Paducah Life Magazine - February/March 2024 by PaducahLife

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 • $ 2.95

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SARAH

STEWART

HOLLAND Paducah’s Awardwinning Podcaster

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EVERYONE’S HEARTBEAT IS UNIQUE. WE BELIEVE HEART CARE SHOULD BE, TOO. THE ADVANCED TAVR PROCEDURE FROM THE STRUCTURAL HEART SPECIALISTS AT BAPTIST HEALTH PADUCAH allowed Gail to get back to her normal activities even though she wasn’t a candidate for open heart surgery. We were the first hospital to bring this minimally invasive valve replacement procedure to the region. And it’s just one reason more people trust Baptist Health with their hearts than any other hospital system in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Find out why you can, too, at BaptistHealth.com/HeartCare.

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contents 4o

The History of Wrestling in Western Kentucky

february/march 2024 ★ from the editor page 5 ★ last word page 68

16 Cooking on the River 19 McKenzie Woods is Back Where She Belongs

23 Join Jane for a Journey Near or Far 27 Myrna Redfield Named Woman to Admire 33 Puttin’ (a New Face) on the Ritz 37 Matt Snow is Keeping it Clean 47 The STEAM Café is a HUB of Activity 50 My Best Life / Mandy Oliver

PODCASTER SARAH STEWART HOLLAND

54 Memoir by Kristi Brown 58 Small Business Advocate Todd Blume 61 A History of Temple Israel 64 The Day the Jews Were Expelled from Paducah

66 WKCTC One Book Read

Artist and Author Dee Gregory

Visit us at paducahlife.com ★ SEE AND HEAR MORE OF THE FEATURES IN THIS ISSUE ON

2 • PADUCAH LIFE

March is Women’s

VOLUME 34, EDITION 1

History Month

executive editor/ P U B L I S H E R Darlene M. Mazzone

� associate E D I TO R S Stephanie Watson J.T. Crawford Amanda Hutchison Amy Clevidence

� art D I R E C TO R Scott McWilliams

� associate art D I R E C TO R Allison Wicker

� editorial P H OTO G R A P H Y Amy Wright

� cover P H OTO G R A P H Y Brad Rankin

� on the C OV E R Sarah Stewart Holland

� Paducah Life is published six times a year for the Paducah area. All contents copyright 2024 by Mazzone Communications. Reproduction or use of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Comments written in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of Paducah Life. Subscription rate is $29.95 for six issues. Subscription inquiries, all remittances and all advertising inquiries should be sent to Paducah Life, 2780 D New Holt Rd. #346, Paducah, KY 42001. Phone: (270) 556-1914. This magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. All submissions may be edited for length, clarity and style.

Celebrate the women in your LIFE with a subscription to

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Some things DO come full circle. n 2014, Sara Bradley and I sat down in my study in our house on High Street and talked about the cover feature we were planning for her arrival back home in Paducah. Sara is a graduate of Heath High School and had often hung out in our game room with our oldest son, Vince, and their mutual friends. We talked about her path back to Paducah and the vision she had for her culinary career in her hometown. Just two issues ago, she was AGAIN on the cover of Paducah Life Magazine chronicling her award-winning appearances on Top Chef and Chopped. In 2010, Sarah Stewart Holland, just after having her first son Griffin {she now has three sons as do I}, and I sat down (in the SAME chairs) in my study in our house on High Street. Sarah is also a graduate of Heath High School. I immediately had this notion that here just might be a “mini-me.” Sarah and I had tons in common and began to finish each other’s sentences. I could definitely see Sarah putting pen to paper for future editions of our city magazine. But Sarah actually became more of a “maxi-me” moving her focus from western Kentucky to the world. Sarah ultimately turned her gift of gab and her deep knowledge of politics into the creation of the award-winning Pantsuit Politics podcast that she produces with her partner Beth Silvers. And although Sarah’s scope now extends beyond our little corner of the world, she has graciously provided a variety of prose over the years and, in fact, has contributed to this edition with an essay on her role on the Kentucky Commission on Women. This journalist and publisher couldn’t be more proud of these history-making women in our very midst. And I am honored to be able to call both of these young women colleagues and friends. So, what could be more perfect than to ask chef Sara to interview podcaster Sarah for this cover story on Sarah Stewart Holland. We know you will delight in this wide-ranging conversation between two Paducah women about their LIFE, their careers, their families, and their role as women in the workplace and the world. These two award-winning women of achievement most definitely have LOTS on their respective plates!

Darlene M. Mazzone darlene@paducahlife.com

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 • 5

New in Season 4: Follow hosts Maggie Keith (the farmer) and Lindsey McClave (the foodie) as they harvest maple syrup in Scottsville, forage for wild mushrooms in Eastern Kentucky, sample homegrown strawberries in Whitesburg, and make artisanal cheese in East Bernstadt. Each episode takes viewers behindthe-scenes with local farmers and makers to see first-hand how the food is made, and then Maggie and Lindsey take what they’ve learned into the kitchen to create a delicious dish.

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PADUCAH LIFE CAST TWO CELEBRITIES FOR A FAR-REACHING CONVERSATION

from one

SARAH (S tewart Holland )

TO ANOTHER

SARA ★★★★

(Bradley) ★★★★

aducah is rightfully proud of its many women making history. So, for this edition featuring award-winning podcaster Sarah Stewart Holland, we asked award-winning chef Sara Bradley to pose the questions from one Sara to another Sarah. These two hyper-creative women grew up together and now find their LIFE converging in boldly different and yet strikingly similar ways. The conclusion of their conversation? LIFE is good in Paducah.

7 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024

The

SARAH &SARA Conversation

SARA: I’ve sometimes wondered when you left home did you think, I’m never coming back?

SARAH: I can assure you that 18-year-old Sarah would have told you, I’m getting out of here. I’m never coming back. You probably said that too. But when I was in Washington, D.C., I kept thinking I wanted to run for office. But I got there and realized that I didn’t want to be a representative of Maryland or Virginia! That’s not what I wanted. That’s not who I am. I wanted to run in Kentucky. And at that point my husband, Nicholas, and I started to think about having kids. I didn’t want to get on a list for the congressional daycare center five years in advance! I lived on the third floor of a walk-up. And Nicholas was working all the time, often late at night. That’s when I realized I was ready for the next phase of my life, but not in D.C. I had gotten advice from Theresa Isaacs, a Lexington mayor when I was in college. She’d gotten this advice from Sandra Day O’Connor. Her advice was just, go have your kids and knock that out. Then figure out what you want to do. I don’t think that was a conscious plan. It’s just what I ended up doing. SARA: So, when and how did you get this clarity of what the next phase was going to be?

SARAH: I think having kids was clarifying for me. I began to contemplate—what do I enjoy doing? What am I good at? By the time I ran for office in 2015 I had just had my third son and started the podcast. I decided to do the podcast and run for office. After D.C., I was ready to get back to politics but obviously Paducah doesn’t offer a multitude of outlets for that option. I think I was trying to piece it all together.

8 • PADUCAH LIFE

SARA: That’s interesting. I would say that the Sandra Day O’Connor advice is the worst advice ever. (Sarah Holland gasps.) One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from a chef who said, “No one will care as much about your career as you do.” And I tell that to cooks who come to talk to me. I always pass that on. My career started well before I had a relationship so my trajectory was very different. But I agree that once you have children, you start to really take note of how you are spending your time.

SARAH: Yeah, I totally get that. I was more in that 50s model that O’Conner was talking about. I married my college sweetheart and wanted to have a family—you know kind of that success sequence. But I also could have taken the track of burying myself in my work before we had our first child. Like your career, my early years were intense. I was working on Hillary Clinton’s campaign and it was high stress and you’re always being pushed to climb the ladder. But the time came when I knew that was not where I wanted to be. SARA: So timing was also a part of how you got to the here and now.

SARAH: Well, some of that was luck . . . AND hard work and, yes, timing. I was a little late to blogging. But early enough to podcasting to break through. A lot of my current career followed the Internet. It was also very hard to launch something with little kids. It’s a very solo endeavor, but it also requires all these people around you. SARA: You know, you can come to my restaurant and see exactly where I create. It’s transparent. And even though the podcast is public, your creative space is unseen. So where do you DO Pantsuit Politics? ‘Cause I think no one would imagine it’s in this beautiful Harry Potter space under a stairway!

SARAH: When my partner Beth and I started, she was sitting in her closet on the floor and I would just do it in my bedroom late at night. We had little babies. It was simply conversations between the two of us. I just really wanted to talk to Beth. To this day, our conversational chemistry is the secret sauce; whatever you want to call it. That’s the essence of Pantsuit Politics. We record in a

little home studio now. But then it just blossomed from there. We now have two employees. We have this incredible financial support from listeners. They are also a source of ideas. Still much of the work takes place in my head—it can be intense. But make no mistake. I love the news, the politics. It’s what I’m passionate about. It’s a great gig!

SARA: In the restaurant industry a lot of times it’s been really hard for women to move up; especially if you want to have a family. I originally thought I’d never have a family. I thought, I’ll be a great chef and do all these great things. Have you felt in this industry you’ve chosen—the politics or the podcasting—do you feel that being a woman has had either a positive or negative effect?

to bring people here to our hometown and to your restaurant last year. To people who follow us and you, for them, it was like a dream come true!

SARA: One of the reasons I got into what I do was the hospitality of it. When your listeners were here, it felt really cool to sit up there with you guys. I’m always at “the pass” (bridge between kitchen and servers) at freight house. When I watched you and Beth I remember thinking, they’re at “their pass.” You birthed this group the same way I created my restaurant. It was so empowering. What is this one thing that you want women to take away?

SARAH: I think part of what we encounter is sexism tied up with geographic stereotypes. Which I’m sure you are familiar with. (SB: Ya think?) When you’re not on the coast, for better or worse, people make a lot of assumptions— about what you’re capable of or what kind of product you’re producing. We had a pretty big name on the show recently and at the end he said, “That was really good.” It was obvious he was surprised. We’re from Kentucky. We’re women. However, early on we got a lot of feedback from men who said, I can listen to men talk politics anywhere. I like this show because I can hear from women.

SARA: I think what’s so interesting about what you’ve chosen is that people have a million choices and they come to you. I am forward facing. I am Paducah. You are forward facing in a different way. But we’re always championing Paducah. You mention Quilt City a lot. Do people think you’re getting kickbacks? People must think we get paid to talk about Paducah so much!

SARAH: You know, among our community there is so much trust. In the same way that feeding people is so personal, being in someone’s ears a couple of times a week is so personal. They feel like they know us and they really do. There is a relationship with listeners. They’ve heard me talk about Paducah for years. And it was so fun

SARAH: I remember people telling me when I tried to blog, just find the thing you would do even if you did it for free. And it felt cliché, but it’s true. Also, we were in the right place at the right time. Our original introduction was Sarah from the left and Beth from the right—no shouting, no insults, plenty of nuance. That got people in quickly. I also think it took a lot of hutzpah. Beth was working full time in a law firm and she bravely took her opinions out into the world. I hope that was a testament to women that taking the risk is possible and tangible. I had a lot less on the line than Beth. People already knew I was a loud mouth. That’s a brag. Got Most Talkative at Heath High School!

