Winchester Living, Vol. 1, Issue 5

DYNAMIC

DUOS Community service strengthens bonds

Frank’s Donuts hits the sweet spot for local, regional crowds

History at home

Volunteers preserve Gov. James Clark’s Winchester mansion

Jan./Feb. 2018

BELONG. CREATE. THRIVE.

love where you live!

Visit downtownwinchesterky.org for info about shops, businesses, events & more!

xxxxxxxxxxxxx | XXXXXXXX From the Publisher

Celebrations coming in 2018 on resolutions and making a commitment to change their ways, drop some Michael Caldwell is publisher of Winchester Living magazine and The Winchester Sun. Raised on a farm in southern Ohio and coming of age in eastern Kentucky, Mike is an avid sports fan and enjoys time with his family.

bad habits or simply get a fresh start.

A

4 | Winchester living

MANAGING EDITOR Whitney Leggett

Sadly, most of these vows are long forgotten by February. Even those who use their resolutions as motivation to focus on giving back to the community often fall back into old habits well before spring.

But that isn’t a problem for the 12 people who are featured this issue in our “Dynamic Duos” centerpiece.

lthough I am an eternal optimist year-round, 2018 is going to be an extra special year because of two milestones that fall on opposite ends of the timeline.

Winchester Living will celebrate its first birthday in May and The Winchester Sun will turn a distinguished 140 this year.

So, let’s get ready to party!

We are still working out the details, but we are excited to host a community celebration to commemorate these important dates. Keep your party hats handy and stay tuned for more information.

You hold in your hands the fifth issue of Winchester Living, so the March/April edition will mark a full year. All I can say is the response has been tremendous and we are excited for a new year, even if we aren’t quite to the anniversary.

Now is the time people are focusing

PUBLISHER Michael Caldwell

They don’t wait until an arbitrary date on the calendar to commit to making a difference in the community.

Each individual’s accomplishments and commitment stands on their own but, together, they work on toward a common goal. This is truly an example where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

People like these are exactly why we launched Winchester Living in the first place as a way to change the narrative that all news is bad and nothing positive is going on in Clark County.

Even more encouraging is we could have featured three dozen or more individuals, each just as worthy as the next. I don’t think there will ever be a shortage of amazing people to share their stories here.

Here’s to amazing people, impor-

EDITORIAL Fred Petke Seth Littrell CONTRIBUTORS Amanda Crum Amanda Phillips Kasey Moore MARKETING Lana Smith Dianna Roe CONTACT US Winchester Living magazine is published bi-monthly by The Winchester Sun 20 Wall St. Winchester, KY 40391 To be added to the mailing list, email us at: info@winchesterliving magazine.com

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 859.759.0077 Advertising rates and information are available by request.

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES 859.759.0049 SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK:

tant milestones and starting off 2018

Mail to 20 Wall St., Winchester,

with a bang. §

KY, 40391, or email feedback@ winchesterlivingmagazine.com.

What’s inside?

IN EVERY ISSUE

COMMERCE

FEATURES

6 Way Back in Winchester

22 Business Showcase

36 History at Home

Clark County Courthouse no stranger to rehab, renovations

Family atmosphere is key to success at Studio One

Team of volunteers preserve historic home of Gov. James Clark

21 What’s Happening?

26 What’s in Store?

43 Dynamic Duos

Events coming up this season in Winchester and Clark County

Find the perfect Feb. 14 attire at The Prissy Peach Boutique

Clark County couples talk about how shared interests, service to community strengthens bonds

66 Why I Love Winchester Fire Chief Cathy Rigney came to town for a job, found a home

LIVING 30 Difference Maker

ARTS & CULTURE

Joseph Miller invests in Clark County youth at the RAC

8 Artist Spotlight

32 How To

Holly VanMeter creates whimsical, timeless creations from studio in family’s historic carriage house

Send a message to someone special with a scratch-off gift

12 Have You Been Spotted?

Skin care is critical, especially in cold winter months

Winchester residents enjoy getting out on the town

FOOD 56 At the Table Frank’s Donuts hits sweet spot for regional crowd

62 From the Cookbook Try four recipes for tasty treats as a gift for your sweetheart

34 Health 101

30

6 8 34

43

62

Living | Way Back in Winchester

Refining a skyline

Clark County courthouse no stranger to rehab, renovations Story by Fred Petke | Photos courtesy of Bluegrass Heritage Museum

T

he skyline of downtown Winchester took a significant, but temporary, reduction in November when the clock and bell tower atop the Clark County Courthouse was removed.

For the 162-year-old courthouse, it was the latest renovation to keep the building functional as the center of county government.

The current courthouse, which was completed in 1855, is the fourth one to occupy the location on the downtown square.

The original structure was a two-room log cabin, which opened in July 1794. Two years later, construction started on a two-story brick structure that replaced the cabin until it was demolished in 1818.

The third, another two-story brick building, was completed in 1822 and lasted for about 30 years, until government again outgrew the space.

Construction on the current courthouse began in 1852 and took three years to complete. It was another two-story brick structure, built on a T-shaped floor plan.

According to an architectural study completed for the county in 2007, the Works Progress Administration approved a grant in 1938 for a major renovation of the courthouse. A basement was excavated underneath to add office space, and new offices and entrances were added on the back, changing the layout from a T to an H-shape.

The 1939 renovation also produced major changes to the interior as well, removing wooden being floors and replacing them with concrete and es nc tra en d an offices truction of new 38, shows cons 19 , terrazzo, putting new plaster on the walls and 30 ch ar M A photo dated courthouse. e th of ck adding electrical work and heating. ba e added to th

Four decades later, the courthouse required another renovation, which added an elevator, an enclosed staircase and restrooms on the Court Street side, filling in one side of the H. In 1990 and 1991, there was another interior shift when the circuit clerk’s office moved into the former post office across the street, which allowed a reorganization within the main courthouse.

