Owensboro Living - November / December 2022

The Magic of the Holidays

We’ve all heard it before, but it bears repeating at this time of year – the holidays are special because of the time we spend with the people we love, and the care we take to make others feel loved.

I’m fortunate to have many fond memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas from my childhood, and to still be making new ones with Summer and our four children.

Christmas, especially, elicits thoughts of magic as a kid – from the decorations to the smell of mom’s fudge coming from the kitchen, and the elaborately-decorated tree with presents flooding out from underneath.

As a parent, it’s even more magical, watching the kids make their lists, decorate gingerbread houses, and eagerly await Christmas morning. Now, I’m the one that hauls out the Christmas trees from the basement in November. But while I’m carrying the bulky trees, Summer does most of the heavy lifting – from decorating the entire house with thought and care, to stringing all the lights outside the house, and even coordinating a visit from Santa and Ms. Claus for all the neighborhood kids. Not to mention the hours spent in the kitchen baking and preparing for gatherings with friends and families.

And because of all this, I know now how much work it takes to make the “magic.” But it’s all worth it – because at the end of the day, all the work that goes into the holidays makes people feel loved and cared for. Taking time for others, whether it’s hosting a holiday gathering, stopping by for a visit, or dropping off a gift or some homemade treats, takes work – but it also makes the people we love feel special and appreciated – and that’s where the magic of the holidays truly lies.

STEVEN WILSON, EDITOR steven@owensboroliving.com

WHAT I’M READING

Not a Crime to Be Poor: The Criminalization of Poverty

A professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center, Edelman explores how it has effectively become a crime to be poor in one of the richest countries in the world. Edelman uses examples from Ferguson, Missouri, where the US Department of Justice exposed exorbitant fines and fees for minor crimes that mainly hit the city’s poor, African American population, resulting in jail by the thousands. Through real-life stories, he paints a picture of an unjust legal system that unfairly punishes the least among us.

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BY MELODY WALLACE

MARLYS MASON

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5 things we’re talking about now

State Soccer Contenders

As of October 20, both the Daviess County boys’ and Owensboro Catholic girls’ soccer teams advanced to the Elite Eight of the state tournament. The Panthers defeated North Oldham 2-0 on October 18 to advance to the quarterfinals, and the Lady Aces found themselves in the same spot after defeating Whitfield Academy by a final score of 5-1.

Girls Inc. Receives National Award

Owensboro’s Girls Inc. received the organization’s National Network Community Leadership Award during an annual conference in October. The award is given to an organization for showcasing leadership, creativity, and innovation during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Photo by GAGE JOHNSON

Western Academy Breaks Ground

Western Academy broke ground on its brick-and-mortar building last month, and construction is well underway. The building will have two meeting spaces for the scholars along with an office for Executive Director Olga McKissic. The Academy was awarded a $100,000 grant in 2020 from Impact 100; however, due to several circumstances, they were not able to break the ground until recently.

Beef ‘O’Brady’s Wins National Franchise Award

Barry and Stacy Bratcher, owners of Beef ‘O’ Brady’s in Owensboro since 2006, were recently awarded Franchisees of the Year at the brand’s national conference after bringing in the highest sales in company history last year. The Bratchers said that winning the award is really a testament to the staff from the kitchen to the dining team.

Photo by JOSH KELLY

Acton Speaks at Brescia

Wesley Acton, the first African American to teach in an integrated school in Daviess County, spoke at a public talk on October 20 hosted by Brescia University. Acton is a 1960 graduate of the university, and, in addition to breaking barriers in education, has faithfully served our community through numerous organizations over the years.

MORE NEWS

THE OWENSBORO

GOOGLE

Photo by JAMIE ALEXANDER

JACOB SOMMERVILLE

ARTIST IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD

Written by JOHN KIRKPATRICK Photos by JAMIE ALEXANDER

Owensboro native Jacob Sommerville has a diverse background, from once playing in a band and opening for Hank Williams Jr., to providing graphic design services to the Owensboro community.

His music career began when he and his brother, renowned local artist Josh Merritt, began playing local gigs. Sommerville remembers using Microsoft Paint to create album covers and other design materials for the band.

“I’ve been doing it as long as I can remember,” Sommerville said. “I started out taking some computer drafting classes in high school. That sparked my interest and led me to help my brother design material for his music career.”

Sommerville’s first professional opportunity in the industry came when he started working for Terry’s Tees, a local screen printing and embroidery business.

“Terry’s Tees really helped me get into it professionally,” he said. “I learned a lot working with them and met several people. It was the perfect opportunity for me to spread my wings.”

Sommerville now works for Laser Beam Studio, a local design and fabrication company. Laser Beam has operated under other names and has been a part of the Owensboro community for over two decades.

They specialize in creating brand identity and producing and installing signs. The signs range from lighted and architectural signage to digital graphics and large-format printing.

Sommerville enjoys putting his creative mind to work on his many diverse work tasks, operating under the mantra “Ancora Imparo,” translated to “I’m still learning.”

“Michelangelo said it when he was 87 and working on St. Peter’s Basilica,” Sommerville said. “It’s the motto I live by; I am always learning. I genuinely believe I can do anything; if I don’t know how, I will learn.”

Sommerville said a growth mindset is imperative to success in the industry, as technology is constantly evolving and growing. At 30, he’s worked on several projects for the area, notably Porch Fest – the growing music festival that transforms Griffith Avenue into a vibrant block party.

He takes pride in being a part of the Owensboro community.

“I love working locally and helping out local businesses and nonprofits,” he said. “I taught myself everything, and I love sharing my work and expertise with local businesses and helping them with their brand.”

Sommerville offers freelance graphic design services. To see some of his work, visit https://www.behance.net/ jacobsommerv. To inquire about services, reach out on Facebook @Sommerville91.

When it comes to playing music, Sommerville said he hopes to return to performing soon. Until then, it offers a hobby and pastime to complement his graphic design work. OL

My Bluegrass Story

THE BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM UNVEILS NEW EXHIBIT RICH WITH BLUEGRASS HISTORY

Written by JOSH KELLY

Photos by JAMIE ALEXANDER

Every year, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum tries to add a new aspect to the ROMP festivities. This past summer they leaned into their mission statement and found a way to interact with the performers while also preserving the history and importance of bluegrass music.

With My Bluegrass Story, the team interviewed Bluegrass music staples including Del McCoury, Rhonda Vincent, Dan Tyminski, Doyle Lawson and others to share how they were introduced to and grew the genre of bluegrass music. In addition, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum is adding a new exhibit to coincide with the TV series.

“Our mission involves preservation of bluegrass music and also education,” Curator Carly Smith said. “So the exhibit was a great opportunity since we had these artists coming to Owensboro to the Hall of Fame to film their episodes.”

During the production, they were able to film 13 episodes, each about a different bluegrass performer, ranging from legends to up-and-coming artists. These episodes have been rolled out since earlier this year all the way through October.

While filming, they took the artists around the Owensboro Convention Center, the Hall of Fame and allowed them a chance to see Owensboro, as well.

The episodes have been broadcast on RFDTV and clips have been shared on their YouTube channel. In the 30-minute episodes, the stars cover their Bluegrass start, their passion for the music and several more interesting stories.

“It’s a truly intimate look into what drove them to select bluegrass music as their life’s work and it’s just a really a great picture of the artists themselves,” Smith said.

When they were interviewing the artists, Smith said that several of them had standout moments in her mind, but Doyle Lawson’s stood out the most. Getting to talk to Hall of Fame Member Lawson, she was able to learn about how he was introduced to bluegrass by way of a family friend. He would borrow their mandolin on occasion and ultimately learned to play on it.

“Many years later, that mandolin was presented at his first show in this first touring band,” she said. “And now it’s at the Museum on display.”

As part of the interviews, they asked each artist to bring an artifact that they wanted to talk about, but also add to the Hall of Fame for the duration of its exhibit. Through the artifacts, the exhibit is able to showcase several different pieces of history in Bluegrass.

