Paducah Life Magazine - April/May 2024

GET ADVANCED, PERSONALIZED CARE FOR YOUR UNIQUE HEART, CLOSE TO HOME.

THE STRUCTURAL HEART SPECIALISTS AT BAPTIST HEALTH PADUCAH offer a multidisciplinary heart team approach to echocardiology, interventional cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and electrophysiol ogy that are performed right here instead of our patients having to travel long distances. We were the first hospital to bring the minimally invasive valve replacement procedure, known as TAVR, to the region and still the only hospital to offer the alternative access for TAVR. Our hospitalbased physicians offer the WATCHMAN™ procedure for AFib and the MitraClip™ procedure to fix leaky heart valves. The choice is simple. Ask your doctor to refer you to the Baptist Health Paducah Structural Heart Clinic, where you can always count on 24/7 cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery services. Learn more about our advanced heart care services at BaptistHealth.com/HeartCare.

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It’s not just about offering one of the area’s largest selections of quality floor coverings from all the leading brands. It’s making sure you, the customer, are absolutely thrilled with the outcome of your choices. Come and see us today!—

Greg Dillworth

When I was sixteen my dad took me to my first yoga class.

He had just started going and had already made friends with the regulars and the instructors and he wanted me to try it. I was always a little chubby and to make gym class and really any sport worse, I have no depth perception. If you throw a ball towards me, I have zero idea where it’s going. For those who inquire why I don’t play pickleball with my husband, it’s because he wants a chance at winning.

I had tried everything over the years—indoor biking, Pilates, running, boot camp. And while it took some time to gain strength and agility, starting yoga was the first time in my life that I felt truly strong and proud of my body. I was hooked. I think it’s the combination of the instructor’s enthusiasm and the camaraderie that happens as everyone attempts to complete that impossible move set out by the instructor and then collapse in their own sweat!

The last few years have been hard on my body. I had a lot more stress as I dealt with a new job and a toddler. I experienced the loss of my father. I juggled too much and then collapsed a little. I noticed it impacted my body, and I started to detest seeing photos of myself. And then I became pregnant with my second child (which is where this story takes me right now). And the weight continued to climb. I tried working out but quickly had to stop after a strenuous workout sent me to the ER. My doctor told me to rest. A month after that, I broke my rib from coughing.

For the first and most of the second trimester, I was afraid to move. To make matters worse, my fouryear-old had discovered that he could take photos from my phone. My photo gallery is now filled with photos of a very disheveled, heavy woman who was in a lot of pain. Then in January, I was ready to work out again. Paducah Barre had just opened their new location blocks from my house. I had no excuse.

I was a bit worried they’d shoo me off when I showed up largely pregnant and talking about a broken rib, but instead they welcomed me. So, at 25 weeks pregnant, I started my new workout. Ten weeks and thirty-plus classes later, I’m still going strong. It’s a little strange to exercise while this pregnant. My belly keeps growing, and I certainly can’t do every move. But I also feel more confident than I have felt in months. I look at the others in the class, and they look so strong and graceful. I admire them. I find it a little silly when some of them tell me they admire me, especially as I’m modifying so many moves. The nice part of Barre or any low impact exercise classes, is that the emphasis is always on listening to your body; using your own body to challenge yourself and stop when you need to.

I am now about five weeks away from meeting my daughter. Working out and being part of an exercise community has again brought LIFE back to me as I grow one inside of me.

amanda@paducahlife.com

Our Trust Department is comprised of a dedicated team of professionals who live in your community and work in your hometown. Gaining a deep understanding of each client’s needs and offering sound financial solutions are hallmarks of our service. Every detail of your estate or trust will be handled with integrity and great personal care. Give us a call today! 270.575.6627.

THE RUNNER

N THE SUMMER OF 2009, SHANA

Page geared up to run a 5K in Henderson, Kentucky, with her husband, Steven, and their children by her side to cheer her across the finish line. Little did Shana or Steven know then, this event would mark the beginning of a remarkable journey for Steven—a journey filled with thousands of miles ahead.

While standing on the riverfront that day, Steven pondered, “I wonder if I can run?” With the modest goal of running a mile, he set off, igniting a newfound passion that would shape his life in unforeseen ways. His initial attempt fell short, but his determination was unwavering. After conquering that first mile, Steven set his sights on a 5K, which he accomplished in Newburgh, Indiana, just a few months later. Emboldened by his success, he and Shana tackled a 10K together in Evansville that October. By the following spring of 2010, Steven was ready for a half marathon—a feat he never imagined possible.

Reflecting on those early days, Steven remembers thinking, “There is no way anyone can run a marathon. How is that even possible?” Motivated by a desire for personal achievement, Steven dedicated himself to rigorous training, culminating in his first marathon in St. Louis in May 2012. This event marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Today, Steven has completed marathons in 25 states, with his next goal set on conquering a marathon in all 50 states.

Running is an essential aspect of Steven's life, serving as his “selfish” escape—a precious opportunity for solitude and introspection. While pounding the pavement, he immerses himself in podcasts, relishing the tranquility and mental clarity that running provides. For Steven, running isn't about winning races or achieving accolades; rather, it's about finding solace and peace amidst the rhythmic cadence of his footsteps, a therapeutic respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, running took on a new significance for Steven. Inspired by a story he heard on NPR, he embarked on a mission to run every street in Paducah—a goal he accomplished after covering all 750 miles of Paducah’s city streets. This experience provided him with a profound sense of accomplishment and connection to his community, demonstrating the

transformative power of running in challenging times.

With 15 years and thousands of miles of road behind him, you can bet Steven has made some memories. Among them, two marathons stand out vividly in Steven’s mind. In February 2021, he faced the fierce elements of a winter storm in Oklahoma, persevering through treacherous conditions with temperatures barely above ten degrees to cross the finish line. However, it was a marathon in Chicago that etched itself deeply into his memory.

“As I was running the marathon, I received a text from Shana,” Steven recounts with a chuckle. “I was about 15 miles in. She excitedly told me we’d won front-row tickets to Hamilton in a ticket lottery. But there was a catch. it was for the matinee show, and I was still miles away from the finish line. She’d already arranged for a late checkout at the hotel and did the math, telling me the exact time I needed to finish the marathon to make it back in time for the show. It was a wild rush, running with the thought of a Broadway play waiting for me at the end. And you know what? We made it! I ran my fastest marathon that day, showered quickly, and we dashed off to the theater, exhilarated by the adventure and the promise of front-row seats."

Steven’s advice to aspiring runners? “Run for a minute, then walk. Run two minutes, then walk,” he suggests. “The key is to take your focus off the distance. Too often, beginners fixate on covering a certain distance, which can lead to running too fast and burning out prematurely. They end up emptying the tank too soon, unable to reach their intended distance, and ultimately giving up.” By emphasizing a structured approach of alternating between running and walking intervals, Steven advocates for sustainable progress and long-term enjoyment of the activity.

For Steven, though, the journey of a runner is not about speed or distance but rather about the anticipation and excitement that come with each new challenge. “It’s all about the joy of anticipation," he explains, “the exhilarating feeling of looking forward to the next big run.”

As he continues his quest to run marathons in all 50 states, Steven's weekends are filled with research and planning, seeking out races that align with his schedule and location constraints. Whether it’s Colorado or Montana next on the list, Steven’s passion for running fuels his determination to explore new places and conquer new challenges—one marathon at a time.

Beyond the FinishLine

The Multifaceted Life of Steven Page

by A MY C LEVIDENCE

IN THE BUSTLING HALLS OF HEATH

Middle School, Steven Page is more than just a familiar face—he’s a pillar of support and guidance, a mentor to countless students, and a respected figure within the realm of education. However, beyond his role as a dedicated educator, Steven wears many hats, each symbolic of his profound commitment to his family and community.

At the core of Steven’s life is his role as a devoted husband to Shana, a partnership that forms the cornerstone of his identity. “Husband to Shana” is a title Steven wears with pride, recognizing the strength and resilience required to navigate the joys and challenges of raising eight children together. “We had eight children

THE PAGE FAMILY BACK FROM LEFT ARE HG, GUS, SHANA, STEVEN, GRAINGER AND DAGNY. FRONT FROM LEFT ARE LENNY, SONNY, CS, AND WILSON. family images by C ARRIE C UNNINGHAM

in thirteen years. Few people know what that's like,” Steven shares candidly. “We have had to rely on each other and are very bonded by this unique (and challenging) experience.”

