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FROM THE EDITOR
Publisher/Creative Director Jason Tanner Editor Steven Wilson
EXTRAORDINARY PEOPLE
Ad Sales Brock Quinton Robert Williams
Within the pages of our first issue of 2016, you’ll find the stories of several remarkable individuals. In these stories, our writers highlight the indelible impact that a single life can have on so many others, especially when those individuals set out to rise above their circumstances and make a difference. The subject of our cover story, Houston Hogg exhibited strength in the face of widespread racism, and in doing so, paved the way for countless young men after him to follow their dream of playing collegiate football.
Cover Photo David Grinnell Taylor West Ad Design Andrea Roberson Jason Tanner Taylor West Contributors Donnie Hagan Gail E. Kirkland Dr. Roshan Mathew, MD Danny May Jaime Rafferty Melody Ann Wallace Steven Wilson Lora Wimsatt
Jody McCarty, a Marine veteran of the war in Iraq, overcame his struggles with PTSD with the help of a trained canine companion. In the process, he put his family back together, and gave hope to other veterans struggling with the effects of battle. A talented musician, Randy Lanham saw his professional career end with a difficult diagnosis. But he didn’t let that stop him from mentoring young musicians, and teaching them to put their talents to work for good.
"IN THESE STORIES, OUR WRITERS HIGHLIGHT THE INDELIBLE IMPACT THAT A SINGLE LIFE CAN HAVE ON SO MANY OTHERS" -JASON TANNER
And a group of Apollo students gave their time and dancing feet to fight pediatric cancer. Along the way, they inspired some of their younger peers to do the same, raising money for a very worthy cause, and learning the valuable lesson of giving. Each of these stories is completely unique from the next, encompassing Owensboroans of different ages, races, professions and backgrounds. Yet each shares common elements that reveal one of the finest qualities of humanity: selflessness. So as you read, I hope you’re inspired by the accounts of these extraordinary people that you and I are lucky to call our neighbors.
Online www.owensboroliving.com facebook.com/owensboroliving twitter.com/owensboroliving issuu.com/owensboroliving Offline Owensboro Living Magazine PO Box 9503 Owensboro, KY 42302 888-304-5414 Subscribe Delivery of Owensboro Living is available by visiting owensboroliving.com/subscribe Advertise Owensboro Living is a FREE magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses & organizations who advertise.
Steven Wilson, Editor A Jason Tanner Design Group Company
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Effective brand interactions.
TM
FEB MARCH
2016
[08]
THE BUZZ
THE REAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EVENTS THAT SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY
[12]
THE PULSE
FEBRUARY IS HEART MONTH
FEATURES [16] HOW SWEET IT IS
[49]
[20] DRIVEN TO SUCCEED: OWENSBORO'S NASCAR CONNECTIONS [27] DANCE BLUE: FOR THE KIDS [30] SHARING HIS GIFT [34] JOEL UTLEY: THE MAN, THE VOICE, THE LOCAL LEGEND
[16]
[70]
[38]
[30]
[38] HOUSTON HOGG & HIS STORY OF FOOTBALL, RACISM, & RECONCILIATION [44] TRI-STATE HONOR DOGS
[49]
THE 2016 WEDDING GUIDE
[70]
THE DISH
GAME DAY MENUS THAT SCORE BIG
[72]
THE SCENE
YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND OWENSBORO
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BUZZ
PHOTO BY AP IMAGERY
THE
THIRD HOTEL PLANNED NEAR CONVENTION CENTER Planning has begun for a third hotel near the two-year-old Owensboro Convention Center. Details such as the exact location and number of rooms are still being finalized, but it is clear that downtown Owensboro is ready for another hotel. Owensboro Convention Center officials say
in its first 18 months of business, convention center visitors booked 8,200 room nights at the hotels. The hotel will be part of the planned downtown TIF district, which will also include the International Bluegrass Music Center, and new apartments and condos.
RED DEVILS SPORTS NETWORK The Red Devils Sports Network is now on the air on ESPN’s 102.7 The Game. Thanks to a partnership with the Cromwell Radio group, several OHS athletic
WFIE TO BUILD OWENSBORO STUDIO On January 7, WFIE 14 News
downtown Owensboro, inside
interrupted Mayor Payne’s “State
the historic bell house building
of the City” address at the Greater
next to the RiverPark Center on
Owensboro Chamber of Commerce
Veterans Boulevard. Among the
Rooster Booster Breakfast to
features of the new studio will be
announce the opening of their new
a large window where pedestrians
Owensboro studio.
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can watch as news is being made.
The studio will
A huge, outdoor TV screen will
be located in
display 14 News live, every day.
events will be broadcast live on 102.7 FM and Owensbororadio.com. The voice of the devils will be local broadcasting legend, Jerry Birge. The broadcasts will also feature live interviews with students, with participation from the OHS journalism program.
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LOCAL STORIES DELIVERED DAILY
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it
music, sports, education, and everything
again: This is an exciting time to live
in between, there is simply no other
in Owensboro! Now, were excited to
place that offers so much local content
invite you to owensboroliving.com -
right at your fingertips.
your free online source for local news in Owensboro and Western Kentucky. “The Buzz” section in our print version simply wasn’t big enough to contain all of the amazing things going on in our city. Updated daily, owensboroliving. com is quickly becoming the go-to site for the latest news in our vibrant community. Covering local news,
FORTNEY NAMED COACH OF THE YEAR Daviess County High School Girls Cross Country Coach Mark Fortney has been named the KTCCCA Class 3A Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year. In January, Fortney was recognized at the 2015 Kentucky Track and Cross Country Coaches Association (KTCCCA) Awards Banquet, held at the PHOTO BY DAVID GRINNELL
XTREME BUSINESS MAKEOVER
KeeForce, a Paducah-based I.T. company, announced that one local business
Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s Hall of Fame Room in Lexington. DCHS has
will be the recipient of its first Owensboro Xtreme Business Makeover. The
won the girls Region 1 cross
grand prize is a package worth $70,000 in free business services, including
country title every year during
finance, media and legal services. The Xtreme Business Makeover represents
his tenure (2007-15), and has
a partnership of 20 successful, regional companies dedicated to helping
also won the city-county title
other businesses grow and prosper in the Owensboro area.
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each of those nine years.
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THE
BUZZ
EVANSVILLE ICEMEN'S KEVIN HARVEY (27) TRIES TO PASS THE PUCK TO A TEAMMATE AS JACKAL'S JUSTIN KEA (27) TRIES TO GAIN POSSESSION DURING THE FIRST HALF OF WEDNESDAY'S EDUCATION DAY GAME AT THE FORD CENTER IN EVANSVILLE, IND. ON NOV. 5, 2014. (AP PHOTO/ THE EVANSVILLE COURIER & PRESS, ERIN MCCRACKEN)
THE OWENSBORO ICEMEN On January 19, Mayor Ron Payne announced that the City of Owensboro had reached an agreement with the IceMen to bring the ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) minor-league professional ice hockey team to Owensboro at the conclusion of the current season. The
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Icemen are an ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Ottawa Senators and AHL’s Binghamton Senators. The team will play its home games at the Sportscenter, which will undergo significant renovations, including expanded seating capacity, to accommodate the Icemen.
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MAVS OPEN SEASON WITH BIG WINS The Kentucky Mavericks opened their inaugural season in Owensboro on January 9 at the Sportscenter with a win over the Rochester Razorsharks. Back-to-back winners of the American Basketball Association title, the Mavericks now play in the PBL (Premier Basketball League). After winning their home opener, the Mavs won their next two games by a
PHOTOS BY DONNIE HAGAN
combined 51 points, and were undefeated as of January 20.
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THE
PULSE
FEBRUARY IS HEART MONTH
If I asked you what the top cause of death in women was, what would you answer? You might think it was cancer, and you’re not far off. Cancer is a close second. The top spot is occupied by a problem that is much less visible: heart disease. DR. ROSHAN MATHEW, MD ONE HEALTH CARDIOLOGY AND THE OWENSBORO HEALTH HEART AND VASCULAR INSTITUTE
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I
n 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta found that heart disease
heart attack or stroke.
(also known as cardiovascular disease) accounted
READ THE WARNING SIGNS
for 22.4 percent of deaths in women. That same
Heart disease symptoms in women are not always
year, the American Heart Association released a
the same as in men. The top symptoms that women
report entitled, “Cardiovascular Disease: Women’s
must watch for are shortness of breath and fatigue.
No. 1 Health Threat.” That same report described
Think about your ability to do tasks as part of a
heart disease as a “silent killer,” with two-thirds
daily routine. Six months ago, they came easily.
of women who died from it having no previous
Today, you are tired, out of breath or can’t seem
symptoms.
to find the energy to get finished. These are red
flags, and you should make an appointment with a
As a cardiologist, I see that it doesn’t have to
be this way. There are steps all women can take,
doctor as soon as possible.
regardless of age and medical history, to improve
There are also warning signs that indicate a
their heart health and stop from becoming a part of
need for emergency medical attention:
this trend.
• Chest pain: Though this is the most recognized symptom, it doesn’t always happen. When it
WHAT ARE YOUR RISKS?
does, take it seriously and go the emergency
The heart isn’t an isolated part of the body.
department immediately, or call 911.
Because the heart controls the flow of blood
• Severe headache: This can be a sign of stroke,
throughout the body, it affects every part of a
which is strongly related to heart disease.
person’s health. That also means health problems
• Jaw, back or abdominal pain: These can be a
elsewhere in the body can have major implications
sign of stress on the heart, or happen because
for heart health. A family history of heart disease is
of “radiating” pain, or pain that spreads away
also a major risk factor because you are more likely
from its source.
to inherit characteristics that increase your risk of
• Shortness of breath or trouble breathing:
heart disease.
As mentioned above, this is a classic sign
Some of the biggest risk factors for heart disease
of cardiac trouble. These signs, especially
are listed below. These symptoms are strongly
when not connected to strenuous activity, are
connected, meaning that having one can increase
symptoms that demand immediate medical
your risk for others. They include:
attention.
• Smoking
One of the most important things I tell my
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
patients, especially women, is that this should not
• Diabetes
be a “wait and see” situation. You must not wait
• High cholesterol
for your symptoms to go away! These are time-
• Obesity or being overweight
sensitive problems. In the worst of cases, waiting
These problems can increase the strain on
can result in irreversible damage or even death.
your heart or damage it, forcing it to work harder. Over time, that strain or damage can lead to heart
WHAT YOU CAN DO
disease and ultimately, to loss of heart function.
One of the most important things to do to
They can also cause life-threatening problems like
prevent heart disease or reduce its impacts is to
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improve any one of the listed risk factors. Age
Women have worse outcomes only when
is also less important than your risk factors, so
delays in care take place. When properly
reducing them at any age is essential. You can
treated in a timely fashion, women have
achieve this by doing the following:
the same survival statistics as men. It’s also
• Losing weight
important to remember that medicine has
• Quitting smoking
greatly improved the care of cardiac events.