Each artifact reflects both the artist and their relationship to bluegrass, so the exhibit includes several instruments like guitars, mandolins, fiddles, banjos and even stage clothing.

All-American Bluegrass Girl artist Rhonda Vincent was inducted to the Grand Ole Opry in 2020 as one of two artists that

IN THE

BELA FLECK MY BLUEGRASS HEART

NOVEMBER 4 @ BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

year. She didn’t get to officially be inducted until February of 2021 due to the pandemic. Her induction marked the first time a brother and sister had been inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

“Darren and I, to hold separate Opry memberships, its historical,” she said in her interview. During her interview, she was able to bring anything she wanted, and she brought the dress she wore to her historical induction.

Smith said the exhibit has gotten so big that once stepping into the front doors, it’s the first thing you see. The museum has hosted the exhibit since the release began earlier this year. After each episode, they have a short segment promoting the museum, which was caused a lot of traffic, according to Smith.

The exhibit will be open until December of 2024. As part of the installation, they also include the short video clips from the show itself.

Smith highly encourages people to come to the museum to learn more about the bluegrass community. “These people have dedicated their lives to bluegrass music. They’ve built their careers around it. They’ve raised their families with it,” Smith said. “It’s such a unique insight into what drove them to bluegrass music and why they stayed. OL

GRANT G. TALBOT III MEMORIAL 5K

NOVEMBER 5 @ OCTC

Sixteen-time Grammy-winner Bela Fleck returns to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum for his first bluegrass tour in 24 years. My Bluegrass Heart is the third chapter of a trilogy which began with the 1988 album, Drive, and continued in 1991 with The Bluegrass Sessions. Preferred seating is $68 and reserved seating is $58. Doors open at 6 pm, and the concert begins at 7 pm.

2022 marks the 36th annual edition of this 5k run/walk. Proceeds from the road race support the Grant G. Talbott Scholarship fund for students at Owensboro Community & Technical College. Talbott served for 30 years as a teacher and guidance counselor for the Owensboro City schools, and for 11 years as a counselor for Owensboro Community and Technical College.

ANASTASIA THE NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL

NOVEMBER 10 @ RIVERPARK

CENTER

From the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. The show begins at 7pm.

Catching up with Troy Quinn CONDUCTOR OF THE OWENSBORO SYMPHONY

Written by DANNY MAY

Fresh off a flight clear across America from Rhode Island to his home in LA, Owensboro Symphony (OS) conductor Troy Quinn still had energy to speak with Owensboro Living about some of his favorite moments with the OS.

Based in LA, Troy leads a very busy life with a calendar full of commitments, but happily considers Owensboro his second home. Not only is Quinn the music director of OS, but he is also music director of the Venice Symphony in Florida, music director of the Santa Monica (CA) Symphony Orchestra, and the summer pops conductor for Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. That’s a lot of air miles. Somehow, he also finds time to teach on the conducting faculty at the University of Southern California. These days it’s very common for community conductors to have more than one commitment. In fact, Quinn says, “Some community conductors fly in from Europe, so my commute is short in comparison.”

During the OS season, Quinn flies to Owensboro at least once a month. When he’s working in Owensboro, he’s most often staying at downtown hotels. “When I’m in town, I’m eating downtown, I’m visiting schools, I go to the bank, I’m out in the community. For me, it feels like I’m on vacation for three months in the off-season and then I go back to Owensboro.”

Quinn loves taking the conductor’s podium so much that he almost can’t get enough. With careful planning up to two years out, he makes it all work. And it certainly helps that he considers OS his primary commitment and builds his out-of-LA appearances around

IN THE KNOW

2022 KRAFTUCKY ARTS AND CRAFTS EXPO

NOVEMBER 11-13 @ OWENSBORO

CONVENTION CENTER Shop from local and regional artisans and crafters – ideal for getting a jump start on your holiday gift buying! Unique handmade creations in woodcrafts, furniture, holiday decorations, quilts, jewelry, floral arrangements, painting, candles, pottery, embroidery, and more will be on display. $3 for Adults. Children 12 and under are admitted free.

NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND

NOVEMBER 19 @ BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL

OF FAME & MUSEUM

With a refreshed lineup and newfound energy, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band remains one of the most accomplished bands in American roots music. Tickets are on sale now. Preferred seating is $68, and reserved seating is $58. Doors open at 6pm, and the concert begins at 7pm.

OWENSBORO-DAVIESS COUNTY CHRISTMAS PARADE

NOVEMBER 19 @ DOWNTOWN

OWENSBORO

The annual Christmas Parade will return to Second Street in Downtown Owensboro on November 19 at 4:30pm. Bring your family and a blanket and get a spot along the route to enjoy all of the local floats. As always, there will be singing, dancing, and plenty of good cheer!

his OS schedule. Now in his sixth year as conductor, and with a recent contract extension, he’s even more focused on taking the OS to the next level.

Owensboro Living thought this was a great time to catch up with Quinn to reflect on his first six years, talk about how the OS adapted to COVID-19, and see what the 21st century conductor is most looking forward to in the next five years in Owensboro.

YOU COULD BE CONDUCTING IN MUCH LARGER CITIES. WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO OWENSBORO?

It’s very simple: the people in the community and the people in the orchestra. You hear about southern hospitality and Owensboro encapsulates that. I had experience in many different places, but as soon as I got to Owensboro, I felt a connection that I hadn’t found in other places. The other thing is the talented musicians. People don’t realize how talented the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra is, but it’s a gem. Some of that is because we pull from Evansville or Louisville or Nashville. For me, it was both of those elements. Sure, you need a great symphony, but you also need the community’s backing. I found both in Owensboro, and I love it. My first impression of Owensboro was how beautiful and charming this community is and how supportive of the arts people are.

OVER YOUR 6 YEARS HERE, HAS OWENSBORO LIVED UP TO THAT FIRST IMPRESSION?

Oh absolutely! I travel all over the country conducting orchestras bigger and smaller (than OS), and what Owensboro has is a luxury. Not only the artistic quality and talent, but also the arts scene with RiverPark Center and now the Bluegrass

Hall of Fame.

The challenge for me, now, is how to not plateau. We need to grow and continue to move the needle. It would be a shame for us to just be complacent and stay where we are artistically. It’s always my goal to grow and bring something new, creative, and innovative.

HOW DOES OS DO THAT?

With my background in Hollywood and experience in other places, I try to bring that multimedia element with video and production to our performances. One example is the video recording of our concert in Cannon Hall that’s going to be airing on KET. During the pandemic, we had to pivot and find new ways to engage the community beyond the concert hall. That’s where the idea for Symphony Stroll at Smothers Park originated, as well as the Summer Salute with Lee Greenwood.

My goal for the next five years is for everybody to know about the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, not just people in Owensboro, whether that’s this show airing on TV or from clips on YouTube. Hopefully those other experiences will bring people into the concert hall, too. Mixing and blending genres with classical pieces and pop songs and film scores also translates into box office sales. But all of that is a credit to our creative team. It’s not just me.

I really take the programming aspect seriously, but we’re also willing to take risks here and think outside the box. We’re fearless in that way.

For me, music’s either good or bad. If it’s good, let’s

do it. What I’ve discovered is that when we blend genres, people will hear something they enjoy but they’ll also discover something else they may never have otherwise. So if we can reach somebody through Lady Gaga, fine! Let’s mix it in. But they’ll also discover Beethoven while they’re here.

Putting things in a fun context is important for our generation. Video is big for us, and mixing disciplines keeps things interesting. For example, last year we did a superheroes concert and we played pieces from Avengers and Batman, but then we played Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 “Titan” which is one of the most epic pieces to perform. I would guess most of those people had never heard Mahler before because they were there for Avengers. But it worked in that context.