The tower, which was installed in 1899 according to the study, had deteriorated through the years to the point it was not

structurally sound and was leaking.

In 2017, the Clark County Fiscal Court approved a contract to replace the tower with a new version, which will be identical to the iconic structure.

In all, the county expects to spend a little more than $750,000 to replace the tower, in addition to a private donation of $21,000 to apply gold leaf to the cupola of the new tower.

By the middle of 2018, downtown Winchester’s skyline should be restored with a new sparkle that is expected to last for many more years. §

grass Heritage ired by the Blue qu ac s rd ca st and po stages of Historic photos ouse in various County Courth k ar Cl urthouse e th ow th update to e co Museum sh nt ce re t os m e iconic lopment. Th truction of the downtown deve oval and decons m re e th aced pl ith w re er er will be began in Octob p right. The tow to at ed ur ct pi ril , wer alled in Ap . bell and clock to d set to be inst an ite -s off ilt being bu with a new one Winchester living | 7

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8 | Winchester living

Artist Spotlight | Arts & Culture

whimsy at work Holly VanMeter relishes in the freedom of artwork that ties her to Clark County, but takes her talents across the country

C

Story by Fred Petke | Photos by Whitney Leggett

lark County artist Holly VanMeter works in her great-grandfather’s 130-year-old carriage house.

Originally the carriage house sat behind her family’s larger home, often referred to as the Witherspoon house, at the corner of Boone and Belmont avenues. It was moved to Burns Avenue nearly a century ago, VanMeter said, and today is home to Witherspoon Moon Studio.

“I was born here,” VanMeter said. “My parents lived here. My grandfather lived here. I have deep roots in this place.”

Family items are scattered throughout the studio, VanMeter’s artistic home away from home. Portraits of her ancestors sit about, sometimes with the clothes they wore on display nearby. There are mementoes and knickknacks throughout.

Down the hall and to the right is a room decorated with holiday-colored LED lights. Branches with twinkling white lights wrap up the walls and across the ceiling creating a sense of whimsy. In the corner is a tiny bathroom where the tub is filled with beads and necklaces. A “cat lady” painting hangs nearby.

There are shelves filled with decorated miniature shoes, thanks to her participation in a public art project in Lexington.

In each corner of every room is something new to be discovered — a watercolor painting of asparagus, a rack of blank notecards featuring playful high-heeled shoes, landscape scenes of rural Clark County and brightly-colored florals.

On this winter day, VanMeter’s 17-year-old cat, Favorite, is padding around the place, waiting for someone to get up so he can claim their warm chair.

The actual studio is a small room at the back of the

Winchester living | 9

Arts & Culture | Artist Spotlight house, behind the kitchen and off the bathroom.

VanMeter has long been a watercolor artist and frequently works in pen and ink as well. Lately, she’s been making mixed-media ornaments, large elaborate affairs with jewels and other baubles.

Her latest project has been making oversized painted bookmarks on watercolor paper.

VanMeter said her family encouraged her artistic tendencies when she was a child, which was crucial since there were no art classes in the local schools.

“My grandmother was an artist,” she said. “I would get a pencil and a piece of paper and scribble all over it.”

Her formal art education came much later.

“I went to the University of Kentucky and I never considered working as an artist,” she said. “I ended up getting married and having kids. When I was 34, I started an art correspondence course and got a degree. It was the basics of art.”

An artists’ weekend at Jenny Wiley State Park near Prestonsburg proved to be another critical push.

“It was the first time I’d been around a lot of other artists,” she said. “There was only one other artist in Winchester.”

Then VanMeter got serious about her art.

“When I first started getting serious, I actually did a lot of pencil,” she said. “When I started getting into color, I started watercolor. It’s my favorite medium.”

Through the decades, her art has gone nationwide, often ending up in unusual places. Following a show of her work in Atlanta, a New York agency called about selling prints.

“When they first called, I wouldn’t talk to them because I wasn’t sure what it was about,” she said. “They gave me back my originals and I got royalties.”

The artist said she got calls from friends who found her art hanging in hotel rooms. A couple of them even wound up on television.

“I was watching TV one day,” she said. “It was a soap opera and I saw one of my pictures there. They started showing up on TV sets.”

One even appeared on “Dallas,” hanging in Miss Ellie’s bedroom, she said.

VanMeter has participated in a couple public projects, painting two horses and two wildcats for separate programs in Lexington.

“In order to do one, you have to present your idea,” she said. “You have to do a small version of it. Then it 10 | Winchester living

goes before a jury. If a sponsor

“People have bought five at a

picks it, then you get to do it.”

time,” she said. “I’ve probably sold

Her best-selling piece came, without warning, from the art show at the Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival.

“I was doing a painting for the

900 of them and I’m still selling them.”

These days, VanMeter is still doing what she wants with her art.

The bookmarks and Christmas

festival and I decided to do this

ornaments are perfect examples of

painting of an Ale-8-One bottle

her artistic freedom.

with a rose,” she said. “I thought

“I’m still very into my art,” she

about selling it, but people started

said. “I’m at the point now I don’t

reacting to it like crazy.”

take a lot of commissions. I want

VanMeter decided to keep the

to work on what I want to work on.

original and sell prints. It proved to

I’m freer in my art because I do

be a great decision.

what I want to.” §

SPOTTED YOU’VE BEEN

Jim Woodrum, Michelle Blackburn, Pat Morrison and Dana Arnold

Mike Newkirk

urn and Vince

Dean Blackb

Emma Roberts, Audrey Clay and Paisley Clay

Arnold

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast First United Methodist Church Nov. 11, 2017

