Owensboro Living - December 2017 / January 2018

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FROM THE EDITOR

Publisher/Creative Director Jason Tanner Editor Steven Wilson Ad Sales Brock Quinton Robert Williams

A GIVING HEART

Photographers Jamie Alexander David Grinnell Taylor West

Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a giving heart, a wide– open–heart that thinks of others first. - George Matthew Adams in "The Christmas Heart".

Graphic Design Jamie Alexander Andrea Roberson

Though many people lament the absence of Christ during Christmastime, Jesus’ teachings on giving still shine bright at this time of year. And the spirit of giving and sharing is alive and well in Owensboro, as you’ll see in the pages of this issue of Owensboro Living.

Contributors Julia Hartz Danny May Debbie Zuerner Johnson Dana Peveler Fr. Pat Reynolds Ashley Sorce Steven Wilson Lora Wimsatt

The “giving” element is quite obvious in some stories, like that of the Goodfellows. Since 1916, this group of local volunteers has dedicated their resources to giving to children by meeting the needs of students with clothing, shoes, coats, and dental care. You’ll also read about giving gifts to the seniors in your lives, and the importance of the gift of time.

Though less apparent at first glance, many other stories also involve accounts of giving – like the gift of encouragement and healing, provided by new arts initiatives to benefit patients of Owensboro Health. The story of Glenda Wright, who overcame adversity as a child to become an advocate for foster children, gives hope and inspiration to young people who find themselves in difficult situations.

On the lighter side, we tell you about the introduction of Lyft to our city, the company that wants to help us give each other a ride. And the Baker’s Rack gives you tips on how to share a special Christmas dinner with friends and loved ones.

So we hope you enjoy reading – as much as we’ve enjoyed sharing – these unique stories that demonstrate how giving can come in many shapes and sizes.

Steven Wilson Editor, Owensboro Living steven@owensboroliving.com

"GIVING CAN COME IN MANY SHAPES AND SIZES."

Cover Photo Special thanks to Chris, Linsday, Molly, Griffin, and Blair Gaddis for braving the cold as our cover family. Thanks also to Ray Assmar for providing his 1990 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and dog, “Duke”, and the Brey family for use of their red barn.

Tree provided by Hilltop Tree Farm.

Photo by Jamie Alexander.

Stylized by Julia Hartz.

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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DEC JAN

2017-2018

[08]

THE BUZZ

THE REAL PEOPLE, PLACES AND EVENTS THAT SHAPE OUR COMMUNITY

[12]

THE PULSE

BRINGING CREATIVE ARTS TO HEALTHCARE

FEATURES [16] A MASTER OF HIS CRAFT [20] WOMAN WITH A PLAN [25] OWENSBORO EMBRACES RIDESHARING [28] WHERE THERE IS A WILL THERE IS A WAY [35] THE GOODFELLOWS CLUB

[40] [16]

[38] O CHRISTMAS TREE [44] A GIFT WITH MEANING [48] COREY'S HEART AND SOUL [52] THE STORY BEHIND ST. NICHOLAS

[59]

YOUR FINANCIAL ROAD MAP

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

[20]

[60] FINANCIAL BLUEPRINT FOR THE HOLIDAYS

[84]

THE STYLE

[28]

GIVE WITH STYLE

[74]

THE DISH

HAPPIER, HEALTHIER HOLIDAYS

[76]

THE SCENE

YOUR GUIDE TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AND AROUND OWENSBORO

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BUZZ PHOTO BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

THE

ALERIS EXPANSION COMPLETE In September 2014, we announced that Aleris planned to invest $350 million to expand its capabilities at its Lewisport rolling mill in Hancock County. The goal of the project was to equip the company with the capabilities and technology to serve the North American automotive industry as it shifts to broader aluminum use to make lighter vehicles. As of November 16, 2017, the project, which represented a total investment of $400 million, was complete. "The opening

of our new automotive facility in Kentucky marks the completion of a significant piece of our strategic realignment, which includes expanding our capacity and capabilities to serve the automotive industry and other high value end uses," Aleris Chairman and CEO, Sean Stack, said. Lewisport is the company's first site in North America that is equipped with aluminum auto body sheet finishing capabilities.

BRESCIA FREEZES TUITION UNTIL 2022

In what was certainly welcome news to current and prospective Brescia students, the University has announced that it will freeze its current tuition rate through Spring 2022. Over the last 10 years, tuition at private nonprofit four-year colleges has risen by an average of 2.4% per year. Based on these numbers, the tuition freeze represents a significant savings for Brescia students. Brescia boasts several award-winning bachelor’s and master’s programs, including social work, psychology, accounting, and theology. To receive an estimate of what each program may cost, prospective students can visit online. brescia.edu or contact Brescia University at BUonline@brescia.edu or 1-877-BRESCIA.

BOTANICAL GARDEN UNVEILS “SMART” FLOWER

Many flowers produce nectar, and even use “intelligent” traits to reproduce through pollination. But the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden has unveiled a 16-foot tall “flower” that produces electricity through solar energy. Funding for the smartflower was provided by the Charles D. Ralph Estate and the Charles Mason Ralph Fund at the Community Foundation of Louisville.

The Smartflower, one of only 36 in the United States, has a 2500watt array. When the sun rises, the flower unfolds and can tilt on its axis to harness 40% more power through its tilt. When it the flower closes, it both cleans and cools itself, and can close on its own when winds reach too high of a speed.

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PANTHERS NEARLY REPEAT

In 2016, the Daviess County High School boys soccer team became the first from the City of Owensboro to bring home a state championship. This year, the Panthers nearly repeated that incredible feat when they made it to the final game of the state championship. Ultimately, the Panthers fell to Louisville St. Xavier in the finals. The team finished the season with an impressive record of 21 wins, 4 losses, and 2 ties. Even more impressive, the seniors on this year’s team participated in the state tournament during each of the four years they played at Daviess County.

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INDEPENDENCE BANK HONORED BY KY SCHOOLS

PHOTO BY CAROL ALVEY

On November 3, 2017, Independence Bank received the Flag of Learning and Liberty award from the Kentucky School Public Relations Association during the annual state conference in Lexington, KY. The award is named after the National School PR Association’s flag and is given annually to a person, group, or corporation outside the education field who has made a significant contribution to public education in Kentucky. Independence Bank places significant value on education and fostering successful learning and continued education. In addition to running the backpack program, which provides food for underprivileged children to take home outside of school hours, the bank has also awarded over $800,000 in college scholarships since 2001.

ENCORE! PERFORMS THE FANTASTICKS Encore! Musicals of Owensboro presented their first full-length musical, The Fantasticks, from November 17-19, 2017. The Fantasticks is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, and their two fathers who try to keep them apart. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. The play was held in the sanctuary of Third Baptist Church.

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KWC PARTNERS WITH EMPOWERMENT ACADEMY Kentucky Wesleyan College and the Empowerment Academy have created an innovative partnership to assist high school students as they pursue their academic goals during high school and college. The Empowerment Academy was created to provide a safe living environment while addressing the basic needs of students attending high school in Owensboro and Daviess County. Students who qualify for this program will reside on the Wesleyan campus as they continue their high school careers while also completing college courses.

The partnership is designed to help students graduate from high school and make a smooth transition to college, and the program will help qualified students gain confidence as they prepare for successful futures and seek their college degrees.

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PHOTOS BY TAYLOR WEST

OLUSOLA GRAND MARSHAL OF CHRISTMAS PARADE

Three-time Grammy® Award-winner and Owensboro native, Kevin Olusola, served as the Grand Marshal for the 2017 Owensboro-Daviess County Christmas Parade. The theme for this year’s parade was “Visions of Christmas.”

Paradegoers lined Second Street on November 18 to catch a glimpse of the Pentatonix singer, and of course, jolly old St. Nick. Approximately 100 floats participated in the parade, “where Kentucky starts Christmas.”

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THE

PULSE

BY DEBBIE ZUERNER JOHNSON OWENSBORO HEALTH DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

BRINGING CREATIVE ARTS

We want to do more than just heal people’s bodies. We also want to help people feel as comfortable as possible while they go through the healing process.

to Healthcare

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he mission of Owensboro Health is to heal the sick

T

will put on its Christmas Readers Theatre at our hospital.

and to improve the health of the communities we

We’ll also have performances by the Owensboro Health

serve. We see that we can do even more for that, which

Choir, whose touching voices come from among the

is why we are putting an emphasis on light, beauty and

health system’s staff.

music in the hospital setting. It’s so important that we made Arts in Healing one of our primary focus areas for

Healthcare + arts = Better health outcomes

2018.

Why do the arts matter in the world of healthcare?

The role of art is growing in significance in healthcare

The artists are in

institutions across the globe. It has the unique power to

During this holiday season, Owensboro Health

calm, and research has shown that the arts can reduce

Regional Hospital will host multiple arts-oriented events

patients' use of pain medication, even impacting length of

that will be open to our patients, visitors, and staff. For the

stay in the hospital. The positive effects for both patient

past two years, we’ve hosted the talented musicians of the

and family are numerous.

Owensboro Symphony Orchestra. Their performances on

a piano placed in our lobby as part of the Music on Call

people receiving healthcare. A 2003 book published by

program have been a source of joy and happiness.

the Royal College of Physicians in the United Kingdom

As an added treat, our artistic holiday offerings

reported scientific evidence that the arts are a benefit to

have grown beyond music. This year we will also have

patients. In patients receiving chemotherapy, anxiety and

performances by Theatre Workshop of Owensboro, which

depression were significantly reduced in patients around

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There is science behind using art to positively affect

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art or live music. In pregnant women with

art displays are a part of OHRH and the

high blood pressure, those listening to

Healthplexes. We’re also partnering with

music had lower blood pressure results

arts organizations throughout the region

than those not listening.

to bring their talents into our facilities.

Owensboro

Health

supports

and

A reason for rhyme and rhythm

partners with art organizations through

We know without a doubt that the arts

programs like Music on Call and through

have positive effects on people in general.

our Community Health Investment grants.

Now, we’re applying that to help people receiving healthcare. Our goal is to impact the healing process by adding artistic components as interventions in a soothing, pleasant healthcare environment.

We had that in mind when we designed and built Owensboro Health

We hope that by partnering with local arts organizations, we can create experiences that are positive and healing for patients, visitors and staff. If there are ways we can improve experiences and help the healing process, we see that as something worth pursuing.

