Hospital, was once considered “out in the country.”
It was just off a dirt road that led to Paducah. Its original owner was Saunders Fowler and it was built by a contractor named Carnes in 1905. Behind the impressive brick building is a smaller wood building that predates it. The house was a part of the Edgewood Dairy Farm and was situated on 150 acres. Edgewood Dairy was one of the earliest milk producing operations in the area. Today, the property is just under three acres, the rest of the land having been partitioned off. One barn structure still exists. The home has only changed owners four times in its 119 years. After Saunders Fowler, it was sold to Oscar Hank in 1929, and sold again in 1948 to Dr. R.W. and Helen Robertson. The Hanks added a sun
The Ranslers are only the fourth owners of this majestic Paducah residence which was built in 1905.
thetree
porch and tiled bathroom. The Robertsons added a gazebo on the west side of the house. They used ionic columns that they had purchased from a house that was torn down on Broadway and 17th street. The house was called the Bartee House and was built by the same builder. Its columns of yellow poplar matched the columns on the front porch.
Charlie and Gail Ransler bought the property in 2005 from the Robertsons. The couple had previously purchased a 200-year-old log cabin in Virginia, which they restored and moved to Kentucky Lake. (It was featured in Paducah Life Magazine in 1995). They hired Ray Black and Son to complete the restoration project at the Broadway house.
The Ranslers love their historic home with 11-foot ceilings and hints of its early days as a dairy farm. “Over in the barn is a stall where the previous owners kept their horse,” Gail points out. “On the other side is where, at some point, squabs were kept for eating.” The Ranslers have only made a few structural changes to the house to make it their own. “It was important to us that we did not change the footprint of the house,” Gail stresses. They enclosed a back screened-in porch to add a mudroom and bathroom, and enclosed the above balcony for a master’s closet and laundry room. They also moved the driveway so it would not be abutting the house. “The ceiling of the front porch seemed to have been painted over millions of times,” Gail shares. “We were able to get a chip of it, had it scraped back to the original color, and had it repainted that color.”
Outside in their garden, the Ranslers continue to add plants they purchase from local nurseries as well as nurseries in Northern Kentucky and in Charlottesville, Virginia— where their son, Chip, their daughter, Abby, and their families live. They have hosted weddings for two of their children at the home, and in preparation for the weddings, they planted a variety of hydrangeas near the gazebo.
During the 1937 flood, a temporary dock was set up near the house. It is featured on a postcard from that era. While in Charlottesville, their son saw the postcard on eBay and made a bid for it. He wanted to give it to his parents as a present. He was surprised to find himself in a bidding war with another eBay customer. The price continued to climb. Finally, Chip called his mother. “Is Dad also bidding on this postcard?” he asked. Sure enough, father and son were competing against one another!
The house no longer sits “out in the country.” But despite its current urban landscape, the site’s scores of mature trees instill a certain sense of tranquility. “When people visit, they often comment that it feels like a park in our yard,” Gail shares while walking through her backyard. Charlie and Gail often enjoy a morning coffee on their large porch, taking in their “country” home in the heart of historic midtown.
During the 1937 flood, a temporary dock was set up near the Ransler’s historic home.
Charlie and Gail Ransler purchased their historic home on Broadway in 2005. The property was originally the site of the Edgewood Dairy.
The Edgewood Dairy was situated on 150 acres and was one of the earliest milk producing operations in the area.
Celebrate Tree Week in October at West Kentucky Community and Technical College
The Tree Campus Higher Education program honors colleges and universities across the United States for effective campus forest management and engaging staff and students in conservation goals. In 2021, West Kentucky Community and Technical College was recognized by meeting Tree Campus Higher Education’s five standards, including establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for a campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance, and the sponsorship of student service-learning projects.
Each October, the college sponsors an annual week-long celebration of Tree Week as part of Sustainability Month, including guided walks and hikes of the newly revitalized campus nature trail and a tree walk with visual identifications about each species. The Sustainability Committee, made up of WKCTC faculty, staff, students, and community members, revitalized the campus nature trail over the past couple of years. Its annual Tree Week celebration honors trees and all the ways they affect our lives.
WKCTC partners with local organizations and hosts free educational and recreational activities open to the campus and the surrounding community during Tree Week. In 2023, the WKCTC Sustainability Committee organized a one-mile hike in Land Between the Lakes and a book discussion of The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate, by Peter Wohlleben.
For more information, visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu and search for Tree Week or contact Sustainability Chair Anna Vaughn-Doom at anna.vaughndoom@kctcs.edu.
Guardian of Nature
TYLER SANDERSON’S JOURNEY TO PRESERVE KENTUCKY’S NATURAL BEAUTY
ESTERN KENTUCKY
is graced with abundant natural beauty, from the sprawling Land Between the Lakes to the majestic Shawnee National Forest just a stone’s throw away. Amidst this splendor, Tyler Sanderson quietly works to preserve and protect these cherished landscapes as Floodplain Conservation Manager for the Nature Conservancy in Tennessee and Kentucky.