Margaret Beatty

Theo Godlaski and John Rompf

Thom Schoolmaster and Coos Ockers

Winchester Police officers Harvey Craycraft and Danny Dennis

Ruth Patton and Robert Blanton

SPOTTED YOU’VE BEEN

Chester Thomas and Paul Mullins

Jack Leniniger, Marista Thomas, Savannah Thomas and Kara Leniniger

Kelly G riffith

and Ab biegial Dottry

Arlene Fraraccio, Christine Dodson and Amy Schwab

Samuel Hernandez, Hunter Ramey and Logan Dawson

Chris and Jane Mayer

Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk Lykins Park Nov. 11, 2017

Pamela Sebastian, Natasha Bowling and Leslie Hatton

Kennedy and Dan Grubb

MEMBER

FDIC

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Bluegrass Heritage Museum Dec. 7, 2017

Louis Baldwin, Susan Baldwin and David Wilks

Paula Joslin, Carlean Hefner, Boo Baldwin and Julie Morgan

Bruce Manley and Leslie Aitken

Debbie Fatkin and Jenny Gormley

xander Sarah Ale Anne and RoniDenham

Danny Neely and Nancy Turner

GoodGiving Challenge Chili Cook-off Clark County Extension Office Dec. 12, 2017

Paul Howard and Jeanne Lane ler oseph Mil itlyn and J a C h it w are Victoria W

Susan Russell, Sue Smith and Laura Humphries Sarah Perry, Julie Staton and Melanie Littrell

Debbie Barnes, Christy Aaron and Sue Anderson

Sherri Christopher and Mary Tabor

Laura Sheehan and Annie Rouse

Becky Arvin and Loretta Abrams

Greg Yates and Cora Heffner

Brittin and Tyler Diguette

SP TTED O

YOU’VE BEEN

Bill and Amanda Christian

Jude and Dylan Williams with Eric Staton

nburg cy Brande n a N d n a Eric Staton

Lisa Johns, Brett Cheuvront and Teresa Hodgkin

Farmers’ Market Winter Open House Winchester Opera House Dec. 16, 2017

Eric Staton and Simon Cecil

Keith and Jane Gleen

CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTING offered at our

Winchester-Clark Co. Campus In Partnership with:

Apply Today! bluegrass.kctcs.edu • (859) 737-3098 • 2020 Rolling Hills Lane, Winchester, KY Bluegrass Community and Technical College is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution.

Gingerbread House Party Parks and Recreation Dec. 16, 2017

Bradin Stamper, Kayte Nill and Daniel Jordan

as Case Tavish and Thom

Johana and Dustin Nickles

Kolten King and Shanan Reffitt

What’s Happening?

Upcoming events in Winchester and Clark County

JAN.

FEB.

3

13

WINCHESTER ROYALE CHESS TOURNAMENT 8:30 a.m. at College Park annex, 30 Wheeler Ave.

FIRESIDE CHATS PRESENTS DANIEL BOONE 6:45 p.m. at Fort Boonesborough State Park

Entry fee is $5 for scholastic or $10 for open section. For more information or to sign up, email info@winchesster. com.

Evening includes Taste of Frontier Fare and firstperson performance. Gates open at 6:45 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults or $5 for children.

FEB.

FEB.

PET PORTRAIT WORKSHOP 1 to 5 p.m. at Leeds Center

FIRESIDE CHATS PRESENTS WILLIAM GREENHOUSE 6:45 p.m. at Fort Boonesborough State Park

10

Easy-to-follow technique taught by Thomas Baker to create a portrait of your pet. For ages 12 and older. Cost is $99, supplies included.

Proceeds benefit Clark County Animal Shelter.

Register by Jan. 31 at leedscenter.org.

10

Evening includes Taste of Frontier Fare and firstperson performance. Gates open at 6:45 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults or $5 for children.

22 | Winchester living

Dancing

Business Showcase | Commerce

success INTO

Enormous talent is all in the family at Studio One School of Dance Story by Amanda Crum | Photos by Amy Hatton and Kasey Moore

W

alking into Studio One School Of Dance is like walking into a tightly-harnessed ball of

energy.

The silver sound of clogging shoes echoes in the high-ceilinged rooms beneath the voices of instructors, growing louder and louder as the dancers spin around one another in a routine that looks like it was years in the making. For some of these students, that’s exactly what it has been, even though most of them aren’t yet old enough to drive.

“Some of these dancers have been with us for years,” co-owner Kelly Fithen said. “It is quite indescribable how close we have become with some of them, which truly makes this whole experience worthwhile. Not only have we been able to watch so many of them grow as dancers, but grow into young adults, get engaged, get married and even have their own children. We wouldn’t trade any of these experiences.”

erate Studio One Kelly Fithen own and op and , left n, lto Cu ina Sisters Reg ass Road in Winchester.

Winchester living | 23 School of Dance on Byp

The staff at Studio One School of Dance, owned by Regina Culton and Kelly Fithen, includes Fithen’s husband, Kenny, along with a group of instructors who started as young students at the studio, including assistant directors Caitlyn Miller, Keegan Hatton and Alyson Hill and instructors Hannah Abner, Lyric Campbell, Emily Rice and Kaylee Thomas,

The studio, located at 840 Bypass Road, is a family business, with Kelly and her sister, Regina Culton, running daily operations.

The duo started clogging for fun as kids, following in their parents’ footsteps. They found they were talented enough to eventually move on to competitions, which allowed them to travel and share experiences they ordinarily might have never had the chance to find.

“What started out as a fun hobby escalated and has became a part of who we are today,” Kelly said. “Years ago, we could have never dreamed how this would all unfold.”

24 | Winchester living

After local dance performances led to people asking Kelly and Regina to teach their children or grandchildren how to clog, the sisters knew they wanted to open their own studio. Then, it was merely a matter of garnering clients.

According to Kelly, the studio is much more than a job.

The dancers and instructors are like a big family.

Together, they have won national championships, traveled the country and appeared on TV shows like “Hee Haw,” “America’s Got Talent” (the group that appeared included Kelly’s husband, Kenneth, who teaches adult classes at the studio) and “Bizarre Foods America.”

Business Showcase | Commerce “Through the studio, we have grown closer as sisters and have created a family that we would have never formed without clogging. While the dance has been the center that has brought us all together, the friendships and memories are far more memorable than any trophy or performance.”

