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FROM THE EDITOR THE BEST THAT OWENSBORO HAS TO OFFER
Publisher/Creative Director Jason Tanner
With every issue of Owensboro Living, we have the privilege of
Editor Steven Wilson
presenting you with the best that Owensboro has to offer. And
Ad Sales Brock Quinton Robert Williams
just in case anyone forgets just how terrific our city is, here is a sampling of the amazing stories and incredible individuals that
Photographers Jamie Alexander David Grinnell Taylor West
appear in this issue alone: : Father and son team kayaking 2,300 miles down the Mississippi for veterans – check!
Graphic Design Jamie Alexander Andrea Roberson
: A local youth pastor pardoned by the President of the United States – we’ve got that, too! : A family flying half-way around the world to run a marathon in our sister city – you bet! : How about a three-time Grammy-winning, homegrown musician? – yessir! If stories like that don’t make you proud to live in Owensboro, you may want to check your pulse. Or maybe food is more up your alley. We have something for you, too, with our annual Owensboro Living Dining Guide. From baked goods to bar-b-q (Kentucky and Korean), the Dining Guide showcases some of Owensboro’s tastiest and most beloved eateries. If you’re into fashion, our resident style blogger has you covered with tips for getting the best deals at end-of-summer sales. Not to mention our profile of 2017 Miss Daviess County, El’Agance Shemwell! We’ve packed all of these great stories into one unforgettable magazine. And if you think that’s impressive, just wait until our next issue. Steven Wilson Editor, Owensboro Living steven@owensboroliving.com
"THE DINING GUIDE SHOWCASES SOME OF OWENSBORO’S TASTIEST AND MOST BELOVED EATERIES."
Contributors Nicholas Hardesty Jacqueline Jordan Danny May Ashley Sorce Dr. Alan Mullins Elizabeth Muster Beth Noffsinger Taryn Norris Jaime Rafferty Steven Wilson Lora Wimsatt Cover Photo Jamie Alexander Burger from Colby's Fine Food & Spirits Online www.owensboroliving.com facebook.com/owensboroliving twitter.com/owensboroliving issuu.com/owensboroliving Offline Owensboro Living Magazine PO Box 9503 Owensboro, KY 42302 888-304-5416 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.
TANNER PUBLISHING CO.
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2017
JUNE JULY [08]
THE BUZZ
THE REAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EVENTS THAT SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY
[12]
THE PULSE
HEALTHCARE TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION
FEATURES [16] KAYAK FOR VETERANS [20] THE ARTISTS TRIBE [25] CZECH MARKS THE SPOT
[58] [28]
[28] THE EPITOME OF EL'AGANCE [30] STILL TREKING [34] THE WELCOME PROJECT [39] BARK IN STYLE [42] HORROR FROM THE HOMETOWN [46] Q & A WITH KEVIN OLUSOLA
[25]
[52] TOTALLY FREE FROM EVERYTHING
[58]
THE DINING GUIDE
[20]
DISCOVER THE FLAVOR OF OWENSBORO
[80]
THE STYLE
SUMMERTIME FASHION TIPS
[84]
THE SCENE
YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND OWENSBORO
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BUZZ PHOTOS BY AP IMAGERY
THE
LOCASH PERFORMS FOR RECORD FA5 CROWD Friday After 5 was well-prepared for its largest crowd in 21 seasons on Friday, July 21. An estimated 6,000 people enjoyed a free concert by country music chart-toppers LOCASH, and there were still great crowds at the other stages, too. To accommodate the expected crowd for LOCASH, an additional stage was set up on the lawn in front of the Owensboro Convention Center. The LOCASH performance was sponsored by Champion Ford.
ROMP BLUEGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL
This year’s ROMP, the 14th annual, saw a record-breaking crowd of 26,000 attendees. The four-day event, produced by the International Bluegrass Music Museum, was a huge success, despite little cooperation from mother nature. Even with some rain and mud, festival-goers, including 300 RVs, packed Yellow Creek Park to see some of the biggest names in Bluegrass take the stage.
HOLIDAY WORLD
In its June issue, Consumers Digest states Holiday World earned the top “bang for the buck” ranking with its “charming retro holiday theme” along with free soft drinks, free parking and free sunscreen. Also, for the sixth year, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari have received a Certificate of Excellence award from TripAdvisor.com. The accolade is given only to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor. In addition, USA Today and TripAdvisor recently teamed up to determine the top attraction in each state, based on reviews and ratings. Holiday World was named Indiana's top-rated attraction. USA Today also named Splashin’ Safari the nation’s #1 Outdoor Water Park in May, following a month-long readers’ poll.
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NEW TRACK AND FIELD COMPLEX READY FOR FALL
It took less than a year for the new track and field complex at Owensboro Middle School to be finished, in plenty of time for the coming school year. The $2.7 million state-of-the-art track and field complex is a community partnership between Owensboro Public Schools, Kentucky Wesleyan College, and Owensboro Health. A grand opening is planned for August.
UK PICKS OWENSBORO NATIVE, DUKE DOCTOR TO HEAD HEALTH CARE ENTERPRISE The head of Duke University’s physician practice plan will take over the University of Kentucky’s sprawling billion-dollar health enterprise, officials announced Friday morning. Mark Newman, 57, an Owensboro native, an anesthesiologist and the current president of Duke’s Private Diagnostic Clinic, will succeed Michael Karpf, who has led UK HealthCare for more than a decade. His starting salary will be
AMERICAN QUEEN
Owensboro has become a popular stop for riverboat tours. On July 19, the American Queen steamboat stopped in Owensboro for a small excursion during a cruise down the Ohio River. Guests spent some time enjoying the riverfront and several visited St. Stephen's Cathedral.
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$1,111,500, making him one of UK’s highest-paid employees after men’s basketball coach John Calipari and football coach Mark Stoops.
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OWENSBORO PARENT KIDS TRIATHLON
PHOTOS BY TAYLOR WEST
On July 15, the 2nd Owensboro Parent Kid’s Triathlon was held at the Owensboro Family YMCA. More than 160 athletes, ranging in age from 4-14, swam, biked and ran the course with their friends and families cheering them on. The event, presented by Independence Bank, gives participants the opportunity to run a scaled-down version of the traditional triathlon, preparing them for a possible future in the sport.
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THE
PULSE
HEALTHCARE TEAMWORK and COLLABORATION 12 OWENSBORO LIVING
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BY DR. ALAN MULLINS OWENSBORO HEALTH SURGICAL SPECIALISTS
RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP BRINGS NEW OPTIONS, OPPORTUNITIES FOR CANCER PATIENTS www.OwensboroLiving.com
W
e want patients in this region with
faith communities that give them support. Because
cancer to have every option available for
of this partnership, patients can access clinical trials
successful treatment.
Owensboro Health joined the University of
right here in Owensboro at the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center.
Kentucky Markey Cancer Center Research Network,
which opens the door for patients at the Mitchell
selective; Owensboro Health had to demonstrate
Memorial Cancer Center to participate in many more
that we deliver outstanding cancer care and that
clinical research studies. The future of cancer care is
our staff could take on the highly-detailed, closely-
in clinical research, and almost every drug, treatment
monitored processes that come with clinical trials.
and therapy available today was once part of a clinical
Markey’s leaders see we can provide outstanding
trial. This partnership means we can offer more
cancer care and want us to be a part of their efforts
options that can help our patients win their fight
to build the future of cancer care. Markey has to be
against cancer.
selective because clinical research trials are extremely
One of the most important facets of this
demanding. Every detail has to be documented, every
partnership is that so much will take place right here
“t” crossed and every “i” dotted.
in Owensboro. So often, patients tell us they would
Only 69 cancer centers nationwide have been
like to participate in clinical trials, but they don’t
designated by the National Cancer Institute, the U.S.
want to be away from their family, loved ones and
government’s leading agency in cancer research, to
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Markey Cancer Center Research Network is very
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meet the quality criteria. By being
make the difference for them, hopefully
named a National Cancer Institute,
saving lives.
Markey has shown it is one of the best
cancer centers in the United States, and
and teamwork are important in cancer
now patients in this region can more
care. My answer is still the same: You
easily benefit from that experience and
can’t practice modern cancer care in
expertise.
isolation. You have to do it with a team.
This partnership is truly a win-
That’s what it takes to practice good
win-win situation (that’s three wins).
medicine, and this new partnership
The first win is for our patients and
with Markey Cancer Center Research
providers, who now have more options
Network is one of the best examples of
for potential treatments. The second
healthcare teamwork and collaboration
win is for Markey, which can further
in the state.
I have been asked why collaboration
Seen here, from left, are Dr. Mullett, Owensboro Health President and CEO Greg Strahan, Dr. Mullins, Markey Cancer Center Director Dr. Mark Evers and UK College of Medicine Dean Dr. Robert DiPaola.
its research across the population of this region thanks to this partnership. The third win is for people who don’t yet have cancer, or may not even be born yet. The research we do today can
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Dr. Alan Mullins is a general surgeon with Owensboro Health Surgical Specialists. He also is a member of the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center’s Cancer Committee and Owensboro Health’s liaison to the Markey Cancer Center.
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KAYAK FOR VETERANS
“I’ve never kayaked in my life until we started
this adventure.” Those aren’t exactly the words you’d expect to hear from someone kayaking 2,320 miles over the course of 90 days. But his complete
Father and Son Make Trip of a Lifetime Down the Mississippi
lack of experience didn’t seem to bother Logan
BY STEVEN WILSON
duty in Iraq and Afghanistan (where he injured
Hastings. Neither did his bad back. Perhaps that’s because he had already endured tours of his back when the dozer he was driving hit an IED and flipped).
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PHOTO BY JIM WEBBER
It was that same combat experience, and the difficulties
When Logan returned from his tours of duty in the
that many of his military brothers and sisters endured
Middle East with a Purple Heart and a medical discharge,
upon returning home, that spurred Logan on his great
he wanted to come alongside his parents and support the
“adventure.” More specifically, Logan has watched many of
Warrior 180° Foundation by raising awareness for their
his friends suffer with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder),
cause. Soon, he began making plans with a friend to take a
and many have committed suicide. Recent statistics show
trip and raise funds for the foundation. That morphed into
that the suicide rate among veterans is roughly twice the
kayaking the Mississippi River – a feat that sounds daunting
national average (ptsd.va.gov.). In response to this crisis,
enough even when you don’t consider that Logan had a bad
Logan’s parents, Jeff and Criss Hastings, felt called to start
back and had never kayaked a day in his life. Still, with
the Warrior 180° Foundation. Jeff also served in the Army
his mind set on helping his fellow veterans, Logan made
as a chaplain from 2009 to 2016, including one deployment
plans to set out on May 1 for the long journey down the
to Kuwait (after serving as a hospital chaplain here in
Mississippi.
Owensboro, and as an interim pastor at Walnut Memorial
Baptist Church). And both Jeff and Criss’ fathers served
and travel companion, Steven, was forced to back out of the
in the military. Knowing firsthand the trials that veterans
trip before it even started. Despite the setback, Logan was
face in their lives after active duty, the Hastings began the
determined to continue with his mission, and was prepared
non-profit organization with the goal of coming “alongside
to make the trip alone. Fortunately, Jeff and Criss had
the military, veterans and their family members to provide
already contemplated this contingency, prayed about it, and
comfort, support, resources, hope and help for the struggles
decided that if Logan asked, Jeff would accompany him
they are facing.”
down the river.
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Those plans were nearly derailed when Logan’s friend
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And so, on May 1, the two launched their kayaks from
was not going to be easy.” Jeff echoed this sentiment,
Itasca, Minnesota, the headwaters of the Mississippi River.
adding: “I wanted to do something that’s hard, and that’s
It was nearly two weeks before they saw another human
difficult, and that maybe even hurts, because my brothers
being, and it was during that time that the father-son pair
and sisters are hurting, and I want them to know that I’m
were able to truly appreciate God’s beauty. “You couldn’t
doing something difficult for them. And something that’s
pay for time like this,” Jeff said, referring to the peaceful
not easy, because they’re going through times that aren’t
time outdoors, one-on-one with his son. “There’s times
easy, and if we can team together and do this, then so can
when we’re struggling and hurting, and it’s painful. But
they.”
we’ll pull over, get some shade, remember why we’re doing
this, and keep on paddling.”
served our country, Logan and Jeff Hastings (with Criss
The pain and struggle of the trip are some of the very
driving ahead of them in an RV), paddle 40-50 miles per
reasons Logan chose this kayaking adventure as a way
day down the mighty Mississippi. At the time this issue is
to raise awareness for veterans struggling with PTSD.
in circulation, the father-son veteran duo will be nearing
“When I came home from Iraq and Afghanistan I had a lot
the end of their long journey. But it certainly will not be
of problems, and I solved those problems by myself. I went
the end of their crusade to raise awareness about PTSD
to alcohol and I drank a lot. And I finally got some help,
among veterans. If you want to learn more about their
before I got really bad,” Logan shared. So to demonstrate
cause, go to warrior180.org, where you can donate to the
to his fellow veterans that he understood their struggles,
organization. You can also retrace their trip by checking
Logan sought out a trip that would be a struggle in itself.
out pictures, videos and stories on their Facebook page: @
In his words, “I wanted to make this trip something that
kayak4veterans.
