Owensboro Living - July/August

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Trending B E H I N D

THE SCENES

EDITOR’S NOTE

What Makes Owensboro Great?

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again here – the people of Owensboro are what make this city great. But I can’t just leave it at that. For me, it’s a personal connection to the people of Owensboro that makes my hometown special. I was born here and raised here by parents who have also called Owensboro home for most of their lives. With the exception of seven years in college, I have lived here on the banks of the Ohio for my entire life. I met my amazing wife here, and her family has deep Owensboro roots, too.

Summer and I are now proudly raising our four children in our hometown, and we’re fortunate to have the support of our families in doing so. My sister, brother-in-law, and their four children call Owensboro home, as do Summer’s step-brothers, their wives and kids. Our extended families include aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, all of whom, together with those already mentioned, form a tight-knit support group that we’re fortunate to have. We’ve been there for each other during joyous occasions like birthdays, graduations, and weddings, and also through difficult times, illnesses and funerals. But no matter what, we show up for each other. And for me, that’s what makes Owensboro great.

STEVEN WILSON, EDITOR steven@owensboroliving.com

W H AT I’ M R E A D I NG Soccer Against the Enemy: How the World’s Most Popular Sport Starts and Fuels Revolutions and Keeps Dictators in Power

by Simon Kuper The 2022 World Cup doesn’t start until November in Qatar, but with the U.S. men’s team qualifying for the tournament, I decided to dust off this paperback for my bi-monthly recommendation. This book is as much about politics and sociology as it is about sports. In this non-fiction work, Kuper explores the effect that soccer has on on international relations and culture. By traveling to over 20 countries, Kuper takes a fairly comprehensive look at the darker side of the world’s most popular game.

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EDITORIAL EDITOR

Steven Wilson PUBLISHER

Jason Tanner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Danny May Dana Peveler Melody Wallace Libby Johnson Josh Kelly Marlys Mason Lora Wimsatt

Do you have a story idea? We want to hear from you! Email your suggestion to steven@owensboroliving.com

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT DIRECTORS

Brock Quinton Robert Williams

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 888-304-5416 or email brock@tannerpublishing.com.

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To add your business or organization to our distribution list, give us a call at 888-304-5416.

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baird

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Contents

JULY/ AUGUST 2022 TRENDING 6 BEHIND

THE SCENES

A note from our editor.

10 N E W S W O R T H Y The real people, places and events that shape our community, brought to you by the Owensboro Times.

CULTURE 12 M U S I C

Interview with the Artist: Tasha Layton

16 T H E AT E R Encore Musicals Brings Beauty and the Beast to the RiverPark Stage

LIFESTYLE 34 D E S I G N

Lessons in Design

36 A R O U N D

TOWN

Things Owensboroans Do

38 S E N I O R

LIVING

The Power of Storytelling

FLAVOR

FEATURES

18 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Partnering with the Community to Provide an Energy-Efficient Home to a Deserving Family

44 R E C I P E S

20 DOING RIGHT: KEITH WELLS

BY DANA PEVELER

SPECIAL SECTION

23 WHAT MAKES OUR TOWN GREAT

ODT Superintendent and Champion for Local Youth B Y M E L O D Y WA L L A C E

Get Creative with Summer Fruit

46 D I S H What we’re eating now: Local dishes we can’t live without!

48 R E S TA U R A N T

SPOTLIGHT

Wyndall’s Wonder Whip Windy Hollow Biscuit House Hart & Soul Beverages

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Trending N E W S W O R T H Y

5 things we’re talking about now

2 Owensboro Black Expo Celebrates Juneteenth Juneteenth is

celebrated on June 19 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved black Americans. This year, Owensboro Black Expo hosted its 5th annual Juneteenth celebration BELLA SAILORS

at Kendall-Perkins Park. A fireworks show, sponsored by Southern Star, took place at 4th

Photo by

Street Baptist Church, and was preceded by an end-of-the-night

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Pedigo Named Executive Director of Pitino Shelter Harry Pedigo is doubling down on his commitment to helping those in need in the local community. Pedigo, already the executive director of St. Benedict’s Homeless Shelter, also recently assumed the executive director position at the Daniel Pitino Shelter. The title of executive director entails various duties such as marketing, grant writing, and trainings, but Pedigo said the most important task is to listen to the people he serves.

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performance called Gospel Fest.

Brought to you by O W E N S B O R O T I M E S

Photo by RYAN

RICHARDSON

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Fidem Farm Offers Healthy Alternatives

Daniel and Melissa Burke recently began growing and selling microgreens at the Owensboro Regional Farmers Market.

Microgreens are young

The Peach Truck Steven and Jessica

Rose, founders of The

seedlings used as nutritional supplements with health benefits. The

Peach Truck, brought

Burkes began with four varieties of microgreens — sunflower shoots,

their flavorful Georgia

sweet pea shoots, broccoli, and radish. At the Market, the couple gives

fruit to Owensboro

customers information about ways to use microgreens in their everyday

on June 7. Steven,

eating and also post information and inspirational ideas on Fidem Farm’s social media.

a native of Georgia, spent his high school years in Owensboro.

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They began the business in 2012,

5th Annual Nicky Hayden Memorial Ride

and they now make stops in 30 states during the summer months. They also ship nationwide,

On June 9, The Nicky Hayden Memorial

Foundation

and can be found in

held

over 60 booths in the

the 5th annual charity ride

Nashville area. They’ll

across the city to celebrate

return to Rural King in

Hayden’s life and legacy. The

Owensboro on July 12.

ride, which started at the statue commemorating Hayden and traveled to Hayden’s final resting place, acts as a fundraiser for the Foundation to raise money for different community projects.

Held in partnership with Lure, Ben Skiadas had special limited edition Four Roses bourbon bottles which went on sale at the event. They only had 169 bottles that were sold on a first-come,

Photo by

JOSH KELLY

GET MORE NEWS LIKE THIS ON THE OWENSBORO TIMES APP. DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY ON THE APP STORE OR GOOGLE PLAY.

first-serve basis.

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MUSIC: TASHA LAYTON p. 13

IN THE KNOW: 9 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR p. 15

THEATER: ENCORE MUSICALS BEAUTY AND THE BEAST p. 16

→

CULTURE

Photos courtesy of

BEC RECORDS

INTERVIEW WITH THE ARTIST: A few highpoints of Tasha Layton’s musical journey include

Tasha Layton Written by D A N N Y M AY

performing on stages across the world singing backup vocals for Katy Perry, regularly leading worship at Owensboro Christian Church during the Covid hiatus, and recently reaching the top of the Contemporary Christian charts.

On Friday, August 5, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum welcomes Tasha for the First Friday Contemporary Christian Concert Series during Friday After 5.

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Culture M U S I C

D

uring a phone interview from her home in Nashville, Tasha Layton admitted that her life looks quite a bit different now than it did in the fall of 2020 when she began leading worship at Owensboro Christian Church. Since then, her two smash hits “Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be Okay)” and “Look What You’ve Done” both climbed the Billboard Christian airplay charts back-to-back, which brought a whirlwind of attention, concert dates, and other responsibilities.

Between all that and caring for two children under five, it’s enough to keep her plenty busy.

But at the tail end of a Friday afternoon, Tasha graciously took unrushed time to share a glimpse of her life with Owensboro Living readers, reflect on her time at Owensboro Christian Church, and look ahead to her upcoming performance at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in August.

OL : You got your start on American Idol, Season 9. How did that experience set things in motion for you?

T L : It’s funny because I made a vow that I would never do a show like that. But some friends asked me to go with them to audition, so I tagged along. I ended up making it to Hollywood Week, where I met Lauren Daigle and Tori Kelly. Then I made it to the top 60 round. After I got cut, I felt like I was meant to sing outside of church for a while. My pastor confirmed that calling when he told me, ‘Oh Tasha, we’ve known that for years.’ So I got called in to audition for the Kesha/Rihanna tour, but that morning I had an uneasy feeling, so I declined the offer. That same day, at the same time I was supposed to be trying out for Kesha/Rihanna, I got the call from Katy Perry’s people asking me to audition to be one of her backup singers. Two days later, I left for Madison Square Garden to start what became a four-year run as a backup singer for Katy Perry. That was around 2010-2014.

OL : How did leading worship at Owensboro Christian Church come about?

T L : Because my tour dates were canceled for Covid, I had availability. I actually wasn’t looking for anything at that time; we had a newborn, and I was looking forward to some time off. But my husband heard about the opportunity to lead worship at Owensboro Christian, and with

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“God’s so cool like that. He just works things out. Sometimes years of frustration end up being part of His plan.” it being just two hours from our home, we visited and liked it so much that it seemed like a great fit.

So in 2020, we lead worship there once a month. Then it was twice a month.

In 2021, I had some tour dates picking back up, so it worked out less often. We still come up to lead worship when we can. We love everybody at Owensboro Christian. They don’t have any aspirations of being the famous, cool church, which I love. Keith and I feel like we can go there and worship and be ourselves. We see Owensboro Christian as our home away from home.

O L : Since that time, your career has blown up. How did your experience touring with Katy Perry prepare you for your career?

