Owensboro Living - July / August 2023

From Education to Retirement: Appreciating Those Who Put in the Work

It’s summertime, and although class isn’t in session, we know that plans are already being made for the start of the next year of learning. Whether it’s at the elementary level or post-secondary education, Owensboro is fortunate to have an abundance of quality schools. But it’s not the schools themselves that help our students succeed, but the teachers, administrators, staff, janitors, and food service staff who work tirelessly to ensure that our children receive a top-notch educational experience. In this issue, we highlight some of those administrators through interviews with the presidents of our local colleges and universities.

On the other end of the spectrum, we are highlighting the importance of our Senior community. Though often overlooked and underappreciated, our local Seniors are our parents, grandparents, and mentors. They are volunteers, benefactors, and community leaders. Our Seniors are a wealth of knowledge, gleaned from a lifetime of experience that started in school and continued through work and hopefully, into retirement. In this issue, we’re taking the opportunity to showcase their contributions to our community.

STEVEN WILSON,

EDITOR

steven@owensboroliving.com

EDITORIAL

EDITOR

Steven Wilson

PUBLISHER

Jason Tanner

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jay Fallin

Libby Johnson

Josh Kelly

Marlys Mason

Danny May

Kristi McCabe

Dana Peveler

Jamie Plain

Jacqueline Russell

Lora Wimsatt

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

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ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

Brock Quinton

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PHOTOGRAPHY

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Jamie Plain

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Monica Tapp

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Dave Mackey

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WHAT I’M READING

Poverty, By America By Matthew Desmond

In the newest work from the author of “Evicted,” Matthew Desmond pierces the veil of the notion that larger forces are solely to blame for keeping people poor in one of the world’s wealthiest countries. Rather than only blame a system for our failings to care for the least of these among us, Desmond points to individual bad actors for exploiting the vulnerable for their own gain. As the author puts it: “Tens of millions of Americans do not end up poor by a mistake of history or personal conduct. Poverty persists because some wish and will it to.” He adds: “Poverty isn’t simply the condition of not having enough money. It’s the condition of not having enough choice and being taken advantage of because of that.”

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KRISTI MCCABE

5 things we’re talking about now

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Bell Bank Mortgage Grand Opening

After a year of remodeling and renovations, Bell Bank Mortgage celebrated the grand opening of its downtown mortgage servicing center located at 234 Frederica Street with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 7. Senior Vice President and Mortgage Servicing Director Bob Smiley said they hope to fill the building, bringing a total of 178 jobs to Owensboro.

Porch Fest

Thousands of people packed Griffith Avenue for PorchFest OBKY on June 10, as nearly 50 artists performed throughout Saturday afternoon and evening. The weather was ideal, and locals of all ages, as well as plenty of visitors, enjoyed an array of music from multiple genres during the free event.

5 Bacon Named EDC President

3 4

Strawberry Festival

On June 10-11, the Cottage Farm Stand & Baking Co. hosted their second annual Strawberry Festival. This year’s event featured more than 100 local artists and businesses, and also included a petting zoo, pony rides, and several local musical guests.

Street Soccer Bowl

Since 2017, Apollo boys soccer Head Coach Nikos Agisilaou has organized Owensboro’s Street Soccer Bowl at Legion Park. This year’s field for the state-wide tournament included 41 teams in adult, high school and middle school divisions. Agisilaou hopes to keep the bowl running for years to come, as there’s been increased success—something that Nikos hopes to continue to do while growing and strengthening relationships with all of those within the community.

Claude Bacon has been hired as the new President/ CEO of the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation (GOEDC) after a national search. Bacon brings more than 25 years of business and resource development experience. For the last 15 years, he has served as the Vice President of Administration, Sales, Marketing and E-Commerce for LinGate Hospitality in Owensboro. Bacon is currently the board chair of Visit Owensboro and board member at the Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club. He also serves on the executive board of the Kentucky Travel Industry Association (KTIA).

ART: DALTON HAS BIG DREAMS FOR ART CAREER p. 14

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

MUSIC: BILL & THE BELLES p. 16

CULTURE

Photo by JAMIE PLAIN

Dalton Has Big Dreams for Art Career

Written by JACQUELINE RUSSELL

Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

Matisse Dalton was destined to be an artist. With creative parents who named her after French visual artist Henri Matisse, there was little doubt she would follow in their colorful footsteps.

At 19, Dalton is pursuing a graphic design degree at Kentucky Wesleyan College with the goal of one day becoming a graphic novel illustrator. She currently works in both traditional painting and digital art.

“I think I like doing digital more just because I can take it anywhere I go,” she said. “When I do painting or something, I have to set aside like a couple of hours specifically to do that, and then clean it all up. It’s just a lot

*Editor’s Note: In the spirit of our Education Issue, we sought out a local university art student whose talents and art career are beginning to blossom. In the coming years, we hope to follow along on this young artist’s journey, and encourage our readers to do the same by checking out her art, both online and at local establishments.

more work.”

She was introduced to art at a young age.

“Both of my parents are into art, and then they both encouraged it,” Dalton said. “My dad had me doing splatter paint, like a Jackson Pollock kind of style, when I was younger just to figure out color theory and what colors go where and stuff like that.” She then got into drawing and sketching and soon found a love for painting and mixed media.

Her parents were her biggest inspiration, taking her to museums and exposing her to different kinds of art. She also credits her art teachers at KWC for mentoring her, as they’re her first real art classes.

“I just like to create and make things,” she said. “My work is kind of more in the eye of the viewer; however, they want to interpret it. I just love making things.”

She gets creative inspiration from other artists, she said, “Seeing their work makes me ‘like, oh, I need to draw because I love whatever they’re doing.’ So I kind of want to take influence from that.”

You can follow along with Mattise’s art on Instagram at @matey.mj.art.

She also has a piece on display at Niko’s Bakery and hopes to have more there soon. Matisse also showcased her work at The Strawberry Festival at Cottage Farm Stand & Baking Co. OL

IN THE KNOW

9 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

4TH FEST

JULY 4 @ OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER

The 2023 4th Fest presented by Kentucky Legend will be Tuesday, July 4 at the Owensboro Convention Center! Inflatables and other activities for kids will be located inside the exhibit halls on the first floor of the Owensboro Convention Center. Activities for younger children will include the Bouncer Maze, Bucky’s Pirate Ship, and games. Older children can enjoy the Rock Wall and Spider Climb, Toxic Warrior Jump, and the Extreme Chaos Obstacle Course. The activities inside the exhibit halls will be free and open to the public from 6:00PM to 9:00PM. The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:15PM.

DISCOVER THE TALL SHIP PINTA

1 2 3

JULY 7-11 @ ENGLISH PARK

SUMMER MARKET DAY

JULY 8 @ PRESERVATION STATION

Enjoy over 100 vendors and a delicious restaurant buffet at 9661 State Route 56 on Saturday July 9 from 10 AM to 5 PM. Come celebrate summer and the return of the legendary Market Day events. Shop 10 AM to 5 PM for antique, unique, boutique and handcrafted items for over 100 local vendors who are eager to get back to business.

Bill & The Belles

Written by DANNY MAY

IN THE KNOW 9 EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

REPTILE AND EXOTICS SHOW

JULY 15 @ OWENSBORO CONVENTION CENTER

It is going to be a fun-filled show full of amazing animals, feeders, supplies, and many other cool items. The show is very family friendly, so whether you just want to see and learn about all of these incredible animals or are looking for a new addition for your collection, this is the show to be at. Admission is $5 per person for adults and children 4 and under will be admitted free.

3RD ANNUAL DOWNTOWN FINE ART SHOW

4 5 6

JULY 15 @ FETTA SPECIALTY PIZZA

The annual arts showcase, sponsored by Fetta Specialty Pizza & Spirits and the Owensboro Art Guild, will feature up to 40 participating artists, with mediums including painting, sculpture, mixed media, mosaics, pottery and jewelry. Live music will be performed by artist, Beyond Blu.

GENE WATSON

JULY 22 @ BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

Considered one of the finest purecountry singers of his generation and known as “The Singer’s Singer,” Watson offers up one of the best traditional country shows in the business. His stunning voice captivates audiences and keeps his fans coming back again and again. Tickets are on sale now. Preferred seating is $57, and reserved seating is $42.

When Kris Truelson took the mainstage at ROMP on Friday afternoon in June, it was truly a “full circle” moment for him. It was only a few years ago that Truelson made the drive from Tennessee to Owensboro to buy a ticket to ROMP as a fan. This year, he participated as one of the featured artists, as the singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter for roots string band Bill and the Belles.

“ROMP was one of the first bluegrass festivals I ever attended and loved it,” Truelson recalls. “So being a performer this year is a great moment for me. ROMP has really become one of the leaders in roots music festivals and we’re thrilled to be a part of it!”

That’s a high compliment coming from a guy who had just come off a European tour with Bill and the Belles, with plans of performing a full slate of festivals this summer.

Kris is a busy man. When he’s not touring, he works at WBCM Radio Bristol, a low-power FM community station and Smithsonian Affiliate serving the Appalachian Highlands region of Tennessee. As Radio Bristol Program Director, Kris shapes and produces all onair programming, including Radio Bristol live events.

He also hosts Radio Bristol’s longrunning show “Farm and Fun Time,” a monthly live radio and television program that features contemporary Appalachian music. As a special treat this year at ROMP, since Truelson performed with Bill and the Belles anyway, he also packed up his gear to record the first-ever onlocation episode of “Farm and Fun Time”

11TH ANNUAL DANCING WITH OUR STARS

OWENSBORO STYLE

AUGUST 5 @ OWENSBORO CONVENTION

CENTER

The 11th Annual Dancing with Our Stars Owensboro Style presented by Old National Bank will take place on Saturday, August 5 at the Owensboro Convention Center. Who will win the coveted mirror ball trophy? This year, Executive Director Amy Pride hopes to break even more records than she broke at last year’s fundraiser, when the event raised over $200,000 for the Boulware Mission.

with special guests Peter Rowan and the McCrary Sisters, who were also in town for ROMP.

“Farm and Fun Time will be a great fit for the festival and marks an exciting partnership between Radio Bristol and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame,” Truelson said. “This will be our first time taking the live show on the road as we usually shoot at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia.”

Dating back to the 40s and 50s, “Farm & Fun Time” helped bolster the careers of bluegrass legends Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, the Stanley Brothers, the Osborne Brothers, Mac Wiseman, The Blue Sky Boys, and more.

Even though the show is decades old, “Farm and Fun Time” is gaining new popularity now that it’s being syndicated on PBS television through Blue Ridge PBS. They say the show now reaches an estimated 18 million viewers throughout the Southeast. When the episode recorded in Owensboro airs, that means ROMP will also be mentioned to those 18 million viewers, as well.

Not bad.

The radio/TV show is also where Kris’s work world and performance worlds collide, because Bill and the Belles serves as the house band for “Farm and Fun Time.”

MEET BILL AND THE BELLES

According to their website, the band is known for “combining a string band format with their signature harmonies, candid songwriting, and pop sensibilities.” They’ve also been described as genre-bending and decade-blending

RUGGED RACE 2023

AUGUST 5 @ DIAMOND LAKE

RESORT

Join MentorKids Kentucky for the annual Rugged Race. Participants will experience a 5K race with 26 different obstacles, including water crossing, barbed wire, rope climbs, mud, and much more. All participants will receive a finisher’s medal and t-shirt. Additional medals will be given to the overall male and female winners in the elite and ultimate categories.

with comparisons to early country, with simultaneous similarities to early rock harmonists like the Shangri-las and the Ronettes.

Either way you label it, fans say it’s a whole lot of fun.

The band’s new album, Happy Again, is full of life, humor, and tongue-in-cheek explorations of love and loss. But that fun vibe is only surface deep. Lyrically, the album is inspired by Truelson’s recent divorce.

“One of the darkest times of my life turned out to be one of the most creative,” Truelson says in the band’s bio. “I realized, ‘My life is chaos. I need to write about this.’” Since he did, Truelson’s pain turned out to be a very productive season for the band; the eleven songs on the album were written in a span of several months, with two of the songs reportedly written the day before they recorded them.