I’VE NOTICED YOU’VE DONE SEVERAL SELECTIONS FROM JOHN WILLIAMS OVER THE YEARS, WHICH IS ANOTHER GREAT EXAMPLE OF PULLING FROM SEVERAL GENERATIONS BECAUSE PEOPLE WILL RECOGNIZE HIS MUSIC FROM 80S MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS TO 90S AND TODAY.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

DEC 10 Home for the Holidays

He is our Mozart. He’s been a mentor of mine since I first saw him at the Hollywood Bowl when I was 12 years old. My parents took me, and when I saw John conduct that orchestra and play the theme music from Indiana Jones, I thought it was the coolest thing ever. It became my dream right then to be a conductor one day.

JAN 28 Cinematic Romance

MARCH 4 Night at the Museum

OWENSBORO DANCE THEATER GERMAN AMERICAN BANK NUTCRACKER

DECEMBER 3-4 @ RIVERPARK CENTER

Owensboro Dance Theatre presents its 29th year of The German American Bank Nutcracker on Saturday December 3rd at 7pm and Sunday December 4th at 3pm. Both performances will be held at the RiverPark Center. Cannon Hall stage will come alive with elaborate sets, costumes, video backdrops and one very special toy. Children of all ages will find the magic and joy of Christmas through the beauty of music and dance.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

DECEMBER 10 @ RIVERPARK CENTER

The Owensboro Symphony’s beloved Christmas tradition promises to mesmerize listeners with holiday favorites and fresh new works; including The Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, and Sleigh Ride. The Owensboro Symphony Chorus and the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra will join the symphony in performing some of the season’s most recognizable tunes.

I had no idea that it could be a job. I just thought it was a hobby. I never knew you could make a living as a conductor. I sang in the choir as

CHRISTMAS AT PANTHER CREEK

NOVEMBER THRU DECEMBER

@ PANTHER CREEK PARK

More than 500,000 lights illuminate a beautiful trail that you can explore in your car. Wagon rides are also available, weather permitting. Proceeds from Christmas at Panther Creek benefit many local nonprofits throughout the year.

a boy. Then I learned piano. Then I was singing by rote and by ear. I got an opera degree, if you can believe that. I was heading down that vocal performance road. But I always held the dream of being a conductor in the back of my head.

SO WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WERE GOING TO DO MUSIC FOR A CAREER?

My upbringing was very eclectic from what my parents listened to, and then what I listened to on my own. I wasn’t formally trained until much later. I didn’t know the gifts I had for music until I started training. Then it just became a vocation, not a job. It was like the air I breathed. I just had to do it. There was no decision. I had to.

Eventually, I got my doctorate at USC, which brought me full circle back to LA and got me into film and television. I worked hard, but always in my mind I wanted to conduct. So it came full circle.

LET’S LOOK BACK, AND THEN WE’LL LOOK FORWARD. WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM SYMPHONY ON THE LAWN SO FAR?

Well, we haven’t had a rainout yet. Every year I worry. But so far, the weather has always cooperated, which you never know about in Kentucky.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN CANNON HALL?

Recording the broadcast for KET this past January during Covid when everyone still had to wear masks and everything. It wasn’t just one moment, but the entire experience because it was unlike anything anyone has likely experienced around here. There were seven cameras and jibs and cranes. It was basically a live taping, in front of an audience, but it wasn’t broadcast live. Sometimes we would do multiple takes. So it was memorable for me, for the audience, and for the orchestra. I can’t wait for people to see it.

…AND OUT IN THE COMMUNITY?

There is a young man who has some severe special needs that always sits at the same spot at the Concert on the Lawn. He always sits right there in front where I conduct, and I give him a high five every year. I think that’s so special because music can communicate in ways that

normal communication can’t. That’s the power of music. All the glitz and the glory of the stage is meaningless because what it comes down to is the power of music to transcend and communicate and that’s never more evident than to those with special needs. You also see it with dementia patients. As a conductor, I communicate through gestures, without saying a word, and that is the most powerful thing you can do. So I’m always aware of that when I see those individuals touched by music. That high five is more meaningful to me than Carnegie Hall would be because music is the great equalizer and the great communicator.

LOOKING AHEAD TO YOUR NEXT 5-6 YEARS, IS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO?

Expanding our Summer Salute that we started last summer. We also have some great soloists in this next season. Jim Walker is a Kentucky native and one of the greatest flutists ever. I’m excited about violinist Sandy Cameron coming in. She’s a violin prodigy.

The sky’s the limit with OS. We’ve been testing the waters to see what other things we can do outside the concert hall and how we can serve the community. We’ve been talking about playing “live to picture” where the live orchestra plays along to a movie. One of the best concerts we’ve done was called Magical Music of Disney, so we’re hoping to do another Disney themed show.

I’d like to expand the repertoire for the orchestra, too. It’s also about flexing the artistic muscle of the orchestra and challenging them. One of the things I’m very proud of is we have some of the best pay rates in the country for musicians in orchestras our size. So we can attract and retain talent. These folks don’t make a living playing with us. Most of them also teach or do other things on top of OS.

If anyone is hesitant about coming to see the orchestra or thinks the orchestra is not for them, I would invite you to just come try it. I haven’t seen anyone come that wasn’t moved by the music in some way.

5 THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT TROY QUINN

→ He controls his own schedule. He does not have a personal assistant and makes all travel arrangements himself.

→ He once opened for legendary composer John Williams. Troy conducted the younger players just before John took the podium for the larger orchestra.

→ Troy wanted to be a meteorologist in college.

→ He just signed a new contract extension with OS.

→ In the studio, Troy has recorded on projects for TV and movies, including Glee, The Voice, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Call of the Wild, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

“We’re a 21st century orchestra. We’re breaking barriers. That’s what we’re about and I’m proud to be at the helm.”

Gary

Written by MARLYS MASON

Photos by TAYLOR WEST

“At least 50 years.”

That is how long artist Gary Bielefeld says the restored iconic mirrored Kentucky mural will last.

But, Bielefeld says, if it doesn’t, they will have to come graveside to tell him he was wrong.

He’s speaking, of course, about the mirror mural in the shape of Kentucky that greets travelers as they arrive to and depart from Owensboro across the Glover Cary Bridge.

Over six thousand people travel the bridge, and Bielefeld said there was never a fender-bender on this restoration, but there was on the last.

Of course, those viewing the 110- by 42-foot work of art do not realize what the artist had to do in creating the original and restoring it now.

“We had to call the state on the first, because of reflections, and since it was on the east side of the building, we could,” he said.

And after spending so much time in the same

place– three years for the restoration –Bielefeld knows the high spots and “perfect times” to see the sun reflect.

The first time, Bielefeld spent four months working on the mural because the City of Owensboro wanted it done quickly. Volunteers from the Sigma Epsilon fraternity at Kentucky Wesleyan College, Bielefeld’s alma mater, helped cut the glass and stick it on the wall of the former Progress Printing building.

“I gave them a 15-minute glass-cutting class and some got good at it. Others were good at the scaffolding, and some were good at sticking it on the wall,” he said. “In that time, being artistic went away.”

During the restoration, the pandemic affected his ability to get volunteers to help, but occasionally people would bring their children or grandchildren and he would allow them to put pieces on the wall, artistically.

He said he really enjoyed the “regulars” who came to check on him, visit and tell stories, including Ms. Frantz, the now-owner of the building at 319 E. Frederica St. One of the visitors can be spotted all over town on his bike, and he would often do chores for Bielefeld to earn money.

During the restoration, and because of

his interactions with so many different people, Bielefeld spent time thinking about the homeless and transient population and thinks there is more that can be done to solve the housing population, but he doesn’t have a clear idea yet other than getting the population out of harm’s way of those who prey on them.

Bielefeld always dreams big, and the creations of those dreams are largerthan-life. After finishing the first mural in 1983, he was approached by another local printing company that wanted “something big.”

“We turned their building into a whole printing press,” he said. “I went to the farm supply store and used hog feeders as rollers on the front and a hog feeder to look like the plug…making something look realistic takes creativity. All details must be enlarged, and the items have to be recognizable.”

Bielefeld has also created other local “traffic stoppers,” like the Thriftway Lumber tool belt that took three months to create and was installed in 1987. The 40-foot-by-25-foot belt was created in his studio. Pieces of styrofoam were

laminated and then taken outside and put on sawhorses to shape them with chainsaws before moving back inside for the smoothing and Bondo painting process. Each was put on the wall individually.