Raised in Cincinnati but with deep family ties to Graves and Carlisle Counties, Tyler considers himself a true Kentuckian at heart. Together with his wife Emma and their daughters, Delia and Caroline, Tyler has embraced Paducah as home, where he channels his passion for environmental preservation into meaningful action.
Tyler’s journey into conservation began after earning his undergraduate degree in Ag Economics from the University of Kentucky. Inspired by a stint in the Peace Corps in the Republic of Georgia and later service with AmeriCorps in New Hampshire, where he taught watershed science to schoolchildren and maintained trails in the White Mountains, Tyler found his calling. “I realized I wanted to dedicate my career to safeguarding our natural resources,” he reflects. His path led back to Kentucky, where he deepened his commitment to conservation
through roles with local land conservation groups and eventually found his way to the Nature Conservancy. “Returning home to Kentucky felt serendipitous,” Tyler shares. “It was a perfect fit, aligning my professional goals with my personal mission to protect our natural heritage.”
Working in conservation isn’t always understood, Tyler acknowledges. “People often misconstrue our work,” he explains. “We’re not about taking land away; we’re about enhancing its value for future generations. We improve water quality, protect against floods, and support sustainable land use that benefits both people and wildlife.”
Tyler’s journey from volunteer to executive underscores his belief in the power of community and education. “I started by volunteering and learning, which paved the way for paid positions where I could apply my skills,” he says. “Now, I’m privileged to share with local communities the vital and rewarding aspects of conservation.”
Since settling in Paducah, Tyler and his family have embraced outdoor exploration as part of their daily lives. “We’re discovering new natural wonders every day,” Tyler shares with enthusiasm. “It’s about enjoying and protecting what we have, ensuring these spaces remain intact for future generations.”
As Tyler and Emma lay down roots in their new Kentucky home, one thing is clear: their dedication to conserving western Kentucky's natural treasures will continue to inspire and enrich the community they now call their own.
UP UP a
COOKING COOKING Character
Korey Vasquez stepped out of his kitchen and onto the stage at the Market House Theatre and LIFE got much more interesting.
by Caleb Buford
AS THE RIVER SHIMMERS IN THE GOLDEN glow of sunrise, the glass doors of the Gold Rush Cafe unlock, swing open, and invite visitors in for a unique breakfast experience. One step into the rustic western cafe on the corner of 4th and Broadway and you’re greeted with a smile as the aroma of freshly made bread pudding waffles wafts through the corridor. The space is quaint and abuzz as a motley collection of signs along the lattice-laced walls gives you a laugh. Inside the lively cafe, you might catch owner Korey Vazquez, the man who revived this little corner cafe and who also finds creative fulfillment not only in the kitchen but also on the stage.
KOREY VAZQUEZ'S CULINARY JOURNEY
Korey Vazquez's journey from humble beginnings to chef and restaurateur is nothing short of inspiring. His love for cooking was ignited at a young age, always seeking ways to improve dishes and experiment with seasonings. “Cooking is my way of expressing myself and connecting with others. It's my art, and I pour my heart and soul into every dish,” Korey shared. Korey's culinary passion led him to the Culinary Institute of America, where he aspired to become a food photographer and dreamed of teaching his skills at the Paducah School of Art & Design.
KOREY VASQUEZ Cooking Up a Character
However, life had other plans. A chance encounter after moving back to Paducah led to love, and he decided to stay in Paducah, putting his culinary dreams on hold. A few years later, after some challenging life trials, Korey adopted an "attitude of gratitude" and started humbling himself to be grateful in the present, which led him to a job at Terminix, where he made connections with local individuals and business owners. Soon, his new connections and community would lead him to an opportunity of a lifetime – taking over the community staple—the Gold Rush Cafe.
Korey's journey to acquire Gold Rush wasn't without its challenges. He faced multiple rejections from banks but persisted until he found a supportive lender who would take a risk to make his dream come true. With unwavering determination, Korey transformed the cafe, making subtle yet impactful changes that respected the history of the eatery while building a strong experience and a found community.
What sets Gold Rush Cafe apart now is Korey's commitment to the community. He believes in supporting other local businesses and forming partnerships that benefit everyone. “Community support is everything. My customers are like family, and I'm grateful for their trust and loyalty,” Korey commented. He views his local contemporaries as partners rather than competitors. “Other businesses are not competition to me. We're completely separate things and yet all working towards a viable downtown economy.” Korey's approach is all about creating a vibrant and interconnected community. Korey's commitment is not just a business strategy; it's a way of life. He sees every person he meets as a potential friend and collaborator, and his dedication to promoting the interests of others shines through.
STEPPING ONTO THE STAGE
While Korey's culinary journey has been his mission, a recent venture took him into the world of performing arts at Market House Theatre (MHT). With past experience in high school theatre and church dramas, Korey has always had a knack for captivating audiences. His decision to audition for MHT’s production of Native Gardens was an
From left are Scott Dossett, April Cochran, Korey Vazquez and Mariana Skaggs in the previous production of Native Gardens at The Market House Theater.
impulsive one, sparked after a comment on social media. MHT had posted about their search for a lead role in the show. After his comment on the post, many of his friends and neighbors expressed their support in reply. Little did he know that this decision would lead him to a whole new experience.