MORE ABOUT “FARM AND FUN TIME”

With Kris serving as host, Bill and the Belles help with each show, as well, providing musical breaks, jingles, and songs in between other segments which range from farm visits to recipes and other aspects of folklife. Each show also includes performances by national touring Americana and American roots artists, which is why the live taping at ROMP will be a real treasure.

“We handpicked a few of the artists off of the ROMP lineup to make for what will be an amazing afternoon, including hall of famer Peter Rowan,” Truelson said. OL

FOR KING & COUNTRY

AUGUST 11 @ OWENSBORO SPORTSCENTER

Grammy Award-winning artists for King & Country will be in concert on Friday, August 11 at 7p.m. at the Sportscenter. Performing music from their latest album What Are We Waiting For, this will be an evening you won’t soon forget. Tickets start at $29 and will go on sale on Friday, May 12. VIP tickets will include early entry and a Q&A session with Joel and Luke before the show. Tickets will be available online at OwensboroTickets.com, at the Owensboro Convention Center Box Office, and by calling 270-297-9932.

TITUS CHAPMAN

Mentoring a New Generation of Worship Leaders

Written by KRISTI MCCABE

Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

Titus Chapman came to Owensboro twelve years ago with a desire to share his love of worship music and to share his musical talents with those who wish to lead their church communities in song.

“I serve as Worship Pastor for Life Community Church,” said Chapman.  “In this role, I work with the senior pastor to plan the worship portion of our services and the training and recruiting of singers and musicians.”

Life Community Church was originally sponsored by Buck Creek Baptist Church of the Daviess/McLean Baptist Association and is now an autonomous Southern Baptist church located on the corner of Parrish Avenue and Breckinridge.

Titus Chapman was raised in a musical family of nine children, all of whom have musical gifts of some kind.  Chapman began playing percussion at the age of four as his family traveled, singing and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  He then attended Cincinnati Christian University and was mentored by a professor who took note of his passion for creating an all-inclusive worship environment, where all of God’s children can worship together freely.

Chapman has served numerous worship communities and led worship events throughout the Cincinnati, Lexington, and Louisville areas for the past fifteen years.  He has conducted workshops on bridging cultural gaps in worship and helped to lead Worship on the Water (a contemporary Christian music concert) here in Owensboro for several years.

Once Chapman settled in Owensboro, he soon noticed a growing need.

“I noticed that many area churches did not have musicians.  I recognized a need for a supportive platform where aspiring musicians could come together, learn and grow.  I wanted to create a ministry called ‘Worship Arts for the Community,’” said Chapman. “This program would offer free classes in piano, drums, guitar, bass, and leading worship, enabling people of all ages to hone their musical talents while fostering a deep connection to their faith.”

Spreading the word via social media, Chapman began offering lessons on Saturday mornings at Life Community Church.  Eventually he had so many students that he needed two separate classes.

“I guaranteed my students that they could read Christian contemporary music within ten weeks,” said Chapman.  “The idea behind ‘Worship Arts for the Community’ was to create an inclusive space where people from diverse backgrounds could explore their musical gifts and develop leadership skills in a worship context.  Students who couldn’t play a single

note now find themselves performing at local community events, outreach programs, and even small-scale concerts.”

One student now plays keyboard for his congregation while his mother leads worship.   Another, once a guitarist, has expanded his musical repertoire by learning to play the keyboards, allowing him to contribute in different ways within the worship band and showcasing his versatility and dedication to serving through music.  Yet another student has embarked on a musical journey alongside her husband, joining him in playing for the worship band.

By sharing his musical talents in this manner, Chapman is enabling his students to lay a foundation for the future of worship in their respective church communities.  It also gives him the opportunity to minister to young people.

“I want them to see that God has a plan for their lives, and how great the presence of God is within them,” noted Chapman.  “There are so many things in our current culture fighting for the attention of young people and giving them negative messages.  I am competing against that and trying to show them they have value and to not let the world define them.”

What Titus Chapman is striving to do is bigger than teaching piano; he wants to teach his students to be bold and confident in their beliefs as Christians.

“It’s an honor to share my love of music and worship with the people of Owensboro.  I want them to see that they can be individuals, not branches in someone else’s tree.  We all have something to share.” OL

PROFILES IN EDUCATION

MEET THE LEADERS OF OUR LOCAL COLLEGES

Written by MARLYS MASON Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

Education is one of the cornerstones of our society. Here in Owensboro, in addition to a number of outstanding K-12 schools, we are fortunate to also have three institutions of higher learning. In this feature, we profile the Presidents of each of these institutions to provide our readers with an in-depth look into the life and work of a college administrator.

Dr. Thomas Mitzel →

Dr. Thomas Mitzel became president of Kentucky Wesleyan College in January of 2020. Then the pandemic began, and Mitzel had to pivot a school into the unknown.

Students were kept at the college as long as they could because he thought it was the safest place for them, since they had already been living together in pods. When the mandate came to send students home, Mitzel, the KWC community and the board of trustees used the time to plan and

consider what they really wanted. Those entrusted with ensuring a quality education for the students whittled it down to three main areas, and named them The Three Pillars, based on the three Corinthian columns seen in Hocker-Hall Grove that were originally part of the Winchester administration building. These pillars can also be seen from the President’s home.

The Three Pillars provide strategies for the college’s future in academic innovation and investment, building for the future and a commitment to affordability and excellence.

“It builds on the foundation of the past, like the pillars,” Mitzel said.

When students returned to campus, the main goal was to get back to normalcy.

“We were trying to get students to reengage, and the student life office really got students out,” he said. “We got back to normal, and students came back gregarious and wonderful.”

Mitzel’s investment in culture comes from his deep-rooted love for education. His older brother was the first in the family to graduate college, and for Mitzel, it was no easy feat.

The family did not have much money, and when his parents divorced, he knew that education was the only way to succeed and break the cycle.

“I learned to live on nothing,” he said.

It was not without struggle, as Mitzel is quick to point out, but his general chemistry advisor found him and looked at his daily schedule. Mitzel had been a track

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN COLLEGE

and cross country runner and got a scholarship, so he was spending early morning hours running, then attending class and necessary labs, an afternoon workout, working for six hours and then studying until the early morning hours.

“As soon as he found out why I was so behind and I realized what I needed to do, my grades went up,” he said.

Mitzel was forced to take a year off to work, and he was so driven by the fact that it took extra time for him to finish his undergraduate studies that he wanted to complete graduate school in less time.

“It usually takes seven-and-ahalf to eight years, but I was out in four,” he said. “It was fun.”

Mitzel worked at several colleges during post-graduate work in organic chemistry. He enjoyed having undergraduates be part of his research. In fact, he said, all were published researchers under him.

His view on administration was that it was good for one thing only – providing the resources needed to teach at that level.

When doing post-graduate work at Trinity College in Connecticut, he enjoyed the small campus life.

“You learn and meet the others,” he said. “You know everyone across the disciplines.”

At Trinity, he was asked to complete a three-year rotating

deanship. He agreed but said he didn’t want all three to be academic. So, one of the years was financial. He also had the stipulation that he was allowed to keep his research lab and teach one class at night.

“I joked that I was admin during the day and a chemist at night,” he said.

He took a job at St. Andrews University in Austin, Texas, where he established a five-year plan, learned how to fundraise and how to interact with donors.

When Trinity College called two years later asking him to step in as provost, he felt he owed them for taking a chance on him earlier, so he returned for three years before taking a job as president of Dickinson State University in North Dakota.

Mitzel said that he enjoys finding solutions to problems and helping people in administrative positions, especially at small colleges, like KWC.

“The history and mission and passion of [Owensboro] are amazing, and I am awed by the passion of the community for the college,” he said. “I am duly impressed by the arts and entertainment for a town this size.”

While many administrators see technology as something that engulfs what came before, Mitzel does not think that traditional education will be eliminated. He cites examples of those who went to listen

to Greek philosophers because there were no books, but when books were created, people could read it over again and write in margins to expand their education while still listening to the greats. It did not go away, he said.

“It’s not going anywhere,” he said. “Every time we get new technology, we have to integrate it to make education better. We can do Zoom, hybrid and online well, but people still want to come in person.”

In student surveys at KWC, only 25% said coursework was why they attended. Learning how to live alone and in communities, athletics and the support system of the college help students navigate as adults.

“You can still fail,” he said. “You need to push hard enough to fail.”

And that’s when the support kicks in, which is where Mitzel does his best work. While he would like to see an increase in students, he doesn’t want to lose the essence of Kentucky Wesleyan College.

“I want to know every student,” he said. “That’s what we do – and those before me did, as well.”

As for Mitzel’s style of leadership, he said he takes it from advice given to him by someone at Trinity College – surround yourself with people better than you and let them do their job.

→

Father Larry Hostetter BRESCIA UNIVERSITY

Father Larry Hostetter began teaching at Brescia University in 1999. He spent eight years teaching theology and philosophy before taking the helm of the university.

As president, Hostetter said that the university has been a culture of change but that is where it is actually rooted. Brescia is a Catholic, liberal arts institution founded because of the community’s need for soldiers returning from war with the GI benefits that provided educational assistance. Mount St. Joseph had a junior college for women in Maple Mount and the coeducational campus began in 1949 at its present site. Soon after, it began as a four-year college.

“Throughout our history, you can find these adaptations,” he said.

In the 2007-08 school year, Brescia began offering online degrees, the first of its kind. The social work program took off quickly, and since then, Brescia has expanded the online offerings in both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs as well as hybrid programming.

This, Hostetter said, is what is known as “The Brescia difference.”

“At one time, we had a student from every state in our online degree program,” he said.

The latest strategic plan for the university is rooted in the university’s Catholic roots and follows Caritas theology, which ties into the social work curriculum.

“Caritas is Latin for love and the effort to find meaning in this call to love is this theology,” Hostetter said.

Taking passages from the Gospel of John where Jesus says “Love one

another as I have loved you,” Hostetter said that while it is fantastic to have an education and build a life, it needs to be rooted in love.

“To take it, share it and pass it on,” he said.

Beginning when students enter the university, each student is seen as uniquely made and not repeated. So, educational plans also follow this philosophy and are not “cookie cutter” by design. The first part of the planning is universal design.

“We make sure that when [they are] in class or participate in anything, students know that when challenged, that is built into the curriculum and that we are accessible,” he said.

In the second part of the strategic plan, the university helps build the best person each can be.

“We do this by living in a community and doing it in an authentic way…and being the best person when we are in that community,” he said.

The implementation of these strategies was difficult to fulfill in the pandemic with the restrictions, but things are coming back to a seminormal state, he said, but everyone – from staff to students – has to have buy-in and be part of it.

“Once we have understanding then

we have a role to help all succeed,” he said.

Hostetter finds time to be seen on campus and interact with students informally in the quad. He also participates in serving in a soup kitchen with others from Brescia each Friday night.

“This is one of the highlights for me - they get to see all of us involved,” he said. “We find ways to demonstrate Caritas and do our best to treat others with the respect they deserve.”

He believes that their athletics program, which includes over 10 sports, is another example of learning to live in a community.

In the last couple of years, Hostetter said that they are looking at workforce development and they are working to meet those online and create modules for it. Brescia is also trying to meet the need for mental health services. They are starting with staff and also using it for students, which is cohesive with the Caritas theology.

“I love the job, I love what I am doing,” he said. “There are challenging times, no doubt, and things are changing in ways not expected, and that takes quick thinking.”

Scott Williams →

OWENSBORO COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Scott Williams began his tenure as president of Owensboro Community and Technical College in 2015. His secondary education and career began at the University of Florida, where he earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s of Science in Animal Science.

Williams’ interest in animal science began with his family’s cattle farm in Union County, Kentucky. While he was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, each summer he worked on the family farm in Morganfield, Kentucky.

Williams’ mother is from Morganfield and met his Florida-

native father in college. They moved to Florida, but always remained close to his Kentucky family.

Williams completed his Ph.D. at Colorado State University and moved to Athens, Georgia to teach and conduct research at the University of Georgia for 10 years. It was there that he and his wife decided to return to Kentucky to have a cattle farm.