T L : All my life I had only wanted to serve God, so when I took the job with Katy, it felt like a detour, but in hindsight I can see how God was giving me so much through that experience. I got to travel the world and do so many cool things before the rubber hit the road ministry-wise for me. I got rid of a lot of insecurities and nerves and stage fright. So many of those internal battles got worked out. So when it was time to launch my own career, I didn’t have those false insecurities like

some Christian artists struggle with.

With being in Katy’s band, I experienced the best of both worlds because I was traveling the world but didn’t have the pressure of being the artist. I crossed off most of what was on my bucket list and got to play the biggest stages all over the world and got to do so many special things that come along with being famous without all the added responsibilities of being the artist. But at the same time, I saw how detrimental fame can be to a person and how unhealthy it could be.

OL : After touring with Katy, how did you end up on BEC recordings as a Christian artist?

T L : After that, I took a sabbatical from music for a while and actually went to a counseling facility in Colorado. That was life changing for me. I had always wanted to do Christian music, but I struggled with insecurity that I wasn’t a good enough singer or songwriter. So I needed to work that all out. It was a beautiful time of inner healing where I exchanged all those lies for God’s truth over me. I had always been in church, went to seminary, was a worship leader, all that. But there were still these lies from childhood that needed

to be healed in me. So after that time of healing, I felt like I could do anything that God called me to do because all those fears were gone. I could just serve God and let Him love me.

So then I moved to Nashville, but not for music. My aspiration was to write Christian books. But before I finished the first manuscript, I met my husband and we started writing music and I ended up signing with BEC (Brandon Ebel Company, based out of Seattle) in 2018.

The book I originally intended to write is actually coming out in 2023. But the other book I wrote in the interim is called Boundless, and it’s a workbook for people to journal through the process of healing from trauma and memories to help them find healing.

OL : What’s it like to be on BEC? TL : When I signed with BEC, there was no one else in the space that was doing the mixture of worship and pop like I was. BEC wasn’t in the Nashville bubble, and living in California for ten years, I understood the West Coast vibe they have, so I just felt like it was the label for me. It just made sense. They took a chance and signed me, and I really appreciated that. Since I signed, there have been several others with a similar sound on other labels. We just finished a Christmas vinyl record and we’re really stoked to put that out.

Brandon (Ebel) was really involved in that project because he has a vinyl imprint.

OL : It’s fascinating to me that BEC broke you in the middle of the pandemic.

TL : Yeah, the timing of it was crazy. It was the beginning of the pandemic. When we wrote “Into the Sea (It’s Gonna be Okay),” we had planned to release it later. But one

day, three people on our team all said healing season in Colorado, I was able to we felt the Lord wanted us to put it out let go of the reins and let God take control sooner. And that was right about the time and things just started blossoming. When things started shutting down. The process I got started in music in Nashville, I really that songs take to get on radio takes a didn’t want to be an artist. I didn’t want while, so if we had waited longer, maybe to be back in the spotlight because I had it wouldn’t have hit at just the right time already experienced that with Katy. But it like it did. I think it was because the Lord was my husband who encouraged me to knew people would need that song. trust that if God was calling me to do this When that song came out, I actually that we could do it differently and it would went into counseling because so many be okay. God has blessed it, and it’s been people were sending me their stories of really fruitful and wonderful. heartbreak in their own lives and how God was meeting them through that song. It OL : So what can fans expect at the concert was breaking me to read all of them. So on August 5?

I had to find a way to process that and T L : This is actually going to be a one-off give up any savior mentality and just be for me because I’m going on tour in the grateful to God without the pressure. fall with Danny Gokey and Jordan Feliz, I think there are seasons for songs, but that starts right after the show at the and timing is important. God is good like Bluegrass Hall of Fame. This show will be a that. And even the timing of starting this mix of ballads and up-tempo. We’ll bring a little later in my life, it couldn’t be more some musicians and I’ll share a little bit perfect for me. I wouldn’t have it any of my story from stage like I always do. I other way. might even throw in a bluegrass song! It’s But it was funny. Everything in 2020 going to be so fun. Our kids will be there was virtual, so when I was finally able to with us for sure. Our kids love do a live show in front of an Owensboro. audience it was a little trippy I N T E R EST I N G Another interesting for me that everyone knew the FAC T: thing for me about performing words to my songs because it “When I cut the at the Bluegrass Hall of Fame was the first show, but everyone vocals for ‘Look is my grandmother is the already knew my music.

What You’ve one who taught me to play Done’ I was way guitar and she loved bluegrass O L : Sharing some of your story too pregnant music. She used to play banjo sheds light into the lyrics and to sing in the and guitar; everyone on that themes in your songs. studio, so what side of the family plays an T L : I was 16 when some rough you hear on the instrument. My grandmother stuff started happening at my radio is actually has since passed, and she church. I was nearly 30 when I the vocals would have loved to see me went to Colorado to finally deal from my demo play at the Hall of Fame. So with it. Shortly after moving recording.” this will be sweet for me, but to Nashville, I met Keith and Tasha Layton we got married. So after that also bittersweet. OL

IN THE KNOW 9 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

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LIVE ON THE BANKS J U LY 2-AU G U ST 2 7 @ OV E RLO O K STAG E The 2022 Live on the Banks outdoor concert series along the riverfront in downtown Owensboro will be held every Saturday night throughout the summer on the riverfront. Galactic Foghorn takes to the stage at the Overlook and Cara Bishop will perform at the Allen Street Gazebo on July 2. This concert series showcases a variety of music groups from across the region to enjoy. Live on the Banks is free to the public.

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GAMES ON THE RIVER J ULY 3 -AU G U ST 28 @ S M OT HE R S PA R K

Looking for fun for the entire family? Head to Smothers Park every Sunday afternoon for a day of playing oversized yard games including Jenga, checkers, Bocce Ball, Get Knotted, Yard Pong, Connect 4 and more. The games take place from noon to 8 p.m.

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ALL-AMERICAN FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS J U LY 4 @ D OWNTOWN OWE NSBO RO

The City of Owensboro will celebrate Independence Day with its annual All-American Fourth of July event on Monday, July 4, 2022. Building on the tremendous success of the Healthy at Home Fireworks the city hosted the last two years, the 2022 All-American Fourth of July will combine the annual celebration on the riverfront with additional fireworks locations throughout the city.

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Culture T H E A T E R Shelby Ratliff, cast as Belle, rehearsing for Encore’s “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.”

ENCORE MUSICALS BRINGS BEAUTY AND THE BEAST TO THE RIVERPARK STAGE

The Show Must Go On Written by M A R LY S M A S O N

Photos by K E V I N B R O W N M E D I A

E

ncore Musicals is hoping to bring people back to the theatre with their upcoming production, “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.”

With an ensemble of 42 people, a lavish set design and elaborate costuming, Director David Roberson said this is a musical for all ages.

“We are hoping to be impressive,” Roberson said. “We have a wonderful cast. People don’t realize how much talent Owensboro has.”

He said that over 20 people auditioned for the role of Belle and 65 people for the cast.

“The Belle we cast is really, really good,” he said. “The cast is great, the sound of the ensemble…amazing.”

Roberson said the Encore Musicals board chose “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” several years ago then canceled

IN THE KNOW 9 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

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LET’S RIDE LET FREEDOM RING – J U LY 4 @ B E RE A L S P O R TS CYC L I N G

Celebrate Independence Day with a bicycle ride.

Roll out at 7 a.m. from Lake Forest Town Center. The route is 57 miles with a few options to cut the route a bit shorter. There will be a supported food stop at 22 miles Whitesville and at 30 miles.

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HOPS ON THE OHIO J U LY 9 @ R I V E R PA R K CE NT E R

The four-hour tour of local Kentucky breweries and the nation’s favorite brands will take place from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on July 9, 2022. For the third year, the RiverPark Center, in partnership with festival founders Cody Anderson and Matt Holderfield, is excited to offer an afternoon of delicious brews, music, and food trucks. Collaborations with local brands will include Green River Distillery, Mile Wide Beer Company, Brew Bridge and more to be announced.

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BOILIN’ IN THE BORO J U LY 23 @ G R E E N R I V ER D I ST I LLI NG CO.

Plan your night out along the Ohio River and help make wishes come true for local children with critical illnesses at the 5th Annual Boilin’ in the Boro. The evening will include a cocktail hour, live entertainment, a delicious low country boil, inspiring wish stories, and exciting live and silent auction packages.

The ensemble rehearsing music for “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” led by Dennis Jewett.

it, moved it, and then worried about producing it during the summer of 2021 with the guidelines and restrictions, so they held it until this summer.

“It’s a humongous show, and it has to be done a certain way to do justice to it as many know the story,” he said.

Encore Musicals began five years ago, forming out of Back Alley Musicals. Roberson said the founding members were not ready to quit having a musical theatre group in Owensboro.

Their first production as Encore Musicals was a review with an ensemble of 20-30 people. It was free to the public, and the community’s response showed the community organization there was a need for musical theatre.

Several productions were held before the pandemic, including “The Fantasticks,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and “Mamma Mia,” and last summer, Encore resumed with “Bright Star” and “Damn Yankees” in the fall.