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 • 9

SARA: I think mine was School Spirit. Or, um,

SARAH: We say at Pantsuit Politics, we take a

maybe Class Clown. Not sure.

different approach to the news. We aren’t journalists. We are not political pundits. We process the news. Sometimes that processing is emotional. We just did a very sensitive episode on abortion. Sometimes it’s a legal processing where we’re like: what’s going on with these lawsuits. Sometimes it is purely political. We’re not making an argument. We’re looking at what’s going on and we’re often saying: this is what makes me mad, this is what’s confusing, this is what surprised me. That sort of processing is what we do together.

SARAH: There was an element of trusting ourself. We had something of value. It was life-giving to me. Now I’m going to tear up. It’s STILL life-giving to me to sit down with Beth. We were not close friends when I contacted her about doing the podcast. Now I could not imagine LIFE without her. Beth and I are very different personality-wise. I think that balance was what really appealed to a lot of people. But it’s all hard. Beth quitting her job was hard. Hiring people was hard. Writing books was hard. I can’t imagine all the things YOU had to do to open a restaurant!

SARA: I did Top Chef in 2019. And it was my year of YES. You want me to do that? Yes. You want me to come there and film? Yes. Then I did Top Chef All Stars two children in. So, this is my year of NO. I understand my time is valuable. My LIFE has changed. It’s not just the restaurant, it’s the Sara Bradley brand. What is 2024 for you?

SARAH: My word of the year is cherish. First it was less, but that seemed negative. But there ARE a lot of demands. We’re building this brand on our own. But now we have a great team. We’ve proven our legitimacy. We’ve had Secretary Pete on. We’ve had Hillary Clinton on. I think now we’re doing what we do well and not trying to do everything. Beth’s wisdom has always been that the podcast has to be our north star. What about you?

SARA: Totally. But within the past few years, I’ve also focused on all the little twinkly stars around the freight house. And now, post husband and family, I really ask myself: is it good for the restaurant, for my family, for me, for my employees, even for Paducah, before I commit to something. Sarah and Beth signing the contract for their first book deal in 2017.

SARA: You know, sometimes I’m at Kroger and I’m buying 10 bunches of bananas and someone says . . . banana pudding? And I explain that I own freight house and they say, where is that? (Sarah laughs out loud.) I have to imagine that even some of the people who will read this in Paducah Life will be like, what is Pantsuit Politics? What is she talking about? Give me the elevator pitch.

10 • PADUCAH LIFE

SARAH: I agree! I love that people know we’re from Paducah. I think it’s so fun. I think our work is so weirdly aligned and yet couldn’t be more different in other ways. SARA: You know, not to toot your horn Darlene, but we could say that about Darlene Mazzone. SHE was out here. The magazine is HER creative brainchild, like us. She was out here when we were little. She was figuring out a way to promote Paducah and showcase the beautiful

SARAH: Never. Look at all the wonderful stuff we’ve done. Who would have ever thought about Sarah, the podcaster, and Sara, the chef, sitting down to do a Paducah Life interview about our achievements. That’s kind of the beauty of it, isn’t it. Who knew where LIFE would take us.

SARA: Well cheers to you. You are an empowering woman out there representing all of us on a lot of really important topics.

Sarah with then Senator Hillary Clinton in 2007.

things about it. That’s how I feel about us. I cook food that is regionally-derived but with touches of wherever I am. And you get out there and you’re talking about the community and the world and the places you’ve been. We’re all sharing out heritage and our skills in unique ways.

SARAH: Yes! I’ve been on Good Morning America

SARAH: Thanks, and same to you. I think if we looked back at the young Sara(h)s we would have seen two girls who were energized by other people and a love of people. I think that’s part of our connective tissue. I can see that when you walk around the freight house. You get energy from your guests the same way I get energy from listeners. I think we’re both out there taking what the world gives us and finding a way to create from it. LIFE is good, isn’t it! To view the video conversation between Sarah Stewart Holland and Sara Bradley, go to the Paducah Life You Tube page.

and in the New York Times. And when Darlene called to say she wanted me to be on the cover of this magazine I teared up because Sarah from 1995 always dreamed about that! And it’s not just the recognition, but the acceptance. When I started the podcast I was taking a lot of heat as a commissioner. People were mean. It’s heartbreaking to have your motives doubted. Now, I’ve finally come back to the space where I feel my love of Paducah and my work are aligned. And that feels good. And I recognize that if we hadn’t come back to Paducah to the support of family and friends, I could never have started this endeavor. Like you, it’s OUR creative energy, but it stands on the foundation of this entire village we live in.

SARA: The people who came to your Pantsuit Politics weekend realized that, didn’t they?

SARAH: They loved Paducah. I got emails from people on the west coast saying, I miss Paducah! I’ve been telling them that for years! SARA: I would never have thought in high school that you and I would be sitting here doing this today.

Sarah and Beth on Good Morning America 3 with Amy Robach and Jennifer Ashton in March 2022.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 • 11

12 • PADUCAH LIFE

What is

PANTSUIT POLITICS

al l about ?

ANTSUIT POLITICS IS A PODCAST FOR real conversations that help listeners understand

politics, democracy, and the news——while still treating

each other like thoughtful human beings. It takes a different approach to the news; where political analysis blends hard facts with important social and cultural undercurrents so subscribers don’t miss the big picture. Over years of discussing everything from abortion to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Sarah and Beth established basic rules of engagement which they describe in their books, Now What? How to Move Forward When We’re Divided (About Basically Everything) (2022) and I Think You’re Wrong (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversation (2019). Listeners describe Sarah and Beth as “America’s political therapists” and “our trusted, smarter friends who can help us make sense of the world.” The podcast was named one of Apple Podcasts Best Podcasts of 2021 and has been featured in The New York

Times, The Atlantic, and The Guardian. Sarah and Beth have been guests on Morning Joe as well as Good Morning America 3, where they were named a Podcast of the Month in 2023. You can listen to Pantsuit Politics on any podcast app like Apple Podcasts and Spotify or at www.pantsuitpoliticsshow.com. They release new free episodes each Tuesday and Friday. They also offer two weekday shows to Premium subscribers: Good Morning, a 5-10 minute news brief covering the headlines, and More to Say, a 10-15 minute deep dive into a current event or legal issue.

★★★

FROM PODCAST TO POLITICS TO PRINT SARAH STEWART HOLLAND AND BETH SILVERS ARE THE AUTHORS OF TWO BOOKS ABOUT POLITICS In I Think You're Wrong (But I'm Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations (2019), Sarah and Beth teach readers that politics don't have to divide. Instead, we can bring the same care and respect to policy discussions that we bring to the rest of our lives. They give us all of the tools we need to respect the dignity of every person, recognize that issues are nuanced and can't be reduced to political talking points, listen in order to understand, and lead with grace and patience. Now What? How to Move Forward When We're Divided (About Basically Everything) (2022) was the follow-up to the duo’s first book. If you are tired of the anxiety, frustration, and fear that pervade your connections with other people, both online and in real life, you are not alone. Sarah and Beth help readers understand the powerful connections we all have with other people on a personal, communitybased, national, and even international level. Then they show us how to engage our family with a spirit of curiosity, listen closely to the anxieties and fears of your friends, explore shared values within your community, understand your work as a citizen in a diverse country, and hold lightly those things that are beyond your control around the world. The status quo isn't working. If you long to be a peacemaker and a positive influence in your spheres, Now What? is a door to a future that is characterized by hope, love, and connection despite our differences.

The

KENTUCKY COMMISSION on women ★★★

by S ARAH S TEWART H OLLAND

OR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, I HAVE HAD THE HONOR of serving on the Kentucky Commission for Women. Every quarter, I drive to Frankfort and sit with amazing women from all around our great Commonwealth. We are teachers and business women. We are government workers and nonprofit leaders. And we come together to try and meet our mission of elevating the status of women and girls in the commonwealth. The Kentucky Commission on Women has a long history that is always front of mind as we gather together to continue the work. In response to President John F. Kennedy’s creation of The Commission on the Status of Women in 1961, states across the nation began establishing women’s

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commissions aimed at addressing gender-based inequalities and promoting women’s rights. Kentucky Governor Edward T. Breathitt established a state commission in April 1964 to study and report on the status of Kentucky women. The findings demonstrated a pronounced need for a permanent agency to promote the improvement of women's status, and in November 1968, Governor Louie Nunn signed the executive order establishing the Kentucky Commission on Women. In 1970, the Kentucky Commission on Women became an official state agency through legislation and The Kentucky Commission on Women became part of the Cabinet for General Government in 1980. Over the next several decades, the commission was instrumental in illuminating the challenges facing Kentucky women and passing legislation to address them, including a portion of every marriage license application that goes to domestic violence shelters across the state. The 21st century has held more complicated times for the commission with Governor Matt Bevin eliminating funding for the administrative staff and operations in 2018. Our work as the current Commission has been to guide the commission through these new and difficult administrative challenges under the leadership of Governor Andy Beshear and Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, who serves as an ex-officio member. The commission is still dedicated to doing everything we can to improve the status of women and girls. We want to celebrate the role of important women through our Kentucky Women Remembered, which began at the Kentucky State Fair and became a permanent exhibit in the West Wing of the capitol in 1996. This year we inducted seven new members: Lonnie Ali, widow of Muhammad Ali and lifetime director of the Muhammad Ali Center; Jane Beshear, former Kentucky first lady and mother of the current governor; Sharon Currens, an advocate for survivors of sexual violence; Hannah Drake, the co-lead artist for the (Un)Known Project, which works to discover the names and stories of enslaved Black people; Gloria Jean Watkins, the feminist author and activist known by the pen name bell hooks; Mary Margaret Mulvhill, one of the first women elected to the Louisville Board of Aldermen; and Peggy Purdom Patterson, the first woman appointed to be a federal judge in Kentucky. Another vital role of the commission is gathering data on women in Kentucky and the commission hopes to publish a new collection of research and data in 2024. We have also been working on re-establishing the Kentucky Commission for Women Foundation so to provide a permanent support that can protect the commission from the shifting winds of partisan attention. Being part of the commission and watching the revival of its mission has been an incredible gift. Learning about not only the history of what women have contributed to the Commonwealth but also how we can help future generations meet the challenges before them has been a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in state government. Too often, consuming political news or partisan bickering removes us from the real work—and felt impact—that happens in Frankfort every day. Being a small part of Team Kentucky during the past several years has been such a great experience as a citizen, as a volunteer, and as a woman.