Additionally, Korey’s recent dive into television and radio interviews for shows like America’s Best Restaurants and Food Network’s Best Bite in Town has sparked a fire. “I've been doing these radio interviews and TV interviews, which have made me more comfortable talking to people,” Korey said. “I've got an acting bug in me. It's just been dormant, but now I have this chance.” Rehearsing for a live audience was a challenge, says Korey, especially the memorization of lines, but his determination and meticulous nature drove him to perfect his role. He found comfort in the camaraderie of his fellow cast members and the joy of making new connections.
Korey hopes that his journey from a shy and reserved individual to a successful chef to actor will inspire others to step out of their comfort zones. He believes anyone can pursue their passions and dreams, regardless of background or initial reservations. In the end, Korey Vazquez's story is one of resilience, community, and the endless possibilities that come from embracing new opportunities. Whether in the kitchen or on the stage, commitment to making a positive impact on the world around him is admirable.
Cultivating Resilience
DR. JEREMY WEBB’S CITRUS OASIS LIVES AND GROWS IN PADUCAH’S LOWERTOWN
I★
by A MY CLEVIDENCE
N THE HEART OF PADUCAH'S HISTORIC LOWERTOWN, THE UNEXPECTED IS being cultivated: Dr. Jeremy Webb has created a garden oasis where citrus trees, typically suited to warmer climates, thrive. Originally from Bowling Green, Jeremy's journey to Paducah began with a career opportunity at Baptist Health, bringing him and his wife, Shannon, along with their six-yearold son, Edmund, to establish roots here.
Jeremy’s fascination with citrus trees blossomed during his time in Arizona, where he developed a deep appreciation for their blossoms. What started as a hobby evolved into a passion project—nurturing and crossbreeding citrus varieties in the challenging climate of western Kentucky. “I’ve always been drawn to the challenge of growing citrus in unconventional climates,” Jeremy shares, his enthusiasm evident.
Amidst rows of potted citrus trees, Jeremy’s garden boasts unique hybrids like the Citrangesquat and Citrandarin, blending hardy wild citrus traits with the sweetness of mandarins. These trees, adapted to Paducah’s winters, are a testament to Jeremy’s expertise and determination.
Beyond citrus, Jeremy's garden yields a diverse bounty—apples, peaches, figs, and kiwi flourish alongside berries and cherries. For Jeremy, gardening isn’t merely a pastime; it’s a labor of love and a pursuit of resilience. “These trees require patience and careful nurturing,” he explains, adjusting grow lights in his garden shed to sustain them through the winter months. Each blossom and harvest in the Webb family garden becomes a celebration of growth and educational discovery, fostering a deeper connection to nature.
“As Edmund grows, this garden will be his living classroom,” Jeremy predicts. “It’s about embracing challenges and savoring the rewards of our perseverance."
In Paducah’s Lowertown, Dr. Jeremy Webb's citrus oasis stands as evidence of the beauty of adaptation and the welcoming spirit of Kentucky. Whether native to the area or new arrivals like the Webbs, their garden illustrates that Paducah is a place where one can put down roots and thrive, nurturing both plants and community bonds alike.
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A.I.R. STUDIO
All three have had pieces on display at the Quilt Show in Paducah, and Diana was the winner of the APQS (American Professional Quilting Systems) Judges’ Recognition Award for 2024, with her #312 Confetti.
Donalee was the one to get the Paducah/A.I.R. Studio ball rolling, coming by herself in 2019. “I got to take a deep dive which is really what an (artist) residency is about,” she reflects. She planned to come back the next year, but Covid struck, so her next time in Paducah was in 2021 when she came with a friend from Dallas. It so happened that Donalee and Beth stopped by the studio that year, and the three of them have been coming since.
Diana is the one making the longest trek to the art quilt world. Her career was in human resources at the Denver airport, where she laughingly says she even drove a snow plow. A “sometimes-quilter,” she made quilts for family but became really serious and art-directed when she joined the innovative Four Common Corners group, creating art typically specific to their geographic area.
One of the group projects was “The Wisdom of Trees,” which sent Diana to a woodpile to do rubbings on the ends of trees. She came up with a “tree ring concept” emphasizing that “trees are wise—they carry their history in their rings.” It’s led her to a series called “Gifts from the Universe” which she says is “about stepping on the earth lightly and taking care of our ecosystems.”
As personal as that sounds, Diana relishes in the camaraderie she finds at A.I.R. Studio where the women bounce ideas off one another. “I was working on a mountain scene, and I said ‘Does this work? What if the sun comes from this direction?’” Beth puts it like this, “I get different ideas—they expose me to something I might not think of on my own.”
It’s not all work in the studio. They come to Paducah during the Quilt Show for a reason. “Because I worked at shows so many years, I know so many people in the quilting world. It’s like a big reunion,” says Beth.
Donalee concurs. “These people can come to our studio and we can hang out. It’s a really good place to meet up and talk about art and the future of quilting.”
And then there is Paducah itself. As Donalee puts it, “We connected with Rosemarie Steele (formerly of the Paducah Visitors Bureau) and Lexie Millican at the Yeiser Art Museum and the people of the Quilt Museum and, you know, we just feel a part of this community which is kind of remarkable since we’re only here for two weeks a year.”