• Improving your diet • Exercising more • Controlling blood pressure (Through lifestyle modification, medication or both) • Lowering blood sugar (Through diet, exercise, medication or a combination of the three) If you are worried about or suspect you have heart disease, see a doctor promptly. One of the biggest barriers to helping women with heart disease or related problems is that we see them too late. That is why preventing delays to detection and diagnosis is essential.
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Many patients have misconceptions that women cannot be treated as easily as men, because of differences in their bodies such as smaller arteries. This is absolutely not the case. Talk to your cardiologist. The earlier we can address a problem, the better the chance of a good outcome. Dr. Roshan Mathew is a board certified cardiologist and executive director of One Health Cardiology and the Owensboro Health Heart and Vascular Institute. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a provider in Owensboro Health’s One Health medical group, call 844-44-MY-ONE (844-446-9663).
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BY GAIL E. KIRKLAND
HOW SWEET IT IS E
nthusiastic, extremely personable and multi-talented, she began making sweets at age 17 out of her home, following in her Aunt Paddy’s footsteps. After graduating from Sullivan Culinary School, Haley Miller came home to Beaver Dam, to the family who had supported her endeavors, to open Kentucky Wildflour Cakes. Recently, she appeared on Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. “I’ve always loved being in the kitchen,” she said. Haley’s mom has a picture of her rolling out fondant at age 6, helping her aunt prepare a cousin’s wedding cake. “I’m sure whatever I was doing did not go into the cake at the time, because it probably was not good, but I think that’s where it started; I’ve always loved working with that stuff (fondant) and I’ve always had an interest in art,” Haley said. Combining both interests allowed her to create
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“edible art,” as she calls it. It’s not always sweet. In the beginning, Haley wanted to shut her doors and close the business. She realized she could not please every customer who came through the doors. Her sister asked if she wanted to make something that looked good or tasted good. Haley said she wanted to do both. “I want people to enjoy it, but love the look of it before they try it,” she said. That’s the ultimate challenge: to make everything look good and taste good, as well. Other challenges come in time management (especially with being a young mom), and in earning the trust of customers who are ordering a cake for a very special occasion from a very young pastry chef. She takes her responsibilities seriously, and likes the advantages of setting her own hours. She told her dad, “I can fire myself anytime, and rehire myself anytime, as well.” Haley does likewise with her dad;
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sometimes he’s her main delivery man, and other times he’s “fired” until further notice. “My dream was to be in downtown Beaver Dam. When I found this location (105 N. Main St.), I felt like it was meant to be---and I hope to retire here. I don’t want to move anymore,” Haley said. In her first location, she jokingly said, “I could probably decorate cakes and wash dishes at the same time; it was so small.” Unique to the bakery business is the close interaction with her customers, seeing the delight and smiles on their faces before they dig in. From the antique display case, customers can select a variety of freshly-baked specialty cupcakes (cookies n’ cream, Andes Mint, orange dreamsicle), macaroons, peanut butter cookies and, eventually, pies. She anticipates offering daily specials. Open Tuesday-Friday (10 a.m. – 5p.m.) and Saturday (8a.m. - noon), Kentucky Wildflour boasts all homemade and
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hand-decorated products. Many of Haley’s recipes originated with her family. Oftentimes, the bakery sells out the bakery case. They have a reputation for their distinctive butter-cream icing and all hand-painted or sculpted designs. The custom cakes—wedding, anniversary, birthday and special event cakes—are the mainstay of Kentucky Wildflour Cakes. As the business continues to grow in popularity, Haley receives 10-15 custom cake orders to fill weekly. Customers are booking their orders weeks to months in advance. All of Haley’s designs are original. “You eat with your eyes first,” so Haley devotes herself to the cake’s design. As for any no-no’s in the baking business, she laughed as she said, “No eggshells in the batter.” Since childhood, Haley and her older sister wanted to open a coffee shop, one that served specialty / flavored coffees. “That was always our dream to do that. Then I became a pastry
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chef and the cake side took off before the coffee, but we’re finally now getting the coffee side going,” said Haley, explaining coffee will be the next addition to the storefront. At this point, Kentucky Wildflour Cakes is a business of one; Haley bakes, shops, serves, cleans, takes phone and online orders, and decorates. “It’s hard to say that I’m the only employee, because I have so many family members that love to come in and help with everything . . . “ Haley said. Although she custom-designed Kentucky Wildflour, her family helped it become a reality. With her dad in the construction business, the remodeling process was simplified. In addition to an attractive storefront (a combination of hardwoods, grays, purples; display cases; ample seating space; and large updated restrooms), Haley now has “the bigger kitchen of her dreams.” She invested not only design expertise into the remodeling project but also sweat equity, with the official opening in mid-November 2015. During the summer of remodeling, the Food Network asked Haley to audition for their show. Talk about busy! From the thousands who auditioned, she made the cut. That experience definitely impacted her business, locally and beyond. She has been asked to ship her creations well beyond Kentucky. Valentine’s Day will feature “conversation heart” cookies with custom sayings, homemade fudge, and chocolate on chocolate cake with ganache and topped with strawberries. Are you drooling yet? I am. How sweet it is.
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BY
DANNY MAY
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OHS GRAD GETTY CAVITT, JR. WORKS ON PIT ROAD AS JACKMAN ON THE PIT CREW FOR TONY STEWART’S #14 CHEVY.
JUST IN TIME FOR THE DAYTONA 500 ON FEBRUARY 21, THESE OWENSBORO NATIVES GIVE OWENSBORO LIVING READERS AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF NASCAR.
GETTY CAVITT Jackman Cavitt is one of five “over-the-wall” guys – the ones who literally jump over the wall and work on the racecar during pit stops. As jackman, Getty carries a 20-pound hydraulic jack around to the right side of the car, which he elevates off the ground in two or three pumps, then pulls the right rear tire off and hands it to the front tire carrier. Once the lugnuts are on the right side tires, he releases the jack, runs around to the left side of the car, and does it all over again. In a “good” pit stop, the car gets four new tires, a full tank of gas, and sometimes a clean windshield in under 12 seconds. NASCAR is an extremely competitive sport that can come down to inches and hundredths of a second at the end of a 400-mile race. Oftentimes, precious seconds shaved off a pit stop can give a driver the advantage he (or she, since Danica Patrick entered the Sprint Cup Series) needs to gain position on the track. For that reason, races can actually be won or lost on pit road. “If we can average 11.6 or 11.7, it’s a good day,” Cavitt said. “If it’s more than that, it’s a bad Monday watching film, and we work much harder the next week on our practice stops.” Getty is no stranger to competitive sports. He played football for the Owensboro Red Devils, then went on to play college football at Western Kentucky University. All those workouts and countless hours in the weight room prepared Cavitt well for his current position on the StewartHaas Racing team. www.OwensboroLiving.com
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For more stories about other Owensboro connections to NASCAR, read the full article at OwensboroLiving.com.
Owensboro Living caught up with Getty in the #14 pit box before the Sprint Cup race at Kentucky Speedway last season to talk about life in a NASCAR pit crew:
OL: What do you love about being a jackman?
OL: How did you get involved in NASCAR? GC –I was asked to try out for Brewco’s pit team. I tried out and they hired me a couple weeks later to be on their pit crew. When they moved to Nashville, I stayed back and finished my degree at Owensboro Community College. Then when I got done there, I worked for an ARCA (Automobile Racing Club of America) team for a year and then moved to North Carolina to work for Michael Waltrip Racing. Now, this is my second year with Stewart-Haas Racing.
GC - It’s fun to compete every week.
I’ve grown up
competing, with football, so this is something that I can still stay competitive in. And it’s a team atmosphere. We have five guys go over the
wall, but we also have five more guys for support behind the wall. Then the road crew comes out and helps, too, so it’s 11 or 12 of us that travel for race days. So it really does feel like a team. It’s a good deal. We fly to the track together, work the race, then fly back home right after the race, which is really nice.
It’s a lot of hours. Most of the pit guys also work in the
shop Monday through Thursday, then we usually get Friday OL: Michael Waltrip, there’s another Owensboro connection: GC -Right, but I never even met Michael until I started working for Michael Waltrip Racing. I tried out for their pit crew coach, Kevin Sharpe, who is now here at StewartHaas, so I stuck with him.
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and Saturday off because we have a race on Sunday. OL: What’s your responsibility in the shop? GC - When the cars come in, we take them all apart and take it back to the fabrication shop.
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DAN FENWICK NASCAR Official NASCAR official/inspector Dan Fenwick was born in Owensboro, moved when he was very young, then moved back when he retired from the service, and now lives in Livermore. Dan got his start in NASCAR as a fabricator, building cars in the shop for Brewco Motorsports. He then got the opportunity to work for NASCAR as an inspector in the Busch Series (now Xfinity Series). Today, Dan works on the template crew during before-race inspections, where he checks the outside of the cars. “That’s something I knew well because of my experience in the shop, so I knew what would be right and what wouldn’t be right as far as the body of the car,” Fenwick told Owensboro Living. For his commute to work, Dan drives from Livermore to Evansville to catch a plane and go to work each week. A typical work-week for a NASCAR official means flying out on a Wednesday or Thursday, working the weekend race, then flying back Sunday night. “I’m home Monday through Wednesday,” Fenwick explained. “So it’s a little different schedule, but after you do it for a while, it becomes normal. It’s just what you do. You make it work.” Fenwick says working for NASCAR is an interesting job. “Most of my friends are here because I’ve been around it so long. I know more people here at the track than I do in Livermore. We become one big family. We know everybody.”
DAVID GREEN Managing Supervisor of Safety for NASCAR After a long career as a driver, David Green is now in charge of NASCAR’s safety department at the Research and Development Center. His official title is Managing Supervisor of Safety, which pertains to the car and driver, not the track. Before last July’s Sprint Cup Race at Kentucky Speedway David described his new role in NASCAR to Owensboro Living: “We cover all three series (NASCAR Truck, Xfinity and Cup) and record any data that transpires from an accident. After an accident, we’ll impound that car or truck and take it back to Research and Development and learn as much as we can from it – most importantly, how we can make it better. The fun part about my job is not only coming to the race track each week, but also seeing how the future is going to evolve and get better - and safer. We’ve come a long way. This has been a lot of fun and very educational for me. I’ve
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DAN FENWICK INSPECTING EXTERIOR OF A CAR
been able to take what I’ve learned in 30 years of driving, and use it to make our product better. Being able to share both sides of the car (driving and officiating), and being able to communicate that on a week-to-week basis has been beneficial. Brian France, Nascar CEO, said it best when he said ‘If we don’t have safety, we have nothing.’ We try each and every week to ensure that safety. It’s a real satisfying feeling to know that drivers are safer than they ever have been, and we hope the driving will be better than it ever has been. And the fans are safer, too.”