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ALONG THE OHIO DARLENE BUTTS IS A GUARDIAN OF MEMORIES AND A CURATOR OF CONNECTIONS ABOARD THE F.R. BIGELOW

H by Amy Clevidence N THE HEART OF THE MIGHTY OHIO RIVER

where the waters ebb and flow, Darlene Butts creates heartfelt culinary magic upon the F.R. Bigelow. She greets the cold, wintry mornings at 3 AM, and her galley comes alive with the warmth of her smile and the aroma of breakfast in the making. Darlene, the culinary captain, wears many hats in this world—a cook, a confidant, and a morale booster for crew members of Ingram Barge. The galley of a towboat is the heart of the vessel, a place where sustenance and camaraderie converge. Each day brings a new adventure for Darlene, who prepares breakfast, mid-morning snacks, lunch, afternoon treats, dinner, and desserts for her crew. It’s a non-stop journey into the heart of the crew’s appetite and the river’s soul. Darlene’s journey to the river life was a surprise twist in her story. Raised on a farm in Bumpus Mills, Tennessee, she spent her early years tending to chores and helping her family. At the age of 53, life’s currents brought her to a career she’d never imagined—a towboat cook. Her nephew, a seasoned riverman, planted the seed when he asked,“Have you ever thought about cooking on a boat?” With a weekend of prayer and reflection, Darlene decided to give it a try. Mere days after he posed the question, she was cooking in a towboat galley amid the flows and currents of America’s inland waterways. That was 14 years ago. “I’ve been doing this for years now and I didn’t even start until I was 53. I wish I had started years earlier. It’s a good life,” reflects Darlene. Her journey along the river has taken her to places she’d never imagine—from New Orleans, Louisiana to St. Paul, Minnesota. One special sight Darlene will never forget is the view of the St. Louis arch from the river’s vantage point—a view that few arch visitors get to experience. Life on the river is a tapestry of stories, and Darlene is a storyteller in her own right. With each meal, she weaves connections, not just through food but through genuine conversations and attentive listening. She knows each crew member’s name, allergies, likes, and dislikes, creating a sense of home and family on board. These small touches make a big difference, especially when far from home, and the crew appreciates the effort. “Cooking on a towboat isn’t just about feeding the body; it’s about nourishing the soul,” Darlene says proudly.

16 • PA D U CAH LIFE

on a “ Cooking towboat isn’t just about feeding the body; it’s about nourishing the soul.” -Darlene Butts

Life on the river is a unique experience. Darlene used to work 28 days on and 28 days off, a challenging schedule that allowed more time at home, but also more time away. However, now her rhythm is set to 14 days on and 14 days off. She lives on the vessel during her two weeks on board. She cherishes the time spent with her river family, forming bonds that run deep. As she looks ahead to retirement, Darlene wonders if anything else will ever compare to this unique journey. The Ohio River, with its ever-changing scenery and vibrant history, is a testament to the interconnectedness of people and places. Onboard the F.R. Bigelow Darlene Butts is not just a cook; she’s a guardian of memories, a creator of connections, and an essential thread in the tapestry of river life.

F E B RUA RY / MA RC H 2024 • 17

A New Year! A New Team Member! All of us at Broadway Dental look forward to a new year together with our patients and our friends AND our new dentist, Dr. Allison Reed. Our team is ready to make your acquaintance and make your appointment in 2024! Let’s all keep smiling!

Dr. Ethan Shelton, DMD Dr. Kinny E. Slaughter, DMD Dr. James K. Hunt, DMD Dr. Allison Reed, DMD

Broadway Dental Care 130 Lone Oak Road • 270.443.9099

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Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub

Welcomes Back Judge Tom Russell Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub is pleased to announce the return of Thomas B. Russell to the firm as “of Counsel,” focusing on the firm’s mediation practice. Mr. Russell served as United States District Judge of the Western District of Kentucky for 28 years. Before his appointment in 1994, Tom was a very active litigator and tried numerous cases before juries throughout western Kentucky as a member of the Whitlow firm. Welcome back, Judge Russell!

Old National Bank Building • 300 Broadway • Paducah, Kentucky • (270) 443-4516 • www.whitlow-law.com

McKenzie

Woods Is Back Where She Belongs

(AND THAT PUTS A BEAUTIFUL SMILE ON HER FACE. AND THE FACES OF MANY OTHERS AS WELL.) by Darlene Mazzone

R. MCKENZIE WOODS’ BABY BOOK REVEALS MORE THAN her first words and when she took her first steps. It reveals her earliest thoughts about her future. F E B RUA RY / MA R C H 2024 • 19

MCKENZIE WOODS “My mom and I found this keepsake book earlier this year, and I was amazed to read that when I was three, the question on the page was, what do you want to be when you grow up,” she says.“And my mom had written that I replied—an orthodontist.” What three-year-old knows the word orthodontist? The future Dr. McKenzie Woods. McKenzie’s father, Dr. Jim Woods, started his orthodontic practice in 1980. In 1985 he built a stateof-the-art office on Kentucky Avenue. In 1988, his daughter, McKenzie, was born. And in 2017, after getting her degree from the University of Kentucky and finishing her residency there as well, the next Dr. Woods arrived to begin her transition as the new generation in the practice of orthodontics at the same location—now 37 years later. Dr. Woods is the only female orthodontist in the area. “I truly love being back in Paducah,” McKenzie admits.“Many of my fellow graduates have established their careers in larger cities and with large practice groups. But I knew from the beginning that I wanted to come back home to continue my dad’s practice. I’m a really hands-on person, and I love having complete control of each patient’s process.” This is not an exaggeration. McKenzie sees every patient from start to finish with the help of just one other staff member.“I really want to have a relationship with the patient, and in the case of my young patients, their parents. It means so much to me to be able to have one-on-one communications with each person I’m working with and to stay abreast of their progress all along the way.” McKenzie has always loved her hometown, but like most high school graduates who are drawn away to college, she wasn’t always certain of her final destination.“One day I was home from UK and my mom and I were walking past Dry Ground. It was closed, but I stopped and peeked in the window,” McKenzie recalls.“I immediately turned to my mom and said, I want to live here!” It doesn’t hurt that her fiancée is also here. (They’re getting married in the fall.) And it’s kinda nice that her new home is only blocks away from where she grew up. And that her future family will have the benefit of being surrounded by those who have nurtured her from birth. McKenzie has been “in the office” since she was a child.“I worked at the office and helped out during school holidays and summers. So, I’ve been a part of the practice since I was really young. It’s definitely been a part of my life for my entire life.” Now, the orthodontic practice her father established almost 40 years ago is in the hands of a new professional alongside some new methods and technologies. “I always say that the basic biologic methodology is really the same as when my dad started his practice,” Whitney adds.“But now there are many wonderful technological advances to make the process simpler and more comfortable for the patients. It’s really gratifying for me to be able to offer a system that has fewer poky wires and that’s easier to maintain.” But just a few years into her newfound happy place, a setback arrived on Christmas day in 2022. “My receptionist’s cousin was driving by our office in that big snow storm last year, when he saw smoke coming out of the building,” Whitney recalls. Within minutes Whitney and her father were at the scene, impatiently waiting for nearly four hours for the diligent local firefighters to put out the blaze. “It seemed like forever until we were able to get access to the building,” Whitney adds.“But we were grateful that our computer room was virtually unharmed and that we were able to restore the building.” During the ensuing EIGHT months of waiting for the building to be pulled back together,

20 • PA D U CAH LIFE

Abe

BACK STAGE PASS SERIES

Partridge

McKenzie’s childhood friend and fellow dental professional, Dr. James Hunt, provided space for the few days after the holiday for McKenzie to treat any emergency issues. And amazingly, within the next week or so, she and friends and family managed to clean, paint, prepare, and put together a makeshift office for her in an empty building nearby. ‘I still cannot believe that we were able to get up and running again within just a couple of weeks,” McKenzie says.“We literally only missed about three days of actual work with patients. It was incredible that it all came together so quickly.” Now the new girl in town is back on the job and looking ahead for both her practice and her profession. “We have a study group that includes orthodontists from around western Kentucky,” McKenzie explains. Here, too, McKenzie is the only female in the membership of about 20 physicians. “I’m hoping that we can continue to grow this organization and to build a coalition of professionals that can support each other in times of need,” she adds. (Like maybe when you have to move out of your office for eight months or perhaps if you want to start a family.) “One of the best things about being back here is the camaraderie among the dentists in Paducah,” says McKenzie.“Everyone here is so collegial and more than willing to work together. But I just think that’s who we are. That’s Paducah. And that’s one of the many reasons I love being back here to build my LIFE in my wonderful hometown.”

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H by Amy SullivAn

Experience the Joy of a Journey with Jane Julian

T AGE 44, WHEN JANE JULIAN’S YOUNGEST CHILD WAS HEADED TO college, she wanted to do something fun after being a stay-at-home mom and working at the family insurance agency. She loved to travel and plan trips for her family, so she took a course at the University of Louisville on being a step-on guide for tour groups stopping in the tri-state area, visiting such places as Garden of the Gods. After two years, Jane decided this wasn’t the exact fit, and with encouragement from her husband and in-laws who had traveled with an area tour company, she inquired about a tour director job with them, which she took and held for eight years, beginning in 1994. In 2002, Jane opened Jane’s Journeys. This year Jane is marking 31 years in the tour business and 23 years as a business owner and entrepreneur. Jane’s Journeys offers fully escorted group travel, which includes one-day, overnight, and overseas tours, as well as cruises. Tour planning for pre-formed groups, such as banks, garden clubs, and churches can also be arranged. “You never know where life will take you,” Jane said.“I didn’t plan for this to be a full-time job, but it just fell into place. It started with a few one-day and overnight tours and has grown throughout the years.” In fact, Jane’s Journeys has expanded enough to require the help of an office assistant, Jane’s daughter-in-law, Esther Julian. Jane’s son, Dale Julian, will also join the company in May after he retires from teaching music at Clark Elementary School in Paducah. Dale has organized and directed tours to New York City for the Market House for F E B RUA RY / MA R C H 2024 • 23

Jane’s Journey the past few years. Until Dale and Esther committed to the company, Jane had been planning, organizing, and covering the entire job herself. She is looking forward to the assistance of Dale and Esther, who will lead several tours in 2024. The company offers at least one single day tour most months, and more depending on the season. Jane tries to offer tours to fit everyone’s schedules – one-days for folks who can only be away for a day at a time and overnights for those who would like to take a longer journey. Jane says tours are great for single people, as it’s a great way to make new friends. They also offer cruises to such lovely landscapes as Alaska and the Caribbean. Jane’s Journeys travels the United States from Branson, Missouri, to Mackinac Island, to Waco, Texas, to the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. International trips include the Greek Islands, French Riviera, Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Italy (already sold out for May and September 2024). By far, Jane says, the annual Mystery Tour is one of the most popular trips, with repeat travelers plus new passengers every year. As the name implies, guests don’t know where they are headed on these trips. Jane sends a letter that tells travelers what type of clothing to wear depending on the climate and weather, or if they need dressy clothes in addition to casual outfits. Many love seeing their friends who also register every year.“When someone has the faith to go on a tour with me and not have a clue where they’re going—that is very special,” Jane stated.“Last year we went to San Antonio and Dallas-Fort Worth. In past years, we have been to Virginia Beach, Finger Lakes of New York, Kansas City, Asheville, Atlanta, and Michigan.” Christmas tours are also popular, perfect for gifts, with several offered annually. Last year tours included trips to the Biltmore and Opryland Hotel. In 2024, guests can enjoy The Greenbrier Resort, Branson, or West Baden Springs, Indiana. Personal service is the focal point of Jane’s Journeys. Unlike a travel agent who offers individual travel and takes care of solely booking the trip, as a tour operator, Jane specializes in inclusive group travel from beginning to end. Everything is pre-planned from the time you get on the bus until you get home.“I personally design, make all reservations, and escort my tours. I realize the importance of hands-on, one-on-one service. The biggest thing with a tour is that people don’t have to worry about making their own plans or hotel reservations. We drop them at the front door, stay in very nice hotels, and arrange transportation, with drivers who know the areas and destinations. I believe that taking the worry out of travel is one of the reasons why my customers choose a tour, rather than going on their own.”