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And so, in honor of their brothers and sisters that have
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T H E
ARTISTS
tribe
Beyond the hand-carved totem poles and unique metal works outside the small building at 2226 Veach Road, you’ll find an art lover’s treasure trove and the passion project of one artsy woman.
After many years and many states, Kelly Lynn
Annin moved back home to Owensboro with a purpose. An artist herself, Annin saw many of her creative friends exhibiting at festivals and struggling with the problems they present - from stolen pieces to broken products - and wanted to give them a permanent space.
But it was also about the bigger picture. “I’ve
always lived in towns where there’s a lot of art, and artists coming together to make change in the community, and I wanted that,” Annin said. That idea turned into The Artists Tribe, an eclectic gallery and shop now open in Owensboro.
BY JACQUELINE JORDAN
The shop truly has something
for everyone, from art to hand-poured candles, soaps, jewelry, salt lamps, quilts, stained glass, succulents and more. Annin noted that there’s a
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PHOTOS BY TAYLOR WEST
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focus on things from the earth and overall
they wanted to offer exotic items, “with the
wellbeing. “Everything here can help you in
goal of making them easily available, and to
some way,” she said.
bring people into the hobbies and to educate
them.” Along with plants, they also sell, lease
The gallery opened in December, and has
been going strong, not only with retail space
and maintain custom aquariums.
but with activities. Every Saturday, The Artists
They also enjoy educating others about
Tribe offers classes in the backyard of the shop.
plants so they host DIY succulent planting
The focus changes each week, with past events
events once a month at the Tribe and
teaching photography, crochet and painting.
Gambrinus.
The Daviess County Public Library has even
“People love our planters and things, but
offered the Tribe an indoor location for classes
they also enjoy creating their own,” he said.
during inclimate weather.
“And the events give us the opportunity to
On Saturday nights, they transform the
educate people about the plants and what we
space into a music venue for “soul sessions.”
do.”
All money raised at the evening events goes
to a charity selected on that evening, from a
Tribe is Linda House, the stained glass artist
drawing of attendees’ suggestions.
behind Creekshop Glass & Artworks.
House started working with stained glass
They hope to soon offer Saturday morning
Another maker that’s found a home at the
yoga.
in 1973, being her stepfather’s hands after he
And it’s truly Owensboro-centric. Annin
suffered a stroke. She also learned as she worked
said many of the artists are people she knew
at The Glass Factory on Frederica Street. Today
from attending high school in Owensboro.
- and for 22 years - she runs a studio on her
“Coming back home was a plethora of amazing
Ohio County farm, doing commissioned work,
things happening,” she said.
restorations, windows, suncatchers and more.
One of the first vendors to join the Tribe
House said many buildings and homes in
was The Sunroom - Plants and Aquatics, a
Owensboro feature her work, including The
business by Annin’s family friends Steve and
Summit, Bosley Financial and E.M. Ford
Lisa Martin.
Insurance.
Steve Martin said they have been with
the Tribe since day one, selling their custom
House said. “Even while I worked a full-time
planters and exotic plants at the store after
job, I still made glass projects.”
selling their products on Facebook for about
She said she chose The Artists Tribe as a
six months.
venue because it’s friendly to artists to show
Martin said he and his wife turned their
and sell, and most of all, because of Annin. “I’m
plant
very well pleased with her style, performance
love from a hobby to a business;
“Glass has been my passion for many years,”
intending to expand the range of plants and
and commitment to all of us artists,” she said.
aquariums one can find in Owensboro. He said
House isn’t the only one to praise Annin.
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“I love her personality and passion for everything she
has at the Tribe,” said Nate Michaels, an oil, watercolor and ink artist whose works, featuring Willy Wonka, Johnny Cash and David Bowie, shine from the walls at The Artists Tribe. Previously
focused
on
music,
Louisville-based
Michaels came to the art world by accident. He drew a portrait of Bruce Springsteen, and when someone offered to buy it, a new career started. From there, it’s snowballed into shows across the country. “I love traveling the U.S., meeting new people and seeing the local culture,” he said. “Plus I still get a thrill out of people’s reaction to my work. I’m still amazed I can create something that can spark the interest of complete strangers.”
And spark interest he has, with prints going quickly
at The Artists Tribe - the only shop of its kind where you can purchase his work. Annin even passes along shoppers’ requests for new portrait pieces. As for Annin, she’s excited about serving the community of artists. “Most of my artists work full-time jobs and still do this,” she said. “They’re passionate about what they do.” The Artists Tribe is the perfect spot to share that passion. “This little spot is a place of magic,” she said.
The Artists Tribe is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday -
Saturday. To see what events and classes they have coming up, check out their calendar on facebook at www.facebook. com/dragonflycentral.
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PHOTO BY JAMIE ALEXANDER
BY NICK HARDESTY
CZECH MARKS THE SPOT
A half marathon is supposed to only take you 13.1 miles. But, for one Owensboro family, it took them half-way around the world. On June 24, the Joskas – Robin and Jammia, and their children Maya (10) and Merrick (8) – ran in the Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon and Family Run, in Olomouc, Czech Republic.
It
may seem strange at first to choose Central Europe as the location for an outdoor run with the family. But Olomouc is an official Sister City of Owensboro, and for Robin, it’s home away from home. “I was born and raised in Chrudim, a small town in the Czech Republic. I went to Palacky University in Olomouc. So, I know the area really well.” After graduating with his degree in Physical Education and English, he became the first exchange student of Owensboro’s Sister Cities initiative. “One of the professors [at Palacky] approached me and told me about an opportunity to go to the United States, go to college, and play soccer,” Robin recalled. “I always wanted to do that, so I came over here, played soccer, and got my business degree from Kentucky Wesleyan.” His plan was to graduate from KWC, stay a couple www.OwensboroLiving.com
of years, and then return to the Czech Republic. But Owensboro had certain attractions, even for someone from a beautiful and historic city like Olomouc. He got a job with Williams and then Southern Star. He decided to stay on as a board member of Owensboro Sister Cities and Regions. He met and married his wife, Jammia. Before he knew it, two years turned into 19 years . . . and he’s still here. He was starting to wonder if and when he would ever return to his birthplace. A mixture of good timing and good luck finally made the international trip a reality. “My wife and I had been juggling this idea around [of visiting the Czech Republic] for several years now, but wanted to wait until the kids were old enough. We finally had a whole trip planned for this summer, and then I heard that Owensboro was looking for someone to run AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017
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in the half marathon in Olomouc. I knew I couldn’t do both. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do.” As fate would have it, the half marathon was scheduled during their trip, on a day when they were already planning on being in Olomouc. “Everything worked out great,” Robin said, with obvious excitement. “The city of Olomouc provided our accommodations, and we got support from the Owensboro Sister Cities program, so my wife and I were able to run the half-marathon, and my kids participated in a 2.5 mile kids fun run.” Now, Robin is even more of a champion of the program that brought him to the United States 19 years ago, and that made his trip back to the Czech Republic such a memorable experience. Robin described the benefit of the program: “Owensboro Sister Cities and Regions has been a wonderful program. It’s all about how everyone does things, like, ‘We’re doing things this way, you guys are doing things that way,’ then you give some advice from here to there, maybe we can use some of these approaches, so people give some ideas. “The Sister Cities program does a lot of exchanges between high school and college students, government officials, police officers, firefighters. They’re actually organizing a friendship trip in September, which is going to be the first time that we get people together in this way to go to the Czech Republic.” There’s no doubt that the Sister Cities program has done a lot of people a lot of good. But, Robin was most excited for how 26 OWENSBORO LIVING
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it was able to impact his children. “I was just so excited to show the kids where I grew up and where I went to school, where I played soccer, mainly, showing them a different culture. It’s been such a great experience for the kids. Just some of the things they’ll be able to talk to their friends about, and what they were able to do, it’s completely different than if you went to the beach or to the mountains for vacation in the United States.”
And the run? It was amazing. “There’s a lot of history in
Olomouc, a lot of historical buildings and churches, it’s just beautiful there. The race started and finished in the main square, it was mostly around the downtown area. It was very well organized, too . . . and over 6,000 runners were there! That’s a pretty big number for a city the size of Olomouc.”
With about 100,000 residents, Olomouc is similar in size to
Owensboro and the surrounding area, which is one reason why the two cities with an ocean in between became “Sisters” 23 years ago. Of course, for the Joskas, it has been a match made in heaven.
“I always like to share the story of the Sister Cities,” Robin
assured me. “I think it’s a great program, and I’m just fortunate to be part of this, that it worked out that while we were over there we got to participate in the half marathon and travel a little bit. This has been one of those experiences that change you for life.” www.OwensboroLiving.com
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PHOTOS BY MELISSA PHILLIPS
The Epitome of
EL'AGANCE Owensboro made history at the July Miss Daviess County Pageant when El’Agance Shemwell won, marking the first time the crown was worn by an African American. And while this is a momentous step forward for Owensboro, El’Agance is just excited to represent the county that she loves. “For me, I never thought of myself as the black contestant,” El’Agance said. “I am just El’Agance, a selfconfident, self-driven young lady who wants to make a difference in our community. I am, however, extremely proud of being the first black Miss Daviess County. I feel now more young African American ladies won't feel they don't stand a chance and will come and join our sisterhood.” This year marked El’Agance’s fifth time competing in the Daviess County Lions Club Pageant in both the Miss Teen Daviess County and Miss Daviess County categories. And in those five years, El’Agance placed in the top, even second runner up two years in a row. Looking back, she admits she would hear people saying that she would never win because of her skin color. “But I never listened to them,” El’Agance said. “Miss Daviess County is about getting up on that stage and being confident in who you are.” Now, after five years, El’Agance says “It feels amazing, like a dream come true. I am a very determined and driven young lady, so once I put my mind to something, I do not give up. My motto is ‘failure is not an option.’” Having been in the pageant world since the
BY Y ASHLE E C SOR
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age of 2, El’Agance lives up to her name on the stage. “Growing up in the pageant world has helped me to become the leader I am today. I learned selfconfidence, public speaking and how to think on my toes. I have created so many friendships over the years as well,” El’Agance said. “I can honestly say there was nothing I disliked. In pageants, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. It comes with the territory. When I won, I always remained grounded and humble, when I lost I learned from my mistakes and tried harder.” El’Agance won Miss Black Expo in 2013. “A lot of people in our community think the Black Expo is only for African Americans,” El’Agance said. “It is actually open to all races. The pageant is very similar to Miss Daviess County. They both have interview, swimwear and evening gown competitions. They also both award scholarships.” An Owensboro High School graduate, El’Agance was an active Red Devil in student government, the cheerleading team and choir. Now entering her sophomore year at Western Kentucky University, El’Agance is studying broadcast journalism and taking courses in criminology with the dream of someday being a crime reporter. She is currently interning with PBS in Bowling Green, and hopes to land an internship with Fox 7. The future only looks bright for our new Miss Daviess County. As a part of her reign, El’Agance will go into local schools to talk about her platform, seatbelt safety awareness, as well as participate in a variety of community events, and appear at Girls Inc., the Boys and Girls Club, the H.L. Neblett Center and anywhere else she may be needed. “I am excited about being looked upon as a role model to others, and will continue to set a good example for our youth.”
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Sometimes inspiration can come from the strangest of places. For David Yewell, it was the backside of the men’s restroom door at a Nike shop in Chicago, where the words “There is no finish line” caught him eye-level as he exited. Since then, that phrase has become his personal motto and the mantra for the hundreds of runners, cyclists, and walkers who raise money each year for St. Joseph’s Peace Mission for Children by “TREK”ing 13 miles (or 20 if they choose) from Calhoun to the Yewell family’s home in West Louisville.
Having completed the TREK twice myself,
I can tell you the route passes through some of the most beautiful backroads and landscapes in Western Kentucky, which is part of the appeal of the experience.
It has become the tradition to have a local
“celebrity guest” officially begin the TREK, but this year there was no celebrity guest, as all the participants were special guests of honor for the 20-year reunion.
The Genesis of the TREK BY DANNY MAY
time I turned 50. I would walk from the river at
Still
TREKING
20TH TREK FOR ST. JOSEPH’S PEACE MISSION FOR CHILDREN
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As Yewell recalls, “This all started about the
. AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017
McLean County to my home, around 13 miles, somewhere around my birthday as a gift to myself to meditate and give thanks for being on this earth another year.” The experience was too good to keep to himself, so he invited some friends, who agreed the experience was too good to keep to themselves, as well. At that point, they decided to attach the event to a cause, and the TREK for St. Joseph’s Peace Mission was born. The group incorporated TREK as a 501(c)(3) charity in support of the Peace Mission.