The toolbelt was created from thick truck tarp that Bielefeld said looked like a wooden roller coaster. Inside was a sawblade, hammer, folding yardstick and drill bit.

“That was the hardest to cut out as a masonry bit,” he said. “The tip is different, but it spirals the same. Once the owners saw this, they knew it was going to be good.”

The tool belt withstood rain and thunderstorms and even the tornado with minimal damage before being taken down by the new owners in 2011.

In 1991, he created the giant Wetzel’s grocery sack, a 40-foot-tall bag of interchangeable groceries like Pepsi, Field hot dogs, and Zesta crackers. There was a ladder that would let the artist out in a six-by-six-by-eight-foot-tall bread bag.

“Companies would pay Wetzel’s for the product that went in the bag,”

he said. “People would notice it and especially when we were swapping out items that were being craned in.”

The Wetzel’s bag was taken down in 2000.

Other local sculptures by Bielefeld that have been in Owensboro include the fork that was at Daily Delicious, the ribbon on The Baker’s Rack car and “The Big Brush” at Paint Headquarters.

Bielefeld is now working on a smaller scale – much smaller. A miniature 1,500-square-foot model train set was his latest project. He built and painted miniature buildings, exterior details and people that were ⅜-inch tall. He also did the electrical wiring underneath.

One last addition to the Kentucky mosaic will be installed soon, and then it will be completed. Lights will be added to the top mirrored pieces to make it resemble “A Starry Night” because of the swirls and three-pieces-thick dimensional mirror added to the top.

“When you stand in the lot, you really get the impact of the size,” Bielefeld said. OL

A Long Overdue Welcome Home

Written by MELODY WALLACE

When Robert Wright was 17 years old, he asked his mother to sign paperwork that would allow him to join the Army while he was still under the age of 18. With five older brothers, each serving in various branches of the military, Wright aspired to be as brave as them. His mother agreed and Wright left St. Mary’s High School in Whitesville to depart for boot camp in November 1949. Private First Class (PFC) Wright joined Company C, 1st Battalion, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division and set sail for Japan in April 1950. Wright was declared missing in action (MIA) in Korea on July 16, 1950 and declared dead in December 1953.

On Aug. 15, 2022, 72 years after being declared missing, Wright’s remains were located and identified. His remaining family members were notified that PFC

Wright would finally be returning home.

One of the family members notified by the Department of Defense (DOD) was Wright’s niece, former Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Women’s Auxiliary president, Jessie Hettinger.

“They have not told us where they found him,” Hettinger said. “They just told us they have skeletal remains and that his body was very deteriorated. They said his bones were so brittle they had to use DNA from his tooth.”

Hettinger said that several years ago, when Wright’s sisters were still living, the government reached out to each family with a missing service member to request a DNA sample for the purpose of future identification.

“Thank God they got in touch with them (his sisters) before they passed away or we wouldn’t have

him back,” Hettinger said. “They have a lot of bodies in Hawaii they haven’t been able to identify because they did not have matching DNA samples.”

Hettinger is referring to Oahu, Hawaii, where the U.S. Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has established the largest forensic anthropological skeletal lab in the world. Using updated forensic techniques, as well as DNA sampling, dental testing, and collar bone matching, the DOD has made significant progress in identifying some of the estimated 81,000 soldiers reported missing from the WWII through Gulf War eras, including PFC Wright.

Although Hettinger was only four when her uncle left for the Army, she still has positive memories of him, mostly from shared family stories.

“Granny (his mother) never

talked much about Uncle Bobby. When she was in her older age, she would tell us stories about him,” Hettinger said. “A lot of people told me he babysat me and my sister, and that he loved horses. It made me get to know him better.”

Despite her young age during her uncle’s service and passing, Hettinger has become an advocate for local veterans, as well as those soldiers that remain MIA.

After her Army veteran husband, Roland Hettinger, died in 2006, Jessie became a member of the VFW and worked her way to Women’s Auxiliary president by 2014. Through her work with the auxiliary, Hettinger participated in several commemorative events. She vividly remembers attending a Rolling Thunder ceremony that would forever change her life and the way she remembered her uncle.

“I saw the Rolling Thunder missing man table,” Hettinger said, referring to the military dinner table set as a solemn reminder of the missing or fallen “comrades” that cannot attend. “I realized I needed to get Uncle Bobby’s name out there.”

Hettinger began working more actively with Rolling Thunder in an effort to support their mission of educating the public about POW and MIA service members.

“When we did the dedication in Knottsville, Al Mattingly mentioned Uncle Bobby’s name and him being missing,” Hettinger said. “A lot of people didn’t know he was an MIA and that he was still missing.”

From that point forward, while she continued her work assisting local veterans with applying for benefits, Hettinger remained dedicated to keeping her uncle’s memory alive, at dedications, military events, and through personalized T-shirts for family members.

Currently, there is a remembrance marker at St. Mary of the Woods Cemetery in Whitesville, Kentucky dedicated to PFC Wright. Later this year, the family hopes that the marker will be replaced with a final marker, and Wright’s remains will be cremated and placed at the foot of his mother’s grave.

Hettinger and her cousins hope to hear from the DOD later this month to learn more about where her uncle was found and to make final arrangements for his burial.

“When they have the meeting with us, they are supposed to tell us where they found him — truthfully we will never know what happened to him,” Hettinger said. “I’m just glad I’m still alive when they found him to bring him home.” OL

A Local Institution serving the Community for Over 100 Years

Written by LIBBY JOHNSON Photos by JAMIE ALEXANDER

When Danhauer Drugs opened in 1904, horses clip-clopped up and down Frederica Street. Over a whole century later, horses on Frederica are pretty rare, but the commitment to the care and service of the pharmacy’s patients remains a constant for Jeff Danhauer—as it was for his grandfather, William E. Danhauer, Sr.

“It’s been an interesting time-lapse,” Jeff, the third-generation pharmacist and owner, says of working downtown. “We’ve seen downtown come and go - grow and shrink, grow and shrink.” The pharmacy has not been immune to phases, either, he reveals. At different points in its existence, Danhauer’s had a liquor license and a soda fountain, both of which were typical for pharmacies of their eras.

While remaining committed to “stay on the cutting edge,” two trends the familyowned drugstore has never participated in, however, are the drive-through and the automated phone system. While each of these has their place in the convenience of a chain pharmacy, Danhauer admits, they don’t fit the generational philosophy of his store - to positively affect lives with products and services.

“A person answers every phone call here,” he says, “it’s not just a number; it’s an opportunity to have a conversation.”

It’s conversations with patients that have led Danhauer’s - which is staffed by a mix of 25 full and part time employees- to provide some of the services they currently offer, such as a full-time respiratory therapist and the sale and rental of durable medical supplies such as crutches, wheelchairs, and oxygen.

“We value being able to care for a patient’s total quality of health, as opposed to them having to find individual providers for each issue,” he says. One area that Danhauer and his team provide much advice and support in is in the management of diabetes. “We talk to them about their numbers and what those mean,” he explains, saying that he feels his role as a pharmacist is partly to try and educate the patient on their care. The protocols and treatments for that disease is one area that Danhauer mentions as having changed vastly since he began working as a pharmacist in 1981. “It used to take weeks for an A1-C reading to come back. Now, we can see that in minutes.”

To Danhauer, the most notable change overall has been the intervention of insurance. While it made more medicines available to the public, it has proved challenging to providers. Insurance and the process of how pharmaceuticals are prescribed has also somewhat focused the art of caring for the patient solely on the good judgment of the physician. Danhauer says, “Grandad was called ‘Doc,’ and in those days, the pharmacist was the first stop for ailments,” he explains. “Now you see the doctor and then they send you to the pharmacy.” Despite that, Danhauer is proud to still be an integral part of the health care process. “We are still the most accessible provider in the system,” he says.