“I wasn’t even in Kentucky for a few months and I got a call from OCTC who heard I had moved and wanted to interview for an ag faculty position,” he said.

Williams took the position and served as the Agriculture Technology Program Director and the Biotechnology Program Coordinator, a program he developed.

In 2008, he became the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, a position he held until becoming president.

In June, Williams celebrates eight years in this position.

“I never would have thought that,” Williams said. “I tried the administrative role and liked it.”

Williams tried cattle farming for a few years but has since sold the cattle and leased the farmland because it was just too much with his administrative roles.

Williams enjoys working with the faculty and staff at OCTC, as well as the whole community.

“We play a critical role, and our role is really that first step into higher education,” he said. “We are serving individuals and helping our students define their dreams and gain confidence.”

For some students, it is a starting point for a four-year college, but for others, it is about getting a betterpaying technical job.

“We are a large part of our

Owensboro workforce,” he said.

In the last 20 years, since the consolidation of Owensboro Community College and Owensboro Technical College, significant changes and shifts have occurred. Previously, classes were predominately geared toward receiving an associate’s degree before transferring to a four-year institution, but now, 50% of students are there for technical, skilled trades.

“It is becoming more mainstream,” Williams said of the acceptance of trade education. “We are fortunate that our community is at the forefront of dual credits [for high school students] and that schools, counselors and teachers see the seismic shift.”

This year, over 250 students graduated from area high schools with an associate’s degree, along with their high school diploma. Hundreds more graduated with college credit. Additionally, over 700 graduated from OCTC in the 2022-2023 school year.

Williams appreciates the

opportunities provided by OCTC to meet these needs and said that hearing many students say they feel more comfortable when they move to a four-year institution is why they do it.

Other students finish their technology degrees after high school graduation.

“Both offer a significant savings for a college education,” Williams said of the dual credit program. “It is half the price of a four-year institution in the Commonwealth.

Williams said that the education world has changed significantly and there isn’t as much “chalk and talk” in the classrooms, but more project-based, student-led, electronic materials where students are actively learning.

“Faculty and instructors have learned to improve with technology,” he said, adding that OCTC and similar colleges see they are moving toward graduates with no secondary education but want to advance in their field.

“We are trying to provide the skills and degrees necessary for adult learners…

those who get out [of high school], work, start a family and then go back to school,” he said. “We have to be more flexible on how we offer instruction.”

This includes the times that classes are offered and hybrid models that include online and in-person classes.

“There is a lot more flexibility and technology has helped with this, but somehow, we have to get time in person,” he said.

Williams believes augmented and virtual reality, mobile units that go where students are, and remote delivery will become part of the educational process in the near future.

“I am very proud of our team members here – our staff and students,” he said. “We came out of the pandemic stronger. Community colleges had declining enrollments, but we worked hard to focus on student success.”

In fact, this is the sixth straight summer for enrollment growth and the second year of growth in enrollment in the fall - over 500 students each time. OL

Rash Stadium

THE HISTORY OF AN OWENSBORO ICON

Written by JAY FALLIN // Photo by AP IMAGERY

On an unseasonably cool and pleasant May evening, the nearly 300 members of the 2023 graduating class of Owensboro High School sat in neat rows, prepared to join the ranks of alumni of their beloved high school. Appropriately, the commencement ceremony took place on the turf of the playing field where some had played and nearly all had cheered for the Red Devil football team over the last four years. Situated on the southeast corner of Senior High’s sprawling campus, Rash Stadium has played host to many thrilling contests, but its impact does not stop at sporting events. The stadium has held dances, field days, powderpuff games and countless other events throughout the years. Despite the untold hours these students spent here, few, if any, knew the history of the venue they know simply and affectionately as “Rash.”

In an era of school consolidation and “neweris-always-better” sensibilities regarding school construction, Rash Stadium stands alone as the vestige of a bygone era. Since the first game played at the stadium in the fall of 1923, much has changed. Rash was already 10 years old when President Franklin Roosevelt delivered his second of four inaugural addresses, telling Americans that the only thing they had to fear was fear itself. The Great Depression, a World War, the Civil Rights Era and the fight for desegregation, the Cold War, seventeen presidents and countless other historical events have come and gone while Rash Stadium has stood at 1800 Frederica. Rash has undergone additions, facelifts, and upgrades over the years, yet it retains its historic feel and charm. How did it come to be, where does the name Rash come from, and what other secrets does the treasured venue hold?

The Owensboro Senior High Red Devil football program is one of the oldest and proudest in the country. Boasting nearly 800 wins, the Tradition of Excellence that is OHS football dates back to the late 19th century. The first recorded game played by the Devils, a scoreless tie with rival Henderson City, took place in 1895. In those fledgling years, the now proud program played short seasons, struggling to find footing and success. However, by the end of the first World War, the Devils had become the preeminent gridiron squad in Western Kentucky. Despite their success, the team had no true field, let alone a grandstand or stadium, to call its own. The OHS football squads of the early 1900s alternated playing “home” contests in fields near Legion Park and the former fairgrounds of Southside Park. Large crowds of spectators would gather for

the games, but more often than not there was no seating, and viewing the contests was difficult.

By the early 1920s, community momentum to construct a stadium on the grounds of what was to be the new Owensboro High School at 1800 Frederica Street had grown. The movement, spearheaded by local physician Dr. O.W. Rash, took the form of an early 20th century version of crowd-sourced funding. Dr. Rash solicited individual donations through newspaper advertisements and by calling on friends and contemporaries. The goal was to collect 100 pledges of $100 each, totaling the $10,000 that contractors had estimated the job would require. Once Dr. Rash had secured the funding, the Owensboro Public Schools Board of Education determined that the stadium should be built at the school’s new athletic field immediately southwest of the school. Construction began at once, and the first OHS football game played at the new athletic field with seating on the west side occurred on October 20, 1923. That game concluded in a draw against the now-defunct Sturgis High School.

Many within the community felt that the stadium should be named in honor of the man who had spearheaded its funding. An unsigned letter to the editor of The Owensboro Messenger dated July 20, 1923, bears witness to community sentiments regarding Dr. Rash’s contributions. “Modesty will forbid his admitting it, but to Dr. O.W. Rash belongs the credit… for the erection of a modern athletic stadium on the new high school’s athletic field,” wrote the anonymous citizen. “The stadium was Dr. Rash’s suggestion.” The letter continues, “There is no telling how much of the balance he secured himself, while others who had volunteered or been designated to aid, loafed.” The author concludes that the stadium should bear the name of its most important benefactor, in no uncertain terms: “Rash Stadium. No other name will

satisfy merit or the public.”

Though Dr. Rash declined an official dedication ceremony, the community began almost immediately referring to the stadium as “Rash.” By the time the first night game was played at the stadium on September 15, 1933, the name had stuck. Despite all he had done to secure construction of the west side of the stadium, Dr. Rash was not finished. By the late 1930s, the crowds that would gather to support the Devils had grown to the point that Dr. Rash and many in the community felt an addition was necessary. Dr. Rash once again set out to raise money through community donations for an expansion. In 1940, bolstered by the seed money raised and donated, the OPS Board of Education entered into a contract with The Works Progress Administration (WPA) to begin construction. The WPA, an arm of President Roosevelt’s “New Deal” recovery plan, would provide the labor and 75 percent of the estimated $30,000 the project would require. The plans included construction of the east side of the stadium, a concrete wall around the perimeter of the field and stadium, and a press box atop the new grandstand. The first game played after the conclusion of the project occurred on September 12, 1941, a game the Devils won 26-0 over Dawson Springs.

Over 60 years would pass before Rash would undergo major renovations again. Following the 2005 season, synthetic turf was laid on the playing surface. In 2013, a metal grandstand was constructed just north of the field and designated specifically for students and the band.

Rash has been home to the Red Devils since its inception 100 years ago. It also served as the home field of the Owensboro Catholic Aces and the Kentucky Wesleyan Panthers before the opening of Steele Stadium on the campus of KWC. Hundreds of football games have been played at Rash, and for many alumni of Senior High, the old stadium is a home away from

home.

Larry Moore, a 1965 graduate, played for several highly successful Red Devil squads on the gridiron at Rash during his time at OHS. Coach Moore played for Coach Ralph Genito. After a successful college football career and the completion of his undergraduate studies, he returned to OHS to begin his teaching career and serve as an assistant coach for Coach Gerald Poynter, who had taken the reins of the program when Coach Genito departed to coach at The University of Alabama for legendary head Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Coach Moore was an assistant coach for 13 seasons before becoming head coach in the fall of 1983, a position he held through the 1987 season. Coach Moore is the last head coach to guide the Red Devils to a state title, hoisting the Class 3A championship trophy following a conquest of Belfry in the finals in 1986. “I bleed Red and Black,” Coach Moore said recently when asked of his love for Senior High and Rash Stadium. “I am a product of Owensboro Public Schools, after college I came straight back, I worked at OHS for 29 years. I am a lifelong fan and supporter of OHS and I love OHS football.” When asked about the many games he’s seen at Rash, Coach Moore said “It is the very best place to watch a football game anywhere. Because there is no track, the stadium sits incredibly close to the action. You can see everything so well, and you can also hear everything. The players communicating with each other, the pop of the pads, the coaches coaching, there’s no other place like it. All the years I coached and played, all the opposing coaches said they’d never seen any other place like it.”

David Johnson graduated from Senior High in 1984 after helping lead the Devils to the state at-large championship in the fall of ‘83. After college, David returned to OHS where he began his career as a social studies teacher and assistant football coach. After several years

as a teacher and coach, Johnson moved into administration, working his way through the ranks all the way to Assistant Superintendent, a position he held for several years before retiring. Johnson is still an avid supporter of the Red Devil football program. When asked about Rash, Johnson said “I’ve been around OHS for a long time, and there have been so many renovations and changes to the building over the years, it’s almost unrecognizable compared to what it was like when I was a student. Rash is the one place on campus that still feels like home, even after all these years.” Johnson went on to talk about how Friday nights at Rash have been a constant in his life over the decades: “I started out as a fan when I was a kid, then I played, then I coached, then I was an administrator, and now I am a fan again. I’ve seen a lot of games at Rash. There truly is no better place to watch a game.”

Drew Hall grew up dreaming of his

turn to don the Red and Black and take the field at Rash. “When I was a kid, we would be running around on the hill at Longfellow or the practice field and watching the games. We couldn’t wait until it was our turn to play football for OHS.” After a storied career at OHS that saw Hall finish as the secondleading rusher in program history, he went on to play college football at EKU in the fall of 1994. In 2003 Coach Hall returned to OHS to begin his coaching career and has been on the sidelines since. “Rash Stadium is like home to me,” said Hall. “I grew up watching my older family members play there, I played there, and now I coach. Friday nights at Rash Stadium are a huge part of my life.”

Much has changed since that cool October afternoon in 1923 when the Devils took the field at Rash Stadium for the very first time. The game has evolved, the equipment has improved, and the rules have changed many times over the past 100 years.

When the 128th OHS football team makes its debut, the players will be the beneficiaries of these changes and improvements. However, they will also be fortunate to play in such a storied venue with an unparalleled tradition. The 100th season at Rash will commence this fall when the Purples of Bowling Green High come to renew a storied rivalry with the Red Devils for the 81st time. The players on each team will give their all, and thousands of fans will descend on Rash once again for what promises to be an outstanding high school football game. The players, the coaches, and the fans won’t be alone, though. The ghosts of seasons past and tales of Rash Stadium glory will be alive all around them. Here’s hoping for 100 more seasons at Rash. OL

Special thanks to the staff of The Kentucky Room at The Daviess County Public Library. Their research assistance was invaluable.

Program Aims to Teach Kids Healthy Habits

education,” she added. “We’re really just trying to make it fun and focus on things that can really be incorporated into their lifestyle, showing that fitness and being healthy can be fun.”

Beyond nutrition, the kids will get a hands-on approach to fitness.

“We’re going to have a lot of different activities,” Cecil said. “We’ll have some different things going on in the gym with some of our certified fitness staff. And we’re going to let the kids swim in our pool.”

Fitness doesn’t have to be hard or take a lot of work, she said. “For kids seven to 12, it’s really about playing. Having some food fun and playing games can be exercise.”