Today, Steven’s children span a wide range of ages, from 20 to 8 years old, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of their family life. While the days of cutting up food and changing diapers may be behind them, Steven and Shana continue to lean on each other as they navigate the ever-evolving journey of parenthood. “My favorite part of being a dad is when I see the kids getting along and having fun without us,” Steven muses. “When they have their own little inside jokes, even at their parents’ expense—those are the moments that make me most proud.”

In addition to his role as a dedicated family man, Steven is a respected figure within the realm of education, serving as the band and choir director at Heath Middle School for the past decade. Over the years, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of hundreds of students, instilling in them a passion for music and fostering their artistic talents. With his unwavering dedication and boundless enthusiasm, Steven continues to inspire and uplift those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of his students.

Perhaps the chaos of being at the helm of a family of ten is what makes him such a great teacher.

“I teach a lot of different children from a lot of different backgrounds,” Steven explains with careful regard for the students he encounters each day. “The older I get, the more I’m aware of how life is a struggle for some people. Twenty-five-year-old Steven didn’t realize that. We aren’t all dealt the same hand of

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cards. Some kids cannot pull themselves up by their bootstraps. Some kids don’t even have boots.”

Music is a universal language that transcends socio-economic barriers. It provides a platform for selfexpression and growth, allowing students to discover their unique talents and strengths.

“In my classroom, every student has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their academic prowess or personal challenges,” Steven asserts. “I teach great kids. Even if they aren’t great all the time in other classes, they are always great for me, and we have a lot of fun,” he adds with a smile. “Some kids are musically talented and aren’t strong academically. Some kids are very smart but do not find music easy. There’s a talented kid that may struggle in other areas, but they do really well here. I get to help cultivate that.”

As he navigates the intricate symphony of his life, seamlessly intertwining the roles of husband, father, educator, musician, and runner, Steven exemplifies the transformative power of passion, dedication, and compassion. Through his unwavering commitment to his family and students, Steven not only leaves an enduring mark on those whose lives he touches but also embodies the very essence of resilience and strength in the face of life’s challenges.

In the symphony of life, Steven Page’s melody rings clear—with each note he conducts and every lesson he imparts, he cultivates a legacy of harmony and understanding, reminding us all that amidst the cacophony of existence, it is the melody of compassion and the rhythm of empathy that truly resonate.

by A MY CLEVIDENCE

EMBRACING WELLNESS

A Journey to Health in aVibrant Paducah

MAGINE A CITY THAT BUZZES WITH A VIBRANT blend of activities and communities, offering something for everyone—from the fitness enthusiasts eager to break a sweat to the couch potatoes seeking a way to embark on their wellness journey. Paducah, with its rich tapestry of experiences, is a place where you can discover your unique path to health and well-being. Paducah’s wellness scene is as diverse as its people. Whether you're exploring the countless outdoor activities, connecting with supportive communities, or seeking guidance from experts, there’s a path tailored just for you. Picture yourself biking along the scenic Greenway Trail, taking yoga classes in a serene studio, or joining local sports leagues. The options are endless, and Paducah invites you to explore them all.

As you traverse Paducah’s landscape of wellness, you’ll encounter stories of transformation and resilience, each one a testament to the city’s unwavering commitment to holistic living. Among these narratives stands Tori Riley, a beacon of inspiration in the realm of wellness.

Tori’s journey into wellness initially began with a passion for shaping young minds as a physical education teacher. However, life led her down a different path. After her dreams took a detour, she found herself working in a local health institution managing data. Despite being immersed in the healthcare industry, ironically Tori's own well-being began to suffer. Working from home, she found herself sitting more and moving less, which took a toll on her health. It was a wake-up call for Tori, prompting her to realize that she needed to make a change. In April 2023, she embarked on a new chapter, joining the team at MuuvWell as an Account Coordinator. Here, she delved deep into

the intricacies of motivation and discovered how environment positively (or negatively) influences personal growth.

For Tori, the essence of wellness lies in the courage to seek help and embrace support. “Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to your strength,” she asserts. With each new client, Tori embodies this philosophy, guiding them towards their goals with empathy and determination.

Finding the right place, activities, and people that align with your wellness journey is paramount to achieving sustainable growth and fulfillment. As Tori aptly reflects, “It’s hard to find your path when you’re constantly comparing yourself to others. But each journey is unique, and it’s okay to face challenges along the way.” Embracing this mindset allows individuals to recognize that their path may differ from others, and that's perfectly normal. By focusing on what resonates with you, personally, allows you to cultivate an environment conducive to your well-being, paving the way for meaningful progress and longterm success.

Paducah, with its wealth of resources and supportive communities, provides the perfect backdrop for embarking on a wellness journey. From state-of-the-art gyms to sprawling parks and an abundance of health resources, the city offers a tapestry of opportunities to nurture mind, body, and soul.

As Tori encourages, take that first step towards a healthier and happier life, knowing that you’re not alone in your quest for wellness. Paducah awaits, ready to embrace you and celebrate your progress, one step at a time.

Spring inspires growth in all things. Including you.

For a century, people have explored legendary Kentucky State Parks to feel more revitalized and alive. Remarkable vistas, untrampled trails and quaint lodging awaits you.

Plan your amazing getaway now at parks.ky.gov.

WELLNESS BEGINS FROM WITHIN

WHEN YOU FIRST LAY eyes on Marty Grubbs, it’s hard not to be struck by his superhero-like presence. Some may even find him intimidating, with a physique that commands attention.

He’s sometimes called “the Bulletproof Hulk,” a moniker he humbly accepts, yet Marty sees himself not as a superhero but as a mere mortal human, flawed like everyone else.

Found Lessons in Resilience Through Physical Fitness and a Balanced Lifestyle

As he matured, Marty began to recognize that fitness offered more than just physical benefits. “As an adolescent or young adult, you can let success get to your head. Fitness can lead to negative traits like cockiness and arrogance as you start getting attention for your physique. Maturing led me to the realization that well-being was more than the physical elements,” Marty shares, ★

Marty’s journey to fitness began in high school, where he grappled with low self-esteem and a longing to fit in. Graduation found him a mere 142 pounds, a far cry from the muscular figure he would later become. At the age of 19, Marty decided to start lifting weights, driven by a desire to bulk up and improve his appearance. “Curls for the girls,” he chuckles, reminiscing about his younger self’s motivations. “I had no regard for total wellness back then. I was driven by my insecurity, low selfesteem, and the sole urge to change my physical image.”

his voice tinged with introspection. Amid life’s trials and heartbreaks, the gym became his refuge, a place where he could release endorphins and find solace. It was during this time that Marty’s perspective on fitness underwent a profound shift.

Marty gained a deeper understanding of the importance of mental health in the fitness journey after facing a particularly dark period himself. “I went through a really dark time,” he admits. “I experienced emotions I never truly understood until life led me to this place. People fade away when something traumatic happens. My gym and the community I’ve built here—they were there for me," he says, his tone imbued with gratitude. “Fitness and my community, one person at a time—that is what saved me from the darkness.”

Marty’s business, Bulletproof Fitness, is more than a training facility; it is a sanctuary where clients discover not only physical strength but also emotional support and a sense of belonging. Clients hire him for his wisdom, but Marty receives it in return. There is a specific segment of his clientele—the elder generation—that Marty finds profoundly impactful.

“My oldest client is 80 years old! I have several ladies, some of whom are in their 70s,” Marty says proudly. “These individuals have experienced so much life. They have wisdom to share. Many of them came to me after seeing their peers pass away or live their later years tied to breathing machines or unable to be mobile. These clients of mine—

they have chosen to live lives to their fullest!” Marty beamed as he shared the inspiring story of a 72-year-old woman who defies stereotypes, showcasing her strength by bench pressing and performing floor pushups with ease. He gives them a place to stay healthy. They, in turn, share their wisdom and resilience, enriching both his professional practice and personal growth.