Danhauer’s offers delivery, and Jeff believes that service, and the convenient location at the corner of 4th and Frederica, paired with their commitment to service, is what enables them to serve customers of all ages and conditions. Though customers can no longer treat themselves to an ice cream soda while they wait, it wouldn’t be Danhauer’s without the gift shop and the ubiquitous “Goldie” radio ads. Goldie is Beverly Payne, whose association with the drug store began decades ago when WBKR was next door. Though “Goldie” is a volunteer worker, Jeff explains with a chuckle, she basically runs the gift shop end of the store. “She’s an awesome friend and she’s taught me a lot,” he says, “hopefully, I’ve taught her a thing or two, too.” OL

“A person answers every phone call here, it’s not just a number; it’s an opportunity to have a conversation.”

Features Shelter from the Storm

Written by JOHN KIRKPATRICK

Photo by JAMIE ALEXANDER

St. Benedict’s and the Daniel Pitino Shelter have been combatting homelessness in Owensboro and surrounding areas for over three decades. As needs continue to increase, funds for the two nonprofits are dwindling, and they are coming to the community for help.

“We’re catching the effects of the pandemic on the backend,” said executive director Harry Pedigo. “Our biggest need is funding. We receive some government support for outreach programs, but it doesn’t touch the upkeep and maintenance of our facilities.”

St. Benedict’s provides temporary 24/7 emergency shelter to 64 men nightly, serving more than 500 men annually. They also offer day shelter to 40 women and families at a separate location. In addition, St. Benedict’s provides 26 beds at four transitional residential homes for men recovering from substance abuse, veterans, and women with a crisis pregnancy.

Father Ed Bradley founded the Daniel Pitino Shelter in 1993 to create emergency and transitional housing for the growing homeless population in our area. Today, the nonprofit, nondenominational, privately supported organization strives to break the cycle of homelessness through a collaborative approach.

The shelter can serve 65 emergency shelter guests at the main property, four families in the three-bedroom transitional homes, and 12 individuals or couples in the Nicky Hayden Apartments. The soup kitchen they operate out of St. Stephen’s Cathedral provides hot nutritional meals to guests and the community 365 days per year.

“We’ve had great community support over the years, but our interactions have dwindled,” Pedigo said. “That’s

something we’re working to change. Community support only accounts for 1520 percent of our budget, and we need to get that number to 50 or 60. Every dollar helps.”

The soup kitchen serves over 638,000 meals annually, offering many individuals and families their only meal of the day. With no state funding, the kitchen relies solely on donations.

“We’re more than a homeless shelter,” he said. “There are many people that wouldn’t have food if it weren’t for us.”

As the winter months and colder weather approach, both shelters need more hats, gloves, and men and women’s thermals. The Pitino shelter also needs winter clothing for children.

Additionally, the facilities are seeking assistance with groceries, primarily canned foods, processed meats, ground beef, and packaged pork. Other necessities include hygiene products, coffees, cereals, and hand warmers.

St. Benedict’s and the Pitino Shelter provide targeted case management for individuals suffering with substance use disorder, mental illness, or emotional disorders. They also offer case management for individuals not suffering from those illnesses.

Guests and residents have access to laundry, showers, Bible studies, technology, and Wi-Fi. Additional services and programs include education, employment, housing assistance, advocacy, life skills, crisis intervention, and more.

“We offer a nonjudgmental atmosphere, and we address barriers to self-sufficiency and provide resources for people to move into permanent housing and become independent,” Pedigo said. “Both shelters provide safe, nonjudgmental shelter and social support services in a Christian atmosphere.”

Anyone interested in donating to either St. Benedict’s or the Pitino Shelter can call 270-688-9000.

OL

LIFESTYLE

SENIOR LIVING: The Joys (and benefits) of Reading

Written by DANA PEVELER

I think I’ve always loved to read. I remember a program on TV when I was about 5 or so, where I followed along with a workbook my mom ordered for me. The workbook had lines to write my responses to the questions the characters posed throughout the program. I loved it! I waited all week for the program to come on, then sat in a tiny chair smack-dab in front of the console TV, with a jumbo pencil in my hand, and the workbook on my knees!

There’s just nothing better to me than the smell of a book – old, new, it doesn’t matter. Flipping the pages, hearing the binding crack when you’re the first person to open it. Touching the pages of a really →

old book wondering who else held it – did they feel the same way I did when they opened it? It’s magical!

Now, we have so many ways to enjoy books! We can listen to them, read on our phones, and electronic devices, or choose a book from the public library or bookstore. I recently ordered my grandkids some books with CDs that read the words to them as they follow along. A tone alerts them to turn the pages. They’re really enjoying the interaction and what they consider independence. Not sure how many times I need to read a book about a lost clown fish, but they’re engaged!

Not only does reading open and expand the minds of our youth, it actually has beneficial properties for us age we age!

Reading can help reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s by helping to keep our minds exercised and stimulated. It’s similar to working puzzles or playing games. Our brains are muscles, and just like every other muscle in our bodies, our brains need training to stay in shape.

Reading is one form of training. When we read, we form connections between the characters and the roles they play within the text. We begin to predict outcomes of storylines. We may be learning about a new place we would like to visit, or something historical, a new technique for smoking meat … it could be anything, all while we’re being entertained!

It reduces stress by forcing

us to focus on what we’re reading, rather than the outward influences of our daily lives. Just 30 minutes each day can reduce blood pressure, and lower heart rates. Studies have shown that reading increases concentration, helping us to complete tasks, remember processes, and maybe even where we left our keys!

Reading slows cognitive decline for older adults. A study conducted in 2020 at Cambridge University, over a 14 year time period, showed that people who read once or more each week were less likely to experience cognitive decline (losing items, having difficulty retaining new information, a drop in work performance, decreased mental sharpness, less ability to recall names, and more.)

Reading can increase one’s mental flexibility. This is the ability to stop and change gears as the situation warrants. It truly does get harder to “go with the flow,” as we age.

Reading can build social skills by introducing us to multiple perspectives, and points of view. It may even demonstrate alternate ways of handling delicate situations.

Improves our analytical thinking and decision-making skills. As I’ve gotten older, the fewer decisions I have to make, the better, but it’s good to know that the more I read, the better I’ll be at those decisions should I be forced to make them!

Reading helps us sleep. Studies show we fall asleep 20

minutes faster when we read, vs. when we’re looking at the screens on our phones, or the TV. I used to think we just read to our children at bedtime to create a routine that helped them settle in. Now that I’m older, I see that I sleep better when I click off the TV and pick up my book. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, the movement of my eyes across the page, the ambient lighting, the quiet room, together create the perfect theatre for sleep.

It expands our imagination. Imagination can create such a sense of peace, and also of great accomplishment and success. Reading can even alleviate boredom. Although many tell me they’re busier since they retired, some tell me they’re bored mindless. Escape with a book!

Lastly, and I probably should’ve led with this one, reading can actually extend our lives! A study conducted by Yale University showed that those who read just 3 ½ hours each week, lived 23 months longer than those who did not!

Whether we’re reading a news article, a book by our favorite author, or a story with our grandchildren, reading is chockfull of benefits. Visit a public library, pick up a magazine at the grocery, find articles online, trade books with a friend … whatever works. Reading can make us happier, and it can extend our lives! Ernest Hemingway was right when he said, “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” OL

The Wright Connection

Written by KRISTI MCCABE

One doesn’t have to travel to southwest Pennsylvania and tour Fallingwater to see the influence of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright; a stroll down Owensboro’s historic Griffith Avenue will suffice.

Local homeowners Floyd and Elaine Tapp discovered a rare jewel when they purchased their home at 531 Griffith Avenue, in the form of a stained glass window that had been mysteriously concealed.

“When we purchased the home and began a restoration of it in 2013, my wife Elaine was walking around the perimeter outside and spied a stained glass window; it could not be seen from the inside,” explained Mr. Tapp.  “We discovered that the window had been covered with sheetrock.  What we uncovered stood out immediately as something unique.”