“Remember the story of Saul on the road to
Emmaus, well that’s sort of what happened,”
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PHOTOS BY DANNY MAY
Yewell said of the TREK’s beginning. “This came from
you can make the journey be whatever you want it to be.
above. I could never have created this - just sat down and
Some people walk or run one or two miles. A few run the
dreamt it up. It was the spirit leading us.”
full 13. Some bike riders take an additional loop through
Being on the St. Joseph’s Peace Mission Board of
the countryside to make a 20-mile route. There are three
Directors, Judge Jay Wethington was also involved in the
refreshment stops along the route, and at any point you
TREK early on, and says he’s thrilled to have watched
can catch a ride on a shuttle to the picnic at the Yewell’s.
the event become so popular. “The TREK has been the
This year, participants stayed and lingered a little
focal point of the Peace Mission for the community every
longer, mingling and trying to find themselves in the
year. It’s very invigorating to the board. The TREK does
framed photo collage that Executive Director Paula
a tremendous job of keeping the Peace Mission in people’s
Yevincy presented to David with a word of appreciation
minds throughout the year.”
for coordinating the TREK all these years. With a crew
Most of that original group of friends is still involved,
handling the grill and another crew serving hungry
and the group has evolved into a much, much larger group
TREKers, a live DJ added to the celebratory atmosphere by
of supporters over the past 20 years, all culminating in
providing music for the “country, good-time fellowship.”
this year’s 20th TREK.
And so it was that on June 11, 2017, several hundred
participants gathered at the riverfront in Calhoun to pause and give thanks, to enjoy their TREK, and to support the Peace Mission with their donation.
One of the interesting things about the TREK is that
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Long-Term Vision What’s next for the TREK? The long-term goal, according to Yewell, is to one day have three homes at the Peace Mission, forming a children’s community modeled after the Home of the Innocents in Louisville, which would provide medical and dental care, as well as
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educational opportunities to the young people living
DeHart, who volunteers as social media coordinator for
at the Peace Mission. In another 20 years, that just
the Peace Mission. “But the reality is the court systems
might become a reality.
are overwhelmed, and we get dozens of referrals every
day from counties all over the state.”
Yewell pushes the TREK all year long. Although
he’s never been on the Peace Mission board, he says he
sees his role as “cheerleader.” It’s an obvious passion
bemoaning the fact that Kentucky is number one in
for Yewell, and it doesn’t take much to get him fired up
the nation for basketball, but we’re also number one
talking about the kids at the Mission.
in child abuse and tobacco use. “It’s a shame. I just try
to be one voice. But there are many, many people who
“All you have to do is go down there and look into
“We try to help in some way,” Yewell summarized,
their eyes. They gravitate toward you. Every time I go
volunteer and give their time to the Peace Mission.”
in there, they want to sit down and talk. They love that
attention.”
one: one person doing their part, which, when added
St. Joseph’s Peace Mission for Children is a crisis
to many others, can make a great impact. In this case,
home for neglected or abused children who are
many individual steps - or bike pedals - can go a long
referred by the court system or brought to the shelter
way toward making a difference.
because there is nowhere else for them to go. The
Peace Mission provides children and sibling groups in
the Mission creates,” Yewell concluded. “And that’s
need with a safe and nurturing home environment.
what I want to be a part of. I want to do something
“It’s enough to break your heart,” says Bradley
positive. That’s why we do this.”
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. AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017
In the non-profit world, they call that the power of
“That’s the spirit working. It’s the loving spirit that
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BY TARYN NORRIS
THE WELCOME PROJECT 34 OWENSBORO LIVING
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A
ccording to statistics from the International Center of Kentucky, more than 42 million people
across the globe have been uprooted from their home country by conflict and persecution. In the last two years alone, the displacement of people throughout the world has grown larger than the displacement from World War II. Since 1981, more than 10,000 refugees in both Bowling Green and Owensboro have been assimilated into life in the United States through the work of the International Center. However, due to recent cuts in funding and staffing reductions, this work has been much more difficult to accomplish. That’s where Dr. James Litsey - the former director of the International Center - comes in. Litsey, along
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with a partnership of churches passionate about
to the Owensboro community. A couple of years
refugees, identified the need for local churches
later, Litsey and his friend, Danny Gray, helped
to step in and help with the process. This year,
bring the “Perspectives on the World Christian
he formed the Welcome Project, a Kentucky
Movement” class to Owensboro. A 15-week course
corporation (soon-to-be non-profit organization)
that focused on global and cultural issues within
that combines practical assistance with the love of
Christianity, “Perspectives” opened the hearts
Christ in helping church groups welcome refugees
and minds of Christians from all over Owensboro
to the Owensboro community.
who participated. This course helped cultivate a
To see how the foundations were laid for this
heightened awareness of the “world-sized role” that
project, we’ll need to jump back to 2009. From 2009-
God has assigned to His people, whether they serve
2012, Litsey and his family served as missionaries
at home or across the globe (see perspectives.org/ for
in West Africa. When they returned to Owensboro,
more details). Through this class, many Christians
the refugee resettlement program had already
in local churches felt a calling to serve refugees, and
begun. “Having the occasion to be outsiders
began volunteering at the International Center.
ourselves, we kind of knew what that dynamic was
Litsey and Gray soon learned about a non-
like,” Litsey said. Litsey and his wife jumped in to
profit organization in Louisville called Refuge
volunteer with the International Center by assisting
Louisville that assists with refugee resettlement.
with resettlement protocol, driving refugees to
Refuge Louisville is a faith-based organization that
appointments, and generally helping them adjust
helps minister to holistic needs while connecting
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35
refugees to local volunteers who will walk with them
focus, showing God’s love for the hungry, thirsty, and
through every step of the grueling 90-day resettlement
the outsiders. Litsey said that “God notices those
process (see http://www.refugelouisville.com/ for more
folks...and He also notices when people represent His
details). “As things became a little tight with finances
heart to them in a good way.” To the Welcome Project,
for the International Center...we became more and
welcoming strangers is just as important as feeding the
more interested in getting something like that started
hungry and thirsty; it’s a basic human need.
here in Owensboro,” said Litsey. He then met with
So, what exactly does The Welcome Project do
the pastors at Pleasant Valley Community Church,
on a daily basis? This organization trains church
Bellevue Baptist Church, and Owensboro Christian
groups to help facilitate the mandatory 90-day refugee
Church to cast his vision for his plan and secure
resettlement program for a refugee family. According to
financial support...and thus, The Welcome Project was
Litsey, the protocol is quite a bit of work, ranging from
born.
registration at the Social Security Office to signing
In Matthew 25:35 (NIV) Jesus said: “For I was
up for English classes at a local church. For churches
hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty
looking to live out Matthew 25:35, this is a perfect
and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger
opportunity to help care for refugees by welcoming
and you invited me in…” According to Litsey, these
them to Owensboro, and helping them transition into
statements are at the heart of The Welcome Project’s
their new lives here.
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. AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017
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How can my church get involved? If your church has a
church’s plan is to get their small-groups involved in
heart for the nations but doesn’t know where to start, just
serving new refugee families as they come to Owensboro.
contact the Welcome Project. “Step one would be to find
Woodfall credited Litsey’s passion with helping get PVCC
a group in your church that would like to take this on as
and other churches on board with this ministry. “James’
a project, contact the Welcome Project, and we’ll sit down
heart for the church to minister to refugees is why we are
with them, train and acquaint them with the resettlement protocol...give them some cross-cultural ministry...and we’ll spend some time going through Scripture together,” said Litsey. After that, the Welcome Project will act as a liaison between the church group and the International Center. Finally, Litsey will discuss the task list of what to accomplish in the 90-day period. Groups can select which
committed to this new work.” Through every step of the 90-day process, Litsey and the Welcome Project are there to provide information and help churches care for refugees.
“It’s particularly important for churches to remember
that God is God of all the nations...all the peoples,” Litsey says. “So, this is just a great way for churches to get some
parts of the task list they would like to complete.
hands-on learning with that concept. These are real people,
made in God’s image, loved by Him. These are people for
Several churches are already getting involved with the
Welcome Project, including Pleasant Valley Community
whom Jesus died.”
Church. Matt Woodfall, board member of the Welcome
Contact The Welcome Project at 270-363-3856,
Project and one of the Pastors at PVCC, said that his
twpowb@gmail.com, or www.twopowb.org.
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38 OWENSBORO LIVING
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Bark in
STYLE BY JAIME RAFFERTY
S
aving Paws Animal Rescue of Kentucky ( SparKy) is a grassroots non-profit organization that is coordinated
by John and Bridget Austin. The goal is to rescue and
Mary
provide the utmost care for animals while helping to
Weddle
re-home them into a “furever” home. SparKy is a no-
attended
kill rescue, where euthanasia is performed only when
another organization’s
recommended under the guidance of the organizational
fashion show event, and discussed how SparKy should
veterinarian. Rescued animals receive excellent necessary
do the same but involve dogs needing homes. The ladies
treatment, while all that is medically possible is done to
enlisted the brainpower of other SparKy members, and
allow the furry friends to continue to have a happy and
were able to successfully and fashionably execute a
quality life.
doggone good event called Bark in Style!
SparKy is able to provide services to animals by
Bark in Style was a unique fashion show where local
gracious monetary donations, as well as household items,
shops and boutiques modeled their latest styles and
from fundraisers and community support.
trends that featured adoptable dogs as models gracing
One fundraiser has had tails wagging in the
the runway. After the poised pups highlighted their
community. It came about when Bridget Austin and
high fashion wares, SparKy sponsored a live auction, PHOTOS BY DREAM COPY PHOTOGRAPHY
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40 OWENSBORO LIVING
. AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2017
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followed by an excellent meal prepared by Chef Matt Weafer, of the Campbell Club. Through the night, a silent auction was open for the barking...bidding, as well as a wine pull. The show was on the patio of the Campbell Club, and Chad Benefield served as the event emcee.
The event raised nearly $7500, an impressive amount for a first-
time event that hopes to become an annual treat for the community. Anyone can log onto their web site at www. sparkyrescue.com to make a donation, or can drop off needed items at Towne Square Animal Hospital. They also feature an app, where donations can be made: app.sparkyrescue.com The website can also be used to find upcoming events, and to view animals ready for adoption. SparKy dogs go through a 12week training program before they are placed with their new family. Don’t stop “retrieving” that you can help our furry friends out of a “ruff ” life. The goal is to find them a happy and healthy home by becoming a SparKy supporter to “man’s best friend.” It will be the “oppawtunity” of a lifetime for one of these precious pups.
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The event could not have been successful without the support of the community. Boutiques participating were: Bella Ragazza Byron and Barclay Excursions Kidstop Peacocks and Pearls Sturdy Hinge Sponsors included: Campbell Club Bakos Party Rentals Rhoads & Rhoads Aesthetics Specialists Erie Insurance/Doc Harris The Dapper Dog Homes by Benny Clark Dream Copy Sherrie and Jeff Harris
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HORROR from the
HOMETOWN Not many attribute their love of horror stories to their grandmother, as Owensboro native PJ Starks does. Most weekends of his childhood were spent with his grandmother, Almeda, watching Alfred Hitchcock Presents,
BY ELIZABETH MUSTER
Monsters, and Tales from the Darkside. Now Starks writes and produces the “cult hit franchise” Volumes of Blood.
PHOTOS BY MIKE HALL PHOTO
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S
tarks remembers there was “rarely a time
Humphrey had a role and commented,
when [he] didn’t have a camera in [his]
“Everyone really knows how to have a good
hand making something” during his time at
time on set, but at the same time gets all the
Owensboro High School. Starks says, “The
hard work done in order to make a great
best way to write a screenplay is by reading
film.”
other screenplays.”
His self-taught courses
was released in spring of 2015. Dread Central
in screenwriting were reading Stephen King’s
hailed it a “memorably gory indie anthology.”
teleplay Storm of the Century and the scripts for
You can watch it instantly on Amazon.com
Scream, Friday the 13th, and other films. After
or purchase it on DVD or Blu-ray from
nearly a decade of trial and error, Sparks has
Walmart.com or BestBuy.com.
found his winning formula.
Due to that successful collaboration, Starks
The Internet Movie Database, or IMDB,
and Eric Huskisson, another Owensboro
website calls the first VOB, “Five tales of dread
resident, formed a production company called
from five independent horror directors.” It
Blood Moon Pictures, LLC in December
was part of a project called the Unscripted
2015. According to Huskisson, the two then
Film School Program that Starks created
determined “what worked and what didn’t with
in conjunction with the Daviess County
the first film…and secured a super-talented
Public Library in 2013. Local actor Jonathan
production group out of Paducah” to begin
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The project lasted four months and
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work on the second installment.
petrientertainment.com/home or follow Volumes
of Blood on Facebook or Twitter for the latest
Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories brings in new
collaborators, actors, and directors from beyond
information.
Kentucky, but it is still set in Owensboro. Huskisson
A card game based on the VOB universe will be
says the special effects are bigger and the script is
released on August 11. Huskisson says, “You take
tighter and more “provocative.” Filming took place
on the role of a director setting up scenes based off
at “the big yellow house located…behind CVS on
locations, killers, weapons, and victims from both
Frederica Street.”
movies.” You earn fear points from these cards in
order to create victims as “it truly pits friend against
Volumes of Blood: Horror Stories premiered at the
end of October 2016 at the Owensboro Convention
friend in horror-filled fun.”