With all his clients, Marty emphasizes the importance of consistency, dedication, and self-discipline in achieving long-term health and well-being. “People think personal trainers are too expensive,” Marty says. “Or they think you are going to get results instantly just because you’re coming to a personal trainer. In reality, you have to do your homework when you leave me. You come here just twice a week. This is where you learn, but home is where you work to develop the skills I teach.”

The skills he teaches help his clients develop a foundation for success. “You cannot have a house without a foundation. Your house will fall. You cannot develop a healthy life

without a commitment to a healthy lifestyle that’s more than just the body,” Marty concludes.

Beyond physical training, Marty strives to instill in his clients an approach to wellness encompassing body, mind, and spirit. He is often invited to speak at schools, businesses, and daycares. The message he shares is consistent: prioritize health, balance, and authenticity. “Life is hard. It’s harder when you are trying to uphold an image,” Marty reflects, his words carrying the weight of lived experience. "Someday you have to realize that eventually, people are going to see you are human.”

Savvy superhero fans may be asking themselves “Bulletproof Fitness . . . I wonder if that name was inspired by the superhero Luke Cage.” Marty acknowledges that the name of his business was inspired by Luke’s bulletproof superpower, but as he and his business matured, the term has taken on a new meaning. “Every letdown, every disappointment, every trauma, every moment spent overcoming depression— those are life’s bullets. Those things come at us from the outside and cannot be avoided,” Marty explains. “We have to be strong enough to withstand those things. That’s what it means to be bulletproof."

In Marty Grubbs, we find not just a fitness instructor but a beacon of hope—a testament to the transformative power of resilience, community, and the human spirit. As he continues to impact lives one person at a time, Marty's legacy serves as a reminder that true wellness begins from within.

Marshall County Skylar Waller | McCracken County Weston Miller, Ashley Higdon, Daniel Higdon & Ally Hutchins | PTHS Brayden Stroud | Murray Emerson Vaughn

A PASSION FOR PEDALS

N 1987, FUELED BY A SHARED LOVE FOR CYCLING, HUTCH SMITH AND MARTHA

Emmons opened the doors to BikeWorld. Their journey, marked by boundless enthusiasm and dedication, has not only shaped the biking landscape of western Kentucky but also inspired countless individuals to embrace the thrill of two wheels.

With a heart for inclusivity, Martha emphasizes, "Biking is for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ability.” This sentiment echoes throughout BikeWorld's diverse selection of bikes, each carefully chosen to cater to the unique needs and preferences of riders. Whether you’re drawn to biking for fitness or casual recreation, there’s a bike for every BODY, inviting individuals of all backgrounds to embark on their own cycling journey.

PROMOTINGBIKING: Building Community and Wellness

CRUISER BIKE: Rediscover the Joy of Casual Riding

HYBRIDBIKE: The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Accessibility

ROADBIKE: Unleashing Speed and Performance

MY BUYERS & SELLERS ARE FOR A LIFETIME, NOT JUST ONE SALE!

Amazing Gorgeous Horse farm on 7 beautiful acres in McCracken county! Very nice 2,300 sq ft 4 bedroom 2 & 1/2 bath Brick home built in 1987 with in-ground pool, GAZEBO, deck & brick privacy fence around pool sitting back far off of road for special privacy! Master bedroom & 2nd bedroom on main level. 2 bedrooms up. Hardwood floors, ceramic tile, FIREPLACE -GAS LOGS. 64 X 36 horse stable-8 stalls. 60 X 20 shed- a 14 ft lean to. 50 X 30 Shop- a 14 X 50 lean to. Stunning paved driveway entrance lined with Gorgeous trees! Large pond & fish! Plenty of pasture & fencing! Impressive huge mature trees make this property a Dream come true! 3740 Magruder Rd. Kevil, KY $530,000

5% of my commission ($100.00 minimum) will go to your FAVORITE church, charity or school.

Happy Buyers, Mike and Donna Johnson from TX and Sellers, Jerry and Cindy Carter of Paducah on 736 Marina Village in Dec, 2023! JoAnn King with Denton Law Firm PLLC handled the closing. Jennifer is making a Donation in their honor to South Livingston County Elementary School. southelementary.livingston.kyschools.us

Kenny & Catherine Andrews with beautiful children, Mila, Amelia and Oliver are proud Buyers of a lot at the Lake on Nov 28, 2023! Will Cox with CFSB is the Lender and Carrie Burnett with Denton Law Firm PLLC handled with closing. Jennifer Is making a donation in their honor to Blandville Babtist Church. kybaptist.org/churches/blandville-baptist-church/

Natalie Kelly from Ohio is a very proud Buyer of a Waterfront on Ky Lake in Dec, 2023! Attorney, Kent Price with McMurry & Livingston PLLC handled the closing. Jennifer Is making a Donation to Fly Foundation, Inc. flygirlLLC.com

This is the one time that being in a pickle is actually pretty cool.

★ by DARLENE MAZZONE

YOU KNOW SOMEONE IS A FAN of the hottest sport in town when their email is pickleballky002@aol.com.

That leaves little doubt where Nancy Sutton stands on the topic of this racquet sport that has become her passion since she first put a paddle in her hand in 2015.

“I was in Florida for the winter and a friend asked me if I’d like to play pickleball,” Nancy remembers. “To which I replied, what’s pickleball?”

She learned. She loved it. She’s been playing ever since. But that’s not all. Nancy has become the region’s pickleball ambassador spearheading the development of teams, Facebook groups, events, and most notably two projects which now provide a total of 18 outdoor courts.

“It’s addictive,” says Nancy. “Everyone I’ve brought to the game has fallen in love with it. It quickly becomes something you want to do as often as you can. It’s very social. It’s good exercise. You get some fresh air. You get your body moving. And you have fun. And everybody can do it, no matter your age.”

After the pickleball passion hit, Nancy came back to Paducah and talked to a few people who also spent winter months in Florida and were familiar with the game. So, she gathered a foursome and set out for the SportsPlex, a facility in McCracken County at the time, which offered indoor sports. “I spoke with the manager about taping off a court in the gym,” she recalls. “He said sure and that was the start of my Paducah pickleball mission!”

Since then, Nancy hasn’t taken a break from brandishing her big love for this burgeoning sport. People kept asking her about the game and she kept building the momentum that ultimately took her to repurposing some unused courts at Rolling Hills Country Club. But she didn’t stop there. Eventually she worked with Judge Craig Clymer, Steve Doolittle, and Steve Ervin to create ten pickleball courts on the unused tennis courts at the Heath Community Park.

PICKLEBALL USA

According to Steve Ervin, the new Sport Complex, due to open in 2025, will also provide 16 permanent pickleball courts.

“We left two tennis courts at the park and developed ten permanent courts for pickleball,” Nancy explained. “The county helped us to improve the parking lot, add nice sidewalks, do some landscaping and install some really attractive fencing. It is really such a nice facility now for those of us who are crazy about playing pickleball!”

In addition to the courts in the county, the City of Paducah also created eight courts at Noble Park last year. “And shortly after those were opened,” says Nancy, “we hosted a tournament at Noble Park. We had lots of people from out of town and it was really well received. We’re excited about the prospect of having more events in the future and bringing more people to the community.”

As you may have heard, Nancy is not alone in her devotion to the fastest growing sport in America. Nancy is one of more than 4.8 million “picklers” in the United States. The sport grew by nearly 40 percent between 2010 and 2021. There is now a professional organization dedicated to pickleball and the Tennis Channel is now airing professional pickleball tournaments.

Even though pickleball has a fairly low barrier to entry (it’s easy to learn), that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park.

“One of my friends said his 19-year-old son came in from playing recently and told him that a 70-year-old woman

Nancy Sutton currently serves as a USA Pickleball District Ambassador for the state of Kentucky. She previously served on a national committee tasked with writing the Pickleball Sportsmanship Standards which were published three years ago. Nancy also serves as a USA Pickleball presenter which involves representing the organization at local, regional, sector and national events by hosting presentations, trainings, and exhibitions for the growth of the sport.

Nancy (center) is pictured with winners Angie Parmer (left) and Dana Marshall.

Nancy Sutton

kicked his butt,” she laughs. “But that’s one of the best parts of pickleball. You don’t have to be an athlete to play and to win at the game. It’s really a sport that is an age equalizer, which is also why I think it’s caught on so quickly.”