— Kelly Fithen, co-owner Studio One School of Dance

teach recreational group classes and competition private classes; and Caitlyn Miller, Alyson Hill and Keegan Hatton, the studio’s assistant directors, who teach all of the competition teams as well as private and duo classes.

“Studio One definitely exhibits a team effort when it comes to our staff,” Regina said. “We all collaborate and work together to provide the best experiences for our dancers.”

You don’t need to watch the dancers perform to know they are insanely talented. At first step into the studio, the enormity of what these performers have accomplished is evident. Trophies, awards and plaques take up wall space in every room, from the office to the mirror-lined practice areas, and those are just the ones Kelly and Regina haven’t given away.

Because most competitions only hand out one physical trophy per team, the sisters wait until they have accumulated 10 or 12 and then hand them out to each member so everyone has something to take home.

Kelly and Regina said they like to choose five competitions for their teams throughout the year, with nationals being the ultimate goal.

Held at the beginning of each year in Knoxville, nationals qualification is the highest honor for cloggers, something one dancer might work for decades to achieve, Kelly said. And Studio One dancers hold more than a dozen titles, including three back-toback national championships.

When the sisters talk about their “family,” you can hear the pride in their voices stemming from these accomplishments as well as the joy that has come from years of doing

what they love and making a career out of it.

“We really don’t view the studio as a business,” Regina said. “It has never been that for us. Instead, it has been a place to expand our horizons as well as share our passion. It truly is a family.”

Although competitions and rehearsals keep them busy, the sisters like to participate in local events, as well, with dancers of all ages performing at various events, including the annual Christmas parade.

With several age groups in the mix — the studio takes on dancers as young as three — it can be difficult to get everyone on the same page, especially when rehearsals, such as those for the parade, involve several teams working together.

“It’s organized chaos,” Regina said with a laugh.

Organizing that chaos is made possible by the team the sisters have put in place at Studio One — many of whom began their time at the studio as young cloggers themselves under Kelly and Regina’s guidance.

Along with Kenneth, there are Hannah Abner, who teaches the three- to six-year-olds; Lyric Campbell, Emily Rice and Kaylee Thomas, who

Watching the teams rehearse, the love and passion for the art is overwhelming. Laughing and cutting up with the instructors one minute and intently focused on their moves the next, Studio One dancers are evidently driven, yet nothing about the routine feels forced.

Moving effortlessly across the floor in unison, the team looks just as at home performing to a popular tune with a heavy beat as they do dancing to a song from a beloved musical.

To an outsider, it looks like quite a workout, but it also looks like fun.

Legs kicking in perfect rhythm with one another, the teams embody pure, vibrant youth and echo the sisters’ sentiment of a happy family at the same time.

“Through the studio, we have grown closer as sisters and have created a family that we would have never formed without clogging,” Kelly said. “Studio One has opened so many doors for us and our dancers and, for that, we are forever grateful.

“While the dance has been the center that has brought us all together, the friendships and experiences are far more memorable than any trophy or performance.” § Winchester living | 25

Commerce | What’s In Store?

Gold stud earrings with royal blue tassle, $15.

Tony Moly ‘I’m Real’ face masks, $3 each.

Find your Valentine’s Day look and more at

The P rissy Peach

W

Leopard print cuff bracelet, $22.

hen it comes to finding your Feb. 14 frock, don’t fret.

With two central Kentucky locations, The Prissy Peach Boutique offers a variety of clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories and even cosmetics to complete the perfect look for any occasion.

Whether you are looking for something flirty, fun, romantic or casual, the boutique has something to fit the bill. Owned

by Holly Goeing, The Prissy Peach’s Winchester location at 55 S. Main St. recently celebrated two years in business. The Lexington location, at 882 E. High St. in the Chevy Chase area, opened in March. Business hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Avec sideways initial necklace, $12; Quay sunglasses, $59.

c i t an

m o R

Adelyn Rae red strapless dress with bow detail, $102; Premier three-tier earrings with black fringe, $20; Rude ‘Renew My Lips’ exfoliater, $6.

Winchester living | 27

F

y t r i l

The Room wine-colored lacesleeved romper, $62; Top Moda nude strappy pumps, $38; Quay sunglasses, $59; Gold earring with wine fringe detail, $20.

st, Ellison faux fur ve tters $59; Zenana outfi ing sw ck ne mock 6; $2 k, dress in blac y itb Very Volatile wh ankle booties with heel in khaki, $79; Druzy crystal stud earrings, $4.

Trendy

DREAM

BIG

Teen center director, ‘invests in people’ Story and photos by Seth Littrell

30 | Winchester living

Difference Maker | Living

T

here are many ways to invest in a But as time went on, and the RAC became more community. Some people contribute by established, students did begin to trust the people sending money to local organizations, there, and that’s when Miller began to see an impact others start businesses to create jobs and from what he and others were doing. some do volunteer work at their church or for a “We have a tagline, ‘Dream big,’” he said. “We charity organization. have a lot of kids who have been dealt a rough card Joseph Miller invests in people. Specifically, he to start just because of their circumstances.” invests in Winchester’s student population.

The RAC seeks to support those students through “An investment in people will always pay off,” programs like Mentors and Meals, an after-school Miller said. “If you invest in people, that will never program which gives students at Baker Intermediate return void.”

School a snack, mentoring, homework help and a hot Miller is the director of the Rowland Arts Center, meal. located on the second floor of The Cairn Coffee “The students arrive and unwind for about an House, located at 17 S. Main St. The two entities are hour,” Miller said. “Then when GRC students get off tied and were started as a solution to a community the bus they come and do mentoring with the Baker problem identified in a 2009 survey. students.”