KENNY LAWSON NASCAR Official
Kenny Lawson is also a NASCAR official. He works in Research and Development as the Supervisor of NASCAR's engine inspection department. The top finishing cars each week are taken to R&D for more critical post-race inspections. NASCAR officials can get to within an eighth of an inch with measurements at the track. At the R&D Center, the officials can get to within thousandths of an inch. That helps NASCAR try to keep the competition balanced and fair.
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The Waltrip Brothers: From the Driver’s Seat to the Broadcast Booth
DARRELL WALTRIP Analyst, FOX NASCAR Driving Career: • Three-time Sprint Cup Series Champion • 84 career Sprint Cup wins • Named “Driver of the Decade” for the 1980s, • 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee
DARRELL & MICHAEL WALTRIP PHOTO PROVIDED BY NASCAR
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For 2016 Season: DW continues to serves as analyst for FOX NASCAR in 2016 for the 16th consecutive season, pairing with newcomer Jeff Gordon to provide seven championships’ worth of insight. Alongside veteran race announcer Mike Joy, Waltrip has been an integral part of the FOX NASCAR broadcast team since the network’s coverage began in 2001.
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Waltrip also contributes to the FOX NASCAR prerace show, FOX NASCAR SUNDAY, alongside his brother, Michael Waltrip, Gordon and host Chris Myers, in addition to his role as an analyst on NASCAR RACEDAY, FS1’s pre-race show. Waltrip is a three-time winner of NASCAR.com’s Fan Voice Awards, crowning the legend as the overwhelming fan favorite. In 2006, Waltrip captured 38% of the votes for Best On-Air Analyst. That same year, Waltrip received his first Sports Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Sports Person – Event Analyst.
MICHAEL WALTRIP Analyst, FOX NASCAR Driving Career: • Raced 30 years in the Sprint Cup Division, with four career wins • 2 Daytona 500 victories (2001 and 2003). Team Owner: Started Michael Waltrip Racing in 1995 with a team in the Nationwide Series. In 2007, MWR began fielding full-time Sprint Cup entries as the flagship team for Toyota Racing Development, USA. MWR has collected seven Sprint Cup victories, more than 70 top-five finishes and earned berths in NASCAR’s Chase for the Sprint Cup in 2012 and 2013.
The Green Brothers: Continuing the Legacy The Green brothers (David, Mark and Jeff) could very well be called the First Family of the Xfinity Series. NASCAR.com reported in 2011 that the brothers collectively have: • 2 Series Championships • 1,021 career starts • 187,550 miles • 168,534 laps • 25 wins • 161 Top-5 finishes • 45 poles • and 286 Top-10 finishes David told NASCAR.com, "It's real special to me that three brothers from a small town like Owensboro, from just a regular family, could all have the same interest and have all succeeded at it. I would have been happy if one of us had made it -- but two of the three brothers are NASCAR champions, and only a few individuals get to do that."
For 2016 Season: A member of FOX NASCAR’s Sprint Cup coverage since 2012 and its Truck Series team since 2004, Waltrip contributes analysis on FOX NASCAR SUNDAY, the network’s pre-race show, alongside host Chris Myers and fellow analysts Darrell Waltrip and Jeff Gordon, in addition to in-race commentary and updates from the Hollywood Hotel. Michael Waltrip originally joined the broadcasting world with the launch of FOX Sports-owned SPEED in 1996 as a panelist for what began as INSIDE WINSTON CUP in 1996 and eventually became known as THIS WEEK IN NASCAR, leading to roles on TRACKSIDE, FAST TRACK TO FAME and NASCAR NATION. He also co-hosted Showtime’s Inside NASCAR program from 2010-12. Waltrip is nationally renowned for numerous commercial appearances for major marketers, including Aaron’s, 5-hour ENERGY, NAPA, Dominos, Best Western, UPS and Toyota.
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“One day we will dance in celebration, but until then we will dance for a cure.”
Dance Blue BY DANNY MAY
FOR THE KIDS
D
anceBlue is a 24-hour, no sleeping, no sitting
Jarboe, with the idea.
fundraiser to benefit the University of Kentucky’s
“One of my former Beta Club members went to UK
Children’s Hospital to help fight childhood cancer. Since
and was involved in their DanceBlue,” Jarboe said. “He
DanceBlue started on UK’s campus over 10 years ago,
came back and told me, ‘Beta Club needs to do this,’ so
the annual event has raised and donated over 8 million
I brought it to the club. Thankfully, we have over 100
dollars to fight pediatric cancer on three fronts: cancer
student members so we have the man-power, and our
research, assisting families affected by childhood cancer,
leadership has really taken it on.”
and buying items to make children with cancer more
comfortable in the hospital.
who has become an outspoken advocate for the event.
DanceBlue is a big deal at UK. Students have to
She explains, “Instead of 24 hours, our mini-marathon
raise $400 to even apply for admission to the dance,
is 6 hours of no sleeping, no sitting to raise money that
which is held in Memorial Coliseum, and therefore only
goes directly to UK’s DanceBlue. Each hour during the
accommodates 800 people on the dance floor.
marathon has a theme, accompanied by games that go
The idea has caught on other places across the
along with the theme. Past theme hours at Apollo have
commonwealth as well.
Other high schools and
been the Harry Potter Hour, Disney Hour, Rock of Ages
organizations hold “mini-DanceBlue” dance marathons
Hour, and many more. At the top of each hour, every
and send the money on to UK’s effort.
dancer gathers in our big gym to dance to a line dance to
One of those student leaders is Sally Martin, a senior
popular music that is created by Apollo students on our
DANCEBLUE COMES TO OWENSBORO
DanceBlue committee.”
In 2014, Apollo High School was the first in
western Kentucky to host a mini-DanceBlue, when
consist of five committees formed entirely of students led
an AHS grad approached Beta Club sponsor, Melissa
by a senior head chair: Fundraising, Morale, Operations,
www.OwensboroLiving.com
In three years, Apollo’s mini-DanceBlue has grown to
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. OWENSBORO LIVING
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Programming and Public Relations.
mini DanceBlues” which will be combined with Apollo’s
DanceBlue totals.
Students at Apollo donate $25 to be able to take part in
DanceBlue. Participants form teams of 4-6 people, create
costumes for their team, and then compete in all the games
to coach them on their service project and helped them make
throughout the night to earn points and a chance to win prizes
posters to promote their event. The AHS students also came
donated from businesses around Owensboro.
to Sorgho’s mini-mini marathon for the big reveal where
Sorgho presented AHS with a check for over $2,000 collected
“We’ve been very fortunate to have an incredible amount
AHS students met with second grade students at Sorgho
of support from the community,” Jarboe said. “First Security
by Sorgho students.
Bank is our biggest supporter. They present a check each year
during our DanceBlue.” Many area restaurants donate food for participants to enjoy during the event, including Salsarita’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and Fetta. Committee members also “can” basketball and football games by standing at gates and walking around the stands asking for change or spare dollars for DanceBlue. Martin says a good night will earn over $100.
SPREADING THE MISSION Apollo has adopted “For the Kids” as their motto in
As feeder schools into AHS, National Junior Honor Society
members from College View and Burns were invited to attend the AHS mini-DanceBlue last year. This year, both schools decided to host their own events.
“We are super proud of the students who have planned this
event, and we know it will be a lot of fun,” said Mendy Rue, who is a teacher, academic team coach and National Junior Honor Society sponsor at College View Middle School. As word continues to spread, Henderson County High School is also making plans to host a mini-DanceBlue.
sharing the cause with the community. Said Jarboe, “(Through
DanceBlue), my students have learned to adopt a cause, to set
prominent contributor to DanceBlue. “They continually tell
goals, and to work with a variety of people to ensure the success
us how impressed they are with our growing numbers and
of the event. UK DanceBlue is a student-run philanthropy and
recognition for only three years of participating.” AHS raised
I have tried to maintain that integrity with my club of student
$6,000 at their first DanceBlue and doubled that amount to
leaders.” Those leaders, in turn, are making other student
$12,000 last year.
leaders, spreading the mission even further.
This year, College View Middle School, Burns Middle
personally deliver the money collected from all four mini-
School, and Sorgho Elementary School are also hosting “mini-
DanceBlues to UK during their DanceBlue.
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. FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016
Sally Martin says UK recognizes Apollo High School as a
In February, Jarboe will lead a group of AHS students to
www.OwensboroLiving.com
PHOTO BY DANNY MAY
The results are something to be very proud of:
$2,007 raised by Sorgho Elementary $5,876.76 raised by College View & Burns Middle Schools $15,852.83 raised by Apollo High School Bringing this year’s grand total to:
$23,736,59 “THE GREATEST PART ABOUT APOLLO’S DANCEBLUE IS THE WAY IT BRINGS OUR STUDENT BODY TOGETHER. YOU CAN SEE FOOTBALL PLAYERS DANCING TO TAYLOR SWIFT’S “SHAKE IT OFF,” STUDENT COUNCIL MEMBERS PLAYING A GAME OF QUIDDITCH FROM HARRY POTTER, AND SO MANY OTHERS HAVING FUN WITH FELLOW STUDENTS TO RAISE MONEY FOR PEDIATRIC CANCER.” – AHS senior, Sally Martin
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BY Y MELOD E C A WALL
F
sharing HIS GIFT
rom the tiniest child learning how to play
Tucker. I’ve toured with George Strait, Brooks &
fiddle for the first time, to the aspiring singer-
Dunn, Alan Jackson and Faith Hill. That was a season
songwriter that wants to fulfill their Nashville dream,
in my life that I loved. I learned a lot and met a lot
Randy Lanham has become a signature name in
of people. I got to see the country, be on many TV
our community. Over the last 15 years, the former
shows, and do big tours with shows in front of 30,000-
country/bluegrass celebrity has transitioned into a
plus people.” It would seem that Randy’s dreams were
motivational songwriter, inspiring music mentor, and
just beginning to come true, and then he began to
influential coach.
struggle with the symptoms and effects of a form of
At the age of 20, the former state fiddle champion
spinal arthritis. Although he noticed these symptoms
moved to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue his country
as early as age 18, he was finally diagnosed at age 24
music dreams. “Being in Nashville provided me with
with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of inflammatory
the opportunity to play for recording artists Clay
disease that can cause the vertebrae, hips, and pelvic
Walker, Wade Hayes, Tracy Lawrence, and Tanya
bones to stiffen, causing extreme pain and stiffness.