Roberson said they typically have three shows in a season, but may move to four with the addition of a Christmas show.

They are also planning a musical revue to pay homage to

their

first

performance.

This will also be free to the community and will be held in September.

Encore

Musicals

has

a

board of eleven members, who are also involved in the shows and when they are selecting the season, they try to make them

family-friendly

while

also producing shows for older audiences.

“We try to do a little of both,” he said. “The board is a fan of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and I am glad that it is, and we hope that kids will be interested in theatre [after seeing the production].”

Rehearsals for the show began will

be

in

May

spent

and learning

June the

Encore’s production of “Bright Star” performed in 2021 at the RiverPark Center

choreography and blocking for the cast members on the stage.

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast”

takes

the

RiverPark

Center stage on July 16 and 23 at 7 p.m. and on July 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the RiverPark Center and Ticketmaster. OL

“We have a wonderful cast. People don’t realize how much talent Owensboro has.”

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FIRST FRIDAYS AU G U ST 5 @ BLU EG RASS M U S IC H A L L O F FA M E & M U S E U M

This concert series will take place on the outdoor stage at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum featuring contemporary Christian artists.

The event is free to the public and will include food trucks, activities for children and live music. The third concert for this family-friendly series will feature Tasha Layton.

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DANCING WITH OUR STARS OW E N SB OR O ST Y LE – AU GU ST 6 @ OWE NSB OR O C O N VE NT I ON CE NT E R

Local celebrities will partner with local dancers to perform one routine in competition for the mirror-ball trophy and to benefit Boulware Mission!

The evening includes a sitdown dinner, competition, and open dancing.

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HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR AU G U ST 13 @ R I V E R PA R K CE NT E R

The 13th annual Happy Together Tour will feature tons of musical guests including The Turtles, Chuck Negron, Gary Puckett, The Association, The Union Gap, The Vogues and the Cowsills. The tour has played more than 50 plus shows a year and 2022 will be no exception. Tickets are on sale now.

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Features

Habitat for Humanity PARTNERING WITH THE COMMUNITY TO PROVIDE AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME TO A DESERVING FAMILY Written by D A N A P E V E L E R

Photo by D AV I D G R I N N E L L

J

ust one month into Jeremy Stephens’ role as Executive Director for Owensboro/Daviess County Habitat for Humanity, Kay Coomes, Manager of Public Affairs with Atmos Energy, approached him with an exciting partnership idea to build the first ever natural gas powered Zero Net Energy (ZNE) home in Kentucky. Mrs. Coomes shared that while Atmos had partnered with Habitats in two previous states, one home in Colorado, and two in Texas, they had not yet built one in Kentucky. Atmos Energy’s goal is to expand this project to all Atmos’ 8 state coverage area by the end of 2023.

Jeremy agreed, and the project came to life.

Jeremy reflected it was “Just blind luck” that connected the project to the home’s recipient, Jamie Sowders. She set an example, raising her 4 children to excel. The oldest will graduate nursing school; the others participate in cheerleading, swim clubs, football, and baseball. Jeremy further described that, “It felt like a divine moment that she was selected. It came together with a lot of faith, hope and prayer because she had put in the two years of budgeting and finance classes, hours of labor, and had even already selected the only property appropriate for a build like this.” Not only is Habitat giving this family a home, but they are

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also providing them with an affordable,

partnerships. “Jagoe Homes leading

energy-efficient, sustainable home,

the construction was a God-Send

which will afford Ms. Sowders an

because they were already looking

opportunity to invest even more in her

into this type of technology even

children’s futures.

before the project began,” Coomes

Alex Jagoe, Energy Rater with

said. “It takes a team of skills and

the

specialties to achieve this goal,” adds

program has minimum requirements

Jagoe, “and since we began Boardwalk

for

Quantum

Raters,

explained

foundation,

Pipelines, Southern Star, OMU, Rinnai,

walls and ceiling, HVAC, water heater,

and Driven Solar has joined us on the

Energy

windows,

project.” Many community members

solar panels, and ventilation system,

have made donations to the project, as

which brings in air from outside to

well.

insulation Star

in

the

appliances,

replace the inside air. There is also

Ground-breaking on the home

no ductwork in the attic, increasing

was held June 14, with completion

efficiency, as well. All together, these

scheduled to occur within 3 to 4

elements will provide the home with a

months.

Home Efficiency Rating Score (HERS)

The

mission

of

Habitat

for

of 0 or less. That means, there is a Net

Humanity is: “Seeking to put God’s

Zero Consumption and carbon-neutral

love into action, Habitat for Humanity

home which produces as much energy

brings people together to build homes,

as the home consumes in a year. The

communities and hope.” It is the hope

family’s utility costs are predicted to

of all that vendors from around the

be under $500 annually!

state will be inspired by the build, and

Each

contractor

appreciation

for

expressed the

strong

learn more about how they may be able to replicate such a unique endeavor. OL

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Features

DOING RIGHT

Keith Wells

ODT SUPERINTENDENT AND CHAMPION FOR LOCAL YOUTH Written by M E L O D Y WA L L A C E Photo by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R

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O

n a fairly consistent basis, Owensboro Day Treatment (ODT) Superintendent Keith Wells is stopped by someone when he is out in the community. Due to his stature and natural charisma, it is not unlikely for Wells to be confused with celebrities and famous athletes. Although it was college basketball that originally brought Wells to Owensboro from the small town of Russellville, Kentucky in 1991, he has since found his calling using his competitive nature and natural compassion to love on the students that often challenge others.

“I enjoy competing — I think working with kids is the ultimate competition,” Wells said. “I love the kids nobody else does. I love kids who have made bad choices. I have met thousands of kids who have made bad choices, but I’ve yet to meet a bad kid.”

The former Brescia University men’s basketball team captain majored in sociology with a minor in psychology, and said he originally planned to go into law enforcement after college.

“That was the plan,” Wells said. “I took the State police exam and then decided, ‘I think I want to try kids.’”

Wells has been encouraging students to succeed in some capacity for 27 years and has served as the superintendent at ODT for the past 20 years.

Run by the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice in partnership with Daviess County Public Schools, Owensboro Day Treatment serves at-risk youth ages 12-17. In the 20 years he has been with ODT, Wells has gained the respect of students and staff alike, earning him the title of 2021 Day Treatment Superintendent of the Year.

Office coordinator Andrea Ratliff has known and worked alongside Wells since 2001 and nominated him for the award.

“He processes things internally much better than anyone I’ve ever seen,” Ratliff said. “He doesn’t even realize his effect on molding people.”

Although Wells has admittedly never been in trouble himself, countless co-workers and members of the community describe him as having an uncanny knack for understanding and connecting with kids. ODT Counselor Drew Partlow said that in situations where Wells could be engaged in a power struggle with students, he is a “teen whisperer” of sorts.

“He has an intangible gift with students — he is very effective,” Partlow said. “He prioritizes bringing students into this building that have a high probability of success.”

Wells said a good portion of the work he, the counselors, and youth workers do at ODT relies on behavior modification and demonstrating to students how to make good choices.

He said he credits his value system, his integrity and thoughtful decisionmaking to his parents’ influence and his strong upbringing.

“My parents get all the credit,” Wells said. “I just try to do right. If you’re doing right by kids, you can never be wrong. That’s always been my motto.”

Most of those “kids” find their way to Wells through the juvenile court system. County Attorney Claude Porter works in the Juvenile Drug Court Division and has known Wells on a professional and personal level for more than 20 years.

“He’s been a real asset to drug court and a real asset to the community,” Porter said. “It seems like there are a lot of teenage boys that he can reach that others can’t. He just has a knack for being able to talk to kids and remind them of their obligations without being authoritative.”

One teenage boy that Wells was able to make an impression on was Jonathan Blandford. Dr. Blandford said that, at 16 years old, he was a troubled teen who soon found himself in a downward spiral. He reluctantly attended ODT with no real goals or aspirations other than completing the program. Then, he says, Wells made an undeniable connection with him that would change the trajectory of his life.

“I was finally emotionally able to open up,” Blandford said. “Within a few weeks I would talk to him about everything. Suddenly, I was awake and waiting on the bus. The check-in process was one of the highlights of starting the day. I participated as much as I could, and I couldn’t wait to go see Mr. Wells.”

It has been 18 years since Dr. Blandford was a student at ODT, but he still credits Wells with helping him discover himself and his passions during one of the most difficult times of his life.

“Through those six months I was really able to find myself, find my passions and start to look forward to life,” Blandford said. “With his help, I was able to realize I had value and that I could have dreams, goals and

aspirations. I decided I wanted to go to college after all. I had this wild idea that I would become a doctor.”

Blandford said, with Wells help, he was able to get accepted into Collegiate High School and then Owensboro Community & Technical College. From there, Blandford attended a four-year university and eventually completed medical school. He and his family have since returned to Owensboro where he now practices medicine.

“I owe a huge portion of that to Mr. Wells,” Blandford said. “There is really no telling how I would have ended up without him. I do feel like he saved my life.”