“A survey found 60 to 70 students were roaming Other programs, like Project Launch, help downtown with nothing to do,” he said. “It wasn’t high school-aged students work on soft skills and positive or something the community was very interviewing skills to help them land entry-level proud of.” jobs at local businesses. Miller Miller and others at Calvary said the biggest strength of the The Rowland Arts Center Christian Church decided project is the number of teachable is located at 17 S. Main St. this was a problem their moments it creates as students above The Cairn Coffee organization could address. look ahead to their professional House.

The group came up with the lives. He said nine students have Typical drop-in hours for idea of creating a downtown gone through the program and, middle- and high-school community center where of those, seven landed local jobs. students could come after students are 4 to 7 p.m.

The others moved out of town, so school to hang out, get help Monday through Friday.

Miller hasn’t been able to check in with homework and have a To learn more about the on them. hot meal. With help from the RAC or to volunteer, call All of this is built upon the Rowland Foundation, the RAC bedrock of regular interaction 859-737-2000. opened in 2012 with the Cairn between students and mentors at as a way to support the project. the RAC. Miller said the center’s When Miller was made success demonstrates the impact an investment of director of the RAC, he wasn’t really sure what he time can make, and when people ask him how they was getting into. can help, that’s his top response.

“Nobody (on the team) had ever run a teen center In addition, spreading the word about the RAC to before,” he said. “We had to learn what the teens help students understand it’s a safe place for them to were passionate about and figure out a way to just come also helps, he said. get them in the door.”

Moving forward, Miller said much of the RAC’s In fact, Miller said the first year of the RAC’s programing will be fluid to adapt to what the existence was primarily focused on drawing students need. He and the other volunteers at the students in. The center offered food, shelter and center continue to get to know each child who walks games for students who were interested, but it took through the RAC’s doors and tailor help directly to time for the volunteers and staff at the building to their needs. build up trust with their visitors.

“Some kids just need someone outside of home “It’s not easy to get kids to trust you,” Miller said. and school to spend time with them,” he said.

“You have to give them credit, when people aren’t “There’s value in playing ping pong with kids.” § being genuine or sincere they can see through that.”

Winchester living | 31

Living | How To

Make your own

scratch-off gift Whitney Leggett is editor of Winchester Living magazine and The Winchester Sun. She enjoys trying art, crafts and other projects.

SUPPLIES — Acrylic paint — White crayon — Dish soap — Paint brush — Pen or marker

INSTRUCTIONS — Create a ‘14 Reasons I Love You’ template — Use a pen or marker to fill in the spaces with short reasons — Use a white crayon to color a thick layer of wax over each space

— Mix equal parts (one teaspoon of each) dish soap and acrylic paint in the color of your choice — Use a paint brush to carefully cover each heart with a thin layer of the paint and soap mixture and let dry.

— Apply one or two more coats, allowing time to dry between each coat, until the handwritten notes beneath are no longer visible.

— Advise the receiver to scratch off one space each day starting Feb. 1 and ending on Valentine’s Day.

TIPS TO MAKE A SPECIAL GIFT — Consider printing or drawing the template on cardstock to improve the durability of the project.

— Use a hot glue gun or tape to attach a coin for scratching off the spaces.

— Punch two holes approximately two inches apart at the top center of the page, thread a matching ribbon through and tie a bow.

— Use the same method to create other special scratch-off message gifts.

Don’t skimp on

winter skin care

Story by Fred Petke

W

inter is fraught with health risks as viruses and the common cold make the rounds through schools, offices and families.

The threat to a person’s skin, the body’s largest and most vulnerable organ, increases in the winter as well.

Shawnda Miller, lead instructor at the College for Technical Education cosmetology school in Winchester, said there are several benefits of facials, not the least of which is better care for your skin.

A person’s skin is the organ most exposed to ultraviolet rays year-round. Winter brings additional dangers from dry air, wind and cold temperatures.

One key thing is to keep drinking water as well as using a daily moisturizer, which adds moisture to the skin, Miller said. Using the right type of moisturizer for your skin, whether dry, oily or a combination, is critical, she said.

Sunscreen is still important in winter, though people tend to overlook it, she said. While people may not be outside sunbathing, the dangers from exposure remain.

If there is snow on the ground, it increases exposure as it reflects the sunlight.

“The sun doesn’t change from summer to winter,” CTE Director Brenda Evans said. “Getting a facial and the massage of the face and scalp and neck can really help.”

Regular massages, including facials, can help take care of your skin. The process involves a cleansing, opening and closing the skin pores as well as a bit of relaxation as well. Facials also offer some anti-aging benefits.

The process can take about 15 minutes, with the client lying on a massage table, with dim lighting and soft music in the room.

College for Technical Education is located at 2135 Bypass Road. Salon hours are 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about facials and skin care or to book an appointment, call 744-3361.

“We would start with cleaning the face,” Miller said.

“After that we remove the cleanser and use warm towels to open the pores. Then we use a toner to close the pores.”

The final step is a massage of the face, scalp, shoulders and the back of the neck, which get tight from stress, she said.

“If the client prefers, we can do a warm towel on the back of the neck,” Miller said. “That’s my favorite part.”

Some of the benefits of facials include: — Cleansing: A cleansing facial helps reduce an overabundance of sebum, a natural substance that moisturizes and lubricates the skin. Overproduction of sebum can cause skin problems, such as blackheads and acne. Cleansing facials open the pores, remove dead skin and toxins from the face and clean the surface of the skin through exfoliation that tightens and firms.

— Increasing circulation: Facial treatments help improve and restore circulation to facial skin layers, which increase the flow of oxygen-enriched blood to skin cells. This rush of blood to the skin gives a healthy glow and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

— Anti-aging: Regular facials promote cell turnover, boost collagen production and maintain healthy skin balance — all of which are great anti-aging remedies. A facial helps improve dry and oily skin and rejuvenate skin that has begun to mature or appear less than tight.

— Relaxation: A facial massages the skin across the forehead, cheeks and chin and often uses nourishing oils that absorb into the skin as the muscles in the face release tension and soften.

A proper facial can be part of an overall skin care plan.