Regional Hospital, and also the three

Debbie Zuerner Johnson is director of Community

new Healthplex facilities being built

Engagement

in

Henderson,

Madisonville,

and

Muhlenberg County. Natural light and

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at

Owensboro

Health.

Visit

www.

owensborohealth.org/musiconcall to learn more about the Music On Call program, and to see a schedule of this year’s performances.

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A

Master OF HIS

Craft BY

STEVEN WILSON

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PHOTOS BY ELLEN KING - FOUR ROSES

L

ike Bluegrass and basketball, bourbon has long been synonymous with Kentucky.

And in recent years, the

bourbon industry has seen a resurgence in demand for its

product. According to the Kentucky Distiller’s Association, the Commonwealth produces and ages approximately 95 percent of the world’s bourbon whiskey. As a result, many consumers around the globe are familiar with Owensboro’s Brent Elliott, Master Distiller at Four Roses, whose likeness appears on bottles of the distillery’s Elliott’s Select.

But Brent’s duties extend far beyond being the face of the brand. In fact, it was his

background in science and analysis that led him into the spirits industry. After graduating from Daviess County High School in 1992, Brent attended the University of Kentucky, where he earned his degree in chemistry. Even then, he couldn’t have imagined where his education would take him. When asked about whether he anticipated working in the world of bourbon, Brent replied, “It had never occurred to me that it was even a possibility. Had I known that, I probably would’ve been a little more excited about my chemistry degree.”

From UK, Brent took jobs in Ohio and Nashville, all of which involved analytical

chemistry, but none of which involved bourbon. It wasn’t until 2005, when Four Roses came calling, that Brent made his first foray into the world of distilled spirits. Like his previous jobs, his first role at Four Roses involved analytical chemistry. For Brent, the work presented a chance to return home. “This opportunity opened up in 2005, and it was an opportunity for me to get back to Kentucky, and to do something that I could really be passionate about,” Brent recalled.

Working as an analyst at Four Roses, Brent monitored fermentation, examined the

product coming off the still, and analyzed the barrel-matured bourbon. As for how he moved up from working in the lab to putting his name on the bottles, Brent says he simply went all in, volunteering to work in different areas of the distillery. “When I started it was a very small crew, so I just volunteered and tried to pitch in everywhere that I could, whether that was production or promotions and marketing, anywhere that I could pitch in and be involved. And by working across department lines, and being willing to try out different things, I just grew with the company.”

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Brent continued, “I was hired mainly for the analysis of it, but I really started getting

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involved in all aspects of quality control shortly after

tastings to seminars about bourbon. Brent has even spoken

starting, and a big part of that, probably the most fun part

twice to the Owensboro Bourbon Society, in 2016 and 2017.

of that, and interesting part, is dealing with the quality of

As a native of Owensboro, Brent appreciates working for a

the maturing bourbon. So I started having a lot of hands-

company whose product is both unique to, and synonymous

on experience with sampling various barrels and batches,

with, Kentucky. “Two things that being from Kentucky,

and working to mingle them together to create our different

and in particular Owensboro that I’m very proud of – I love

products, and create the best quality products that we had to offer.” After gaining invaluable on-the-job training and three promotions later, Brent was elevated by Four Roses to Master Distiller in 2015.

So what does a master distiller do? According to Brent,

every day is different. He answered, “A good portion of my time is spent deciding what goes into the bottle – selecting barrels, selecting batches, for consistency, to maintain the highest quality, and if we’re creating new products, or

introducing people to Owensboro barbeque – the mutton and burgoo are fantastic – and I feel the same way about those as bourbon – they’re indigenous to where I’m from, they’re very unique, they speak loudly of the region, and represent the people of the region very well,” Brent says proudly. Then he adds, “From the taste bud aspect to the heritage aspect, they pair well.”

In addition to returning to Owensboro for seminars,

anything limited, it’s about creating something unique and

Brent also makes it back home to visit family. When he’s in

exciting for the consumer.”

town, he makes sure to visit his favorite barbeque spots, as

Brent also spends a significant amount of time engaged

well as Briarpatch, where he worked in high school. And

in public relations. That includes educating the public, as

though he may not have foreseen that his days as a busboy,

well as retailers and restaurants, about Four Roses bourbon.

or his chemistry degree, would lead to a career in tasting

“Education” can range from events such as dinners and

bourbon, I think it’s safe to say he’s found his niche.

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BY Y ASHLE E C R O S

Woman with a P lan

AS

a self-described Type-A personality, Kelsey

best for Kelsey’s product. Finally, Kelsey worked with a

Mann Peacock, 29, lives by a planner. In fact,

graphic designer to help design the planner layout, page by

she recently sorted through and organized some

page.

boxes she received from her parents and found planners

dating back to the eighth grade.

of the top 10 most stressful times in my life,” Kelsey said.

“You know you’re investing all of this money. If it comes

But in all those years, Kelsey never seemed to find a

The last phase was proofing. “It was probably one

planner that fit her needs.

out wrong, it’s your own fault, because you didn’t catch it.”

“I could just never understand every year when I

After proofing was complete and edits were made,

would go to buy one, I would use it for maybe six months

Kelsey began production. She based her order off of pre-

and then I would just go buy a different one because I didn’t

sales from her website and ordered extra to sell through the

like it,” Kelsey said. “I just felt like every time I went to get

holiday season.

something out of my purse, or better yet, when my husband

would go to get something out of my purse, I just had paper

support of our community,” Kelsey said. “Obviously we

everywhere. I always had my planner with me. But then I

have a ton of growing to do, but I will say the positivity of

would have grocery lists or to-do lists or all of these lists

the women in Owensboro has been very fulfilling to me to

separate because I never had space to fit it in a planner.”

know that people are excited about this product.”

Unable to find a planner that combined all of those

“I have been blown away by the positivity and the

Kelsey just recently added The Essential Planner

lists, and tired of spending money on planners that didn’t

on Amazon, where sales have continued to grow, includ-

work for her lifestyle, Kelsey finally said to herself, “If no

ing sales to customers in Canada and Australia. Kelsey’s

one is going to make it, I’m just going to find a way to make

website was originally set up to only ship in just US, but

it myself.”

with demand growing from other countries, she quickly

changed her shipping policy.

Kelsey, an investment analyst and financial planner,

had a lot to learn about the paper and stationary business,

but she jumped in feet first.

boggling to me. Somebody in Australia wants one of my

In April, she began by writing all of her thoughts and

planners? They are willing to pay the shipping? The ship-

notes out on poster board spread out across her house. She

ping costs more than the planner. But that just reinforced to

looked at all those planners she had saved over the years.

me that there was really a need for these planners.”

She analyzed the cost, time and investment she and her

husband, Jared, were willing to make.

feedback from potential customers through her website and

social media that while they loved the planners, the cost was

Through this, Kelsey created The Essential Planner

“I was just blown away,” Kelsey said. “It was mind

Despite the successful sales, Kelsey was receiving

to be sold under her new business, Peacock Paper & Gifts.

just too high.

She wanted to design a line of both daily and weekly plan-

ners that would include space for daily planning, healthy

out to create a product that any woman couldn’t afford.

checks, budgeting, meal planning, grocery lists, travel plan-

When I called it the Essential Planner, I wanted it to just

ning and more.

be a place that women had to go for their essential things. I

Her next step was reaching out to a sorority sister who

never set out to create something that had a dividing mar-

runs a project management firm. She helped Kelsey source

gin to where some people could afford it and some people

the planner, ultimately finding a manufacturer that worked

couldn’t.”

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“That just broke my heart,” Kelsey said. “I never set

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PHOTOS BY RACHAEL HOUSER

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After doing market research, Kelsey said there were plenty of planner compa-

nies that sold planners for more than her original cost. “I just felt this pressure that I had to sell at this certain price or people aren’t going to think we are a legitimate company. And that was really the reason we set the prices there. I didn’t feel like I needed to set the prices there for us to be profitable. I just felt that if people saw that we were selling our planners for cheaper, they would think there is something wrong with our quality.”

With this weighing on her heart, Kelsey prayed, talked with her husband, re-

searched profit margin analysis, and decided to reduce her prices. Not only did she feel as though she was doing the right thing, but she saw a spike in sales immediately thereafter. She has now gone a step further and refunded customers who had previously purchased The Essential Planner at the higher cost.

“I think women in business need to talk about the challenges more often,”

Kelsey said. When she hoped to start her business, Kelsey looked at social media for research and market comparison. "Instagram isn’t instant pictures; it’s curated photos that are planned out months in advance. So when I saw similar companies, I thought I had to do these things this one way because so-and-so does that and they are really successful.”

But the quality of The Essential Planner can’t be disputed. Kelsey’s sales and

community support have proven that. And while this planner has been a labor of love for Kelsey, it has also taught her a lot about creating a product, and about herself as a woman in business.

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OWENSBORO EMBRACES

Ridesharing

BY STEVEN WILSON

R

idesharing has become a ubiquitous part of our country’s transportation system. If you’ve ever been to a bigger

processes pay from the

city and didn’t want to rent a car or stand on the street to hail

passenger’s saved

a cab, chances are you’ve used a ridesharing app. Now we can

credit card. Money earned

count Owensboro among the locales where this handy service

from driving is then deposited into the driver’s account.

is available.

We use our phones for other travel-related purposes, like

is beneficial to riders, too. On November 16, 2017, Erica Yartz,

booking a flight, so why not utilize them to arrange a ride

an attorney and communication chair for the Chamber Young

across town? That’s the idea that providers like Lyft and Uber

Professionals, became Owensboro’s first Lyft passenger. For

have seized upon to control the market share in ridesharing.

Yartz, the upside to having a service like Lyft in Owensboro

Though still relatively new to the transportation landscape,

is both diverse and clear: “I think it will really benefit the

and still unknown to some, ridesharing is the poster child of

community in many different ways. I think we'll see more

the gig economy.

people going out and staying out because ridesharing is an

easy, safe driving option. That would definitely benefit local

For those that are unfamiliar with how it works, the service

In addition to the benefits for rideshare drivers, the service

is beneficial for both drivers and passengers. A driver could

businesses.”

be anyone from a retiree to a college student, or even someone

with a full-time job. The perk of driving for a company like Lyft

benefits of the service as it pertains to Owensboro: “It creates

is that you can earn extra income and make your own hours.

flexible job opportunities for residents. It will hopefully

Drivers use their own vehicles, and through the app on their

decrease drunk driving in the area. Also, so many cities these

phone, accept ride requests from potential passengers who are

days have ridesharing that visitors expect the ease of a ride

also using the app. Once the driver has picked up their passenger

sharing app to get around. So, I think Owensboro tourism will

and delivered them to their desired destination, the app

benefit in that aspect, as well.” In other words, for a city like

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Yartz continued, highlighting further economic and safety

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REQUIREMENTS FOR BECOMING A LYFT DRIVER: • You must be at least 21 and own an iPhone or Android phone; • Possess an in-state driver’s license that’s at least a year old; • Undergo a DMV check, plus a national and county background check.