Information on Jane’s many journeys can be found at janesjourneys.com.

24 • PA D U CAH LIFE

YOUR NEW LOOK BEGINS HERE. To enhance her exciting excursions, for many years Jane has accumulated an abundance of artwork and other treasures along the way, aiming to amass a collection commemorating many delightful destinations. She likes to purchase items from countries that she would not find in the states, like a horse and a vase from Morocco. She loves her pictures purchased from street artists in Europe and the Caribbean, as well as from art auctions on Princess Cruises. She has purchased gifts for her son such as a didgeridoo from Australia, and for her woodworker husband, a unique moose puzzle from Alaska. Though she has taken a myriad of photographs over the years, her framed favorite hangs in her living room, a prized picture of a gentleman standing on his balcony in Venice that she took during her first tour in Italy. She has even painted her own portraits depicting her travels, a hobby she picked up during COVID. Jane never sells a tour that she hasn’t personally scouted. After COVID, when a hotel she had been using for many years stopped offering breakfast and luggage handling, Jane and her husband jumped in the car to find another hotel, demonstrating her commitment to offering quality accommodations. “The greatest gratification for me is for people to join me for the joy of the journeys we encounter together,” Jane concludes.

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Myrna Espinosa Redfield Named Among Top 50 Women Leaders in Kentucky H by Amy Clevidence

HIS PAST DECEMBER, MYRNA Espinosa Redfield, President/CEO & Program Manager of the Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership (FRNP), was recognized as one of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Kentucky for 2023. This award, given by the Women We Admire organization, recognizes 50 female leaders in each state that are making a difference every day in their field of work. “The Bluegrass region stands out as one of America’s most productive areas, boasting a significant number of manufacturers and a plethora of industries,” notes the organization.“This award recognizes the most accomplished women executive and leaders in the state.” Myrna has held her current position at Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership since 2019. She is the first woman to hold the management position. However, her history with remediation at the former uranium enrichment site spans decades. After completing her degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico, At the age of 22, Myrna moved to Paducah to begin her career here as a Safety Engineer at the Department of Energy office at the Paducah site. “To say it was a culture shock to suddenly be 22 years old and move by myself from Puerto Rico to Paducah would be an understatement,” she explains.“English was my second language, so even carrying on a conversation was a challenge. And I was very homesick in those first months. But my co-workers basically adopted me and looked out for me. Thanks to the many acts of kindness by them and other people I met, I felt welcomed.”

Over the years, Myrna served in various technical and leadership roles on multi-million-dollar Department of Energy contracts. She also worked for the Department of Energy for twelve years in various safety, technical, and management roles, becoming a recognized leader in establishing strong client relationships while implementing programs and strategies to address difficult technical challenges. Now, her role is to lead FRNP’s team of approximately 1,000 employees in safely delivering the scope of FRNP’s contract with the Department of Energy at the Paducah site. “I am honored,” she states.“The fact that an external organization has evaluated my work and contributions and considers me to be a leader to be admired is amazing.” Apart from her career, Myrna has also spent 30 years building a beautiful family. She met her husband, Bill Redfield, on her first day of work here in Paducah. They have three children—Megan (married to Connor), Benjamin, and Gabriella—and two granddaughters, Blakely and Charlie. Her advice for women who want a fulfilling career and family life: You CAN have both.“I want to make sure women who read this know it is ok to have a family and be a CEO. First, you cannot compare your situation with anyone else’s. Your ‘balance’ is unique to you. Ensure your family understands the demands of your job, while making time to be present for the important events. Planning and having a support system that you trust and can depend on is key. It takes a team effort.”

F E B RUA RY / MA R C H 2024 • 27

H by Amy Sullivan

Artistry, Authorship, and Inspiration

Dee Gregory kept her eye on the sparrow and put her heart on the pages of her published memoir

EE AND HER HUSBAND, HERB,

grew up on Long Island, New York. They were high school sweethearts and, a year after Dee graduated, Herb proposed and flew home one weekend from Air Force basic training to buy Dee an engagement ring. Though Dee had thought she would attend college and become an art teacher, her plans quickly changed when Herb received orders to be stationed in northern Italy. They were married five months later and off they flew to start their life together at an Air Force Base nestled at the foot of the Alps. Three years later they returned to the United States, moved from Long Island, and settled in Clearwater, Florida to raise a family. In 1993, Dee’s husband received a job offer from Lockheed Martin which necessitated a move from sunny Florida to a place in western Kentucky called Paducah. Dee couldn’t imagine what this distant community might be like, especially after living in the Italian landscape and on the coast of Florida. But move they did and both quickly fostered a fond affection for their new small-town citizenship. Dee’s working years began when her children were school age. She first worked part time as a church secretary close to home. In the many years that followed, she worked as a legal secretary, a preschool teacher, and taught kindergarten through third graders in church Sunday school in Clearwater and also here in Paducah. Dee’s interest in art began in childhood. She paints with acrylics on canvas – florals and

F E B RUA RY / MA R C H 2024 • 29

Dee Gregory landscapes mostly. She has created art on wood, fabric, furniture and, encouraged by her designer daughter, entire wall murals in many homes as well as her own. She is currently putting together a coffee table book, A Creative Touch, which showcases her earliest work to the present. Dee found being able to illustrate Bible story lessons on a chalkboard delighted her Sunday school students and sparked their interest in the moral tales being told. Dee loved to write and often enhanced the Bible lessons by rewriting or reworking suggested activities to better address the ages of the children and their attention spans. She wrote Christmas Eve devotions for her family, letters to mark special occasions and, eventually, she felt inspired to write and illustrate a children’s book, Lillian Rose Wants A Turtle, which is based on a true family story. A chaplain from the couple’s Air Force days had continuously encouraged Dee to write her life story. He insisted it would help many that might relate to her trauma, her brushes with death, and her journey of faith. Housebound by Covid, Dee found the time and the desire to begin the book, Eye on the Sparrow – A Memoir. The memoir is a transitional account of events beginning with her mother’s pregnancy to her father’s death. To date, reader reviews have said it is inspiring, encouraging, and touching – often funny and poignant at the same time. “It was worth all the hours I spent at my computer, forgetting to fix lunch, sometimes even dinner, still in my pajamas with my husband of over 50 years bringing me cups of coffee and understanding the intensity of my mission,” Dee says. Unfortunately, Dee’s chaplain friend died before the book was published. But his encouragement greatly bolstered her determination to bring her troubled life to light on the pages of her spiritually-inspired story of faith.

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Eye on the Sparrow is available in hardcover at Barnes and Noble.

Lillian Rose Wants A Turtle can be purchased on Amazon.

A Creative Touch will be published next year.

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32 • PADUCAH LIFE

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by Amy Clevidence

Restoring the Ritz

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND TRANSFORMATION

N THE WINTER OF 1927, THE CHILL OF ANTICIPATION HUNG IN THE PADUCAH AIR. Elegantly clad ladies, their fur-trimmed coats billowing, and gentlemen stepping out of Model T Fords, gathered at the intersection of Twenty-Second and Broadway. This was the moment; the grand unveiling of the Ritz Hotel, a masterpiece born in the midst of the Roaring Twenties. Constructed during the economic boom of the 1920s, the Ritz Hotel, located at 2201 Broadway, was a product of the Charleston Investment Company of St. Louis. On February 21, 1928, the company proudly presented this architectural gem to the world, marking an indelible moment in the city’s history. The grand opening was a lavish affair featuring a sumptuous dinner and a dance that swiftly became the social highlight of the winter season. The venue was adorned with tasteful decorations befitting George Washington’s birthday.

F E B RUA RY / MA R C H 2024 • 33

The RITZ The Ritz Hotel, a six-story marvel, offered 96 meticulously designed rooms, quickly earning a reputation as one of the South’s most splendid hotels. Its modern amenities and exquisite furnishings made it an instant icon. The rooms seamlessly combined living and sleeping spaces, creating an unparalleled Melody, experience for its guests. Adding to the allure were Jenny & Jim the hotel’s crown jewels: the top-floor dining room Chapman and ballroom. The dining room continued the esteemed tradition of the Charleston apartment tea room, fusing two eras of culinary excellence. After nearly a century, the Ritz Hotel stands as a small details that enhance the building’s charm. cherished landmark, a testament to enduring elegance, Under the Chapmans’ dedicated stewardship, a series and a timeless symbol of hospitality. Its legacy, deeply of transformative changes have breathed new life into The rooted in history, continues to enrich the fabric of Ritz. Thoughtful cosmetic and infrastructure enhancePaducah, inviting guests to bask in the same ambience ments were meticulously executed, and the once-majestic that captivated patrons in 1928. ballroom was lovingly restored to its former grandeur. The In 2017, Jim and tea room, an intimate space with historical significance, Melody Chapman purchased now boasts a fresh coat of paint. the building and embarked on The Ritz now offers 47 apartments, each handpicked by a passionate journey to breathe residents also enchanted by The Ritz. All apartments have new life into this architectural been modernized while preserving their original, timeless marvel in Paducah’s midtown. character, ensuring that residents enjoy both comfort and Their initial intentions were far heritage. from a grand restoration proj“Our ultimate aim is to transport the common spaces ect as Jim Chapman explained. back to the ambiance of 1929,” Jim explains,“all while “I’d love to tell you that we’ve discreetly integrating modern conveniences.” been chasing it for years and Nestled within The Ritz Midtown’s secrets lies the eyeing it, but that’s not the sixth-floor rooftop balcony, offering an enchanting case. We did not buy it with the intention of completing a massive renovation,” he admits. However, as they embarked on their journey of minor upgrades, they serendipitously unearthed hidden gems—a cache of unused French doors, vestiges of a once-grand balcony, and vintage awning lights. Among these remarkable discoveries were four lofty windows that bore traces of cigar ash, remnants of opulent gatherings from a bygone era. The Chapmans, drawn to the building’s charm, endeavored to return the public spaces to their original 1929 glory.“All of us fell in love with the building. We like old things,” Jim Chapman confessed, particularly praising his daughter, Jenny, for her talent in noticing

34 • PA D U CAH LIFE

panorama of Paducah, a treasured secret known to only a few fortunate residents. Additionally, the rooftop boasts a unique amenity—a second-story dog park, thoughtfully equipped with a convenient bath station. This cherished space, complimentary for residents, fosters a sense of community among pet owners, inviting them to unwind amidst inviting picnic tables and chairs. The Chapmans’ vision for The Ritz extends further, with plans to add a gym and game room for residents, further enhancing the building’s amenities. Beyond residential spaces, The Ritz has rekindled its role as a vibrant hub for businesses. Six retail spaces now call The Ritz home, each contributing to the building’s diverse tapestry. These businesses include Dona Mari’s Taqueria, an authentic Mexican restaurant; Pink Needle Tattoo, specializing in permanent makeup; Grey Hare, an interior design company; Anita Love, a skilled cosmetologist; Joonie Glam Boutique, a destination for women’s fashion, and the Relaxation Station, offering massage therapy. Their objective, as Melody Chapman expresses so well, shines brightly.“Our motivation for embracing this endeavor emanates from the irresistible charm of this structure’s enduring elegance and its profound historical significance. It beckoned us to become its stewards, preserving its grand legacy for generations to come.”