“Monthly would be great, especially for someone with extra dry skin,” Miller said. “It even helps with circulation.”

“It’s not all girl stuff,” Evans said. “It has to come down to health.” §

Health 101 | Living

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History at home

Team of volunteers preserve home of former Kentucky Gov. James Clark Story by Seth Littrell | Photos by Seth Littrell and James Mann

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Features | Holly Rood

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or centuries, the towering structure known as Holly Rood has maintained its place as a prominent landmark in Clark County atop a gentle hill off Belmont Avenue, near the Clark County Public Library, Clark County Preschool and College Park.

The home, famous for its Federal style architecture distinguishing it among other buildings in the area, was built by former Kentucky Gov. James Clark from 1813 to 1814.

Though originally from Virginia, Clark moved to Winchester after completing his education to open a law practice. He subsequently moved on to political service.

In 1825, Clark was elected to a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives left vacant when Henry Clay was appointed secretary of state. He was re-elected twice to the position, but refused re-nomination in 1831. From 1832 to 1835 he served in the Kentucky Senate, and Clark went on to serve as the state’s 12th governor from 1836 until his death in 1839.

Holly Rood was built with local materials, and the bricks that make up its outer walls were fired on the home’s site.

The home was named Holly Rood in honor of Clark’s father-in-law.

Clark’s wife, Susan Forsyth, was buried on the property after her death in 1825, as was Clark himself after his death in 1839. A monument now stands on the property in the same location where he was buried.

Holly Rood was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974, and under the management of Clark County government it offers visitors a glimpse into the life of a

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Features | Holly Rood

late Kentucky statesman. The building is full of historic furniture and art, and its caretakers go to painstaking lengths to keep the property in historically-accurate condition.

The home has been used for decades as a location for weddings, teas and community events.

Caretakers

Debbie Barnes has been involved with the Winchester-Clark County Heritage Commission since 2011, and her main focus as part of the organization is looking after and maintaining Holly Rood. She is joined by Pat Bowman, Jean Castle and Sue Anderson.

It is a labor of love for everyone who takes part in the house’s preservation. None of the caretakers at Holly Rood are paid for their work.

During her tenure, Barnes has overseen some needed changes to the property, such as the removal of the original front porch with its iconic columns and replacement of the worn out cedar-shingle roof. She said the commission tried to locate local materials for their projects and be as historically-accurate in their usage as possible.

That proved to be a challenge in particular for the building’s failing roof, which threatened to damage the rest of the old house. Ultimately, the commission settled for a metal roof because it was unable to find a feasible way to replace it with a locally-sourced cedarshingle roof similar to the original.

In December, the Friends of Holly Rood volunteer organization was resurrected by Christy Aaron and Ann Humble. The Friends of Holly Rood provide financial assistance to the historic home, in addition to volunteering for Holly Rood events and in other ways to help sustain the home, including decorating it largely with items found on the property.

Community partner

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Throughout the years, Holly Rood has played host to several events, from the personal, like weddings and family reunions, to the public. The home has made an annual tradition of hosting the Beacon of Hope Emergency Shelter’s Masquerade Ball, helping the shelter raise money to continue its operation into the next year.

Recently, the house hosted George Rogers Clark High School’s Fine Arts Cohort winter showcase.

The heritage commission is looking to host other events as well, especially ones that give a representation of what life was like at Holly Rood

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throughout history.

“I’d love to see someone do a mystery theater here,” Barnes said.

Free tours of the house can be scheduled by contacting the commission.

“If you pay taxes in Clark County, you own a stake in this house,” Barnes said.

A local haunt?

As with any building as noteworthy and old as Holly Rood, rumors abound of the spirits that may still call the place home.

Each October, volunteers guide visitors through Holly Rood for a spirit walk, where they share stories about the building’s past and even some uncanny happenings from modern times.

Barnes said she has never experienced anything supernatural at Holly Rood herself, but she can recall stories from other volunteers who claim to have shared moments with an unknown presence.

One volunteer told her he saw the figure of a gray man wearing frilly clothes inside the house one night when he was looking into the building from an exterior window.

Another person claimed to have been working in one of Holly Rood’s rooms when the knob on the door began to rattle

as if someone was trying to get it open but had been locked out. The volunteer walked to the door and opened it with ease, only to find nothing on the other side. Barnes admits one can sometimes hear strange noises in the house but said given the structure’s age, that isn’t surprising.

“I’ve heard what sounds like footsteps upstairs sometimes,” Barnes said. “But I think it’s just the house settling.”

Needs for the future Barnes said the heritage commission is always taking donations and looking for more historical items to display in the house.

The house accepts donations of period-correct furniture or other items. To contact Holly Rood’s volunteers, call 745-6664 or email hollyrood1814@yahoo. com. Barnes would like to line the stairway leading to Holly Rood’s top floor with photos of the families who once lived there.

“What we’d really like to see is letters, journals, photos or other documents from people who lived in the house,” Barnes said. “Even if we could only get photos or copies that would help give an idea of what life was like for the residents.” § Winchester living | 41

Dynamic T

Duos

Story and photos by Whitney Leggett

he saying goes that two are better than one, and for six Clark County couples, that proves true. Whether in their full-time jobs, volunteer efforts or a combination of the two, these couples find that their relationships “work� for different reasons. For some, that success is built on finding balance with a person who is their opposite. Others find comfort in similarities and spending time with someone who understands how they approach the world. Whatever the reason, these couples agree finding the right person fits much like matching the last piece of a puzzle.

The 12 individuals who make up these dynamic duos each have something in common — they seek to make their community a better place and they accomplish that mission with their significant other working alongside them.

Winchester Living talked to these couples about their work, their relationships and guiding principles for successful couples.