Even though all three initially considered not coming to A.I.R. Studio next year, it didn’t stick. As Donalee says, “We’ve gotta do this again.” Before leaving town, they placed a call. A.I.R. Studio and Paducah will be theirs again during the 2025 AQS Quilt Show. Diana S. Fox with ”Tree Rings #4”
About A.I.R. Studio
Artist and college art professor Alonzo Davis has been providing spaces for artists at his A.I.R. Studio at 621 Madison for 20 years. Part of Paducah’s Artist Relocation program, Alonzo and his wife Kay now live in Hyattsville, Maryland. Alonzo says of the 12-15 artists who come for a residency each year, about 25 percent are repeat customers. He has an advisory board to help him select applicants, and says he gives preference to quilters in the spring. He’s only spoken to Donalee, Diana, and Beth on the phone, but says, “Suddenly, we’re like old friends.”
A Grand NEW CHAPTER FOR PADUCAH’S
Grand Lodge
by J.T. Crawford
ONE OF THE more beautiful aspects of LIFE in Paducah is watching history unfold in chapters. There are cornerstones and threads throughout our city’s story—but upon those foundations are shifts in voice over time. Each new generation grabs ahold of a piece of the tale and makes it their own.
The Grand Lodge on Fifth in downtown Paducah is one such cornerstone. Its story began in 1891 with the establishment of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. By 1905, they’d erected their grand building on North 5th St. Nationally renowned author and humorist Irvin Cobb was a member. So was U.S. Vice President Alben Barkley.
Like with much of downtown at the end of the 20th century, the lodge building fell into disrepair, its future uncertain. Then, under the loving ownership and restoration of Anne Gwinn, the Grand Lodge came back to life, once again opening its doors to the public as a beautiful event venue space.
Now, under the guidance of Josh Coffey, the Grand Lodge on Fifth is once again giving to Paducah in a new way. The use of the building as an
Clockwise are guests enjoying the “taste” of India, Gregory Acker of Saw Peep, and Meena Khan Atif (sitar) and Divya Karthikeyan of Saw Peep.
event space will continue. In addition, Josh is bringing cultural experiences to our region via meals and music, adding a vibe of our UNESCO designation to the Paducah story.
“I love old buildings,” says Josh. “And this is a meaningful property in Paducah. I didn’t know for sure what the possibilities would be, but things have evolved rather quickly.”
"Food and music are universal languages. That’s the heart and soul of who we are."
Most of us recognize Josh as an uber-talented musician. He tours and performs as a solo artist and with his band The Wheelhouse Rousters. He is also the owner of Time on the String, a music studio that offers lessons on a variety of instruments. His experience as a musician has exposed him to many different cultures, and that’s something he wants to bring to Paducah.
“I’ve been able to travel a bit,” says Josh, “and I’ve been involved in UNESCO through Paducah. We’ve been to Mexico and South Korea, for example. And I love experiencing different cultures through their food and music. Many people here have little access to that. If we bring it here, people can be educated about other cultures. And then hopefully those who are a part of that culture who call this area home can come and be included.”
Josh established the “Taste Of” series, beginning with a Taste of India in July. The event featured an Indian meal with music by Saw Peep, an intercultural music ensemble. Josh’s decision on how to format his events was easy. “Food and music are universal languages. That’s the heart and soul of who we are,” he says. “Taste of India came together serendipitously. I reached out to Seth Murphy who gave me the contact info of a member of Saw Peep. They were able to bring four of their members to Paducah. We reached out to Vikas Patel to see who might be able to collaborate with Executive Chef Tomi Blom here at the Grand Lodge when it came to the food menu. His wife Priyanka stepped up and helped a lot. This took many hands.”
Taste of India quickly sold out. The night began with the serving of samosas, aloo chana masala, chicken makani, and vegetarian biryani. The aromas filling the lodge’s grand two-story hall were magical. Then, to top it off, guests were treated to mango lass ice cream.
As the last bites of dinner were consumed, the lights dimmed and Saw Peep began their performance. Dulcet sitar tone flowed like streams throughout the gathered audience. Other instruments included the bansuri, flute, ghattam, tabla, cello, and darbuka.
“This is a great opportunity for me to give back in a building that adds great value to this community,” adds Josh. “Paducah has given a lot to me. This is a way to add to all the awesome offerings Paducah has. It just keeps getting better.”
Josh has plans for two more events in the immediate future—Taste of Mexico in August and Taste of Japan in September. Additionally, he will open the lodge and its bar on Thursdays for bluegrass nights.
Josh is adding to the legacy of the Grand Lodge, pushing its story into its next chapter. And it's a story Paducah is ready for. In reflecting on the success of his first event, Josh simply comments, “Paducah wins again.”
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WHILE ON VACATION IN CHARLESTON AND ENJOYING A GLASS OF WINE downtown, then residents of Nashville, Johnny Sanders and Hannah Glover revealed one of their dreams to each other. “I don’t know how we never talked about this before then, but I said to Johnny, ‘It has always been my dream to have an old building—live on the top and work below,’ Hannah shares. “And Johnny said, ‘Me too!’” That took them on a Zillow quest. “We had two requirements for our search,” Hannah said. “The new location had to have a charming downtown and great restaurants.”