And back to that walk in the park part. In an early study on pickleball, researchers found that compared to walking at a self-selected pace for 30 minutes, people who played doubles for that amount of time had 14 percent higher heart rates and burned 36 percent more calories.

“Many people talk about how much fun the game is,” Nancy adds. “It’s a small court and you’re near each other so it becomes very social.” Maybe it’s hard to take yourself seriously when the most savage shot is called a “dink” that you hit into a

zone called “the kitchen.” Even the terms are funny.

One element of the game is that it’s here to stay. “More and more people are becoming picklers all the time,” Nancy says. “Bringing people into the community for these events and bringing people together on a local basis is a win/win. What’s better than doing something that’s so fun, you forget you’re getting exercise.”

For information on what’s happening in the local pickleball scene follow Pickleball Passion Paducah’s Facebook page.

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school teaching a shot. Jared taught at Paducah Middle for three years and discovered biology was more in his wheelhouse. When a biology teacher position opened at Tilghman he made the move, and he’s been there for six years now.

A highlight for Jared was teaching with Chris for three years during the pandemic before she retired. Even when he was at the middle school level, he recognized just having her there in the district was invaluable. With high rates of turnover, particularly during COVID, many of his middle school mentors migrated to other positions. “Mom’s been mentoring a billion years, offering so many resources, both emotional and educational. She taught us how to deal with the expectation of being 12 people and doing multiple jobs—that it’s not just the subject that we are teaching, it’s about the kids we are teaching who deserve our love and respect.”

Chris was a Tilghman teacher first and foremost, but her passion for academics and a rounded education extended far beyond the classroom. Academic team coach, department chair, science bowl coach, site-based council, cross country and track “fairy den mother”— whatever was needed, Chris did. She also taught Advanced Placement (AP) biology for 25 years. Jared picked up most of these positions when Chris retired, admitting that he and his mom have similar interests and teaching philosophies. Having been taught AP biology by his mom, Jared developed an understanding they both share to this day—the need to teach traditional biology, honors biology, and AP biology.

“All levels of classes deserve quality teachers. I was really proud of Jared for taking my lead on that,” Chris remarked. Jared agreed that who you find in different classes and what they are capable of is due to their motivation and what they see in their future, not the level of classes they are in.

Jared’s anatomy and physiology background applies to his teaching and coaching. His understanding of the human body has helped him be a better assistant track coach. He ran cross country and track at Tilghman as well as at Beloit College in Wisconsin. “A lot of coaches don’t have a full teaching load, and coaching takes you away from the classroom sometimes earlier than you would like, so it’s a matter of balancing both,” Jared said.

Chris emphasizes Jared’s deep commitment to PTHS. Jared’s achievements his senior year at his alma mater included being voted Mr. Tilghman, receiving the KHSAA Sportsmanship Award, and First Team All-State and Region 1 Runner of the Year. “He always said that if he ever went into teaching and coaching, it would have to be at Paducah Tilghman,” Chris remembered. This year the cross-country team placed third in the state, the best finish since Jared was in high school, and he was voted Region 1 Coach of the Year.

Jared learned lots of lessons from Chris, who often arrived at school at 6 AM and sometimes left late. He recognizes her dedication and doesn’t know how she did it while raising a family. She told Jared that teaching was a tough job and is not

necessarily the most financially rewarding, but the impact it has on the kids is worth it all. On the tough days when she thought she couldn’t do it anymore, she would remember tomorrow was a new day and told Jared to remember the same.

“It’s easy to be proud of my mom now that I am doing what she did. I appreciate it so much now as an adult,” Jared reflected. “I feel like in society we have this idea that everything’s going to happen according to some set plan, and you have to do it all on your own. I model many things I do after my mom. It’s very gratifying to help keep her efforts alive. I acknowledge that I’ve had help along the way on my journey and I’m lucky to be where I am, walking in my mom’s footsteps. I am grateful to the people who have been there and the experiences they have shown me. I can’t do it exactly the way they can, but I can see how it’s done. I’ve been lucky to have such a close and available role model in my mom. It’s invaluable.”

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★ by J.T.

A History of Wrestling in western kentucky

and dedication to their sport was undeniable and infectious. It’s a summer I will never forget.

40 page

MT. “I I TH WSTI,” H THOHT,  IM

PSH ITO TH S BOW B THIS OPPOT. “BT I BI

I O   WSTI TIO BTT TH THIS.” WITH  W  THT S OM  OW SO, B BO SOW IS HIS TMBI IST, PSH HIMS B TO HIS T,  SP HIS OPPOT OW TO HIS B. TH  SI TO TH OO  OT O. “O! TWO! TH!”

By the late 90’s, live wrestling in Western Kentucky was dead. The loss of All Star Wrestling left the area a virtual wrestling ghost town. Jamie Phillips, a Hardin resident and long-time fan of live wrestling, wanted to get involved. He began tossing the idea around with fellow employees and residents at Westview Nursing Home in Murray, Kentucky. “When he first told me he was going to wrestle I thought, ‘You’re gonna what?,’” laughs a nurse in the hallway. “I did not want to go see him wrestle. Not at all!” she added. “I thought he would get hurt.” Jamie’s daughter Julie remembered those early days as well. “To every little girl her daddy’s her hero, and it was hard seeing those guys beat

up on Daddy in the ring! But the more we got to know the wrestlers and learned what it was all about, the better it got.”

So, after a grueling period of training, Jamie entered the world of wrestling as Bad Boy Phillips. He toured the independent circuits in Illinois and Tennessee, but quickly became dissatisfied with the shows. “In a lot of the places we were going to,” reflects Jamie, “there were drugs and bad language. I wanted to see it go back to the shows I remember; something you could bring your family to.” In 2000, the old ring from the All Star Wrestling shows in Paducah became available. It was a ring well seasoned by many years of Paducah wrestling, and that suited Jamie just fine. “Wrestling is about tradition and respect. There were many greats who wrestled in that ring.”

Jamie set up shop in his hometown of Hardin, just east of Murray under the apt name Old School Wrestling. It wasn’t long before throngs of fans began pressing their way into the Hardin Civic Center on Saturday nights to get a glimpse of live, wrestling entertainment the way it used to be. In fact, there were many nights when chairs became scarce and many fans had to stand. Old School began touring other areas such as Hopkinsville, Paducah, West Tennessee, and Southern Illinois. Fans who had also grown weary of televised wrestling and independent shows that only tried to top the hardcore sexuality and action of the small screen found the Old School shows refreshing and entertaining. A loyal following began to develop.

“Some of the fans eat, sleep, and drink it. They love it!” said Jamie. “We had

one fan who got angry one night because an opponent cheated in a match against her favorite wrestler, Jack Diamond. She stood up and stomped and stormed her way out and said, ‘They cheated on him, and I ain’t never coming back!’ The very next week when we opened the doors, she was the first one in line.” But Jamie mostly loved to put on the shows for the kids. “One guy told me about his son. Every month when he got his allowance, the first thing he did was put money aside to come to the Old School shows. That’s what touched me.”

And some of the fans found it therapeutic. Once just before a show, I spotted a quiet, elderly lady sitting in the crowd. Her silver hair was wrapped tightly in a bun, and she sat so patiently while waiting for the show to start. Curious as to her reason for attending, I asked her why she came to the show. “I have a lot of frustration at home throughout the week,” she said. “I have a grandson I have to take care of, and he has a lot of problems. Sometimes I am just about ready to explode when trying to keep things calm with him. I can come down here and scream and holler and let out all that frustration. I also enjoy seeing some of them get their butts kicked!”

But regardless of their reasons for coming to an Old School show, the fans formed a community. In the early 2000s, at the dawn of the internet age, with hundreds of choices of channels on satellite or cable television, and virtually every movie ever made on DVD, the thrill of live entertainment beat them all.

But wait a second. That’s all well and good, but what about all the exposés about wrestling being fake and staged? I mean, no one would

go to a show knowing that someone is trying to fool them, right? Really, was it fake? “Oh, you just used the F-word,” said Drago, Old School heavyweight champion. “Fake is a very bad word to wrestlers. Its entertainment, but I’m not going to say its fake.”