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Ryan & Tresa Dotson

hile there are often misconceptions about young love, Ryan and Tresa Dotson have found success with it. The Pike County natives were married in 1990, just two weeks after Ryan graduated high school at the age of 17 and Tresa was 19. As Ryan says, the pair were “babies” when they found love hanging out with mutual friends. After two years in the military, more than a decade of Ryan working as a radiologist and Tresa as a waitress and two children — Shea, 26, and Shana, 25 — the couple believes they were lucky to find one another as teenagers. Today, they have been together 27 years and are celebrating 20 years of ministering together through Lighthouse World Outreach Center. Together, they are able to reach beyond the church’s walls to impact the community, learning lessons along the way about how to strengthen their marriage.

WL: How did you meet and did you know the connection was real at first?

RD: We grew up around Pike County. I lived on the Kentucky side. She lived on the West Virginia side of the river. All of the kids hung out together and she caught my eye, so I asked her out.

TD: We had our first date at Pizza Hut and I didn’t really know him personally so I brought my cousin with me. We ended up having a conversation with him and I told my cousin she could go. I really enjoyed his company and from there it sort of escalated.

RD: We dated six months and then she proposed to me — and that really happened. I married her a week after graduating high school.

WL: What were some of the challenges and benefits of being married so young?

RD: You know, everyone makes assumptions about the reasons why teenagers would get married. People asked if she was pregnant, but she wasn’t at the time. She became pregnant about six months later and I joined the military to support our family. I had a couple college scholarships, but I decided I needed to support our family. Being in the military, there are a lot of challenges, but the benefit of getting married at that age, looking back, is that I got to share my life with somebody that has seen me come from nothing to where we are today. It’s a beautiful thing to look back and see that you got to share all of that with somebody. You learn to forgive each other through all the growing pains. We were able to grow and give each other grace. It helped us mature and now we’ve become adults together.

TD: I think young love is the best love. As your relationship grows, you mold each other. You learn to give a little and take a little along the way. We learned to hang in there and fight for what we love.

WL: How did you get involved in ministry?

RD: I was working at the University of Kentucky doing X-ray at the time. I had given my heart to Christ and started to get involved with a local church. I was asked to be a youth pastor and started ministering and evangelizing. I had always loved music — it’s always been in the fabric of who I am. So I got involved, traveling around singing with a gospel group. Then I felt the call to start a ministry. We started in a little building by the railroad tracks on North Main Street with 12 people. We grew that first year to about 120 people and outgrew the space. About a year and half later we

were able to buy the building where we are now. We are celebrating 20 years of pastoring and ministry here.

TD: We both grew up in Christian families and in the church, so basically doing ministry work and helping people in that way was engrained in us early on.

WL: What sort of outreach do you do through your church?

RD: One of the things I’m very adamant about is ministering to the complete person — spiritually, emotionally and physically. We try not to just meet a physical need but heal people by preaching the word, offering Christian counseling and being engaged in people’s lives. We have a food pantry that feeds multiple families each week through donations. We have a clothing bank and we even ran a furniture bank at one time. We want to reach out beyond the walls of our church to impact our community.

WL: Ministry can be difficult, how have you been able to work together to overcome the challenging times?

RD: There have been times that I’ve felt like quitting, felt overwhelmed. You go through seasons as a pastor. Tresa has stood by me through those times and told me to hang in there. She reminds me that those seasons will pass. She’s been an encourager.

She’s held me up when I’m weak and that’s priceless.

TD: I think when you’re able to help people, it brings such joy.

It makes you feel good to know that you did something good for someone else in the right spirit. As far as with Ryan, he helps me to be a better person. When you have a significant other who helps push you to be better and to help others, that’s everything.

RD: When we get to see people change their whole lives together, that is such a rewarding feeling.

WL: What tips do you have for other couples?

RD: Tresa and I may or may not have been together still if we hadn’t found Christ together. That is the centerpiece of our marriage. There are times that we get tired of each other, but we come back to the center knowing that Christ is the center of our marriage.

TD: You just can’t give up when you have those difficult times.

RD: In this generation, there’s such a willingness to give up. But you have to fight for it, and you have to give each other room to mess up and be OK with it.

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Aaron & Selina Arnett

hen Aaron and Selina Arnett moved to Winchester 17 years ago, they were looking for a way to become part of the community. It was a slow process at first, but the couple eventually found their place as a part of the all-volunteer board at Leeds Center for the Arts. Today, Selina is vice-president and Aaron is an active member, but it took a few years before the couple found the perfect fit. The two met in November 1995 when they were attending a small church, both on their way to becoming missionaries. Mutual friends introduced them, they starting hanging out, learning Spanish together and sharing conversations about their common goals. Six months later, they were married and began pursuing their goal of becoming missionaries with a trip to Ecuador. It wasn’t long before the couple knew they wanted to pursue different career paths.

After a stint living in Lexington, they moved to Winchester in 2000 and began searching for their “place.” They visited local congregations, but eventually became involved volunteering at Pilot View Elementary, where their children attended school. The parents of three boys said they still felt a little like “outsiders” until their middle son participated in his first show at Leeds. From there, the family has become an integral part of the theater’s rebirth in recent years. The Arnetts enjoy working together to provide a safe place for children, teens and others from the community to grow. And in the process, their marriage has grown stronger.

WL: When did you first become involved at Leeds?

SA: We had been looking for opportunities to volunteer and become involved. Our son, Galen, showed an interest in theater and was in a play. That was our first experience at Leeds. His involvement in that took him from this artsy unorganized kid to this really organized, inspired artsy kid. He said he loved the people there and how he felt here, so I just started asking, “What can I do?”

AA: He talked me into being in a show and he said, “You’ll love it here. You can be yourself.” So from that, we were here every day.

In that process, we would see a need and address it. Before we knew it, we were participating more and more.

for other kids.

WL: Why do you think Leeds was a good fit for you and your family?

SA: It was a unique mesh of things we felt strongly about — arts and civic mindedness. It was an opportunity for us to help make a change, and it was a place that we could work together toward what we wanted to see for Winchester.