Physical fitness is very important for this age group, Cecil said, as more children develop diseases early in life that were typically limited to adults.

Would you like to help your kids make healthier choices? The Owensboro Health Healthpark has a program for just that purpose.

The Power Up Kidz program is all about elevating kids’ fitness and making healthy eating and exercise fun. Certified exercise instructors and registered dietitians will lead sessions designed to help your child make healthier food choices, increase physical activity and develop healthy habits together.

And although the program is hosted by the Healthpark, you don’t have to be a member to participate. The program is open to children ages seven to 12 and at no cost, thanks to support from Owensboro Health Foundation.

Beth Cecil, registered dietitian and the Manager of Community Wellness for Owensboro Health, said

the program is perfect for children who aren’t involved in group sports and would like to be more active. “It’s really geared towards kids and families who are just trying to learn how to eat healthier and get a little bit more activity,” Cecil said. ”We really are not trying to focus just on weight, but really just focus on developing healthy habits as a family.”

“We know that genetics can play a role in our health, but also, our lifestyles are a big part of it,” Cecil said. “So that’s why we’re really trying to incorporate ideas for parents, like meals that they can make that are quick and easy. We know we’re so busy; sometimes it’s just easier to grab and go.”

“We’re going to provide them with some healthy meals and snacks, along with some nutrition

“We’re seeing more kids that are developing diseases such as high blood pressure, type two diabetes and higher cholesterol levels,” she said. “I think it’s a big part of our lifestyles where we sit more, we have a lot of social media, we have a lot of electronic devices, and we’re not nearly as active and on the go. There’s a perception that it costs more to eat healthy. And we try to dispel that by showing ways that you can still eat healthy while not breaking the bank.

The Power Up Kidz program is July 27-29. On Thursday and Friday, the Healthpark will host the children from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and parents will join the kids Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon to see what they’ve learned. The class has 30 spots, and organizers would love to have you join them, but space is limited. To learn more and sign up, call 270688-4459. OL

Medical Cannabis

ALLOWING PROGRESS IN KENTUCKY FAMILIES’ LIVES

Written by JOSH KELLY

Kristin Wilcox’s daughter Shelby was born a healthy baby in 2000, until one day when Kristin went to her crib and found her having a seizure. It wasn’t until 2003 that she was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a rare and deadly medication-resistant form of epilepsy.

Doctors told Wilcox many children with Dravet die by age 2. Shelby, at age 3 had a very grim life, as she experienced hundreds of mini seizures and several larger ones daily, and her taste and cognitive function declined. “Her neurologists were doing the best they could. We tried every medication available for antiepileptic medication and cocktails of many combined, and nothing was working. I watched my daughter, she was just done,” she recalled.

Then, she heard the story of another Dravet patient that saw progress through medical cannabis. The neurologists did the research and saw several similar successes.

Even though it was illegal then, the doctors recommended she find a reputable source. Wilcox was glad to find relief, but she was nervous that her daughter could be taken away if she tested positive for marijuana.

Now, at age 17, Shelby is living a much better life, her mom said. Her cognition is back to the same level as her peers, and seizures have decreased to once a week.

“Instead of just being this zombie-like blank stare, she for the first time showed that she had a personality. She was laughing. She was mischievous. She was loving and social. It was wonderful,” Wilcox said.

Now, separation isn’t a consequence anymore as Governor Andy Beshear passed an executive order granting Kentuckians with 21 medical conditions the ability to receive legal medical cannabis treatment.

This executive order went into effect shortly the Kentucky General

Assembly passed a bill in March, and Wilcox and her colleague, Julie Cantwell, were able to help their families and others through their organization, Kentucky Moms for Medical Cannabis.

Cantwell’s son, Preston, started having seizures at age four, and his drug-resistant epilepsy prevented modern medication from working. When he turned 19, he was prescribed edible medical cannabis, and his severe seizures ceased.

Now he smokes cannabis as a way to directly impact the brain, rather than waiting for it to go into effect hours later.

“It’s a relief that we finally found something. It’s a relief for my son, as well. He is finally able to get his driver’s license and able to drive. He’s able to work and things that he wasn’t normally able to do because the seizures held him back,” Cantwell said.

Cantwell’s mother has brain cancer and was expected to live for more 12 to 18 months. Now at month

13, she said she’s doing great. Her mother uses concentrated cannabis oil to combat a oncegrowing tumor which is now gone.

“I feel like we’ll have my mom for a long time. She’s doing great; she’s sleeping great; she looks great; she feels great. She’s beating the odds,” Cantwell said.

State Representative DJ Johnson (R) said stories like these are why he voted to pass the bill in March to ensure that veterans, parents with children and people that have these conditions can find some relief.

Originally, the discussion on marijuana legalization in any form was something that he felt the federal government should make a stance on. Yet as years passed, the government seemed unwilling to do so, he felt.

“So, we’re doing it at the state

level. That’s why we have funded the University of Kentucky to do research on medical marijuana. We’ll hear back from them I believe this coming session. We’ll hear more from them on their findings. That’s going to help us point in the right direction for where we need to go in the future,” he said.

Johnson said more conditions could be added if the results are positive. Yet, with more conditions being named, Johnson thinks the important part is ensuring pharmacists are included in the conversation, as well.

At its current form, he doesn’t believe that medical oversight from a pharmacist is required by the March bill, and that is a key part going forward for the patients being prescribed medical marijuana.

“We need to take a serious look

at that and find some way that we can make sure we’re not having a doctor prescribe medical marijuana and that patient is also taking something else where there’s going to be a bad interaction,” Johnson said.

Nonetheless, he does not see recreational usage being legalized right now because of his exposure to what he calls habitual recreational use, and considers it completely different than controlled medical use.

Wilcox and Cantwell, however, take an opposite stand.

“I don’t care what reason you’re using it. I do believe that it’s all medicinal. I don’t believe in recreational cannabis. I believe that even if you are just using it to unwind, you are still getting the therapeutic or medicinal benefits from it,” Cantwell said. OL

UNIQUE FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY CLASS IS FIRST TO GRADUATE AT OWENSBORO HEALTH

“This class was unique from the beginning,” says Dr. Cole. “Not only were they willing to take a leap of faith and join a new program, their entire three years of training took place while the global medical community was figuring out how to operate in a world-wide viral pandemic.”

“Our first residents came to us from diverse backgrounds,” continues Dr. Cole. “Many took a non-traditional route to their residency training, bringing with them a wealth of real-world experiences. They knew they would be asked to contribute to the building and structure of this brand-new program, and they certainly rose to that challenge.”

Reaching a major milestone, the Family Medicine Residency Program at Owensboro Health is celebrating the graduation of its first class of six resident physicians. The program, which officially launched in July 2020, is a result of a partnership between Owensboro Health and the University of Louisville School of Medicine.

During the three-year program, the residents train with University of Louisville faculty physicians at Owensboro Health facilities. Each resident conducts at least 1,650 familymedicine encounters in their primarycare clinic on the Parrish Campus. They also complete numerous required home visits, nursing home visits, ED shifts, inhospital night shifts, ICU shifts, laborand-delivery shifts, numerous didactic sessions, procedure workshops, and at least 39 clinical rotations in various settings and specialties.

Owensboro Health Executive VP and Chief Medical Office Francis DuFrayne, MD, who was instrumental in bringing the Family Medicine Residency

program to Owensboro Health, says the program has positively impacted our communities. “One of the goals of the residency program is to provide more access to primary care, which has increased patient satisfaction and decreased emergency room visits due to better preventive care,” he says. “We are pleased that two of our graduating residents are remaining in Owensboro. They are great additions to the Owensboro Health primary care team.”

Dr. Jon Sivoravong helped launch the new program and served as its director for the first two years. Darby Cole, MD, a family medicine physician who has been a faculty member since inception of the program, now has taken the helm as director. The faculty is rounded out with James Price, DO, Family Medicine; Eddie Prunty, MD, Hospital Medicine; Stephanie Hayden, MD, Pediatrics; Behavioral Health Specialist Shirl Nafziger-Lyne, MSW, LCSW; and Pharmacist Elise Tharp.

Dr. Hamed Haghnazar, who served as chief resident for the first two years, says one of the best parts of his training has been developing relationships with colleagues, faculty, staff and patients. “During the inpatient hospital service, we had the opportunity to establish relationships with patients from our community, treat them while they were hospitalized, and keep them out of the hospital for years after because they came to see us in clinic as their primary care physicians,” he says.

Michelle Hayden, Medical Education Coordinator, says she will always have a special place in her heart for this first class. “When our program first opened three years ago, we all navigated this new adventure together. I feel honored to have worked with these amazingly brilliant graduating residents, and I’m proud of how they have paved the way for future classes.”

To learn more about the Owensboro Health/ University of Louisville Family Medicine Residency, please visit online: OwensboroHealth.org/FMR. OL

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2023

JERRY BRADLEY, MD

HAMED HAGHNAZAR, MD

HAYAT ITANI, MD

M. DAMON KOLOK, MD

SUHEUNG (STEVEN) LEE, MD

DANIEL MEIS, DO

LEFT TO RIGHT: ERIC STEWART, MD, AND HAYAT ITANI, MD, OBSERVE FACULTY MEMBER JAMES PRICE, DO, EXAMINING A PATIENT.

SENIOR LIVING

Welcome to the Senior Living section, a dedicated space filled with invaluable advice and insights tailored specifically for our cherished senior citizens. In this corner of the magazine, we embark on a journey of empowerment, offering a wealth of guidance to navigate the golden years with grace, wisdom, and fulfillment. We also understand the importance of caring for senior loved ones, and will share insights on fostering meaningful relationships and providing compassionate support. Join us as we celebrate the rich tapestry of life, embracing the joys and challenges that come with age, and unlocking the boundless potential that lies within each and every senior citizen.

Photo by Jamie Plain

Bill & Susie Tyler

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF GROWTH AT THE WESTERN KENTUCKY BOTANICAL GARDEN

Written by LIBBY JOHNSON

Writer’s note: As a journalism teacher, I rarely let my students tell a story in first person in an informative piece. However, it is 2023; anything goes. I’m writing this article from a picnic table in the semi-shade at Holiday World, which is - as far as outdoor venues where there is some effort at landscapingthe exact opposite of the Zen of the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden.

Just 48 hours ago, I set out to meet with the Tylers at the Botanical Garden and talk to them about their contributions to what has become a community showpiece. After driving down West Parrish and realizinglike I do every single time I begin to go to the WKBG - that after nearly 20 years in Owensboro, I still don’t

know where I am on that side of the county- I sat down with the venerable couple in the cool, calm serenity of the cottage.

The distinguished couple - for they certainly are distinguished - in their manner, dress (no Generation X gardener would look as put together as they do while playing in the dirt),

and the regard in which they are held locally- are gracious. They have been interviewed numerous times about their involvement in the garden, yet were totally willing to go through it all again for me. Throughout our time together, I was struck by the partnership of their repartee. It’s easy to see how their partnership played a role in, and continues to influence, the success of the garden.

“When we owned the Weatherberry (the former bed and breakfast that now serves as the welcome and events center for WKBG) the master gardener club would meet on the back porch and talk of creating a botanical garden, and that’s really where it started,” Susie recalls with fondness.

As has been well documented,

the couple donated the acreage for the garden and Bill, a master gardener who describes himself as having “always been interested in environmental issues and enjoyed aspects of gardening,” led much of the original design and planting with the assistance of an army of volunteers organized by Susie. Bill says, “In the beginning, we just kind of went forth with the attitude of ‘If people like it and support it, fine; if they don’t, well we’ll put it back in soybeans.”

For the couple, it is difficult to separate the origins of the garden from the experiences they had in the ten years they operated the Weatherby. Together, they remember that in the 1990s, they hosted many visitors from faraway places. Wax Works brought people from the movie business, KWC brought speakers from around the country, and the Weatherby accommodated notables such as the Bidens and Ralph Nader. They also hosted many people who were looking to start or relocate businesses, and Susie says, “We learned they were interested in quality of life more than things like tax breaks.” The Tylers felt that this desire blended perfectly with the idea of a botanical garden, which attracts tourists and events. “Honestly, it’s just worked out wonderfully,” she states.