Although

Wells

has

literally

impacted hundreds of students over the past 20 years, he remembers Blandford fondly and is proud of his accomplishments.

“I walked through it with him,” Wells said. “I love what he has become.”

Wells’ impact reaches far beyond the

walls

of

the

Owensboro

Day

Treatment Center. The man who once held the title of class president and admits he never had a drink of alcohol throughout his college years, serves on the board of directors at River Valley Behavioral Health, Lighthouse Recovery Services, and the Owensboro YMCA. County Commissioner Mike Koger, who owns the Fairview Drive facility that ODT is currently housed in and leases to the Department of Juvenile Justice, worked with Wells on the design for the building in 2018. The project quickly transitioned into a relationship of mutual respect.

“He’s very well thought of and he’s always willing to help, especially in the community,” Koger said. “I’ve seen him in action. He’s my role model — I really look up to him and what he’s doing for these children.” OL J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Whether they’re new to the area, or they’ve been around for years, these businesses are a big part of what makes Owensboro great! But it’s not just the farmers, physicians and other professionals, it’s also their many employees and families that call this city home. And it’s their willingness to invest in and give back to our town that truly makes Owensboro a great place to live.

→

J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

23

What Makes Our Town Great?

Owensboro Medical Practice

1200 BRECKENRIDGE STREET // WWW.OWENSBOROMEDICAL.COM

When faced with the question “What makes Owensboro great?” our unequivocal answer is its people!

As Owensboro’s largest independently owned multi-specialty clinic, we have seen several ups and downs in this industry over the last 21 years. However, nothing has been as difficult as being a medical practice during a world-wide pandemic. Our staff has worked tirelessly through all the staffing shortages, the long hours and the personal losses - just to ensure that our patients do not lack the care they need.

Dr. Kishor Vora, who started Owensboro Medical Practice in 2001, said, “I always knew I wanted to practice in a small town.

People in small towns deserve access to the same quality of healthcare that people get in a big city.” With this conviction, Dr. Vora started his practice in Owensboro in April 2001 with only 18 employees for his Cardiology clinic. Every time he saw a gap in the care that his patients received, he sought to bridge that gap by expanding the services he offers. The Practice has now grown to include 17 providers, 14 clinics (including Diagnostics, specialty clinics and remote clinics) and 100+ team members.

Bringing new technologies and services to our patients is important to Dr. Vora, who was the first cardiologist in Owensboro to do Peripheral Vascular Intervention. In 2001, when 95% of varicose vein patients were treated by surgery, he was already up to date on his venous ablation training and able to take care of patients with the minimally invasive procedure. His proudest achievement so far is building Owensboro’s first and only freestanding Cath Lab where he performs Peripheral Interventions of all complexities in an accessible and welcoming environment, and without the hassle, apprehension, and impersonality of big hospitals. As our motto goes “Quality, Compassionate Care”, our topmost priority is, and will always remain our patients’ and our community’s well-being!

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Bella Ragazza Boutique As a local boutique in Owensboro, serving those in the community has been our top priority since May 2013. We value the input of our customers through the entire process of this business. With the support of the city, we have been able to expand both our online and brick and mortar store. Wesleyan Park Plaza, a treasure to Owensboro, has been the perfect location. The business continues to grow, not only in sales, but through connections made with each customer who shops here.

Our encounters with customers and the smiles we see on peoples’ faces make Owensboro great! Not a day goes by when we don’t feel the outpouring love from Owensboro. Especially through the pandemic, our customers were with us every step of the way as we adjusted to new approaches for growing the business and maintaining that personal shopping feel.

As we’ve moved to Wesleyan Park Plaza, we now offer free shipping and in-store pick up. Every Monday afternoon and Thursday morning, we go live on Facebook and Instagram with new arrivals. We also drop new arrivals onto BellaBabe.com on Sunday mornings at 6 am. It is our goal to make all customers feel beautiful and valued!

2736 FREDERICA STREET // (270) 926-9546 // BELLABABE.COM

Dental Designs of Owensboro Dental Designs of Owensboro was started in 2006 by Dr. Wes Booker with the vision to create a family-friendly dental environment for the people of Owensboro and all of Daviess County.

What makes Owensboro great is the same thing that make Dental Designs of Owensboro great— the People. At Dental Designs of Owensboro, our patients are family. Our team is committed to offering compassionate, comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages.

Dr. Wes Booker, Dr. Katherine Higdon, and Dr. Whitney Thompson take pride in pursuing the highest level of continuing education to ensure exquisite dentistry for our patients. We offer a variety of services that include oral conscious sedation, cosmetic smile makeovers, extractions, implant restorations, partials, crowns, composite restorations, periodontal treatment and regular dental cleanings and exams.

If you have dental needs, come see our team at Dental Designs of Owensboro and experience how we keep Owensboro’s smiles looking great!

3164 ALVEY PARK DR E // (270) 683-0620 DENTALDESIGNSOFOWENSBORO.COM

J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

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What Makes Our Town Great?

Fastek Services We’re in your corner, Owensboro. Find relief from the headache of daily IT tasks.

Small business owners in and around Owensboro waste loads of time on tedious IT tasks. Fastek implements and supports your technology systems with excellence and professionalism. You don’t have to be a big business to operate like one – especially when it comes to cybersecurity. We help your company assess risks, guard against threats, and keep your info secure.

We love to see local businesses thrive so don’t waste your time and headspace on tasks that don’t make you money. We’ll focus on the technology so you can grow your business with confidence.

Fastek is Owensboro’s full-service technology solutions company, with years of experience in both technology solutions and practical business administration. Let us show you the Fastek difference.

1330 CARTER ROAD // 270-240-2840 // FASTEKLLC.COM

Gateway Urgent Care Owensboro thrives because local people support their local businesses. It’s a part of our history and will continue to be a part of our future. There are so many things that make Owensboro special, but locals supporting locals is what makes it great. At Gateway Urgent Care, we have been able to grow the past 12 years because of this local support! In return, we’ve been granted the opportunity to support all local school districts, multiple local businesses, sports’ clubs, and many individuals in our community. We have been able to open another office on Frederica Street, granting us the opportunity to reach more businesses and members of our community. Gateway Urgent Care is great because Owensboro is great! We love being an Owensboro born business. Thank you, Owensboro!

GATEWAYMERCY.COM // 270-663-0955 2804 FREDERICA ST // 3245 MOUNT MORIAH AVE

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Cecil Farms

270-929-1445

At Cecil Farms, we believe that family businesses and their loyal patrons are part of what makes Owensboro great! Established in 1974

by Gary Cecil, our farm is truly a family affair. Gary’s wife, Imelda, son, Ryan, and daughters, Suzanne and Katie, along with their spouses and children, all chip in to make the farm both a success and a special place to work. And we take great pride in growing what sustains us all: healthy food and great relationships.

With a robust wholesale and retail fruit and vegetable production operation, Cecil Farms ships our produce both locally and across the United States to schools, restaurants, grocery chains, retail markets and roadside stands, among others.

In addition to raising fruits and vegetables, Cecil Farms also specializes in event floral design, fresh cut flower production, and hosting events from weddings to student educational conferences and women’s personal growth conferences.

SHOPCECILFARMS.COM (270) 929-1445 8753 MULLIGAN RD.

J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

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What Makes Our Town Great?

Allergy & Asthma Specialists P.S.C. For over 20 years now, we have been treating the residents of Owensboro and the surrounding regions for all manner of allergic diseases, asthma, and immunologic disorders. Allergy and Asthma Specialists also offers patients the opportunity to participate in clinical research studies in the field of allergy and immunology. We have been conducting clinical trials for greater than 15 years and have been involved in over 35 such protocols. At Allergy and Asthma Specialists, we believe in a personalized approach to patient care and we tailor treatment plans to meet the individual patient’s needs. We will strive to treat all of our patients as we would treat our own families. This family approach is really the centerpiece of our approach to the care of allergy immunology patients.

So, from our family to yours, thanks for allowing us to care for you and your loved ones for the better part of 20 years. We look forward to continuing our current patient relationships and to starting many new ones in the years ahead. Please call us if we can be of any service to you or any member of your family.

OWENSBOROALLERGY.COM // (270) 684-6144 // 3604 WATHENS CROSSING

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Liberty Financial

(270) 302-1898 // (270) 713-5303 // 2925 WIMSATT COURT

After reaching $1 billion in assets in 2014, we surpassed $3 billion in assets on April 30. As it has grown, Liberty Financial A Division of ETFCU Owensboro Mortgage Office and ETFCU, have increasingly supported local schools and organizations. In 2021, we returned more than $900,000 through sponsorships, scholarships, and donations.

Similarly, the credit union has become one of the tristate’s largest employers. Since 2012, the credit union has expanded from a workforce of 160 to 738 employees.

Our commitment is exemplified in the credit union’s free checking products. In 2021, the credit union returned more than $13 million to members through checking accounts alone. This primarily represents interest, but also includes reward points and the reimbursement of other banks’ ATM fees. This rapidly increasing total is 58% higher than the $8.2 million returned in 2020. In comparison, this total was less than $750,000 as recently as 2014.