Center to a crowd of 400 spectators. It has received
A third and final installment, Volumes of Blood:
much critical acclaim at national film festivals,
Body Count, is currently in production and will also
including an Audience Choice Award for Best Film
be filmed here in Owensboro. It will tie into the
and Best Horror Anthology.
Fangoria Magazine
storylines of the first two and answer some questions,
called it “the most entertaining anthology film in
but the three films do not have to be watched together
years.” On August 1, it becomes available on DVD,
in order to make sense. Starks comments, “When
Blu-ray, and Video on Demand (VOD). You can also
you’re producing an ultra-low budget franchise like
order it online through Petri Entertainment’s website
ours, you never know where the next installment will
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end up…These films all take place in the same universe, but they aren’t a continuation of one another.” Starks is also busy producing five other projects around the Midwest. These include two other horror anthologies, plus Deimosimine, about a drug addict’s treatment gone wrong; Close Calls, a telephonic descent into madness; and Butcher the Bakers, a horror comedy. Despite
his
success,
Starks
remains
grounded. He still lives in Owensboro with his wife, Katrina, and their two sons, Logan and Connor (who always make cameo appearances). Collaborating with other artists is what inspires him to keep creating.
“When you see an
idea come to fruition…there’s a true sense of accomplishment, and I’ve been very lucky to be part of that process for the last decade.”
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Q & A with
KEVIN OLUSOLA
THE CITY OF OWENSBORO AWARDED OLUSOLA, A MEMBER OF THE A CAPPELLA BAND, PENTATONIX, WITH A PLAQUE ON THE OWENSBORO WALK OF FAME.
BY ASHLEY SORCE
46 OWENSBORO LIVING
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PHOTO BY AP IMAGERY
N
ow a three-time Grammy winning artist, Kevin Olusola, was honored in June on the ROMP stage. Pentatonix rose to fame after winning the 2011 TV show competition “The Sing Off.” Six years later, the group has sold more than 6 million albums in the U.S. alone, and performed for hundreds of thousands of fans at their soldout shows across the globe. Their YouTube channel has 13 million subscribers, yielding over 2 billion views. Owensboro Living sat down with Kevin after his sound check before his big performance on the ROMP stage. We talked about his album, the band, his three Grammy wins, Kentucky bar-b-q, and growth in Owensboro. You were chosen to receive a plaque on the Owensboro Walk of Fame. How does it feel being honored like this? I am so honored and shocked that they chose me. I mean you look at the other people that are on the walk of fame, and they have done such incredible things with their lives, as well. And I’m so young, I’m not even 30 yet. To know that I could receive this honor… it’s very humbling and exciting. More than anything, I think it’s a testament to Owensboro, because Owensboro is the place that raised me. This is the place that gave me the values that I have, so that I could
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have this type of success in the industry. And to know that people that I grew up with, some of my classmates, are going to be in the audience, that’s such a… it’s come full circle. That’s really, really exciting. It’s such an honor that I will never forget. When was the last time you were back in Owensboro? It's good to be back. Last time I was here was probably about two years ago. I probably hadn’t been back at that time in four years. So I wanted to come back and see a couple of old friends and my old cello teacher, Dr. Mack, who is still here. It was good to be back, but this time is definitely a more momentous occasion. Are you excited about being at ROMP? I am excited to be here. Bluegrass is such a big part of this state, of this city. So to be able to experience this for the first time is really exciting, especially as a performer. There are so many things I want to do while I am here, so I am really excited to be back. Especially to get some bar-b-q. Man, it’s been a while since I’ve gotten some good ol’ Kentucky barb-q. How does it feel to take the stage in your hometown?
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PHOTO BY JASON TANNER
It is going to be very, very fun! Because I’ve learned so much as a performer in these past six years with Pentatonix, so I am excited to show the things that I have learned and be able to play for the people that raised me. Some of my teachers are going to be out there, some of the people that heard me when I was younger and just starting to learn these instruments. I am really excited. I think people are really going to enjoy it! When you were growing up here, did you ever imagine that you would have this in store? I can tell you I never imagined that this would be the life that I would be living. I grew up thinking I would be pre-med. I went to college at Yale, I was a pre-med student, so the fact that it took a turn to this when I didn’t expect it, it’s a huge blessing and an honor. What makes Owensboro home? I feel rooted here. The people that I know here, the people that I grew up with here… there’s just something about the Southern core values when it comes to, for example, Christianity, when it comes to the kindness of people, it’s something that I really love about this city and I feel it every single time I come. And you know, I’ve only been here twice since graduating college and being on “The Sing Off,” but every single time it’s the same feeling. I miss it a lot. And I’m so thankful that I get to experience it one more time. 48 OWENSBORO LIVING
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And it has changed a lot. I heard 54 is booming right now. I used to live in Hillcrest Oaks. I couldn’t believe how much they’ve said it’s been expanding. Last time we talked, Pentatonix had just been nominated for your first Grammy. How has life changed since winning three Grammys? That’s funny that you say that. The day before I got here, I was picking up the Grammy and putting it in my house. It’s crazy to know that so much can change in such a small period of time. And you know, after three Grammys, I bought a house. I never thought I would be able to do that before I am 30. I feel so blessed and honored that all these things would happen to a guy like me. But once again, this town raised me to be able to be that kind of person. The people here, the arts program here, it’s incredible here. I know this is a tangent, but it’s funny because so many places are cutting their arts programs. I live in Los Angeles, and their arts program is nowhere near what Owensboro has. Nowhere near. I really attribute a lot of my success, even though I wasn’t thinking about going into music as a career, but to have that basis here, it’s been a huge part of me. We talked last time about not taking your mom to your prom, www.OwensboroLiving.com
but your promise to take her to the Grammys. What was it like to fulfill that promise? First of all, the call. Calling my mom when I got the news that we got nominated for a Grammy. I was like, “Mom, remember that time I told you I was going to take you to the Grammys? We’re going to the Grammys.” And I just started to bawl. So to be able to fulfill that promise, it was so magical. There is always a magic to it. The Grammys never get old. Because you are literally seeing the best of the best in music doing their thing. How did it feel to put out your first solo EP? Oh my gosh, it was amazing! I was so excited to put it out because it was my first time to put out my own artistic vision. I think it encapsulated everything that I was about at that time. And now I’ve grown so much, as a singer, I’ve grown so much as a producer, I’ve grown so much especially as a songwriter, and so now I feel like this next step is going to be really exciting. It’s going to be things that people didn’t expect for me to do, and that’s what I’m excited for—letting people expect the unexpected from me. So will there be another EP out this year? EP, album, project – I think something will come out soon. Who has been your favorite artist that you have collaborated
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with? I have two people. One, Jason Derulo. He is such a nice guy. I have been a fan of him for a while. So, to be able to go up to him and say we would love for you to do something… and he was so down. He works so ridiculously hard to make music great, and I really love that. The other person was Dolly Parton. We won our Grammy with her for “Jolene.” I mean she is the epitome of superstar. I mean she is Dolly Parton, but she is an incredible human being. Unassuming. When we got to the studio to record “Jolene” with her, she was 15 minutes early waiting for us. And she was like, “I am so honored to meet you guys.” And that. That was… You are the superstar, Dolly. And for you to say that to us, was a real blessing. What is next for Pentatonix? We will tour in August. Some Christmas stuff that we are thinking about. But really, everyone is trying to finish up their solo projects. What would you tell young artists about following their dreams? Especially young artists in Kentucky about dreaming big. First thing I would tell them is that if anyone tells them that
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you can’t make it from Kentucky, then they are dead wrong. Because I think a lot of people think, “Oh, you know, we don’t have the resources…” Absolutely not. There are incredible resources like GSA (Governor’s School for the Arts, where Kevin, a GSA alum, was a guest speaker the day after our interview) and especially in Owensboro with the arts program, you absolutely can make it. Just work hard, and aspire for the stars.
WANT TO CHECK OUT A SONG? CHECK OUT KEVIN’S FAVORITE, “DAFT PUNK,” WHICH WON THEM THEIR FIRST GRAMMY IN 2014. THE VIDEO IS AMAZING AND WAS SHOT FOR $400 IN KEVIN’S LIVING ROOM.
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And also, I don’t know if this is too business-y, but it’s something I have really, really learned. What we are trying to do as artists is to be able to let our art out there, but able to make a living off of it. So you really have to learn about the business of what you want to do. It is still an industry like anything else. Learn about your industry so you can be better equipped to go and do what you want to do and make an impact.
Christian in your industry, and how does it shape who you are as an artist? First and foremost, yes, you let who you are shape your music. I think that’s so important. Don’t let anyone else shape you, because I feel like it just comes off as disingenuous. Being an artist in this industry is a really interesting thing because I think at the end of the day, what I think people want is good music and I think people want something they can let their kids listen to. And so I think having God in my life allows me to speak to people on a deeper level because the music that we get to create will speak to people about those type of values and I think that’s really, really important. You know, in our band, we don’t curse, we don’t try to do any lewd, raunchy music and I think because of that, at our concerts, you have people that are grandmothers all the way to children. You will have generations, and they all feel comfortable and
I have noticed with a lot of your interviews, and even in your video for “Imagine,” your faith is really important to you. What is it like being a
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love what we do. I’m happy that because I keep the faith to the best of my ability, we try to make it something that everyone can enjoy.
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BY BETH INGER NOFFS
TOTALLY
FREE
from everything
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PHOTO BY TABITHA STOFFEL PHOTOGRAPHY
OWENSBORO MAN RECEIVES PRESIDENTIAL PARDON www.OwensboroLiving.com
January 17, 2017 started as an ordinary day for Zachary Anderson – until his phone rang as he sat at his desk at First Free Will Baptist Church in Owensboro. A woman responded when he answered. “She says, ‘this is Casey Potter from the White House, and I am calling from the office of the pardon attorney. Can I speak with Zachary Anderson,’” Anderson, the youth minister at First Free Will Baptist, recalled. It was a call that Anderson hoped he would receive. It was the call that will soon allow him to register to vote and possess a firearm, among other restored rights. Potter told him that President Barack Obama decided to pardon Anderson, who had been convicted in federal court for conspiracy to defraud the government. “I wept, and I thanked God,” he said. “And I got on the phone, and I called my wife (Lauren), and she was ecstatic. That process, it wasn’t an easy thing.” FEDERAL CONVICTION, THEN A CALL TO PREACH Anderson’s journey to his pardon began in the early 2000s, when he said he got caught up in some relatives’ plan to make fake IDs for illegal immigrants. The family members used his computer. After his conviction, the Owensboro resident spent 13 months at Manchester Federal Prison Camp in eastern
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Kentucky. He had never been in trouble with the law before, so he was put in a minimum-security facility where inmates lived in a dorm setting instead of cells. “While I was in there, that’s when I answered my call to preach,” said Anderson, who grew up attending First Free Will Baptist. “I started getting serious about the Word, going back to my roots. I rededicated my life to the Lord in there.” It started with a prayer group with two or three other men. After several months, the prayer group grew to 20 to 30 men, including guards. Anderson became close to the prison camp’s chaplain, who let him preach an Easter Sunday message. “I also started a Bible study for men there,” he said. “I left it in the hands of other brothers there, and it’s still functioning there.” ‘ I WA N T E D T O P R E A C H T H E W O R D ’ Anderson wasn’t sure what direction his life was going to take when he got out of prison. “I didn’t know what I was going to do,” he said. “I just knew I wanted to preach the Word somewhere.” He decided to attend his home church, where he had a good relationship with its pastor, the Rev. Tim Hall. Eventually, Anderson approached the pastor and church board about working part time as youth minister.
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"GOD PARDONED ME A LONG TIME AGO, BUT THEN HE FOLLOWED IT UP WITH A SECOND PARDON FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES."
After several months, he was offered the job full time. “I was more than willing to entertain him working with us,” said Hall, who has known Anderson since the youth minister was a child. “It started out very limited at first. As he proved himself and proved himself capable of doing more and more in that area, we gave him more opportunities. He has been very good at what he has done. He’s got some very good, trophy-like accomplishments down through the years.” Several members of First Free Will’s youth group have gone on to do mission work in the United States and internationally. “We’ve never had a youth group as good that has done as many things as when Zach took that helm,” Hall said. A N O B S TA C L E T O ADOPTION Anderson and his wife wanted to be parents, and after unsuccessful attempts at having a biological child, the couple decided to explore an international adoption. After a seemingly successful meeting with a social worker from an adoption agency that included a home study where Anderson was up front about his past, he did some research online and learned that a person with a federal felony conviction couldn’t adopt internationally. “So our hopes and dreams were kind of crushed at that moment,” he said. “I remember emailing the lady and saying why didn’t you tell us this? This would have saved us a lot of heartache.” The social worker helped Anderson participate in another study where he went to Louisville to meet with a person trained in criminal psychology who assessed whether he was likely to reoffend. Anderson passed, and the family received an email that they received an exception.