• Your car needs to have four external door handles and at least five total seat belts.

• You must be a covered party on your car’s in-state insurance, and have in-state license plates.

Owensboro, which is looking to recruit young professionals, as well as new employers to town, the availability of ridesharing is an essential element to growth.

Getting Lyft to Owensboro wasn’t as simple as a few residents downloading the app. It involved a concerted effort from many individuals and organizations, starting with the Chamber Young Professionals. Andrew Howard, commercial loan officer at Independence Bank and Chair of the CYP, said “The Chamber Young Professionals saw an opportunity to engage our community in an effort that could bring ridesharing to Owensboro. On November 2, the community participated in a social media campaign targeting Uber and Lyft with the intention of bringing attention to our city. We are extremely thankful for the support this campaign received and it was

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without a doubt, a community effort.”

Now that Lyft is officially in Owensboro, Howard views ridesharing as an important piece in the evolution of our city.

“Having a ridesharing service in Owensboro is important because it's an additional asset for us in keeping Owensboro progressive; it's presence is one that will benefit local citizens as well as tourists and guests. Additionally, having the ridesharing service asset adds an additional quality of life piece for Owensboro,” said Howard.

For those interested in learning more about getting involved, CYP will be hosting an informational session on the process of becoming a Lyft driver. The event is scheduled for Saturday, December 9 at 10 am at the OZ Tyler Distillery, and is open to everyone.

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Glenda Wright is a very poised, extremely articulate, and mature 22-year-old, who is currently interning in Governor Matt Bevin’s

Where there is

A there WILL is A WAY

office and in the office of the Department of Community Based Services Commissioner (DCBS), Adria Johnson.

But it was Glenda’s foster care background

that made her a perfect fit for this internship, given the Governor’s initiatives in foster care and the first lady’s heart for children aging out of the foster care system.

For most of Glenda’s life, she and her three

brothers were raised by her grandmother. “She was our mother, our father, our everything,” Glenda said. Glenda’s mother had a history of substance abuse, and her father was not in her life.

In 2008, Glenda’s mother moved with her four children to Evansville without informing Glenda’s grandmother of their relocation.

Glenda, then in middle school, and her three brothers suffered the effects of a parent with a substance abuse problem, living in and out of homeless shelters and sometimes in their mother’s car. It was when her mother abandoned her children at a daycare for a week that Indiana

BY Y ASHLE E SORC

Department

of

Child

Protective

Services

(DCPS) stepped in. They located the children’s grandmother and reunited them in Owensboro.

Glenda’s

grandmother,

who

all

four

children already saw more as a mother than a grandmother, began the process of becoming primary caregiver for her grandchildren. But in 2009, their grandmother passed away from a heart attack.

“She was the one person that truly believed

in me,” Glenda said.

Without a guardian, the children went into

foster care, first being placed at St. Joseph’s Peace Mission while DCPS found a family able to take in all four teenagers.

PHOTO BY TAYLOR WEST

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“DCPS really puts a big emphasis on trying to keep siblings together and keep those bonds together,” Glenda said.

All four children were eventually placed together in a

foster home, but over time behavior problems arose that forced the siblings to be separated. “Now looking back on it, that was to be expected,” Glenda said. “We literally just lost the biggest person in our life. And then to go from that to trying to figure out what is foster care -- what does this mean for us?”

Each brother was re-placed with another foster family, and then, finally, 14-year-old Glenda moved to a temporary respite placement, which should have been for a weekend, but ended up being for a few months. She was finally placed with her last foster family, a single mom.

She remained with this family until she graduated from Owensboro High School at age 17, and then moved on to attend Murray State University.

At MSU, Glenda decided to pursue business and legal

studies. “I always had the mindset that I was going to college, even when I was broke, poor and hungry, sometimes bills weren’t paid, and we didn’t have electricity,” Glenda said. “I thought, ‘I don’t want to live like this for the rest of my life.’ I really want better for me and for my whole family.”

A very motivated, focused student, Glenda took 18 to

24 credit hours each semester, maintaining a nearly perfect grade point average on her journey to law school.

“Growing up with everything that I saw -- drugs, abuse

of alcohol and what that does to a family -- and seeing the injustice of the foster care system, combine all of that together and it just gave me motivation and that fire to make change,” Glenda said.

Despite her demanding course load, Glenda was determined to be that change, working full time as the President of Voices of the Commonwealth at Murray State University. Currently still in this position, Glenda advocates for youth in Kentucky’s foster care system, acting as a liaison between the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Administration (CHFS) and foster youth.

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“This advocacy role has taught me

DCBS Commissioner about permanency,

how you take negative experiences and

Glenda told her, “Everyone’s permanency

truly change them into a positive,”

looks different.” For Glenda, she has her

Glenda said. “We need someone to put a

biological family, she has her foster family,

face to the struggle of foster care youth. I

and she has her school family. Probably

feel like there is a very negative image of

most important out of that school family

what foster kids are, definitely foster kids

is her long-time best friend, Olivia Payne.

of color. It taught me if no one is willing

to do it, then nothing changes. And I’m

was in 6th grade at a middle school

not okay with nothing changing.”

summer music program. The two have

It was this position that gave Glenda

been best friends ever since. Olivia was

the opportunity to intern with CHFS

a constant source of support for Glenda

and DCBS in 2016. She enjoyed her work so much that she wanted to take her experience one step further and intern in the Governor’s office. Because of her background and performance in her previous internship, Glenda was extended an internship in the Governor’s office after her graduation from Murray in June 2017. Through this position, she worked in the statewide fatherhood initiative and single-handedly created a statewide foster youth rights video. The internship was originally set for summer 2017, but was extended to nine months because of Glenda’s determination and drive.

Glenda gives a lot of credit to her successful transition from the loss of her grandmother to what she calls her high school family at Owensboro High School.

Glenda and Olivia met when Glenda

throughout

her

difficult

childhood.

Since graduating high school, the two have remained best friends. Olivia’s family even adopted Glenda into their own family of 10 children. Glenda says it wasn’t a true adult adoption, but it was a special family gathering where they gave her a handmade quilt that each of her adopted siblings received when they were younger, as well as a certificate of adoption.

“Her family has really wrapped their

arms around me,” Glenda said, who now considers herself to have her three biological brothers, a foster brother and 10 adopted brothers and sisters through Olivia’s family.

Glenda

moved

from

Murray

to

Lexington, where she commutes to

Glenda said. “I could have been one of

Frankfort for her internship in the

those kids that they sent to an alternative

Governor’s office. When asked what life

school and said ‘we are not equipped to

looks like in the future, she knows she

handle this kind of behavior,’ but they

will be in law school in the fall of 2018,

kept me in school, truly helped me keep

but beyond that she is not sure.

my grades up, and just motivated me and

worked with me. It takes a village, and I

roots here. This is where my heart is at.

definitely have a village raising me up and

I would love to come back to Owensboro

giving me the strength and the courage to

-- settle down here, buy a house, have a

keep going.”

career here, whatever that looks like.

In a recent conversation with the

Because this is home.”

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By age 23, youth who aged out of foster care in the United States have fared far worse than youth raised in permanent homes.

7x more likely to have been homeless

4x more likely to receive government benefits

5x more likely to have been arrested

6x more likely to have been convicted of a crime

2/3 less likely

“They pushed me to be a better me,”

THE SOCIAL COSTS OF FOSTER CARE

“Even though I have been away, I have

to have earned a high school degree or GED

Only 6% earned a 2- or 4-year college degree

50% are unemployed

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

O W E N S B O R O FA M I LY Y M C A

MOVING FORWARD THROUGH C

Community Partnerships

ommunity outreach has always been within

Baptist’s Junior Brotherhood, the Owensboro Family

the mission of the Owensboro Family YMCA.

YMCA is now reaching out to more churches, scout

So when Pastor Karl Anderson from Zion Baptist

groups, and other community youth organizations

Church approached the Y about some young men in

who could benefit from offering swim lessons to their

the church who needed swim lessons, a community

members. “Not only do we fill our classes with their

partnership was born. Aquatics director Robert

involvement, which helps our programming, but the

Coulter says the experience with the Zion group has been inspiring and rewarding.

“It’s a great group of guys and all of them have progressed tremendously,” Coulter says of the Junior Brotherhood, as the group of young men aged 4-14 are known in the church. “There are some who needed floatation devices when they came, but now they’re

YMCA can offer a benefit to groups in the community who don’t have a pool of their own,” Coulter said.

The Owensboro Family YMCA holds swim lessons year-round in 4-week sessions. School year sessions are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30 pm or 5:30 pm. There are more opportunities during

confidently swimming on their own. There were

summer sessions, which are offered Monday through

some guys who weren’t comfortable even touching

Thursday at 8:30 am, 9:30 am, 4:30 pm, or 5:30 pm.

the water who are now doing cannonballs and diving in the deep end.”

Sessions are capped at 20 participants to maintain a 5:1 student to instructor ratio, but more lifeguards

With the success of the partnership with Zion

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can be scheduled if needed.

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GOODFELLOWS VOLUNTEERS SERVING AT A SOUP DAY FOR KIDS PHOTOS BY JAMIE ALEXANDER

BY TARYN NORRIS

The Goodfellows Club

W

hat is the Goodfellows Club and how are they helping children in Owensboro? To find out, I spoke with Bernie Hale, member of the board of

directors for the Owensboro Goodfellows Club, and Amy Claycomb from Daviess County Middle School.

OL: So, tell us about the Goodfellows Club.

BERNIE: The Goodfellows Club has been serving Daviess County’s less fortunate children since 1916, providing clothing, shoes, coats, dental care, and Christmas joy.

