Asking a girl I’d never met if I could join her for dinner on the first day of a summer study abroad program in London changed my life. With this issue of Owensboro Living focused on bucket lists and marriage, mine is a fitting story.
Until I took a gamble on that question — a 21-year-old 4,000 miles away from home who didn’t know anyone else in the program — I’d lived a relatively comfortable, risk-free life. I grew up in Gleason, Tennessee, a small town of about 1,500 people. I went to a K-12 school, and my graduating class had just 33 students. My core group of friends did everything together — trading snacks as kids, playing sports as we grew up, and ensuring we all graduated on time.
At home, life was stable but not without challenges. My mom had multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic disease with no known cause. While some people can go nearly symptom-free throughout their lives, my mom’s conditioned worsened over the years, confining her to a wheelchair and eventually leaving her barely able to speak or move. She later developed cancer and passed away on July 3, 2019, when I was 27. She never got to meet my daughter, born in August 2020, but she did know and love my wife, Meghann, whom I met in college. (Spoiler alert: it’s not the girl I asked to dinner.)
Now, back to London. On that trip, I only knew one of the professors. With 30 days ahead of me, I had a choice: stay in my comfort zone or embrace the unknown. That girl said yes, and we joined a group she knew from college for dinner. They welcomed me, and we made lifelong memories.
More importantly, it marked a turning point in my life. I began taking more risks in pursuit of long-term dreams, and embracing opportunities to be more adventurous in life.
I returned home and ended a relationship that wasn’t right. Soon after, I started dating someone I truly connected with (Meghann). Six months later, we got engaged, and six months after that, we were married.
Career-wise, a few short stops eventually brought us to Owensboro, Meghann’s hometown. I joined the Owensboro Times as a founding member, and that led me here, as the new Editor of Owensboro Living
I’m excited for this role and hope to build on the incredible work already done by the writers and behind-the-scenes team. Future columns won’t be all about me, but I wanted to share my story to say: sometimes, taking a small risk can change your life.
RYAN RICHARDSON,
EDITOR
ryan@tannerpublishing.com
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:
We’re Here to Help (podcast)
If I’m driving, I’m mostly likely listening to a podcast. And almost exclusively, I listen to shows hosted by my favorite comedians. We’re Here to Help is an exception, but it still falls in the realm of comedy. Jake Johnson (who plays one of my favorite TV characters, the iconic Nick Miller on New Girl) co-hosts with his longtime friend Gareth Reynolds. Each episode, the guys make several pitches to callers (whose questions range from trivial to serious) with their best attempts of advice. They self-describe themselves as “like your friendly local bartender or your tipsy uncle at a family gathering” while giving advice. Their only rule is no matter the situation, Jake and Gareth are on the caller’s side and trying to help, even if some of the suggestions are outrageous. If you’re looking to add some levity to your day, give the podcast a listen.
EDITORIAL
EDITOR
Ryan Richardson
PUBLISHER
Jason Tanner
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Libby Johnson
Danny May
Jamie Plain
Jacqueline Russell
David Tucker
Lora Wimsatt
Do you have a story idea? We want to hear from you! Email your suggestion to ryan@tannerpublishing.com.
ADVERTISING
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
Brock Quinton
Owensboro Living is a FREE magazine because of community support. Thank you to the great group of businesses and organizations who advertise.
For more information about advertising call 270-297-1600 or email brock@tannerpublishing.com.
DESIGN
& PHOTOGRAPHY
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Jamie Plain
LAYOUT DESIGNER
Andrea Roberson
AD DESIGNER
Monica Tapp
DISTRIBUTION
DISTRIBUTION MANAGER
Dave Mackey
To add your business or organization to our distribution list, give us a call at 270-297-1600.
2624-A New Hartford Rd. Owensboro, KY 42303 270-297-1600
FEATURES:
FROM MUSIC ROW TO BLUEGRASS ROOTS
Engelhardt’s journey to Hall of Fame leadership. BY
LIBBY JOHNSON
18 20 24 38
THE EVOLUTION OF JAMIE ALVEY
From ‘Poor Twilight Rip-offs’ to an indie horror maven. BY RYAN RICHARDSON
DISCOVER OWENSBORO
Your ultimate bucket list for local experiences.
BY RYAN RICHARDSON
SHE’S A DANDY!
Owensboro couple married 75 years shares secret to long, happy marriage. BY DANNY MAY
TRENDING
6 BEHIND THE SCENES
A note from our editor.
8 NEWSWORTHY
The real people, places and events that shape our community, brought to you by the Owensboro Times.
CULTURE
12 ART
Sculpting a life: William ‘Bill’ Kolok’s journey as an educator and artist
12 IN THE KNOW
Your guide to what’s happening in and around Owensboro
18 MUSIC
Sons of Habit: Owensboro-based band strikes a chord with raw talent and unstoppable drive
LIFESTYLE
46 SENIOR LIVING
Stronger together: Combating senior loneliness during and after the holidays
CHAMBER CURRENT
51 What’s happening with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce
FLAVOR
66 RECIPE
Sweet beginnings: Delicious recipes for wedding gatherings
69 DISH
What we’re eating now: Local dishes we can’t live without!
70 RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
Sweet success: Becca Bakes brings flavor, community together
31 THE 2025 WEDDING GUIDE SPECIAL SECTION
5 things we’re talking about now
Inaugural OPD police academy class graduates
When the Owensboro Police Department opened its own Basic Training Academy in 2023, it wasn’t just about keeping recruits closer to home — it was about giving them the necessary training and resources to allow them to best serve the community. The first class of nine graduated in November 2024. The benefits of the local academy are clear: recruits receive training tailored to the city’s policies, gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art facilities, and go home to their families each night, reinforcing community ties.
2
Group plans to renovate building, bring new life to downtown Owensboro
The former U.S. Bank building at 700 Frederica Street is set to be transformed into the Cardinal Reserve, a three-story, multiuse structure with commercial lease space and luxury residential units. The development promises to bring new business, entertainment, and housing options to downtown Owensboro. Company officials said it will be well-suited for businesses such as smallformat grocery stores, fast-casual or full-service restaurants, professional offices, boutique retail, and spa services. They envision the basement space as an ideal location for a speakeasy, private club, or boutique fitness center.
Proposed county first responder facility on KY 231 would house fire, DCSO patrol, more
Daviess County Fiscal Court has hired a firm to develop architectural renderings and a preliminary design for a new “Public Safety Building” on KY 231. The proposed facility would house the county’s third paid fire department, the Sheriff’s Office patrol division, a backup 911 center, Emergency Management Agency (EMA) offices, and the Coroner’s office. Sheriff Brad Youngman and Daviess County Fire Chief Jerry Smith said the site is strategically positioned to improve emergency services’ response times.
Christmas movie
filmed in Owensboro
Owensboro served as the set for an upcoming Christmas movie, titled The Christmas Pitch. The film, produced by Goldenrod Film and Television, tells the story of a marketing executive who returns to her hometown to save a beloved Christmas carnival, reigniting the holiday spirit. Producers said they selected Owensboro for its vibrant community, charm at Christmas time, and strong support from local officials. The film will feature multiple locations, including the Edge Ice Center, Tanner+West, and Legends Sporting Goods.
Kingsley inducted into KY Teacher Hall of Fame
Long-time Owensboro Public Schools educator Linda Kingsley has been inducted into the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame. She has been a fixture in OPS since the early 1960s, teaching English and debate in addition to serving in other roles. Kingsley, who began at Owensboro High School in 1962, was nominated by five of her former students and former interim superintendent Anita Burnette. Kingsley served as a mentor and role model, not only for her students but for her colleagues. She continues to support the district by working as a substitute teacher, even after her official retirement.
by
CULTURE
Photo
JAMIE PLAIN
by
JAMIE PLAIN
ACO OWENSBORO SUPER MAJOR & PRO SERIES
JANUARY 2-4 @ OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER
ACO Majors are the main cornhole tournaments of the season, where all skill levels can play, with an opportunity for anyone to win. ACO members compete for World Ranking Points, and non-members can join in the fun through “play-toplay” tournaments such as Bag Masters Quads.
OWENSBORO LIP SYNC BATTLE
1 2 3
JANUARY 11 @ OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER
The Owensboro Lip Sync Battle, Puzzle Pieces’ largest annual fundraiser, has become one of the most anticipated events hosted by a local nonprofit each year. Last year, the Lip Sync Battle raised $224,000 to support Puzzle Pieces’ programs and services. Organizers are setting expectations high for another record-breaking year.
MICRO WRESTLING FEDERATION
JANUARY 18 @ OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER
Like its WWE prototype, the full-scale micro wrestling operation features high-flying, hard-hitting pandemonium. The only difference? The entire cast is under 5 feet tall. Fans can expect body slams, bear hugs, headlocks, and more for some non-stop and up-close action. The schedule consists of two singles matches, a micro brawl, and a micro rumble that follows a “last-man-standing” format. The show is for all ages.
Photo
Sculpting a life
WILLIAM ‘BILL’ KOLOK’S JOURNEY AS AN EDUCATOR AND ARTIST
Written by JOHN KIRKPATRICK
Owensboro sculptor William “Bill” Kolok retired from Kentucky Wesleyan more than a decade ago and set his sights on one of his true passion: art. He converted a small home on Veach Road into a studio and added a shop to the rear of it.
Kolok said it’s where artistry, hard work, and storytelling collide, and he goes to his studio every day. Inside the space, Kolok blends wood, stone, and metal into abstract sculptures that he hopes invite conversation. For Kolok, the finished piece is only part of the journey; the true reward lies in the process of creation.
Each November, Kolok opens his studio to the public, offering visitors a chance to experience his work and understand the world through his perspective. He said his art tells a story of conflict, harmony, and perseverance. But Kolok is quick to remind viewers that their interpretations are as valid as his own.
“I’m a storyteller,” he said. “You might see one thing in my work while I’m telling a completely different story, and that’s OK. That’s the beauty of art.”
Kolok’s journey into the world of sculpture was as unconventional as the pieces he creates.
Growing up in a Slovak immigrant community in Connecticut, he was surrounded by blue-collar work ethic and small-town values. His father was a truck driver, and his mother worked in retail. Though he dreamed of becoming a forest ranger – living alone in a watchtower with a pet raccoon – his path took a sharp turn when he enrolled in a design class at Georgia’s Berry College.
“I wasn’t a good student,” Kolok admitted. “I applied to one college, and somehow I got in. That basic design class changed everything for me. It was easier than biology, but it also awakened a passion I didn’t know I had.”
That passion led Kolok to change his major to art, a decision that laid the foundation for a lifelong career. Determined to balance creativity with practicality, he pursued a dual focus in art and education.
“I knew I had to make a living,” he said. “I couldn’t just make art. I had to work.”
Kolok began teaching art in elementary and high schools before earning a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from the University of Georgia. After a brief stint teaching at the University of the South in Tennessee, he accepted a position
BEETHOVEN. BRAHMS. HAYDN. HOOTEN.
YOUR PERFECT DAY
4 5 6
JANUARY 25 @ RIVERPARK CENTER
The show begins with Beethoven’s powerful and inspiring Egmont Overture. Thomas Hooten, Principal Trumpet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and one of the world’s most renowned classical trumpet players, takes the stage to perform Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto. The concert continues with Haydn’s captivating Symphony No. 88 and concludes with Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and artistry of classical music’s most iconic pieces.
WEDDING SHOW
JANUARY 26 @ OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER
Need help planning your wedding? Here’s a chance to build your wedding planning dream team and get inspiration for your perfect day. Meet with florists, photographers, DJs, jewelers, travel agents, decorators, and more. Many vendors will offer exclusive giveaways and discounts. Attendees can also enjoy sampling menu options from caterers to help plan your wedding meal.