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“WHAT BRINGS ME JOY IN MY STUDENTS IS TO SEE THEM NOT ONLY WIN CONTESTS, PERFORM ON THE BIG STAGE, OR DO TV PROGRAMS, BUT TO HEAR THEM SPEAK PROUDLY OF LOVING GOD, THANKING HIM FOR THEIR GIFTS, AND USING THEM TO SERVE OTHERS.” RANDY LANHAM PLAYING WITH TRACY LAWRENCE
-Randy Lanham
This condition primarily affects young men,
it.” Randy has worked with countless young artists
which is why Randy found himself needing a hip
to not only improve upon their musical talents, but
replacement in his twenties. In 2000, Randy made
to realize how their passions for music can play a
the bittersweet choice to stop touring full time, and
practical part in their futures. Singer Natasha Neely
soon exchanged his role as traveling musician for
is a graduate of Belmont University with a Music
that of music instructor and family man. Randy says
Business Degree, and now works full-time as an
of his decision, “Although it was great, I do not miss
entertainer in Nashville. Singer and fiddle player
touring. I really love being home with my family.
Emily Wills is now attending Appalachian State
This new season of my life is to teach music, mentor
University in Boone, North Carolina, where she is
to as many as possible, serve others, and grow closer
pursuing a degree in music therapy. Randy mentored
to God and my family.”
13-year-old music prodigy Annabelle Watts on
Since returning to the Owensboro area, one of
bluegrass fiddle, guitar, mandolin, harmony and lead
Randy’s many contributions to the community is
vocals. He helped her to record her first CD, which
mentoring promising young talent through High
is now getting radio play all over the United States.
Hopes Music. Randy says, “It was a name that I came
Randy also worked with artist JD Estes, who plays
up with to inspire people to bring hope through their
fiddle, bass, and guitar in several bluegrass bands,
music and use it to serve others and praise God with
and is now attending the University of Louisville on
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. OWENSBORO LIVING
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a music scholarship.
as a teenager, before they began writing songs
Randy not only helps to instill confidence in
together. Jenny Beth recently recorded a six-song
musicians such as Leland Isbill, who plays blues
EP (extended play, containing more musical tracks
harmonica regularly at the Lanham Brothers
than a single), and is currently attending Trevecca
Jamboree, but he also helps to make artists’ recording
Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee, where
dreams come true. “I really like to inspire students
she is a sophomore music business major, who
to be confident. I love to prove to people that they can play an instrument, sing, perform, write and record, etc. Many people find out fast that learning music is really hard to be good at. My students and I play five to six shows throughout the year so that they can become confident to perform, and learn to serve others. We play at the Wendell Foster Campus,
hopes to one day be an entertainment attorney in the music industry. Jenny Beth confides, “Randy has always believed in me and has definitely helped shape me into who I am as an artist and also as a person. Randy has had a huge impact on my life. I consider him a great mentor and a great friend.”
Active Day, and nursing homes in the area. I also
record with some of my students, because they love
the fiddle at the International Bluegrass Museum
the experience and love to give copies to family
at the age of seven. Although her parents, Chris and
and friends.” He has helped record CD’s for singer,
Michele, recognized that Skylar had talent around
songwriter, and mandolin player Alexis Roby, the
the age of six, she was not able to take private lessons
local teenage bluegrass band Gaining Ground with
until several years later. Michele says, “At six, we
Hayley Payne, Skylar Lanham, Seth Pence, Tyler
knew she could sing, but we didn’t just want her
Albert, and Zack Merritt, as well as family bluegrass
to sing, we wanted her to be well-educated in the
bands Becky and The Butler County Boys, and the
music industry…to be humble and respectful, and
Lake family.
Randy teaches her all that. He keeps her grounded,
Randy has worked with young music prodigies,
encouraged a teen American Idol, and is helping to shape the future of country music and its related professions. But he teaches more than just music. Although Randy has an incredible gift for playing the fiddle, it is his songwriting and mentoring skills that have made the biggest impact on his students.
Randy began teaching Skylar Cain how to play
is a great spiritual leader, guides her, and reminds her to practice.” Although Michele and Chris were eager for Randy to work with Skylar, they admit, “We didn’t know that he and Skylar were going to hit it off so well.” Skylar, who is now 13 and has won numerous local country music contests and awards,
Former American Idol contestant, Jenny Beth Willis,
now prefers to focus less on winning contests and
says, “If it wasn’t for Randy, I never would have
more on the art of songwriting. Michele says, “When
been on the show. He is the one who called my mom
he and Skylar start writing music, something
the day that American Idol had auditions in Bowling
magical happens…I would like people to know that
Green and told her she should take me to audition.”
he is more than a music teacher…he’s like part of
Jenny Beth began guitar instruction with Randy
our family.”
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RANDY LANHAM AND SKYLAR CAIN
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JOEL UTLEY
THE MAN, THE VOICE, THE LOCAL LEGEND
In
Owensboro,
two
synonymous…Joel
things Utley
are and
always Kentucky
Wesleyan Basketball. One just wouldn’t be the same without the other.
Joel Utley, voice of the Kentucky Wesleyan College
Panthers, is celebrating his 55th season in 2015-16. He has called the play-by-play for almost 1600 games,
BY JAIME RAFFERTY
and has the distinction as the only broadcaster in the nation to call 12 NCAA Championship games (all levels) including eight NCAA Division II titles—1966, 1969, 1969, 1973, 1987, 1990 and 2001. The Kentucky Wesleyan men's basketball radio play-by-play announcer grew up loving radio and listening to St. Louis Cardinals' games with his father in Madisonville, Kentucky.
Since hearing words come out of a box as a child, Joel knew he wanted to pursue a career in radio. That career now spans 55 years. He recounts, “My first broadcast 'equipment' consisted of a cutout cardboard microphone (thanks to my dad).....ear muffs for my headphones....and a shoebox with 'dials' marked by crayon. I used this to create descriptions of my baseball board game as a child.” One could certainly say he was destined to shine behind the mic.
"I was fascinated by those word-
pictures that came out of that box," Utley said. "Of course, that was in the days before television got going. I never wanted to do anything else than be a radio broadcaster."
It appeared as though Joel’s future
was sealed in hoops, having a father who was
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a high school basketball official.
the season. During that time, the system was broken
While working in Lexington, a job opened at WVJS
into university division and college division. That year,
in the summer of 1961, in Owensboro. It was a welcome
the Panthers lost to 3 university-division teams, but later
move that allowed Joel to be closer to his family in
avenged some of those losses. As Utley recalls the plays
Madisonville.
with such precision, he takes you back to those games
with his passion for the beloved Panthers.
He was a jack of all trades when he arrived. He served
as news director, performed DJ work, and the job also
included announcing high school football and basketball
and memories, he was certainly fond of the 1966 team
games, as well college games.
under Guy Strong, winning their first championship and
It was in December of 1961 that Joel would begin
their way into an NCAA postseason tournament. In the
announcing for the Panthers, who had an impressive
first game of regionals, the team had a miracle tip-in on
college-division team.
a missed free throw. In the week following, KWC would
Though he began with multiple sports, his role
avenge two regular season losses to Southern Illinois
evolved in his announcing career, and he especially
University, leading the Panthers to win the national
enjoyed basketball. Utley says, “It’s easier to keep up
championship.
with ten guys on a court than all the guys on a football
He’s a proud father as he recounts stats as if each
field.”
year was one of his children. With their eight title
The first year was a very special year with the
championship victories, Utley says it was especially
Panthers in Joel’s expansive career; they were 21-4 on
impressive, under now WKU coach Ray Harper, for
www.OwensboroLiving.com
Though Joel will tell you each season has had its heroes
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a school the size of Kentucky Wesleyan to
1966 NCAA Championship coach Guy Strong
play for the national championship for six
(2002); and All-American George Tinsley (2011).
consecutive years.
It’s unbelievable to him that it is now
Owensboro natives and previous inductees,
55 years later and nearly 1600 games since
including University of Kentucky All-Americans
he became the recognizable “Voice of the
and NBA stars Cliff Hagan (1975) and Rex
Panthers,” but it’s his Kentucky Wesleyan
Chapman (2011); Owensboro High School State
family and love for Owensboro that has kept
Championship basketball coach Bobby Watson
him here.
(2012); and NASCAR brothers Darrell (1999)
Utley is appreciated throughout the
and Michael (2010) Waltrip.
Bluegrass for his contributions to Kentucky
sports, and will be inducted into the Kentucky
the Panthers, Joel humbly says, “It’s something
Athletic Hall of Fame on June 2 in Louisville.
I love to do. It’s not work…it’s love. It’s never
His induction marks the fourth Kentucky
seemed like work.” And if that’s the case, then it
Wesleyan legend to earn the honor, along with
would seem like Joel has never worked a day in
All-American “King” Kelly Coleman (2000);
his life.
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Joel also joins a prestigious group of fellow
“IT’S SOMETHING I LOVE TO DO. IT’S NOT WORK… IT’S LOVE. IT’S NEVER SEEMED LIKE WORK.” -Joel Utley
When reflecting on his time announcing for
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HOUSTON
HOGG
To
be honest, it’s difficult for me to do this story justice. You see, I never had to endure anything close to the
trials faced by Houston Hogg. And many of the things he told me are hard to even fathom. But in listening to him recount the events of his storied life, one thing became abundantly clear: despite
AND HIS STORY OF FOOTBALL, RACISM, AND RECONCILIATION
the unthinkable hardships he faced as a young
BY STEVEN WILSON
tone. For all the burdens he may carry, hate isn’t
adult, there’s no trace of bitterness or anger in his
one of them – sadness, maybe, for the people who treated him so terribly, but not hate. 38 OWENSBORO LIVING
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Hogg began playing football in the small eastern Kentucky
When asked about his historical decision to attend UK as a
town of Hazard. In high school, he was a standout at quarterback
black football player in the late 60s, Hogg revealed that, as a high
and linebacker, but according to Hogg, “We never played
school senior, its significance was lost on him at the time. “One
football with the idea of going to college – we just liked playing
of the assistant coaches [from UK] came down. He spent quite a
football.” Soon, others around the state took notice of Hogg’s
bit of time down here. And he kept asking and taking me out to
immense talent, and with the promise of jobs for his parents, he
eat, and finally I said, well, I’ll go. I didn’t know anything about
and his family relocated to Owensboro. Hogg, who now calls
[the University of] Kentucky, but I said ‘I guess I’ll go.’”
Owensboro home, played his senior season as a running back
for Daviess County High School in 1967. As Hogg recalls, he
may not have recognized his place in the narrative of SEC
was the only black player on the team. To put it in historical
football, Hogg certainly knew things were going to be different.
perspective, the decision in Brown v. Board of Education, the U.S.
After living in Hazard and Owensboro, where Hogg says the
Supreme Court case that ended public school segregation, had
issue of race wasn’t a problem for him, he was met with a rising
been handed down just over a decade prior, and Martin Luther
tide of prejudice at UK.