After searching online for potential relocation destinations, the very next weekend the two traveled to Paducah. “We immediately fell in love with the downtown. We went to Cynthia’s, Foxbriar, Barrel and Bond, Grill 211, Max’s, Kirchhoff’s and we thought…this is perfect,” Hannah recalls. “We knew then we wanted to support this downtown. This was December 2022. By February we had closed on our first building where we run our businesses, and by July we had closed on our second building where we currently live.
Johnny and Hannah are the owners of the Soma 621 building at 621 Broadway. The building’s first floor is divided amongst several startup businesses—Broadway Custom Framing, Perfect Fit Alterations, and Amazing Grace Charcuterie. The duo run their own businesses out of the building as well. Hannah creates jewelry for her three jewelry brands, Carson’s Cove, Collection 1304, and Johnny Ltd. Since moving to Paducah, Johnny started a cybersecurity business called SOMA Cyber Inc. (If you are wondering why the name Soma keeps coming up, the couple have a special connection to the word as they had their first date at a restaurant in the Soma District of Little Rock.)
Hannah & Johnny
THREE BRANDS, ONE MAKER
Hannah graduated from college in 2005 with a fine art degree. “It’s really difficult to just go out there and make a living as an artist out of school. I knew it was a career that I would have to build over time,” Hannah explains. “So, I accepted a job in military education. I did it for 12 years, but I always knew I wanted to do something creative and make it into a business.” After hours, Hannah and a friend started a line of jewelry together. “I found it difficult to find the kind of quality jewelry I was looking for. Most jewelry components were cliche and were made out of cheap materials,” Hannah describes. “Johnny and I had just started dating and he suggested that I make my own. So that is how Carson’s Cove began. Carson’s Cove sells artisan jewelry components to people who make jewelry.” She started it as a small Etsy store. “In 2018 I started doing it full time,” Hannah explains. “It was a great feeling to be able to quit my job and pursue my passion.” For Carson’s Cove, Hannah starts by sculpting something out of metal such as a pendant or charm. She then sends it for manufacturing. She works with family-owned manufacturers in the United States to reproduce her designs.
Hannah also runs two finished lines of jewelry: Johnny Ltd. and Collection 1304. “Johnny Limited started as a men’s line of jewelry. Most of it is comprised of a chain with a single pendant, one that means something to the wearer. It’s typically jewelry that is never taken off,” Hannah explains. “Collection 1304 is my high-end women’s line. I would describe it as a mix between bold and elegant.” Hannah often uses antique and vintage jewelry as inspiration for her pieces sometimes even incorporating them into a new piece.
“I love old metal coins, pins, antique pieces. The antique pieces I collect are really well made,” Hannah explains.
“Quality is so important to all of my lines.”
ONE COMPANY, TWO PARTNERS, MANY NETWORKS
Johnny took his first computer programming class in 1986 and he has been working with computers in some capacity ever since. In 2008, he retired from the Air Force. “When I first joined, I was in aircraft maintenance, but I sold and built computers as a side job,” Johnny shares. “The rest of my time in the Air Force I was in IT.” Johnny took on some Department of Defense contracts and owned a loudspeaker company before returning to IT security. After
ten years of consulting, Johnny decided to start SOMA Cyber Inc with his partner Braden Bailes of Little Rock. “For lack of better terms, we essentially do an IT audit to look at an organization’s security controls and make sure they are all in place,” Johnny shares. “We work with banks, higher education, manufacturing, healthcare, and businesses of all sizes.” Braden is an ethical hacker. His job is to hack into a client’s network from the outside to find all of a business’s security weaknesses. Once they have identified any gaps in the network, Johnny and his team figure out the appropriate solutions.
“There is no such word as ‘prevent’ in the world of cybersecurity,” Johnny explains. “But we can at least make it more difficult for the hacker to take control of your network. This may thwart their efforts and they will move on to search for a weaker network.”
SOMA 621
That dream of Hannah and Johnny that started over a date in Charleston just two years ago has come to fruition. They took the first step and said it aloud. Now they have a building to grow their businesses and a second building to live in. The task to renovate Soma at 621 to live above their workspaces will take time. They realize there is a lot to be done and construction prices are still high, but Hannah and Johnny are patient. They are delving into their work, encouraging other startups, and supporting their new downtown.
"I love old metal coins, pins, antique pieces. Quality is so important to all of my lines.”
Hannah Glover
Photos by Brad Rankin
Where Does the Time Go?
by J.T. Crawford
In the summer of 2013, PADUCAH LIFE Magazine set out on a journey—a quest to discover the best hamburger joints in town. Naturally, the G&O Pharmacy Grill was high on our list. As we mulled our choices for a cover shot, we kept coming back to the nostalgia of the historic G&O Grill. It evoked a Normal Rockwell-like ambiance, highlighting Paducah’s hometown feel. And, after all, Rockwell himself had crafted a painting in a similar diner. Why not pay homage to that slice of Americana? For the cover, we selected then Paducah Police Captain Brian Krueger and his son Keaton. We also featured grill cook and manager Susan Duncan.