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“I remember us opening it up and us both crying and hugging each other,” Anderson said. “It’s pretty amazing that we got approved to adopt internationally.” The couple began the process of adopting an Ethiopian child – Anderson had done mission trips in Africa – in 2012, and they got to bring their son, Solomon, home in 2013 when he was 7 months old. The adoption agency the Andersons worked with allows parents to select what gender child they want and sends referrals with photos and the child’s medical history. “What happened, we were a family in waiting,” Anderson said. “We didn’t care if it was a boy or a girl. We were just praying God would give us the right referral.” Solomon was the first referral the couple got. “We weren’t going to say we’ll wait for another one,” Anderson said. “This is the boy. This is what we’ve been praying for.” They had selected the name Solomon for a boy when they began the adoption process. Solomon’s birth mother couldn’t afford to take care of him and had left him at a police station. She had given him the name Dawit, which translates to David. “Solomon is King David’s son,” Anderson said, “so it was like ‘wow,’ so we kept the name – Solomon Ray (my middle name) Dawit Anderson.” When the Andersons were adopting from Ethiopia, couples had to make two trips to the country before the adoption could be completed. On the first trip, both parents spent a week with the child and went to court. This was after sending a variety of documents to the country. The couple also had to meet a judge and explain why they wanted to adopt, and then the adoption could proceed pending the judge’s approval.
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Though the Andersons got a judge’s approval, a second trip was required to actually bring home their son. The couple Skyped with their young son, and they were able to send him clothes and stuffed animals, in the meantime. Because the referral happened so quickly, Solomon never went to an orphanage. He lived in a transition home with a nanny who cared for him since the Andersons were waiting for him. About six weeks after their first trip, Lauren Anderson and her mother made the second trip to bring Solomon home. “He’s amazing, this kid,” Anderson said. “He’s one of the smartest kids I’ve ever had the privilege of dealing with. He’s above average on everything.” The Andersons raised around $37,000 with the help of their church family to adopt Solomon. “Solomon has become so much a part of our church,” Hall said. “Everybody loves him and accepts him. He helps our other kids see our world as it is. We are all created by God regardless of race or country of origin.” R E S T O R AT I O N O F R I G H T S Though Anderson found a calling at the church and had been able to adopt his son, he said “it has always weighed on me that I have a conviction under my belt.” He finally decided to try to have his conviction expunged when he was rejected from the Owensboro Police Department’s Citizens’ Academy because of his record. Jason Hall, Pastor Hall’s son, suggested that Anderson pursue a
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presidential pardon.
“They are extremely rare and hard to get,” Anderson said.
“When you think about it, it seems like an impossibility.”
This was in early 2015.
In late 2016, the FBI contacted Anderson’s character witnesses
and his neighbors before bringing him into the Owensboro FBI office for a long interview.
“The FBI agent told me he had never seen one get this far
before,” Anderson said, “And in Owensboro, he had never had one come across his desk. Then I kind of waited.”
On Jan. 17, he found out he was one of 64 people President
Obama decided to pardon as his term ended. It will take a few months for the pardon to get through the system, and he looks forward to registering to vote and purchasing a firearm later this year.
Anderson said he wouldn’t change anything about how his life
has gone, since these experiences made him into the man he is today.
“And if I had not gone through these experiences, I don’t think
I would be a good youth pastor, I don’t think I would be a good husband or father – or at least as good as I am now – because of these experiences,” Anderson said. “I wrote a couple of articles for some magazines and titled them ‘Twice Pardoned.’
“God pardoned me a long time ago, but then He followed it up
with a second pardon from the president of the United States. I feel totally free from everything.”
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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
THE BAKERS RACK
Five Essential
ENTERTAINING ACCESSORIES BY ANNE BAKER LEAZENBY
Recently, several customers have asked about the home accessories we have at The Bakers Rack. They see so many choices, and like them all but have wondered where to start, and what they truly need to entertain well at their home. While there are always special circumstances calling for a specific server or vessel, there are five essential accessories every home needs to accent its decor and take good care of its guests.
SALAD BOWL & SERVERS Whether it serves a salad, pasta or popcorn, a generously-sized bowl of at least ten-inch diameter is a must. The servers may match the bowl as an option, but a matched set is certainly not necessary. Having multiple salad bowls is a good idea, especially for homes that entertain often, or host large groups. CHIP AND DIP A great solution for nearly everyday use, a Chip and Dip efficiently serves any finger snack right along with its chosen sauce or dip. It presents nachos and salsa as well as shrimp and cocktail sauce. Makes potato chips and onion dip a treat! PITCHER/BEVERAGE DISPENSER Pitchers and beverage servers are both central to any gathering, and having multiples is almost always necessary. Iced tea, sweet tea, lemonade and water all need their own containers at a summer gathering - that’s four pitchers at once! For a variation, try a Fruit Infusion Pitcher, which features a flow-through section holding lemons, berries, cucumbers or whatever else you use to flavor your drinks. We even carry dispensers that handle two separate drinks at once, a super efficient use of your counter, table or bar space. TRAY OR DIVIDED SERVER Trays carry drinks as well as serve meats, cheeses and appetizers. Use a tray with a carving board for serious cutting/carving, and use a divided tray for serving items that roll or have liquid with them. We use both styles of tray on a daily basis. VASE/CENTERPIECE This is where you can be creative. Of course, fresh flowers of the season are a great way to make your tablescape appealing, but you may also use taller vessels to use the foods you serve as the decoration. Convert a large candle hurricane into a salad bowl, or an unused pitcher as a flower vase. With well-chosen accessories, the possibilities are endless!
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
PHOTOS BY JAMIE ALEXANDER
advertisers [59] DALISHAS DESSERTS [60] PIZZAROMA [61] REAL HACIENDA [62] GANGNAM KOREAN BBQ [64] OLE SOUTH BAR-B-Q [65] MELLOW MUSHROOM [66] GENE'S HEALTH FOOD [67] OLD HICKORY BAR-B-QUE [68] MALONEY'S [69] OLIVE GARDEN
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Dining Guide
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Dining Guide PizzAroma
3020 E 4th St | (270) 691-0064 611 Emory Dr | (270) 684-1111 Pizza. Family. Fun. After nearly 55 years in the pizza business, Bob “the Pizza King” Leucht recently retired, leaving PizzAroma in the hands of his daughter and second generation owner, Sherry Leucht Hayden. “It will still be my dad’s recipes; the consistency will not change,” Hayden
says,
meaning
both
locations will still have the same great taste, the same delivery and sit-down service, and same highest-quality ingredients. PizzAroma will continue its long commitment to Owensboro when it celebrates its 55th anniversary this December 15, but long-time customers will notice a few new things in the coming months at the Wesleyan Park Plaza location. “Additions, not changes,” Sherry says. For example, live music and karaoke on the patio in the evenings. “We’ve always been a family-friendly restaurant. But we want to be a destination.”
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Dining Guide
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Dining Guide
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Gangnam Korean BBQ
3332 Villa Point | (270) 240-2976 My name is Joe Kim and I personally invite you to experience the fresh taste and healthy benefits of food served at Gangnam Korean BBQ. It’s our passion to introduce the city we love to the Korean food we love. That’s why we serve authentic Korean food prepared and flavored the same way it has been for 600 years. This is untethered, unadulterated Korean food in its purest form such as kimchi and bibimbap, which is a rice dish with fresh meat and an egg sunny side up served in ceramic or stone pot. Our food is both delicious and healthy. I’m proud to say I am a living testimony of the health benefits of Korean food. I’ve lost 120 lbs, going from a size 50 to size 34, since I began eating Korean food regularly. We never use MSG, harmful additives, or GMOs at Gangnam Korean BBQ and we only use the best ingredients possible like cage-free eggs, black Angus and wagyu beef, Cornish hen, and Berkshire pork. We order fresh fish in small orders so we get them 24 to 48 hours after they’ve been out of the ocean. It’s our goal that customers leave happy every time. Try something different for a change. We’re confident you’ll love it at first bite, but if you don’t, we’ll find something else you do like.
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Dining Guide
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Dining Guide
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Dining Guide
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Old Hickory Bar-B-Que
338 Washington Ave | (270) 926-9000 Some things are better left unchanged. Old Hickory Bar-B-Que will celebrate 100 years next year, but our pitmasters still use the same method of slow-cooking 22 hours over hickory wood to infuse that familiar smoky flavor we are known for. We use the same recipes, the same sauce, the same dip, and the same attention to detail to produce quality, traditional barbecue that has become an Owensboro tradition six generations strong. Come dine-in or carry-out and you’ll see why Old Hickory consistently wins the “Reader’s Choice Award” and “Best of Owensboro Living” for best barbecue. Mutton, pork, chicken, ribs, beef or custom cooking, we do it all.
Gene's Health Food 1738 Sweeney St. | (270) 684-5052
Brother and sister team Andrew Keller and Karissa Costello bought Gene’s Health Food from their grandfather in 2013 to carry on the family business. Now Costello and Keller are taking the deli inside the store to the streets with the “SupaFresh” food truck called “Fresh By Gene’s,” which has been making its way around town at company events, community events, weddings, and festivals. Fresh by Gene’s recently won the Evansville Food Truck Festival, capturing both the People’s Choice Award and 1st Place Overall. With Fresh by Gene’s customers can expect to see popular items from the store deli, but most menu items will be new offerings. Smoked Brisket Grilled Cheese is one of the food items that made them stand out in the crowd of 23 trucks in the competition.
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Dining Guide
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Olive Garden
5204 Frederica St. | (270) 683-4848 At Olive Garden, we offer a wide selection of Italian inspired dishes made with fresh ingredients and served with endless breadsticks and our house salad or soup. We also have a variety of wine selections to pair with your meal. Between the hours of 4pm and 8pm we offer free wine sampling so you can see if you like the wine before you buy it! We also offer delicious cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages from our bar. We now have catering if you’re feeding a crowd and delivery if the order is $100 or more (15% delivery fee).
Maloney's
3030 highland pointe dr. | (270) 684-8080 Come to Maloney’s Pizza & Wings for made from scratch pizza and you’ll see why Maloney’s is Owensboro’s place for sports and family fun! We have a sports bar with 24 beers on tap, a family dining room, and a private room for parties. We make our dough fresh every day and use only the freshest ingredients. Maloney's offers boneless and traditional wings shaken in a variety of sauces or Cajun grilled with a dry rub. We offer an all-day-every-day soup and salad bar with 25 different items and two homemade soups. We also have fresh oysters every day and six styles of wraps including southwest, buffalo chicken, and Italian. The slow-cooked Italian beef with Giardiniera sauce is another very popular sandwich and our Lasagna is a must try! Place your order online (maloneyspizza.com) and pickup at the window. Family owned and operated. www.OwensboroLiving.com
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Dining Guide
Gangnam Style
Joe Kim opens Owensboro’s first Korean restaurant BY BETH NOFFSINGER
PHOTO BY JAMIE ALEXANDER
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Joseph Kim’s introduction to the restaurant business initially began with real estate. The psychiatrist, who grew up in Owensboro, was living in Newburgh when the owner of Ninki Japanese restaurant asked Kim to help him find a location for a restaurant in the Indiana hamlet. Kim, who by then was operating an import/export medical equipment company, ended up using his business expertise to help with the restaurant. After a year at Ninki, Kim said he realized working at a Japanese restaurant was “fictitious” for him, as a Korean. “I wanted to do something different with my background, my heritage,” said Kim, the owner of Gangnam Korean BBQ on Villa Point Drive in Owensboro and Main Street in Evansville -- in large part to make amends for an incident that took place while he was in elementary school in the 1970s. Kim, the son of Dr. Su Ki and Kuiza Kim, was the only Korean student when he was a second grader at Highland Elementary School. One day, his mother made him a traditional Korean lunch that featured a stinky dish – kimchi (pickled cabbage). That was the day his teacher accidentally knocked Kim’s lunch box onto the floor, spilling the strong-smelling meal into the classroom and drawing teasing from his classmates. The incident traumatized him to the point that he didn’t want anything to do with Korean food for years, he said. Kim credits his wife, Sarah, with reigniting his taste for Korean food. “She reintroduced my love of traditional Korean food while I was doing my mission tour,” said Kim, who met his wife while on a mission trip in China. “My wife
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loves cooking so much, mostly traditional home cooking, things like my father’s grandparents would have, not like modern food – from the old-school style. That’s the type of thing that we’re putting on the menu, Korea’s traditional dishes.” Korean food dates back to the early 1300s, which means many of the items Kim incorporates into the menu have centuries-old roots. Sarah is the head chef for the restaurant, which opened in Owensboro late last year. The Evansville locale opened about two-and-a-half months ago. Here in Owensboro, Korean barbecue just adds another flavor to the rich, barbecue tradition in Daviess County. “We are a barbecue hub,” Kim said. James “Swoop” Gage, a DJ on 100.5 the Vibe, and his family are regulars at Gangnam Korean BBQ. Gage first learned about the restaurant because it is a sponsor of his radio show, Vibing with Swoop. He had not had Korean food before. “I like to try new things, new food. … It’s excellent,” Gage said. He eats at the restaurant two to three times a week. “My daughter loves it,” Gage said. “My oldest son is a big fan of the wings, and my wife is a huge fan of their fried
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rice. She swears up and down they have the best fried rice in town.” As for Gage, he enjoys Gangnam Korean BBQ’s take on ramyun noodles – lightly cooked noodles with the customer’s choice of vegetable, chicken, seafood or spicy prime beef served in a homemade Korean chicken broth. “It’s amazing,” he said. “It clears your sinuses, that’s for sure. It’s very hot.” Gage recommends people try Gangnam Korean BBQ so that they can step outside of their comfort zone. “You don’t know what you’re going to try that is something different that you will absolutely love,” he said. Kim, who still lives in Newburgh with his wife and their daughters, Grace, Gloria, and Gwennith, is already planning another expansion for Gangnam. He is looking for property on the west side of Evansville near the University of Southern Indiana for Gangnam Express, which will be a healthy, fast food restaurant. He has been pleased with the restaurant’s reception in the town where he was raised. “The people in Owensboro are fantastic,” Kim said. “They are giving us their thumbs up.”