The increasing payout is due to free, high-interest Vertical Checking account. This product, which offers an interest rate of 3.30% APY on balances up to $20,000, has drawn significant attention, both locally and within the banking industry. The account has received national acclaim from Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, Investopedia, and Newsweek, which named it America’s Best High-Yield Checking Account for 2022.

As we grow to serve members throughout the region, the credit union continues to add branches throughout the tristate as well.

The credit union plans to officially change its name to Liberty Federal Credit Union in mid-September.

J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

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What Makes Our Town Great?

What Makes Owensboro Great?

Written by S T E V E N W I L S O N

Photo by

AP IMAGERY

as well as national touring acts.

Taking

advantage

of

the

renovated riverfront, Friday After 5 is a summer-long series of outdoor concerts that has something for everyone, including multiple acts stretching along eight blocks every weekend.

Another prominent feature of the downtown landscape and the music scene is the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum. The state-of-theart institution includes interactive exhibits, live concerts, and the International

Bluegrass

Music

Association’s Hall of Fame. convention center, there’s always Photo by

something to do and somewhere to stay.

AP IMAGERY

THERE ARE COUNTLESS ANSWERS TO THE QUESTION, BUT MAYBE IT WOULD BE EASIER TO DEFINE IF WE BROKE IT DOWN INTO A FEW CATEGORIES. SO HERE’S A SAMPLE OF WHAT MAKES OUR CITY SO SPECIAL.

Smothers Park is the crown jewel huge

of

downtown,

playground,

with

splash

a

park,

performance stages, and a fantastic view of the Ohio River. Crowds flock to the park to enjoy time with the family, an outdoor stroll, or to take in some live music.

Music

music,

The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame

Owensboro is home to some of the

& Museum also produces ROMP –

region’s best live music venues

a four-day festival featuring the

and events. The RiverPark Center

biggest names in bluegrass music.

Owensboro riverfront received a

provides a community stage for

Attendees come from across the

major makeover. With two hotels

performing arts and concerts year

country and around the world to

(and more on the way) on the banks

round, including performances by

camp at Yellow Creek Park and hear

of the Ohio, and an award-winning

the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra,

their favorite artists pick and play.

Downtown Starting

30

20

years

And

ago,

Owensboro Living J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2

the

speaking

of

Photo by

AP IMAGERY

Photo by

BBQ & Bourbon

WONDER BOY MEDIA

Any Owensboroan will tell you

that we’re famous for our pitsmoked barbeque. And while some may debate who makes the best mutton and burgoo in town, there’s no doubt that our local barbeque establishments are institutions in the community that serve as the backdrop for countless family gettogethers,

dinners

with

friends

from out of town, and even political functions.

Bourbon is also part of our city’s rich heritage. Green River Distilling Company is the 10th oldest in the Commonwealth, the fourth largest

Parks

independent

bourbon

distillery,

and the 11th stop of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Including downtown’s Smothers

Park, Owensboro is home to more than 20 public parks for citizens and

SO AS YOU CAN SEE, WHETHER YOU’RE A LIFELONG RESIDENT, OR A VISITOR PASSING THROUGH FOR A WEEKEND, THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE IN OWENSBORO!

visitors to enjoy. Amenities include 20 combined miles of walking trails, basketball, tennis, pickleball and futsal courts, as well as golf courses, playgrounds, spray parks, baseball diamonds, football fields, and a skate park. And if you’re looking for indoor activity, The Edge Ice Center is the only municipal ice rink in the Commonwealth.

Photo by

JAMIE ALEXANDER

J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

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DESIGN: KATE & WAV E R LY p . 3 4

AROUND TOWN: THINGS OWENSBOROANS DO p. 36

SENIOR LIVING:THE POWER OF STORYTELLING p. 38

→

LIFESTYLE

J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

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Lifestyle D E S I G N KATE & WAVERLY

Lessons in Design Written by L I B B Y J O H N S O N

W

hen Kate Mazariegos packed up her classroom a few weeks ago, it was the end of a chapter.

Mazariegos is going full time with Kate & Waverly, the design company she launched in the summer of 2021.

Though she enjoys teaching and says she will miss the students the most, a couple of factors led to the “now or never” decision to try to go full time with design - the renovation of the home she shares with her family (on Waverly Place - hence the name) and the response to her style through social media.

Mazariegos and her husband, Leo, purchased their home- which was built in 1918- in 2015 as a foreclosure. The once grand home had seen better days and had gone through many stages and renovations, including being divided up as apartment buildings. When the couple moved in, there were two holes in the roof and extensive water damage, and to say the home needed work is an understatement.

“I’ve always loved old houses,” Mazariegos says, “I knew I could put my own stamp on this one.” While many people would be intimidated by a home that needed complete mechanical and cosmetic overhauls, Mazariegos says her background was an asset. Her father, Jim Mischel, was in construction and frequently involved Kate in renovating their home. Her mother, the late Lisa Mischel was “Constantly rearranging things and dragging me from thrift

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Owensboro Living J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2

shop to thrift shop.”

With her father’s help over the past seven years, the couple took walls down, moved plumbing, redid all the floors, and renovated the kitchen and bathrooms - easily the prime real estate in any home - to meet the level of luxury most people are looking for these days.

Originally during renovation, Mazariegos maintained a blog documenting the process. “When I had kids and life got busy, that fell by

the wayside,” she admits, recalling that it really was being home during the pandemic that reignited her passion to go full time with design.

She resumed sharing images of her home and other decor that inspired her, and got a lot of positive feedback.

Before long, people were asking her to help them organize and decorate their homes.

Mazariegos sees her lack of formal design training as an asset.

She says “having an eye” for style

and educating oneself on design through books, magazines, and web content - will suffice. She points out that several of the most notable American designers of the 20th century, such as Sister Parish, had no formal training.

Personally, Mazariegos says, “I am very stubborn, and I don’t like to compromise. I’m constantly on the lookout for ways I can have a very high end look without it costing an arm and a leg.” She says accessibility to good design is important to her, and she hopes to instill a similar love for high quality items - whether procured at full price, thrifted, or handed down - to her clients. “The mix is where the magic happens,” she says, meaning that she believes going “all in” on a particular look or fad simply doesn’t create the same

look and feel that an eclectic and collected style does.

Make no mistake, Mazariegos says, she has nothing against new and won’t shy away from clients who have unlimited budgets and want a designer to “go poof” and take a project from start to finish quickly.

She says her ideal client is “someone who is not afraid to experiment with me.”

Mazariegos’ services include full-service design and project implementation, organization services, and the creation of mood boards - where she creates a look that gives the client a direction and/ or goal and can be shopped for over time. She says clients shouldn’t shy away from having a strict budget to adhere to or from calling her to ask her to come rearrange what they

already have in their home and give it a fresh look. “That’s a lot of what I have done in my own home, and for friends over the past five years,” she says.

One

more

way

she

stands

out from other designers is her knowledge of Ikea products and how to implement them. Ikea, a Swedish furniture company with stores all over the globe, “offers customization

and

organization

with European sensibility, but not at an astronomical price.”

Ever the educator, Mazariegos says she knows this new endeavor is a learning process that will change along the way. “I’m excited, though,” she says, Follow Kate&Waverly Interiors on Instagram and Facebook. OL J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

35

Lifestyle A R O U N D

TOWN

Things Owensboroans Do

Written by S T E V E N W I L S O N & D A N N Y M AY Photo by A P I M A G E R Y

If you’ve lived in the ‘Boro your whole life, you’ve probably had to come to grips with the fact that we Owensboroans have a few quirks about us. If you moved here from somewhere else, you probably noticed that right away. It’s also something you discover immediately when you visit other places. Maybe it has to do with how OBKY is geographically positioned to create a mix of southern charm, northern sophistication, and midwestern values. Either way, here are some things that are unique to us in the Big O.

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Owensboro Living J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2

T

hose of us born and raised in Owensboro identify ourselves by our high school and graduating class.

We’re a church-going bunch. It’s almost assumed. If you’re just meeting someone, “where do you go to church?” is bound to come up in conversation.

We also stake our claim by which barbecue joint is our favorite. Even though you can’t really go wrong; they’re all great. But we definitely have our favorite, and we will argue it and stand by it. And as part of our barbecue heritage, we eat mutton and burgoo and take for granted that most people have no idea what those are. Which means we also take pride in explaining what burgoo and mutton are and how no two kettles of burgoo are ever the same.

We love signing our kids up for youth sports – from baseball to soccer to hockey and everything in between.

And like most towns in Kentucky, we either bleed blue (UK) or bleed red (UofL), and there’s no denying which side someone is on. Everything we can put a cat or a cardinal on – we will find a way! Not just hats and shirts. Oh, no! We take it to the next level: cornhole

boards, grill covers, golf bags, yard flags, license plates. You name it!

Owensboroans wave at everybody, all the time, whether we know that person or not. Anyone driving by our house. Anyone we pass on the street. Even if we don’t recognize the car, we still wave. And because we’re so friendly, we go out of our way to help each other, whether it’s helping our neighbor move or pitching in for a worthy cause.