Throughout the years, the community has supported the charity by responding to the call for financial and volunteer support – they are the “Goodfellows.” These “Goodfellows” come from all walks of life, some donating pennies in an elementary school “penny war,” others much larger gifts in honor or in memory of loved ones. The Goodfellows Club provides resources and services to assist in meeting physical, social, and psychological needs of disadvantaged schoolchildren in Owensboro and Daviess County.

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OL: Who benefits from Goodfellows?

BERNIE: Children in Owensboro and Daviess County. 100% of all donations go directly to meet local schoolchildren’s needs.

OL: How has the mission of Goodfellows impacted our community?

BERNIE: Since school personnel have first-hand knowledge of students’ needs, they have the responsibility of identifying at-risk students, requesting Goodfellows assistance, and responding with appropriate clothing distribution. The Family Resource officers are the Goodfellows “boots on the ground” you might say.

Without their knowledge and expertise, we would have no way of identifying those at-risk students. The shared responsibility between the local school systems and the Goodfellows Club ensures that children’s needs are addressed quickly and fairly.

Goodfellows Club meets more than the everyday needs of clothing, coats, shoes, and dental care. When emergencies such as tornadoes, floods, and house fires arise, Goodfellows Club responds. Children left with little after a disaster are assisted immediately with the

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assistance of local school personnel.

AMY: For middle school kids, being able to start the school year with their own clothes that reflect their personalities is monumental. Many students receive hand-me-downs from adult family members and these clothes are often very worn and ill-fitting.

OL: What kinds of physical needs does Goodfellows support?

BERNIE: Clothing, shoes, dental care, really anything that will ensure that children stay in school.

OL: How can Owensboro support Goodfellows?

BERNIE: Opportunities to support the organization and actually become a Goodfellow are through donations and participation in the following events: • Tennis Tournament: Summer • Soup Days for Kids: October – December • Messenger-Inquirer Roll Call:

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November – December • “Messiah” Performance: December • Memorial Gifts • Estate Planning OL: Tell us about the upcoming Soup Days for Kids event.

BERNIE: Soup Day for Kids this year was held at Settle Memorial Methodist Church’s Outreach Center on November 14. All the soup, bread, crackers, lemonade, and desserts are donated from local businesses and served by volunteers. For a suggested donation of $10, guests can come and sample a variety of soups and enjoy the fellowship of other community Goodfellows. This year for Soup Day for Kids, we offered free delivery with a minimum of five orders to local businesses.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Goodfellows can call or text 270.929.9847 or e-mail bernie.hale@kctcs.edu.

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O Christmas Tree Hilltop Tree Farm carries on Christmas Tradition

BY DANNY MAY

PHOTOS BY JAMIE ALEXANDER // HILLTOP TREE FARM OWNER, DENNIS DUKES

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I’ll

admit it. I’ve got certain “Clark Griswold”

story after story from nearly 35 years in the tree business

tendencies that surface at Christmas time.

and explained that most of the big box stores and pop-up

And this year, my adventurous spirit is heightened because

Christmas tree lots buy their trees wholesale from major

our boys are 8 and 9, which is the perfect age to trek through

Christmas tree farms in North Carolina that are so big they

the forest and saw down our own Christmas tree.

cut hundreds of thousands of trees each year. That means

That’s about how old I was when my dad started taking

they start cutting those trees in October in order to ship

me and my brother on trips to the woods to pick out our live

them to the box stores and tree lots in time for prime sales

Christmas trees, which he would then saw down and bring

weekends in late November. That also means the trees won’t

back home. Which is the same way my dad and his brothers

last until Christmas, and you usually get a mess like I did in

would get their Christmas trees when they were growing up.

my living room.

But after a moldy-smelling, needle-dropping, horrible,

The answer to that mess is a fresh-cut tree, and Hilltop

sap-on-the-carpet experience with a live Christmas tree I

only sells fresh-cut trees. The two most popular options

bought from a parking lot about 10 years ago, my wife swore

are pre-cut North Carolina Fraser Firs cut the week before

off live trees altogether and we bought an artificial tree.

Thanksgiving and brought directly to Hilltop Tree Farm or

cut-your-own from the farm.

The problem - as I learned from my new friend Dennis

Duke - was likely because that parking lot Christmas tree was

far beyond its prime before I ever bought it.

Those trees are conveniently displayed in two large tents

From his front porch overlooking the lane into his 100-

next to the building right off the parking lot so customers

acre Hilltop Tree Farm near Philpot, Dennis wound through

don’t have to stand in the rain or snow when choosing their

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In Dennis’s experience, most customers prefer pre-cut.

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Christmas tree.

But for those adventurous enough to find and

cut down their own Christmas tree, Dennis will hand you a saw and point you toward a field of White Pines or Norway Spruces in the front of the property or up a hillside behind the building.

Full-Service Tree Experience

Once you’ve chosen your pre-cut tree or cut

down your own, workers prepare your tree for the short ride home. All trees are shaken to get rid of any loose leaves and pine needles, and pre-drilled for a stand if you don’t have your own. Large trees are baled with netting to shrink the tree for easier transport.

While all this is going on, there’s a wood-

burning stove in the building to keep you warm, popcorn to munch on, and cold drinks for sale.

They’ll also send you home with a tree bag to make the removal process much less messy after Christmas.

Driving to a tree farm might be a little old

fashioned, but it’s still a very popular thing to do. If you’re thinking about going, you’d better get there early, though; Hilltop sold out of fresh Christmas trees by the second weekend in December two out of

Hilltop is the only place in the area that has cut-your-own Christmas trees. Hilltop also sells a limited

the past three years.

Christmas tree sales start the day after

Thanksgiving until the trees are gone. Cut-yourown hours are Saturday, 8am - dark and Sunday,

supply of ball and burlap Christmas

noon - dark. Pre-cuts sell until after dark because

trees that can be planted after the

there are lights in the tents.

season.

From Tobacco to Trees

But Trunnell’s also sells fresh-cut

Duke jokingly says he got into the tree farm

business because raising trees is easier than cattle

trees, ball & burlap trees, as well as

or tobacco. The opportunity arose when a friend

fresh wreaths and garland.

asked to borrow one of Dennis’s farm trucks in the

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early ‘80s, just a few years after Dennis purchased the property

in Owensboro, trees, and especially Christmas trees, are his

in east Daviess County and started planting soybeans and

obvious passion. “I’ve always liked trees. Planting them and

tobacco. His friend was cutting Christmas trees in Indiana,

watching them grow,” he admits.

then bringing them to town in his pickup truck and selling

them at a roadside stand. A bigger truck meant more trees, so

trade. After seeing a wreath machine at a trade show, he came

the two friends struck up an informal partnership.

back to his shop and built one of his own. He also got involved

“We took the only grain truck I had over there (to

in another side business selling Christmas tree stands, became

Indiana), loaded it up with Scotch Pines, and still sold all of

the Vice President of the Mid America Christmas Tree

them that weekend,” Dennis remembered. The next stroke of

Association, and helped start the Kentucky Christmas Tree

luck came from a chance encounter with a Kentucky Forestry

Association.

Along the way, Dennis has picked up a few tricks of the

agent who stopped by the stand and asked where they were getting their trees. “When we told him we were getting them

Today

from Indiana, he said ‘if you order them from the state I’ll

After spending some front porch time with Dennis and

deliver the seedlings to you.’ So that’s how this all got started.” walking through fields of Christmas trees, my tour ended in

Three of those original evergreens still tower in the sky

the large building that stages the Christmas tree operation.

at Hilltop, overlooking the new rows of Christmas trees and

The back half of the building houses a paint booth for flocking,

other rows of dogwoods, Japanese maples, birch, and other

or spraying white “snow” on trees. The front of the building

species grown for nurseries and landscapers.

is where the trees are baled and pre-drilled. Along the back

wall stand several wreath machines and a garland machine for

Although Dennis stays busy with other regular work

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making live greenery, which Hilltop also sells.

And I’m sure I missed some other details, because

all I could think about was coming back the day after Thanksgiving to cut a fresh tree this year. Whether it becomes a new family tradition or ends up another “remember that one year” story is yet to be seen.

Judging from Dennis’ enthusiasm, he’s looking to

take Hilltop Tree Farm to the next level. As I got back in my truck after the interview, he left me with these words: “I’m 72 now. Maybe next year I’ll slow down and spend more time here on the farm instead of doing all these other jobs. I enjoy this more.”

Getting There

The first step to choosing your fresh Christmas

tree at Hilltop is finding the place. The address is 8023 Mt. Zion Church Road. Take Highway 144 past Yellow Creek Park and turn left on Mt. Zion Church Road. The entrance to Hilltop Tree Farm is off the back parking lot of Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

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Each year, it is the same struggle to find a meaningful gift for my senior loved ones at Christmas. Their home BY DANA R PEVELE

A GIFT With MEANING

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is full of things accumulated over 51 years of marriage, which makes it even harder to find something to wrap and put under the tree.

After spending a weekend unsuccessfully searching stores for just the right gift, it dawned on me that I have a gold mine of gift suggestions right next to my office at the Munday Activity Center, which provides a variety of support and services for residents of our community who are age 60 and older. I stopped in the billiards room, and asked the gentlemen there one simple question: “If you could have anything you wanted for Christmas, what would it be?” All of them, without hesitation, boomed, “To spend time with my children and grandchildren!”

I honestly felt a little ashamed of myself. Could it really be that simple? Yes, of course! It’s what I want from my own children; why would it be any different for our seniors?

The truth is that during these years when we are busy raising children, we might think we are doing that, but today I stopped to think again. During the holidays, most of us rush around to see our parents, grandparents, and in-laws … but most of the time, we are just trying to “see” everyone. We aren’t “sharing” with everyone. www.OwensboroLiving.com

Seniors want our time. Their attics, basements, shelves and drawers are already full. The gifts they want most are the ones that fill their hearts! So put “time” at the top of your gift list for the seniors in your life!

Sometimes, though, we still want to give a gift that can be unwrapped, too! With that mind, here are some gift ideas that the men and women at the Munday Activity Center asked me to share with you.

a hobby you both enjoy, make time to do that together.

4. Fitness trackers are a great gift for any age!

Staying fit during retirement is a great way to continue enjoying those years. Trackers are relatively inexpensive, and may even provide helpful information to the health care provider.

2. Owensboro offers such great shows and concerts! Purchase tickets, maybe dinner, too, and go together.

5. Fruit of the Month would be a fun, healthy gift your seniors can look forward to throughout the year! Nutrition is essential as we age; lack of proper nutrition can cause a multitude of health problems.