Bill, who is a retired specialist in internal medicine, is proud of the opportunity the garden offers people to experience nature. “The healing power of nature is well documented,” he says. “We want to be sure that people can continue to see and learn about different plants and enjoy the environment of the garden.” Nature’s correlation to science and medicine presents itself over and over again in the garden, he says, explaining that just as in people, bugs in a garden get resistant to treatments and new ones pop up. “A few years ago, there was a terrible rose virus.

Of course, the rose garden is a big draw, and we nearly had to tear it all out. We waited, and the next year it was less, and then less again the next year, and now there’s almost no problem.”

Daylilies, for which Dr. Tyler is renowned for hybridizing, remain his favorite element of the garden. They are Susie’s favorite, too. The pair, who still spend 30 to 40 hours a week at the garden “doing things that need to be done,” such as dead heading and watering, continue to adjust to the changes and progress at the garden.

Executive Director Laurna Strehl says she is happy the couple has been able to witness the enhancement and transformation of the garden. She says, “They have shared their passion and have inspired others to bring the garden to the best it’s ever been.” OL

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dr. Josh Stamper and Dr. Shawn Stringer at Bluegrass

Dental discuss how dental implants are your best option for replacing missing teeth.

Dental implants are the gold standard in modern dentistry for tooth replacement—whether you need one tooth, several teeth, or a full set of new teeth.

WHY ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS PREFERRED OVER OTHER OPTIONS?

For one thing, dental implants are the only true tooth replacement option, nothing else gives you a missing tooth back in the same way. Dental implants are the longest-lasting, most natural looking, and best functioning substitute for a natural tooth. Their success rate is higher than 95% - the highest of ANY tooth replacement option.

CAN DENTAL IMPLANTS HELP MY LOOSE DENTURE?

Dental implants are the only thing that can help a loose denture become secure. There are many options, but the most basic is to place some dental implants, and fabricate your denture in a way that

it snaps onto the posts. No more flopping 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’s even an option to fabricate a prosthesis that doesn’t ever come out!

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS?

Most people need and can benefit from dental implants, but not everyone is a candidate. The primary factor to determine if you are a candidate is the amount of bone in your jaws, since implants have to be placed in bone. At Bluegrass Dental, we have a 3D xray machine called a CBCT that allows us to precisely see how much bone you have so that we can determine the best placement for the implants. We include this scan as a part of our free implant consultation.

I’M INTERESTED IN DENTAL IMPLANTS, WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?

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, 2D xrays, a special 3D CBCT xray, a thorough review of you 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

HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT DENTAL IMPLANTS, OR ANYTHING RELATED TO YOUR ORAL HEALTH?

DR. JOSH STAMPER AND DR. SHAWN STRINGER WILL PERSONALLY RESPOND TO QUESTIONS SENT TO OFFICE@BLUEGRASSDENTIST.COM

The Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep

Written by DANA PEVELER

“Nana, can I go to sweep now?

I wanna go to sweep.” Shocked, because she was just about to jump back into the pool where she and her older brother were playing “Save the shark!” I checked my watch –it was just past 8:00 p.m. our time, 9:00 p.m. EST at the hotel where we were staying in Gatlinburg, TN. Phase 1 of my plan to wear them out was on track!

After a quick stop to have their picture taken with the grizzly bear in the lobby, we whizzed up the elevator

and to the room. Grands dried off, and snuggled in the double bed next to ours, while I readied myself for bed, as well. When I turned the corner back into the room, I saw two wide-eyed kids, mouths agape, both pointing at their sleeping grandpa. When they saw me, still not making a sound, they pointed harder and leaned closer to the edge of the bed; my grandson finally whispers, “Nana, what’s that thing on Papa’s face?” I chuckled when I realized it was his CPAP machine that they’d

probably never seen, and reassured him that it was a machine to help Papa sleep. Seemingly satisfied by my answer, they snuggled back down, occasionally darting sideeyes his direction just to make sure. Soon, they were knocked out, too. Phase 2 complete – everyone asleep – except me.

I didn’t fall asleep until close to daylight. I tossed and turned, –listened to the a/c unit kick on and off, the elevator ding, fantasized about hanging a towel on the smoke

detector light, and putting black tape around all the edges of the room’s curtains. I regretted that big salad right before going to bed, too, and tried to remind my leg that it needed to let the rest of my body sleep!

I never needed naps, not even as a child. My mother tried, God bless her, but I was just one big ball of perpetual motion. My brother could fall asleep eating cereal, my husband, mid-sentence, (his own, not just mine!) My mother loves a good Sunday afternoon nap, but me … I was always the last to fall asleep at a sleepover, and the last to wake up, but this all-night stuff is weird, even for me!

So what’s the deal? Turns out that our sleep patterns change as we age. Of course they do –everything seems to change as we age. It’s a myth that we need less sleep as we age. Older adults tend to go to bed earlier, and wake earlier, but we still need a full 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

What happens when we sleep – or don’t, as in my case. According to an article published by the National Institute on Aging, all of the parts of our brain work together to help us sleep. We have melatonin, which regulates our body’s circadian rhythms. These rhythms help our body maintain healthy sleep-wake cycles. We have two types of sleep – Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and non-REM sleep (deep sleep.) REM sleep is the state of sleep we are in when we dream. Both REM and nonREM help us to store memories. Because melatonin can decrease as we age, our cycles of sleep may be cut short and the amount of time spent in each type of sleep lessens. This is problematic because so much of our overall health is related to that timing – metabolism, immunity, appetite, and even cognition.

When I have restful sleep, I’m quicker, more able to focus, in a better mood, more patient, I can work on difficult projects and see them through – like figuring out why my internet isn’t working … again! It isn’t just the regular day-to-day that we handle better when we have enough sleep – poor sleep can impact our body’s overall health. For instance, lack of proper sleep has been linked to high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, even depression and Alzheimer’s.

There are a number of things that can prevent restful sleep, from stress, to chronic pain, to sleep apnea, where our breathing is paused for brief periods of time. Restless leg syndrome is another common problem, where you just feel like you have to move one or both legs to get them to settle down. Some folks say they

start to drift off and a part of their body jumps or jerks waking them up; this is called periodic limb movement disorder. Others have told me they’d sleep better if they didn’t have to get up to go to the bathroom so often, or that they can’t fall asleep, (insomnia) or that they fall asleep, but can’t stay that way for whatever reason.

It’s miserable, but it’s not hopeless! The first thing you want to do is figure out what it is preventing you from getting quality sleep. Definitely talk with your doctor about your struggle, and also start keeping a log of your bedtime rituals, what you’ve eaten, and the times of day that you’re eating. It could be as simple as making sure you wake up and go to sleep the same times every day, or that you don’t eat a heavy meal close to bedtime. Maybe you need to add or increase your exercise routine. Just make sure you do it early enough – at least 3 hours before you plan to go to bed. If you absolutely need a nap, make sure to avoid taking one later in the evening. Some say soaking in a hot bath helps them relax at bedtime. Avoid caffeine later in the day, and believe it or not, alcohol. Even though alcohol may make you drowsy, you may find sleep may be short-lived, or restless. Eliminate all distractions from the bedroom - turn off electronic devices, yes, even the TV, reduce the lighting – if you’re like me and need total darkness and arctic-like temperatures, do it! Use whatever you can to tell your brain and your body that it’s time to sleep.

One last mention – unrestful sleep tends to make us get up and down throughout the night. This can be unsafe. Be sure to turn on a light before getting out of bed. Remove any obstacles in your path before going to bed, for example, throw rugs you may slide or trip on, shoes, pillows … you get the idea. Keep a phone by your bed in case you do have an emergency.

If you’ve tried everything and are still struggling, you could have more going on. Again, speak with your doctor and/or a sleep specialist to ensure there aren’t underlying health problems. You may need medication, supplements, sleeping devices, sometimes even surgical procedures to get you back on track. Your sleep matters as much to your health care professional as it does to you! Just because we’re aging doesn’t mean we’re supposed to feel tired and cranky. It makes for a great Muppet skit, but doesn’t do much for our overall health! OL

SENIOR LIVING

You’re Never Too Old to Tame Your Sweet Tooth

The average American consumes too much sugar. This trend often worsens with age. If you’re a senior or a caregiver, learn what’s behind the craving for sweets and how to get around it.

BASIC FACTS ABOUT CRAVINGS FOR SWEETS

1. Cut your losses. At about the age of 50, you start losing large numbers of taste buds. New ones pop up all the time, but even they become less sensitive over the years.

2. Understand differences in taste. The 5 main tastes are sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and savory. Our sensations of bitterness and saltiness decline first. Sweetness is the last to go. That helps to explain why candy may become more appealing.

3. Look out for simple carbohydrates. Your blood sugar rises when you eat simple carbohydrates. Then it falls and leaves you hungry again. Check the labels on processed food to see how much sugar and white flour they contain.

4. Recognize the connection between taste and smell. Food seems blander as our sense of smell weakens over the years. Your doctor can perform simple tests to assess your condition.

5. Set your goals. The average American eats about 22 teaspoons of added sugar a day. The recommended guidelines are 6 for women and 9 for men.

MAKING HEALTHIER FOOD CHOICES

1. Eat whole fruit. Whole fruit delivers fiber and lots of nutrients, whether it is baked or raw. Serve pears instead of cake for dessert.

2. Pair sugar with other ingredients. Bake your own whole wheat cookies. Create a trail mix with dark chocolate chips, unsweetened cereal, nuts, and dried fruit.

3. Switch to cinnamon. Use cinnamon instead of sugar whenever possible. Add it to hot chocolate or plain yogurt.

4. Sprinkle on salt. Salt and sugar enhance each other’s intensity so you can use less of both. If your diet permits salt, shake a little on half a grapefruit.

5. Limit artificial sweeteners. Even products with zero calories may

have some drawbacks. In some ways, your body responds to artificial sweeteners as though they were sugar. Insulin levels rise and you want to eat more.

DEVELOPING ADDITIONAL STRATEGIES

1. Stimulate your appetite. Of course, some seniors become frail and need to eat more. Adding a little honey to brown rice may be just what you need to be sure you’re consuming enough calories.

2. Focus on quality. On the other hand, if you’re trying to lose weight, become pickier about what you eat. Savor a scoop of passion fruit sorbet instead of a bowl of generic ice cream.

3. Trim your portions. If you have no specific health issues, you can probably eat anything in moderation. Put one cookie on a plate and leave the box behind on a shelf that’s inconvenient to reach.

4. Become sugar free. Some people go cold turkey. Expect the first few days to be the toughest. After that, you may find sugar easier to resist.

5. Stay full. Hunger pangs aggravate all cravings. Sip water all day and eat frequently.

6. Exercise daily. When you feel like a milkshake, take a walk instead. The craving may pass.

7. Take care of your teeth. Good dental hygiene protects your sense of smell and taste. You’re more likely to prefer a balanced diet.

8. Consider taking supplements. Some cravings for sweets are caused by deficiencies in certain nutrients. Zinc or chromium supplements may help.

9. Talk with your doctor. Your physician can determine if your craving for sweets is linked to a more serious issue like Alzheimer’s or just needing to use a different antibiotic. Continue to see your doctor for regular checkups.

Life is too sweet to let empty calories ruin your golden years. Pacify your sweet tooth and satisfy it with more nutritious treats. OL

HOW TO HELP A SENIOR WITH

Memory Loss

Imagine a world without the rigors of aging. No mobility and memory loss issues. No situation where the older adult you love forgets everything about themselves and you. Sadly, we live in a world where memory fails with age. Watching this gradual cognitive decline occur in the ones you love can be distressing.

Try these techniques to help a senior you love with their memory loss issues:

1. Take detailed notes. As you notice changes in brain function, keep track of specific examples. The time and day they forgot to brush their teeth. How often do they think they lost their glasses without actually losing them? Suppose it’s getting worse by the day?

It will help you give a detailed report of their situation to a medical professional. Note what may have triggered the memory loss. Was it because of the loss of a loved one? Did it start after a fall or an accident? Have they made a big move or changed their surroundings recently?