“I compare it to entertainment to a degree,” added Jamie. “It’s just like if you and I went to the movies, and I asked you, ‘Did you see all those people get killed?’ You know they are really not dead. It’s the same way with wrestling. If you come to pick a show apart, you can do that. But if you come for what it is . . . if you come to boo the bad guys, cheer the good guys, then you’ll have a good time.”

And putting on a good show was serious business at Old School. New wrestlers spent upwards of six months or more in training before they were allowed to wrestle in a show. On a typical Saturday, trainees started setting up at 10 AM. They then trained until almost 7 PM. During the show, they worked as security or referees. Then, it was on to tearing down and packing up. A typical day lasted twelve to fourteen hours. “For every wrestler that made it through training, there were four or five who didn’t,” said Jamie. “For those who say its fake, I’ll give them a hundred dollar bill if they come train with us all day and still call it fake.” Indeed, the hits are real . . . the drops and slams on the mat are real . . . and the falls to the concrete floor are hard to fake. Wrestlers walked away from the ring with many bruises and cuts. In the end, you got to see some of the best trained and conditioned stunt men perform the work they have spent endless hours practicing. It’s hard not to respect their dedication and talent.

“When I am up there in the ring,” said Drago, “I think about the fans out in their seats. I think about giving them the best show I can. I do what I do for the fans out there. And new wrestlers are taught that their first and foremost priority is entertaining every person who comes to an Old School show. And when that vision is lost, trainees are corrected, or they no longer wrestle with Old School. “It’s all about tradition,” said Drago. “Giving the fans something.”

I often remember driving past Hardin and seeing the sign that first drew me in: “Old School Wrestling, Saturday Night.” It was high quality entertainment for just a few bucks. And it was a continuation of a tradition that was a part of western Kentucky for over a hundred years. The ghosts of wrestlers and fans of times past joined us as we yelled at the inept referee who just couldn’t seem to keep his eye on the action. We booed at the bad guys who came down from Canada and poked fun at our local heritage. And we cheered the good guys who taught them a lesson or two . . . Old School style.

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Dr.Simone Fearon

Gets to the Heart of the Matter

WHETHER SHE’S READING ECHOCARDIOGRAMS IN THE MIDDLE of heart surgery or sitting on the sidelines of her son’s basketball games, a calm, confident presence radiates from Dr. Simone Fearon’s narrow frame. In fact, it doesn’t take long at all to see why her closest friends call her “the advisor” in their group. This spring, Paducah Life sat down with Dr. Fearon to tap into her wisdom and learn a little more about this new-to-Paducah doctor who gets to the heart of the matter so easily.

As a cardiologist specializing in interventional and structural imagery, what do your days look like?

Interventional and structural imaging involves acquiring and interpreting images as it relates to the anatomy and function of a person’s heart. This technology is central in the diagnosis and treatment of many heart conditions. In the office, much of my time is spent interpreting ultrasound and nuclear images of the heart and sharing this information with our referring doctors. I also work in the operating room with the surgical team to provide real-time guidance during certain cardiac procedures. It was actually my work in structural imaging that brought me to Paducah, having joined the cardiovascular team at Mercy Health. We are very fortunate to be doing quite a bit in the cardiac space. I’m very proud to be part of that team.

What made you want to become a doctor?

I have a vivid image from my childhood that stands out. Around the age of twelve, I developed symptoms of chest pain, which is very unusual for a child. My mother immediately took me to the doctor in our small town, and was told that we needed to get to the nearest big city immediately. I grew up in

Jamaica, so we headed to Kingston (the capital). I just remember this feeling that I had to go meet this one person who would figure everything out, and yet they seemed so far away.

While becoming a cardiologist wasn’t evident to me until later in medical school, I remember being struck early on by the idea that smaller communities needed access to specialty care and I wanted to be a part of that solution. I’m so proud to be a part of the team at Mercy Health, working together to provide innovative and quality care to folks who otherwise would have to travel out of town to have their needs met.

Being a doctor is such a fulfilling and humbling experience. Once you close that door and a patient decides in that moment that they trust you—that’s huge. That moment lives deep inside you.

Now that you’ve been here a few years, what are your favorite things about Paducah?

I’ve enjoyed meeting the people from day one! It’s part of what convinced me to move here after my initial interview, and it’s what I continue to enjoy. Paducah also has so much going on! At first, we found ourselves heading to Nashville frequently to get our city fix, but the longer we’ve been here and

Dr.Simone FEARON ★

tapped into what Paducah offers, the less we feel that need. I have also enjoyed serving on various community boards, alongside folks who work tirelessly on behalf of our city. Paducah is now solidly our home.

If you were at a dinner party and asked to give one piece of health advice to those around the table, what would it be?

I always advise people to acknowledge where they are right now with their health. You cannot change past actions. In cardiology, we talk about 10-year risks. If you are 50 and you want to be a highly functional 60year-old, you have to be working on that now. A lot of cardiac issues are preventable, and closely linked to your choices. You choose to smoke or not. You choose your diet, exercise activities, and whether or not to seek care for comorbidities. You can have a big impact on your health if you grasp the understanding that who you are now is ten years’ worth of choices, and who you are going to be ten years from now has already started.

What is one of your best recent experiences professionally?

It has always been important to me that when I come into a community, I find authentic ways to learn more about it and connect with the people outside of the practice of medicine. I was recently fortunate to be a part of Leadership Paducah and in fact, I was the first physician to participate

in a cohort in the 36 years this program has been in place. This provided me the opportunity to learn more about the many intricacies and moving parts of the city, but the biggest thing it confirmed was how accessible Paducah’s people—even those in leadership—are. I was impressed enough that I’m trying to recruit my sisters to move here!

What would your best friends say about you?

My friends have frequently called me the “advisor” in the group. I’m not sure if that is true, but I think if I were to give any life advice it would be to get to know yourself and be true to that. To know yourself, you have to spend time with yourself and realize that your power is within you. I’m also a lifelong learner who is constantly seeking out new ways of thinking. After learning something new, it’s sitting still with yourself and knowing yourself in relation to that information that matters. Take time with yourself and don’t be harsh about the past. The only thing you can do now is impact the future.

What is one thing you hope to pass on to others?

I hope to inspire people to understand that there is something inside all of us waiting to be watered and nurtured.  My life’s journey has been dedicated to this process with the support of my family, friends and mentors. Spending quiet introspective time with oneself, doing the inner work, is also important as sometimes you have to do this watering yourself. And with God’s grace and guidance, you have to believe that whatever this is, it will come to fruition. If you follow that light, you’ll undoubtedly get there.

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posted a video of Jason wanting to stop for McDonalds. I pull out a burger from the dashboard that I “have had stored there for 10 years” and it looks the same as it did the day I bought it. There were several comments about how I should just let Jason make his own decisions and that I need to stop being an overbearing wife. I want to respond, “You know this isn’t a hidden camera situation, right? Jason wrote this script. That burger is not 10 years old.” It’s really strange to be on this side of content creation…I am so much more aware of how fake social media is even when people are posing it as reality.

You have written two new books recently. We can’t wait to read them! Can you tell us a little about both?

The trade book (the one for grown-ups) came out March 12, and I’m super excited for people to get a glimpse of the “real” me. I really love this endorsement by Ginny Yurich, creator of 1000 hours outside, and it gives me hope that I have conveyed the message that you can take a balanced approach to living a more holistic and sustainable life. She says, “From navigating the spectrum of crunchiness to creating a genuinely crunchy household, Emily provides insights that feel like a chat with a wise (and funny) friend. This book isn’t just about detox; it’s an invitation to infuse your days with authenticity, joy, and a hint of delightful quirkiness.”

The children’s book is scheduled to come out in August, and it is a fun book about infusing everyday moments with opportunities for kids to engage in imaginative play.

You look ADORABLE on the cover of your book for adults. We must ask for all the aspiring crunchy moms out there: who are you wearing and just how crunchy is it?