JOHN HARTFORD DAYS
JANUARY 31-FEBRUARY 1 @ BLUEGRASS
MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM
Get ready for a special two-day celebration honoring the legendary John Hartford. The weekend will feature a stellar lineup of artists, including the Sam Bush Band, Jamie Hartford, Rodney Dillard, Mike Compton, Alison Brown, Jim Lauderdale, and Showman & Coole of the Lonesome Ace Stringband. Food trucks will be available throughout the weekend. There will be a pre-concert lounge every afternoon and evening before the concerts.
“You don’t have to be rich or famous to make art. You just have to want it and work for it. That’s what my work represents.”
DANCE BATTLE
at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro in the late 1970s.
“I applied to 300 colleges that year,” Kolok recalled. “Wesleyan hired me just two weeks before classes started. It was supposed to be a stepping stone, but it became my home.”
For four decades, Kolok educated aspiring artists while pursuing his own craft on the side. He estimates he created eight or nine pieces per year during his teaching career.
“Back then, I worked three hours a night in a small studio at home or in the college facilities,” he said. “Now that I’m retired, I’m able to fully focus, producing 20 to 30 pieces annually.”
Kolok purchased his studio five years before his retirement. The building required significant renovations, including new floors and insulation. Today, it’s a sanctuary where Kolok spends hours each day immersed in his craft.
“Here, I make all the decisions. It’s a space that reflects my passion and my independence,” he said.
LOOSE KNIT
9 7 8
EXTRAVAGANZA
FEBRUARY 15 @ RIVERPARK CENTER
Hosted by Owensboro Dance Theatre, the Dance Battle Extravaganza brings together the energy of a professional jazz dance company and over 140 local community members for a fun, family-friendly dance competition in support of the arts. The night kicks off with a dynamic performance from the jazz dance company, followed by the second act where nine community groups — ranging from nonprofits to schools — compete for bragging rights and cash prizes.
FEBRUARY 14-16 AND 21-23 @ TRINITY CENTRE
To be performed by Theatre Workshop of Owensboro, “Loose Knit” tells the story of five women who gather to knit once a week in the heart of New York City. As the sweaters pile up, their lives fall apart. Liz is having an affair with her sister’s husband. Gina’s lost her job. Paula is having an identity crisis, and Margie just wants a date. In this comedy by Theresa Rebeck, a series of blind dates leads to a clever, insightful battle of the sexes.
For Kolok, the act of creation is a labor of love.
“Once a piece is finished, it’s dead to me,” he said. “It’s the cadaver of creativity. I’m more interested in the process, the noise, the dust, and the challenge of making something new. That’s what excites me.”
Kolok’s art often combines materials – wood, stone, and metal – in ways that explore tension and harmony. He sees this fusion as a metaphor for life.
“Art is about conflict and balance,” he said. “It’s about showing that you can live in both worlds – the real and the creative – and make them work together.”
Kolok acknowledged that Owensboro wasn’t a major market but said he has found an appreciative audience. His November open houses attract locals, while galleries in Louisville and Lexington, as well as collectors from across the country, provide a broader platform for his work.
“There are maybe half a dozen people here who collect
THE ADDAMS FAMILY
FEBRUARY 25 @ RIVERPARK CENTER
Part of the RPC’s Broadway season, “The Addams Family” is the magnificently macabre hit musical featuring everyone’s favorite creepy, kooky characters. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before – keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.
my pieces,” he said. “I’m grateful for them. But most of my sales come from outside Owensboro.”
Kolok’s story resonates with those who value hard work and perseverance. He believes art isn’t about natural talent or financial success; it’s about dedication.
“You don’t have to be rich or famous to make art,” he said. “You just have to want it and work for it. That’s what my work represents.”
Despite the challenges of being an artist in a small town, Kolok wouldn’t trade his journey for anything.
“At the end of the day, I go to bed tired but fulfilled,” he said. “That’s all I can ask for.”
Kolok’s influence extends beyond his own work. Many of his former students have stayed in touch, continuing to create their own pieces while juggling other careers.
“I always told them, if you can do anything else, do it. But if art is your calling, then you do it, no matter what,” he said. “This is the love of my life and the bane of my life. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.” OL
RENOWNED MARRIAGE COMEDIAN AND PASTOR CUNNINGHAM BRINGING
MESSAGE TO OWENSBORO JANUARY 9 @ PLEASANT VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH
Nationally recognized marriage comedian and pastor Ted Cunningham is making a visit to Owensboro to deliver his signature blend of comedy and practical marriage advice, which has been featured on national platforms such as Focus on the Family. Cunningham will speak at the Bluegrass and Comedy Marriage Date Night, hosted by Pleasant Valley Community Church, on January 9.
Ted Cunningham is the founding pastor of Woodland Hills Family Church in Branson, Missouri, where he’s dedicated to helping families thrive in faith and relationships. A sought-after speaker and comedian, Ted uses humor and heart to deliver messages that inspire connection and joy. He’s the
author of several books, including Fun Loving You and A Love That Laughs, which combine practical wisdom with a lighthearted approach to marriage and family life.
Ted’s unique blend of comedy and Biblical teaching makes him a favorite at conferences, churches, and events nationwide. When he’s not on stage or writing, Ted enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their two children, creating lasting memories in the Ozarks. Cunningham also serves as a lead marriage coach for the American Association of Christian Counselors and is a regular contributor to Christian Counseling Today magazine.
SONS OF HABIT
Owensboro-based band strikes a chord with raw talent and unstoppable drive
Written by JOHN KIRKPATRICK // Photo by JAPE MEDIA
With heartfelt lyrics and undeniable chemistry, Sons of Habit has burst onto the music scene and shows no signs of slowing down. The Owensboro-based band has captured listeners' hearts with their breakout single “Madeline,” a soulful anthem that embodies the group’s authenticity and creative spark.
The band was formed in May 2024, and its members described the
genre as a blend of folk, rock, and blues to create an authentic sound.
The band features Mitchell Douglas (lead vocals and guitar), Hagan Edge (bass, harmonica, piano, and backup vocals), Dalton Daniels (lead guitar and backup vocals), and Jeffrey Parish (drums). Recently, they added Noah Patrick, a guitarist and banjo player from McLean County, to round out their sound.
Douglas, who played solo shows
for several years, described how the band’s formation felt organic.
“I was feeling a little burned out playing solo,” Douglas said. “In May, I invited Hagan over for a jam session. The next week, we brought in Dalton, and within 30 minutes, we wrote ‘Madeline.’ It was such a powerful moment that set the tone for everything we’ve done since.”
Edge, a multi-instrumentalist and Owensboro Catholic High School
graduate, described joining Sons of Habit as a return to his roots.
“I played with Ole 60 for a while and loved the group dynamic, but I couldn’t commit full-time,” Edge said. “I started missing being part of a band. When Mitchell and I finally got together, it just clicked. Writing ‘Madeline’ was special – he’d come up with a chord progression, and I just filled in the lyrics line by line with him. By the end of the session, we had something incredible.”
For Daniels, music has been a lifelong passion. The Owensboro native, whose mother was Douglas’s 2nd-grade teacher, has been playing guitar since he was 5 years old.
“My mom told me I could get a guitar if I took piano lessons, so I did, and I’ve been playing ever since,” Daniels said. “I grew up in bands, mostly playing with older musicians who taught me a lot. I come from a classic rock and blues background, so this folk-influenced style is new, but I love it. It’s great to expand my musical horizons.”
Daniels noted the unique chemistry within Sons of Habit.
“I’ve never felt anything like this before,” Daniels said. “I’ve been in bands my whole life, but these guys are on another level. Within 30 minutes of our first session together, we wrote ‘Madeline,’ and I knew this group was special.”
Drummer Jeffrey Parish’s journey is equally remarkable. Although he had some childhood experience with drums, he had been learning guitar when the band formed.
“I was living with Mitchell and watched their jam sessions,” Parish said. “At the time, we didn’t have a drummer, so I decided to pick the drums back up. It came pretty naturally, and I’ve been working hard
to improve. Playing with these guys has been the best time of my life.”
Parish said the group’s fast-paced success has been surreal.
“It’s all happened so fast,” he said. “At first, it was overwhelming, but now it’s just exciting. Music is such a big part of life, and being able to do this full-time would be incredible.”
The band’s name, Sons of Habit, pays homage to its roots.
“We came up with the name after a lot of debate,” Douglas said. “I was living in a trailer in Habit, Kentucky, so that inspired it. Plus, the word ‘habit’ can mean so many things to different people – good or bad. It felt right.”
Since forming, the group has played several high-profile gigs, including The Burl in Lexington, a venue they had set as a goal for their careers.
“We thought it’d take a while to get to The Burl, but it ended up being our second live show,” Edge said. “It’s such an iconic place, and we’re
honored to have played there.”
The band’s upcoming plans include a February tour out west, opening for Shane Smith and the Saints, and a performance at Bridgestone Arena for the Nashville Predators.
“Bridgestone is such a historic venue,” Douglas said. “It’s incredible to be invited to play there. We’re just trying to soak it all in.”
The group credits its rapid success to the support of the Owensboro community.
“We couldn’t have done this without the people of Owensboro,” Parish said. “The way they’ve embraced us has been incredible. We’re excited to keep making music and hope to make our hometown proud.”
As they prepare to take their sound on the road, the band plans to remain grounded, focused, and ready for what lies ahead. OL
Photo by DAKOTA DEGRAW
FROM MUSIC ROW TO BLUEGRASS ROOTS
Written by LIBBY JOHNSON
ENGELHARDT’S JOURNEY TO HALL OF FAME LEADERSHIP
Photo by JAMIE PLAIN
On a cloudy day that finally felt like late November, I sat down with Adam Englehardt, who took the helm as executive director of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in mid-October. As we sat in his office, which looks down over the lobby of the facility and also has a wide, clear view of West 2nd Street, Englehardt, who is soft-spoken and exudes calm, inquired as to the focus of the article. “This is Owensboro,” I said. “People want to know who you are.”
Without a doubt, Engelhardt, 39, is a music business bonafide. At 19, the Florida native, (who was born in Lexington) headed to Nashville, where he secured an internship at Sony Music Publishing on a little street known as Music Row. He advanced from intern in the recording studio to staff, and then worked on inhouse production and as an engineer, eventually becoming studio manager and producer.
“We were just making music,” he said. “It’s a lot of long hours and behind-the-scenes work, doing everything from songwriter demos all the way up to major records.”
The long hours at Sony put Englehardt in the same room as some of the biggest names in country music and beyond — Big & Rich, Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Gretchen Wilson, Kenny Rogers, Willy, and Dolly, to name a few.
At the same time he was producing for Sony, Englehardt — who does not call himself a musician, but admits to “dabbling” on a couple instruments — developed his own label: Englehardt Music Group. EMG has released more than 650 titles since 2004, according to a recent article on bluegrasstoday.com.
previously, moving here wasn’t on his radar. It was on a drive to Holiday World last summer with his wife and three children that the subject came up.
“My wife asked if I was going to apply. I ended up doing so and it was a streamlined, good process,” he said, noting that so far, his favorite aspects of the Hall of Fame are that the mission is very forward facing and “there’s such a focus on kids, with lessons and tours.”
A happy surprise has been seeing who turns up at Hall of Fame on a daily basis.
LIGHTNING ROUND Q&A WHAT’S THE BEST CONCERT YOU’VE EVER SEEN?
BB King in Nashville or Tony Bennett at the Ryman
WHAT APP OR MEDIUM DO YOU USE TO LISTEN TO MUSIC?
Spotify Premium
YOU’RE STUCK ON A DESERT ISLAND AND CAN ONLY LISTEN TO ONE ALBUM UNTIL YOU’RE RESCUED. WHAT IS IT?