“I was about a year away from being promoted to Assistant Chief,” says Brian as he reminisces about that edition of Paducah Life. “I had been a member of management within the PD for about eight years at that time, so I stayed busy with my duties. Keaton was on the verge of turning nine years old. Middle school was on the horizon. I recall having many conversations with him in the mornings while waiting for the school bus to
arrive in the hopes it would help him make that important transition and develop appropriately into the world.”
Keaton, who is now in the U.S. Navy working on submarine combat control systems, recalls being pretty amazed at all the activity surrounding the photoshoot. “I felt pretty good about it,” he says. "It’s a pretty special memory. I certainly cherish it. I would say it was a very staple memory with my dad in general.” Keaton also remembers Susan Duncan, the grill cook who was a Paducah legend having been a staple at Skinhead’s diner for many years before coming to G&O. “She was very nice,” says Keaton. Sadly, Paducah lost Susan to a battle with cancer less than a year after the shoot. We are proud to have highlighted her as one of Paducah’s unsung heroes.
Brian, who has since retired from the Paducah Police Department and now works for the KKHB law firm, received a lot of feedback about the cover when it was published. Many commented how it brought a sense of nostalgia. Now, the cover brings to Brian its own sense of sentimentality. “I’m sure many parents can appreciate reflecting on moments when a son or daughter has become their own person and starts to chase his or her own goals and life pursuits. As is often the case with me, I see the original cover and immediately remember Keaton as a small boy with a good heart, that liked to laugh and be goofy. I wonder where that time went. I’m glad to report Keaton still very much has those qualities. He is now a long way from home, undertaking a critical role with a very important team—just as other sons and daughters do and have done. I am so proud of him, and I am eager to see how this stage of his life develops.”
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S River Walk Kicks Around
NEAKERS HAVE COME A LONG WAY SINCE THEIR origins in 1860s England, where early versions were designed for upper-class croquet and tennis players. Once valued for practicality over style, sneakers have evolved into a cultural fashion phenomenon. What was once reserved for the world of sport now serves as both a means of personal expression and an art form showcased in museum displays and elite auction houses, where individual pairs can garner prices in the millions.
Because of the high prices and undeniable artisanship, some sneakers can be a collector’s item as much as it is an article of clothing. This has led to the sneaker resale market exploding in recent years, with rare and limited-edition shoes fetching hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
In the heart of downtown Paducah, a new store is tapping into this corner of the fashion market by giving an already thriving online buy, sell, and trade business a storefront.
River Wall Kicks, owned by 19-year-old entrepreneur Noland Durham and his NYC investment partner Christopher Parker, is drawing customers from all age groups. The store specializes in brands like Nike and Jordan, with a particular focus on styles popular in streetwear culture. They sell new and used pairs of the hottest trends as well as hard to find collectors pieces.
“Probably the most popular shoe right now is the Jordan 4s,” Noland explains, pointing to a wall lined with colorful variations of the iconic silhouette. “They have tons of colors, and even shoes that came out years ago hold value because they're harder to find.”
Nike Dunks—as ubiquitous to current teen fashion as a shoe can get—are another big seller with new colors released regularly. But it’s not just about having the latest releases. The owners pride themselves on offering competitive prices, often undercutting larger city retailers.
“We can keep good deals and afford expensive rent just because we buy shoes in the right places,” Noland says. “We already make great margins off of selling shoes at way better prices than most stores.”
Noland says the store really has a universal appeal. “You would be surprised at the diversity of customers that we serve,” he notes. “We have kids coming in with their parents, adults in their early 20s, all the way to people in their 70s.”
River Wall Kicks is actually Noland’s second location. S&N Kicks, which he opened with business partner Sebastian Lawrence in 2023, is in Murray, KY. Both Noland and Sebastian got their start selling shoes in middle school, driven by a passion for sneakers and an entrepreneurial spirit.
“I started selling shoes in 7th grade because I wanted more shoes and my parents weren’t going to buy me more,” Noland recalls. “Then I started
buying shoes that weren’t my size just to sell, and all of a sudden I had a business going. By high school, I was really moving some product and making some money.” Sebastian’s early fascination with sneakers was similar, and he even had a sneaker review YouTube channel as a kid.
Noland and Sebastian met in high school through their shared interest in online sneaker sales. After graduation, they decided to take the leap from online sales to a brick-andmortar store. The move has paid off, with Noland now opening the store in Paducah, bringing the booming sneaker industry to the river city.
The store’s success isn’t just about in-person sales, however. Both Noland and Sebastian have long leveraged social media platforms, particularly Snapchat, to reach a wider audience. “On Snapchat, we have a way bigger following and it’s way easier,” Sebastian explains. “I have around 7,500 people in my Snapchat, and they're basically all looking to buy shoes. I’m shipping out boxes of shoes on a daily basis.”
While the store has only been open for a few months, the owners already have big plans, including potentially expanding to Nashville in the future. For now, though, they’re focused on settling into their downtown location while educating Paducah about sneaker culture and offering a unique shopping experience.