F E B RUA RY / MA R C H 2024 • 35

Introducing Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub’s

Newest Partner, Darren Smith Whitlow, Roberts, Houston, & Straub is pleased to announce that Darren Smith has joined the firm as a Member/Partner. Darren joined the firm as an associate in 2022. His practice focuses on the areas of Insurance Defense, Workers’ Compensation, Estate Litigation, and Construction Law. His experience includes counseling clients on all stages of the civil litigation process. He has briefed and argued cases in the state courts of Kentucky, Illinois, and Tennessee. He has been rated by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star for 2023 and 2024. Darren is currently a United Way board member and is involved with United Way’s PALS program. He’s a graduate of Leadership Paducah Class #36 and is a member of the Rotary Club of Paducah. Darren is a graduate of St. Mary High School and received his B.A. degree in history from the University of Kentucky and his J.D. from the University of Kentucky David Rosenberg College of Law in 2016.

Old National Bank Building • 300 Broadway • Paducah, Kentucky • (270) 443-4516 • www.whitlow-law.com

36 • PA D U CAH LIFE

Clean Keepin’ It

Snow White Towels (We Couldn’t Resist), Happier Hotel Guests, and a New Innovation for the Hospitality Industry is the Brain Child of Local Entrepreneur Matt Snow

★ by A M Y C LEV IDEN C E

N THE REALM OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP, SOME individuals stand out not just for their business acumen but also for their commitment to creating a positive impact. Matt Snow, the owner and president of Enviro-Fresh, is one such visionary entrepreneur. With a background in mechanical engineering as well as an MBA, Matt brings a unique blend of technical expertise and business savvy to his role as a

leader in sustainable hospitality solutions. Matt’s journey began with a spark of inspiration and a vision to transform the way hotels approach cleanliness and sustainability. As the System Vice President of Support Services for Baptist Health System, he was wellversed in the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, particularly in the context of environmental sustainability. Leveraging resources from Sprocket, Paducah’s go-to hub for innovative startups, he embarked on the challenging path of entrepreneurship with a mission in mind. “Sprocket was instrumental in connecting me to the right people to keep this initiative moving,” says Matt. “Without their guidance and nudging me in the right direction, it would have been difficult to keep the ball rolling. At the heart of Matt’s entrepreneurial venture lies the Enviro-Fresh towel dispenser— a product designed to enhance both cleanliness and sustainability in hotels. By sealing towels, hand towels, and washcloths in individual compartments, this innovative solution offers hotel guests an unmistakable proof of cleanliness while significantly

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 • 37

MATT SNOW ★ Entrepreneur

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reducing water usage, energy consumption, and the amount of chemicals being used in the laundering process. “As I was traveling, I noticed a pressing need related to the towels and hand towels in hotel bathrooms. They either had an unclean situation where towels could have been soiled by coughing, sneezing, toilet spray, etc. if they stay on the shelf because they looked “untouched” or they have significant waste by having to launder towels that were technically never used,” explains Matt. “My facilities and laundry management background sparked a solution to the problem.” Another key aspect of Enviro-Fresh is to improve the perception of cleanliness in the hospitality industry. The hidden problem of potentially unclean towels left from previous guests is a concern Matt addresses with unwavering commitment. Through heightened awareness of cleanliness, Enviro-Fresh not only meets post-COVID expectations but also goes beyond by setting a new standard for hygienic excellence. By making it evident that towels are clean and uncontaminated, the Enviro-Fresh dispenser enhances guest satisfaction but also reduces the time and effort required by housekeeping staff. “Our solution empowers the hardworking individuals in the hospitality sector,” Matt adds, “making their jobs more efficient and fulfilling. In the wake of the pandemic, the world’s understanding of cleanliness has evolved. We’re here to help hotels not just meet but exceed these new expectations.” Recent tests at a Hampton Inn just outside of Memphis have shown positive results on Matt’s initiative. The trial resulted in a 59% reduction in towel laundering. The housekeepers logged data each time they turned over a room when a guest checked out. They added to the log approximately 170

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Enviro-Fresh’s towel dispenser consists of three compartments, each independently indicating whether a towel has been used. If a compartment still displays “clean,” housekeepers know that the towels within remain uncontaminated and can remain in the room.

OK, so we just have to brag a bit. Paducah Life Magazine just knew Matt Snow was headed for a bright future when we chose him as one of our young professionals for the future in 2015! ••• times which ultimately showed the significant reduction. “We are thankful for the partnership with this developer and the leadership team at the Hampton Inn,” Matt says. “This effort proved that significant savings can be achieved for the hotel operators as well as provide a cleaner environment for guests with a sustainable approach to towel management.” Matt Snow’s entrepreneurial journey with Enviro-Fresh is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovative thinking, sustainability, and a genuine desire to make the world a cleaner, greener place. His passion for both business and the environment continues to drive him forward, and the impact of his vision is set to transform the hospitality industry.

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FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 • 39

★ by J.T. CRAWFORD

PARt one

A History of

Wrestling in western kentucky

40 page

Editor’s Note:

In 2006, J.T. Crawford pitched the idea to Paducah Life Magazine about a two-part series on professional wrestling. Although chair throwing and arena antics had never been on my radar, I must admit, J.T. had obviously done a lot of research and the piece he ultimately submitted definitely told a story about a part of Paducah’s past that was unknown to me . . . and, it turned out, to our readers. In light of the resurgence of wrestling on the Kentucky scene with the Netflix series WRESTLING based on stars of Ohio Valley Wrestling co-owned by Matt Jones and Louisville. Mayor Craig Greenberg, we thought it would be fun to reprint PART I of Western Kentucky Wrestling.

Young Randy Savage (Left) and

Lanny pofFO

42 • PA D U CAH LIFE

ART ATHLETIC EXHIBITION AND PART theatrical drama, wrestling is one hundred percent entertainment. It’s been with our nation for its entire history, but very little of what happens in the ring has changed. What has changed is how wrestling fans get their fix of their favorite sport. If you wanted to experience wrestling fifty or sixty years ago, you would probably go to a local armory or gymnasium to see wrestling live, in person, and in your face. During the 80s and 90s, however, one group—World Wrestling Entertainment—began to dominate the wrestling world with legendary televised spectacles that not many localized wrestling promoters could keep up with. The pyrotechnics, bawdy display of sexuality, and scripts that would make any soap opera writer envious, made the WWE the central focus of the wrestling world. By the turn of the millennium, it appeared the days of local wrestling promotions were over. But in small towns across America’s heartland, wrestling fans began to grow weary of televised wrestling. A desire to see wrestling the way it was meant to be… in the ring, and in person . . . began to grow. Promotions began to crop up in some of the most unlikely of places… rural towns. Some came and went, but some thrived. But can live, local wrestling survive in a world glut with entertainment choices? Today’s professional wrestlers hope so, and they work hard to ensure the success of the sport. Towns such as Paducah were once havens for the wrestling scene. For many years, Paducahans could see wrestling inperson two nights a week. By the late 50’s, you could scream over matches such as Joe Costello vs. the Black Phantom, or female wrestlers Candy Kane (the Cajun Queen) vs. Cry Baby Edwards. Events were held every Thursday night at the I.B.E.W. Hall on Kentucky Ave., then dubbed as the Paducah Sports Arena. On Saturday nights, wrestling shows were hosted in the WPSD-TV studios and broadcast live. So if you couldn’t make it down to the station, you could always tune in on Channel 6. In fact, professional wrestling was one of the very first programs to air on the station in 1957. The late Bob Swisher, announcer for some of the first matches at the station, remembered the early days. “It was pretty ambitious. We built a ring

after the newscast right there in the studio and invited people. You couldn’t seat many, but they’d stream in anyhow. We always had a full house,” he told us in 2006. And some pretty colorful characters stood out in Bob’s mind. “The Sheik of Araby was one. He was a villain. All the matches had a good guy and a bad guy. The bad guy usually wore some sort of weird garb. The Sheik came in from Chicago. He was actually a graduate from Northwestern University with a degree in music, and he was a heck of

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 • 43

Wrestling history THE SHEIK OF ARABY IN 1952

a piano player. He’d come down about 6 pm, and many times we’d sit down and listen to him play the piano. He was absolutely a concert pianist. Then he was this bad guy wrestler on the side where he made a little money doing that. He was the one I remember the most on Channel 6.” Wrestlers such as the Sheik would go on to national fame. In fact, the Sheik persona grew into one of the most popular wrestlers on the WWF in the 1980s under the new name, the Iron Sheik. But live wrestling had its pratfalls. Swisher remembered wrestlers coming out of the ring and landing on the announcer’s table and referees who just couldn’t seem to stay out of the fray. “Fans in the studio got after the villains. They’d hiss and boo and throw things at them. I remember one night some rabid fan threw a chair into the ring.” And really, not much has changed. One visit to any local wrestling show and you’ll see fans who live for the action in the ring. Even though live, in-studio wrestling at WPSD didn’t remain on the station’s schedule for very long, independent wrestling continued to grow in Paducah. Not only did the Sheik of Araby get his start in rings such as the one in Paducah, stars such as Ronnie Garvin and Randy “Macho Man” Savage spent many nights in Paducah, honing their skills as wrestlers. Both would go on to international fame with the WWE. In fact, the Macho Man met his wife, Elizabeth Hulette, while in Kentucky. Later known as Miss Elizabeth, the Frankfort native garnered the title of “The First Lady of Wrestling” by the mid-eighties. Old School Wrestler and Hardin native Jamie Phillips was heavily influenced by those early days of Paducah wrestling. “I used to sneak up late on Saturday nights after my parents were in bed and turn the TV on with the volume real low. I saw all my heroes such as Ronnie Garvin wrestle live on TV. I then started saving my money to go see some of the matches myself,” Phillips recalled. Paducah wrestling seemed to peak in the late 90s with the growth of

44 • PADUCAH LIFE

Tony Falk’s All Star Wrestling. Events were held twice a month in Paducah. In 1998, the All Star Wrestlers performed for a sold-out and completely packed crowd in the Heath High School gym for a benefit show following the shootings at the high school. But All Star wasn’t meant to last. Falk dismantled All Star after perusing offers to wrestle in larger federations. It seemed that wrestling was over for Western Kentucky. By 2000, televised wrestling was king. Local entertainment dollars were being pumped into movie theaters and boosting the entertainment in one’s own home. What was to become of this longstanding form of live entertainment to which people were drawn no matter its authenticity.? Want to know more? Tune into our April/May edition for Part II of A History of Wrestling in Western Kentucky!