Supporting local business is another Big O thing. Whether it’s shopping at a boutique, eating at a restaurant, or recommending a plumber, we’re great at supporting our local business owners.

We always complain about the weather, though. Every year it’s freezing in the winter and sweltering in the summer.

Yet every year we still act like we didn’t see it coming. Every.

Single. Season.

In Owensboro, we close schools for even a chance of snow. We’re used to it, but tell anyone from up north and they think we’re crazy.

Another Big O obscurity is we think it’s completely okay to line up at The Big Dipper so far that we take up an entire lane of Parrish Avenue, or line

up so far for Wonder Whip that we take up an entire lane of 144, which we still call “Old 60” by the way.

Owensboroans love a good yard sale. Some people plan all year long for their big sale. But some people put like 10 items in their driveway every other weekend.

Sometimes

entire

neighborhoods will have yard sales on the same weekend so there are sales on every street.

The 200-mile yard sale along Highway 60 cuts right through town. Heck, we even have consignment sale events big enough to fill the Sportscenter and Convention Center every year.

Owensboroans support live music. Whether it’s a small, club-type venue like Brasher’s Little Nashville or a touring act at the Sportscenter. Whether it’s an inside show at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame or outside at Friday After 5, Live on the Banks or ROMP. We’ll even turn a front porch into a stage at Porchfest.

And what do all of these things

have

in

common?

They’re all a part of what makes Owensboro unique – and what makes Owensboro great! OL

J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

37

Lifestyle S E N I O R

LIVING

The Power of Storytelling Written by D A N A P E V E L E R . Executive Director of Senior Living—Leisure Living Communities

W

hile everyone else was asleep, I sat wrapped in a blanket, looking out at a glassy lake, mulling over how I would record the past week’s family vacation memories. Click click click ... click … click click click click click … The sound of someone pressing keys on an old typewriter nudged me …

That’s it! I’ll ask everyone to write down their favorite memories of the week and send them to me. I’ll combine them, then pass them along! We can add to it every year! *Boom!* I forget until I’m with my relatives, just how funny they are. The stories some newly told, some re-told classics; all flawlessly delivered. With each new addition comes another opportunity to share stories about the crazy family the newest member signed into. A few years ago, I noticed how my kids listened motionless to my dad share the story of my mom plunging completely under water at Rough River thinking it was knee-deep because it was “so clear!”

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She’d spent the whole day trying to keep her hair dry for dinner later that evening only to have it destroyed at the boat ramp on our way home. My dad may or may not have already known how deep it was … we’ll never know for sure. What I do know is that my kids were anxious to hear more!

These oral accounts bring to life our family’s history. It gives insight into who our parents and grandparents were before we came to know them. Often, it has surprised me with how far we’ve come as a state, and even a country; for example, listening to my granddad share how he remembered mail being delivered via a hook on a platform next to the tracks as a train’s mail car passed by.

Oral accounts, or storytelling, have been used as far back as time, within every culture, in many forms. Traditions, values, genealogy, history, tall tales, secrets, all shared through song, dance, poems, drawings, writings, and more.

I’m sure that through the years, the

stories became less accurate over time, but they still served to create connections to culture. In Western Africa, storytellers were called griots; in Ireland, seanchaí; in medieval British and Gaelic, a bard or minstrel; in Western Kentucky, fisherman. (Okay, that last one’s not real!) Each of their roles are integral to their societies.

We may not need to tell stories to record history today, but storytelling continues to serve a valuable purpose.

As we age, storytelling creates an opportunity to reminisce, reduces stress and depression, helps to reinforce one’s value, can improve memory, and can certainly increase mood.

How can we facilitate storytelling with our loved ones? Start by asking them prompting questions like:

What was your favorite thing to do as a kid?

Any holiday traditions that you

really enjoyed?

How did you meet your wife? What was the first thing you thought when you met her?

Did you play sports?

What was the most scared you’ve ever been?

Were you a daredevil?

Is there an invention made during your lifetime that you think has been the most impactful?

Did you like school?

What was the most fun you ever had with your siblings or parents?

Who were you closest to, your mom or your dad?

Ask anything you’d like to know and then listen. By listen, I mean actively.

Interrupt only to encourage them to continue. You can do this by using statements like, “tell me more,” “go on …,” or by asking clarifying questions. If they seem uncomfortable talking about

something, move on. Ask if you may use your phone, or another digital device to capture those stories in a recording!

Sometimes, pulling out photographs to look at together prompts spontaneous stories. If you’d like, and are able, number the photograph you’re discussing and quickly jot down the number with the story in a journal, or write it on the back of the photograph if there’s room. So often we go through family photos and have no idea who the people in them are or were – but if you review them with your loved ones, you may find precious gems hidden in the images.

If your family member isn’t much of a talker, see if they’re willing to write down their life’s story. I’m a big fan of reading stories in people’s own handwriting.

The story becomes a treasure of not only what’s being told, but a document that’s alive with the personality reflected in the handwriting.

If the project seems overwhelming to you, or if your storyteller is more comfortable telling a stranger than speaking directly to you, call your senior center, or library to see if they can recommend an organization or individual that can assist. There are even phone apps, and online tools to prompt

stories.

They can organize, develop timelines, even produce books that can be published and distributed to family members.

For Mother’s and Father’s Day this year, my brother and I got our parents separate subscriptions to a service which sends them weekly emails asking preformed questions.

They respond to them and send off once they’re finished.

After a year, the answers are compiled in a book to be given to family members.

We can have as many copies as we want produced. We can’t wait to see the results!

Remember, you’re a part of this, too. Start recording your own stories.

Write down your ideas in a notebook, or in your phone, and when you have some quiet time, write them down in a journal or create voice recordings.

Go back to your social media account and pull out anything you may have entered as a reminder, too. Tell the good, bad, and the ugly – be real. Your transparency and vulnerability may show your grandchildren that, while times may be hard, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. You just never know the difference your story may make in someone else’s life. Tell it! OL

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Lifestyle H E A L T H

SPONSORED CONTENT

Q: WHY REPLACE MISSING TEETH? A: Losing one or more of your teeth creates

a

gap

in

your

smile,

can

cause

surrounding

teeth to shift, and ultimately

even

lead to further tooth loss. The jawbones exist to support the teeth, without anything to support, bone loss occurs steadily.

Q : W H Y A R E D E N TA L I M P L A N T S P R E F E R R E D OVER OTHER OPTIONS? A: Dental implants allow healthy bone to attach, stabilizing them and providing purpose for the jawbone. Dental implants can replace single teeth, or multiple teeth. They are the closest available replacement to your natural teeth, and are easier to clean around than other options.

DE NTA L IM P L A N T S Dr. Josh Stamper and Dr. Shawn Stringer of Bluegrass Dental discuss how dental implants are your best option for replacing missing teeth.

Q : C A N D E N TA L I M P L A N T S H E L P M Y L O O S E D E N T U R E ?

A: Dental implants are the number one way to stabilize and secure a denture. There are several options, but the most reliable is a denture fabricated to snap onto an implant.

No more slipping dentures or partials! You still remove the dentures regularly to clean them, but now when you insert them, you will have the confidence of knowing they are attached to solid dental implants, and won’t have to stress about them falling out, or avoiding foods you love anymore! There are even options to replace your dentures with totally fixed prosthetics!

Q : A M I A C A N D I D AT E F O R D E N TA L I M P L A N T S ?

A: Most people missing teeth need, and will benefit from dental implants. However, not everyone is a candidate. One of the primary criteria in dental implant treatment is the amount of jawbone available to support the implant(s). At Bluegrass Dental, we utilize a cone beam CT machine that precisely images how much bone you have, in three dimensions, allowing us to determine the best placement for the implants. Our belief is to treatment plan beginning with the goal in mind. This allows proper design of the prosthetic, helping to ensure a long service life. We include this scan as part of our free implant consultation.

Q : I ’ M I N T E R E S T E D I N D E N TA L I M P L A N T S , W H AT S H O U L D I D O N E X T ?

A: The very first thing you should do is schedule a consultation with a dentist that is familiar with, and places dental implants.

At Bluegrass Dental, our free implant consultation consists of an examination by a dentist, regular x-rays, a special 3D CBCT x-ray, a thorough review of your health history, a discussion on your wants and needs, and an explanation on how we can help you. From there, we develop a treatment plan and review costs with you, including ways to help finance your treatment. OL

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RECIPE: GET CREATIVE WITH SUMMER FRUIT p. 44

WHAT WE’RE EATING NOW: POPSICLES p. 46

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: W Y N D A L L’ S W O N D E R W H I P p . 4 8

→

Photo by

JAMIE ALEXANDER

F L AVO R

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Flavor R E C I P E

Get Creative with Summer Fruit Recipes and photos by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R Whether you’re enjoying fresh fruit from your own garden or gathering it from local farms at the farmers market, it is the best time of the year for an abundance of flavorful produce! It is one of life’s simple pleasures to cut up ripe summer fruit to snack throughout the season, but sometimes it’s fun to get a bit more creative with our treats. These are definitely some recipes that you’ll want to make all summer long!