Tony Rice
-Manzanita
The label, for which he will continue as owner/operator while staff oversees day-to-day business, has “about a 95% bluegrass focus,” which helped propel Englehardt to the Board of Directors of the International Bluegrass Music Association. He currently serves as chairman and will remain an at-large member due to his position at the Hall of Fame once his term is complete.
SUM UP OWENSBORO IN THREE WORDS Beautiful, friendly, charming.
“We actually get lots of artists that stop by unannounced,” he said. “Just the other day, we had Ricky Skagges and his wife, Sharon White, and then David Crowe, the son of Bluegrass legend J.D. Crowe.”
Increasing the number of concerts and multi-day events (e.g. Jerry Garcia: A Bluegrass Journey Event) is on the agenda, but Englehardt doesn’t have any major changes on his mind.
“Everything is rockin’ good,” he said. “Obviously, we want to continue to highlight ROMP and encourage attendance.”
Though there are artists he hopes to bring to Owensboro, “I don’t want to name names and then disappoint,” he said with a smile.
Englehardt said if you love the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland or the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, “we’re a bit smaller, but just as impressive.”
Though Englehardt had been to Owensboro
To Owensboroans — or anyone, for that matter — who haven’t visited the Hall of Fame, he urges them to come to a concert and or an exhibit to check it out. OL
The Evolution of Jamie Alvey
FROM ‘POOR TWILIGHT RIP-OFFS’ TO AN INDIE HORROR MAVEN
Written by RYAN RICHARDSON
Jamie Alvey’s journey into the world of horror storytelling reads like a script penned by the very genre she adores. Much like the outcasts she admires in the films that shaped her youth — Ginger Snaps, Jennifer’s Body, and Let the Right One In — Alvey found solace in the macabre while navigating the isolating reality of a bullied childhood. Today, she stands at the intersection of education, filmmaking, and personal transformation, using horror not just as a medium for storytelling but as a lens through which to explore the darkest and most absurd corners of the human experience, sprinkling in humor to bring some levity along the way.
Raised by a horror-loving mother and a cinephile father, Alvey grew up surrounded by an eclectic mix of influences.
“I was that proverbial bullied child. Some of the stuff that happened to me seems too cartoonish to have actually happened, but I lived it,” Alvey said. “I found such comfort in horror narratives because they centered on societal outcasts.”
With the support of her parents, who nurtured her love for storytelling, Alvey’s journey began as a young teen scribbling her earliest stories — “poor Twilight rip-offs,” as she jokingly recalls. But over time, she found her voice and her confidence, culminating in a BA in English and theatre from Brescia University and an MA in English
literature from Mercy College. Her storytelling craft truly came into its own when she discovered screenwriting. It wasn’t just about writing for Alvey — it was about creating entire worlds, peeling back the layers of societal and personal trauma, and using horror to navigate the complexities of grief, loss, and resilience.
Breaking the mold BYSTANDERS AND THE BIRTH
OF A FILMMAKER
Alvey’s love affair with horror deepened with Bystanders, the screenplay that she calls “the greatest love of my
Photo by CALLIE KIRK
life.” The script, born in 2017, delves into themes of PTSD, rape culture, and toxic masculinity, reflecting Alvey’s ability to channel her lived experiences into art that challenges societal norms. After years of diligent refinement, Bystanders came to life in 2023, with Alvey herself starring as Clare.
The project marked a turning point in her career, allowing her to explore acting, writing, and directing in a unified creative endeavor. The process was as rewarding as it was demanding, leaving her with a sense of accomplishment but also an emotional void.
“I found myself battling depression and isolation postfilming,” Alvey admits.
It was during this period that she revisited a story idea that eventually became the short film Your Husband Was a Good Man. This proof-of-concept short, exploring grief and trauma, became a therapeutic outlet and a foundation for her next creative chapter.
Navigating the horrors within YOUR HUSBAND WAS A GOOD MAN
The short film Your Husband Was a Good Man epitomizes Alvey’s ability to balance personal catharsis with universal storytelling. The project originated in the raw aftermath of
“Allow yourself to fail but also believe in your story. Tenacity and ambition will beat raw talent every day.”
multiple losses, including the death of her grandmother in 2021.
“I continued to parse through that loss and as I was going through that more and more grief accumulated — weird griefs even where the person is still alive but feels irrevocably lost to you in some way,” Alvey said. “Not to mention I had just filmed Bystanders as well, so a lot of emotions were swirling around. No one prepares you for grieving a person you could easily still converse with but are walled off from in a way.”
Acting as both director and lead actor, Alvey poured her emotions into the film, finding solace in the creative process.
“It was kind of a relief to get to the acting and directing portions because I could pour those feelings into those aspects more readily,” she said.
The film not only garnered festival attention but also became a testament to Alvey’s vision as a filmmaker. Its success has paved the way for a planned featurelength version, a project she is eager to bring to fruition in the coming years.
Building a legacy
LOVE AND HORROR PRODUCTIONS
Alvey’s vision for storytelling extended beyond her own work with the establishment of Love and Horror Productions in December 2023. The indie production company was born from a desire to create outside the constraints of a profit-driven studio system while offering aspiring filmmakers a chance to learn by doing.
Her students at Brescia University played a pivotal role in this endeavor. When Riley Norris, a former student and executive producer on Your Husband Was a Good Man, expressed interest in gaining hands-on experience, Alvey took the leap into the world of production.
From there, she involved other students, transforming Love and Horror into a unique practicum-like experience where screenwriting classes evolved into fullfledged filmmaking projects.
The results have been nothing short of transformative.
“Seeing them find a story they were passionate about and willing to shepherd through multiple drafts was rewarding,” she said. “We had some real gems emerge in that process, and it was fun to watch them adapt to a new style of writing.”
One student, Daniel Rusiecki, used the skills he gained to write and produce his own short film over the summer, and others have similar plans or want to get back on a set in the future.
“I’ve probably created some accidental filmmakers in the process,” Alvey said.
Horror as a glass slipper
REDEFINING A GENRE
For Alvey, horror is not just a genre — it’s her “glass slipper,” a perfect fit for her creative sensibilities.
“I like having anxiety I can control,” she said. “You can always turn off a movie or put down a book. I like having a space where I can confront the fears of my flesh and my mind in a safe way. I’ve processed a lot of my existence through horror, both as a viewer and as a storyteller.”
Through her work, Alvey seeks to redefine the genre, showcasing its potential to tell deeply human stories that resonate far beyond jump scares and gore.
“There’s something beautiful amid the grotesque that speaks to the reality of life in ways that other genres can’t, in my opinion,” she said. “I think I want
people to take away that horror isn’t just blood and guts and killing, but a real and feasible way to deliver an impactful story. Every element is usually painfully intentional and wrought by the people behind the cameras and the pages. On a personal level, I just want people to know they can survive the worst days of their life or know they are not alone in this supremely messed up world.”
Looking ahead
AMBITION MEETS ARTISTRY
The future looks bright — and busy — for Alvey. In addition to completing an MFA in creative writing, she is hard at work on several projects, including a feature-length screenplay for Your Husband Was a Good Man and a yet-tobe-announced project. She also dreams of expanding filmmaking opportunities at Brescia University, giving the next generation of storytellers the tools she wishes she’d had earlier in her career.
Her advice to aspiring writers and filmmakers is simple but profound: “You have to be bad first. Allow yourself to fail but also believe in your story. Tenacity and ambition will beat raw talent every day.”
Alvey’s life and career embody the resilience and determination of the archetypal horror final girl. Through every twist and turn, she has faced the shadows of doubt and fear, emerging stronger and more determined to share her voice with the world. Whether crafting haunting narratives, mentoring the next generation of filmmakers, or confronting her own demons, Alvey’s story is a testament to the power of storytelling — and to the enduring allure of horror as a genre that reveals the beauty amid the grotesque.
In her own words: “Basically, you’ve got to realize you’re the final girl of your own life. Cling to the good amidst the bad.”
And that, much like her films, is a message worth watching. OL
Written by RYAN RICHARDSON // Illustrations by JAMIE PLAIN
wensboro is a city rich in culture, history, and community spirit, offering countless opportunities for adventure and discovery. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a firsttime visitor, make 2025 the year you dive deeper into the charm and variety this city has to offer. From lively music festivals that celebrate Owensboro’s bluegrass roots to historic landmarks that tell the story of its past, there’s something here for everyone. Add to that the city’s serene parks, exciting events,
SEASONAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS
A reimagined version of the International Bar-B-Que Festival, BBQ and Barrels debuted in 2023 and took a step forward in 2024. In addition to celebrating Owensboro’s barbecue heritage, the festival brings in dozens of distillers to honor Kentucky’s love for bourbon. Held in early May, there are also plenty of vendors, music, and activities for attendees of all ages.
Friday After 5 offers free summer concerts and lively gatherings for the whole family, starting in May. The event has undergone some changes over the last few years but appears to be on an upward swing. Free to attend, the series includes live bands across a handful of stages along the Owensboro riverfront.
Live on the Banks is another free concert series that runs each may through September. The event showcases a variety of music groups from across the region every Saturday night on the Overlook Stage, appropriately named for overlooking the Ohio
Griffith Avenue turns into a mecca for local music each summer with Porchfest. Held in early June, homes along Griffith transform their front porches into stages for all manner of acts, with audiences sprawling across the lawns to take it all in. The event is free, and attendees can simply walk from house to house to catch as many performances as they wish.
The ROMP Festival combines bluegrass music and camping for an unforgettable experience. Held annually in June, the four-day musical festival includes concerts, jam sessions, workshops, food trucks, and more.
Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and festivities during the All-American 4th of July. Fireworks are launched simultaneously from a handful of sites across the city, with the most picturesque being from a barge on the Ohio River.
A longstanding tradition, the Owensboro Dust Bowl is an outdoor basketball tournament that goes beyond the court. The weeklong event unites the community through basketball, food, music, and good vibes at Kendall-Perkins Park at the start of each July.
Live on the Banks
Photo by Jamie Plain
BBQ and Barrels
Photo by Marcus Velez
In the middle of July, the Daviess County Fair brings traditional fair games, rides, and fun to the community. In addition to nightly special events including motocross, monster trucks, and truck and tractor pulls, the fair includes horse and pony rides, livestock shows, music, and more.
The Owensboro Multicultural Festival highlights the city’s diversity
with cultural performances and cuisine each August. The event educates the community through dancing, music, ethnic fashions, food, arts, and more.
It’s not often you can enjoy a free performance by an award-winning symphony, but that’s just what the annual Concert on the Lawn offers at the end of August. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and just take in the music as the sun sets for one of the more unique concerts you can experience.
Want a double dose of the Symphony? Catch them again on the Symphony Stroll in September. Enjoy a relaxing evening along the Owensboro riverfront while
listening to live performances by the Symphony’s talented ensembles.
Voices of Elmwood is held each year from mid-September through October, giving a glimpse into Owensboro’s history. Attendees are taken on a trailer ride throughout Rosehill-Elmwood Cemetery, making stops to listen to local actors in period costumes presenting the stories of selected individuals buried there.
Don your favorite costume and head downtown for the City of Owensboro’s Trail of Treats in late October. Thousands of people young and old flock downtown, filling their bags of candy as they trick-or-treat from the dozens of vendors on site. There are also typically appearances by special guests such as superheroes and princesses.
The Harvest Festival is a relatively new event. After Reid’s Orchard stopped hosting the Apple Festival, the Daviess County Lions Club picked
Owensboro Christmas Parade
Photo by Amy Douglas Photography
up the pieces and created the Harvest Festival in 2023. Held in October, the event includes a carnival, food, vendors, and music.