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English • Math • Reading • Science Reasoning • Writing and More! 46 • PA D U CAH LIFE

★

by A M Y S ULLI VAN

Lynsi Barnhill, Director of Nutrition Services and Food Security

It’s

Full Steam Ahead

at the Paducah City School’s Innovation Hub Cafe

ONSCIENTIOUSLY POSITIONED BENEATH THE PADUCAH INNOVATION HUB’S grand, eye-catching social staircase rests a bustling break area for the students, faculty, and staff of Paducah Tilghman High School: the STEAM café. Cleverly named for the focus areas of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics classes offered at the Hub, the STEAM café serves a selection of fresh baked goods, coffee, tea, and more, and is the perfect stop for a starting snack or midday pick-me-up. Part of the Hub’s master plan, it debuted when the doors opened in 2020. “We have a wonderful selection of baked goods, including muffins, scones, cookies, pastries, bagels, coffees, and teas, and the kids love it,” says Allyson Humphrey, STEAM café manager. “Though sometimes kids choose it as an alternative to the cafeteria’s offerings, it’s largely meant to be a reward system. Students can earn a pass to pick a treat from the café by doing a good job.” The chefs stick around a few minutes after school for kids who want to grab a coffee before they leave. When their schedules permit, students can enjoy a calm and enjoyable environment at the seating area adjacent to the coffee shop. Teachers bring classes to this space to work or sometimes for a fun Friday treat. Pastry prices are intentionally kept low so as to be affordable and conducive to students’ incomes. “We try to offer healthy choices as well, such as guacamole or cream cheese with bagels, low-calorie lemonade, sugar-free syrups, and whole grain baked chips,” commented Lynsi Barnhill, Director of Nutrition Services and Food Security. The only sodas offered are IZZE sparkling fruit juices, a low-calorie, healthier carbonated alternative.

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 • 47

The

STEAM

48 • PADUCAH LIFE

CAFE

Lynsi also cleverly created a “cupboard under the stairs,” Harry Potter-themed menu of drinks and baked goods for the fall and winter months, including iced or warm butter brew, frog water featuring a gummy frog, and decorated Harry Potter cookies. All items are baked in Paducah Tilghman’s kitchen, made to order. Allyson and Lynsi strive to keep the menu fresh with featured selections, specials, and themes, always adding new items. Additionally, Allyson manages breakfast and boxedlunch catering services for in-house groups who have meetings or tour the Hub and regular gatherings such as the local garden clubs and the board of realtors. They might stay later after school if the makerspace is having a heavily attended event and have also catered a weekend chess tournament at the Hub. The culinary chefs enjoy collaboration with the abilities class at Paducah Tilghman, who assist with stamping cookie sleeves and placing stickers on cups. These students also help with harvesting lettuce from the tower gardens and raised beds which is used on sandwiches offered through the café and catering services. “They are amazing, and it brightens my day every time they come in to help us,” Allyson remarked. Last year, one of the seniors in the abilities class mentioned how much he enjoyed the café and would love to work in this area, which led to his full-time employment in the Tilghman cafeteria after graduation. Every aspect of this innovative idea is providing “steam” power for students and faculty alike.

Call 811 before. Ya dig? Call 811 at least two days before you dig to have those underground utility-owned lines marked. It’s free, and it’s the law. April is National Safe Digging Month

atmosenergy.com/GasSafety FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 • 49

50 • PADUCAH LIFE

BEST DESIGN ADVICE I have three! The first is paint the room. It makes such a difference to the space, it’s affordable, and you can easily change it. The second is make sure you finish a room. A lot of times people will just pick a couple of large pieces and put them together, but they’ll forget to add the accents. And finally, hire a professional. We can draw up a plan and find the right pieces that best suit your needs and tastes.

BEST MOM MOMENT My husband Kory was still in school and I was on vacation with my girls. I had my twin babies and my three-year-old with me. We were at the Biltmore Estate. I had one twin on the front of me and one on the back, with the threeyear-old next to us. It was a lot, and all I wanted was a glass of wine. I realized at that moment, I didn’t need to push myself to go through the whole estate. I had been there before. So, we went out to the garden and sat under the wisteria. It was such a magical moment. I wanted to do everything, but realized I just needed to lower the bar at that moment.

BEST WEEKEND AWAY Going away to Market at High Point, North Carolina with my coworkers! The people I work with are amazing, and I love my time with them. When I started my own firm I went with my sisterin-law, Heidi. She is now my partner, but at the time we both had our own businesses. We were

walking around and saw that the company Loloi was having a private party and Kenny G was playing. My husband’s step mother had recently passed and she LOVED Kenny G. So, I asked the security guard if he could sneak us in to hear him perform. It is now such a unique memory. It was a small way to honor this special family member.

BEST NIGHT OUT Our oldest, Leola, was just two months old and Kory and I went to see Garth Brooks. It was our first night out since becoming parents. I just remember it was so much fun. We were close to the stage. We grew up listening to him and just sang along and danced to every song.

BEST READ I love Brene Brown’s The Gifts of Imperfections which is all based around the question, “Are people really doing the best they can?” The book reminds me that we should give some grace and assume the best. I also love Brene Brown’s acronym, BRAVING, from her book, Dare to Lead. I have an image of it on my desktop as a reminder. It’s a good motto for finding and retaining genuine relationships with people.

BEST DESIGN MISTAKE We had ordered this really beautiful metal bar cabinet with a marble top for a client. When she got it, she sent us a picture and asked if this was really what we envisioned. The cabinet was about three times smaller than we intended. I immediately bursted out laughing. I had to call her and apologize. It turns out we ordered the end table that looks exactly like the bar cabinet—except miniature! We had waited so long for it to come in, and there it was and it was SO SO tiny! It looked like it had shrunk in the dryer.

mandy oliver is co-owner of oliver falder designs. she’s a Murray state grad, the Mother of three (including twins), wife to Kory, caretaKer of seven-Month-old livie (the faMily dog), and “a country girl who loves a good hog Killing!” she’s been an interior designer for 15 years. FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 • 51

Mandy Oliver ★ continued

BEST PODCAST It’s hard to decide! I love listening to podcasts. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of “Good Inside” with Dr. Becky. It has helped me reflect on myself as a parent and learn new strategies to deal with those everyday moments. I also have listened to all of Brene Brown’s podcasts.

BEST VINTAGE FIND We found these really cute mid-century modern retro lamps at one of our favorite places to vintage shop. It is Dashwood Vintage. It looks a little run-down but it’s adorable. It’s right across from the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. We used them for a client in Hilton Head. The condo had been the clients’ parents’ home so we had taken pieces of their furniture and reused them. It was our way of giving a nod to the parents while also updating the space. The furnishing became such a wonderful mix of new and old and the lamps just fit in perfectly.

Mandy’sWork TOP TO BOTTOM

This richly-hued room is one of Mandy’s favorite designs. The surprising wall color created serious drama for this beautiful gathering space. The grasscloth wallpaper in this room of many angles was designed by Lindsay Cowles. Mandy and her partner designed the vanity. This mid-century modern lamp was the perfect accent for an old-meets-new room Mandy was designing. It’s from Dashwood Vintage in Nashville, one of Mandy’s favorite shopping spots. Mandy loved finding this work-of-art chandelier for a client. It’s made out of saddle oyster shells.

52 • PADUCAH LIFE

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Introducing Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub’s

Newest Partner, Matt Eddy After graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in English from Georgetown College in Georgetown, Kentucky, Matt earned his J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School. He served as law clerk to the Honorable Thomas B. Russell, United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky, for two years before joining Whitlow, Roberts, Houston, & Straub as an associate in 2019. He focuses his practice in the areas of maritime law, employment law, and commercial litigation. Matt is licensed to practice in Kentucky and Tennessee. He has been rated by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star for 2023 and 2024. Matt is a member of the Rotary Club, the Propellor Club of Paducah, and the Steering Committee of Paducah Young Professionals. He is a board member of the PaducahMcCracken County Joint Sewer Agency.

Old National Bank Building • 300 Broadway • Paducah, Kentucky • (270) 443-4516 • www.whitlow-law.com F E B RUA RY / MA RC H 2024 • 53

H by Kristi Brown

Carousel Chronicles

T he

HOLDING TIGHT TO PADUCAH MEMORIES

N THE HEART OF NOSTALGIC PADUCAH, MY MEMORIES BECOME LIKE A CAROUSEL, spinning like a colorful kaleidoscope of cherished moments spent there with my sister while we visited my dad and his family during summers, holidays, and long weekends after our parents divorced in the early 1970s. As a child of the 70s, I would eagerly anticipate the times we would load up and head to Bob Noble Park where we’d stand in line for as many tickets for rides as Daddy would allow. I loved them all – from the little colored boats that floated around in a big tank of water to the tiny train that traversed the park in what felt like the entirety of the world. It never ceases to amaze me how our perspectives of time and space are much larger and magical when we are children. Though time has since changed the park’s offerings, memories of what it used to be are seared in my mind. To this day, I can still hear echoes of the enchanting music of the carousel beckoning to two young girls. At the carousel, my very favorite thing to do there was to select just the right horse as close to my sister as I could get. I distinctly remember the time I no longer needed someone to hold onto me. I bravely held the brass ring with both hands as my horse slowly bobbed up and down circling round and round. I’d count to myself how many times I’d pass by my dad while he waited for the carousel to slowly creep to its completion, as I secretly hoped that it would never stop. As the music faded and the carousel slowed, I’d slide down the side of my paint-chipped horse and jump off the platform with my sister to Daddy’s insistence that it was time to go. That carousel was more than a ride; it represents laughter and child-like perspectives, and the platform beneath the feet of ours and many other families over the years held our memories that mirror what it means to have each other. Sometimes we’d pull into the Dairy Queen Drive-In just across from the entrance of the park where we’d each order a snack. My usual was a chocolate dipped cone that I ended up wearing most of while my sister wisely ordered her Dilly Bar. I thought it was so cool that our order was delivered to Daddy’s car and set atop his half-cracked window on a yellow