Have they started or stopped taking

medication? It can help identify ways to reverse or get treatment to manage the symptoms.

2. Encourage them to see a doctor. Memory loss may result because of urinary infection or pneumonia. When you notice a decline in their cognitive functions, help them get a medical diagnosis. Encourage them to make an appointment or make one for them. Ask them if they would like you to accompany them or would prefer to go with another relative or a close friend. Getting a medical diagnosis will aid in effective treatment.

3. Treat them with respect. You don’t want to undermine them or make them feel like they are not in their right minds. When you see a doctor together, avoid talking over the senior because you think you are in a better position to explain

the situation. Allow them to talk. The interaction will help the doctor make a good assessment. It’ll also help the senior get familiar with the doctor to build a relationship. After their conversation, you can ask for permission to talk to the doctor about what you have observed.

4. Take them to the emergency room. This is necessary when their memory loss is sudden and significant, such as if they instantly forget chunks of basic information or knowledge about themselves or people close to them. Or they get delusional and begin to fear that something terrible will happen to them or you and start acting out. It may be more severe than you think. Quickly take them to a doctor.

5. Communicate using short sentences. When speaking to them, remember that they may look fine,

but their brains have changed. They may not process a lot of information and explanation at once. Keep your statements basic and concise. For instance, if you have to get the groceries, do not bother explaining that they forgot to get this or the other time, so you have to go. Instead, tell them you are going to buy groceries.

6. Convince them to live with you or your caretakers. You may try to explain to them how their condition could deteriorate and there are risks of living alone. Some may understand right away, while others will be resistant and insist that they are fine. In such cases, have a doctor tell them instead. Sometimes such news is better relayed by a professional.

7. Do not argue with them. They

may forget what they hear, get confused easily, accuse you of things you didn’t do, and say mean things to you. It can get frustrating, but there’s no point in yelling at them or raising your voice. It’s a losing battle and will only make them angrier and more confused. They may even become depressed.

8. Try to improvise. Go along with whatever story or reality they are living in today. Be with them in their world or version of reality. They enjoy telling their stories, so let them talk. It’s not always easy to roll with their way of thinking, but it’s all you can do to help them.

9. Avoid playing guessing games with them. Don’t ask questions like, “Do you know who I am? Do you remember where this

happened?” That only frustrates and embarrasses them. It hurts their feelings and makes them feel belittled. Instead, introduce yourself and others as you approach. You will see the relief on their faces when you do.

10. Watch what you say in their presence. Never talk about them as if they are not there. They hear more than you realize. They may later remember what you said and feel sad. Stay encouraging, cheerful, and friendly.

Whatever happens, you can’t stop the progress of time. You can help the older adult in your care get as comfortable as possible, but you can’t get their memories back. Endeavor to maintain a healthy lifestyle for them for as long as you can. OL

Essential Superfoods for

Senior Citizen Diets

If you’re a senior citizen, your body requires more nutrients than when you were younger, due to different metabolic needs. There are essential foods that can help you feel better and fight diseases at the same time.

These superfoods are easy to incorporate into daily meals and snacks:

APPLES

They’re easy to find in any grocery store, and they’re one of the top superfoods for senior citizens.

Apples have fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They’re also a good source of potassium and can help you feel full longer. In addition, apples can help prevent heart disease and several types of cancers.

If you’re getting ready to eat an apple, avoid peeling off the skin. The skin of an apple has high levels of antioxidants.

BUTTERNUT SQUASH

This squash is a superfood because of its high level of beta carotene.

Beta carotene is essential for healthy eyes and helps prevent heart disease. Senior citizens can also benefit from eating butternut squash because it has fiber and vitamin C.

FAVA BEANS

These beans are superfoods for senior citizens because of fiber and vitamins.

Fava beans are linked to better memory and higher energy levels.

They contain large amounts of L-dopa, which is also known as L-dopamine, and this amino acid may reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Fava beans, also known as broad beans, are considered to be legumes. A study, titled “Legume consumption and risk of coronary heart disease in U.S. men and women: NHANES I Epidemiologic Follow-up Study,” found that eating more legumes reduced the risk of heart disease.

QUINOA

This grain has essential amino acids along with other vitamins. It’s a superfood because of the high amount of nutrients it provides.

Quinoa is a good source of protein for senior citizens. In addition, it can help people with diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and reducing blood pressure. The grain can also help you feel full for a longer period of time, so you’re less likely to eat junk food.

A study, titled “Evaluation of indigenous grains from the Peruvian Andean region for antidiabetes and antihypertension potential using in vitro methods,” found that quinoa can help fight diabetes and hypertension. The grain has an antioxidant called quercetin that is involved in the process of fighting these diseases.

KALE

This common vegetable is a superfood because of its high vitamin K levels and other nutrients.

Kale has a high level of

antioxidants that are important for senior citizens. These antioxidants fight cellular damage and keep cells healthy. They can also prevent diseases such as prostate cancer and breast cancer.

Kale also has calcium and fiber, and these nutrients are essential for healthy bodies.

BROCCOLI

This superfood has fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s considered to be a nutrient-dense food that provides many benefits.

A study, titled “Broccoli sprouts: An exceptionally rich source of inducers of enzymes that protect against chemical carcinogens,” found that this vegetable can help prevent and fight tumors.

You shouldn’t eat your broccoli alone, or you’ll be missing important health benefits. A study titled “Enhancing sulforaphane absorption and excretion in healthy men through the combined consumption of fresh broccoli sprouts and a glucoraphaninrich powder,” found that eating broccoli with a spicy food helps fight cancer.

Researchers recommend that you add spices, mustard, horseradish or other items to your broccoli to increase its cancer-fighting properties.

Superfoods can help prevent disease and provide important nutrients. Take advantage of these foods to help you stay healthy and energetic well into your later years. OL

Seniors - Stay Fit, Trim, and Healthy with Safe Exercises

during commercials.

Have fun. Think about the pastimes you love and expand upon them. When your grandkids visit, go for a long walk through the park. If you get tired of using the treadmill alone every day, sign up for a yoga class with a buddy whose company you enjoy.

Make contingency plans. Life events will sometimes interrupt your normal schedule. While traveling, look for hotels with fitness centers. If it’s too cold to ride your bike outdoors, browse the public library for exercise videos for seniors.

OTHER SAFETY TIPS

Seniors have a lot to gain by regular exercise. Staying active can improve your physical and mental health and extend your ability to live independently. Below are some tips for developing a beneficial exercise program and sticking to it.

DESIGNING A SAFE AND BALANCED EXERCISE PROGRAM

Increase your endurance. Aerobic exercise like walking or biking is great for your heart and circulation. Swimming is especially good for seniors because you get a total body workout with low impact and little risk of injuries. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate activity daily.

Build your strength. Your muscle mass declines with age, but resistance training two to three times weekly can help offset that loss. To be safe, start off with easy exercises and progress by increasing weight and repetitions gradually. You may want to visit a local gym or take a class at a senior center.

If you prefer working out at home, you can buy weights or use household items like bags of rice.

Stay flexible. Stretching will keep

you limber and help protect you from injury. Do it as often as possible - daily is great! Warm up with some light aerobics and then ease into a stretch gently. Hold your stretch for about 30 seconds. Repeat each movement a few times, gradually extending your range.

It’s good to feel some slight tension, but if you experience any pain, stop and withdraw back to a more comfortable position.

Improve your balance. Protect yourself from falls and broken bones by working on your balance. Tai Chi is another low impact activity ideal for seniors. It promotes balance and strength. Even just practicing standing on one foot can enhance your stability.

STICKING TO YOUR EXERCISE PROGRAM

Set realistic goals. A regular workout routine is safer and more beneficial than scattered efforts. Keep yourself motivated by establishing realistic goals. Find activities that you can easily incorporate into your daily schedule such as cutting back on TV viewing to go for a daily swim. When your favorite program is on, you can even exercise

Talk with your doctor. If you’ve been sedentary for a while, your doctor can advise you on how to get moving safely. No matter what health issues you may experience, there is usually some form of exercise that you can engage in even if you need to modify the standard positions.

Learn to breathe. Proper breathing will help you maintain good form. Generally, you exhale when you exert effort and inhale when you relax. So, breathe out when you lift a dumbbell and breathe in when you lower it.

Drink plenty of water. Your body needs water regardless of whether you’re sweating. By the time you’re thirsty, you’ve gone too long without drinking.

Wear the right shoes. You can exercise without spending a fortune on expensive equipment, but good shoes are worth the cost. Get protective footwear that’s designed for your chosen sport, whether it’s golf or tennis. If tying laces is a struggle, Velcro closures will give you a secure fit.

Exercise is a great way for older adults to stay healthy and fit. Follow simple safety precautions so you can remain active and enjoy the pastimes you love. OL

FUELING SUCCESS: LEADERSHIP SUMMIT RECAP p. 62

CHAMBER CURRENT

Addiction Recovery Care

All Blessings, Inc.

Borrowed Hearts Owensboro

Deaconess Clinic

Dispo 4th Street, Inc.

Ever Bin Clean

Infinity Home Inspection

Josh’s Broken Feather, Inc

Kight Home Center... division of the Carter Lumber Company

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS RENEWALS

Allergy and Asthma Specialists, PSC

Allshops Hardware, Inc.

Allstate Insurance, Hayden Agency

Allstate Insurance, James Russell

Alzheimer’s Association

American Red Cross

AT&T

Autry’s Septic Tank Service, Inc.

Bella Ragazza Boutique

Benchmark Family Services

Boulware Mission, Inc.

Bowen Tire Company

Buffalo Wild Wings

Byrider Owensboro Auto Sales

Cayce Mill Supply

Claud Porter

Consolidated Mechanical, Inc.

Cornerstone Information Systems, Inc.

CRS OneSource

Culver’s Restaurant

Custom Audio-Video, Inc.

Danco Construction

Daviess County Detention Center

Daviess County Diabetes Coalition

Daviess Treatment Services

Evergreen Lawn Care Inc./Weed Man

Express Employment Professionals

First United Bank

Five Star Food Services/John Conti

Coffee

Flamingos For Amber, Inc.

Fresh Start for Women, Inc.

Gipe Auto Color Inc.

GMRRLLC doing business as Roto Rooter

Great Harvest, 54

Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp.

Green River Area Community Foundation

Hand Therapy Plus Total Body Rehab

Helena Chemical Company

Help Office of Owensboro

Hermitage Care & Rehabilitation Center

Lillianne Sharp Photography

Mitchel Premier Wholesale Safety Supply, LLC

Peach Cobbler Factory- Owensboro

Peezo’s Pizza

State Farm Insurance, Branden Haines

The Brothers that just do Gutters

THRYV

Western Kentucky Distilling Co.

Strength Renewed

Speaker:

HPC - Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky

Hunter-Douglas, Inc.

Infintech LLC

Judge Jeff S. Taylor

Koorsen Fire & Security

Kroger Co.

Lafarge

Lanham Brothers General Contractors, Inc.

Lee Brick & Block, Inc.

Limestone Bank

Love Yourself Boutique

MentorKids Kentucky

Midwest Communications, Inc WSTO

Murphy Excavating, LLC

Nomad Technology Group of Owensboro

Northwestern Mutual

Owensboro Municipal Utilities

P & H Fabrication & Machine

Pepsi Beverages Company

Pilot Steel, Inc.

ProRehab Owensboro

Qualmedica Research, LLC.

Retirement & Financial Strategies

RiverValley Behavioral Health

SERVPRO of Daviess County

Shady Green Farms, Inc.

Shield Security Shogun

Springs Urgent Care

State Farm Insurance, Candace Crossan

State Farm Insurance, Kathy Hudson

Subway - Hwy 60 West

Swedish Match North America Inc.

TheraTree, LLC.

Vancil Insurance Services LLC

Wendell H. Ford Government Education Center

Willow and Pine Market, LLC

Women’s Guild of Owensboro

Woodward Consulting, LLC

ZEB Metals, LLC

Kyle Cantrell

Sponsor:

Kyle Cantrell had an 18-year run as an Opry announcer, where he also served as host, producer, and music and production director for the station’s Music Country Radio Network. In 2005, Kyle was tapped by XM satellite radio to take over the programming of their bluegrass channel. At XM (which became SiriusXM in 2008), Kyle completely revamped Bluegrass Junction, bringing the music in line with current industry trends while honoring his heritage.