For those familiar with Wright’s “light screen” leaded glass designs known for their use of clear glass with geometric designs and organic design, the window was a dead giveaway.  The unusual floor plan of the home also led the owners to believe there was a Frank Lloyd Wright connection.

“This is not cut from the same cloth as the typical Frank Lloyd Wright home, with falling water features and more dramatic architecture,” listing agent Mary Anne Steele commented.  “However, the homeowners had a visiting art historian relative who agreed that the window was reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright.  So, they got to work to

find out if that could be true.”

After consulting an expert of Wright’s work at the Guggenheim Museum, the Tapps were astounded to learn that the window was indeed, very likely the work of Frank Lloyd Wright–if only indirectly.

“In 1909, a couple of architects who studied under Frank Lloyd Wright were living here in Owensboro and designed this house,” explained Floyd Tapp.  “There was a family issue and they had to leave and move south; the time frame fits perfectly for someone who had studied directly under Wright.  They left his employment and then professionally disappeared, so this home may be one of the last projects those particular students completed.”

Built in 1911 and restored in 2013, this three-bedroom, three-

bathroom home is a unique blend of classic modernism.  Located in Owensboro’s coveted Griffith Avenue district, the home is situated on a corner lot with aged shade trees with a wraparound front porch perfect for hosting guests.

The home has ten-foot ceilings, original hardwood floors, three fireplaces, a central staircase, art deco stained glass, and antique radiators.  The kitchen is both inviting and functional, with black- and white-checkered floors, butcherblock countertops, and glass-front cabinets for display.  The master suite is inviting and charming, with a clawfoot tub, a beautiful panel of bathroom windows, and airy, mosscolored walls.

“I first fell in love with this house as a boy,” Floyd recalled.  “I was

riding my bicycle past the house and crashed, and two kind old ladies came outside and fixed me up.  They invited me inside and I never got the picture of those beautiful chandeliers and fireplaces out of my head.”

“It’s just a special house.  The floor plan is very unique,” Floyd continued.  “It’s one step from the bedroom to the bathroom, two steps to the kitchen, five steps to the

great room, and so on.  There are no hallways.  It’s very open.”

Another unique feature of the home is a bunk room on the second level, which could be used as an additional bedroom; currently, it functions as a storage area.  It would be difficult to find another home in the Owensboro area with many similarities to the one at 531 Griffith Avenue.

Listing agent Mary Anne Steele noted, “There is not another home like this in town.  It is the perfect combination of modern conveniences and classic style.  Throw in the Frank Lloyd Wright connection and Griffith Avenue location and you’ve got a very unique find.” The home is currently listed for $520,000. OL

BLUEGRASS

DENTAL DISCUSSES TOOTH LOSS AND DENTAL IMPLANTS

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T REPLACE A MISSING TOOTH?

Missing one or several teeth can significantly impact your day-to-day life, as well as your future oral health. If you choose not to get a replacement, you could suffer several consequences both now and throughout your lifetime:

You might not be able to pronounce words or chew correctly: Your teeth have a crucial function — to help you eat and communicate. A missing tooth might impact your ability to pronounce words correctly or clearly and can also impede chewing.

Your teeth can become misaligned: As your teeth shift toward each other to fill in the gap left behind by a missing tooth, they can become misaligned, which can strain the jawbone and lead to greater difficulty chewing.

Your jawbone starts to deteriorate: Because the gum and bone are no longer stimulated, your jawbone will begin to shrink, and your gums will pull back around the missing tooth. This process causes your face to sag and any adjacent teeth to weaken.

REASONS TO REPLACE A MISSING TOOTH

The benefits of tooth replacement are numerous and can help you regain enjoyment and confidence in your life:

You’ll look younger: By maintaining the contours of your facial structure, replacing a lost tooth can prevent your cheeks from sagging.

You’ll find more enjoyment in your

favorite foods: A tooth replacement allows you to chew your food more comfortably and naturally.

You’ll enhance your speech and smile: Clear communication and a natural smile can make you feel noticeably more confident in your interactions.

You’ll improve your overall oral health: Replacing your missing tooth will keep your jawbone strong and help protect against tooth decay and gum disease in the surrounding area.

HOW CAN I REPLACE A MISSING TOOTH?

The importance of replacing missing teeth should not be overlooked. Fortunately, you can choose from numerous options for replacing a lost tooth, including:

Dentures: Dentures are a set of false teeth that can replace either a couple missing teeth or a full set of teeth. However, they are often uncomfortable to wear and can slip out while speaking or eating.

Dental bridge: A dental device “bridges” the gap of a lost tooth between your two natural teeth. The adjacent teeth must be cut down to secure the bridge, causing irreparable damage. Bridges are not a bad option at all, especially if there is not sufficient bone for a dental implant.

Dental implant: Considered by many doctors to be the best replacement option, natural-looking implants are surgically placed into your jawbone for teeth that last a lifetime.

IN SUMMARY

Note that the problems described above are just a few of the issues you might encounter if you have missing teeth at the back of your mouth. Having the tooth restored, preferably with a dental implant, will help maintain your oral health and facial appearance. If you have lost a tooth due to infection or decay, contact the dentist immediately for a dental restoration.

Missing a tooth? Loose Dentures? Bluegrass Dental offers free implant consultations, including a 3D CBCT scan to determine if you might be a good candidate for dental implants. OL

OWENSBORO HEALTH MITCHELL MEMORIAL CANCER CENTER EARNS NATIONAL RE-ACCREDITATION FROM THE COMMISSION ON CANCER

The Commission on Cancer (CoC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons, has granted another Three-Year Accreditation to the cancer program at Owensboro Health Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center. To earn voluntary CoC accreditation, a cancer program must meet 34 CoC quality-care standards, be evaluated every three years through a survey process, and maintain excellence in delivering comprehensive patient-centered care.

As a CoC-accredited cancer center, the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer as a complex disease group requiring consultation among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists and other cancer specialists. This multidisciplinary partnership results in improved patient care.

“This accreditation would not have happened without the teamwork of all the compassionate and resilient team members at the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center,” said Tim Laugh, Owensboro Health Director of Cancer Services. “It is truly a blessing and honor to be a part of a team that is focused on

our patients.”

The CoC Accreditation Program sets the standards for Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center’s cancercare programs — including prevention, early diagnosis, cancer staging, optimal treatment, rehabilitation, life-long follow-up for recurrent disease and end-oflife care. When patients receive care at MMCC, they also have access to genetic counseling, support groups, a patient navigation process and a survivorship care plan that documents each patient’s care to improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.

At the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center, these services are housed together in one location for the comfort and ease of patients. A relationship with the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center helps bring the latest treatments to patients close to home. Because the MMCC research program has made a significant commitment to clinical trials, patients have a higher chance of enrolling in a clinical trial and being part of tomorrow’s treatments today.

Like all CoC-accredited facilities, the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center maintains a cancer registry and contributes data to the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB),

a joint program of the CoC and the American Cancer Society. This nationwide oncology-outcomes database is the largest clinical disease registry in the world. Data on all types of cancer are tracked and analyzed through the NCDB and used to explore trends in cancer care. CoC-accredited cancer centers, in turn, have access to information derived from this type of data analysis, which is used to create national, regional, and state benchmark reports. These reports help CoC facilities with their quality improvement efforts.

“The community should feel comforted knowing the Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center just achieved this prestigious accreditation without a single recommendation for improvement,” Laugh said.

The Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center is triple accredited. In addition to this Commission on Cancer accreditation, it also earned the American College of Radiology accreditation (ACR) renewal for Radiation Oncology and holds an accreditation for Breast Program Excellence with the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).  OL

SHOP LOCAL SHOP LOCAL FOR THE

WASHINGTON AVE, OWENSBORO, KY

(270) 874-4097

JOHN FOREMAN, OWNER

We take great pride in being a local business!

When you’ve been around for 104 years, you’ve definitely been through it all. We have grown as our community has grown. We buy over 90 percent local, and use as many local companies as possible. We know the local population is what’s most important. As in our logo “We are where the locals go”. That’s what matters to us. It’s so important to shop and eat with local businesses. Local business owners are the signs, support, and people you see at local events and ball fields. Our community matters to us. We live here, we work here, and spend our money here. We don’t just check on a store from time to time. That’s why we all need to support our local businesses.