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Dining Guide
Dining Guide
R E S TA U R A N T D I R E C T O RY Owensboro has labeled ourselves the Bar-B-Que Capital of the World, and we were even named Fast Food Capital of the World (per capita) in the late ‘80s. Here is a list of restaurants that Owensboro Living compiled for this special dining edition. Full disclosure though: with new restaurants popping up every day and long-standing restaurants changing locations, a list like this is difficult to maintain. Openings, closings, and relocations are subject to change. That being said, if you notice any updates we need to make on this list, please email steven@owensboroliving.com.
Asian/Oriental
Chopsticks 3023 Highland Pointe Dr (54) Chinese hibachi grill. Fuji of Japan 4028 Frederica Street Full hibachi menu plus sushi bar. Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant 1650 Starlite Drive Authentic Chinese cuisine. Mr. Wok Express 3435 Frederica Street Eat in or take out. Szechuan, Hunan, and Mandarin style cuisines. New China Buffet 4768 Frederica Street Largest buffet in town, featuring Szechuan, Hunan & Mandarin cuisines. Dine-in or carryout. Pan Asian Chinese Food 2656 Frederica Street Chinese, Japanese, sushi. Shogun of Japan 5010 Wildcat Way (South Frederica) Hibachi meals prepared on grills at the tables. Also offers a full bar service as well as sushi bar. Tokyo Japanese Restaurant 3415 Frederica Street Japanese-themed restaurant with hibachi meals prepared in the kitchen, plus sushi at affordable prices. Wasabi Wasabi Express: 636 Southtown Blvd.
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Wasabi 54: 238 Kidron Valley Wasabi Parrish: 2601 W. Parrish Ave.
Italian
Fazoli’s Italian Restaurant 5060 Frederica Street Reasonable prices, food quality traditionally associated with casual dining and quick service; they’ve got something for everyone! Niko’s Italian Cuisine 2200 E. Parrish Avenue Fine dining, wine & spirits with an emphasis on Italian cuisine. Locally-owned. Olive Garden 5204 Frederica Street Casual Italian dining featuring authentic entrees, soups, desserts, wines & more.
Mexican
Don Mario Taqueria 2100 W. 2nd St. El Toribio’s 630 Emory Drive (Wesleyan) 3034 E 4th St Locally-owned. Authentic Mexican cuisine with daily lunch and Happy Hour specials. Mexican & American beers. El Tucan Mexican Restaurant 3600 Frederica St Locally owned restaurant specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine. Los Cabos 2845 W. Parrish Avenue Mi Ranchito 2425 W. Parrish Avenue Locally owned, authentic Mexican cuisine.
Papa Grande 544 Southtown Blvd Locally owned restaurant specializing in authentic mexican cuisine, drink special, and guacamole made right at your table! Real Hacienda 4820 Frederica Street 3023 Highland Pointe Drive (54) Authentic Mexican cuisine, serving real southof-the-border dishes with great atmosphere and fair prices. Salsaritas 3500 Villa Point (54) Casual restaurant serving fresh Mexican foods, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos & salads. El Sol Mexican Restaurant 1846 Triplett St
Greek
Famous Bistro 102 W. 2nd Street Locally-owned, serving lunch & dinner, everything from sandwiches to fine dining with a Mediterranean emphasis on Greek cuisine.
Sports Bars
Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Restaurant 3189 Fairview Drive Family sports pub and restaurant to enjoy good food & sports in a friendly atmosphere. Buffalo Wild Wings 4736 Frederica St Lively sports-bar chain dishing up wings & other American pub grub amid lots of largescreen TVs.
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Gambrinus Libation Emporium 116-A W. 2nd Street Non-smoking social facility specializing in premium beers, wines, and cocktails selections, along with tasty food selections. Maloney’s Pizza & Wings 3030 Highland Pointe Drive Restaurant has a seperate, sound proof sports bar with over 30 flat screen TV’s, serving pizza, wings, salads and more. Lucky Leaf Irish Pub 5000 Frederica Street Sports bar located inside Towne Square Mall. O’Bryan Bar & Grill 7006 Highway 815 Family sports bar. Live music. Rocky’s Bar & Grill 819 Crittenden Street Plate lunches, sandwiches, side items and homemade pies Sandbar 1108 W. 9th Street Taylor’s Bar & Grill 2509 W. Parrish Avenue
Barbecue Big Daddy’s Barbecue 309 Hill Avenue Located inside Nona’s Market Dee’s BBQ & Diner 1362 E. 4th Street Locally-owned diner offering plate specials and barbecue. Buffet on Fridays and Saturdays.
Coffeehouses
Dunkin’ Donuts 3011 Frederica Street Donuts, coffee, teas, sandwiches & pastries. Joe Muggs Cafe 4606 Frederica Street Specialty coffee & tea drinks. Located inside Books-A-Million. Overflow Café 3232 Villa Point (54) Located inside Don Moore. Starbucks 2402 Frederica Street 5151 Frederica Street (inside Target) 2951 Heartland Crossing (Inside Meijer) Heartland Crossing (on 54) The Creme Coffee House 109 E. 2nd Street Locally-owned offering a relaxed atmosphere with gourmet coffees, specialty drinks, desserts, soups, and panini sandwiches, all in an historic downtown building. Reception space for up to 30 people.
Delis
Colby’s Deli & Cafe 401 Frederica Street Locally-owned, offering great breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, cookies & ice cream. Can accommodate up to 65 people. Dalishas Desserts 1010 Allen Street, Ste. 200 Dine-in bakery and dessert cafe, with an emphasis on artistic specialty cakes. Gene’s Health Food, Inc. 1738 Sweeney Street Deli with sandwiches, organic salads, juice, smoothies and more.
offers sandwiches, soups, Crispani, handtossed salads, beverages, kids’ menu.
Pizzerias 54 Pizza Express 1700 Starlite Drive (Off Parrish) 3101 Alvey Park Drive (54) Locally owned pizzas, sandwiches and salads. Brick House Pizza 2410 Frederica Street Authentic hand-tossed pizzas made from scratch cooked in stone deck ovens! Hot gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, baked pastas, wings & more! Cadillac Restaurant & Grecian Pizza 1315 W. 2nd Street Diner meals, pizza and plate specials. Chef’s Pizzeria 636 Southtown Blvd, Suite 6 Donato’s Pizza 2601 W Parrish Ave Domino’s 3333 Frederica Street 1003 Burlew Boulevard Fetta Specialty Pizza 118 St. Ann Street Italian for “slice,” Fetta serves delicious specialty pizza hand tossed right before your eyes! JJ’s Pizza 5615 KY-144 Community pizza shop in Thurston area. Lil Stevie’s Pizza 6530 US-231, Utica, KY Little Caesar’s Pizza 3429 Frederica Street 1650 Starlite Drive
Moonlite Bar-B-Q Inn 2840 W. Parrish Avenue Locally-owned with a world-famous buffet with homemade sides, burgoo, and desserts, plus a full salad bar. Dine-in or carryout. Board Room with meeting space for 40 people. Oak Room with seating space for 100 people.
Great Harvest Bread Co. & Cafe 3211 Frederica Street 4431 Springhill Drive (54) Locally-owned, serving fresh-made breads, scones, coffees and teas, signature sandwiches, Paninis, soups-of-the-day, and salads.
Old Hickory Bar-B-Q 338 Washington Avenue Locally-owned with dine-in, carryout, drivethru and gift certificates.
Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream 2120 W. Parrish Avenue Complete line of hand-dipped ice cream and deli sandwiches in the style of an oldfashioned soda fountain shoppe; also bread, cakes, cookies, and chili.
Mellow Mushroom 101 W. 2nd St. Delicious food in a fun and creative environment. We are the originators of Classic Southern Pizza, and our unique and flavorful crust is a true original.
Panera Bread 4600 Frederica Street Bakery offers freshly-baked breads, bagels, baked egg souffles, pastries and sweets. Café
MOD Pizza 2710 Heartland Crossing, Suite C Counter-serve chain featuring build-yourown pizza.
Ole South Barbecue 3523 Hwy 54 Serving Owensboro’s best barbecue with a lunch and dinner buffet, and Owensboro’s best breakfast.
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Maloney’s Pizza & Wings 3030 Highland Pointe Drive (54) Serving pizza, wings, salads and more.
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Dining Guide Papa John’s Pizza 2510 Frederica Street 3332 Villa Point (54) Papa Murphy’s 3211 Frederica Street Take and bake pizza. Pizza By The Guy 3115 Commonwealth Court (54) Pizza Hut 4127 Frederica Street 1331 Frederica Street (take out only) 3189 Fairview Drive (54) PizzAroma 3020 E. 4th St 611 Emory Drive (Wesleyan) Locally owned pizzas, sandwiches, calzones and Italian specialties.
Fine Dining/Upscale Casual
Bill’s Restaurant 420 Frederica Street Lunch served Tue-Fri, dinner served Tue-Sat. Seasonal menus offering appetizers, entrees and desserts.
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Briarpatch 2760 Veach Road Owensboro’s finest locallyowned steakhouse since 1971. Large soup and salad bar, with full bar service and fine wines. Colby’s Fine Food & Spirits 202 W. 3rd Street Colby’s offers available space for meetings and banquets. Additional patio space available, and full-service food and bar for catering. For more information, contact Craig Brown, Colby MacQuarrie, or Holly Jackson. Famous Bistro 102 W. 2nd Street Locally-owned, serving lunch & dinner, everything from sandwiches to fine dining with a Mediterranean emphasis on Greek cuisine. Lure Seafood & Grille 401 W. 2nd Street Fresh seafood and more prepared with great expertise and precision with a green conscience.
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Niko’s Italian Cuisine 2200 E. Parrish Avenue Fine dining, wine & spirits with an emphasis on Italian cuisine. Locally-owned. Bourbon River Bar and Grill 701 W 1st Street Local bar and grill with great food, exceptional service, and drinks to your thirst. The Campbell Club 517 Frederica St The Miller House 301 E. 5th Street The Miller House offers a unique opportunity to dine on three levels in an elegant yet casual atmosphere. Located in one of downtown Owensboro’s beautifully restored older homes. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, they also offer a full-service conversation bar. The Pearl Club Grille 6501 Summit Drive Appetizers, entrees, burgers & wraps.
Diners, Cafes & Family Restaurants Another Broken Egg Cafe 701 West 1st Street New twists on Eggs Benedict and Gourmet Omelettes to unbelievable Biscuits Beignets and Cinnamon Roll French Toast. Inside the Holiday Inn Owensboro Riverfront. Mon – Sun, 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Bar open until 11:00 p.m. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar 5120 Frederica Street American classics, also offering a Weight Watchers Menu. Separate bar area. Bee Bop’s 122-A W. 2nd Street 50’s-style diner offering great diner food and daily specials. Beef O’Brady’s Family Sports Restaurant 3189 Fairview Drive Family sports pub and restaurant to enjoy good food & sports in a friendly atmosphere.