Awe, thanks! My dress is by Son De Flor. Their clothes are made of European linen, a more sustainable fabric because it doesn’t require the use of heavy pesticides and can grow with just rainwater. Linen also has a fabric frequency of 5,000 hz so it is considered a healing fabric, which sounds so hippie dippy woohoo, but it’s real. I encourage people to look it up. I don’t do anything special to my hair, I don’t know why but depending on the light it looks like I have dyed it. It’s showing up really brown on the cover but it’s not really that color. I wash my hair once per week and use cocoa powder as shampoo in between washings. For my make-up, well, I have to be honest. The make-up artist talked me into letting her put on false lashes for this shoot and it was a terrible idea. I’ve never worn false lashes and I don’t use any harsh chemicals on my body so whatever glue she used threw my body for a loop and caused my eyelids to swell up and turn red and itchy and scaly. It was terrible. I dealt with it for over a month after that photo shoot. But there are so many great natural makeups out there. Personally, I love Toups and Co. Their make-up is made from organic, grass-fed beef fat, and it’s about as crunchy as you can get.

Since this is our April edition, can you share some crunchy mom tips for welcoming spring?

Now is the perfect opportunity to get outside! Being outside has so many benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional health. Before you pick up your

phone in the morning, step out in the sunshine and get 15 minutes of early morning sunlight on your face. It prompts the production of serotonin—the feel-good hormone—which just so happens to be a precursor for the evening production of melatonin, the hormone that helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. Bonus points if you can get outside barefoot so you can also reap the benefits of grounding or earthing which include improved sleep and cortisol rhythm, reduced pain, reduced stress, healthier nervous system, faster healing, and even reduced risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Spring is also the perfect time to plant some flower seeds! Zinnias are so easy to grow and there’s not much more satisfying than seeing the beauty that comes from such a simple act.

What’s on your crunchy bucket list for this season?

I’m looking forward to mushroom hunting! Our area is a gold mine for so many wonderful and delicious mushrooms. I found morels for the first time last year, but I sort of cheated because someone told me exactly where to look. I’d like to find them on my own this year. I’m also expanding my garden a bit. Paducah in the spring is my favorite! It’s no wonder Benny Goodman and Carmen Miranda sing about how Paducah at “tulip time” is “another form of paradise.”

It’s Finally Here!

Be Kind Kentucky License Plate Now Available

MORGAN AND SUSAN GUESS AND THE GUESS ANTIBullying Foundation are excited to announce that the Be Kind Kentucky license plate is finally available. “It’s been a long wait, but well worth it,” said Morgan Guess, who began the journey in high school and is now a junior at Duke University. The initiative, led by Morgan and her family, is a testament to their dedication to combating bullying and supporting mental health among Kentucky’s youth.

Morgan has been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. She was bullied in the third grade. By the time her parents discovered it, she was having stomach spasms and panic attacks. Her pediatrician prescribed anti-depressants for the eightyear-old. Her parents told her bad things are going happen and she could choose to blame others, ignore what happened, or be a part of positive change.

“Morgan chose to stand up and speak up,” says her mother, Susan. “For years

★

by DARLENE MAZZONE

Morgan has led initiatives to expand education on the issue, including legislation that now protects all 640,000 Kentucky public school students.  With her leadership, our family has sponsored four kindness murals, an annual kindness walk, and Scarf in the Park to provide almost 20,000 warm-weather items to people in need.”

The license plate was central to their plan to raise awareness about the power of kindness. It was

approved three years ago but the Guesses had to wait until Kentucky completed a new computer system in the County Clerk’s offices. Their patience has paid off. Now every Kentuckian can become part of a kindness movement.

“We want to drive kindness by asking people to select the official Be Kind Kentucky license plate,” said Morgan. “Our hope is this plate becomes a moving billboard to inspire and celebrate kindness and to highlight the best in each of us.”

All proceeds from the plate will support the state’s youth mental health drop-in centers. These centers provide mental health access to Kentuckians up to age 25.

“More than 3.2 million Kentuckians live in a community that does not have enough mental health professionals,” said Morgan. “High school students with depression are more than twice as likely to drop out than their peers and 35% of Kentuckians age 12-17 who have depression did not receive any care in the last year. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ National Survey of Children’s Health, at least 16 percent of Kentucky children ages 3-17 have depression or anxiety, the sixth highest rate in the nation in 2022.”

“We truly believe that we can create a movement for civility, empathy, and kindness in Kentucky,” said Susan. “We hope this project will lead the way for other states to follow.”

How to Get Your BE KIND License Plate

STANDARD RENEWAL: $21 annually

‘BE KIND’ PLATE: dditional $23

TOTAL FOR THE SWITCH: $44

xchange your current plate at any

entucky ounty lerk office

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The Science of Success

Bacon Farmer Workman Has Built a Foundation of Growth and Development Based on the Multiple Disciplines Represented Among its Many Skilled Professionals

IN 1996 MARK WORKMAN AND CHRIS Farmer sat down at the Twinkling Star and discussed the nature and future of the engineering industry. “We concluded that we were wise enough and experienced enough at 27 years old to start an engineering firm,” Mark recalls. “When I told my wife that I had quit my job and was starting a firm she cried. At that moment she was scared to death, but today she would agree that it was a great decision.” Today Mark and Chris along with partner Baccus Oliver own Bacon Farmer Woman and Marcum Engineering, a full-service engineering firm that currently works in fourteen different states and provides services in civil, mechanical, structural, and electrical engineering. The firm also offers landscape architecture and urban planning along with geotechnical, environmental, testing/inspections, and surveying.

Mark attributes much to those who came before as a foundation for the firm’s success. “Our former partners, Ron Bacon who recently retired, and David Ury who passed away, were an integral part of who we are today,” Mark shares. “I’ve got to look back at them and look at their contributions as individuals. I’m always amazed at what we have done and what we have assembled with the best team and the best clients.”

In the very beginning Chris and Mark worked out of Mark’s home as an environmental consulting firm. Their first name was Geotech Environmental Technologies and then Geotech Engineering and Testing. “We went by GET,” Chris says. When they outgrew that space they moved to the Katterjohn building. “That was a very interesting building to be working in. I have great memories there,” Chris reminisces. “I remember when it would rain, the rain drops would hit the air conditioning so loudly that it would be difficult to hear someone on the phone. We only had two phones then!”

In 1999 they brought in Ron Bacon as a partner. “He brought in a level of experience that I, as a young engineer did not have then,” Chris explains. “We call him Wikipedia because he has either seen it done, or has done it himself. Whenever anyone had a question, we could always bring it to Ron and he would look it over and figure out a solution.

★

by A MANDA H UTCHISON

He still comes into the office on occasion.” In 2000 they, along with Baccus, purchased the electrical and mechanical engineering firm, Marcum Engineering, with Baccus managing the subsidiary. “Mark is the visionary. He comes up with the ideas. I usually have my head down working on something,” Chris adds. “I remember he came into the office one day

and suggested we buy Marcum Engineering from Bill Marcum who was looking into retiring. We went to Bill’s office in Reidland and told him our idea and he was funny. He didn’t understand why anyone would want his name. But Bill had such a good reputation associated with his name.”

Today they have approximately 180 employees, 11 offices in five states, and work in 14 different states. BFW’s headquarters is currently on 17th Street, however as the company expands, they have again grown too large for their space. They are in the process of a large renovation of a building in Commerce Park with hopes of moving into their new location this summer. Growth is a major part of their five-year strategic planning. “We are anticipating growing our company to over 250 employees,” Mark shares. “We are looking at adding three offices in states other than Kentucky and expanding service lines of which we have already added two in the past 12-months along with another big announcement in June of this year.”

All three partners point to local schools and other projects as a point of pride. “For me Murray State University has been a personal pride. My wife and I both have degrees from the university. They have been a valued client of ours for over twenty years,” Mark comments. “I don’t think there is a project at the school during all that time that we have not touched in some way.”

“More widespread than that, I would say working with all our local school systems in the area has been a huge source of pride for us,” Baccus reflects. “We had the opportunity to design the new McCracken Country High School campus in 2013. We also got the privilege to update Tilghman High School bringing back some of its appeal from the 1960s. I’m also very fond of the work we did with the Innovation Hub and work the Hub does to inspire and teach skilled trades. Civically, we had the responsibility to stabilize and modernize Paducah’s renowned City Hall. Ron Bacon played a huge role in creatively finding a way to save the exterior of the building.”