Sometimes tight budgets and transportation issues can make it hard to go to the grocery – so a healthy treat delivered right to the door is especially appreciated!

3. Many seniors find time during retirement to take up a hobby. Support their interests with a gift of supplies, gift cards to hobby shops, or even lessons for a new hobby. Even better, if there’s

6. If your senior is a nature lover, consider bird feeders, bird seed, mineral blocks or bags of corn for outdoor animals … and don’t forget toys and treats for family fur babies, too!

1. Consider a gift card to a local restaurant – even better, make a commitment to go together.

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7. Weather stations are interesting and fun! There are

3. Take the time to label old family photographs so

a variety of inexpensive weather station systems that

they can continue to be treasured and honored in the

are made with seniors’ needs in mind. For example,

years to come.

look for one that offers an audible weather forecast at the press of a button, with easy-to-read displays.

The common theme shared by seniors at the Munday Activity Center was how hard the holidays

8. Videos or pictures of you and your siblings, other

are when families are apart. This season is a wonderful

family members and children are always treasured.

opportunity to reach out even beyond our own families! If you have an elderly friend or neighbor

Gift-giving goes both ways! If you’re a senior and you’re

who will not be with their own family this Christmas,

struggling for gift ideas, I can tell you what I would

take a minute to call them and let them know you’re

like … and I bet your children and grandchildren feel

thinking of them. If possible, invite them to join your

the same way!

family gathering, or take a holiday meal to their home.

Anything you can do to show someone you’re thinking

1. Make a video or audio recording, or write down

of them would be tremendously appreciated, and that’s

all those stories your heart remembers so that I can

the best gift of all.

pass those on. I would love to have the gift of forever hearing that story in your voice.

Dana Peveler is the Executive Director of the Munday Activity Center, which provides support, services and

2. Recipes! Please, please, please, share with me those

resources for people age 60 and older in Owensboro/Daviess

cherished favorite family recipes. Food triggers my

County and the surrounding region. For more information,

happy place, and I can’t be the only one!

call 270-687-4640.

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PHOTOS BY TAYLOR WEST

T

isha Ziemer still has a photo of her son, Corey, then 2, scribbling all over the

tub and bathroom wall with tub crayons. A toddler drawing on walls is pretty commonplace, to which most parents can attest. But what caught Tisha’s eye was the fact that Corey used all the colors, not just one. In his little mind, she could tell it was a work of art.

Corey was diagnosed with autism at age 2,

and didn’t talk until he was nearly 6 years old, so he relied on drawing pictures to communicate with his parents, starting with basic shapes and stick figures. But over the years, Corey’s drawings became more detailed.

BY DANNY MAY

“We didn’t think much of it,” Tisha remembers, “because it’s just what Corey did. He drew all the time.” Cartoon characters. Things he saw on TV. Scenes from movies. Animals and scenes as he got older.

Then about five years ago, Tisha says other people began to notice Corey’s talent. Several

Corey’s

Heart & Soul

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people commented that Corey should start drawing cards like you see in Hallmark.

Now as a senior at Apollo High School, with graduation looming at the end of this academic year, Corey’s parents decided it was time to start looking toward Corey’s future, and “Corey’s Heart and Soul Designs” was born. “Corey is always going to have autism.

But he’s also always going to have this talent.

It gives us peace as parents knowing that he

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has something to do that he truly enjoys and that

When she looked up, she saw Crazy Me Gifts &

blesses other people.”

Apparel.

Corey’s Heart and Soul Designs was started

Donna Southard, the owner of Crazy Me,

as a way to use Corey’s talent for drawing to earn

immediately took an interest in the cards, and then

income that will be directed into a special needs trust

went “above and beyond” as Tisha put it. Southard

fund to sustain Corey in the future.

invited Corey to appear in the store for Crazy Me’s

In September, the Ziemers launched what

Christmas open house on November 11 to sign and

they were considering a pilot project, selling one of

sell his Christmas cards. When the Ziemers arrived,

Corey’s hand-drawn Christmas card designs in packs

the entire Crazy Me staff was wearing shirts with

of 10. Tisha ordered 200 cards, prayed, and posted an

Corey’s Nativity design on them, which they also had

announcement on Facebook.

extra to sell.

That led to 1,000 pre-sale orders from that

The push from Crazy Me resulted in

one post. “It was crazy. Unexpected. Such a blessing,”

another 1,000 cards sold, plus shirts. Crazy Me is

Tisha said with a smile in her voice. But she says what

now the exclusive boutique location to purchase

happened next was even more unexpected. One day,

Corey’s Heart and Soul Design cards and shirts in

Tisha was sitting in the parking lot of Owensboro

Owensboro. “The ladies there are so welcoming.

Christian Church praying about what to do next.

They make us feel like family,” Tisha said.

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“Corey puts his heart and soul into his work, and we hope with Corey’s Christmas cards, he will touch some hearts and souls as well.”

-TISHA ZIEMER

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As it turns out, having Corey in the store was a

Heart and Soul Designs can help inspire other parents

good thing for Crazy Me, too. Donna Southard says Corey’s

of children with autism. “One of the things about having

cards were the #1 seller at the Christmas open house.

Corey do signings is that people are appreciative to hear his

“Corey has a tremendous impact on people,” Southard

story and meet him. We’ve come a long way in our society

said. “The Ziemer family really touched my heart, and I’m

with acceptance and fairness to those with autism. We

so glad our store had the opportunity to bring a little bit of

want to focus on Corey’s abilities, for him to become more

awareness to our community about autism.”

independent, be productive to society, learn how to present

The inspiration for the Nativity design came

himself to people, feel pride and gain self-confidence, to

from Corey’s longtime fascination with Bible stories.

grow and thrive, be healthy and be happy. We want the

Tisha says she’s been reading Bible stories to Corey since

same thing as any other parent, but the challenge is very

he was a baby, and he always loved the Christmas story.

real when you have autism. And we hope that telling

When Corey was 7 years old, she once found him filming

Corey’s story gives other families hope, because he has

his own rendition of the story with the Nativity figurines.

progressed miraculously over the years.”

As for the future of Corey’s Heart and Soul

If you’re interested in purchasing Corey’s

Designs, Tisha says Corey hopes to expand his card

Christmas cards and shirts, you can find them at Crazy Me

designs to include other cards, paintings, and art projects.

Gifts and Apparel, which is located at 277 Williamsburg

Square.

But beyond the cards, Tisha hopes Corey’s

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THE STORY BEHIND

ST. NICHOLAS

BY FR. PAT REYNOLDS

PASTOR, OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC CHURCH

When I was in first grade,

my

teacher

Sister Mary Georgiana told us to put our shoes outside our door the night of December 5th in anticipation of the next day which was the Feast of Saint Nicholas.

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IF

we were good, then the jolly saint might leave us

A.D. which formulated the Nicene Creed - still recited

some small toy, candy, nuts, or some fruit. She

in our churches today. Also known as Nicholas the

said that was the custom in Holland. I told my parents

Wonderworker, he is patron of Russia, Greece, sailors,

what Sister told us. I put out my shoe, and sure enough

pawnbrokers, brewers, merchants and children.

– those very items were in my shoe the morning of

December 6th.

traditions of Saint Nicholas with them. It is easy to

In subsequent years, I learned more about Saint

see that the Dutch spelling and pronunciation of ‘Sint

Nicholas. He was a 4th century Bishop in Myra, a

Niklaas’ soon morphed into the familiar name ‘Santa

seaport in present day Turkey. He was known for

Claus’. A friend who lived in Holland once told about

his great generosity to the poor and needy, and

their town’s annual procession on December 6th, with

especially children. Girls were especially subject to

Saint Nicholas being followed by a devil called ‘Black

human trafficking then; Nicholas often came to their

Peter’ who was forced to help the saint and who kept a

assistance, secretly flinging a bag of money to land

book with the names of good children and bad children

inside their house to serve as a dowry, so they could

– the bad children receiving in their shoe a lump of coal

wed Christian husbands.

and a switch, and good children - toys and good things

There are many stories

The Dutch who settled New York brought their

of miraculous events attributed to him. He suffered

to eat.

persecution and imprisonment under the emperor

Diocletian. He attended the Council of Nicaea in 325

incorporating or even mentioning Santa in church

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A fellow clergyman once told me that he thought

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Christmas celebrations was blasphemous – that it had

life on our way there, are all united in Jesus our Good

nothing to do with the Christmas event whatsoever.

Shepherd, our Just Judge and our King of Kings.

I suppose I think differently. If the person of Santa

During Advent on the Sunday close to December

is identified with the generous and saintly Bishop

6th, I often write and read a letter to Saint Nick for

Nicholas, then it has a lot to do with the Christmas

my homily. I reflect on the Scripture readings of that

event.

Sunday and ask the Saint to pray for us, so that we

Didn’t Jesus come to reveal the Father’s love for

us?

Didn’t the life of this Galilean carpenter change

human history forever?

And didn’t He show us how to live the truth,

how to befriend and tend the sick, the poor, the marginalized, the sinner, and the little children?

And isn’t it more blessed to give than to receive?

Thus I think Santa, a.k.a. Saint Nicholas, teaches

can be more generous during this Season, that we can be childlike in our awe of the Christmas story, and in our deep appreciation of the sights, sounds, aromas, lights and music of the Season, and that we find quiet moments of prayer.

We can pray for/with anyone in the Communion

of Saints. I think Saint Nick is praying for us right now. So when you are hanging up your stocking, or

us those life lessons also.

doing good deeds in secret during this Holy Season,

And we believe in the Communion of Saints of

remember we are imitating Saint Nicholas, kindly

which Nicholas and YOU belong – i.e., those who have

bishop, friend of children, the true Santa Claus, and

died and who live with God in the heavenly Kingdom,

a great role model for us and a very dear friend of the

as well as those of us who are still plodding through

Prince of Peace.

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

THE BAKERS RACK

Holiday CHINA and

DINNERWARE

BY ANNE BAKER LEAZENBY

We are in the middle of The Holidays, a season of sharing our

time, opening our homes and entertaining our friends and family.

Nearly all of our gatherings include food, and frequently, meals around a table. Of course, we want that table to be festive, and appropriate for the joyous season we are celebrating.