54 • PA D U CAH LIFE

Ceglinski tray with red hooks. During many workdays, we would often accompany Daddy to his real estate offices in the former Citizens Bank Building where the paneling was on every wall and the man who ran the snack bar in the lobby received more pennies for our Orange Crush and Dr. Pepper sodas and gum than he probably wanted. Occasionally, if my sister and I got too loud giggling while Daddy would be on a phone call, he’d flick a pen over the cubicle wall to let us know we were being too noisy. I remember downtown Paducah was always bustling with businesses and activity, and I loved walking the streets of downtown back then. We’d regularly walk to Rexall Drugstore and sit at the counter for milkshakes and chili dogs while brilliantly twisting ourselves silly on the circular barstools. I recall a cold winter day before Christmas when one street was blocked off for a Winter Wonderland and a decorated small house where children could tell Santa their Christmas list items and pose for pictures. From a child’s view, the lights and make-shift snow made the promise of Santa Claus’s impending visit and being “good” delightfully magical. As the carousel continues to spin in my mind, days of driving to the riverfront – accessible by vehicle through the

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5401 Blandville Road • Paducah, KY 42001 • 270.554.0171

F E B RUA RY / MA R C H 2024 • 55

KKHB_JimLandryPartner__4.75"x9.75"_PaducahLife.pdf

12/27/23

11:27 AM

Introducing KKHB’s Newest Partner

James P. Landry

CMY

Keuler, Kelly, Hutchins, Blankenship & Sigler, LLP is pleased to announce the promotion of James P. Landry to partner. Jim joined our firm in 2017. During his time with us, his exceptional legal skills and unmatched dedication to his practice have made Jim an esteemed member of our team. Specializing in civil litigation, medical malpractice defense, civil rights, and employment law, Jim's expertise is evident in his achievements. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 2016 and has since been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers® for 2023 and 2024. His contributions to the legal community were also acknowledged when he received the Kentucky Defense Counsel's Young Lawyer of the Year award in 2019. Please join us in extending a heartfelt congratulations to Jim on this well-deserved achievement.

100 SOUTH 4TH ST, SUITE 400 PADUCAH, KY 42001 270.448.8888 | KKHBLAW.COM

56 • PA D U CAH LIFE

flood walls at that time – and ride or just sit along the water’s edge provided entertainment and a source of connection for my sister and me with our dad. We’d toss rocks out into the water and watch them ripple out until they were lost in the massiveness of the river’s current. Many times, we’d watch fireworks on the water or listen to bluegrass bands play during summer months. The benefits of the river for Paducah have not only created economic prosperity from its early days of settlement but also have provided a place of gathering, community, and identity for which I am proud of the memories and influence on my life. As the years passed, school, work, and my own family life made it increasingly difficult to get back as often as I would have liked. There are many places and remaining evidence of the Paducah I knew and loved in my early formative years. Much has changed or no longer exists, but the carousel of memories reminds me that life is a continuous ride, with each revolution bringing new perspectives and opportunities for growth. Holding onto memories serves as a link to our personal history, providing a sense of continuity and identity. In times of uncertainty or change, memories act as a source of comfort, reminding us of our

KKHB_Shelby Clark Intro__4.75"x9.75"_PaducahLife[1-2-24].pdf

1/2/24

12:29 PM

Introducing

Shelby L. Clark

resilience and growth. Because of Paducah, I have a carousel full of gratitude for simpler days and pleasures, enduring memories with family and their influences that linger in many aspects of who I am. So, I invite you to step onto the carousel of your own mind, hold onto the brass ring of cherished memories, and let the music of your life play on.

CMY

Kristi Brown is a leadership and life coach, motivational speaker, and author of a self-published book, To Walk on Fertile Ground. As a certified facilitator and trainer, she also works for Tennessee Valley Authority in economic development. She and her husband, Steve, live in Starkville, Mississippi with their beloved labrador retriever, Honey.

We are very pleased to announce that Shelby L. Clark has joined Keuler, Kelly, Hutchins, Blankenship & Sigler, LLP as an associate attorney. Shelby is a native of Marshall County. She attended the University of Kentucky where she earned B.A. degrees in History and Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies, both Summa Cum Laude, in 2020. Her educational journey continued at the University of Kentucky, J. David Rosenberg College of Law, where she recently earned her Juris Doctor in 2023. She has now returned home to western Kentucky to concentrate her practice on litigation and appeals, insurance defense, auto accidents and municipal law.

100 SOUTH 4TH ST, SUITE 400 PADUCAH, KY 42001 270.448.8888 | KKHBLAW.COM

F E B RUA RY / MA RC H 2024 • 57

Crafting Dreams

★ by A M Y

C L E V ID E N

Todd Blume’s Journey from Brewing to Business Advocacy N THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN PADUCAH

you’ll find Paducah Beer Werks and its owner, Todd Blume. Todd is not just a business owner; he’s part of the heartbeat of Paducah’s growth, a passionate advocate for small businesses, and a guardian of the dreams of those who call our charming city home. As the visionary behind Paducah Beer Werks, Todd has a fire burning within him that transcends mere entrepreneurship. His story is one of love for Paducah, a place where he has not only planted his roots but has cultivated them with unwavering dedication. Todd’s journey began with a simple love for artistry, a passion that found its first sips in the world of small business. Like the creation of a fine craft beer, Todd ventured into the realm of small businesses, recognizing their unique ability to craft communities with innovation and character. It was there he discovered not only his calling but his commitment to a flourishing Paducah. “Growing up, my father was always talking about business. We would travel and look for new ideas. That entrepreneurial spirit brushed off on me. Finding ways to improve and grow business that benefits the community is still a passion today,” Todd says. Paducah Beer Werks regulars likely picture Todd amidst the clinking of glasses and laughter at the bar, however, his influence extends far beyond the brewery’s walls. He has made his voice—an unwavering voice— heard as an appointee to the Kentucky Commission on Small Business Innovation and Advocacy

58 • PADUCAH LIFE

(CSBIA). Here, he advocates for small businesses to champion their cause in the corridors of state government. The CSBIA, an independent state commission, is the conduit through which Todd channels his passion for small businesses and his love for Paducah. Comprised of a thirteen-member board handpicked by Kentucky’s governor, this commission ensures the concerns and aspirations of small business owners like Todd are heard, understood, and acted upon. For Todd, the CSBIA is a testament to his unwavering commitment to Paducah’s growth and the well-being of its people. It's about addressing the challenges that small businesses face in the ever-evolving landscape of regulations, taxes, and government policies. “Small businesses are the heartbeat of our community, weaving economic vitality and local character into the fabric of everyday life. As a small business owner who has seen his fair share of obstacles in our ever-evolving business landscape, I hope to bring light and guidance that will not only help my local community, but the entire state. Rising tides lift all boats,” Todd believes. As we wander through the stories of Paducah, we are reminded of the power of individuals like Todd Blume. They are the guardians of our dreams, the architects of our city’s growth, and the keepers of its unique spirit. In his journey, Todd exemplifies the artistry of small business ownership, and through his advocacy, he brews a brighter future for Paducah.

SEE KENTUCKY’S VIBRANT HISTORY COME TO LIFE. Learn how our past shapes our future as you explore Kentucky’s rich history, with heroic stories, interactive exhibits, fascinating tours, plus archives and genealogy resources. Inspiring and engaging for all ages, plan your unforgettable visit today. history.ky.gov

Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History Kentucky Military History Museum • Old State Capitol

60 • PA D U CAH LIFE

★

by A M A N DA H UTCHI S ON

Temple

Israel

Since the Early 1800s, a Group of Devoted Jewish Families and Leaders Have Served to Guide Both Members of Temple Israel and Members of the Community Towards a Greater Understanding of Their Faith

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 • 61

Temple

Israel

HE JEWISH ROOTS OF PADUCAH CAN be traced back as far as the 1840s when the earliest Jewish settlers opened up merchandise shops along Front Street. By 1859, there were eleven Jewish owned businesses. In the same year, the Jewish community founded the Chevra Yeshurum Burial society and bought land for a cemetery located next to what is now the Mount Kenton Cemetery on Lone Oak Road. The Jewish community’s first synagogue, named the Kehillah Kodesh Bene Yeshurum (Holy Community of the People of Righteousness), was a two-story framed building erected in September of 1871. It was located on Chestnut Street between Clark and Adams Street (now South Fifth Street). Temple Israel followed, coming into existence in May 1893. It was located at Broadway and 7th Street. It was a much grander brick building featuring a central tower, a pair of minarets, and three large onion domes. The onion domes were removed in the early 1930s. The building was designed by Brinton B. Davis. It was torn down in 1963 and replaced by the current building at the corner of Madison and Joe Clifton Drive. A panel of the original roofing tiles from the 1893 building is available to view in their social hall. The Jewish population, and consequently the membership of Temple Israel, has decreased over the years, beginning shortly after World War II. In 1937 there were 600 Jews in Paducah. By 1969 there were 275, and by the 1970s, only 70 families remained as members of the temple. Due to the dwindling size of the congregation and the deteriorating state of the large 1893 building, the congregation built and moved into their current site in 1963. Prominent Jewish business owners began closing their doors in the 1970s and 1980s as Kentucky Oaks Mall became popular. Some of the Jewish-owned businesses in the downtown that many still recall were Finkel’s Fair Store, Weille’s, Wallerstein’s, Minnens, Michelson’s, Mannis Jewelry Store, and Lookofsky’s Children’s Store. The last full-time rabbi left Paducah in 1992. Since then, Temple Israel has partnered with Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati. Student rabbis travel to Paducah to lead

During Passover dinners, Seder plates like the one displayed at Temple Israel, present symbolic foods that help tell the story of Passover. / Three scrolls are kept in Temple Israel’s ark and date back to the 1893 synagogue. The handwritten text is read every year to the congregants. / Paducah’s second synagogue was designed in 1893 by Brinton. B. Davis. It was located at Broadway and 7th Street.

62 • PADUCAH LIFE

In Hebrew the word menorah means “lamp.” The lights of the menorah symbolize the number of days that the ancient temple lantern blazed. Families light the candles during the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah. / Student rabbi Rachael Houser has led the congregation at Temple Israel for the past two years. / Paducah’s first synagogue was erected in 1871 and was located on what is now South 5th Street.