“Knowing that these kinds of projects are needed and have an effect in improving the community are really satisfying to us,” Chris says. “We also come up with a lot of solutions that are unseen but play an important part in improving a community such as with sewer systems. This truly drives us. We want to help people.”

While thinking about the future, the partners are also thinking ahead of what the company will look like when they inevitably retire and transition ownership. They have implemented a training program to train future leaders and have started planning that transition to help remove future barriers that could be problematic for new leadership. But at the end of the day all three want to emphasize that what matters most to them is the culture they have created and the incredible talent they have present in the companies. To further develop this mission, they have instituted a leadership program headed by General Counsel and Human Resources Manager, Melissa Yates. “We want to be a leadership factory. The reason being it benefits everyone,” Melissa says. “I think a lot of leadership comes down to emotional intelligence and being emotionally intelligent makes you a better teammate.”

“David Ury said it best in one of the last video recordings we have of him. He was talking about our company and what are the things that we have to look at and be proud of. And he simply said, ‘At the end of the day, all we have is our employees,’” Baccus adds. “He’s exactly right. We wouldn’t be accomplishing all these things if we didn’t have the people we do.”

MaeganMansfield

YOUNG LEADER OF WESTERN KENTUCKY

Seated at her grandfather’s kitchen table, second grader Maegan Mansfield did what she loved to do at the time—she drew houses. Her grandfather looked over at her drawing and said, “You can really draw a straight line. You should be an architect.” He proceeded to tell her what an architect worked on. It sparked a light in her. “From that point on I studied every bridge and building I saw,” recalls Maegan. Her grandfather, Buddy Smith, who had by then retired, was a city engineer for Paducah. “He slowly started influencing me towards engineering,” Maegan says. “He would take me around to construction sites and to political events he went to and introduce me to any female engineers he could. He’d encourage me to shadow them or go on tours of different departments at the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.”

Maegan received a transportation scholarship from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. After graduating, she worked for the Department of Transportation then moved on to do geotechnical design and seismic mitigation for private consulting. “I really liked designing for earthquakes,” Maegan shares. “It was a fun challenge because transportation designs would lead to some of the largest foundation systems in the world given the projects I worked on were often close to the New Madrid fault or near Charleston, South Carolina. I’ve always jokingly said I want to be on a bridge during an earthquake since their foundations are so intense,” Maegan laughingly says. Following her grandfather, Maegan worked as a city engineer for the City of Paducah for a couple of years before working with the Department of Energy at the Gaseous Diffusion site.

All of her experience in local, state, and federal government has led her to her current job at BFW Marcum Engineering, where she often pursues federal projects for the company. “I am very competitive. I like a win, so for me, the strategy of pursuit is a lot of fun,” says Maegan. “I like working on projects where there are several disciplines involved which brings in a lot of our team.”

Since working at BFW, she has introduced the Pavement Condition Index rating system using the Department of Defense’s PAVER software, a pavement maintenance and rating system that is used at the City of Paducah and has been implemented at many schools and healthcare sites in Illinois, Kentucky, and Virginia. In January, Maegan won the Young Leader of Western Kentucky award from the Paducah Sun at the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. “You can’t be successful without a support system,” Maegan adds. “That was the first thing that came to my mind when I received the award. I wouldn’t be where I am today without so many people aiding in my career choices along the way. I remember calling my mom in college when I failed a chemistry test. I told her I wanted to come home. She encouraged me to go back in there and try again. I ended up with a 113 average in that class. And it has not just been friends and family that have supported me. My mentors and colleagues at BFW have encouraged me to do my best and pursue new ideas. They have an environment where I can be creative and opportunistic, which has been really fulfilling.”

• Books

Sinnot House

This 19th Century Grand Example of Paducah’s Historic Architecture Was Home to the Pioneering Sinnot Family

by A MANDA H UTCHISON

UNDER THE GRAND ENTRANCE at 228 North 9th Street with stone voussoirs and thick Doric columns, the intricate door knob beckons to be turned and the inside transports us to the opulence of the late 19th century. There is nothing like an old home. Hints of a past and the people who lived there over generations can be found in every nook and cranny.

There are markings of shifted furniture, scuffs from people going about their day, technologies shifting—changing the entire format of the home, accommodations made and signs of renovations and preservation from diligent and caring owners. “I grew up in Bristol, England,” local realtor Nick Gillespie explains. “In the US so many buildings are new and can be stunning, but there is something to be said about old homes. There were many homes in Bristol that remind me of this one—an old majestic home. It makes you imagine what life would have been like here 100 years ago.”

The craftsmanship of the home is seen throughout. It’s been standing 138 years with many different owners and uses. The original oak woodwork, hardware, pocket doors, and stainless windows still persevere.

This Romanesque Revival home was built in 1888

Sinnot House the

by architect, Brinton B. Davis. An identical mirror image home once stood on the lot next to it. The home was originally owned by John and Elizabeth Sinnott. It is said the Sinnott’s chose the corner location because John correctly predicted that Monroe Street would be widened. John and Elizabeth Sinnott were from Cincinnati, Ohio. John moved to Paducah in 1860 and Elizabeth joined shortly after their wedding in 1865. They are mentioned in newspapers as a “pioneer family of Paducah.” While some descriptions of the home have labeled John Sinnott as a road-building contractor, based on the details found in his obituary and in archives, this author would argue he was an entrepreneur.

When John first arrived in Paducah he worked as a government representative buying mules for team service. He then went into the livery business. He later went into building roads. According to his obituary in the Paducah NewsDemocrat in 1907 “many of Paducah’s best roads were built by him.” In 1879 he co-organized the ThompsonWilson Wholesale Liquor House and was later named president of the organization.

John and Elizabeth were the talk of the town in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Paducah

high society needed to know when Elizabeth attended an event, when one was sick or when John was away hunting or away for business. When Elizabeth died in 1926, the Paducah News-Democrat called her “one of the city’s most prominent women.” They had five children; Helen, John Jr, Elizabeth, Stuart, and Joe. They were equally talked about in the 1900s. For example, in 1907 when John Jr. was struck by a lump of coal that someone threw into the window of his train, the public learned of the condition of his eye. Helen Sinnott Meyers was the founder of the Paducah Chapter of the Red Cross. Stuart owned and ran the six story 33-room Sinnott Hotel (now the offices of McMurry and Livingston at 201 Broadway). John Jr. owned and ran the Star Laundry and Cleaners. Joseph fought in the Spanish and American War and moved to New York. Elizabeth was involved in many of the women’s clubs in town.

The house stayed in the family for multiple generations. In the 1950s the home was sold and became the Nance Nursing Home. In the years following it was divided into apartments. In the 1980s, its interior woodwork was restored by David Marshall and the restoration work was recognized by the Society for the Preservation of Paducah. It was around this time that the home was converted into offices for K and M Leasing Company. In its most recent iteration, the house is a single-family home once more.

228 North 9th Street is now looking for new owners—owners that will act as its guardians preserving the house that symbolizes the early grandeur of Paducah while awaiting the next generation of guardians.

A Growing FOR Gardening ABILITY

by Amanda Hutchison

LAST SUMMER THE sunflowers, tomatoes, and cucumbers exploded over the planters at the Innovation Hub at Paducah Tilghman High School. The students finished their last harvest in October celebrating the remnants of their sunflowers by picking out and peeling the seeds so they could have the seeds roasted. Many had never seen sunflower seeds up close. The brave ones popped the raw seeds into their mouth, while some were more hesitant. “Do you remember what the outer layer of the seed is called? We talked about it last year,” volunteer and retired teacher, Cindy Jones asked the class. “A seed coat?” responded a student. “Exactly!”

Last year students and their teachers worked together to prep the soil in the early spring then planted and watched their produce grow. The end results were a labor of love, instruction, and experimentation that provided endless lessons for the students in Tilghman’s Ability Classroom—a classroom of neurodiverse students with ages that can range anywhere from 14-21. “We call it the Abilities classroom,” former Abilities classroom teacher, Erin Morehead shares. “Because while we try to keep their disability in mind, we really focus on what their strengths are and build on that.”