Smashed Blackberry and Goat Cheese Crostini

1 tsp vanilla 2 tablespoons honey pinch of salt (to taste) 1 baguette, sliced

and a pinch of salt into a food processor/ blender. Pulse to combine, then scrape down the side of the bowl. Add around 2 tsp of olive oil and blend until the cheese is creamy/smooth.

olive oil

3. Add blackberries to a medium-sized

optional - fresh herbs (mint, basil, or

salt until combined. Then, roughly

thyme taste great)

bowl, then mix in vanilla, honey, and smash the blackberries together with a

INGREDIENTS:

INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Lay baguette slices in a single row

8 oz. goat cheese

on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil

whipped goat cheese, then press a few

and bake at 375 degrees for 4-7 minutes

of the blackberries on top, and garnish

(until toasted).

with a fresh herb of your choice. Serve

2 oz. cream cheese 2 cups blackberries

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2. Crumble goat cheese, cream cheese,

fork.

4. Top crostini pieces with a spread of

immediately. OL

Grilled Peaches with Oat Crumble INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup rolled oats 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp flour 3-4 peaches, halved and pits removed 4-6 tbsp butter, melted cinnamon Honey for serving vanilla ice cream INSTRUCTIONS: 1. To make the oat crumble - mix oats, brown sugar, flour, 1/4 tsp

cinnamon, and 4 tbsp melted butter together until combined. Spread on an even layer on a baking sheet and broil 3-4 minutes until bubbling and turning golden brown. Set aside to cool and break into crumbs before serving.

2. Preheat your grill to medium heat and brush the grates with oil 3. Toss the peaches in 4 tbs melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon (1 tsp or to taste).

4. Gently grill the peaches for 2-3 minutes (until char marks appear).

Flip them and grill for another 2 minutes.

5. Remove peaches from the grill, top with ice cream, oat crumbles, and honey. Serve immediately.

Lemon Sorbet INGREDIENTS: 1 cup sugar 1 cup water 3 tablespoons grated lemon zest 3/4 cup lemon juice INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Pour sugar and water into a small saucepan. Heat

until it reaches a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for two minutes. Cool completely.

2. Stir in lemon zest and juice until combined. Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Transfer your sorbet into a freezer container, and freeze until firm. Top with additional lemon zest, and if desired, fill in hollowed-out lemon “bowls.” OL

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Flavor D I S H

What we’re eating now There’s nothing cooler, or more nostalgia-inducing, than a cold popsicle on a hot summer day. But these aren’t your grandparents’ frozen treats. Let us introduce you to some of Owensboro’s newest takes on a timeless classic.

Latinus 1 Stop

Armando Ortiz’s newest Owensboro establishment offers what he describes as “wild and tropical” flavors. The popsicles are Mexicanstyle and made from real fruit. The flavors are as vibrant as the colors, and include a striped strawberry, cream and lime popsicle, paying homage to the Mexican flag. For something you may not have tried before, go with the mango and chamoy.

Hello Pop

For hand-crafted popsicles with natural ingredients and no artificial colors, look no further than Owensboro’s frozen treat truck - Hello Pop. Their flavors include banana, lemonade, pineapple, strawberry and watermelon.

Kona Ice

Ok, so it’s not technically a popsicle, but who’s going to argue about including the tasty treat that is Kona Ice? Look for their truck locally at events throughout the summer to indulge in flavors like blue raspberry and tiger’s blood – or mix as many as you want to make your own unique creation.

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Flavor R E S T A U R A N T

SPOTLIGHT

W Y N D A L L’ S W O N D E R W H I P

Owensboro’s Old Friend Written by J O S H K E L LY

K

eep everything the same. That was the thought going through Seth Woodward’s head as he reopened

Wyndall’s Wonder Whip on February 1, 2016, as the new owner.

Woodward said he’s always had a fascination with vintage and older things, and would acquire things that had a bit of age to them, like his first car: a 1972 Chevy pickup truck. He drove his pickup truck past Wonder Whip so much that it would blend into the scenery of the east part of the county.

But one day he drove by and realized the uniqueness of the establishment.

“That place looks kind of neat, I don’t see many buildings like that every day,” he said on a casual drive by. After driving by it for years on end, the news came that the restaurant was closing, and he was surprised the Owensboro landmark would be shutting its doors. Shortly after, talks about reopening under his ownership began.

When Wonder Whip reopened, he said there was no intention to change anything, and he still doesn’t plan to change the nearly-70-year-old establishment. There were challenges that came with opening, Woodward said, but the goal of preserving the restaurant’s legacy kept the team pushing through. And Woodward felt that familiarity would continue to push the business into its first week under the new owner. “The response when it closed was so large. Everybody was so disappointed when it closed. I was hoping that a lot of that energy would be channeled into some support when we reopened,” he said.

Luckily, in 2016 people liked burgers and milkshakes just as much as they did in 1955, because the community turned out — so much so they were setting new sales records by the end of the first week.

A couple things have been added to the

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establishment, more picnic tables, plus Ale 8 and Orange Crush added to the drink menu, but it was almost as if it had never closed. Same burger recipe. Same seating area. Same menu.

That familiarity has remained the center part of the establishment even when things changed consistently across the city. As downtown developed; as Highway 54 grew; as Frederica changed its pace; and as the city quarantined during the pandemic, Woodward has tried to keep Wonder Whip the same since the day it opened in 1955.

Ironically, while the world was adjusting to a pandemic style, they adjusted to exactly what Wonder Whip has provided since they opened: a drive-thru experience. While other food providers were closing due to restrictions on operating, Woodward said they were seeing even more record highs in their sales, which pushed Woodward’s staff to continue to provide that quality experience. “People still have to eat and so they came to us, and so in a very short period of time, we had to figure out how to serve as many people as possible as quickly as possible, and we did it,” Woodward said.

As the pandemic continued, Woodward was proud to report they stayed open 7 days a week and never had a case of COVID-19 in their operations. By the time 2021 was coming to a close, Woodward was finishing five years in his ownership without a closure in sight. That changed in December 2021 when a car caused some structural damages. This was the first sense of the unfamiliar they had since reopening. “It’s instant. It’s tragic. It’s unbelievable. In a split second, your entire world pretty much comes to a screeching halt, and no one comes down from the clouds and fixes everything for you,” Woodward said. He said that rushed them into a process of figuring out how they were going to navigate several factors at once. Employee safety, employee pay, opening back up. But they navigated all of them effectively: there were no injuries that day, all employees remained paid, and they eventually reopened the classic drive thru again on February 1. Those rehab repairs were some of the only repairs made to the establishment since first opening up, making it like a time capsule to Woodward. “The thing that I like the most is the fact that this restaurant is basically a time capsule. In a world where everything changes all the time, this hasn’t changed basically for 67 years, and that brings some sense of comfort to people,” he said.

Woodward said the memories people have of the restaurant are like an old friend: consistent and always welcoming. And he considers himself not the owner of the space, but the caretaker of the grounds, and hence the community’s old friend, Wyndall’s Wonder Whip. “You’ve got generations of people that have worked here and ate here and thanks to their contributions, we’re still able to do what we do. At the end of the day, I’m the caretaker. I’m in charge, but without a full team of people supporting us, we wouldn’t get very far,” Woodward said. OL

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Flavor R E S T A U R A N T

SPOTLIGHT

WINDY HOLLOW BISCUIT HOUSE

Something Old & Something New BRINGING DINERS LOCAL HISTORY AND A NEW TWIST ON OLD FAVORITES Written by M A R LY S M A S O N

Photos by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R

W

indy Hollow Biscuit House held a soft opening Mother’s Day weekend in Wesleyan Park Plaza,

and since opening, Evelyn “Rooster” Miller said there has been a steady flow of traffic at one of Owensboro’s newest establishments.

Miller is not new to the restaurant business. Her uncle Tom owned Windy Hollow Restaurant and campgrounds, and when the restaurant burned in the early 1970s, her father Hal joined Tom. Tom died a couple of years later, and Miller said she grew up going to work with her dad.

“I was interested in what Hal was interested in,” she said.

When

the

restaurant

burned

again

in 2006, Hal relocated to 8260 Kentucky Highway 81 and began serving a breakfast buffet

only

on

Sunday

mornings.

The

restaurant on Highway 81 houses much of the WWII and Western cowboy memorabilia that Hal was famous for collecting. In fact, in 2016 the restaurant was featured on the History Channel’s “American Pickers.”

Miller and her daughter Hallie, who lives in Florida, talked about Orlando’s food truck and breakfast options and bringing something similar to Owensboro.

“Those are the fastest-growing segments of the restaurant business,” Miller said.

Miller, who worked as the director of the Red Cross until December of 2020, and also ran Windy Hollow Speedway until the fall of 2021, knew she needed something more to do besides the Sunday buffet.

The Biscuit House occupies a bigger space than Miller and Hallie originally intended,

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“All of the stuff on the walls makes it feel like home, but it’s different. I hope people enjoy it – the atmosphere, memorabilia and food – as much as we have getting to this point.”