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Buffalo Wild Wings 4736 Frederica St Lively sports-bar chain dishing up wings & other American pub grub amid lots of large-screen TVs. Big Dipper 2820 W. Parrish Avenue Opened in April 1954, the Dipper offers real old-fashioned drive-in burgers, fries, shakes, and ice cream treats. SFG Artisan Cafe 501 W. 2nd Street Inside Owensboro Convention Center Open Monday thru Friday 10am to 3pm Catfish Willy’s 1007 Tamarack Road Locally-owned seafood restaurant. Cheddar’s Casual Cafe 3040 Highland Pointe Drive Family dining at affordable prices. Chef’s Kitchen 3600 Frederica Street Buffet, Salad Bar, Soup of the Day! And a small “cook to order” menu featuring steaks and other options. Colby’s Deli & Café 401 Frederica St #101B 7am-2pm Country Ham Restaurant 5421 US Highway 60 W. Great country-style cooking. Cracker Barrel 5311 Frederica Street Homestyle cooking, down-home service. Sit and rock a spell on the front porch in a comfy wooden rocker. Or browse the country store. Dee’s BBQ & Diner 1362 E. 4th Street Locally-owned diner offering plate specials and barbecue. Buffet on Fridays and Saturdays. Del’s Place 7478 US Highway 60 W. Deloris’ Cafe 2123 Triplett Street Down-home-friendly diner where
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you can feel at home with a home-cooked meal. Denny’s Restaurant 4545 Frederica Street Breakfast served 24 hours a day. Full menu also offered. Dinner Bell Restaurant 6057 Highway 2830 Diner meals and plate specials. Firehouse Subs 5150 Frederica St Made-to-order hot & cold subs, plus a variety of hot sauces. Five Guys Burgers and Fries 3248 Mt Moriah Ave (54) Burgers, fries, hot dogs and beverages. Gary’s Drive In 2220 Veach Road Burgers, homemade soups, ice cream and specialty items such as salmon, turkey and veggie burgers. Grandy’s 5000 Frederica Street Breakfast, lunch and dinner served. Dine in, carryout, or drive-thru. Chicken, country-fried steak, and cinnamon rolls. Hayden’s Drive-In 9209 Highway 56 Burgers, sandwiches and sides. Huddle House 3248 Mt Moriah Suite C (54) JD’s Restaurant 1420 Breckenridge Street Locally owned diner, breakfasts and plate lunch specials. Jimmy John’s 2300 Frederica St Freaky fast sandwiches. Madewell’s Corner Cafe 924 E. 2nd Street Home-cooked diner meals. Mendy’s Kitchen 924 Crabtree Avenue Burgers, sandwiches, sides & ice cream treats.
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Dining Guide Norman McDonald’s Country Restaurant 6161 Highway 54 Burgers & sides, take out only. Olive Garden 5204 Frederica Street Casual Italian dining featuring authentic entrees, soups, desserts, wines & more. O’Charley’s Restaurant & Lounge 5205 Frederica Street Menu with an emphasis on fresh preparation, featuring several specialty items such as hand-cut and aged steaks, seafood, fresh chicken, homemade yeast rolls, a variety of fresh-cut salads with special-recipe salad dressings and their signature caramel pie. Penn Station 3525 Frederica Street 3023 Highland Pointe (54) Made-to-order East Coast grilled sandwiches and sides. Red Lobster 3410 Frederica Street Family restaurant specializing in seafood dishes. Serving for lunch and dinner, a full menu of appetizers, salads, soups, entrees and desserts is offered. Shoney’s 4710 Frederica St (Towne Square) Family-oriented chain serving an all-American diner-style menu for breakfast, lunch & dinner. T.G.I. Fridays 5135 Frederica Street Family dining offering a full menu, including Atkins-approved, low carb items.
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Texas Roadhouse 943 Mosely Road Fresh-cut steaks, made-fromscratch side dishes, fall-off-thebone ribs, fresh-baked breads and lively atmosphere. Happy hour specials. The Local Kitchen and Bar 3118 Alvey Park Dr (54) A modern restaurant with a cool rustic vibe. Windy Hollow Restaurant 8260 Highway 81 Open Sundays 7a.m. to 1:30 p.m., brunch buffet featuring country ham, fried chicken, red eye gravy & biscuits, fried potatoes, and their famous homemade doughnuts. Wyndall’s Wonder Whip 2434 E. 4th Street Locally-owned and operated old-style drive-in located on US Hwy 60 E. offering burgers, sandwiches, sides, and frozen treats.
Fast Food
Arby’s 2960 W. Parrish Avenue 3401 Villa Pointe Drive (54) 4614 Frederica Street Large variety of sandwiches and sides. We have the meats! Burger King 1738 Triplett Street 2944 W. Parrish Avenue Clean restaurant, friendly employees, fast service. Drivethru open 24 hours. Chick-Fil-A 4601 Frederica Street Chicken sandwiches, salads, shakes and sides.
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Culver’s Frozen Custard & Butterburgers 3020 Highland Pointe Drive Frozen custard treats, burgers, salads, kids’ meals, chicken to go. Dairy Queen 1715 Frederica Street 3022 E. 4th St 3224 New Hartford Road Soft-serve ice cream treats, cakes, brazier food & beverages.
4800 Frederica Street Popeye’s Chicken 2906 Highland Pointe (54) “New Orleans-style” menu featuring spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp and other seafood. Rally’s 1301 Frederica Street Burgers, sandwiches and sides, fresh and hot.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries 3248 Mount Moriah Ave (54) Made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.
Ritzy’s 4527 Highway 54 4925 Frederica Street Burgers, fries, and ice cream.
Hardee’s 2705 W. Parrish Avenue 3101 Frederica Street Burgers, ham, chicken, roast beef sandwiches, and sides.
Sonic Drive-In 3107 Frederica Street Old-time drive-in offering burgers, sandwiches, sides, and frozen treats.
Kentucky Fried Chicken 3212 Highway (54) Chicken dinners, snacks, and sides for dine in or carryout. Lee’s Famous Recipe 1800 Carter Road 1001 Burlew Boulevard Chicken dinners for one or for a family. Dine in, carryout, or drive-thru. Long John Silver’s 2519 W. Parrish Avenue 2770 Frederica Street (Wesleyan) 3005 E. 4th St Fast seafood, fish and chicken. Dine in, carryout, or drive-thru. McDonald’s 3328 Highway 54 324 Wesleyan Plaza 2306 E. 4th Street 2730 W. Parrish Avenue
Subway 2425 W. Parrish Avenue 3119 Frederica Street 3124 Highway 54 3739 E. 4th Street 636 Southtown Boulevard 3470 New Hartford Road 3151 Highway 54 (inside Walmart) Taco Bell 3335 Villa Point (54) 4620 Frederica Street 2500 W. Parrish Avenue Wendy’s 2934 Highway 54 4545 Frederica Street Zaxby’s 5030 Frederica Street Located in front of Towne Square Mall, Zaxby’s offers a variety of chicken and wings.
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Ice Cream & Sweets Andria’s Candies 217 Allen St. Andria’s Candies had a tradition of making fine chocolates and candies that traces back to Greek candy-makers coming to U.S. in 1906. Baskin Robbins 3245 Mt Moriah Ave (54) Colorful ice cream parlor chain known for its many flavors plus sorbet & yogurt. Cold Stone Creamery 5140 Frederica Street 112 Allen Street (Downtown. Spring & Summer) From unique ice cream creations to smoothies, cakes and shakes. Nobody serves up the ultimate indulgence like Cold Stone. Cup Cakery 231 Williamsburg Square 112 Allen Street (Downtown, Spring & Summer) Cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and lunch options.
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Dairy Queen 1715 Frederica Street 3030 E. 4th St 3224 New Hartford Road Soft-serve ice cream treats, cakes, brazier food & beverages. Dalishas Desserts 1010 Allen Street, Ste. 200 Dine-in bakery and dessert cafe, with an emphasis on artistic specialty cakes. The Family Bakery 3152 Commonwealth Court (54) Dunkin’ Donuts 3011 Frederica Street Donuts, coffee, teas, sandwiches & pastries. Frailley’s Dari Cream 7140 Highway 81 Soft-serve ice cream treats. Great American Cookie Company 5000 Frederica Street Located inside Towne Square Mall. Cookies ready-made or made-to-order, large or small.
Koehler’s Bakery 1801 Carter Road Full line retail bakery offering donuts, pies, cakes, cookies, and breads. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts 4911 Frederica St Longtime chain serving a variety of donut flavors & shapes, plus coffee & frozen drinks. Lic’s Deli & Ice Cream 2120 W. Parrish Avenue Complete line of hand-dipped ice cream and deli sandwiches in the style of an old-fashioned soda fountain shoppe; also bread, cakes, cookies, and chili. Maggie’s Cakes & Deli 4399 Springhill Dr, Suite B (54) Specialty cakes, wedding cakes, desserts and gourmet deli. We also have delicious lunch and catering! Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt 5035 Frederica Street 4431 Springhill Dr (54)
Frozen yogurt, specially selected toppings. Rolling Pin Pastry Shop 1129 E 18th St 20 kinds of donuts, plus pies and pastries. The Sweet Shop 121 E. 9th Street Jellies, jams, pies & breads.
Smoothie & Juice Bars Wheatgrass Juice Bar 3500 Villa Point Raw juice, salads, smoothies, juice cleanses, vegan food, wheatgrass shots. PH Juice Co. 309 Hill Avenue Cold-pressed juice, smoothies, superfood bar. Located inside Nona’s Market. Gene’s Health Food, Inc. 1738 Sweeney Street Deli with sandwiches, organic salads, juice, smoothies and more.
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Dining Guide
Taste of Owensboro
ARE YOU HUNGRY YET? Flipping through these pages reminds us that Owensboro
Rod Cruisers will be jamming on the BB&T Plaza.
knows great food! At the Taste of Owensboro event presented by Kentucky Legend, the RiverPark Center
As a non-profit organization, every event and show is
celebrates Owensboro’s best with an evening of
seen as an opportunity to support the RiverPark mission,
excellent entertainment and cuisine samples. On
and Taste of Owensboro is no exception. For 25 years, the
October 16th from 6-9 PM over 30 area restaurants and
RiverPark Center has strived to improve the quality of life
regional wineries will let you sample their best culinary
by hosting and presenting diverse arts and community
delights. In addition to all the sumptuous bites, the silent
events, with a focus on arts education. Proceeds from
auction will have something you can’t live without.
this event benefit educational programming that allows more than 20,000 students annually to experience the
After exchanging your ticket for beverage tickets, Taste
arts, some for the very first time. Shows like “Pete the
of Owensboro attendees are free to experience the
Cat” and Owensboro Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker”
treats at each vendor table throughout the lobby, Jody
enhance their education and spark the minds and
Berry Theatre, and Cannon Hall stage! If you need a
imaginations of local school children from pre-
break from all the delicious treats, Roy Kyle and the Hot
kindergarten through grade 12.
Want your business to be showcased among Owensboro’s finest? More information and tickets for Taste of Owensboro are available now at RiverParkCenter.Org or by calling (270) 687-2787.
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THE
STYLE
Romper: $32 Earrings: $12 Purse: $39 Bracelet: $18 ea. Ring: $16 Blush Boutique 1020 Halifax Drive Suite 101 270.240.1974
End-Of-Summer BOUTIQUE DEALS
BY JULIA HARTZ // HIGHHEELSANDHAPPYHARTZ.COM
The first piece is this romper from Blush Boutique. Blush is new to
H
ow can summer be ending already? It seems like just
town, so let’s give them a warm
yesterday it was Memorial Day! The good news is, with
welcome! What I first noticed when I
the end of summer comes summer sales, and that, my friends,
walked into Blush was the charm and
is the best time to shop.
atmosphere of an upscale boutique, followed by the pleasant surprise of
Because I love summer shopping so much, I’m especially
a lower price point. Everything is very
excited to bring you these looks from some amazing local
reasonably priced, and the girls are
boutiques. As you know, the thing about Kentucky is that you
more than willing to help you pick
never really know what the weather will bring. It could be 90
an outfit, and have just as much fun
degrees in September and it wouldn’t surprise me one bit.
as you do! They have a large jewelry
That is why this is the best time to snag some great summer
selection as well, so go check them
deals! Not only will you be happily surprised when you get
out! Follow them on social media
out your summer wardrobe next year, but you’ll also get to
@blushboutiqueobky and stay up
wear these late finds for at least another month this year!
to date on new arrivals and sale
We’ll talk layering in the fall, but for now let’s focus on these
merchandise.
warm weather styles. 80 OWENSBORO LIVING
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PHOTOS BY KRISTIN BIVINS
How fun is this Julie Brown dress from Peacocks & Pearls? The bright colors immediately drew me in! It’s ideal for a wedding shower, night out, reunion, or even church. Pair it with wedges or flats depending on the occasion, and add these fun yellow bauble earrings for just $19. You’ll be amazed at how long you can make this look work. Throw a sweater on when it gets a little cooler and you’re good to go. Don’t be afraid of bright colors!
Peacocks & Pearls seriously loves their customers, so much so that they will be hosting a special event later on in August just to celebrate you guys! Check their social media for more details on the event, and be sure to follow them on Instagram @ peacocksandpearlsobky while you’re at it.
Dress: $157 Earrings: $19 Shoes: $63 Peacocks & Pearls Boutique 4431 Springhill Dr 270.926.SHOP (7467)
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If
you’re
looking
for
something
amazing for a night on the town, look no further than Excursions. Of course they have casual wear too, but their dress up game is off the charts. I’m not only in love with this pretty purple color,
but
also
how
comfortable
this dress is! This belt can be styled so many ways and with countless outfits in summer as well as in the fall. Excursions is currently offering tons of great markdowns already that you have to see to believe! Follow along on Instagram @excursions_owensboro. I’ll be the first to admit that the midi dress phenomenon doesn’t usually work well with my height of fivefoot-two-inches. However, when I put on this fab little number at Bella Ragazza I was blown away. I mean how cute is this? Go for it, short girls! I was imagining some retro vibes in the dressing room and I think we got it right! This dress style is so classic and Dress: $212 Belt: $67 Earrings: $72
can be worn by so many different age
Excursions 2738 Frederica St 270.926.8388
needed another reason to get out there
groups. This dress was originally $44 and is marked down to $32! As if you and shop! Stay up to date on summer markdowns by following them on Instagram @bellaragazzaboutique.