KY-56, OWENSBORO, KY

MARLENE KNIGHT, OWNER

I can’t imagine any place in the world better than Owensboro to have started The Cottage. Owensboro is a wonderful community, full of so many gifts from the land and the people who live here. Our farm and home are here to stay, and so are we. We love this community and are thankful for the opportunity to contribute.

We have our regulars that stop by every day. Families come here for Sunday brunch, and we get to see the kids grow a little each week. We’ve even had a marriage proposal or two here. All of this is why I had to open The Cottage in Owensboro.

Whether it’s the Strawberry Festival or the farmer’s market or Burger Week, this community has shown us so much love and support over the past two years. We wouldn’t be here without them.

1738 MOSELEY ST, OWENSBORO, KY 42303 (270) 684-5052

SANDRA MENDEZ, COMMUNITY OUTREACH

What is the most rewarding aspect of owning a small business? Getting to know the people who shop with us. It’s so fulfilling to see people out in our community who have a question about a vitamin or supplement and knowing we were able to guide them to what they needed and often away from stuff that they don’t.

It’s important for people to shop local because when you spend money with us, most of it comes back to the community. We live here. We have our homes here. We source our needs from other local businesses so they too can spend their money here. When you shop with Gene’s, you’re supporting not only our business, but countless others in our community.

We’re proud that our family store has been in business in Owensboro for 42 years. That longevity wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support from the Owensboro community. How lucky are we that our many generations of family have been able to serve many generations of your families here in Owensboro?

Owensboro is continually growing, but we still have a bit of that small town feel. Running a local business here is so much more than the actual business itself, so to speak. Seeing familiar, as well as new, happy faces coming in each day and being able to make those smiles happen is one of the main reasons we do what we do. These past couple of years have been rough on a lot of us, but when they say “shop local” the city of Owensboro definitely shows love and that’s a community I’m proud to serve & be a part of.

OWENSBORO,

KENNETH HARPER, OWNER

1100 WALNUT ST., OWENSBORO, KY 42301

TO ACCESS SERVICES: 270-689-6879

TDD/HEARING IMPAIRED - 1-800-769-4920

As the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s designated Community Mental Health Center for the region, RiverValley Behavioral Health is proud to offer mental and behavioral health services across seven counties in rural Western Kentucky.

Access to mental healthcare resources has never been more vital, as the world continues reeling from the unprecedented events of COVID-19. However, while a spotlight has been shown on mental health throughout the pandemic, some populations still have limited access to services.

This especially rings true for individuals living in rural communities, which accounts for one-fifth of the U.S. population.

About 60% of those residing in rural communities live in areas experiencing a shortage of mental health professionals, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, despite experiencing similar rates of mental health conditions as those in metropolitan areas, with many having to travel to access services.

“We are proud to offer vital services for the communities we serve and extend accessibility of mental and behavioral health care in rural Western Kentucky,” said RVBH President and CEO Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta. “We have come a long way in furthering access for mental health care and cultivating a better understanding and awareness of mental health in our communities, but there is still much work to do.”

RVBH has served the seven-county region of Daviess, Ohio, McLean, Hancock, Webster, Union, and Henderson counties, for more than 50 years, hosting more than 27 programs for families impacted by mental health, developmental disabilities, alcohol, and drug use.

RVBH is also one of 170 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline call centers nationwide, providing crisis and resource referral services to its communities, free of charge, since 1975.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis, you are not alone. Please call or text 988 to be connected with a trained crisis line specialist.

1420 BRECKENRIDGE ST, OWENSBORO, KY 42303 (270) 478-4582

ELIZABETH THOMPSON, OWNER

Without a doubt, the most rewarding aspect of owning a small business is repeat customers. It’s such a compliment to have loyal patrons return again and again. Running a business is hard work, but you know you must be doing something right when people keep coming back.

I have so many customers tell me that they would rather eat at a local diner than a chain. And the support of our community means so much to us. Plus, organizations like the chamber of commerce, local magazines and newspapers, and radio stations provide so many great options for advertising and getting the word out about local businesses. Owensboro is an outstanding, unique community! I’m so proud to be a part of our local commerce!

126 W 2ND ST, OWENSBORO, KY 42303 (270) 478-1022

ANNE HIGGINS, OWNER

My favorite thing about owning a small, local business? The people I meet! I love having a store full of beautiful things, but the best part of what I do is connecting with people. It gives me so much joy to help shoppers find that perfect gift for someone special or a beautiful new treasure for their home. I have the best customers and many of them have become friends. Being a part of the community...making those personal connections... is so rewarding and is my favorite part of owning Willow and Pine Market!

2730 FREDERICA ST, OWENSBORO, KY 42301 (270) 266-0096

MANDY EMBRY, OWNER

Lance & Co. Jewelers has been apart of the Owensboro community since 2008. Lance Embry the founder and Master Jeweler has loved building a relationship with the community as well as all of our customers. Lance has grown his passion for this industry for the last 45 years; and is looking forward to many more years.

Mandy, Lance’s daughter has been a part of the company since 2008, and grew up in the industry. She continued her diamond education through GIA in 2011. Just this past year, she became an Owner in Lance & Co., and can’t wait to grow the business. She’s very dedicated to helping customers find the perfect item for either themselves or for someone they love. With a head for the creative she does all the marketing and loves Custom Designing pieces for the Store and for clients.

Our staff is growing with the addition of our new staff members.

Lexie has been with the company for the past three years, but is ready to take a more serious role, becoming a Jeweler’s Apprentice. She will be learning the trade under Lance, and in the coming year attend Jewelers School. She is excited to begin her journey of becoming a Master Jeweler.

Alicia is the newest member of the Lance & Co. Staff. She has taken the role of Lead Sales Associate. With her knowledge of luxury goods, Former Channel Beauty Consultant. She is excited to assist customers in finding the perfect items and building special relationships with her clients.

Our youngest staff member, Kyndall, is an Apollo Varsity Cheerleader and has taken the role of Junior Sales Associate. She helps us keep our store pristine and is our instore project spearhead.

Remember our Anniversary Sale is Nov. 3-5 with items being 20-70% off. We are celebrating 14 years assisting the Owensboro Community.

Photo by JAMIE ALEXANDER

Holiday Comfort Food

Recipes and photos by JAMIE ALEXANDER

Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars

INGREDIENTS

CRUST:

13 graham cracker sheets

1 cup pecan halves

3 Tbs brown sugar

1/2 cup melted butter

CHEESECAKE:

24 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

1 cup sour cream

4 eggs

1 Tbs Flour

2 tsp vanilla extract pinch of salt

TOPPING:

2 cups pecan halves (chopped)

3/4 cup light brown sugar

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup butter

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and prepare a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Place pecans, graham crackers, and brown sugar into a food processor/blender and pulse into fine crumbs. Pour in melted butter and pulse again until combined.

3. Pour the crumb mixture into your baking dish and press down into a tight even layerbake for 10 minutes.

4. Clean out your food processor/blender and place the cream cheese, sour cream, sugar,

eggs, flour, vanilla, and salt inside - process until smooth.

5. Pour cheesecake batter over the cooked crust. Bake again for 30-40 minutes (until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean). When done, let it cool.

6. For the topping, add chopped pecans, brown sugar, cream, butter, cinnamon and salt to a small sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 3 minutes before removing from the heat. Pour over top the cheesecake, then use a spatula to spread it into an even layer. Chill for 2+ hours to set!

Sweet Potato Casserole with Crumble Topping

INGREDIENTS

FILLING:

4lbs sweet potato (peeled and chunked)

1/4 cup butter, unsalted

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup light brown sugar

2 Tbs granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract salt, ground nutmeg, and cinnamon to taste

TOPPING:

5 Tbs butter, melted

2/3 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup pecan halves salt to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

FILLING:

1. Boil the potato chunks until they are tender. Drain and let cool.

2. Preheat an oven to 350F and spray a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray.

3. Add sweet potato chunks, eggs, butter, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon to a large bowl. Beat with a mixer until everything is combined and smooth.