King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968, the year after Hogg graduated
high school. Still, despite the tumultuous times, Hogg says
Hogg said, “They didn’t prepare me for that aspect. I didn’t
he never experienced overt racism during his time at Daviess
realize that until I got there. It’s a different world – especially
County or Hazard.
when you go on the field. They didn’t counsel us on any of what
Free to focus on football, Hogg excelled on the gridiron,
we’d have to go through. They let us go through it on our own.
and his performance garnered attention from Division I college
They could’ve prepared us a little bit for it – name calling and
programs.
stuff going on, but when you get that many people, it’s hard to
But upon arriving on campus in Lexington, while he still
When asked about his initial reaction to racial issues at UK,
“I started hearing from colleges my junior year at Hazard,
get your mind on what you’re doing. Something could happen
and then during football season at County High, we had coaches
out there on the field, and you just prayed it wouldn’t happen to
visit practice, and I talked to some of them.”
you. In college, they showed no mercy.”
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As Hogg recounted the
out there.” Off the field, Hogg and his black teammates were
details of his time at UK,
excluded socially, as well. “They would get together and watch
it quickly became apparent
football games, but we weren’t there, because we didn’t know
that racism was rampant
about it. They never did tell us. I’ve seen pictures of all of them
wherever he turned. In fact,
together watching games and doing stuff that we never knew
it began from the moments
about.”
before he even took the
field. “Here you are going
own teammates, the racism and hatred he faced from opposing
to college, and during our
teams and fanbases was far worse. Before they were scheduled to
first couple of years there,
travel to Oxford to play Ole Miss, Hogg recalls receiving written
they played ‘Dixie’ as our
death threats from Mississippi. Later, in Baton Rouge, the
theme song when the football
entire team went to eat together after a game, but the waitress
players were coming into the
refused to serve Hogg and Hackett because they were black.
stadium.”
That incident ended with the team hotel being surrounded
And
the
Even accounting for the prejudice he experienced from his
atmosphere
by Louisiana state troopers out of fear that the racial tensions
in his own locker room
might escalate to something more severe. “That was a sad day,”
wasn’t any friendlier. At the
said Hogg. “They expect you to play football in those kinds of
time, Hogg was one of four
conditions.”
black players on the UK football team. Greg Page and Nate
After the incidents at Ole Miss and LSU, as well as
Northington arrived at UK the year before Hogg’s freshman
experiencing on-field death threats from the opposing team at
season, and Wilbur Hackett came to UK the same year as
the University of Georgia, Hogg was ready to walk away from
Hogg. As a running back, Hogg recounts, “We didn’t have any
football. The tragic death of teammate Greg Page pushed Hogg
blocking. A guy told me that he heard them talking and they
even closer to such a decision. Page’s death resulted from a
distinctly said that they weren’t going to block for me. When
hit he suffered in the back during UK practice while the team
you see them, they act like they’re your best friends, but when
was engaged in a no-pads, no-contact drill. Though nobody
it comes to playing the game, they’d rather see one of their guys
was ever held accountable for Page’s death, the circumstances
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surrounding the hit that eventually killed him left many
questioning whether it was an accident. On top of that, as Hogg
to UK. Only after nearly 15 years, and at the request of his
recalls, “I can remember we went to Middlesboro for Greg’s
daughter and son-in-law, who lived in Lexington, did Hogg
funeral, and after the funeral, we get back to Lexington, and
go back to campus for a football game. Since then, despite the
[head coach Charlie] Bradshaw takes us out on the field and
hatred he lived through during his time there, Hogg has re-
practices the same day. You kinda look at it like, he didn’t care
established a relationship with the university. He’s now a proud
nothing about the guy. That stuck with us a long time, still
member of the University of Kentucky K-Club, described by
does.”
their website as “an exclusive group of men and women who
want to stay in the game, cherish their sports commitment, and
Though Hogg never quit, he didn’t stick around Lexington
For a long time after leaving Lexington, Hogg didn’t return
to endure further prejudice once his time playing football for
nurture the legacy they helped develop.”
UK was finished. “You go through all that stuff, and you’re
wondering, how can I get out of here, where can I go?” But
views it as an honor. But he also believes that what it represents
there’s nowhere to go. At one time, I considered transferring
is even more important for his kids and grandkids, one of whom
to EKU, but I didn’t follow through with it. I never did get the
now attends UK. Hogg recognizes that his contribution to the
nerve to make that move. I went four years to UK, but as soon
University of Kentucky was opening the door for those that
as my senior year, I left – I said, I’m going home.”
have come after him. Says Hogg, “The fact that they’re doing
it [erecting the statue in his honor] – it’s like, what we went
Hogg’s story takes a much happier turn once he returned
to Owensboro.
As for the statue that UK plans to build in his honor, Hogg
He met his wife, Deborah, to whom he’s
through is turning out to be worth what we went through.” But
been married for 44 years, and raised a family of six children.
it’s not the statue that makes Houston Hogg a UK legend, it’s
Hogg is now retired from AEP, and he and Deborah have 19
the fact that he’s chosen to forgive those that hated him, and
grandchildren.
not let deep scars from the past keep him from living a life of
Additionally, the Hoggs have generously
opened their home as foster parents to over 200 children in the
purpose and meaning.
last 25 years.
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TRI-STATE HONOR DOGS BY DANNY MAY
J
ody McCarty and his dog, Dallas, have a very special bond. “I think in a lot of ways, he saved me. He definitely saved my marriage,” Jody said about his Chocolate Lab, Dallas. But this story is about much more than a man and his dog. McCarty served two long tours in Fallujah, Iraq, with the United States Marine Corps during some of the most intense combat of the war on terror. Suffice it to say that like many soldiers, Jody came back a broken man, suffering from both PTSD (post- traumatic stress disorder) and TBI (traumatic brain injury). Before Dallas, McCarty says effects from PTSD were putting a strain on his marriage; he had anger issues, became reclusive and rarely left his house. “As soon as I went inside Wal-Mart or places like that, I panicked. I just couldn't be in there.” He also wouldn’t go to his daughter’s school events, and never saw her cheer at ballgames. But everything began to change when TriState Honor Dogs partnered Jody with Dallas, which has allowed Jody to ease his way back into social settings again. Last year, Jody hit some major milestones: he was able to take his family to Disney and he watched his daughter cheer for the first time. According to McCarty, “That’s exactly the purpose of TriState Honor Dogs – to get veterans and first responders back into society. Dallas has really straightened me out.” With Dallas by his side, his home life is better. His marriage is strong again. And he’s a more connected father to his daughter.
THE DIFFERENCE A DOG CAN MAKE A trained dog can sense depression and anxiety in its partner. Some dogs can even sense oncoming seizures and strokes. Jody
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says Dallas reminds him if he misses his medicine. “All he
Affairs. Since being partnered with Dallas, McCarty has
has to do is give me a little nudge. He knows. He’s woken me
become a huge supporter and advocate for Tri-State Honor
up from a nightmare before when I was having flashbacks,
Dogs. He now sits on the board.
too,” Jody said.
In public situations, the dogs are trained in a technique
called “blocking,” where they position their bodies as a
RECRUITING The dogs in the Tri-State Honor Dogs program come
buffer between their partners and others who may be too
from rescue shelters or Humane Societies, and are then
close for comfort. Like in a checkout line at a grocery store,
trained. (They are not trained from pups like seeing eye
for example.
dogs.)
But mostly, trained dogs give constant emotional
support. “He can sense my irritation,” Jody said. “He gives
being a match. Then the veteran or first responder meets
me a nudge when he knows I need to calm down. It’s just
the dogs to see if their personalities are a match.
enough to break my attention and remind me to start some
relaxation techniques. That’s how we work together.”
Dallas. “We clicked right off the bat,” he explained.
A “coupler” finds three or four dogs that are capable of
In Jody’s case, he met three dogs and immediately picked
Those are examples of ways a dog can help bring their
partners back out into society again, ultimately giving them
PARTNER TRAINING
a sense of autonomy and a purpose in life.
When a match is made, Honor Dogs pays for any
Dallas definitely helped Jody find a renewed sense of
veterinarian and adoption fees. The partners spend a few
purpose through the Tri-State Honor Dogs organization.
days at home together to bond and acclimate to each other.
Jody was initially referred to Honor Dogs by Veterans
Then the training begins.
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The training for Emotional Support training is a nineweek program. The training for accredited service dogs is a seven-month program. The first nine-week session for service dog training covers basic AKC (American Kennel Club) testing, followed by a one-week break until the second level begins. During that time, the dog wears a “dog in training” vest, learns to obey commands with distractions and begins field testing. Level three is the public access test, where the dog must obey commands in public places like restaurants, food courts, stores, etc. Upon completion, the dog graduates, and gets the vest designating it as a service dog. The dog and veteran or first responder train together as a team. “It’s a lot of hard work. We ask for dedication. Altogether, it’s 120 hours of team training” McCarty explained. Those classes are held on Wednesday nights at the McCutchanville Fire Department by AKC certified trainers. If you know a veteran or first responder who may benefit from a partnership with a trained service or emotional support dog, contact Tri-State Honor Dogs at info@tristatehonordogs.org or visit tristatehonordogs.org. Phone number is 812-319-5333.
ABOUT TRI-STATE HONOR DOGS • Mission: Providing Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals for Veterans and First Responders • Based in Evansville, but three out of seven veterans/ first responders placed with dogs are from Owensboro. • Established in June 2015.
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&
Lachelle
B. J.
PHOTOS BY ROXY PHOTOGRAPHY
MAY 16, 2015 PUT YOUR OWN PERSONAL TOUCH ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
C
ountry bohemian is what I called it. I didn’t really pick
We wanted to keep things small and quaint. We kept the
out a color for our wedding. I couldn’t settle on one
guest list to 225 and about 150 came to the reception. BJ
anyway, but really it was because I wanted an eclectic
already has two kids, so instead of having a large wedding
mix of lots of things that are important to us. We went for
party, we decided to keep it just the four of us and let the
vintage, comfortable, casual and country.
focus be on our family, since that’s really what the day was
I think comfortable was a fitting theme for our wedding
all about: the four of us becoming one family.
because BJ and I have been friends our whole lives. BJ
It was important to us to keep our wedding as local as
even says he had a crush on me in kindergarten. (True
possible. I used a local florist for flowers and we chose a
story!)
local restaurant in Hancock County – where we live – to
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“FRIENDSHIP IS THE BASIS OF A GOOD MARRIAGE” -Lachelle
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cater our reception, which was held at Blue Heron Winery. Our wedding ceremony was held outside an old barn. The caterer had everything set up inside, so when the wedding was over we just slid back the doors and walked inside for the reception and meal. For decorations, we didn’t buy a lot. My family had craft nights to make the decorations, which were mostly things I had collected. We used vintage broaches to decorate the cake table. Our center pieces were wine bottles with wildflowers. The backdrop for the cake table was an old quilt, so we used quilt squares clothespinned to a line to make banners. We also wanted something different for table favors – something our guests could actually use. I had the idea to give everyone a small plant, so I took 200 miniature clay pots to a local nursery in January and they grew succulents in them so they’d be ready for our wedding in May. Like I said, our wedding story actually began in kindergarten, so our wedding day felt very comfortable and relaxed. It was definitely a reflection of “us.” And we loved and remember every bit of it!