Then, using his knowledge and experience as a broadcaster, he began pioneering everything from live performance to interview shows to highlight the artistry of the format. The enthusiasm and interest with which he has approached the music was warmly received by fans and artists alike, and SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction became regarded as a major influence in bluegrass music. In 2013, the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) named Bluegrass Junction Radio Station of the Year, and it has repeated that honor in the nine years since. Meanwhile, for his part, Kyle has been named D.J. of the Year by SPBGMA nine times (20132020, and in 2023), and was named Broadcaster of the Year by the prestigious International Bluegrass Music Association in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2021.

Spreading his love for radio, as well as country and bluegrass music, is a continuing passion for Kyle. Now today, through BanjoRadio, a venture he launched in 2023, he continues to interact with fans all over the world.

May’s Rooster Booster was sponsored by Visit Owensboro.

The Visit Owensboro Team is responsible for attracting conventions, sports tournaments, and travel groups to our community in order to drive up tourism dollars.

We’ve seen record amounts of revenue flow into our community in the last two years thanks to people visiting Owensboro. This doesn’t happen by chance. We don’t have an ocean, mountains or sit along a major interstate just waiting for the traveler to discover us. This team is intentional. They work hard with their partners to lure in conventions, sports tournaments and through leisure tourism efforts, create events to attract people to our community.

This agency leverages every dollar they earn and spends countless hours figuring out how to invest it for maximum economic impact. Last year was historic for Daviess County and the future is very bright.

ROOSTER BOOSTER RECAP: MAY

THE VOICE OF BLUEGRASS MUSIC AND THE GRAND OLE OPRY

ROOSTER BOOSTER RECAP: JUNE

Speaker: Bart Darrell

VICE PRESIDENT COMMONWEALTH WEST INNOVATION ACADEMY AND PRESIDENT EMERITUS KENTUCKY WESLEYAN COLLEGE

Sponsor:

Bart is a native Texan who was raised in Owensboro and has lived in both Bowling Green and Owensboro during his professional careers in law and higher education. Since graduating from Daviess County High School, Kentucky Wesleyan College (B.A. in Business Management) and the University of Louisville School of Law.

He has practiced law, trying cases all over Kentucky for business, medical, and educational entities. He has also generally represented public school districts, and is a mediator and arbitrator, resolving legal matters across Kentucky. He was named the Kentucky Bar Association’s “Outstanding Young Lawyer,” was inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, served as President of the Bowling GreenWarren County Bar Association, along with other recognitions.

Darrell has served in many civic and volunteer roles and is committed to community engagement. His activities included his tenure as Chair of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce board, Chair of the Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Board in Bowling Green, board member of the Bowling Green-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, and member and Vice-Chair of Kentucky’s Council on Postsecondary Education.

In 2013 Darrell returned to Owensboro and served as President of Kentucky Wesleyan College until June of 2019. During that time the college has grown in enrollment, investment, increased its civic connection, rebranded itself with “The Wesleyan Way,” and created professional educational partnerships with pharmacy, medical, business, law, and theology schools. In 2018, College Consensus ranked Kentucky Wesleyan #2 among all colleges and universities in Kentucky.

June’s Rooster Booster was sponsored by WKU in Owensboro.

Western Kentucky University continues to celebrate tremendous successes, and WKU in Owensboro shares in that excitement which creates even more opportunities for students throughout this great region.

The fall 2022 to spring 2023 retention rates for degree-seeking undergraduate students and first-year student spring return were their highest since the University began tracking this data in 2010. WKU in Owensboro’s enrollment increased by 12.5% in fall 2022 compared to fall 2021, with over 400 total students taking classes in-person at the WKU in Owensboro campus and online.

This year alone, WKU in Owensboro scholarship support from area organizations, alumni, and friends has also grown, providing over $130,000 in local scholarships to WKU in Owensboro students.

WKU in Owensboro offers degree programs which meet the needs of employers within the region. With a serious teacher shortage facing schools throughout Kentucky, WKU in Owensboro continues to address this issue locally. Elementary Education is the largest program at this campus, and future educators can also select a Dual Certification in Elementary Education and Special Education. Beginning this fall, WKU in Owensboro will also offer Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education.

Other top programs in Owensboro include Social Work, Criminology, Sociology, Psychology, Business Management, Public Health, and Health Sciences.

WKU remains focused on providing strong instruction and guidance, preparing students for successful careers. WKU in Owensboro will continue to help students throughout the region as they climb higher!

Bart Darrell is the Vice President of the Commonwealth West Innovation Center and President Emeritus of Kentucky Wesleyan College.

FUELING SUCCESS

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE GREATER OWENSBORO LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

With more than 200 in attendance, the Leadership Summit, one of the first initiatives for the Greater Owensboro Leadership Institute, was a huge success!

The day was packed with speakers and expert panelists focusing on leadership, innovation, partnerships, government, philanthropy, and service.

The goal of the Summit was to bring together community leaders, academics, elected officials, and business leaders, to become a collective force for change. We at the Chamber are excited to see just how this Summit fuels collaboration across our community.

PHOTO BY DAVID GRINNELL

“The Summit was definitely beneficial, greatly organized, with a diverse group of guest speakers, and very informative on what the Leadership Institute is doing and will continue to do for the Greater Owensboro area. We need such initiatives in Kentucky!”

“Looking forward to putting some of the points made at the Summit to work!”

“I took pages of inspirational notes!”

PHOTOS BY DAVID GRINNELL

To equip people, organizations, communities, and networks with the tools to bridge divides, build capacity, and tackle shared challenges to become a collective force for change.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

PRESENTING:

PLATINUM:

GOLD:

SILVER:

PRINT:

LUNCH:

Bracken Darrell: PRESIDENT & CEO, LOGITECH

Racquel Thiesen: DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, KANSAS LEADERSHIP CENTER

GREATER OWENSBORO LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE MISSION STATEMENT:

Dee Robinson: ENTREPRENEUR & AUTHOR, ROBINSON HILL, INC.

DeAngelo Simmons: BDS SPORTS, CEO & PLAYER REPRESENTATIVE

PHOTOS BY WONDER BOY MEDIA

CHAMBER MEMBERS OF THE WEEK

The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.

Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives, serving as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.

MAY

DISASTER TEAM

Disaster Team offers extreme fire restoration, extreme water restoration, mold remediation, contents cleaning, trauma clean-up, meth clean-up, odor control, storm damage, emergency board up and tarping, vehicle impact to a home or business, reconstruction, and general construction services to residential and commercial customers.

VETERANS EMPOWERED TOGETHER

VET is a nonprofit that hosts gatherings for veterans the second Saturday of every month. The group aims to bridge the gap between the generations of veterans, plus connect with the community.

PEEZO’S PIZZA

PeezO’s menu features an assortment of wing flavors, fresh salad, sandwiches on homemade bread, and just about any kind of wing imaginable. They offer dine-in, delivery, and catering services at the 2100 West 2nd Street location.

ENTERPRISE TRUCK RENTAL

With a large selection of commercially equipped vehicles, Enterprise Truck Rental offers replacement, additional, and long-term solutions for businesses and individuals.

FERN TERRA ASSISTED LIVING

Fern Terra of Owensboro is a family-owned and operated assisted living facility operating under the concept of less people, more space, and more services. The 4-acre campus sits directly on the Ohio River on Owensboro’s northwest side.

AQUATIC RESOURCE CENTER

A premiere commercial aquatic systems installer, Aquatic Resource Center has completed projects in over a dozen states. Outside of installing unique zoo and aquarium exhibits nationwide, the company specializes in custom commercial water features and aquaculture systems.

OPTIMIZE U OWENSBORO

Optimize U Owensboro is a wellness clinic offering concierge hormone optimization therapy, athletic recovery, and weight-loss programs.

FLAMINGO’S FOR AMBER

A nonprofit helping people with a debilitating illness or injury and their caregivers, Flamingo’s for Amber assists with doctor visits, house cleaning, pet sitting, groceries, and more.

TIMESAVERS CAREGIVING AND CONCIERGE

Created by two friends in Bowling Green who were navigating care for their own aging parents, Timesavers operates as a personal services agency with a focus on flexible and personalized care from 1 to 24 hours at a time.

To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at 270-926-1860 or shelly@owensboro.com.

LEADERSHIP OWENSBORO CLASS OF 2023

ocused on educating and engaging individuals to reach their potential and maximize their impact in the community, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to its Leadership Owensboro program.

In order to improve the quality of life in the Greater Owensboro region, the Chamber develops future leaders by familiarizing them with the community’s opportunities, needs, challenges and resources. The 2023 class of Leadership Owensboro graduated in June, joining the ranks of thousands of other civic, business and education leaders who have graduated the program.

Congratulations to the graduates! The Chamber and community look forward to seeing your future impact!

HANNAH ADAMS US Bank

KEITH COTTONER H.L. Neblett Community Center

RONDA HOWARD New Beginnings Sexual Assault Support Services

MARK LUCKETT Southern Star Central Gas Pipelines, Inc

LT. TRISTAN RUSSELBURG Owensboro Police Department

CARLIE BROWN Owensboro Public Schools

ASHLEY EVANSSMITH CASA of Ohio Valley, Inc

BRAD HOWTON Owensboro Municipal Utilities

DR. SHANNA MCGINNIS Blue Bridge Homes, LLC

WILL WATHEN Southern Star Central Gas Pipelines, Inc.

JACOB BURTON Independence Bank

OLIVIA HARDY Puzzle Pieces

ERIN KAMUF Southern Star Central Gas Pipelines, Inc.

PHYTOS NEOPHYTOU Owensboro Municipal Utilities

HANNAH CECIL Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky

KARA HOWARD Wendell Foster

CHYNA KELTON Yager Materials

JENNIFER RICHARDSON RiverPark Center

ASHLEY AGADA Girls Inc.

ISAAC DUNCAN Brescia University

SARAH HOWARD German American Bank

MARYKATHERINE MADDOX The Malcolm Bryant Corporation

CRYSTAL SAPP St. Joseph Peace Mission

CHERYL BURKSMCCARTHY Daviess County Cooperative Extension Service

AUSTIN HAMILTON Owensboro Grain

TONY JONES US Bank

ANTHONY MORROW Boardwalk Pipelines

MEGAN CARTER Owensboro Health

MELISSA HOFFER Owensboro Health

JOSH KELLY Owensboro Times

JARED RAMSEY Daviess County Public Schools Police Department

Where did you grow up, how long have you called Owensboro home, and how did you come to live here?

I was born in Mechanicsville. I lived here from 1984 - 1992 and came back in 2015 and have been here since. Divine intervention brought me back. It was put on my heart to come back here. I was obedient and came back to my roots. I started to substitute teach in the City and County schools. I was eventually asked to take on the role of Executive Director of the H.L. Neblett Center. I didn’t necessarily want to take the position, but they needed help. I was raised in the Neblett Center and understood first-hand its importance to this community. The Neblett Center is my heart and passion. I couldn’t say no.

Who in your personal and professional life has been your biggest role model and/or inspiration?

My father, Harold, who was a man of love and integrity. He knew his worth and was an example for his kids and for his community. He didn’t graduate high school. He got an entry level job at Texas

OLGA MCKISSIC

Gas and moved up over time to become manager. He eventually opened his own successful janitorial business. My father always strived for success.

What inspires you most about our community?

To be honest, I was not inspired when I was originally here, but I became truly inspired when I returned. When I decided to come back to Owensboro, I didn’t know anyone. Owensboro embraced me. Our community loves and cares for so many people. Everyone coming together and working together inspires me.

What is your definition of a leader?

A leader is someone who has vision and can convey that vision to others. A leader has goals and is able to make things happen, tapping into strengths of individuals around them.

What ways can we all further promote the values of DEIA in businesses and organizations in our community?

We can work together to reach the same goal. Although there are many ways to get there, if we do it right and stay focused we will move forward. It does not matter who

you are or what color your skin is, we can all work together to make America and the community a better place. We all have to be intentional in doing the right thing –because it’s the right thing to do.