In October’s issue, we talked about table decorations, mostly

the little accents of the fall harvest. But what about the china or dinnerware for the Holiday table? How can we have a Holiday table without splurging for a “Christmas Set” that we only use once per year?

First of all, understand that simply putting forth your best

certainly makes the table look great, and makes people feel welcomed and appreciated - nothing seasonal required. Taking it a step further, you may add a salad or dessert plate to your set that evokes the season, yet integrates well with your existing set of dishes. For instance, the Ruby Red plates in the photo add a punch of Christmas Red to an otherwise neutral set of china.

Introducing holiday-specific china to your table can be as

easy as adding a salad/dessert plate with a holly or berry pattern.

Take a sample of your own china when you go shopping for complementing china, to assure that the base color (usually white or ivory) matches. Experiment in the store to see what looks best with your current set. Sometimes, the manufacturer of your current set makes a winter or holiday variation that perfectly matches, like the snowflake variation offered by Juliska for their popular Berries and Thread patterned dishes.

Come check out our selection at the Bakers Rack. We would

love to help you make your Holiday table beautiful and memorable for your special guests this season and thereafter.

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YOUR FINANCIAL ROAD MAP

TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

A New Year, A New You. A Guide to Maintaining Your Financial Resolutions.

As the new year creeps closer and closer, so do those pesky New Year’s resolutions. You know, those lofty aspirations to lose weight, work out more, save money, etc. that drive us all to make better decisions for our emotional, physical, and financial health. Here are the tips you need to get your finances on a better path.

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FINANCIAL BLUEPRINT

F

for the Holidays

inancially speaking, the holidays can be a tricky time.

a good budget, you stand a great chance of financially

The expense can be great, and managing it all requires

navigating the holiday season with success.

sound planning. Between the gifts, trips, parties, and

holiday outings, the period of time between Thanksgiving

to do so for this upcoming holiday season. If you haven’t

and New Years can be a real financial burden for many

made a holiday budget before, odds are you’ll be surprised

families.

at how much it helps.

Although you want your family to have a wonderful

No one likes to make a budget, but it might be helpful

At the very least, you’ll know where you stand. The

holiday season, the costs can be prohibitive. Planning

sooner you make your budget, the sooner you’ll be able to

is the key to having a great time without breaking the

formulate your financial plan.

bank. Creating a plan and sticking to it can make all the difference.

TIPS

BUDGET:

The sooner you get started, the easier it will be to save

FOR

CREATING

A

SUCCESSFUL

money and boost your income.

1. Consider using budgeting tools. Relying on a pencil

Think about how painless it would be if you had

and notebook can be cumbersome when you consider

started saving for the following Christmas in January! It

all the budgeting spreadsheets and software programs

might be too late for that now, but you can still get started

available. Even Microsoft is kind enough to provide a free,

before December 15th.

downloadable spreadsheet for your convenience. Other sites that provide holiday budget advice are Dave Ramsey

BUDGETING FOR THE HOLIDAYS

and Organized Home.

Creating a budget is the first line of defense for getting

any financial situation under control. A budget is like a

2. What do I anticipate needing to spend this year?

game plan or a roadmap for your holiday spending. With

Think about the holidays as a whole. For most, that means

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Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Depending on your

• Are you able to cut back on your normal expenses and save

faith and family traditions, it might mean something else.

the difference? Every little bit helps.

• Gifts. Take all gifts into account. It’s easy to remember your immediate family, but what about your friends? Are you

4. Go over your budget with your significant other. Do they

attending any parties that will require a gift? What about

agree with your numbers? It’s practically guaranteed that your

your coworkers?

partner will come up with at least one item you overlooked. Try

• Charitable donations. Many of us like to donate time,

to reach an agreement on the expected holiday expenditures.

money, toys, or food to those in need during the holiday season. Include these items in your calculations.

5. Make adjustments as you go along. A budget is subject

• Food. Everyone eats more around the holidays. The special

to modifications, particularly with a unique situation like the

food items add to the holiday spirit. How much will you

holidays. Holiday events can be highly fluid. Plans and schedules

spend this year above and beyond your normal food budget?

can change quickly.

• Parties. Are you planning on throwing any parties this year? What is the expected cost? Parties are frequently more

6. Keep track. As you’re spending and earning, keep track

expensive than anticipated, so you might want to pad your

of where you stand. Does it appear like you’re going to hit all

budget.

of your numbers? The earlier discrepancies can be found, the

• Travel. Are you going to visit grandma and grandpa? Will you be going to New York City for New Year’s Eve?

better.

Making a budget may not be fun, but it’s a critical first step.

Although your budget may evolve over time as other factors

3. Decide how much you can afford to spend. The majority of

come into play, it’s still very important to have a starting point.

us don’t have an unlimited budget like Donald Trump. Consider how much you can afford to spend around the holidays without

SHOPPING TIPS

it taking months to dig yourself back out of a financial black hole

afterwards.

financial impact of the holiday season. For many families, gifts

• Assess your savings. How much do you have available for

are the primary expense associated with the holidays. A sound

It’s important to shop intelligently to minimize the

holiday spending without creating financial challenges in

shopping strategy can make a big difference.

other areas of your life?

• Are you anticipating a bonus at work? How certain are you

To make the most of your time and money, try using these

shopping strategies:

regarding the amount and timing?

• Is it possible for you to earn additional income between now

1. Make a list and stick to it. You’ll probably already have a

and the holidays? Can you pick up an extra shift at work?

good idea of what you need to buy when you create your budget.

Perhaps you can look for a second job.

You’re likely to purchase less if you take your list on your

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shopping trips. If you stick to the list, it will be much more

4. Start shopping early. There’s no rule that says you have

difficult to overspend.

to wait until Thanksgiving to start shopping. It might be too late this year to get a big jump on your holiday shopping, but

2. Plan your trips wisely. There’s no reason to drive back

try buying a couple of items each month next year. By the time

and forth all over town. With good planning, you might be

the holidays roll around, you’ll be practically finished!

able to hit each store once, in an order that makes sense. You’ll

save time, gas, and money. You’ll also be less likely to buy those extras during your travels.

3. Put the credit card away. It’s so much easier to overspend while using a credit card because the bill doesn’t come for a month. You’ll come up with the extra money by then, right?

Wrong!

Waiting until the last minute can be both stressful and

costly. It’s also possible to run out of money before you’re done shopping.

5. Think about next year. Post-Christmas sales can be amazing. It’s the perfect time to start purchasing for the next holiday season. If you need a new Christmas tree or decorations for next year, this is the time to purchase them.

There’s something about cash that makes it much more

6. Look for sales. Not many people purchase a newspaper

tangible. When you hand the cashier $100, you really feel like

anymore, but the stores still use them to advertise. Pick up a

you’ve lost something. Stick to cash whenever possible. You’ll

local Sunday paper and look for the best sales.

spend less.

the necessary information when you see a commercial related

The interest on a credit card can be a real financial thorn

in your side, too.

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Keep a pen and paper near the television. You can record

to holiday shopping.

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7. Start using coupons. Some people love them, and

many cases, the change to the product is minimal. With a

others hate them. Now might be the time to bite the

little digging, you might be able to find last year’s offering

bullet and take advantage of the savings they provide.

for cheaper. The savings can be considerable.

Remember, it’s only a good deal if you actually need to purchase it.

11. Keep your receipts. Have you ever made it through

the holidays without needing to return at least one item?

Money-saving coupons can be found both in the

newspaper and on the internet.

8. Look online. Nearly anything can be purchased online and sent directly to your home or the home of the gift recipient. Gift-wrapping can also be included for a small fee. Unless the item is exceptionally large or heavy, it can most likely be found for less money online.

Avoid the crowds and save money by shopping from

the comfort of your living room.

You might even find that the price has dropped. Many retailers will simply give you the difference. If not, it might be worth the time to return the item and then repurchase it.

No holiday financial plan can ignore shopping and

gifts. Know what you’re shopping for and put the credit cards back in your wallet. It isn’t wise to accumulate

9. Consider used items. Pawnshops and antique stores

additional debt around the holidays. You don’t want to be

can have fun and interesting gifts. Vintage items continue

disgruntled when looking back at times that are supposed

to be popular.

to be happy.

Keep in mind that the more time you have to shop

10. Look at last year’s model. Each year, manufacturers

around, the more likely you are to find a great deal on the

seem to come out with a new model for every gadget. In

perfect gift.

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YOUR FINANCIAL ROAD MAP

EDWARD JONES

FINANCIAL FOCUS TIME TO REVIEW YOUR INVESTMENT STRATEGY FOR THE YEAR

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

A

s the year draws to a close, it’s a good time to review your progress toward your financial goals. But on what areas should you focus your attention?

Of course, you may immediately think about whether your investments have done well. When evaluating the performance of their investments for a given year, many people mistakenly think their portfolios should have done just as well as a common market index, such as the Standard & Poor’s 500. But the S&P 500 is essentially a measure of large-company, domestic stocks, and your portfolio probably doesn’t look like that – nor should it, because it’s important to own an investment mix that aligns with your goals, risk tolerance and return objectives. It’s this return objective that you should evaluate over time – not the return of an arbitrary benchmark that isn’t personalized to your goals and risk tolerance.

Your return objective will likely evolve. If you are starting out in your career, you may need your portfolio to be oriented primarily toward growth, which means it may need to be more heavily weighted toward stocks. But if you are retiring in a few years, you may need a more balanced allocation between stocks and bonds, which can address your needs for growth and income.

So, assuming you have created a longterm investment strategy that has a target rate of return for each year, you can review your progress accordingly. If you matched or exceeded that rate this past year, you’re staying on track, but if your return fell short of your desired target, you may need to make some changes. Before doing so, though, you need to understand just why your return was lower than

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anticipated.

For example, if you owned some stocks that underperformed due to unusual circumstances – and even events such as Hurricanes Harvey and Irma can affect the stock prices of some companies – you may not need to be overly concerned, especially if the fundamentals of the stocks are still sound. On the other hand, if you own some investments that have underperformed for several years, you may need to consider selling them and using the proceeds to explore new investment opportunities.

Investment performance isn’t the only thing you should consider when looking at your financial picture over this past year. What changed in your life? Did you welcome a new child to your family? If so, you may need to respond by increasing your life insurance coverage or opening a college savings account.