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MAY 16, 2015 WHEN EVERYTHING THAT COULD GO WRONG DOES GO WRONG
M
&
Whitney Luke PHOTOS BY TWO ARROWS PHOTOGRAPHY
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y best advice to brides planning their wedding is to just relax and take it as it comes. If things don’t turn out exactly the way you thought they would, everything still happens the way it was supposed to. For example, my wedding dress was ruined when it was getting alterations done to it. Luckily I was able to find another dress last minute. But that was just the beginning of our troubles. Luke and I planned our wedding for June, so we were expecting a warm, summer day. We had an outdoor wedding on our property we had just bought together. After seven months of planning, everything was all set up and ready to go. We kept an eye on the weather all day, and somehow a 10% chance in the forecast turned into six inches of rain in three hours. People scrambled to move all the chairs into the barn, but because of all that rain, the barn flooded badly, so then we moved to Plan “C,” which was a small shop. The next problem we had was that several roads leading to our house were also flooding, which meant our preacher couldn’t get to us, and he was over an hour late. Rather than keep everyone waiting, we decided to open the food line so people could start eating. By the time the preacher made it to us, most of the people had finished eating, but there were still a few people eating when the ceremony began. One of our friends commented that our wedding was the first time they’d ever eaten before the ceremony. Looking back, our wedding day had a lot of firsts.
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“THIS STORY IS ONE I ALWAYS TELL MY BRIDES, BECAUSE THEY ARE CONVINCED EVERYTHING WILL GO WRONG ON THEIR WEDDING DAY. EVERYTHING DID GO WRONG ON WHITNEY & LUKE’S WEDDING DAY AND IT WAS STILL BEAUTIFUL.” -Danielle Hayden, Two Arrows Photography
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You don’t normally see wedding guests show up in rain boots. Needless to say, I didn’t have a typical “here comes the bride” walk down the aisle. Instead, Luke actually carried me piggy-back from the house to the barn as the ceremony began, to avoid all the standing water. So there I was, carrying an umbrella through the rain while Luke was carrying me up the aisle. But that unplanned moment actually became one of our favorite memories from our wedding day, because that umbrella held a special meaning to Luke’s family. The umbrella belonged to Luke’s older sister, who had passed away. To us, it meant she was there with us in a way, even in the rain. In the end, even though things didn’t go as planned, we still got married. Everyone still had a good time. And we ended up with a very special memory with the umbrella story. We’re both pretty laid back, so we wanted a very calm and comfortable, casual wedding. Even with the rain, and the flood, and the two-hour delay, we remained calm and still had a very special day that people still talk about – that’s for sure!
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windridge
country club
W
hether you are looking for the perfect venue for a simple company meeting or an elaborate wedding reception, Windridge Country Club is the ideal choice in the Tri-State area. We are conveniently located about a mile from Ky. Hwy. 54, in eastern Daviess County, yet nestled privately in a picturesque setting with panoramic views of our beautiful 18-hole golf course, featuring its stately pines, pristine lakes, and manicured greens. Our Clubhouse Ballroom will accommodate 150 guests, plus an additional 50 guests in our full-service lounge. We are dedicated to providing the best food, friendly service and ambience possible to everyone in attendance. So, regardless of the occasion, size, or budget of your special event, choose Windridge Country Club to ensure its success while you and your guests enjoy making memories of a lifetime.
two arrows
photography
L
ooking at a wedding day, who do the bride and groom spend the
most time with? It isn’t the florist or DJ, but the photographer.
When choosing someone to capture your wedding not only should you consider someone with a portfolio that matches your style, but also someone who you click with.
We will laugh with you, cry with you, and most likely get
out on the dance floor during the reception and dance right alongside you. If you're looking for wedding photographers who feel like friends before the day is over, let us make your day even more beautiful.
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the travel authority
ESCAPE TO CANCUN & TULUM
W
ith ancient ruins and plenty of local markets, sunny getaways along the Riviera Maya aren’t all about the beach. But with breathtaking stretches of sand, and a sea containing every shade of blue, the beach is indeed the focal point in Cancun and nearby Tulum, and is the perfect place to go on your honeymoon. Cancun caters to all types and interests. Cancun’s sporting beach-goers should head to beaches on the eastside of the island for exciting waves and a myriad of equipment rental companies and boats for charter. A surefire, seaborne hit is the two-person Aquatours speedboat excursion in the picturesque Nichupte Lagoon. This intimate tour is a perfect way to explore waterways and mangrove islands with your sweetie. Afterwards, hang onto the snorkel provided to get up close and personal with the tropical sea creatures beneath the water’s surface. The water here is gentle, and great for meeting all manner of colorful fish and even octopi! When it comes time for a bite, Casa Rolandi offers a stylish setting with some of the best lagoon views in all of Cancun. Lunch is primetime for catching the waters at their bluest, and from the terrace dining area, you'll enjoy watching yachts sail by... Tulum, approximately a 90-minute drive from Cancun, is prized for its relative serenity, attracting travelers who enjoy the high life but are a bit less high-maintenance when it comes to beachfront amenities. Beaches here are among the world's most pristine, and fellow sunbathers are likely to be of a fashion-forward ilk, indulging their spiritual side in chic-but-simple digs like Casa de los Olas. Tulum is also one of the best places in the world for yoga retreats, many of which we personally highly recommend. This is the perfect destination for couples who want a romantic getaway. No matter the destination. Let one of our experienced destination specialists plan your dream honeymoon. We will plan all the details, so you don’t have to worry. Contact The Travel Authority in Owensboro at owensboro@thetravelauthority.com or 270-684-9267.
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YOUR PERFECT WEDDING DAY SHOW
floor map G ive a wa ys
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EXHIBITOR/COMPANY
306 All About You DJ 252 Ambassador Travel 221 Anytime Fitness 303-304 Bauerhaus Catering & Pastry 103 Beach Bunnies 241 Bob Evans 104 Borrowed & Blue Box Events 260 Bridal Warehouse/Savvi Formalwear by Tux Ave 202 Colleen's Concierge Travel 100 Elizabeth's Weddings & Formal Wear 105 Flower Farm 200 Hampton Inn/ Hampton Inn & Suites 250 Have A Nice Day Mobile Entertainment 211 House of White 233 JoElle Elise Design Lobby/302 Limos by Knight
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at the Owensboro Convention Center
302
exhibitors BOOTH #
JANUARY 31ST, 2016 11:00AM - 4:00PM
230 101-102 210 261-262 240 220 201 251 232 223 222 108 203 106 231 212
NashVegas Bound N Salon Spa & Aesthetics NuSoundz Entertainment Owensboro Convention Center PhotoRexit Photography R.I. Photography Sarah Fuchs & Company Schnitzelbank Catering Simply Yours Events Statix Entertainment Sun Tan City T S F Company Inc. The Hines Center The Pearl Club The Travel Authority Thirty-One Gifts WPT Corporation
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elizabeth's
Weddings & Formal Wear
T
here are events in every woman’s life that are most memorable… the wedding day, proms, homecomings, dances and galas. You dress your best, and the gown you wear lives forever in your memories and in photos you cherish. To select that head-turning dress, trust that you will be in good hands with the ladies at Elizabeth’s Weddings & Formal Wear. This is a boutique that has served many generations, and has been in Owensboro for over 30 years. They aren’t a big box store or a chain. They choose not to be too big, because they want you to have personal service from their experts who have the knowledge, experience and kindness to ensure your day is special. The owner, Maria Overton, personally assists most of the customers and provides custom-fit alterations so every detail is perfected. She knows how to dress ladies, and more importantly, sincerely wants you to
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have a special experience in her store and a wonderful experience on your memory-making day. At Elizabeth’s, you will find bridal gowns, bridesmaid and mother’s dresses, prom and homecoming dresses, and gowns perfect for important galas. Because Maria hand-selects all of the gowns, she knows every piece of inventory, and when you walk in the door and talk about your dream dress, she can find your perfect fit. For Maria and the ladies at Elizabeth’s, they don’t just sell a dress like a retail shop. They become part of the happy memory of fulfilling your dream. Maria is a native of Hungary and came to America when she was 8 years old with two dresses on her back. Because she treats people well, she now has built her own successful business with over 2,000 dresses, and is a humble entrepreneur. For an appointment, call 270-684-0312.
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the bakers Rack
REGISTER FOR YOUR NEW LIFE!
and appreciated into the future. Even if they offer an unregistered gift, they can use the registry to know what you like and what you may need to accessorize your life and home.
What should you expect from a registry? The stores where
you register should offer a listing of favored products, and also be able to educate you and the shoppers about the uses and quality of each product. They should make registering easy for you and make purchasing easy for the shopper. Each store should be able to offer guidance about what you may want and need to get started in your new life. Registries should be flexible if you change your mind about what you want. Each store should allow you a timely return of any gifts that you cannot use.
I
So what should be on your registry? Anything you like! If there
love this time of
is something in a store you admire, then register for it. Nothing is
year! It is a fresh
too small or large, as sometimes small gifts are grouped together
start, a new beginning,
into a larger gift arrangement, and sometimes large gifts are
and a rest from the
purchased for the couple by groups of wedding guests. Many
rush. The days are
couples choose products that will accessorize their new home
already getting longer,
because they have never purchased anything in that realm. China,
and
dinnerware, serving pieces, picture frames, bookends and even
we
are
busy
planning events for the
furniture all go together to develop a home.
spring and summer. There will be so much to do. Many of you
have come into The Bakers Rack with your own new starts and
where advice from well-meaning mothers and others can be a
huge plans being made - Congratulations on your Engagements!
little misleading. "You will never use it," or "You will stand at a sink
A common registry entry is china or stoneware. This is an area
Weddings and the gala events surrounding them are some
forever washing it" are common excuses for not registering for
of the most important days in your life. They are filled with
better dinnerware. Well, china dinnerware has changed a lot since
friends, family - old and new, and well-wishers reconnecting
your mom's wedding. The vast majority of modern china patterns
with you. Conversations lean toward the new life that is speedily
are dishwasher safe, and are much stronger and more durable
approaching. Laughter and good-natured advice about married
than common stoneware dinnerware. What that means is that you
life flow more freely. One common thread between many of the
can use modern china often without worry or extra time spent.
people around you is that they would like to offer gifts as signs of
Good looking dishes you can use everyday!
love and hope. That is where places like The Bakers Rack come
in. We help people select The Perfect Gift for you! We do that
you think your wedding guests may shop for you. Remember,
through a registry, a list of items you would love to have as you
wedding registries are for the convenience of your guests as well
start your new life together.
as for you. You may register for identical items at multiple places,
The major reason to register for gifts is to make it easier and
local, national or online. That increases the chances of receiving
more enjoyable for those who wish to celebrate your wedding
what you really want. Reward stores that provide excellent service
with a gift, and know that you will like what you receive. Many of
with your future business. We at The Bakers Rack would love the
those who offer gifts really do not know your personal style, and
opportunity to help you develop a registry that fits your lifestyle,
are hesitant to buy without more knowledge. A good registry gives
and allow us the chance to serve your guests as they shop for you.
them insight about you and confidence that the gift will be used
Come see us!