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over the country, studying and researching the beauty and art of coffee, and became a barista and cigar aficionado. George says he is fulfilling his purpose and passion by providing a space for people to have coffee and conversations.
The House of Ross promotes local businesses and black-owned brands of drinks, cigars, and gift items. It carries cigars from three different companies and serves three bourbon brands – Reverent, straight bourbon from Tennessee; Fresh Bourbon from Lexington; and Bro Brothers from Louisville. The House of Ross is the only place in the state of Kentucky that has TCapri Tequila, the sole female black-owned tequila in the country, as well as Uncle Nearest whiskey. The all-natural juices from Paducah-owned Faye’Lee Juices, as well as the “roasted with heart and soul” West Lou coffee from Louisville served at The House of Ross are also products of blackowned businesses.
In addition, fresh lunch options are on the menu, and the shop is known for its chicken salad, pasta salad, and snack boxes. Shanetha Donaldson of My Grandma’s Hands rounds out the Ross eating experience with delicious desserts.
Monthly, the coffee shop hosts a special event for its patrons to “keep them connected with the community.” Ross hosts Thursday Game Night every week where patrons play all types of games. Friday night is “Ross After Dark,” a sip and mingle event. Saturday is a Remix from Friday night. “Many of our customers loved Ross After Dark so much, they asked if we could continue it on Saturday.” Sunday Funday is the perfect opportunity to come and enjoy a cocktail and cigar on a Sunday afternoon.
On the second and fourth Monday of each month, Tamara Jackson of Tamed by Tam, and George host Small Business Monday, an entrepreneur networking group. Their goal is to motivate, encourage, and inspire small
business owners by connecting them with people, tools, and resources. For example, recently several people helped a new business owner paint her space. The group provided the supplies and time to help reduce start-up expenses. “When you have a group that is going to stand beside you, it’s great to know you’re not doing it alone. I’ve been in the community a long time, so I know people to recommend like agents, attorneys, and bankers. Sometimes we have an educational class; recently we learned how to use Canva. All of this is necessary to bring business dreams to fruition,” George stated.
“When you love what you do, you never work a day of your life,” George concludes. “My passion is my purpose; my purpose is my ministry. ‘The Ross experience’ is different for every individual. We want our customers and friends to leave encouraged, motivated, and inspired. That's what sells; not the coffee.”
Leadership that works for you!
“I sincerely ask for your vote on NOVEMBER 5 so we can continue on this positive path of progress in Paducah.”
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like the sorting hat process in the Harry Potter books. Within the house, they join a like-minded group with positive attributes such as dreamers, courage, friendship, and the house of givers. "We transitioned our thought processes from being so focused on ‘the test,’ and now we are more focused on creating the strongest and most powerful tornados possible,” Geco remarks. “Our staff is also committed to knowing every student by name and need, and that ensures our middle schoolers know there are trusted adults in this building who know them and their aspirations. We create educational programs that will catapult them in the right direction.”
Geco is looking forward to the transition of leadership this year within the house system. The students are taking on more leadership roles, and adults are stepping back some, allowing parents to become more engaged. Geco indicated PMS now has a “rebranded" parent group, Tornado Watch,
which functions in a similar capacity to a neighborhood watch. It is a space for parents, guardians, or adults of impact to be engaged with and help students. The Dads on Duty program invites men to be present, whether it's outside trimming hedges or taking students on a fishing trip to create authentic experiences. The Amazing Shake initiative puts middle schoolers through a series of scenarios where they make decisions and interact with customers or whomever the adult is in the scenario. They are judged on their poise, charisma, and eye contact—all essential skills for the workforce—and take what they are taught each day and put it into practice. “These types of situations the middle schoolers are exposed to make a difference in student achievement,” Geco emphasizes. “We want everything the students learn to have meaning and purpose.”
Geco is grateful for a committed team who take their jobs seriously and want to see students succeed. They work together to create a fun theme for the students each year. This fall the theme will be Run PMS, playing off the 80s and 90s hip hop group Run DMC. Geco will be the Fresh PRINCI-PAL of Paducah Middle School. The faculty also have new swag and have created music to accompany the hip hop era theme.
Geco Ross is a previous recipient of the Distinguished Administrator Award from West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s Regional Educators Awards and Scholarship Program, as well as the United Way Administrator Award. “I am excited about the things that are happening at PMS,” Geco adds. “Student leaders are being developed to be Tilghman ready.”
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★ by J.T. CRAWFORD
Photos by J.T. Crawford and Tara Young
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MOONSHINER’S BALL
We had been invited to attend the Moonshiner’s Ball, a Kentucky music festival that we admittedly knew nothing about. We’d been under the uninformed impression it was three straight days of bluegrass. That seemed a bit harrowing to me. And now, while trying to find Moonshiner’s, we were surely lost deep within the recesses of a remote woodland from which we’d have to be rescued by a band of banjototing woodsmen. Then, a small sign appeared to the right of the path. “You are almost there!” it informed us. Almost where? I wondered.