Shabbat services, holiday series, and Torah study sessions. The current student rabbi, Rachael Houser, has been with the temple for a year and a half has been an energizing force for the small group of congregants. Through their contract with Hebrew Union College, the student rabbis can only stay for a maximum of two years with a temple. “We are lucky to have a place like Temple Israel where the congregants are comfortable with having someone who is less experienced,” Rachael shares. “They give us a chance to learn, practice, and along the way, present us with challenges, fair criticism, praise, and support— everything we need to improve and reflect on our leadership style.” Currently Temple Israel has approximately 25 members in the temple and attracts another 20-25 people in the Paducah community and greater region. President Fred Allen feels the synagogue is at a crossroads as they think about the organization’s future and mission. “Our building was constructed in 1963, but has been well maintained and modernized over the years,” Fred notes. “We don’t necessarily expect people to be locked into a mindset of what Judaism was 60 years ago. We understand that the population is diverse. People have a wider range of needs today and are looking for a spiritual experience that meets those needs. We listen closely to congregants so that we can dovetail the past with the anticipated needs of the future to make the present truly work.” Student rabbi Rachael marvels at the community she has led over the last year and a half. “The community is so vibrant and kind of beautifully stubborn,” Rachael reflects. “There are a lot of synagogues facing questions about closing their doors based on low attendance and budget problems. Temple Israel is wondering what the future will be and how to stay vibrant and alive. That determination is inspiring and will serve them well.” In imagining the future of the temple, Fred sees Temple Israel as a place that is available to not only those who identify as Jewish, but as an educational destination in the community. “I want us to be seen as a regional learning center—spiritually, academically, and historically. I want people to understand and have access to a Jewish experience. If anyone wants to learn about Judaism because they think it might be something of interest to them, then I want us to be available to assist and serve as guides.”

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Order No. 11

The Time the Jews Were Expelled from Paducah

★

by A MAN DA H U T C HISON

AN INFAMOUS ORDER FROM THE HEADQUARTERS

of General Ulysses Grant ordered the removal of the entire Jewish class from Paducah. This is the story of how one Paducah man had the order reversed. On January 3, 1863, a man named Cesar J. Kaskel arrived in Washington, D.C. He, along with the entire Jewish community, had been expelled from their hometown of Paducah, Kentucky. He was tired, frustrated, and just wanted to return to his river city. He knew there was only one person who could make this happen for them and so that night, with the assistance of his friend, former Cincinnati Congressman, John Gurley, he met with President Abraham Lincoln. Who would have thought CESAR J. KASKEL this Prussian immigrant from Paducah would stand before President Lincoln? Cesar had moved to the United States in the 1850s with the hopes of a better life. Life in Prussia was limited for Jewish people. There were restrictions on where they could live and what occupations they could pursue. In 1858, Cesar settled into the newly incorporated city of Paducah. It was the perfect place to start a business. Besides its proximity to the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers,

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the New Orleans and Ohio Railroad had just been built through Paducah, increasing the volume of trade. Cesar and his business partner, Solomon Greenbaum, set up their business. The advent of the Civil War soon disrupted the economic life of Paducah. The North restricted trade with the South. On September 6, 1861, General Grant, then stationed in Cairo, Illinois, brought an army of 5,000 men up the Ohio River and took control of Paducah. General Grant read his proclamation to the city of Paducah: “To the citizens of Paducah, I have come among you, not as an enemy, but as your friend and fellow citizen, not to injure or annoy you, but to respect the rights and to defend and enforce the rights of all loyal citizens.” Cesar, like most of the approximately 30 Jews in Paducah, publicly supported the Union. In August of 1862, Cesar signed an Oath of Allegiance to the Union. He also served as the vice president of the Paducah Union League Club and his brother Julius was a recruiter for the army. In Jonathan D. Sarna’s book, When General Grant Expelled the Jews, Sarna describes the struggles Jewish residents dealt with during this time. With restrictions placed on trade, there were greater opportunities for smugglers and speculators. Though Paducah’s Jewish population was small, they played a large role in business and trade. Based on the pervasive stereotype that Jews were unscrupulous, the Jews of Paducah were often mistrusted by both Unionists and Confederates. There was also the addition of General E. A. Paine, who was left in charge of Paducah for a short period of time while General Grant was away. He distrusted the Jewish residents, accusing them of illegally trading with the South. It was a difficult time to be Jewish in Paducah.

On December 17, 1862 General Grant signed the infamous order No. 11: The Jews, as a class, viola ting every regulation of trade established by the Treasury Department and also department orders, are hereby expelled from the department within 24 hours from the receipt of this order. Post commander will see that all of this class of people be furnished passes and required to leave, and any one returning after such notification will be arrested and held in confinement until an opportunity occurs of sending them out as prisoners, unless furnished with permit from headquarters. No passes will be given [to] these people to visit headquarters for the purpose of making personal application for trade permits.

By order of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant

It would take approximately ten days before the order reached Paducah. The Jewish families of Paducah were given 24 hours to evacuate. It was likely a terrifying time for these residents. Many had come to the United States after escaping from persecution in Europe, and here they were being persecuted again with soldiers knocking on their doors. In one account a solider knocked on the door of a Jewish home. The soldier asked, “What are you?” The resident answered, “Tailor.” The soldier replied, “I am sorry to bother you Mr. Tailor, I’m looking for Jews.” According to Sarna, within hours of the expulsion Cesar and Julius Kaskel, and merchant, Daniel Wolff, sent a joint telegram to President Lincoln declaring that they were “greatly insulted and outraged by this inhuman order, the carrying out of which would be the greatest violation of the Constitution and our rights as citizens, and would place us, besides a large number of Jewish families in this town, as outlaws before the world.” They received no reply. Likely President Lincoln never saw the telegram as he was busy preparing to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Cesar, along with the other expelled residents, boarded the steamship Charley Bowen headed for Cincinnati. Accounts recall how a baby had been inadvertently left behind. As the boat was pulling out, a Union soldier threw the baby onto the boat.

After arriving in Cincinnati, Cesar continued on to Washington. It was late at night when Cesar met with President Lincoln. The president had no knowledge of the order. According to reports the exchange went as follows: “And so, the children of Israel were driven from the happy land of Canaan?” asked Lincoln. Cesar replied, “Yes, and that is why we have come unto Father Abraham’s bosom, asking for protection.” “And this protection they shall have at once,” reassured Lincoln. Lincoln immediately wrote orders to revoke Order No. 11. It should be noted that this order did not just affect people in Paducah, the order affected anyone in the areas of Grant’s military district which included parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky. There are accounts of Jews from Holly Springs, Tennessee walking forty miles on foot to Memphis after being expelled. Word spread, as it did during this time, at different rates and accounts show that there were others on their way to Washington to talk to President Lincoln. But it was Paducah’s Cesar Kaskel who made the Order known to the president and stopped the expulsion of an entire class of people.

Grant’s Regrets

There is a lot of evidence that Grant regretted the order so much so that he did more for the Jewish people than any other president up until that time. He appointed the most Jews to public office, supported human rights efforts against Jews in Russia and Romania, was the first president to attend a synagogue service, and donated to the building and attended the dedication to Adas Israel Synagogue in Washington. When he died The Philadelphia Jewish Record declared, “None will mourn his loss more sincerely than the Hebrew and tomorrow in every Jewish synagogue and temple in the land, the sad event will be solemnly commemorated with eulogy and prayer.”

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 • 65

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World of Wonders is WKCTC’s One Book Read Selection for 2024

★ by A M Y S ULLI VAN

WARD-WINNING POET AIMEE NEZHUKUMATATHIL’S first nonfiction book, World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments, is an illustrated collection of short essays celebrating the natural world around us. The collection is told in the context of her unusual childhood growing up on the grounds of mental institutions in rural America and navigating the parent-push towards science while finding herself drawn to language—all unfolding through detailed and delightful observations about the oddities and fascinations of our planet. Her descriptions move from the depths of the ocean, where the vampire squid looks for a “meal of marine snow” and the ribbon eel “unspools itself, as if a piece of ribbon candy has unfolded and softened in the sea,” to the “tender and electric dress” of the firefly or the sound of cactus wrens (“a small motor revving up the morning quiet”). These clever descriptions are further supplemented by beautiful illustrations by Fumi Nakamura. Nezhukumatathil finds beauty and appreciation in unexpected creatures. Her collection asks us what wonder or connection with the natural world can do to change our attitudes and actions toward it. The book is also a record of her own experience as a woman of color living in America. With every entry, she connects her own experiences–from love and motherhood to xenophobia

and racism—with the creatures and plant-life she wonders about. World of Wonders was named a finalist for the Kirkus Prize in nonfiction. Her writing has appeared in New York Times Magazine and Best American Poetry. She is professor of English and Creative Writing in the University of Mississippi’s MFA program. The One Book Read Committee encourages the campus and the community to pick up World of Wonders to connect and reflect upon the natural world and find your own wonders in Paducah, in Kentucky, and in the world around you. The One Book Read project is an annual community-wide effort to promote literacy and discussion of culturally relevant issues. The project encourages WKCTC, the community, and area school districts to read the same book and discuss it in a variety of settings. The culmination of the One Book Read is the author’s visit to WKCTC March 4 and 5, 2024, when she will read, sign books, and be available for Q&A sessions. The college proudly partners with local high schools and the McCracken County Public Library in planning events leading up to and including the author’s visit to WKCTC each spring. The student-centered event will take place on Monday, March 4 at 11 AM. The free community presentation will take place on March 5. Both events will be held in WKCTC’s Crounse Hall. World of Wonders is available for checkout at WKCTC’s Matheson Library as well as the McCracken County Public Library in audio, eBook, and print formats. For more information and to learn more about the author and WKCTC’s One Book activities visit onebookread.com.

Raven & Moth

L O C A L .

S U S T A I N A B L E .

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H A N D C R A F T E D .

3 1 3 B R O A D W A Y D O W N T O W N P A D U C A H

W W W . R A V E N A N D M O T H . C O M

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 • 67

the “Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and the shadows will fall behind you.” — Walt Whitman

ABOUT THE ARTIST / Kerry Bowes is a fiber artist and certified Zentangle teacher who brought her creative talents to Paducah from Northern Michigan in 2020. She embraced this new journey in search of fresh creative connections, and she found her artistic haven at the Art Guild of Paducah. Kerry's work is a blend of textile coil basketry, mixed media 2-D art, and a wide array of techniques such as needle felting, painting, and pen collage. Her art studio, Acorn Cottage Studio, is a testament to her unending exploration of various materials, making each piece a unique and captivating work of art.

68 • PADUCAH LIFE

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ASHLEY JOHNSON Paducah Market President

aducah Bank continues its tradition of groundbreaking leadership with Ashley Johnson stepping into the role of Paducah Market President. Celebrating a legacy of female empowerment, Paducah Bank has been a trailblazer in championing women in leadership roles. We were pioneers in appointing the first woman to our board of directors, and today, women constitute a remarkable 56 percent of our executive leadership team. Ashley is the latest in a line of formidable women who have carved their professional paths at Paducah Bank. As we observe Women’s History Month, we invite you to experience the exceptional service and expertise of our team. Come by and let our team WOW you at Paducah Bank!

paducahbank.com / M E M B E R F D I C