Where should you register? The short answer is: Anywhere
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the pearlclub
A
t the Pearl Club, you can have both your wedding and fully-catered reception in one uniquely glamorous venue. Located at 6501 Summit Drive in Eastern Daviess County, on the beautiful grounds of The Summit Golf Club, our wedding and banquet venue can facilitate up to 200 people comfortably for indoor receptions, and up to 500 guests for outdoor, tented receptions. Vista views await guests at two wedding locations: our patio facility and our lakeside pergola. All you need for your reception is a vision for décor, a wedding cake or dessert plan, and entertainment. Leave the rest of the details for the meal to us, and they can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.
RECEPTIONS INCLUDE: •
Catering with choice of menu selections (special requests can be accommodated);
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AN ALL-INCLUSIVE WEDDING BOUTIQUE
• • •
White linens; Tables and chairs; Full place setting with silverware.
Because of our outdoor accommodations, wedding combos are typically hosted at the Pearl Club between April and October. (In rare cases of inclement weather, weddings can be moved inside.) The interior of our banquet facility has recently been updated with new wall colors, beautiful light fixtures and modern décor.
TO PLAN YOUR PERFECT WEDDING AT THE PEARL CLUB, CONTACT: Scott Delk, Food and Beverage Director Phone: (270) 281-4653 www.tpcowensboro.com
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the miller house
A HOUSE FIT FOR A WEDDING
S
ince opening in 2009, The Miller House quickly became
details to our professional and courteous staff, and make your
one of Owensboro’s favorite dining spots. But you may not
dinner or shower a relaxing success.
realize that in addition to offering unique and flavorful Southern fare, the Miller House also serves as a very popular venue for
W E DDINGS
weddings and receptions.
With outdoor porches and patios; cozy rooms upstairs;
wedding and reception at the same location, our outdoor patio
large front rooms downstairs; a full service bourbon bar and
or side porch are popular options for wedding ceremonies.
tasting room in the basement, or any combination of those, our historic house has various options for any size occasion, which makes the Miller House a perfect location to host any celebration associated with your wedding.
RE H EA R SA L D I NNER / S HOWERS
For couples who prefer the convenience of celebrating their
Brides and grooms find that our beautifully restored, historic house provides great atmosphere and charm to make that Special Day memorable. You can count on The Miller House to make all the necessary preparations for your wedding.
RECE PTIO NS
Customize your experience at the Miller House. We have the
The Miller House is increasingly hosting more private
perfect room for a small, intimate reception. Or, rent our entire
celebrations like wedding showers, bridal lunches and rehearsal
facility to accommodate larger guest lists. We have hosted
dinners. As a full-service restaurant and catering company,
weddings and receptions for parties from 50-300. We are also
creating beautiful, deliciously-prepared food is our passion at
hard-wired for all your audio/visual needs for any presentations.
The Miller House. We can personally customize our menus and
services to host your event to your preferences. Leave the
685-5878.
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Call Jeane today for all your wedding planning needs at 270-
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the essential wedding [ ]
[ ]
[ ]
10–12 Months To Go...
• Driver • DJ/Musicians
Establish a budget and decide your top priorities—determine where you want to save and where you want to splurge.
[ ]
When you hire a vendor, make sure to get all the details in writing!
[ ]
Already feeling overwhelmed? Consider hiring a wedding planner.
[ ]
Start researching honeymoon options.
Gather ideas. Start talking to friends and browsing Pinterest, bridal blogs and magazines to help choose your wedding style and color palette. Begin compiling your guest list so you’ll have an estimated head count when determining venue, food, etc.
[ ]
Choose your wedding party.
[ ]
Locate rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception venues. Once you’ve chosen a spot, make sure to promptly reserve your date. Also, know what questions to ask when evaluating a wedding venue (e.g. whether they allow outside catering, what other events are scheduled nearby on your chosen date).
[ ] [ ]
checklist
Pick the perfect dress and begin assembling the ideal ensemble. Choose your vendors, including: • Caterer • Photographer/Videographer • Florist/Decorator
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6–9 Months To Go...
[ ]
Continue researching, interviewing and booking vendors.
[ ]
Discuss bouquet and arrangement ideas with your floral designer.
[ ]
Schedule a tasting and choose your wedding cake with your baker/cake designer.
[ ]
Hire the DJ/Entertainment for your ceremony and reception.
[ ]
Start looking at invitation styles and wording options.
[ ]
Create your gift registries and wedding website.
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[ ]
[ ] [ ] [ ]
[ ]
[ ]
Arrange hotel room blocks for out-of-town guests and book your own suite for the wedding night.
[ ]
Finalize rehearsal dinner guest list.
[ ]
Reserve all necessary party rentals and linens for rehearsal and wedding.
[ ]
Order wedding favors for your guests.
[ ]
Shop for and reserve men’s formalwear. Remind groomsmen to pick up their tuxes on time.
[ ]
Concentrate on finalizing the following: • Guest list, including mailing address. • Invitation wording. Also consider additional stationery (programs, menu cards, thank-you cards, etc.). • Ceremony readings and vows. • Menu, beverage and catering details. • Timeline of the reception formalities, including toasts, first dance, etc.
Select bridesmaid/flower girl dresses. Send Save the Date cards. Book any necessary transportation for before and after the ceremony and reception. Go over bridal shower/bachelorette details and guest lists with the person(s) hosting your party.
3-5 Months To Go... Book the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner locations.
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[ ]
Do a makeup and hair trial and book your stylists. While you’re at it, come up with your own beauty and fitness regimen to be camera-ready for the big day.
[ ]
Start researching marriage license requirements and name-change paperwork.
[ ]
Begin initial dress fittings. Be sure to buy the appropriate undergarments beforehand.
[ ]
Purchase your wedding rings.
[ ]
Finalize honeymoon plans and obtain all necessary documents (e.g. passport, vaccinations, etc.).
[ ]
Consider taking a dance lesson with your fiancé—a good way to break in your bridal shoes!
4-6 weeks To Go...
[ ]
Give the wedding party a nudge—make sure they’ve ordered all necessary attire.
Mail invitations. Have a game plan for recording the RSVPs and meal choices.
[ ]
Write thank-you cards for shower gifts and any early wedding gifts received.
Touch base with your vendors to confirm date, deposits and details.
[ ]
Purchase gifts for the wedding party.
[ ] [ ]
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[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
[ ]
Have your final dress fitting. Bring your shoes and accessories for the full impact.
the day before... Make sure all wedding-day items are packed/laid out and ready to go. (Don’t forget the rings and marriage license!) Figure out tips and final payments for vendors. Put them in clearly marked envelopes and give them to someone you trust to hand out at the reception. Assign someone to pack up your gifts/ belongings after the reception (don’t forget the top tier of your cake!).
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[ ]
Enjoy a mani-pedi.
[ ]
Attend the rehearsal and dinner. Now’s the time to give out wedding party gifts.
here comes the bride! [ ]
Allow plenty of time to get ready.
[ ]
Make the rounds at your wedding—greet everyone and thank them for coming.
[ ]
Take a deep breath. Stop to appreciate your new spouse and the day that you spent so much time planning!
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THE
DISH game day menus that
SCORE BIG
Even if your team isn’t playing in the big game, you can still come out a winner with a tasty viewing party recipe. Plan your menu ahead of time so you can be confident you’ll score big with a spread that leaves guests cheering long after the game has ended. These tips will help you get started with a lineup that gets your guests’ taste buds running into overtime: • Chips and dips are tailgating staples, but even they can stand a fresh twist of flavor. If you’re seeking inspiration, Hidden Valley Dip Genius can help you find a dip to pump up your menu. The online tool makes picking a hearty, savory, light or chunky dip recipe easy, allowing you to find a dip based on your occasion, mood and
RANCH BUFFALO WINGS
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 40 minutes Serves: 7
flavor. Visit dipgenius.com to find a new dip recipe. • Anticipate all styles of snacking. Finger foods are ideal for grazing between plays and during commercials. Plan on serving more substantial entree-style dishes during halftime: sliders, BBQ brisket, pulled pork, soup and chili are all crowd-pleasers perfect for game day. • When it comes to dessert, fuss-free is the way to go. An array of cookies, brownies and dessert bars will satisfy the sweet tooth. Take your dessert table to the next level by icing your treats in team colors. Find these and more recipes for your game day celebration at hiddenvalley.com or dipgenius.com.
1/2 teaspoon paprika 1 cup prepared Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted 1/4 cup cayenne pepper sauce 3 tablespoons vinegar 24 chicken wings or drumettes 1 packet (1 ounce) Hidden Valley Original Ranch Salad Dressing & Seasoning Mix
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Heat oven to 350 F. In small bowl, whisk together butter,
pepper sauce and vinegar. Dip wings or drumettes in butter mixture; arrange in single layer in large baking pan. Sprinkle with dressing and seasoning mix. Bake until chicken is browned and an internal temperature of 165 F has been reached, about 30-40 minutes. Sprinkle with paprika.
Serve with dressing and celery sticks.
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BAKED SPINACH AND CHICKEN DIP Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes Serves: 12
Ingredients: 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed 1 cup Hidden Valley Original Ranch Dressing 1 package (10 ounces) frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated 1/2 cup cooked chicken, chopped Heat oven to 375 F. In microwave-safe medium bowl, add cream cheese and dressing. Microwave on high 30 seconds, or until cream cheese is soft. Stir to combine. Add spinach and Parmesan cheese. Mix well. Add chicken and stir to combine. Transfer mixture to baking dish that holds at least 6 cups. Bake 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. The internal temperature should be 165 F. Serve with crackers, bread or veggie sticks. Tips: If you like it spicy, substitute Hidden Valley Farmhouse Originals Southwest Chipotle Dressing and add diced pickled jalapenos. For fewer calories, try Hidden Valley The Original Ranch Light Dressing. To make ahead, prepare unbaked dip up to 3 days ahead; store covered and refrigerated. Bake prior to serving.