4. Pour into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.

TOPPING:

1. Melt butter in a bowl, before adding brown sugar, flour, and salt. Stir gently with a fork until moist crumbs have formed.

2. Add pecans to the mixture and toss until incorporated. Pour the entire mixture evenly over the filling.

3. Bake the casserole for about 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and set. Make sure to keep checking so the topping won’t get burnt.

What we’re eating now

It’s comfort food as old as time, but these local bakers are putting new spins on a traditional favorite. And whether it’s part of a sandwich, enjoyed as a side, or dined on for dessert, you’ll want to take a bite out of all these tasty breads.

Sourdough Loaf

NIKO’S BAKERY AND CAFÉ

Niko’s is known for their wide selection of baked goods, and if you can’t make up your mind, this classic is a great place to start. In addition to their buckwheat sourdough, they also offer a sundried tomato parmesan version.

Sweet Autumn Breads

GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO.

Savory breads are perfect for sandwiches and snacking, but if you’re looking for something sweet, look no further than the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Loaf and Pecan Braid from Great Harvest.

Jalapeno Cheddar Loaf

TRUNNELL’S FARM MARKET

Enjoy this tasty offering as part of their Wicked Chicken Sandwich, or by itself with some melted butter. This white bread with sharedded cheddar cheese and a little spice will have you coming back for another loaf.

An Owensboro Tradition Lives On

Written by MARLYS MASON Photos by AP IMAGERY

For over 50 years, Briarpatch Restaurant has been a landmark for the community. In August of 2021, Mike Courtney, Grady Harreld and Joel White purchased the restaurant knowing they would have to renovate the interior but also wanting to keep the iconic location and offerings of the restaurant.

Previous owner and operator Pat Buntin and his wife Kathy purchased the restaurant in 1987 from the 10-restaurant Briarpatch franchise. As evidence of how the Owensboro location has stood the test of time, all of the other Briarpatch restaurants have since closed.

When the Buntins were looking to sell, Harreld said that Buntin kept asking Courtney to consider purchasing the restaurant. Courtney began his food industry career working at the Briarpatch as a grill cook and manager for over 12 years before opening the two Ritzy’s locations in Owensboro.

Courtney’s love for this restaurant is what helped with deciding to buy it.

“We remember the restaurant from its old days,” Harreld said. “It is an Owensboro institution, and many have had prom dinners and dates there. People tell me this.”

Known for its steaks and salad bar,

the owners have invested in a new line of higher-quality steaks from their vendor, which has resulted in many positive comments.

“We were able to have a steak tasting, and this resulted in the better-quality steaks,” Harreld said.

The salad bar, which sees activity at lunch and dinner, is a known staple, and Harreld said they do not plan to change any of it because “it works.”

“We knew the restaurant needed a lot of work, including cleaning and changing the wallpaper, but we want to keep some the same and even bring back the pub,” Harreld said.

The northside pub used to be a bar that patrons frequented regularly, but in the past couple of decades, it has been underutilized other than to pour drinks.

The bar expansion will also include a patio with a railing and a new sound system, which Harreld believes will be an asset for threeseason enjoyment and can also be used when people are waiting for a table.

The cramped waiting area is

being enlarged and includes new benches, flooring and updated lighting. Harreld said that not everything will change – the plaques for those who have eaten large amounts of beef and the fish tank will remain in the waiting area.

The owners hope to stay open during the remodel, because they want their core customers to still be able to come in for their favorite meal. They have already changed the area where customers had to step down to dine, resulting in the entire restaurant being one level. They also plan to change the entry and host stand to offer a more updated area.

Most of the staff from the previous owner has stayed, and this speaks to the quality of the service-oriented restaurant.

Harreld said this is the first phase of the remodel, and they already have plans for phase two, which includes new hood vents over the grill area as a focal point from the lobby.

“We are excited for the pub to open and see how that is received,” Harreld said. OL

BRIARPATCH IS OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER AND CAN ALSO BE RENTED FOR EVENTS. IT IS LOCATED AT 2760 VEACH ROAD.

100 Years of Holidays

Written by LORA WIMSATT

It’s hard enough to believe that another holiday season has rolled around since last year – and even harder to imagine that our ancestors shared the same experience 100 years ago.

Residents of Owensboro celebrated Thanksgiving Day 1922 with a dance hosted by the American Legion at the Rudd House. The event promised “the most elaborate entertainment of the holiday season,” with “carnival favors and an attractive musical and dance program.”

And really, how could anyone resist a dance with music furnished by the Kentuckians Clarinet-Saxophone Orchestra?

Special guests for the evening were members of the Owensboro and Henderson football teams: Fierce rivals on the field, but coming together for a good cause as proceeds from the event would benefit war veterans.

Yes, there was a lot for which to be thankful 100 years ago, as noted in an advertisement from S.W. Anderson Co. (“Where Courtesy Reigns”). Along with touting an “extraordinary sale” of 200 trimmed hats – in dress, street and sport styles, with prices ranging from 98 cents to $12.45 – the ad gratefully acknowledged this season as “the most prosperous since the war,” noting “Business is good, crops are good, industrial peace seems assured, living is easier and prospects for even better things are bright.”

But trust Washington, D.C. to cast a cloud over otherwise sunny skies. Legislators had threatened to keep the Senate in session on Thanksgiving Day to wage a “finish fight” to pass the Dyer anti-lynching bill … which had been originally proposed in 1918. Looking back through the lens

of history, it’s hard to imagine what the arguments against such a bill might have been. For what it’s worth, the bill was ultimately defeated in December 1922. There’s not much to be thankful for there, but in the meantime, we will move along to the Christmas season of 1922.

A headline in the December 17 issue of the Messenger-Inquirer noted a “spirit of fun” that filled the air, especially among downtown shoppers. Merchants extended their hours until 9:30 p.m. to accommodate customers who worked during the daytime – as well as “tailenders” who had simply procrastinated on their shopping.

The same article also mentioned that stores were packed with crowds who added to the burdens of overworked, frazzled clerks, observing that “it seems generally useless to urge people to give consideration to such members of the animal kingdom.” Not sure how referring to clerks as “members of

the animal kingdom” inspired respect among readers, but elsewhere in this issue, there are articles focusing on a more charitable aspect of the holiday season.

A large sketch depicts a little girl sitting in a room crowded with toys of all descriptions, putting the finishing touches on a letter to Santa listing all the things she hopes (and expects) to find under her tree on Christmas morning.

That drawing is paired with one of three children staring longingly into the window of a store displaying toys that clearly will not be coming down the chimney at their humble home – along with a gentle observation to the reader that “It isn’t likely you’ll forget any who have plenty … but what about those who have nothing?” Yes, the “big hearts” of our community promised to provide “dinners and gifts for all,” as “Christmas cheer (is) planned for all Owensboro poor” with “none to be left out.”

Among the organizations

demonstrating the true spirit of the season were the Goodfellows Club, which would host a celebration at the Grand Theater on Christmas morning while also providing “decorations for a tree for colored children” at Fourth Street Baptist Church. The Woman’s Christian Association was busily distributing baskets of “material for a substantial Christmas dinner and several other meals,” while the Queen’s Daughters were working on baskets of their own, filled with dressed chickens, Irish potatoes, coffee, sugar, bread, a sack of flour and canned goods.

Residents of the county infirmary and the Mary Kendall Home had been “adopted” by Central Presbyterian and Settle Memorial churches, respectively, while residents of the Confederate Veterans home in Pewee Valley would be remembered with gifts of fruit, candy and tobacco. In the meantime, a long list of Christmas services hosted by churches of all denominations – Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian, Evangelical, Scientist, Episcopal, Holy Orthodox and others – extended an invitation to everyone to take time to honor the true reason for the season …

… which is as true today as it was 100 years ago, or 2,000 years ago, and will be true for as long as time is measured. OL