For those who enjoy Christmas and the holidays, there’s no shortage of activities to choose from. It all kicks off with the OwensboroDaviess County Christmas Parade, held each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The parade has gained new life over the last few years, bringing joy to the thousands of people that line 2nd Street to see the event.
If you’re looking for a spectacle of lights, Christmas at Panther Creek transforms the park into a magical drive-through holiday light display. There’s a small per-car entry fee.
To check out free displays, one of Owensboro’s favorite traditions is Holiday in the Park at Legion, where decorations are put up all along the walking path. There’s also a massive display in the Stonegate neighborhood, where you can either drive through or walk along the sidewalks to take in the full spectacle put on entirely by the community.
Another option is the annual Forest Festival of Trees at the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, featuring nearly two dozen monumental Christmas trees designed to interpret the exhibit put on each year.
From mid-April through early November at the Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market, you can find fresh produce and several other manner of crafts and locally made products. The market is open every Saturday morning throughout the season, along with Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons for the summer months.
Category bonus: The Owensboro Air Show is a can’t-miss event, regardless of the performance lineup. However, there won’t be an Air Show in 2025.
You’ll have to add that to your bucket list when it returns in 2026!
SPORTS & RECREATION/ OUTDOOR LEISURE
With seven golf courses in Owensboro, there’s plenty of options to hit the links. Panther Creek, Windridge, and Hillcrest (9 holes) are a bit shorter and may appeal more to novices golfers, with more places to account for that slice you can’t get rid of. Ben Hawes and The Pearl Club are spread out, featuring more picturesque, albeit more challenging, course layouts. The Owensboro Country Club is private, but there are opportunities to play the championship-level course, either as a member’s guest or during one of the many scrambles held there.
Test your shooting skills at the Mattingly Target Shooting Range
The facility only allows shotguns (no ranges for pistols, archery, or rifles), and offer skeet, trap, and
The 14,000-square-foot Travis Aubrey Skatepark includes 35 elements to ride using skateboards, skates, and bikes.
Rudy Mine Trails provides a hidden escape for hikers and mountain bikers of all skill levels, with both double track and single track options.
Windy Hollow Campground and Diamond Lake Resort offer swimming, fishing, and camping with modern campsites and scenic view for a memorable family getaway.
The Windy Hollow Speedway and the ⅛-mile Windy Hollow Dragway deliver fast-paced stock car racing and drag racing along with several other dirt track events, including monster trucks.
The Edge Ice Center is open year round and offers public skating, skate rentals, learn-to-skate classes, skate sharpening, and a full concession and pro shop. You can also catch youth hockey games, as the Owensboro Rampage play home contests there.
There are ample opportunities to have a fun day out at one of the numerous parks across Owensboro-
Owensboro Regional Farmers’ Market
Photo by Jamie Plain
outings, all with a view overlooking the Ohio River.
Ben Hawes, Yellow Creek, and Panther Creek are ideal for hiking, biking, fishing, or playing a round of disc golf.
Legion, Dugan Best, and KendallPerkins offer a space to relax, enjoy time with the kids, or play pickup games of futsal or basketball.
Meanwhile, Adkisson Greenbelt Park invites walkers and bikers to explore its scenic trail system, which spans 16.5 miles and links neighborhoods, business districts, parks, and schools.
You can also catch some soccer at the large complexes at Horse Fork Creek or Thompson-Berry, football at Waymond Morris Park, or baseball and softball at Jack C. Fisher Park
Take a stroll through the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, walking the paved pathways as you take in the natural landscapes, flora, and nature-inspired sculptures.
For a more educational look at plants and wildlife, visit the Joe Ford Nature Center, a 15-acre woodland turned into an outdoor classroom.
ARTS & CULTURE
The Theatre Workshop of Owensboro brings local talent to life through captivating plays and performances. With roots dating back to 1956, TWO showcases contemporary and classic plays as well as musicals at two historic venues. TWO also stages art exhibits and workshops to keep theatre alive in the local community.
Another opportunity to catch high-quality plays is with Encore Musicals. Founded in 2017 by a
Encore Musicals
Photo by Kevin Brown
group of former Back Alley Musicals performers who wanted to continue bringing high-quality theater to Owensboro after Back Alley’s closure, Encore typically puts on three to four shows per year.
The Owensboro Symphony delights audiences with world-class concerts throughout the year. Most known for their incredible renditions of classic pieces, the Symphony offers a handful of unique events for audiences of all ages.
To round out the full performing arts experience locally, give the Owensboro Dance Theatre a try. The company puts on “The Nutcracker” each December, and each February they host the Dance Battle Extravaganza, bringing together the energy of a professional jazz dance company and over 140 local community members for a familyfriendly dance competition in
support of the arts.
The Owensboro Art Guild showcases creative works from talented local artists. They put on a Plein Air event at the Botanical Garden in June and a Fine Art Festival in July, along with hosting several workshops and smaller events throughout the year.
The Owensboro Museum of Science and History showcases a handful of permanent exhibits across its two floors. The museum also has an area for children to play and learn simultaneously with STEM-based objects, and there are several family friendly learning events at the venue year round.
The Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, Kentucky’s second-largest art museum, offers a look at cultures across the world. It has a permanent gallery with more than 4,000 pieces, also offering exhibits that change every 3 months.
Observe all the pieces of the RIVERARTES collection, an outdoor sculpture project managed by the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art. The roughly dozen monumental works of outdoor art in bronze, stone, aluminum, steel, and glass are installed in downtown Owensboro.
The RiverPark Center hosts a variety of plays, concerts, and community events year-round. You can catch everything from a Broadway musical and locally run art festivals.
The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum celebrates the legacy and heritage of bluegrass music. The venue brings newcomers and Hall of Farmers alike for music performances, also offering exhibits that draws visitors from across the world.
EXPERIENCES
If you want your fourlegged friend to tag along for Castlen Dog . Located inside Legion Park and spanning nearly 2 acres, it offers a chance to allow dogs to play together while you get in some light exercise. If you love a good host David Wolfe Haunts of Owensboro Ghost Walking Tour. The roughly 1.5-hour tour takes guests through downtown Owensboro with stops at some of the “most haunted” places in the city.
Visit the largest sassafras tree in the United States and, likely, the world. The sassafras has been a historic landmark in Daviess County
since 1883 and measures more than 100 feet tall with a circumference of 16 feet. It’s believed to be 250-300 years old.
Tour the 26-acre Green River Distillery to get a behind-the-scenes look at how Kentucky bourbon is made — and you’ll also get to sample some of the products. Green River covers every aspect of whiskey
production, from grain, to mash, to barrel.
The Great Race is perhaps the most unique car race in the country, featuring cars that you’d almost exclusively only be able to otherwise find in a museum. After serving as the starting point in 2024, Owensboro will be one of the stops along the route on June 24 in the 2025 race. OL
Green River Distillery
Photo by Jamie Plain
WEDDING GUIDE
The Wedding Guide Love behind the lens
BRET AND BRANDIE NOWAK’S JOURNEY AS WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Photo and article by JACQUELINE RUSSELL
For Bret and Brandie Nowak, wedding photography isn’t just a career. It’s a shared passion rooted in their love for each other and the joy of storytelling. Originally from Rockport, Indiana, the Nowaks have built a thriving photography business serving Owensboro and beyond. Reflecting on their journey, they can’t help but get emotional.
“We started photographing weddings because we fell in love with the idea of capturing love stories on people’s biggest days,” Brandie said. “After photographing our first wedding together, we realized how naturally our strengths complemented each other and how magical it felt.”
A DYNAMIC DUO
From their first wedding, they knew they had something special. Bret and Brandie naturally fell into roles that made the process seamless.
“Bret excels at scouting the perfect light and ideal locations for photos while keeping a watchful eye on the timeline,” Brandie said. “Meanwhile, I pour my heart into connecting with people, capturing emotional details, and preserving candid moments.”
But their teamwork doesn’t stop there.
“We’ve built a rhythm over the years that allows us to work seamlessly,” Bret added. “A simple look or gesture is enough to communicate exactly what we need from each other during the chaos of a wedding day.”
Even when creative differences arise, their shared purpose keeps them grounded.
“We approach creative differences with open communication, always keeping our shared goal in mind: delivering the best experience and images for our couples,” Brandie said. “When disagreements arise, we lean into each other’s strengths, respecting the roles we’ve naturally embraced and supporting one another’s weaknesses.”
THE CLIENT CONNECTION
As a married couple, Bret and Brandie offer a unique perspective on weddings. They don’t just work as photographers; they serve as a calming presence and trusted team for their clients.
“As a married couple, we understand the emotions, chaos and magic of a wedding day firsthand,” Bret said. “We approach each wedding not only as photographers but also as a team who has been through the experience.”
That shared experience helps them form deep connections with their clients.
“Being married allows us to share relatable experiences with our couples, which creates trust and rapport,” Brandie said. “This connection helps them feel more comfortable, which translates into authentic, joyful photos.”
The Nowaks also draw from their own wedding day as inspiration for their work.
“We cherish the little moments from our own wedding,” Brandie said. “That perspective helps us focus on the candid, fleeting interactions — like a tearful glance or a joyful laugh with the people you love — that truly matter.”
FAVORITE MOMENTS
While every wedding is different, some moments stand out. For Bret, it’s the first look.
“I live for the first look and all the excitement, relief and joy emotions
that are present,” he said.
Brandie finds joy in quieter moments, saying, “I love the quiet moments during getting ready — there’s so much emotion and anticipation.”
At one wedding, the grandparents’ anniversary dance stole their hearts.
“We were deeply moved by the sight of a love that has stood the test of time,” Brandie recalled.
THE HEART OF THEIR CRAFT
To stay aligned, Bret and Brandie rely on preparation and rituals.
“We always review the timeline
Wedding photos by BRET & BRANDIE PHOTOGRAPHY
The Wedding Guide
together the night before and check in with each other on how we’re feeling,” Brandie said. “We have checklists and routines that we do every time to make sure we are 100% prepared. On the day of, we chug an energy drink and share a quick pep talk to set a positive tone.”
Clients notice the connection and care they bring to their work.
“Couples often tell us they feel like they had two best friends by their side all day, capturing moments in a way that feels effortless,” Brandie said.
Their shared philosophy — rooted in love, teamwork, and intentionality — guides their approach.
“We prioritize celebrating small wins, stepping back to appreciate our journey, and scheduling time away from work to travel, dream, and recharge together,” Bret shares.
BUILDING A LEGACY
For Bret and Brandie, wedding photography is more than a business — it’s a shared labor of love. Their connection as a couple enhances every aspect of their work, from calming nerves to capturing the quiet moments that make a wedding day unforgettable.
As one client told them, “You two are like a calming force on a wedding day — you bring so much joy and positivity that it feels like you’re part of the family.”
For the Nowaks, there’s no higher compliment. OL
Photo by BRET & BRANDIE PHOTOGRAPHY
Imagine your new life together by creating a wedding registry
WILLOW & PINE MARKET
Creating your wedding registry is exciting as you imagine your new life together and select the special things that will go into your new home.
My best advice is to choose higher-end, quality pieces and to create at least part of your registry with a local business.
By selecting high quality cookware, bakeware, and home goods, you create a registry of heirloom pieces that will last a lifetime and, one day, be handed down to your family. You will not be faced with replacing things over time and will enjoy years of cooking, baking, and making memories with those gifts.
By registering with a local store, you are able to see and experience your registry gifts in person. You can see the true colors, the quality, the dimensions of each product and feel confident in your selections.
Purchasing from a registry online, while convenient, can feel a bit impersonal to some people.
Many wedding guests prefer to shop for gifts in person and enjoy the experience of having their gift wrapped and carrying it out the door.