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THE
SCENE
ARTS
GREASE & BEYOND PRESENTED BY OWENSBORO NUNSENSE PRESENTED BY BAM! February 18 – 21 | Jody Berry Theatre DANCE THEATRE The Little Sisters of Hoboken return to the BAM stage once again February 27 at 7 p.m. | RiverPark Center Grease & Beyond will delight and intrigue audiences with its imagery and its modern and creative take on a well-loved story. Come see characters in nostalgic costumes take flight, dance around vintage cars, backdrops change and move with ease and grace before your eyes, as 8 professional dancers and choreographers amaze you with their creativity. Grease is a classic story that takes the “young at heart” back in time, and the young today on a magical journey as they follow Danny, Sandy, the Pink Ladies, the T-Birds and the many others in a rousing 50’s romp. Join Owensboro Dance Theatre for a Sock Hop the same day from 4:30-6:00 pm (Not included in concert package.)
in Nunsense, and are in a dither after they discover their cook, Julia Child of God, has accidently poisoned 52 of their sisters. They have no money to pay for all the burials, so they decide to stage a variety show to raise the necessary funds. Nunsense will be performed Thursday – Sunday, February 18-21, 2016 in the Jody Berry Theatre at RiverPark Center. Thursday through Saturday evening shows are at 7:30 p.m. Matinees on Saturday, Feb. 20, at 2 p.m. and Sunday, February 21 at 2 p.m. Individual performance tickets are available from the RiverPark Center Box Office at 270-687-2787 or go online to www.riverparkcenter.org
THE SILHOUETTE OF ELIZABETH KECKLEY
shows throughout February | Empress Theatre Elizabeth Keckley was a former slave who became a successful seamstress, civil activist and author in Washington, DC. She was best known as the personal modiste and confidante of First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln. Rebecca Wright returns to TWO this season with her own adaptation of Mrs. Keckley’s autobiography, Thirty Years a Slave and Four in the White House.
February 20, 27 and March 5, 12 at 7 p.m. | Empress Theatre Think you have what it takes to be Owensboro’s next celebrated talent?! Open to all ages; compete at one of three preliminary events for chance to compete at the grand finale on March 12! Features celebrity judges and cash prizes up to $1,000. Preliminary events are Feb 20, 27 and March 5, with the final event March 12; all at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults/$10 for students. Contact tickets@ theatreworkshop.org or wahvet2@aol.com for info (or call TWO at 270-683-5003.)
ANNIE – BROADWAY MUSICAL
BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
February 12 at 7 p.m. | RiverPark Center Leapin’ Lizards! The world’s best-loved musical returns in timehonored form. Directed by original lyricist and director, Martin Charnin, and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, this production of Annie will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Annie includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”
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OWENSBORO HAS TALENT
February 28 at 7 p.m. | RiverPark Center Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story chronicles the true story of Buddy Holly’s rise to fame and features over 20 of his greatest hits like “That’ll Be the Day,” “Peggy Sue,” “Everyday,” plus Ritchie Valens’ “La Bamba.” Seen by over 22 million people around the world, Buddy will have you on your feet, and the Boston Globe reports it will, “Send you out of the theater on an unstoppable high.” Call RiverPark Center, 270-687-2770 for ticket information or online at www.riverparkcenter.org www.OwensboroLiving.com
KIDS
OPEN BOUNCE NIGHTS
Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays | U-Bounce The perfect party place for kids. Amazing inflatables in an unbelievably cool bounce stadium. Private, clean and climatecontrolled. All children must wear socks. $7 per child, children under 2 are free, unless they are the only child; adults always free. On Toddler Tuesday, children 5 and under get in for $5 all night. Tuesday and Wednesday 5 – 8 p.m. and Friday 5 - 9 p.m. 270-685-1255 or ubouncepartyhouse.com.
FREE STORYTIMES
Mondays & Thursdays | Daviess County Public Library Wee Read for ages 2 and younger and Circle Time for ages 3-5; 10 – 10:30 a.m. 270-684-0211 or dcplibrary.org.
FREE SATURDAY MORNING LIVE!
Mondays & Thursdays | Daviess County Public Library Visit the library every Saturday morning for self-guided fun and educational activities with a focus on literacy and school readiness. 10 a.m. – Noon 270-684-0211 or dcplibrary.org.
MISSOULA PRESENTS: RED RIDING HOOD
February 20 at 2 p.m. | RiverPark Center Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house she goes! Red Riding Hood, not so little anymore, and her preteen pals try to stay on the straight and narrow in the latest adventure from the Missoula Children’s Theatre. The Big Bad Wolf, who is not so bad after all, and a friendly neighborhood Forest Ranger urge our heroes to stay true to the path, for in the shadows lurk diversions and a sinister surprise or two. A pack of woefully nasty young wolves and a handsome Woodsman, too good to be true, are a must for our story. And we can’t have a wolf tale without Three Little Pigs and even a Boy Who Cries… you guessed it. With help from her family and a loyal young Locksmith (he carries the key), Red finds her Grandma and a whole lot more. Now if only she could retrieve her picnic basket from those rascally Raccoons. Life is no picnic when you stray from the trail!
FUNDRAISERS AND SOCIAL EVENTS
VALENTINE’S DAY “SHARE THE LOVE” ADOPTION GALA
February 12 from 7-10 p.m. | River City Church "Share the Love" is a Valentine's Day-inspired fundraising event created to raise money for the Tyler Family Adoption Fund. John Mark and Shelly Tyler invite you and your significant other to share a romantic evening together with our community in support of their family's desire to spread the love they will share with a child around the globe. There will be a romantic dinner, dessert, live music, silent auction, photo opportunities, and dancing. Dress is semi-formal. Tickets are $32.64 per person. Contact shellyrtyler@gmail.com for more information, or purchase your tickets at eventbrite.com.
www.OwensboroLiving.com
OWENSBORO ROTARY’S BOURBON BALL
February 13 from 6 – 11:45 p.m. | Hines Center Tickets include: Silent Auction from 6 - 9 p.m. Premium bourbon tasting & hors d’oeuvre from 6 - 8 pm with music by Blue Diamond Bluegrass Band. “Bourbon Themed” dinner catered by Moonlite, with dinner at 7:30 p.m. Dancing with Jimmy Church Band from 9 p.m. – midnight. Portion of proceeds to support: Honor Flight Bluegrass Chapter & Pitino Shelter. Tickets are $100 each.
37TH ANNUAL FARM CITY BREAKFAST
February 27 from 7:30 – 9 a.m. | Daviess County High School Tickets are $6 per person; Call 270-926-1860 for tickets.
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SCENE FAMILY
MARKET DAYS February 6 - 7 | Preservation Station, 9661 Kentucky 56 Preservation Station Market Days are held the first full weekend of every month. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday Noon to 5 p.m. with over 80 vendors of antique, vintage, handcrafted, and boutique items, live music, and food. Preservation Station Market and Event Center, 9661 Hwy 56. Also open daily, Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday Noon - 5 p.m. Call 270-993-7532, go to www. visitpreservationstation.com, or find us on Facebook.
KENTUCKY MAVERICKS BASKETBALL Throughout February | Owensboro Sportscenter Kentucky Mavericks vs. Grand Rapids Cyclones – February 14 at 4 p.m.; Kentucky Mavericks vs. Lake Michigan Admirals – February 21 at 4 p.m.; Kentucky Mavericks vs. Indianapolis Diesels – February 27 at 7 p.m.; To purchase your season tickets or game-day tickets, log on to www. mavup.com or stop by the office at 817 West First Street (right next door to Holiday Inn Downtown).
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FIRST SATURDAY: ANNUAL “BEE MINE” February 6 from 10 a.m. – Noon | Western Kentucky Botanical Garden Enjoy a Valentine’s Party for kids ages 5 – 11.
CUPID’S KITCHEN – ST. VALENTINE’S BRUNCH February 14 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
ORCHID SHOW & SALE February 14 and 21 from Noon – 3 p.m. | Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
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DOWNTOWN
2016 KENTUCKY SPORTMAN’S SHOW February 5 – 7 | Owensboro Convention Center
CORK & CUISINE – AMOR EN ESPANA February 12 from 6 – 9 p.m. | Owensboro Convention Center
The Kentucky Sportsman’s Show, the largest outdoor enthusiast
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, join us and experience the romance
event in the region, will attract attendees with a wide range of
of Spain with this exquisite 5-course food, wine, and spirits pairing
interests. Three days of exhibits, seminars, entertainment and
event. Tickets are $70 per person and by reservation only.
contests. Exhibits and seminars include: hunting, fishing and archery, boating, food and cooking, scuba diving and motorcycles and off road racing. Frank “the aspirin buster” Addington and pro angler Mark Menendez, 40ft. Berkley Bass Tank, bird down retrievers and many more! Friday night will feature a firearm frenzy. A gun will be given away every 30 minutes. Saturday – 3 staging areas with demos, seminars and entertainment all day. Saturday evening will feature a Wings Eating Contest and a Wild Game Dinner. Dinner proceeds to benefit the Jason Koger Foundation. Youth Day Sunday – 100 Buck Gardner duck calls given to the first 100 children under 12.
2016 OWENSBORO BOAT & RECREATION SHOW February 18 – 21 | Owensboro Convention Center The 2016 Owensboro Boat & Recreation Show will
feature
surrounding area recreational marine dealers exhibiting their products and services to the boating enthusiast. Whether your lifestyle already allows you to enjoy recreational boating or you are just interested in checking out the boating lifestyle, come out and enjoy this annual event, view the displays, speak to dealers, get current pricing, general boating information or search for the best deal on a new boat package. The best part is that it’s all inside under one roof!
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THE LAST WORD
LOVE IS EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
BY LORA WIMSATT
ome weddings begin with magnificent diamonds and
You watched games featuring sports you don’t understand or teams
engraved invitations, evolving into a dream-filled day
you don’t like.
with professional orchestras and elaborate decorations,
horse-drawn carriages and fabulous flowers and designer
litter out of your car for the first time – well, it must have been
You cleaned the fast food bags, soft drink cans and miscellaneous
gowns and extended honeymoons at exotic destinations.
awhile because there’s a Red Barn burger wrapper – just so she
Some weddings are a last-minute appointment with a justice of the
would have a clean place to sit.
peace and witnesses who are just a couple of friends rounded up at
the last minute, and then everyone goes back to work the next day. And most are somewhere in between.
What they all have in common is that somewhere, at some
time, the lifetime paths of two people crossed. The first meeting was probably a pretty casual encounter, but somewhere along the way, there was a little “something” that captured the attention of the other person – something that said “This person is different … this person is special.”
From acquaintances to friends, from friends to a couple, from
“me and you” to “us.”
And then you said, “Will you …?” and the answer was “YES.”
That moment led to the flurry of wedding planning, however elaborate or modest or anywhere in between …
… followed by LIFE.
Life married, life wedded. Life as a couple. Life together. Life
shared.
From the very beginning, you knew this was a love that would
last forever, a love that would continue to grow, stronger and deeper as the years go on.
That part, of course, is a dream. Even the promise we make on
You blushed when someone mentioned his name.
that most hopeful of days reminds us that someday, we will part.
You bought tickets for movies she wanted to see.
Even then, love lives on – in our hearts, in our memories, in our
There was a little thrill when his name showed up on the screen
spirits which will one day be reunited once again, this time, really,
when your phone rang.
forever.
You paid more attention to your hair, took more time choosing
But from the moment your eyes first met until the flowers on
your clothes and made sure there were no holes in yours socks
the grave fade away, the thing that really matter is – everything in
when you were getting dressed to go see her.
between.
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