WINDY HOLLOW BISCUIT HOUSE IS LOCATED AT 630 EMORY DRIVE

but they have several ideas on how to fill it and open

to sell at the other restaurant and people have enjoyed

it to the community. Miller said they can seat about

that, so they decided to incorporate more merchandise

140, the same as Windy Hollow Restaurant, but there is

at the Biscuit House.

more open space at the Biscuit House.

The menu items are different than other local

Miller originally thought she would hang art on

restaurants. The mother-daughter duo has worked

the Windy Hollow Biscuit House walls, but then she

with their chef to create “whole meals on a biscuit,” but

went through the barn where more memorabilia was

Miller said most people still order the plated biscuits

stored, and they decided to use it instead. Included are

and gravy.

original menus from Windy Hollow, price boards and

“Most everything is made from scratch,” Miller

even original essays Hallie wrote about her grandfather

said. “We have been making changes to the menu

when she was in school.

and will continue to make changes until we hit on the

All of the items hold special significance to Miller, who continues to honor her late parents.

formula everyone likes.”

With names paying homage to family members,

In fact, there is a childhood painting of her mother,

like the “Hey, Scrapper” which starts with a biscuit

Deanna, hanging by the cash register – almost looking

topped with a fried chicken breast, apples and sausage

over the cashier’s shoulder.

gravy, or the “Hallie’s Comet,” which features

The country store at the front of the restaurant is

scrambled eggs, bacon and apples, customers are able

also “two times bigger” than Miller intended, and it

to experience combinations previously not imagined

offers customers various items to browse and purchase

when considering biscuits.

while there. Miller said they have a small shelf of items

Friday through Sunday Windy Hollow Biscuit House

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Flavor R E S T A U R A N T

SPOTLIGHT is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., but every other Tuesday night, WBIO radio hosts “Let’s Talk About Racing” and they serve a limited menu from 5 to 8 p.m. while interviews with local racers are broadcast for the live show.

“Regular folk come during this time to experience it as well as the local racing [community],” Miller said.

Diners will find meatloaf, southern smothered pork chop or even breakfast for dinner as some of the menu offerings on Tuesdays.

The space is also available to rent for larger parties.

Miller credits her daughter with being instrumental in getting the restaurant open and has enjoyed working with her to this point.

“All of the stuff on the walls makes it feel like home, but it’s different,” Miller said. “I hope people enjoy it – the atmosphere, memorabilia and food – as much as we have getting to this point.” OL

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Flavor

Putting the Heart in Hart & Soul Beverages Written by J O S H K E L LY

Photos by J A M I E A L E X A N D E R

C

rashuanya Hartsfield said Hart & Soul Beverages started off when she was a kickboxing

coach and cardio instructor who noticed her students were having a difficult time staying hydrated both in and outside of class. From there, she started crafting infused waters and other drinks to help her students even when they weren’t in practice.

Eventually, she started to trade the waters for her cold-pressed juices and herbal teas, which have made their way around town at different events and restaurants.

One of her first partnerships in the community came with Matt Weafer

on the body and how some foods

at Niko’s Bakery and Cafe. There,

are better than others. “My blends

Hartsfield keeps juices stocked for

they’re different. I don’t think they’re

people to enjoy during their stay at the restaurant.

Hartsfield said that the thing that she thinks keeps people coming back is the fact her drinks supply a unique, all-natural experience.

The drinks include infused teas, blends and some waters that are all naturally sweetened with agave. In addition, she includes natural herbs and dehydrated fruits while trying

being offered in certain locations.

But it’s different, and I love seeing my customers return. And not only returning, but they’re spreading the word and other people are coming in and buying something different,” Hartsfield said.

And

the

word

has

spread

throughout town and surrounding areas as she’s often heading out of

to consider how the drinks affect

town for jobs and events, as well.

the body holistically. And she tries

Since summer has hit, she has

to educate her customers about the

plans for a very packed and busy

different effects the drinks have

season with events and personal

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orders. This marks her second year with Hart & Soul Beverages. The last two years in review have been two things for her: rewarding and challenging. She said that as a single mom, juggling jobs and operating a business with no official location yet has been difficult to overcome. “Sometimes I’m going to multiple stores because something’s not at a particular store that I usually shop at, and I’m staying up all times of the night,” Hartsfield said. The rewarding part comes where people are able to enjoy the juices and learn more about healthy alternatives, but that’s not the only rewarding part. It’s the way that God has continued to show up to her throughout her time. Little moments across the entirety of the two years she has seen God provide moments of solace in her stress.

“He provides. He literally does, every time I’m at the Farmer’s Market, He provides. Every time I’m at an event,” Hartsfield said.

Hartsfield detailed a moment when she traveled to Paris, Tennessee where she arrived with no money in the cash box. Worried she wasn’t going to be able to break change or be prepared for the day ahead, she said she took a moment to reflect. And by the time the event was over, she left with a box full of money and much less worry than she arrived with. These lessons she not only pockets for herself to learn from, but she also shares them with her children as they see her continue to pursue her dream.

Ultimately, that’s one of the biggest takeaways Hartsfield has for the company. While she is thankful to continue to provide a unique allnatural experience for her customers, she hopes the exposure she’s providing to her children is effective long-term. “I teach my kids not even to have faith in the things that we think are allowing us to feel blessed. Have faith in God first because that’s the one was blessed us with those things,” Hartsfield said. In the future, she looks forward to continuing those ties she’s made in the community, but also expanding beyond the area, potentially expanding just over the river.

To learn more about her and order drinks, she said head to her Facebook page or her website. OL J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 Owensboro Living

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

Naysayers (Then and Now) Can’t Take Away from What Makes Owensboro Great Written by L O R A W I M S AT T

T

he

question

month’s

explored

issue

of

in

this

Owensboro

Living magazine is worth asking.

What DOES make Owensboro great?

There are almost as many different answers as there are residents of our community, but there are a few “common

denominators”

about

which everyone can agree: Quality of life. Good roads and infrastructure. Reasonable cost of living. Access to the arts, services, resources and programs that enrich our lives. Excellent schools. Public safety. A thriving economy. Friendly residents.

However,

outsiders

who

are

considering a move to our community would do well to ignore certain comments posted on social media. It

people or entities ready to gripe about

and liquor transporters” contributed

… something! Anything!

significantly

Starting,

of

course,

with

the

weather.

to

those

concerns,

the assistant U.S. District Attorney reminded newspaper readers that

A newspaper headline published

“the increase in lawlessness is not

July 28, 1922, warned “Hottest Yet is

confined to whiskey law breakers.”

Day’s Prospect.” On the bright side,

There were also 25 cases involving

the article mentioned that “While

stolen automobiles on his docket.

there has been much complaint of

Another article claimed that the

the severe hot weather which has

automobile, in fact, was the biggest

prevailed, no heat prostrations in the

factor in the crime wave: “The Reason

city or county have been reported.

for this is that the auto permits a

Teamsters are taking precautions

are some people who pounce into

quick getaway.” But it gets worse:

with their teams during this hot

Almost any day now, the airplane

the comment section to criticize and

period, and are not working the

able to rise straight into the air will

complain.

animals with any unusual rush.”

be perfected. Criminals then will have

Who, after reading those negative

In the meantime, “many families

a new weapon against society. As an

remarks, would want to locate to the

sought relief in auto rides or occupied

offset, flying police are inevitable.”

Land of Eeyore?

their swings and front porches most

seems that no matter how good the news is – a new business is opening, an

individual

or

organization

is

recognized for excellence – there

If that weren’t worrisome enough,

Oh well. It’s easier to ignore the

of the night, none too comfortable in

another

naysayers if we realize they have

any event, due to the excessive heat.”

residents

always been among us. No matter

In the meantime, western Kentucky

Food Stores Not Sanitarily Clean.”

how great things may have been in

was “riding on the crest of the

This alarming statistic would be

the “good old days” of one hundred

highest crime wave in its history.”

revealed with the inauguration of a

years ago, there were always some

Although “bootlegger moonshiners

“gold star system” to be implemented

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Owensboro Living J U LY / / A U G U S T 2 0 2 2

headline that

cautioned

“Some

local

Owensboro

by the Daviess County Department of Health starting on Aug. 1.

A preliminary inspection of establishments in which food was handled or sold revealed that the majority “fell short of the standard of cleanliness and sanitation required by the State Board of Health.” Of the 129 grocery stores that were inspected, only 36 met acceptable standards. Likewise, only one of four hotels, four restaurants of 38, and no bakeries in town earned a gold star.

But despite the heat, crime and questionable quality of food, Owensboro managed to celebrate a rather significant achievement of good news: Diphtheria rates in Owensboro were listed at 3.8, compared to 6.2 in Lexington and 6.9 in Paducah. Typhoid fatalities per 100 cases were 20 for Owensboro, 22.6 for Lexington and 31.2 for Paducah.

Tuberculosis deaths, per 1,000 residents, were 1.15 in Owensboro, 2.46 in Lexington and 2.26 in Paducah.

“Owensboro stands out well as one which is decreasing disease and death,” the article boasted.

So there you have it. Despite the challenges of weather, crime, sanitation and disease, our city has survived – and thrived! – to become a great place to live.

But where are those flying policemen we were promised 100 years ago? OL

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