Additionally, local businesses are able to customize your registry in ways that larger, online stores cannot. Most importantly, your gifts can be beautifully wrapped and delivered to your shower venue or to your home.
At Willow and Pine Market, we offer wedding registries that allow your guests to shop online or in the store. It is always our delight to wrap your gifts beautifully and deliver them with care.
We are located downtown on the corner of 2nd Street and St. Ann. You can find us online at www.willowandpinemarket.com. OL
The Wedding Guide
She’s a Dandy!
OWENSBORO COUPLE MARRIED 75 YEARS
SHARES SECRET TO LONG, HAPPY MARRIAGE
Written by DANNY MAY // Photo by JAMIE PLAIN
Lester and Helen Schaick recently commemorated their 75th wedding anniversary with a celebration for family at Cedarhurst Senior Living, where they both now live. When Owensboro Living heard about their story, we wanted to celebrate them in this magazine and ask what advice they could share to make a marriage last.
Now better known as “Nanna” and
“Papaw” to their six grandkids and seven great-grandchildren, Helen (95) and Lester (96) were all smiles as they looked back at their happy lives together.
“We feel very fortunate,” Helen said. “We’ve been blessed with good health, a wonderful family, our children, and great friends. It’s hard work, but you just go on day to day and do what you have to do. I guess the Good Lord just meant it to be
this way.”
Talking with them is like listening to a living time capsule. There are many differences about weddings today compared to 1949, when Les and Helen were married on October 1 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
They did not have a gigantic wedding party; only a select few of their best friends and cousins were included. There was no expensive honeymoon to an exotic locale; a trip to nearby Madison sufficed. There was no wedding planner or exorbitant budget; keeping things simple was plenty.
In fact, the two were married at 11 a.m. on a Saturday in their parish priest’s home, signifying that faith has always been the bedrock of their marriage. She was 20 and he was 21.
Today, as longtime members of Immaculate Parish, their 75thanniversary milestone makes the Schaick’s the longest-living married couple in the Catholic Diocese of Owensboro (which covers all of Western Kentucky).
Helen still maintains an apartment at Cedarhurst, while Lester resides in the memory care unit, but the two still manage to spend time together every day. Helen walks down to eat dinner with Les each night. The staff told me they’ll often see the two lovebirds playing cards together, working puzzles, or sitting by the fireplace.
“He still calls her sweetheart. It’s very sweet,” an attendant in the memory care unit said.
Accompanied by their daughter, Lynn O’Bryan, Les and Helen spent an afternoon reminiscing on their life together, the happiness they still enjoy, and the secrets to a long-lasting marriage.
RELY ON YOUR FAITH
Faith means a lot to the Schaicks. Helen is Catholic while Les is Presbyterian, but together they found a way to blend their faith. Once they got engaged, Les and Helen took instruction together and Lester was always supportive of raising the kids Catholic. Les faithfully saw to it
EDITOR’S NOTE: In late November, our writer Danny May sat down with the Schaick family, who was excited to share this story. In early December, Lester Schaick unfortunately passed away. The family gave approval to Owensboro Living to still print the article, saying they were happy to share the Shaick’s story of true love with the community.
that Helen and the kids got to Mass, and he would attend with them on holidays.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH FRIENDS
Helen and Les have known each other since high school. In the beginning, they started hanging out as a group of friends, but as the friend group got older, some of them started pairing up. Eventually Les and Helen started dating, too.
After starting their lives together as husband and wife, the Schaicks moved from Wisconsin to North Carolina, then to Owensboro because of Les’ woodworking business. But wherever they were, they say having close couple friends has always been a support throughout their marriage.
IT’S A PARTNERSHIP
Lynn says one of the keys to her parent’s marriage is that it has always been a noticeable partnership with
shared responsibility. Helen helped Les with the business from their home office. Les helped Helen with raising their four kids. Helen enjoyed being at home cooking and cleaning.
“Their relationship together is so good. You don’t see that as much these days. People today get mad and walk out, but they never did that,” Lynn told me. “I don’t ever remember them fighting much or either one of them getting so mad they walked out. They were good together. She always put him and us kids first and put herself last.”
KEEP DATING
Helen proudly recounted their longstanding weekly date nights, which they maintained for more than 30 years. After Saturday evening Mass, they had a standing reservation at Colby’s downtown. That was their time to talk. Helen says the managers knew they were coming.
“We’d walk in and our booth was
reserved,” she said. “Usually, it was the same booth and our drinks would already be on the table.”
FORGIVENESS AND PATIENCE
Another foundation for their marriage is extending forgiveness and showing patience with each other.
“When you have a family and are raising four kids, if you just hang in there it will all work out,” Helen said.
She also commented that Les wasn’t a big talker at home because he talked with people all day long as a salesman. For her, it was more about being able to understand his way of thinking and hearing him more with her heart.
DON’T GIVE UP
The underlying thing that Helen mentioned several times was not giving up.
“I think kids today give up too fast,” she said. “You gotta hang in there. We didn’t have all that highfalutin stuff like they do now. We didn’t have television or any of that stuff. I never had a washer and dryer when we were younger. We had to hang our clothes on a line and the wet clothes would freeze in Wisconsin.
We cooked. Kids nowadays don’t make meals like we used to. We put meals on the table and we ate as a family.”
A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
No marriage is perfect, and life is not always easy. Helen and Les recalled the heartache of losing two grandkids who were 21 years old and the painful decision to sell the house and move into Cedarhurst because they needed round-the-clock care and didn’t want to burden their adult children.
But their positivity carried through.
“Life is what you make it,” Helen said. “I see people complaining all the time, but it doesn’t do you any good. Things could always be a lot worse.”
I noticed when Lester sat down next to Helen for this interview, he immediately put his arm around Helen’s shoulder and smiled. After the nearly hour-long conversation, when I asked how he would summarize everything, Les gave a glance toward Helen and gave me what might be the best ending to an interview I’ve ever heard.
He said with pride: “She’s a dandy!”OL
The Wedding Guide
OWENSBORO WEDDINGS
From rustic barns to elegant ballrooms, find your perfect venue
Written by RYAN RICHARDSON
Owensboro offers a charming blend of Southern hospitality, scenic beauty, and modern amenities, making it an ideal location for couples to tie the knot. Whether you dream of an elegant ballroom, a rustic barn, or a waterfront backdrop, Owensboro and its surrounding areas have venues to suit every vision. Here’s a roundup of some of the most popular wedding venues in the area.
RUSTIC AND FARM VIBES
REID’S ORCHARD
4818 KY 144
Known for its picturesque countryside setting, Reid’s Orchard offers rustic charm with its lush apple orchards and open-air pavilion. It’s perfect for outdoor ceremonies and receptions with a natural vibe.
WHITE CHATEAU AT CECIL FARMS
8753 MULLIGAN ROAD
Located just outside Owensboro, White Chateau combines French countryside elegance with Kentucky hospitality. Centered around an elegant white barn, the venue includes airy spaces and sprawling farm views.
GRAND STABLE VENUE
7735 KY 144 (UTICA)
The Grand Stable venue is on a 25acre property that was once a horse
farm. Whether you’re envisioning a romantic outdoor ceremony under the open sky or a grand indoor gala, this versatile venue can accommodate your needs.
HILTON FARMS
3695 BELLTOWN ROAD (UTICA)
Located in Utica, Hilton Farms just opened at the end of 2024. With an elegant barn on several acres plus a lake for a charming backdrop, the venue provides an opportunity for indoor or outdoor celebrations of various sizes.
GREEN RIVER DISTILLING CO.
10 DISTILLERY ROAD
With several acres of open grass and grade-level pavement, Green River Distilling Co. can fit nearly any style of wedding, from a large outdoor celebration to a smaller intimate ceremony.
The main event space, the “Bottling House,” is a rustic piece of distilling history.
TRADITIONAL EVENT SPACES
OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER
501 WEST 2ND STREET
The Owensboro Convention Center provides modern elegance with panoramic river views. Couples can choose from a variety of customizable indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate both intimate gatherings and large parties.
RIVERPARK CENTER
101 DAVIESS STREET
The RiverPark Center offers a unique mix of cultural flair and riverfront views, from the intimate Cannon Hall to the outdoor Riverfront Plaza.
Green River Distilling Co.
White Chateau at Cecil Farms
BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM
311 WEST 2ND STREET
Celebrate your special day surrounded by the rhythm of Kentucky’s culture. This venue provides a unique and elegant backdrop for music-loving couples, with indoor and outdoor spaces available.
BAYSIDE AT THE PARTY SPACE PLACE
5010 WILDCAT WAY
Centrally located and next door to micro-venue The Party Space Place, Bayside is a versatile indoor space that also has an outdoor patio with a lake view. It’s ideal for intimate ceremonies.
THE VENUE AT 1010
1010 ALLEN STREET
The upstairs space of a building steeped in Owensboro’s history (a former tobacco processing warehouse) has been transformed into The Venue at 1010. The venue opened toward the end of 2024 and boasts an open-concept ballroom.
GOLF COURSES
OWENSBORO COUNTRY CLUB
400 EAST BYERS AVENUE
Despite its relatively central location in the city, the Owensboro Country Club provides a private and sophisticated feel, delivering with its lush golf course views and refined clubhouse spaces.
THE PEARL CLUB
6501 SUMMIT DRIVE
An upscale golf club venue with both indoor and outdoor spaces, rolling greens, and stunning views, this picturesque venue promises a memorable celebration.
WINDRIDGE COUNTRY CLUB
5044 MILLERS MILL ROAD
Nestled privately in a picturesque setting with panoramic views of the golf course, Windridge Country Club has a ballroom and a patio to accommodate intimate weddings.
PUBLIC
SMOTHERS PARK
199 WEST VETERANS BOULEVARD
For a public yet intimate setting, Smothers Park offers cascading fountains, modern landscaping, and a riverfront backdrop for plenty of photo opportunities.
WESTERN KENTUCKY BOTANICAL GARDEN
2731 WEST 2ND STREET
The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden, anchored by the historic Weatherberry home, offers a lush garden setting with vibrant flowers, walking paths, and romantic backdrops for ceremonies. The entire Garden or any part can be rented, allowing for any size weddings. OL
JULEP HOME & GIFT
Specializing in wedding registries for couples
Curating a wedding registry is one of the first things many newly engaged couples focus on as they prepare for their wedding day.
A registry identifies items the couple selects to furnish their home. It is also a helpful guide for family and friends who send shower and wedding gifts.
“One of the advantages of registering at Julep is the variety of new products we offer,” said coowner Elizabeth Wilson. “Couples can select dishes, flatware,
glasses, serving pieces, cookware, home decor, and even bed and bath linens. It is convenient for couples to have everything in one place.”
Shopping local has many advantages over online registries.
“Couples can compare a variety of items in every category for color, size, and quality,” added co-owner Sharon Wilson. “Also, all of our inventory is online so a registry can be created or edited by couples, and their guests can
shop any time.”
In addition to quality products and excellent customer service, Julep makes the process seamless for busy couples. Their thoughtfully curated selection ensures every couple can find items that suit their personal style.
Julep Home and Gift is located at 2738 Frederica Street in Wesleyan Park Plaza. They offer free gift wrapping and in-town delivery. OL
LIFESTYLE
STRONGER TOGETHER
Combating senior loneliness during and after the holidays
Written by DAVID TUCKER , Executive Director, Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County
The holidays are great! Many families get together for the best times they have together all year. People travel home to visit parents or grandparents. Favorite memories are shared, and family recipes abound. Yet, when the holidays are over, and everyone moves on to making New Year’s
resolutions, loneliness and isolation sets in for many seniors.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 27% of seniors over the age of 65 live alone. During the winter months, when the days are shorter, the nights are also longer. Often, seniors spend a lot of extra time sleeping or staying in bed during the
winter because they are lonely, and the darkness feeds this feeling. Added to that feeling of loneliness is the fact that their families have gone back to their own routines and the love that was shared in December feels farther away.