Gardening Abilities

When teachers Kayla Griggs and Erin Morehead started the garden last year, they had already been teaching together for ten years. They had previously introduced their students to plants in different ways—sometimes bringing in a house plant from home and trying to propagate it at school. But a school garden was something completely new for them. Retired teacher, Cindy Jones, approached the school about starting the garden and sought out funding from her garden club. The Four Seasons Garden Club purchased two planters outside of the classroom window and have since contributed a yearly donation for garden supplies. Local landscape architect, Jonathan Perkins, assisted the school in selecting the appropriate planters used in the courtyard space. Cindy along with garden club members, Glenda Lafferty and Margaret Kaltenbach, visit the classroom once a month to provide lessons on plants and gardening.

The produce from the garden is used in the classroom to teach life skills such as how to clean, prepare and cook the produce. The produce is donated to the Innovation Hub’s Steam Cafe and the cafeteria. So far they have encountered one setback. “Last year we had an infestation of Japanese beetles,” Kayla recalls, “which was new to me and the students. But it was another lesson in itself. They could see how you could put all this work into something and sometimes things don’t work out.”

This school year Erin is the Special Education Outreach Coordinator working with special education students outside of the school and coordinates with organizations and employers to get students job experiences. Kayla is now co-teaching with Amber Sanderson.

Amber also marvels at the benefit this has had on their students. “They always ask to go out in the garden,” Amber says. “I think they are always surprised at how quickly everything will grow. And sometimes they are surprised how much work goes behind even the smallest vegetable. We

What has your school garden meant to you?

I like being outside. Gardening helps you be more active and get outside.

- Clareshon

We had to put down a ton of hay before

- India

I would like to grow some fruits like melons.

- Emma

It was hard work shoveling the soil into the garden beds. I’m glad we now have a garden shed to keep our tools in.

- Dakota

I think I will garden at home with my dad. We want to grow okra and cucumbers. We used banana peppers to make a recipe from TikTok using Takis.

- Christina

talk a lot about the work that goes into everything that we grow and everything that they see when they go to a grocery store.”

The garden has also provided sensory rewards for the students. “We have one student in particular that just really enjoys feeling the soil,” Amber shares. “He likes rubbing his hands on the sunflowers. As soon as we go outside, he rubs his hands in the dirt. It’s really cool to see how the garden provides those sensory needs for him.”

Besides their vegetable garden they also have planters on the side of the building for cut flowers and hydroponic gardens inside the Hub. The garden keeps growing in so many ways. This school year, with the financial assistance of the Four Seasons Garden Club and the assembly assistance of the Hub’s carpentry students, the class was able to add a garden shed to store their tools.

The planters are currently empty as the class decides what they will plant this spring. “We had so much produce last year. Everything was all over the place,” Kayla adds. “I think this year we’ll try to reduce the amount we plant and space it out better.”

Over the summer they have a rotation of teachers and administrators who help maintain the garden. But the classroom is always looking for extra help and expertise from the community. “Having this opportunity to connect with the community and do more outside of our classroom walls has really brought new life into our job,” Kayla reflects. “It also is a lesson to never underestimate our students. They are capable of doing so much.”

With a

Splash of Color

THE CREATIVE AND CULTURAL COUNCIL PROMOTES ART THROUGHOUT THE CITY

by Amanda Hutchison

SINCE 2019, PADUCAH’S CREATIVE and Cultural Council has looked for ways to promote arts in Paducah. “One of our goals is to demonstrate the economic impact that the arts have on our culture,” says Cindy Ragland, Creative and Cultural Council chairperson.

“In the fall we received results from the Arts and Economic Prosperity (AEP6) survey showing the arts had brought in $36.2 million to our community.” The survey was sponsored by the Paducah Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Director of the CVB, Mary Hammond, saw the benefit this study would have,” Cindy said of her late friend. “Mary was a strong supporter of the arts. Any time we needed information she was our go-to person. She always knew who to contact and how to help.” Mary contracted Rosemarie Steele, former CVB Director of Marketing, to help coordinate the intercept survey process. Rosemarie worked with Paducah’s non-profit arts and cultural attractions to conduct the surveys with their audiences.

The Creative and Cultural Council brings light to different art contributors and patrons in the city. Last summer, the group hosted an event at the CSI campus featuring the curated art collection that John Williams, founder of CSI, had amassed over the years.

“And it’s not just an economic impact,” Cindy reflects, “The arts lift people up and bring people together.”

Cheryl Sullivan is a local artist and new board member of the council. “I am in the learning stages,” Cheryl admits. “I am exploring what needs to be done in Paducah to really promote the arts and our status as a UNESCO Creative City. One thing I’d like to see is a city guide that

showcases all of the artwork across the city. I would also like to see more creativity and colorful art added to all the neighborhoods.”

To add more art into the city’s West End, the council is looking into approval for murals painted on the viaducts flanking the Coca Cola building on Jefferson and Broadway. They are currently working on a proposal to present to the railroads.

In March, the council, along with the Paducah Historic Preservation Group (PHPG), met with community members in the Southside to discuss adding public art to that neighborhood. “We received a lot of positive feedback at the meeting,” Cheryl shares. “Many liked the idea of a mural. There was also a lot of talk about adding something historic and colorful.”

“The Southside Art Project is not just for its beauty, but for bringing community together,” Cindy explains. “It brings people together with a cohesive energy that will enhance dialogue for the benefit of all, now and for future generations.” The Creative and Cultural Council will work closely with the PHPG and its leaders, Javanta Dawson and Rhonda McCorry-Smith.

“Years ago, I met a gentleman with a company in Illinois and he said that he and his wife had decided to move here rather than stay near his company because of the arts offered in Paducah,” Cindy recalls. “We have so much right here in Paducah that most cities of the same size don’t offer. We have a symphony, a performing arts center, Market House Theater, Lower Town, and a UNESCO designation. We want to make the most of our many assets.”

Makes The Southern Living BEST List

HE LONG-STANDING PURVEYOR OF ALL THINGS southern in print, Southern Living, recently listed 35 general stores in the south that people should visit. Among them? Our own Troutt Old Time General Store in downtown Paducah.

T Troutt ld Time General Store

“This business is a newer addition to the general store scene,” the list noted. “Located in Paducah, Kentucky, you can find lots of locally made and handcrafted items inside, as well as freshly baked goods, single slices of decadent cakes, and lunch-ready sandwiches.”

Of course, we understand that the editors had limited space in their online list of general stores worth visiting, because our “best of the south” general store has way more than these few noted old time delicacies. The Troutts have spent the last nine years (they’re having an anniversary in May) curating a unique shopping (and eating) experience behind the quaint cabin walls of this nostalgic establishment. And the icing on the cake so to speak, is the greeting you will consistently get from quite possibly the happiest proprietor on the planet, Crystal Troutt. She is NEVER without a smile, and an unequaled welcome awaits as a tinkling bell announces your entry.

Troutt Old Time General Store was in good Kentucky company. Also included on the list were Boyce General Store in Alvaton and Rabbit Hash General Store in Rabbit Hash.

Take A Walk At The College!

BY AMY CLEVIDENCE

As spring unfolds its vibrant tapestry, embrace the season’s renewal by taking a leisurely stroll along West Kentucky Community and Technical College's new walking trail.

Unveiled last fall, this scenic path, a project led by dedicated biology professor Anna Vaughn-Doom, marks a significant milestone for WKCTC. Stretching over approximately a mile and a half with an investment of around $30,000, the college has created a serene sanctuary where visitors can pause, reflect, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world. But this trail isn’t just about scenic views—it’s also about wellness.

At a ceremony celebrating the opening of the trail, Anna highlighted its therapeutic benefits, emphasizing its potential to alleviate stress and promote mental well-being. Moreover, the trail serves as a valuable educational resource, offering opportunities for hands-on learning in environmental science and beyond.

Whether you’re seeking solace in nature, incorporating outdoor activities into your routine, or simply looking for a refreshing walk, WKCTC’s nature trail welcomes all. Lace up your shoes, leash your furry companions, and venture into this verdant oasis nestled within the college’s grounds.

JanesJourneys.com

Mary Hammond

Mar y Hammond meant the world to us. Our friend. Our colleague. Our hero.

Without her presence in Paducah, LIFE will never be the same.

MARY HAMMOND, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 2001-2024

PADUCAH CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU / Mary joined the CVB in 1986.

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“I CHOOSE PADUCAH BANK.” —George Wilson

“T

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