Did you or your spouse change jobs? You may now have access to a new employer-sponsored retirement account, such as a 401(k), so you’ll need to decide how much money to put into the various investments within this plan. And one change certainly happened this past year: You moved one year closer to retirement. By itself, this may cause you to re-evaluate how much risk you’re willing to tolerate in your investment portfolio, especially if you are within a few years of your planned retirement.

Whether it is the performance of your portfolio or changes in your life, you will find that you always have some reasons to look back at your investment and financial strategies for one year – and to look ahead at moves you can make for the next.

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THE

STYLE

Dress: $74 Earrings: $18 Bella Ragazza Boutique 120 W 2nd St 270.926.9546

Give with

STYLE

BY JULIA HARTZ // HIGHHEELSANDHAPPYHARTZ.COM

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the streets of Owensboro, and even more so in the stores. I had the chance to work with several shops in town and talk to them about everyone’s favorite time of year, and biggest shopping season. If there’s one thing I gathered from every store I met with, it’s that they will do everything they can to make your holiday shopping experience more convenient for you. Are

Bella Ragazza is always such a beautiful store, but it really sparkles during the Christmas season. They’ve got you covered for holiday wear, like the dress I have on, but they are even more prepared to make your spirits bright by offering a Christmas wish list service that takes the awkwardness out of telling someone what you really want for Christmas. Once you go in and shop, you can fill out a wish list and then add email addresses for the people who are shopping for you, and the Bella girls take it from there. They send out the cutest little festive email teasing that they “know what Julia wants for Christmas this year.” Hint, hint to my mom if she’s reading this. They also keep a record of what you want in the store in case anyone comes by to shop for you.

They offer free gift-wrapping, and are also having a free buy one get one free gift card event on Saturday, December 16th. For example, buy one $50 gift card and get a free $10 gift card for use after 12/26, or buy one $100 gift card and get a free $20 gift card to use after Christmas.

Bella Ragazza does it all, especially when it comes to gift giving.

you serious Clark?

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PHOTOS BY KRISTIN BIVINS

Necklace: $93 Ring: $76 Bracelet: $177

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Lodan Jewelry Design Studio 317 Park Plaza Dr. 270.663.0399

Speaking of gift giving, you can never go wrong with jewelry. When buying jewelry, I think it’s so important to go somewhere where you feel comfortable and can have a one-on-one experience with someone who is really committed to helping you find the perfect piece.

That’s why Lodan Jewelry Design Studio is such an amazing place to shop.

Don’t be afraid to go into a jewelry store for a gift even if you aren’t planning on spending tons of money. They have so many pieces in reasonable price ranges, and your special someone will be so impressed that you put so much thought into their gift. I chose to focus on the Southern Gates Collection, because it’s so versatile and works for so many different age groups. The price point is excellent, with most pieces being under $150. If you’re looking for jewelry, look no further than Lodan.

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Shirt: $99 Chinos: $98 Jacket: $129

Byron & Barclay 121 E 2nd St 270.478.5339

One thing I think a lot of us struggle with during the holidays is what to get the guy in our life for Christmas.

Guys can be very hard to shop for. Byron & Barclay takes the guesswork out of that, and makes it easier than ever to get him what he really wants this year. They even offer free hemming on pants! First of all, the atmosphere inside this store is incredible. When you walk in it feels like an experience instead of just a store. They are completely committed to making shopping simple for you all year round, but especially during Christmas time. They offer wish lists that can be shared with friends and family, as well as complimentary gift-wrapping, and even free delivery. They keep sizes on file, so you don’t have to sneakily look inside your boyfriend’s shoe to figure out his size. Another great thing about this store is that you can go online to byronandbarclay.com and pick-up your purchases in the store, or you can request that they be delivered. This is such a neat place to experience, and I promise you wont want to leave. Special thanks to Cole Sturgeon for modeling with me!

Just around the corner from Byron & Barclay, is the most perfect shop with the sweetest and most helpful owner, Natalie, who is so knowledgeable about her merchandise and is completely committed to making women feel special about themselves. If you’ve never visited The Sturdy Hinge, now is the time! They offer bra fittings and carry cup sizes A through N, as well as band sizes 28 through 54. She special orders about every 10 days, and carries everything from shape wear to bridal lingerie.

Up until this, women would have to drive to Nashville or some other big city to be able to find a specialty bra that really fit them, or to get a great lingerie gift, but now, we have the luxury of stopping in The Sturdy Hinge in our very own downtown for this service. The atmosphere of this store is so light and airy, and you really feel like you get a special customer experience when working with Natalie. The merchandise doesn’t just stop at undergarments, they carry so much more, so don’t wait to check them out!

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The Sturdy Hinge 121 East 2nd St Suite 400 270.314.2631 www.OwensboroLiving.com

As women, we stress about what to wear for the holidays, whether it be a casual get together or a fancy party. When I visited Blush Boutique, I was captivated by the special dresses and outfits that would be perfect for either occasion. This silver number I’m wearing is only $35 if you can believe it! Their merchandise is so affordable, and doesn’t sacrifice fashion for a great deal.

They carry such special pieces, and the girls are so helpful at making your shopping experience easy and enjoyable. The jewelry collection at Blush just keeps getting better, and you’ll be blown away by the adorable tassels and baubles they offer in bright colors, as well as neutral golds and silvers. This boutique is a must shop for the holiday season.

Dress: $35 Ring: $18 Bracelet Set: $22 Earrings: $18 www.OwensboroLiving.com

Blush Boutique 1020 Halifax Drive Suite 101 270.240.1974 DECEMBER 2017 / JANUARY 2018

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Dress: $84.50 Vest: $41 Boots: $139 Bracelets (sold separately): $55 Ring: $70 Earrings: $65 Peacocks & Pearls Boutique 4431 Springhill Dr 270.926.SHOP (7467)

Last but certainly not least, is the ever so stylish Peacocks & Pearls. This boutique has it all. It’s nearly impossible to go in here to grab a gift and not come out with something for yourself. They have dressier options as well, but I was drawn to this plaid shirtdress as soon as I walked in. So many holiday parties are casual but you still want to look cute and put together, and this outfit does all of that and more. Peacocks & Pearls has such a great selection, and they get new merchandise in nearly every day! This is a one stop shop for all your Christmas needs—get your mom some Kendra Scott earrings, and grab yourself a new sweater while you’re at it. Peacocks is the place to be!

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THE

DISH

Happier, Healthier

HOLIDAYS The holidays are filled with temptations and opportunities to over-indulge, and if you’re managing your health and weight, the season can feel anything but merry.

Depriving yourself of your favorite holiday treats isn’t only unpleasant, it’s also unnecessary. Many experts recommend that instead, you focus on building a healthier lifestyle through a well-balanced, long-term eating plan. For example, Atkins offers a balanced approach with foods containing fiber-rich

GARLIC ROSEMARY PORK LOIN Recipe courtesy of “Atkins: Eat Right, Not Less” Prep time: 15 minutes Total time: 1 hour Servings: 4 1 pound boneless pork loin olive oil cooking spray 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 3 garlic cloves, minced 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, thinly sliced Heat oven to 350 F. In small skillet over medium heat, cook pork loin, fatty-side down, 4-5 minutes to brown top and render some fat.

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and nutrient-dense carbohydrates, as well as good fats and proteins, while focusing on reduced levels of refined carbohydrates and added sugars. When preparing your holiday menu, look for recipes that contain adequate protein, healthy fats and high-fiber carbohydrates, and you’ll be able to enjoy the flavors of the season without guilt.

Learn more about the benefits of a balanced, lowcarb approach to eating at Atkins.com.

Coat 7-by-11-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Place pork loin in dish.

In small bowl, combine mustard, garlic and rosemary; stir well. Spoon mixture over pork. Transfer to oven and bake 45 minutes-1 hour, until loin is cooked through but still slightly pink in center.

When pork is cooked, let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Slice and serve immediately.

Less is not more If you’re looking for more inspiration, tips and recipes, try finding additional resources such as “Atkins: Eat Right, Not Less: Your Guidebook For Living a Low-Carb and Low-Sugar Lifestyle.” Filled with 100 whole-food, low-carb recipes and simple solutions, the new book contains a variety of meal plans, low-carb takes on classic foods and tips for creating a low-carb kitchen. Readers can also learn about Atkins 100, a flexible and personalized low-carb lifestyle program. www.OwensboroLiving.com

SWEET POTATO-PUMPKIN PUREE Recipe courtesy of Atkins.com Prep time: 20 minutes Total time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

3 large egg whites 5 tablespoons sugar substitute, divided 1/2 cup half pecans 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled 1/4 cup unsalted butter stick 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 15 ounces pumpkin (without salt, drained, cooked and boiled) Heat oven to 250 F. Lightly butter baking sheet.

In medium mixing bowl, beat egg whites with electric mixer at high speed until foamy. Gradually add 3 tablespoons sugar substitute and continue mixing until soft peaks form. Spoon onto prepared baking sheet and spread with spatula to 1/4inch thickness. Bake 35 minutes. Turn oven off; let meringue stand in oven 45 minutes. Crush meringue and place in bowl.

Add pecans and toss gently to combine. Set aside.

While meringue is resting, place sweet potatoes in medium saucepan. Cover with water to 2 inches above potatoes and bring to boil. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes, and drain.

Return saucepan to medium-high heat. Add potatoes, butter, cream, remaining sugar substitute, salt, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree. Stir to combine. Mash with potato masher until smooth. Heat through, about 1 minute.

Transfer potato mixture to serving dish and cover with meringue topping.

SALTED CARAMEL CHEESECAKE BITES

Recipe courtesy of “Atkins: Eat Right, Not Less�

Prep time: 10 minutes Total time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Servings: 18 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup plain protein powder 2 tablespoons stevia 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 1/3 cup chopped almonds or macadamia nuts 1 tablespoon sugar-free caramel syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/8 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional) 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or sea salt flakes In large mixing bowl, combine heavy cream with protein powder and stevia. Whisk until smooth. Add cream cheese, almonds or macadamia nuts, caramel syrup and vanilla extract; blend until smooth. If cream cheese clumps slightly, mix with rubber spatula, breaking up bits of cream cheese against side of bowl.

Sprinkle mixture with xanthan gum, if desired, and mix about 30 seconds. Mixture will thicken slightly.

Cover tray that will fit into freezer with sheet of wax paper.