Loneliness is seen at higher rates among those living with poorer physical and mental health. Adding to those factors are seniors who are no longer working, live alone, or have a disability that limits daily activities. This information comes from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, which also states that the number of seniors reporting feelings of loneliness is higher among women. The poll also states that these feelings have increased since the COVID pandemic.
So, what can be done? How do we combat such statistics?
It’s easy for us to say that seniors should just remain active and connected to their communities, but the reality is that the longer we live, the more losses we experience. Working with seniors, their conversations often turn to what they can no longer do, how many friends and loved ones they have lost, and the struggle to feel relevant to society.
The National Council on Aging recommends a few things that seniors can do to combat their feelings of loneliness. Making communication a priority. Stay in touch with friends, family, and neighbors. This communication goes both ways, we should not leave it to the senior to be the first to reach out. We need each other and we should watch out for each other. If you have a senior in your life or know of a senior in your neighborhood,
don’t assume they have someone watching over them. Reach out, communicate, and encourage them to remain as active as possible.
Encourage social activities through local organizations. Find a place to engage. Our community has a highly active senior community center that provides exercise classes, social contact, and fun activities. There are groups for seniors to take trips, gather for discussions, or just enjoy lunch together. The senior center offers all of this and more for anyone aged 60 and over. Churches often have senior groups that gather regularly and stay in touch with each other. There are other groups in our community as well, just look around and you’ll find something that works for you.
Hobbies and interests are often a way
to connect with others as well. Perhaps a book club, a quilting club, a crafting club, or any other interest would be a good way to make friends with similar interests.
Look for opportunities to combat loneliness at any time. When a group isn’t gathering, or the weather is too difficult to get out of the house, there are still other options to keep isolation at bay. Mental Health America (MHA) has an online support community that is full of people day and night looking to communicate and support others. For those who enjoy a phone conversation, there is The Friendship Line, which is available 24/7 for adults who are 60+ and offers a caring ear and friendly conversation. The number for The Friendship Line is 1-800-971-0016. There is an African proverb that
says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” My feeling is that it takes a village to survive and be successful at life. In life, I’ve found that I need people around me. Sometimes, they are for support or encouragement. Sometimes, to inspire or be inspired. Yet, other times, just to help battle the feeling of isolation that comes with the thought of being alone in a crowd of people. The bottom line is that we all need each other. As a society, we can often do much better. Let me challenge you today to look out for a senior who may need you in their life. Use the tips above to connect and help them with the loneliness and isolation that comes this time of year. Again, we need each other and we are truly stronger together. OL
Weight management resources bring hope for a new year
Living life at a healthy weight can be challenging, but Owensboro Health has abundant resources to help. Offering treatments such as weightloss surgery, clinically supervised weight-loss medications and counselling for healthy nutrition and lifestyle changes, the Owensboro Health Weight Management team creates an individualized plan to help patients lose weight and live well.
“LIFE-CHANGING” WEIGHT-LOSS SURGERY
than 200 pounds on her five-foot frame, her health began to suffer with high blood pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux, depression and the threat of diabetes. Her doctors suggested she consider bariatric surgery, and Tracy was delighted to learn it was available at Owensboro Health, in her hometown.
Before her gastric bypass surgery in September 2022, Tracy focused on the resources provided by the Owensboro Health Weight Management team to mentally prepare and make the lifestyle changes needed for longterm success. “Weight-loss surgery has been a life-changing experience,” Tracy says. “Dr. Alapati and Caitlin made me feel so comfortable, and the entire team was supportive and responsive.”
More than two years later, Tracy is maintaining her 100-pound weight loss, and she is living a happier, healthier life. “I have much more energy and confidence to do the things I love,” she says. “In fact, I feel like dancing again!”
Since she was young, Tracy had always enjoyed dancing. But after gaining quite a bit of weight in her forties, she increasingly chose to sit out the dance. Life stresses caused her to seek comfort in food and eating out. As her weight climbed to more
EXERCISE IS MEDICINE
Providers will recommend exercise to improve their patients’ health, but often the patients don’t know where to begin, lacking the tools and expertise to exercise safely and effectively. Fortunately, the Owensboro Health Healthpark offers the needed guidance with the Exercise is Medicine program (EIM).
With a referral from a provider, any person with an identified health risk and willingness to commit to healthy lifestyle change can enroll in the eight-
week EIM program at the Healthpark. After a fitness assessment and discussion of personal fitness goals, a certified fitness trainer develops an exercise prescription and explains and demonstrates the exercise plan.
Benefits include improved physical health and weight loss, as well as decreased stress, anxiety and depression. The patient receives weekly coaching and encouragement from the trainer, who helps develop a long-term fitness plan with them.
MEDICATIONS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Patients who have not been successful managing their weight with diet and exercise may find the help they need through weight-loss drugs that suppress hunger and increase feelings of fullness.
“Taking weight loss medications can result in 3 to 20% overall reduction of body weight,” says Ericka Mason, PA-C. “Significant weight loss can provide health benefits such as lowered blood pressure, improved blood sugar and cholesterol levels and reduced joint pain.”
Taken as a weekly injection, Semaglutide is one of the medications commonly prescribed to manage obesity in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. Weightloss drugs can be expensive and can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache and fatigue.
“Just know that you need to use prescription weight-loss drugs in addition to — not instead of — a healthy diet and exercise,” says Caitlin Heep, PA-C. “Many people gain back some of their weight when they stop taking weight-loss drugs because they do not continue healthy habits to maintain their new weight.”
To begin your weight-loss journey with Owensboro Health, please call 270-688-1500 to schedule a consultation and visit OwensboroHealth.com/LiveWell. OL
TRACY AFTER
TRACY BEFORE
FROM THE CHAMBER
CANDANCE CASTLEN BRAKE President & CEO, Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce
Happy New Year and Welcome to the Chamber Current, a collaboration between the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce and the amazing team of Owensboro Living.
2025 marks the 112th anniversary of our Chamber. Each new year we reflect upon the responsibility and duty that comes with working for an organization that has served our members and the community at large for over a century. The staff, volunteers, and board of directors are stewards of this legacy. And we strive to do our part to leave the organization strong and relevant.
Our Chamber membership consists of close to 1,000 members. From small businesses to nonprofits and from churches to large corporations, we have a diverse membership who makes up the best of what Greater Owensboro has to offer.
We believe our Chamber represents the fabric of Owensboro. We do not take that lightly. We understand the challenges that each of our members face. And we know what an honor it is to be on the journey with them.
If you are not a member, we would love to talk to you about why it is important to invest and what opportunities to grow your business you are missing.
These pages are filled with story after story of great things happening in our community. Thank you for doing your part in moving Greater Owensboro forward. The future is bright!
SHOP OWENSBORO BY THE NUMBERS
Total Bags with 35,000 Items inserted into bags 27 Minutes for all Shop Owensboro bags to be given out 70 Participating businesses 15 Independence Bank volunteers
AMBASSADOR FORMAL LUNCH MEETING
Owensboro
IN THE WORKPLACE TRANSPORTATION
PROFESSIONALS
FARM CITY BREAKFAST 7:30 a.m.
Daviess County High School
ROOSTER BOOSTER RECAP
NOVEMBER
The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s November Rooster Booster breakfast focused on celebrating agriculture and the vital contributions of local farmers to both the community and the world. Sponsored by Daviess County Cooperative Extension and Daviess County Farm Bureau, the event highlighted the importance of farming with FFA students in attendance.
Amanda Owen, executive director of Puzzle Pieces, was honored with the Most Valuable Recruiter award by Visit Owensboro. Chamber Members who registered their businesses for the 2024 Shop Owensboro program, powered by Independence Bank, were also recognized.
The featured speaker was Eddie Melton, President of Kentucky Farm Bureau. Recently elected to the role in 2023, Mr. Melton has a distinguished record of leadership, including service on the American Farm Bureau Federation Board and other prominent agricultural organizations.
DECEMBER
TSpeaker: Eddie Melton
Sponsors:
he Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s December Rooster Booster breakfast highlighted the importance of supporting small businesses through a lively discussion panel. Sponsored by German American Bank, the program featured local business leaders Jeremy Woods (Byron & Barclay), Ticy Cox (Kahawa Java), Jim Gilles (Hill View Farms Meats), Natasha Stanley (Bella Ragazza Boutique), and Matt Weafer (Niko’s Bakery & Cafe). The panel was moderated by Amy Jackson of German American Bank.
Following the program, the Second Annual Our Chamber Has Heart NonProfit Fair took place in the lobby of the Owensboro Convention Center. This event provided attendees with the opportunity to connect with local nonprofit organizations and learn more about their impactful work in the community.
Kentucky Skin Cancer Center, Robert Skaggs, M.D., F.A.A.D
Kentucky Small Business Development CenterOwensboro Office
Kentucky Youth Chorale/Institute for Young Musicians Kingdom Cords
KORT Physical Therapy- Wesleyan Park
Kroger Wine and Spirits
Kroger Wine and Spirits
Kurtz Auction & Realty Company
L. Steve Castlen Realtors
L.A. Buford, Inc.
Lillianne Sharp Photography
Limos By Knight
Martin Custom Building Inc.
McCoy Construction and Forestry
Michael J Gross, LLC
Midwest Services, LLC
Modern Welding Co. of Owensboro, Inc.
Moorman Farms Inc
Morton Holbrook, lll
NiteLiters, Inc.
OMICO, Inc.
Owensboro Country Club
Owensboro Dermatology Associates PSC
Owensboro Federal Credit Union
Owensboro Health
Owensboro Lions Club
Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission
Owensboro-SHRM
Pat Hayden Moving
Payne Construction & Remodeling, LLC
Pediatric Dentistry of Owensboro
Phil Lambert Farm, LLC
Piggy Express, LLC
RBS Design Group Architecture
Regional Land Title Company
Regional Water Resource Agency
Reid’s Orchard
River City Pickleball Club
SERVPRO of Daviess County
Simply Chic Home Accents
Something Borrowed
Specialty Foods Group, LLC, makers of Kentucky Legend
Spectrum Transportation Corporation
Sprout and Sing
State Farm Insurance, Seth Lawson
Swank Style & Boutique
Tanner+West
Thacker, Hodskins, & Knight LLP
The Center of Owensboro-Daviess County
The Cupola Club
The Fathers House of Owensboro
The Functional Family
The Harris Jarboe Group - Keller Williams Elite
The Olive Garden Restaurant
The Skin Therapist
Timesavers Kentucky, LLC
Toyotetsu Mid America
Truth Outreach, LLC
U.S. Bank
UniFirst Corporation
University of Louisville School of Nursing-Owensboro Extension
Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph
Visit Owensboro
Wedding Thompson Orthodontics
Welborn Floral Company
Wellington Parc
Western Kentucky University
WEVV-TV
White Chateau at Cecil Farms
CHAMBER MEMBERS OF THE WEEK
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
NOVEMBER
TROPICAL SMOOTHIE CAFE
While Tropical Smoothie Cafe may be known for its smoothies, its mission in Owensboro extends far beyond the menu. With roots planted firmly in the community, the locally owned franchise has made giving back a central part of its operations, supporting local schools, churches, and nonprofits through fundraisers, donations, and unique partnerships. Since opening in 2021, Tropical Smoothie Cafe has donated over $8,000 in cash and thousands more in food to local schools, churches, and nonprofits through its “Give Back Day” fundraisers, where 20% of sales from both Owensboro locations are donated to community organizations.