How do you hope to make an impact in our community?

I believe that I can make an impact on this community by following the plan that God has for me. If I just say yes, whatever plan He has for me will make an impact. My plan is OK, but His plan is better.

What are you most proud of to date in your professional career?

During my last semester of my undergraduate degree, I was 9 months pregnant with my last child. I walked the line and graduated Cum Laude while raising my family and breast feeding my youngest. Walking that line was my proudest moment.

What are your favorite things to do outside of work?

I can’t say enough about Sabbatical travels. Go alone. Go to the beach, take books to read, spend time alone reflecting.

CHAMBER BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

CHAMBER AMBASSADOR

OF THE MONTH

SEAN STINNETT

Sean Stinnett is a Business Banker with Heritage Federal Credit Union. His passion is to assist local business owners and potential business owners achieve their dreams and gain financial success.

He is from Lexington, KY and has lived in Owensboro for six years. He loves all things University of Kentucky, golf, and hunting. Sean has been a Chamber Ambassador since the beginning of March.

AMBER FARMER

Amber Farmer is the Marketing Representative for Disaster Team/Building by Wayne Baker. She has been part of the team for almost 18 years and has been involved in every aspect of the company. She is very dedicated to the company and the community. She enjoys being involved with the Chamber, church, CASA, Home Builders Association and other community organizations. She loves her job, being involved in the community and helping others. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.” Amber is married to Andy of 12 years and they have 2 children. They enjoy spending time together, along with their family and friends.

Talent Development and Retention is an integral component of our region’s economic growth and viability. To that end, developing and connecting leaders for the future of Greater Owensboro is one of the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s Strategic Goals as adopted by the Chamber Board of Directors. One of the ways we perform this important work is by identifying emerging leaders and recognizing their accomplishments.

Our 40 Under 40 recognition is one way we identify these emerging leaders. Stay tuned for the selected 40 Under 40 honorees who are shaping the future of our community in the next issue of the Chamber Current.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

A TIME-HONORED TRADITION

Ribbon Cuttings are so special to local businesses and organizations. The tradition of a Ribbon Cutting is most commonly known to celebrate a grand opening, but Chamber Members also use a Ribbon Cutting to celebrate renovations, anniversaries, new locations and joining the Chamber.

WESTERN ACADEMY AT THE NEBLETT

BECCA BAKES

BIG RIVERS

BELL BANK MORTGAGE

KIGHT HOME CENTER

FLAMINGOS FOR AMBER

CANDI COSMETICS LASH ARTISTRY

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: MOONLITE p. 74

RECIPE: EASY SUMMER PARTY DIPS p. 76

WHAT WE’RE EATING NOW: COLD BEVERAGES p. 79

Photo by JAMIE PLAIN

Innovating to Stay the Same

Written by JACQUELINE RUSSELL

Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

There’s probably not an Owensboran that isn’t familiar with Moonlite Bar-B-Q. It’s a 60-year tradition in Owensboro and a legend state-wide. Through a pandemic and changing times, the business has strived to stay true to its roots.

Patrick Bosley, a third-generation Bosley running the legendary spot, said the restaurant has been “innovating to stay the same,” even though they’ve adapted to meet the demands of the modern customer.

“Ingredients come and go, and you face new challenges all the time on equipment or availability of ingredients,” he said. “And of course, COVID brought new challenges and some new things like DoorDash being available. We’ve never offered delivery before.”

Offering delivery was driven by COVID more than anything, he said, as people shifted how they eat, and they saw a rise in sales of individual sandwiches and carryout orders.

While people were getting their meals in a different way, customers still knew what to expect. Bosley said the food remains consistent, with recipes staying the same for at least 30 years.

“I like to think that we’ve rebounded post-COVID the same as we were before,” he said. The buffet remains a major draw for customers after not being available during the pandemic. “I don’t think it’s ever been about all you can eat,” he said. “I

MOONLITE BAR-B-Q

“I think it’s always been like an extension of the holiday table or grandma’s table where you build your plate just the way you want. It’s a little bit like having a holiday spread.”

think it’s always been like an extension of the holiday table or grandma’s table where you build your plate just the way you want. It’s a little bit like having a holiday spread.”

While the recipes remain the same, Bosley said they’re seeing a new generation of customers.

“Your third and fourth generation customers are coming in talking about their grandfather and when they came here as a kid,” Bosley said. And the generational love doesn’t stop with customers. “I’ve even got employees right now whose parents I worked with when I was in high school. It’s like legacy employees, where their parents thought it was a good place to work so they want their kids to work here in high school.”

The employees are right in the middle of the busy season, which kicks off in May and runs through August, and then picks back up around Christmas. In addition to the regular customers, new folks come in as tourists, with Moonlite being a destination restaurant. As ball teams roll into town and events like the ROMP bring in visitors, many will make a stop at Moonlite, starting a tradition of their own.

After this many years in business, Bosley said people often ask him what the secret to success is. “We cook,” he said. They start about 5:30 a.m. to have the buffet ready at 11 a.m., and there’s a pit cook working 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “It takes 15 hours to cook barbeque mutton,” he said.

As for being a legendary Kentucky restaurant, Bosley is happy to be an ambassador for Owensboro. “When we win an award, Owensboro wins an award,” Bosley said. “It belongs to all of our employees, and they belong to the community.” OL

Easy Summer Party Dips

Recipes and photos by JAMIE PLAIN

Summer is a time for entertaining! There is no better way to start your party than with a crowdpleasing dip. Even though these recipes are very simple, they will keep your guests coming back for more and more. Just be sure to make extras just for yourself!

Dill Dip

INGREDIENTS:

1 Cup mayonnaise

1 Cup sour cream

3 cloves minced garlic

2 Tbsp onion flakes

3 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped

1 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine all ingredients together in a medium sized bowl.

2. Refrigerate in an airtight container overnight. Stir again before serving, and keep chilled!

White Pizza Dip

INGREDIENTS:

1 pint grape tomatoes, cut in halves

1.5 Cups shredded mozzarella

1.5 Cups shredded provolone

1/4 Cup grated parmesan

2 Blocks cream cheese (16oz.) softened

4 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

1 Tbsp fresh oregano, chopped

olive oil, salt, and pepper for roasting tomatoes

Crackers/bread for serving and extra cheese to top

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat Oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Spread tomatoes in a single layer and sprinkle with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes or until bursting, then set aside.

2. Mix soften cream cheese with mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan in an 6x9” oven-safe baking dish. After the cheeses are combined add fresh herbs, garlic, roasted tomatoes, and salt/pepper (to taste). Mix until combined and spread the mixture out before topping with an extra layer of the cheeses to taste.

3. Bake 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve warm!

Oreo Fluff

INGREDIENTS:

1 box vanilla instant pudding (3.4 oz)

1 1/4 cups milk

4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 tub Cool Whip

25 Oreos, crushed

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Combine the pudding mix and milk in a bowl, whip until well blended and thickened. Add softened cream cheese and mix until smooth.

2. Gently fold in Cool Whip, then stir in crushed Oreos.

3. Cover and refrigerate at least two hours, serve cold! OL

drinking

What we’re eating now

Bubble Tea Talk

At Bubble Tea Talk, their mission is “Drink Fresh, Drink Fun & Drink Healthy.” Their unique drinks are relatively new to Owensboro, and provide a fun new option for iced and frozen tea and coffee connoisseurs. Their Blue Raspberry Cloud Drink is both delicious and refreshing, made with a blend of blueberries. And try the boba, tapioca pearls, in the Brown Sugar Dirty Boba.

Red Swing Coffee

If you need a caffeine fix, but don’t want to opt for a hot coffee in the summertime, cool off on the riverfront and try one of Red Swing’s new seasonal offerings. They include the Coconut Mocha Shakerato (espresso, mocha and coconut) and the White Chocolate Macadamia Cold Brew (white chocolate and macadamia nut cold foam).

Mr. Bubble

Customize your summertime drink at Mr. Bubble. With any of their drinks, including the Matcha Green Tea Smoothie, there are dozens of ways to make each drink your own. From size to sugar level to toppings, they’ll make your drink just the way you like it. Get it plain, or add flavored popping boba, jelly or yogurt.

It’s getting hotter outside, and there are few better ways to beat the heat than with a cool, refreshing drink. And while drinks like tea and lemonade are go-tos for summertime, we’re bringing you some of our favorite alternatives to those classic beverages.

The Evolution of Senior Living

Written by LORA WIMSATT

The concept of “senior living” has changed a lot, even within the past few decades. The golden years, retirement and old age were associated with as many, if not more, negative connotations than positive. Thank goodness all that has changed. Today’s seniors embrace this chapter of life with energy, enthusiasm and a spirit of adventure, personal growth and exploration of new opportunities. A glance through local archives of a century ago, however, provides even more evidence of how significantly the senior experience has evolved.

First, the entire idea of who qualified as “elderly” must be considered. One article reported the outcome of a lawsuit in which a divorced woman protested against giving custody of her daughter to her “elderly” mother – age 63. The grandmother admitted that she “smoked an occasional cigarette, enjoyed ‘holding hands,’ and would appreciate a cocktail now and then – if prohibition weren’t here.” The judge awarded custody of the child to the grandmother anyway.

Newspapers of the day had no qualms about publishing derogatory remarks and jokes at the expense of the older generation. One such example is an observation directed toward “elderly women,” cautioning them against where they might sit on a yacht, lest they “appear to be an old hen sitting on a hatch.” And at least the hen provided the benefit of “looking good when sitting, when you can sell the eggs.”

Another writer sneers at the idea of “elderly ladies” who advertise for the services of gentlemen who would escort them to tea or evening dances. Referring to the men who might respond to such ads, the writer says, “From what I have seen of the elderly ladies who make use of these hired dancing partners, I should say theirs is just as hard a life as that of the garbage man, iceman or any other weight shifter.”

Elderly women – and that’s how they were consistently referenced – had a friend in the local Women’s Christian Association if they found themselves living in poverty in Owensboro. The WCA engaged in vigorous fundraising to support the Mary Kendall Home, described as “one of the finest institutions of its kind in Western Kentucky and the state. It is the home of friendly children and elderly women.” The WCA provided shelter, meals and Christmas cheer for residents … who were actually called “inmates.”

More affluent members of the senior demographic could focus their attentions on fashion.

An article published in the Feb. 25, 1923, edition of the MessengerInquirer wondered whether the hoop skirt, bustle and bodice were coming back in style. The consensus of this article was bustle, possible; hoop skirt, perhaps; and bodice, almost definitely.

“Not many people now living can remember so far in the past as hoops,” the article admitted. “The bustle, however, is recalled by merely elderly folk. The tight bodice is within the recollection of those hardly yet within the middle-aged.”

Nevertheless, the return of the bodice was acknowledged to be a good thing. After all: “A woman is not a marble statue. The perfect figures have bumps and imperfections which only a corset can conceal.”

Men were not to be overlooked! Salinger’s Manufacturers Department Store, located on East Main Street

in Owensboro, advertised a “men’s plain toe shoe” as “an extremely comfortable shoe for elderly men.” Made of the “best quality kid leather,” a pair could be purchased for $3.35.

But as they say, when you have your health, you have just about everything. Toward that goal, newspapers of 100 years ago were packed with all kinds of advertisements promoting wellness … although the validity of the cures might be debatable.

Trumpeting a headline of “Good Health In Happy Old Age,” an ad for Dr. Caldwell’s Syrup Pepsin promised to “make them feel jolly again.” Just one magic spoonful would ensure “regular daily bowel movement.” And by the way, the ad mentioned, you could also “give it to the children when they are restless, feverish or have a cold.”

An ad for Doan’s Kidney Pills urged readers to “Make Old Age More Comfortable,” while reciting a litany of ailments plaguing “old folks”: Lame backs, aching kidneys, rheumatic pains and distressing urinary disorders. One little pill could cure it all!

Maybe it did and maybe it didn’t.

But thank goodness, most of us are blessed with the opportunity to enjoy our senior years in far better health and happiness than did our ancestors of 100 years ago. OL