Using soup spoon, scoop mixture onto tray, making 18 mounds. Alternatively, use two silicone candy molds or empty ice cube tray coated with olive oil spray and press cheesecake mixture into 18 molds. Sprinkle with sea salt.

Freeze at least one hour before serving.

Note: Can be stored in freezer up to 1 month.

Tip: Switch up flavors by using sugar-free hazelnut syrup in place of caramel and hazelnuts or walnuts instead of almonds.

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THE

SCENE

DOWNTOWN

HOLIDAY STROLL December 2 from 3 – 7pm | Downtown Owensboro

Join us on December 2nd and help us kick off the holiday season in Downtown Owensboro! Downtown dining and Christmas shopping at local shops – Christmas caroling and ice carving demonstrations – Photos with Santa – Christmas tree lighting in Smothers Park at 5pm! Returning for another year-the Holiday Stroll and Seek “Elf on the Shelf ” Scavenger Hunt! Register at the Owensboro-Daviess Co. Convention and Visitors Bureau, 215 E. 2nd Street, beginning at 3pm.

Elves will be hidden around downtown and we’re asking you to help us find them! Grand prize winner will receive a Nashville weekend getaway for two, including tickets to

PHOTO BY AP IMAGERY

Band and singers. “Everywhere I go people ask if we’re doing another New Year’s Eve show. I have to admit it – I love seeing everybody again too! But it won’t be a party without you, so, come celebrate with us!” Goldie said. Goldie and the Backstage Band with Jon Brennan, Katie Herron, Tara Estes, Travis Estes, Tate Brothers, Scott Davis and Terry Lee and more make this evening a fun family experience.

You don’t want to miss it! The show begins at 8pm and will be followed Grandy’s breakfast at midnight. Tickets on sale online or by calling the RiverPark Center Box Office 270687-2770.

“Cirque Dreams Holidaze” at the Gaylord Grand Ole Opry

CHERISH! GRACE MARRIAGE EVENT

House and a two-night stay at the Embassy Suites! Fun time

February 10 from 2 – 8:30pm |RiverPark Center

for the whole family!

Cherish! is a one-day marriage event in Owensboro, Kentucky on February 10, 2018. This is the perfect opportunity to give your Valentine a Christmas gift that they can enjoy this coming February. Grace Marriage not only wants to provide you with an ongoing, effective wellness structure to marriage ministry, but we want to promote opportunities for you to enrich and invest in your marriage.

Ticketing and promotion details will be available soon! Save the date. More information at gracemarriage.com.

5TH ANNUAL ONE-TIME ONLY GOLDIE’S NEW YEAR’S EVE SHOW December 31 at 8pm | RiverPark Canter

Goldie’s New Year’s Eve Show will include country and gospel music, and our old time Rock-N-Roll spectacular. The show is made from the best of the best – Goldie, her Backstage 76 OWENSBORO LIVING

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FAMILY

ACTIVE

HOLIDAY IN THE PARK

REINDEER RUN 5K RUN & WALK

through January 1 | Legion Park Join the Holiday tradition at Legion Park! Stroll through the park and enjoy dancing trees, lighted displays, and Santa in his sleigh.

December 2 at 9am | McConnell Plaza 3rd annual Care Net Reindeer Run/Walk sponsored

by AMERICAN PATRIOT GETAWAYS will begin

CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK through January 2 | Panther Creek Park Panther Creek Park, located at 5160 Wayne Bridge Road, offers a lighted holiday tradition as you drive through the park to enjoy over 500,000 lights.

Enjoy this beautiful festive light display nightly from 6 to 9pm.

PRESERVATION STATION MARKET DAYS

Saturday, December 2nd at McConnell Plaza (directly behind the Hampton Inn). Race day registration begins at 8am and the race begins at 9am. Come dressed in crazy Christmas attire. Prizes will be given for the most original child/adult costume.

Race will begin directly behind the Hampton Inn.

December 2 - 3 & January 6 - 7 Held the first full weekend of every month. Sat. 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday noon to 5 pm 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 am -5 pm and Sunday Noon -5 pm Call 270-993-7532, go to www.visitpreservationstation.com, or find us on Facebook

YMCA WINTER 5K

GLOW IN THE DARK SKATE PARTY

after the race. The race will begin and end at the

December 31 from 10pm – 1am | Edge Ice Center Join in on the New Year’s Eve celebration at the Glow in the Dark Skate Party featuring a live DJ! Glow Sticks will be provided to light up the party! Come and skate the New Year in with lots of fun and skating for the whole family!

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December 9 at 9am | Owensboro Family YMCA It may be chilly outside, but the YMCA know how to turn-up the fun! Bring the whole family to participate in the Owensboro Family YMCA Winter 5k Run/ Walk! Santa will be making a special appearance Family YMCA. There will be entertainment, custom shirts, Christmas carolers, prize packs and PANCAKES! You can register online, or in person at the Owensboro Family YMCA.

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ARTS

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

December 2 at 4pm | RiverPark Center This celebrated Charles Jones adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol from Nebraska Theatre Caravan is rich with thrilling ensemble music, alive with color and movement and is created to tell this great tale in a manner that people of all ages will enjoy. Featuring a cast of 23 performers, live musicians, and Broadway-style scenery and costumes, audiences cherish this delightful holiday classic. Tickets available online or call the RiverPark Center box office 270-687-2770.

41ST ANNUAL HOLIDAY FOREST FESTIVAL OF TREES through December 31 | Owensboro Museum of Fine Art One of Owensboro’s oldest holiday traditions, the Annual Holiday Forest Festival of Trees, will open November 11th. The festival is highlighted by two exhibitions. The Forest of Trees, featuring twenty monumental Christmas trees and special decorations designed and created by local artists, florists and organizations. These interpret the exhibition Appalachian Spirit, selected from the museum’s collection of more than 1,000 objects of folk and outsider art.

THE NUTCRACKER PRESENTED BY OWENSBORO DANCE THEATRE December 2 at 7pm | RiverPark Center Owensboro Dance Theatre brings the joy of Christmas on stage to the RiverPark Center with The Nutcracker, Saturday, December 2nd. The audience will enter Marie’s dream, experiencing all the magic and wonder through dance, with special flying effect from ZFX. The Nutcracker will feature three professional dancers, showcasing their expertise, grace, and athleticism. This timeless production fills the stage with movement and

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imagination, generating enthusiasm for all ages. Tickets are on sale now online or by calling the RiverPark Center Box Office (270) 687-2770.

BIG CHURCH NIGHT OUT TOUR December 7 at 7pm | Owensboro Convention Center The Big Church Night Out Tour featuring Newsboys is coming to the Owensboro Convention Center on December 7th! This tour is going to be epic with Sidewalk Prophets, 7eventh Time Down, Blanca, Derek Minor, Brock Gill, Adam Agee, and Jamison Strain, hosted by Jeremy Willet. Tickets: VIP Experience $100 per person; Premium Package $45; Reserved $25; Friends and Family 4-Pack $20 per person (quantities of 4).

Check event website for ticket descriptions. All seating is reserved.

LANHAM BROTHERS JAMBOREE CHRISTMAS SHOW December 9 at 7pm | 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! Purchase tickets online lanhambrothersjamboree. com/product/adult-ticket or tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Doors open at 5pm for best seating. All tickets are general admission.

OWENSBORO SYMPHONY A VERY MERRY HOLIDAY POPS December 9 at 7pm | RiverPark Center Enjoy familiar holiday favorites with The Owensboro Symphony Chorus, Kentucky Wesleyan Chorale, Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra, and children’s choruses will join the Symphony for this Christmas tradition. Tickets available at the RiverPark Center Box Office by calling 270-687-2787. See you at The Symphony!

A ROCKIN’ COUNTY CHRISTMAS December 16 at 7pm | Owensboro Convention Center Join us for this exciting live tribute show! Starring Brad McCrady as Elvis Presley, Terry Lee Ridley as Jerry Lee Lewis, Allen Hilbert as George Jones, Tiffany Miller as Tammy Wynette, Frank Hamilton as Johnny Cash, and Marla Potter as Patsy Cline. Featuring Barry Potter & The Hosscats!

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KIDS

SKATE WITH SANTA December 9 from 2 – 4pm | Edge Ice Center Come and skate with Santa and have a Merry Good Time! Bring your family and friends, enjoy an afternoon of holiday ice skating! FREE hot chocolate!

FREE candy canes!

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 5–8pm and Friday 5-9pm.

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; 10–10:30am 270-684-0211 or dcplibrary.org.

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 10am – 5pm; Saturday & Sunday 1–4pm; Closed Holidays.

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THE LAST WORD

GIFTS THAT GLITTER

A

BY LORA WIMSATT

crayon scribble, construction paper chains, a

a new coffeemaker, maybe gift cards to her favorite

cardboard star that sheds glitter every time you

restaurant under the tree.

touch it.

And as the ancient carol reminds us, the days

Every mother is familiar with those classic

hasten on and the ever-circling years bring round the

Christmas gifts, hand-made “for the best mommy in

age of gold.

the world” by her little children.

Whether the project is crafted at Sunday school,

And why not? The kids are grown now, mature and

in the classroom or at the kitchen table, children

successful, and finally able to adequately express their

pour their hearts and their very best efforts into these

real feelings of love and appreciation for Mom with

creations: cotton-ball snowmen, stick-figure Nativity

appropriate and tasteful gifts. A fancy coffeemaker

scenes and always, always more glitter.

that costs more than Mom’s first car. An afternoon

Within a few years, however, the children want to

at the spa, designed to make her feel like a queen.

buy a “real” gift, and spend hours considering every

Real jewelry – the kind that takes “glitter” to a whole

item on every shelf of every aisle at the “everything’s

’nother level.

a dollar” store to find just the right item to represent

their love for Mommy. Finalists usually include a

But years from now, when you sadly enter that

bottle of “Eau de Paris” cologne or socks embroidered

dark, quiet room and open the drawers of your

with candy canes … and of course, anything with

mother’s old bureau, guess what you’ll find wrapped

glitter.

in tissue paper and tucked safely away among your

As the seasons go by, the kids are older, maybe

mother’s most treasured items.

earning an allowance or with a part-time job of their

own, and their gifts begin to reflect their financial

construction paper chain … and a cardboard star that

status. Now Mom finds a soft, fluffy robe and slippers,

now glitters through the tears in your eyes.

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Which is to say, the gifts start to cost real money.

All given with love.

It’s the faded crayon scribble, the slightly-crushed

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