WINDY HOLLOW BISCUIT HOUSE
Since opening in May 2022, the Windy Hollow Biscuit House has become more than just a breakfast spot. The Biscuit House is a natural extension of the legacy started over 60 years ago, when the original Windy Hollow restaurant, campgrounds, and racetrack became staples in Daviess County. The Biscuit House is open six days a week, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. It offers a mix of home-cooked Southern comfort food and modern touches like specialty coffees, mimosas, and Bloody Marys.
PEOPLEREADY
PeopleReady is a national staffing agency with a branch in Owensboro. The company connects job seekers with flexible, temporary, and seasonal work opportunities across various industries. The organization operates under the TrueBlue company umbrella and has provided staffing solutions for more than 30 years. Its ultimate goal is to help employers and job seekers navigate the changing workforce landscape.
JAMIE VOWELS-BEATTY, REALTOR WITH KELLER WILLIAMS ELITE
Jamie Vowels-Beatty, a Realtor with Keller Williams Elite in Owensboro, may only have two years of experience in her current role, but her roots in the real estate industry run deep. With over two decades of experience in banking, mortgage lending, and business ownership, she said she brings a comprehensive understanding of the home-buying process to her clients.
DECEMBER
DONATOS PIZZA
Donatos Pizza first opened in Owensboro in 2017 at 2601 West Parrish Avenue. Six years later, the owners opened a second location on the city’s east side at 3415 New Hartford Road, and they’ve been serving “specialty pizzas with edge-to-edge toppings” ever since. A representative for the local operation, Leanna Byrne, said the restaurant is committed to giving back to the community and creating memorable experiences for its customers.
BOUJIE BISCUIT
Boujie Biscuit, located at 217 Williamsburg Square, serves up a delicious twist on Southern comfort food with handcrafted biscuits topped with creative sweet and savory combinations. Known for its hearty portions and welcoming atmosphere, this local gem is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting treat any time of day.
EVENT KODE
Since its launch in 2019, Event Kode has evolved into a growing business specializing in balloon décor, inflatables, and photo booths. Owner and operator Kodi Shutt said the venture began as a way to channel her creativity and support her family but has grown into a source of joy and connection for clients across the country. Shutt started Event Kode as a full-service event decorating company, offering table setups, chairs, and linens. However, in spring 2021, she shifted her focus to balloon décor and inflatable rentals, and by 2023, photo booth rentals became part of her growing list of services.
HOUCHENS INSURANCE GROUP
Houchens Insurance Group is a trusted provider of comprehensive insurance solutions for individuals, families, and businesses. With a client-focused approach, they offer personalized service and a wide range of coverage options to meet diverse needs, helping the community safeguard what matters most.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership for the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce at kjones@owensboro.com
OUR CHAMBER HAS HEART
Our Chamber Has Heart – the Chamber’s way to showcase its nonprofit members and their heartfelt work – was held after the Rooster Booster on December 5 at the Owensboro Convention Center.
The event featured over 40 nonprofits giving the Chamber membership an opportunity to see the depth and scope of the work being done each day in our community serving the vulnerable and promoting quality of life for everyone.
BETTER TOGETHER:
CHAMBER MEMBERS HELPING MEMBERS
First Presbyterian Church has demonstrated the spirit of community and collaboration by supporting fellow Chamber Members Boulware Mission and St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter.
Earlier this summer, First Presbyterian Church hosted a Used Book Fair, raising over $1,500. The proceeds were gifted to Boulware Mission, helping to fund their transformative work of providing hope, healing, and life-changing support to those in need.
Their generosity didn’t stop there. The church also stepped up to aid St. Benedict’s by delivering totes brimming with winter necessities, hygiene products, and a monetary donation. This heartfelt contribution strengthens St. Benedict’s efforts to serve individuals experiencing homelessness in the community.
Both organizations expressed their gratitude for the giving hearts of First Presbyterian Church, highlighting the impact of partnerships within the Chamber that uplift and support one another.
CONNECTING SCHOOLS AND EMPLOYERS PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS
Educators in the Workplace is the Chamber’s way of strengthening the connection between our local education and workforce opportunities. The program immerses educators from the area’s middle schools, high schools, and post-secondary institutions into local employers’ workplaces to provide a unique insider perspective of the operations, expectations, and opportunities.
By gaining exposure to the workforce opportunities available, going on site to speak with employers about their operations and expectations, and engaging in discussions with other teaching professionals, educators cultivate and nurture the connection between Owensboro’s schools and the local business community.
Each of the four sessions of Educators in the Workplace highlights different career paths and regional workforce opportunities. The first session featured visits to Owensboro Municipal Utilities (OMU) Cavin Water Treatment Plant and to Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc. with a focus on IT/STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) career pathways, workforce needs, and internship opportunities available in our region. The manufacturing session was hosted by Sun Windows and Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) with emphasis on GO FAME, GO CAREERS, and iTEC programs. The session which focused on healthcare in our community included visits to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital and RiverValley Behavioral Health and included discussions on innovation in healthcare and mental health challenges.
This year’s cohort is comprised of 35 education professionals. These individuals learn about specific career options for their students while touring the sites and speaking directly with the respective employers. The employer hosts also connect with educators about presentation options for classroom visits which can be catered to a variety of ages and group
sizes. Students benefit from their educators’ knowledge of specific career opportunities, internship programs, and levels of proficiency required for employees. The educators benefit from professional development that links classroom practice with workplace practice. The business leaders can demonstrate their specific needs for well-educated and well-trained employees to build a stronger workforce for tomorrow. Connecting high school, middle school, and post-secondary educators with area business leaders bolsters the much-needed bridge between education and profession.
CHAMBER AMBASSADORS OF THE MONTH
NOVEMBER
STEPHANIE BERTRAM
A proud veteran’s wife, mother of three, and active community advocate, Stephanie embodies commitment, empathy, and hard work in all she does. As a realtor with BHG Realty, she is part of a seasoned team with 250 years of combined experience, enabling her to deliver expert, client-focused service. Guided by values of integrity and care, she is dedicated to ensuring every real estate journey is smooth and rewarding. Beyond her professional role, she remains deeply engaged in her community, fostering connections that strengthen and enrich local neighborhoods.
MANDIE HICKS
Mandie Hicks is an insurance agent for Kentucky Farm Bureau. She has been in the insurance industry for nearly 20 years. Mandie helps families with home, auto, life, business, and health insurance at the Kentucky Farm Bureau location on Frederica Street.
Mandie is very involved in the community, devoting a lot of time to the Chamber, the Home Builders Association, PTO, and St. Joseph’s Peace Mission for Children as a board member, just to name a few.
In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband, Adam and their four children. Mandie is proud to serve Daviess County families as they are the backbone of our community.
DECEMBER
JAN GOLDMAN
Born into a military family, Jan built a career in education, drawn by its adaptability to new duty stations. She taught literature, composition, and AP English in high schools before transitioning to higher education. Now leading Experiential Learning & Career Services at Owensboro Community & Technical College, she also teaches Experiential Learning and First-Year Seminar classes.
A first-generation graduate of Virginia Tech and Western Kentucky University, Jan has extensive experience in student affairs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Recently named Outstanding New Professional in Two-Year Colleges by ACPA, she is also the incoming president of CPAK and is passionate about helping students achieve success in all areas of their lives.
GREATER OWENSBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Olga McKissic 2025 Chair
DIRECTOR, WESTERN ACADEMY AT THE NEBLETT CENTER
John Marshall Moore
Past Chair
MOORE AUTOMOTIVE LEGENDS
MARSHALL VENTURES
Shawn Patterson
Chair-Elect
CEO, SOUTHERN STAR CENTRAL GAS PIPELINES, INC.
Susan Montalvo-Gesser, J.D.
Vice-Chair, Legal
CATHOLIC CHARITIES, DIOCESE OF OWENSBORO
Dr. Wanda Figueroa Peralta
Vice-Chair, Membership Services
PRESIDENT AND CEO, RIVERVALLEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Bart Darrell, J.D.
Past Chair
Vice Chair, Advocacy
CHANCELLOR, HEALTHFORCE KENTUCKY PRESIDENT EMERITUS, KENTUCKY WESLEYAN COLLEGE
Father Larry Hostetter Vice-Chair, Administration PRESIDENT, BRESCIA UNIVERSITY
Michael Johnson Vice-Chair, Membership Development FOUNDER OF TRUTH OUTREACH, INC.
Kyle Aud Vice-Chair, Finance
MARKET PRESIDENT, GERMAN AMERICAN BANK
Neel Ford Board Member
PARTNER AND ADVISOR, E.M. FORD
Jim Gilles Board Member OWNER, HILL VIEW FARMS
Stephen M. Johnson Board Member
PRESIDENT, REPRESENT GPA DIRECTOR, BLUEGRASS MUSIC INITIATIVE
GREATER OWENSBORO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anne Higgins Board Member OWNER, WILLOW & PINE
Jacob Call Board Member
MASTER DISTILLER, WESTERN KENTUCKY DISTILLERY
Kerry Bailey Board Member
HUMAN RESOURCES STRATEGIC BUSINESS
PARTNER-SUPPLY CHAIN UNIFIRST CORPORATION
Joanna Shake Board Member
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GREEN RIVER AREA DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Tristan Durbin Board Member
DIRECTOR, OWENSBORO-DAVIESS COUNTY REGIONAL AIRPORT
Mark Marsh Board Member PRESIDENT AND CEO, OWENSBORO HEALTH
Suzanne Cecil White Board Member
OWNER, CECIL FARMS PRODUCE, LLC AND WHITE CHATEAU
Jared Revlett
Special Director, Chamber Young Professionals Chair
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, OWENSBORO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
County Commissioner Chris Castlen
Special Director, Daviess County Fiscal Court DAVIESS COUNTY FISCAL COURT
City Commissioner
Curtis Maglinger
Special Director, City of Owensboro CITY OF OWENSBORO
2024 OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS
W. Clay H. Ford PARTNER, EM FORD
Joan Hayden OWNER, HAYDEN ELECTRIC AND HAYDEN FARMS
Sarah Murphy Ford VICE-PRESIDENT, HARTZ CONTRACTING
RIBBON CUTTINGS
A TIME-HONORED TRADITION
Ribbon Cuttings are so special to local businesses and organizations. The tradition of a Ribbon Cutting is most commonly known to celebrate a grand opening, but Chamber Members also use a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate renovations, anniversaries, new locations, and joining the Chamber.
PUZZLE PIECES SATELLITE BUILDING
BRYANTCORP
ONLY EMPIRE CREATIONS
BLITZ BOUTIQUE SALON AND SPA
PC QUEST
THE SKIN THERAPIST
POSH MEDICAL SPA
by JAMIE PLAIN
RECIPE: WEDDING GATHERINGS p. 66
WHAT WE’RE EATING NOW: COMFORT FOODS p. 69
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: BECCA BAKES p. 70
FLAVOR
Photo
Delicious Recipes for Wedding Gatherings
Recipes and photos by JAMIE PLAIN
Wedding season is approaching, and that means a lot of celebrations in honor of the bride and groom-to-be. Whether it's an intimate gathering with family and friends, or a lively celebration with a larger group, your menu can set the tone for your entire event. We have curated a list of three different types of crowd-pleasing recipes covering an appetizer, dessert, and drinks. Each of these recipes could also be made in large batches for any sized get-together. They are all easy to prepare, delicious, and guaranteed to delight your guests! We hope that the recipes will help make your celebration as special as the couple it honors!