We eventually found the campground a bit down the road and made our way to our friends. We’d arrived later than most, as the campground was nearly full and the music festival already underway. After settling in, we were informed we needed to head to the Forest Stage to see the next act. We walked through the campground and past the main stage to a small path on the edge of the woods. Man, it sure was dark. A few folks were working on lighting for the path, but as of yet, it was inoperable. Was this going to be a weekend of groping my way through the Kentucky woods?
The forest opened up a bit. There was the stage. We arrived just as the band kicked off. I froze. My eyes boggled. The forest was suddenly bathed in dayglo lights emanating from the stage. There was a giant mirrorball hanging from a tree spreading sparkling light stars throughout the forest and across the crowd. To my amazement, the music was anything but bluegrass. It was far from what I’d imagined from a music festival in the backwoods of Kentucky. Before me was a nine-piece funk band from Brooklyn, NY complete with a full brass section. Oh, hell yeah! There was nothing left to do but break out into dance. And that’s what we’ve done every October since.
MOONSHINER’S BALL
a $5000 Kickstarter, Travis and the band launched the first Moonshiner’s Ball in 2014. “That was a hilariously small amount of money,” he laughs. “Ten years later, we need ten times more than that.”
rock-n-roll, and jam bands. Then you have something to dance to. We aren’t genre-specific. If you love music and are open to different kinds of sounds, you’ll love Moonshiner’s.”
The festival began under the guidance of Travis and his band Blind Corn Liquor Pickers. By the early 2010s, they’d been together for over a decade and had gone from a full-time touring/recording band to an act that played mostly close to home. The camaraderie of those who were bound together through music caused him to think that maybe a music festival was the next logical step. With just
Even with a bigger budget, Travis makes sure to highlight Kentucky artists. “When we began, Kentucky artists were barely respected locally and absolutely disrespected by music venues and festivals across the state,” he says. “We were often asked to play festivals for free. Our mission was to bring in national acts and put them side by side with Kentucky acts and show that our musicians can hang. And we instituted that they would be paid.” Now, when Kentucky musicians such as Chris Stapleton and Sturgill Simpson are selling out arenas, homegrown artists are a huge part of the draw. Moonshiner’s has featured Tyler Childers, S.G. Goodman, Kelsey Waldon, and many more. Every year, there are local breakout artists who wow the Moonshiner’s crowd—artists such as Louisville’s Jesse Lees whose smooth soul sounds often easily morph into some of the best guitar rock that can be heard live.
Then, there are artists from afar. Last year’s big revelation was Thumpasaurus, a Los Angeles-based band who, in the best way I can describe, morphs the Talking Heads and Primus into an insanely fun dance party. Travis and crew even booked an international act for their first visit to the United States. Now, they regularly tour the U.S. There have also been big headliners such as Lucinda Williams and Sam Bush. Like me, many artists who are coming for the first time and are unfamiliar with
Moonshiner’s may be a little leery. As they approach the venue, they have had the same feelings I had upon my first visit. But once they perform and catch the feel of the festival, they leave singing its praises, often stating it’s been one of their favorite shows.
“Moonshiner’s is so much more personal than most festivals,” says Travis. “That’s both for the audience and the performer.” When Lucinda performed last year, the first few rows standing in front of the stage were mostly women, many of whom were brought to tears. There was also a group of little girls sitting on the edge of the stage, staring up at Lucinda in amazement. The connection was palpable. She left commenting how special it was.
This is the vibe Travis has longed for from the beginning. Moonshiner’s is a gathering of music lovers who, for a weekend, leave the world behind to disconnect, chill,
reflect, and dance their cares away. Families with children revel in the bucolic Kentucky hills, camping and playing in the river. Friends reunite and new friends are made.
“The character of the crowd is the most beautiful thing about it,” adds Travis. “We’ve grown the crowd organically over time. And instead of some big-name band drawing masses to us, it’s been word of mouth—friends telling others that ‘you may not know who is going to be there, but trust me, it’s going to be great.’ These are the people open to meeting new friends and discovering how music can bond us together and make life more beautiful.”
For more information on Moonshiner’s, visit themoonshinersball.com
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Writing isn’t Susan’s only talent. She designs her own book covers in Canva after hiring out the artwork. The Long and Short of It: A Short Story Collection, a collection geared towards adults, is her favorite cover. Susan has also started a writer’s critique group that meets at The Farmhouse coffeehouse of Paducah and is looking to meet other writers!
Susan says if you don’t know where to start with her books, she recommends her picture book, How the Monarch Got Its Colors: A Legend. It’s been her top seller for children since she moved to Paducah. She is available to read at daycares and elementary schools or to talk about being an author at career days.
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“Look deep i nto nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
— Albert Einstein
This stunning photograph of sycamore trees was taken by DR. ERIC SHIELDS while deer hunting in northwest McCracken County on the Ohio River. Dr. Shields is a native Paducahan and a thirdgeneration physician. His training was in Louisville and Cincinnati and he has been practicing for 27 years with the Radiology Group at Baptist Hospital. “Travel and wildlife photography are hobbies I enjoy very much,” says Dr. Shields. “Both allow me to enjoy the amazing beauty the outdoors offers.”