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PHOTOS BY KRISTIN BIVINS
I’ve always wanted to skip around in a sunflower field, so when I saw this two piece set at Embellish I immediately knew it would be a match. The great thing about a two piece set is that it can be worn so many different ways. The skirt could go with a variety of Top & Skirt: $114 Earrings: $34
tops, and vice versa. This off the
Embellish Boutique 2920 Frederica St 270.344.1371
off the shoulder or partially, as I did.
shoulder top can be worn completely
Everything I tried on at Embellish was a showstopper. If you haven’t checked them out you are missing out! Follow them on social media to stay up to date Dress:$32 Bella Ragazza Boutique 120 W 2nd St | 270.926.9546
about summer sales! Their Instagram is @embellishme2.
Everyone is starting to get fall merchandise in, which means it’s time to mark things way down. Blush, Excursions, Peacocks & Pearls, Bella Ragazza, and Embellish will be having their End of Season Sales on August 11th and 12th, so be sure to shop at each individual store! (Maybe you will even find some great fall looks too!) This annual summer sale will hold the LOWEST MARKDOWNS OF THE SEASON, so be sure to attend! Follow your favorite local boutiques on social media to see which ones are participating! Good luck!
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THE
SCENE
PHOTO BY AP IMAGERY
DOWNTOWN
OWENSBORO AIR SHOW September 22 – 24 | Owensboro Airport and Downtown Owensboro Friday, September 22: Don’t miss your chance to get up close and personal to a wide range of aircraft. Friday will be your chance to meet some of the pilots of these aircraft and experience a taste of the Owensboro Air Show. As the sun begins to set, a few performers will take to the sky to entertain the crowds with an evening spectacle of nighttime air show performances followed by fireworks to conclude the night. Admission is just $2.00 per person and kids 10 and under are FREE. There will be food and drink vendors onsite, so make your plans to head to the airport right after work to enjoy a show never before seen in Owensboro. Saturday & Sunday, September 23 & 24: All eyes will be on the skies over the Ohio River in downtown Owensboro as performers showcase vintage warbirds, aerobatic demonstrations, and military jets such as the Air Force F-16 Viper Demo and the Navy F-18 Hornet Demo! A FREE event for the whole family!
FREE FRIDAY AFTER 5 Every Friday at 6:30 p.m. through summer | RiverPark Center
A summer-long series of FREE outdoor concerts held each Friday evening on the beautiful Owensboro riverfront from the RiverPark Center through Smothers Park to the Owensboro Convention Center.
DOWNTOWN CRUISE-IN First Saturday of the month | Downtown Owensboro
First Saturday of each month April thru October! Monthly Downtown Cruise-In with class cars, hot rods, and roadsters!
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August’s theme will be General Motors all makes and models welcome. Close to downtown restaurants, shopping, and Smothers Park. Enter at 3rd & Allen Streets. Gates open one hour before Cruise-In times. Visit us on Facebook or email sunset_cruisers@aol.com for details.
FREE LIVE ON THE BANKS
Saturday nights through September | River Overlook Stage An outdoor concert series on Saturday nights May thru September at the River Overlook Stage in Downtown Owensboro. Presented by the City of Owensboro.
FREE BLUEGRASS ON THE BANKS
first and third Tuesdays of each month | River Overlook Stage This free outdoor concert series showcases bluegrass music acts from across the region on the Ohio riverfront for the community to enjoy. Performances will run through September 29. Performances will take place at the River Overlook Stage from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Lineup of artists performing each week can be found at http://www. liveonthebanks.com/about/bluegrass-on-the-banks
7TH ANNUAL EAST BRIDGE ART FESTIVAL
September 1-2 | Downtown Owensboro Studio Slant hosts the 7th Annual East Bridge Art Festival, a two-day event September 1 & 2, in beautiful Smothers Park & Veterans Boulevard. Over 70 tri-state artists, live music, kids activities, local gourmet street food, chalk contest and much more! Bring a friend! Bring the family for an exciting day of fun at the East Bridge Art Festival! www.OwensboroLiving.com
FAMILY
OWENSBORO REGIONAL FARMERS' MARKET PROJECTION OF SOLAR ECLIPSE June – October | Triplett St. and Owensboro Health Fresh produce, meats, baked goods and a lot more! 1205 Triplett Street, Corners of Triplett and E. Parish Ave. Sat., April 22 thru October 28, 2017, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tues. & Thurs., June 1 thru October 26, 2017, 8 a.m. – 1p.m. Wed., Owensboro Health, Jun. 7 thru Sep. 27, 2017, 1:30 – 5 p.m. Visit our website: owensbororegionalfarmersmarket.org or check us out on Facebook: facebook.com/OwensboroRegionalFarmersMarket
August 21 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Owensboro Museum of Science and History On the day of the Solar Eclipse, the Owensboro Museum of Science and History will have telescopes for safe viewing and will have a projection on the side of their building in the heart of downtown Owensboro. There is also ample room for viewing in Smothers Park and other locations around town.
PRESERVATION STATION MARKET DAYS
August 24 – 28 | Owensboro Convention Center AKC All Breed Dog Show along with obedience and rally trials. 100’s of dogs from all over the U.S. & a few foreign countries. Enjoy the competition, watch the grooming process & learn more about dogs. Vendors onsite with canine products. Bring the family & enjoy the fur!
August 5-6 & September 2-3 Held the first full weekend of every month. Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. with over 100 vendors of antique, vintage, handcrafted, and boutique items, live music, and food. Preservation Station Market and Event Center, 9661 Hwy 56. Also open daily Tues-Sat 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.
DAY OF DARKNESS OWENSBORO EXPERIENCE August 21 from 11:45 a.m. – 3 p.m. Owensboro is located in the partial eclipse zone only 80 miles from the point of greatest eclipse near Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Owensboro will experience the effects of the eclipse from 11:56 a.m. to 2:50 p.m. central time. The time of maximum eclipse in Owensboro is 1:25pm. Owensboro’s weekend of events begin on Friday, August 18, on the Owensboro riverfront. For the complete list of scheduled events, please see the following link: eventshttps://visitowensboro.com/2017/04/day-ofdarkness-owensboro-style/#more-65776.
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2017 RIVER VALLEY CLUSTER DOG SHOW
ACTIVE
2017 HILLIARD LYONS BRIDGE RUN September 23 at 7 a.m. | Downtown Owensboro The Blue Bridge will close at 7 a.m. on September 23 for the start of the Annual Hilliard Lyons Bridge Run. The race has a 5-mile run and 10-mile run. The 10-mile run will begin at 7 a.m. at the Holiday Drive-In, Reo, Indiana and finish along Veterans Boulevard in downtown Owensboro. The 5-mile race will begin at 7:30 a.m. from Marvin’s Fireworks in Indiana. Buses will pick runners up in front of the Hampton Inn on 2nd Street and transport to race locations. Buses will run from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. Event proceeds benefit Healthy Horizons. For detailed information on registration, courses, packet pickup and transportation, see http://www. hilliardlyonsbridgerun.com/
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ARTS
DANCING WITH OUR STARS OWENSBORO STYLE August 12 at 6 p.m. | Owensboro Convention Center Watch local celebrities partner with local dancers to compete for the mirror-ball trophy with their choreographed dance routines. Tickets include a sit-down dinner served at 7 p.m., along with the show beginning at 8 p.m. and open dancing. Proceeds benefit the Boulware Mission.
ANNUAL CONCERT ON THE LAWN BY OSO August 5 at 7 p.m. | Kentucky Wesleyan College Bring your family and friends to the lawn for an evening of wonderful symphony sounds!
LANHAM BROTHERS JAMBOREE August 12 at 7 p.m. | Diamond Lake Resort Theater Come and enjoy a night of family entertainment with great country, bluegrass, and gospel music, hilarious comedy with audience participation, and lots of dancing! Special guests include: Joe Christian, Laura Briner, Skylar Cain, Gaining Ground, Leland Isbill, Jeff Hardesty, Chris Armstrong, Richard Clark and the Foot Stompin’ Express Cloggers Dance Troupe. Show time 7 p.m.; doors open 5 p.m.; Purchase tickets online http://lanhambrothersjamboree.com/product/adult-ticket/ or tickets may also be purchased at the door. Group rates available by calling (270) 314-4331. PHOTO BY TOOLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
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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 climate controlled. 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.
HISTORIC COAL MINE TOUR
Owensboro Museum of Science & History The Day in the Life of a 1930’s Rudy Coal Mine Miner - Put on a coal mine helmet and join us on a trip through the Rudy Coal Mine, an historic Daviess County coal mine featuring the history of coal mining in the 19th Century, along with the 1930’s time period. This tour is included with admission, but space is limited. Please sign up at the admissions desk when you check into the museum. Enjoy the tour! The Museum is closed on Mondays.
KIDS AND ART IN ARTLAND
Owensboro Museum of Art ARTLAND, an exciting new dimension in education, is an interactive art studio created especially for children ages 4 to 10. It is a special place designed to challenge and stimulate the imagination, while allowing children to create works of art at their own pace. ARTLAND is FREE and open to all. Hours: Closed on Mondays; Tuesday thru Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday 1– 4 p.m.; Closed Holidays.
TAKE A KID OUTDOORS DAY
August 26 Open to Ages 8-15 (Activities Available for Children Under 7) The event will be held from 9 a.m. – noon. Join us and learn hunter safety, ATV safety, shoot live firearms, and learn animal tracks and more! Visit our website for further helpful information http://www.daviesscountyconservation.com/ Kids-Outdoor-Adventures.html
FREE MOVIES ON THE RIVER
August 6 & September 3| RiverPark Center Join us for Movies on the River where families come together for FREE films and fun on the riverfront! Come and enjoy “Finding Dory” on August 6, which reunites the friendly-butforgetful blue-tang fish with her loved ones, in the meantime everyone learns the true meaning of family! Enjoy “Secret Life of Pets” on September 3, a comedy about the lives of our pets when we leave for work or school each day! Concessions will be available; please do not bring coolers or pets.
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THE LESSONS OF SUMMER
T
here must surely be a time warp that would explain how quickly the season passes between that final bell on the last day of school and the morning when children all over Daviess County stand once again at their school bus stops, wearing colorful backpacks and wearing new shoes. In those early days of June, it feels like there is an eternity of time stretching before a child – long, lazy days of revised routines, punctuated with play and popsicles. Somehow, though, August arrives faster than a bike ride down Dead Man’s Hill, and so begins another year of reading, writing, arithmetic, science, social studies, art, music, health, p.e. and all that other stuff that is important to learn. But let’s never forget the lessons that can only be learned during those sweet, sweaty summer months. Like that feeling of exhilaration when you finally enter and exit without tripping up the Double Dutch jump ropes. Or that mix of horror and fascination as you watch a cicada emerge from its shell. The heat of the sun as the back of your neck slowly turns pink during a long afternoon of crouching over a game of jacks on the patio. Discovering a dusty stack of Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books in the garage, and that feeling of amazement as you read one after another in the series before you finally notice your parent’s name carefully printed in pencil inside the front cover of one copy. Hearing the sound of tinkling music in the distance, then racing breathlessly into the house, hollering all the way for a dollar, then sprinting back in time to buy an ice cream from the truck. Figuring out a way to tie a rope onto that branch, the
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THE LAST WORD BY LORA WIMSATT
lowest one on the tree but still way up there, and perfectly situated for swinging out over the creek and, if you’re lucky, back again. Cupping your hands protectively around the baby bird as you carry it home, insisting to your mom that it had been abandoned by its mother when it fell out of the nest and had to be rescued from the neighborhood dogs, then standing solemn and still the next day as your dad digs a small hole in the corner of the back yard. Singing along with the princess while watching the DVD for the millionth time, collapsing every single time in a heap of giggles at the high note at the end. Creating psychedelic chalk art on the sidewalk, with flowers and hop-scotch blocks and rainbows, and peeking furtively around to be sure nobody sees you writing the name of your crush with a big heart around it. Finding your location on the map your parents picked up at the Cracker Barrel along the interstate, then tracing your finger along the route that will take you to your grandparents’ home three states away, ticking off the names of the towns as, dot by dot, you approach your destination. Shyly introducing yourself to the new family of kids that just moved in down the street, feeling confused when you learn they don’t speak English, and then – hesitatingly at first, then with increasing confidence – you begin to teach them a few words … and learn a few of theirs. Turning the page on the calendar that hangs on the kitchen wall, carefully putting an “X” in each square and counting off the days until it is time to go back to school. Time to learn reading, writing, arithmetic, science, social studies, art, music, health, p.e. and all that other stuff that is so very, very important.
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