SWEET BEGINNINGS
Deviled Eggs
INGREDIENTS:
12 hard boiled eggs
1/4 cup (or more) mayonnaise
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp dill pickle juice
Cajun seasoning to taste
Salt/pepper/garlic powder to taste
Splash of Tabasco sauce
Optional: fresh chives, bacon, and smoked paprika for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Use your favorite method to make hard boiled eggs. The way I always produce easy-to-peel hard boiled eggs is by lightly tapping the raw egg with a spoon before boiling it (on the wide side of the egg). Once your taps start to make a different sound, the membrane has detected inside the egg. I then put the eggs in alreadyboiling water and let them boil for ten minutes. After that I will shock them in cold water. Works every time!
2. Cut your hard boiled eggs lengthwise down the middle. Scoop out the yolks of each egg and place them into a bowl - the whites can be put on a plate and placed in the refrigerator until they are ready to be filled.
3. Smash your yolks with a fork until they are powder, then add mayonnaise. I start with 1/4 cup and then add more at the end if it's not at my desired creaminess.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients (besides the garnish), making sure to stir well and get a creamy mixture. Adjust each of your seasonings to taste (I like a spicy deviled egg so I go heavy on cajun and actually use spicy dill pickle juice).
5. Fill your egg whites with your yolk mixture. I used a piping bag to make it look nice for my event, but a regular spoon can also be used. Garnish with your favorite toppingsI think fresh chives, bacon crumbles and smoked paprika make for a perfect egg. Serve cold!
Miniature
Espresso Cheesecakes
INGREDIENTS:
Crust:
16 Oreo cookies (I used java chip flavored)
2 Tbsp melted butter
Cheesecake:
2 packages full fat cream cheese, room temperature
1/3 cup sugar
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
3 Tbsp espresso powder
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a cupcake tin with liners (16).
2. Crush your Oreos in a blender or food processor. Combine the Oreo cookie crumbs with the melted butter in a bowl.
3. Put 2 Tbsp of the mixture into each cupcake liner, pressing down firmly to create the bottom crust. Bake for 5 min, then pull them out and let them cool while preparing the cheesecake.
4. Put 1 Tbsp of your espresso powder into 1 Tbsp of hot water and let it dissolve. Reserve the other 2 Tbsp as powder.
5. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Beat in sour cream, vanilla extract, brewed espresso and espresso powder until smooth.
6. Beat in eggs (until just combined, do not over-mix)
7. Place around 1/4 cup of the cheesecake mixture on top of each crush in the cupcake liners.
8. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until the center of the cheesecake is only slightly jiggly. Allow them to cook at room temperature and then place them in the fridge for at least two hours to chill before serving. Top with whipped cream, espresso powder, and a chocolate covered coffee bean while serving.
Blueberry Lemon Vodka Spritz
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups blueberries
2 Lemons (thinly sliced/de-seeded)
1/2 cup simple syrup
2 cups vodka
4 cups sparkling lemon water
Rosemary/lemon slices for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. In a large pitcher, muddle all your blueberries, lemons, and simple syrup until about halfsmashed.
2. Stir in vodka. Cover and place in the fridge until you are ready to serve (the longer it sits, the more it infuses).
3. Pour sparkling water into each cup (to taste) and pour the vodka mixture over top each glass.
4. Garnish with more lemon & rosemary. OL
What we’re eating now
When it comes to food that warms your heart and satisfies your soul, nothing hits the spot quite like Southern comfort fare. This month, we’re diving into a delicious lineup of home-cooked staples served right here in town. From flaky biscuits drowning in rich, creamy gravy to hearty plates brimming with barbecue, fried chicken, and classic sides, these meals evoke all the warmth and nostalgia of a Southern kitchen. Whether you’re craving a big breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a dinner spread that feels like a family reunion, these local eateries deliver comfort by the forkful.
Big Breakfast
WINDY HOLLOW BISCUIT HOUSE
Windy Hollow specializes in Southern comfort food, complete with a brunch buffet. And there might not be a more traditional way to kick off a hearty breakfast than with their fresh buttermilk waffle, eggs, choice of meat, and a couple of open biscuits smothered in gravy.
Barbecue Buffet
OLE SOUTH BARBECUE
If you can’t decide what you want for lunch or dinner, Ole South has you covered with their buffet. Load up on nostalgic sides, from mac and cheese and mashed potatoes to corn and green beans. Then round out a comforting meal with barbecue, fried chicken, catfish, or fried pork chops.
Delicious Diner
KIM’S DINER
Kim’s quickly grew into a local favorite thanks to its plate lunches and quality service. Make sure you try their meat-plus-three, which also comes with cornbread or a roll. We recommend the meatloaf, although you can’t go wrong with any of their options.
SWEET SUCCESS
Becca Bakes brings flavor, community together
Written by MARLYS MASON
Becca Westerfield, owner of Becca Bakes, continues to sweeten the community one decision at a time.
In 2019, Westerfield was working in a law office and baking from home. A friend asked if she realized she was working two fulltime jobs.
“My house was full of cupcakes and cakes,” she said. “My husband would come in and ask if we were grilling [for dinner].”
Success continued, thanks to
word of mouth and social media, and Westerfield realized she needed a storefront — which is now open Tuesday through Friday — to continue to fill orders.
“It was just taking off,” she said.
Westerfield also realized that she could not keep up with the demand, so she hired her cousin Sarah to help. The store currently has 13 employees, and Westerfield said they’re the kind that stick around and even return from
Photo by JAMIE PLAIN
college on breaks to work. She’s also proud to pass on baking traditions to her employees.
“They are peers and teachers and I love hearing them ask each other, ‘How did you do that?’ when they are decorating,” she said. “They are forming friendships.”
Ms. Brenda runs the counter and Ms. Connie, who comes from cafeteria work, has her own corner mixer in the kitchen. Westerfield also has a second-in-charge in Aleah, who is helping Westerfield learn to “divide and conquer,” along with Heather, who customizes the grazing tables and charcuterie boards offered.
This year, Becca Bakes has made cakes or cupcakes for more than 60 weddings. The smallest wedding cake sold is a two-tier cake, but anything larger, she sets it up at the wedding site. But it’s not just full-size cakes requested for weddings, as Becca Bakes’ cupcakes are often a hot item because people want to try the variety of flavors the bride and groom select. While the cupcake display trend started during the pandemic, Westerfield said it has maintained popularity.
The enjoyment of baking for celebratory events is something Westerfield learned from her greatgrandmother.
“I was always at the counter, underfoot,” she said. “If I so much as sneezed, she wanted to make a pie. It was her love language.”
Westerfield has carried on the tradition with her family, and gathering around the table is important with her two grown children.
Westerfield wanted to add that feeling of togetherness to the
storefront, so from Wednesday to Friday, people can come in to eat lunch and use the space that is filled with parties on other days.
And visitors can try a cupcake – or three – of course.
On Saturdays, the storefront is closed for private parties that range from gender reveals to baby and wedding showers to birthday parties. Westerfield said they offer grazing tables, along with the sweets so that the event can be turn-key ready.
“It is all done for them … from the cakes and cupcakes to the charcuterie tray to plates, napkins and drinks,” she said. “They can walk in, have the party and walk out.”
From the pink walls to themed table decor, there is a decorated room at the back with a cozy feel that offers a place for opening presents. A couch and two comfortable chairs provide an area where attendees can watch and enjoy the intimate atmosphere.
Cookie decorating parties are also available, and oftentimes, karaoke is added for entertainment. Westerfield enjoys meeting with the client before so that all expectations can be met.
While the space looks large, with several tables for guests, Westerfield said at times it feels like they have outgrown their location.
“With 40-50 people, it’s a little tight, but I like the intimacy,” she said.
She does, however, feel the business has outgrown its kitchen space. With a room to the left of the display counter, three ovens can bake 15 cakes simultaneously. There is a stainless steel table in the middle with space for employees to ice the cakes and a separate room for sprinkles and decoration. Add in a back room
“I want to do the little things I can to support others and be a onestop shop.”
for the new cookie oven and lunch preparation, and Westerfield’s compartmentalized mind for all of her business offerings is realized.
“I am thinking of a Becca Bakes cupcake truck … I sit and wonder what direction to go,” she said, adding that she is exploring plans for a second location and a franchise.
She knows she does not want to run the truck, but she would like it to be at food vendor events and supply the desserts for it.
While Westerfield rarely takes vacations, she will take time off if she needs to, but she said that after an hour or two, she is thinking about new things to offer or researching other bakeries in the area to visit.
She finds inspiration on social media, but she also likes to visit bakeries in other states to see if there are ideas or flavors she could bring back to Owensboro.
Westerfield hopes to offer online ordering in the upcoming year, something she said should streamline the business and allow customers to place orders tailored to their needs.
“I now have name and face recognition,” she said. “I want to do the little things I can to support others and be a one-stop shop.” OL
There was plenty to do in Owensboro in 1925
Written by LORA WIMSATT
There is always something new, fun, and interesting to do right here in our hometown, as the pages of this issue of Owensboro Living magazine prove – but don’t think for even a moment that our ancestors of 100 years ago were sitting around bored and lonely.
By 1925, the bustling metropolis of Owensboro boasted a Carnegie library housing more than 12,000 books. Among the most popular books of the year were “Under the Big Top” and “The Painted Veil.” The library also housed displays maintained by the Green River Museum and Art Society; one that had attracted significant interest among patrons featured a collection of Indian flints.
Music lovers here could enjoy a municipal band, the only symphony orchestra in Kentucky, and the largest music store in the western section of Kentucky.
There were at least 23 churches and temples within the city limits (18 Protestant, three Catholic, one Christian Science, and one Jewish), offering socialization as well as solace for the soul. Recitals of both vocal and instrumental music were often performed for the enjoyment of those in the pews.
Clubs and fraternities, including three luncheon clubs (Rotary, Lions, and Optimists), welcomed new members who enjoyed spending
time with others who shared their interests, hobbies, and values. The Elks Lodge alone had proudly enlisted 407 members, and the local Knights of Columbus council met in “a wellequipped building.”
The invention of television was still a few years away, but in the meantime, there were the movie theatres – including the Bleich, the Empress and the Grand – bringing to life such hits as “The Rag Man” starring Jackie Coogan or “A Man of Iron” starring Lionel Barrymore, as well as “one of the laugh hits of the season,” featuring Mary Astor in “Oh, Doctor.”
For those preferring to enjoy a quiet evening at home, the Rudd House Cigar Stand invited prospective customers to stop by to listen to a recording of “Peter Pan” on one of their gramophones, an early version
of a record player. (De Luxe Black, $20; leather, $25.)
The Chautauqua movement that had swept across the country had not overlooked Owensboro! The 1925 season promised to be an enormous success, not only financially but also in providing “a worthwhile program for the instruction and entertainment of the community.” Season tickets for the 915 individuals who had patronized the programs the previous year could be renewed at $3 for adults and $1.50 for children. Those joining for the first time would pay an additional 50 cents for adults and 25 cents for children. However, that money would be well invested, as one could then attend “a brilliant and varied program of lectures, concerts, opera, drama and other entertainment” designed to “appeal to widely differing tastes.”
Those looking for the answers to life’s mysteries in addition to entertainment were assured they would not be disappointed by attending a weeklong series of appearances by “Marjah the Mystic,” who supposedly “sees – knows – tells all.” His engagements included an afternoon matinee for ladies only, during which even the male ushers and musicians would be compelled to leave. “Marjah will answer questions of an intimate nature positively for ladies only,” the promotion promised, adding that “he works along entirely different lines and literally has his audience in the palm of his hands.” Perhaps the word “literally” meant something different in 1925.
Anyway, if all that were not enough, “The Social World” pages of a century ago were filled – literally filled – with announcements of surprise parties, dinner parties, birthday parties, card parties, game parties, receptions and social engagements of all sorts. All in attendance were reported to have enjoyed the most wonderful times together, proving that time spent with family and friends is a form of entertainment that never, ever goes out of style. OL