AA: Coming into this, there was something we always felt missing in Winchester. We were going to Lexington to participate in the arts, going out on weekends for shows, but we found a lot of people are not aware of what’s going on here. From that aspect, we wanted in and we wanted to be active in the revival of the theater.

We loved that feeling from the beginning that anything could happen.

WL: Have you enjoyed working on this together?

AA: Having a project that we are both working on in some way, tackling that and seeing something come of it has been very rewarding. It’s spun off and allowed us to become involved in other things around he community. Now we can enjoy watching each other do other things we are passionate about.

SA: It’s important to me that we are able to do this as a family.

It’s great that our interests align in such a way that allows us to do that. We can support each other and the kids have learned from watching what goes on at Leeds. They know that if you see something in the community you want to change, it starts with you. You can influence change and make your community better by just showing up.

WL: How has raising your sons worked with your active involvement at the theater?

SA: We have three sons. Xan is 17 and he is into music. He plays the cello, trumpet and guitar. Galen is 15 and he into theater, and Nico, 7, just did his first play. He loves the theater in a different way.

He likes the behind-the-scenes stuff.

AA: Both of our older sons are on the youth advisory board.

SA: They’re all interested in the arts. The older boys did the Fine Arts Cohort at GRC. They all have some kind of interest in what goes on at Leeds. It’s been neat to have a space for them to be exposed to all kinds of arts. We want to make this a similar space

WL: Why do you think the arts are important for Winchester?

AA: The arts are important because it gives us a bigger worldview. It has the ability to take you to a different place. You can see someone else’s life and experiences played out before you and that gives you the ability to expand your world view. It makes you more empathetic.

SA: Art inspires us to be better, to see people for more than we would have before. It allows us to connect with others on stage and in the audience. It gives us a platform to send positive messages to the world.

AA: It’s rewarding to see the reaction and the conversations.

WL: How does it feel to have found the place you were looking for when you moved to Winchester?

AA: This is so much bigger than the two of us. There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes that people don’t see when it comes to this organization. There is this feeling that anything can happen … on the stage and as we at Leeds continue to find our place as a part of the community.

SA: I’ve learned that by volunteering you can meet the kind of people you want to be friends with. You are automatically going to be around like-minded people. We feel like this is our home now.

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Features | Dynamic Duos

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Collin & Katie Berner

or Collin and Katie Berner, the magic comes in those comfortable moments as a married couple. They met on the University of Kentucky campus in 2002 through a campus organization called Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. Through that program and mutual friends, they spent more and more time together and eventually began dating. They were married in 2006 and moved to Winchester a year later, where they both teach in the Clark County Public Schools system. The pair have similar interests and share quiet, reserved personalities. Despite their own shy nature, Collin, who teachers general music at Shearer Elementary School, and Katie, who teaches sixth-grade language arts at Baker Intermediate School, find joy in helping young people break out of their shells. The two are active in the theater programs at their respective schools and enjoy spending time together working on one another’s shows. Most of all, though, they find fulfillment in working together to help their students achieve new heights on stage and off.

WL: When you met, what drew you to one another?

CB: The first time I met Katie, actually, she was doing an Intervarsity thing, and they were going around Keeneland Hall collecting trash. She knocked on my door, I opened it and my first thought was, “She’s pretty cute.”

KB: We had a lot of similar interests.

We’re both big UK fans. We both like the same type of books and movies, and we’re avid Disney fans, too.

CB: Yes, very much. I intentionally left my “Lion King” soundtrack in her car so that she would have to call me and tell me she still had it.

through that.

KB: I was involved in productions throughout school and loved it. I’m a quiet and reserved person, but when I get on stage, I really like to perform and get into character.

WL: How did you guys get involved with theater?

CB: I had a sixth-grade drama teacher and I absolutely loved her class. I ended up being homeschooled the following two years, so there wasn’t much opportunity for me to be involved in theater. I kept pushing forward with music, but lost that connection with theater. I didn’t do much theater in high school, either. I was in the pit orchestra for a couple productions.

The spark didn’t really hit me until I was at a KMEA conference in 2013 and there was a school that had their own theater organization that was well established — it was an elementary school. They did some excerpts from their show and I thought, “Why can’t we do that here?” I brought it back to my principal at the time, and she was very much in favor of it.

Through that process, I really fell in love with doing theater and helping kids develop confidence and leadership

WL: How has doing these programs helped you grow as a couple?

CB: It’s been good for us as a couple because we get to help each other out, lift each other up and support each other in that way. We kind of develop a mutual senergy for both of our shows and for our organizations.

KB: It’s a fun thing to do together as a hobby or pastime. Usually, on the weekend, we’re in the Peddler’s Mall or Goodwill together looking for costumes or props.

WL: Why do you enjoy helping with the various programs in the local schools?

CB: We want to push for the arts to be a really big thing. Here in Winchester, we have so many kids that have so much artistic talent, vocal talent and acting talent.

KB: And we get to see them kind of grow in their talent from year to year.

WL: Why are the arts something young people should be exposed to?

KB: My favorite thing about the arts is that it gives kids a place to belong. We have a lot of kids that do our shows that don’t play sports and aren’t really into other things, but this gives them a family when they’re here.

CB: As a music teacher and someone who has been involved in several

productions, I very firmly believe that the arts have their own intrinsic value. We’ve watched a lot of kids develop confidence, leadership skills and the willingness to get up on stage. I’ve heard from many parents, “I do not know how this child grew from the one I know to the one I see on stage,” and those same ones tend to, after they graduate from my program, try out for the Baker programs and continue to grow their talents and skills.

KB: And because they have that confidence, they are willing to welcome other people into it, especially people who have never done it before.

WL: What are some tips you would give other couples?

KB: One of my favorite things about Collin is that he’s always open and honest and willing to share if something is bothering him. We’re able to talk about our problems, and at the end of the day, be able to laugh about whatever it is. We don’t argue much — only about which Christmas album is best, Mannheim Steamroller or the Carpenters. I like having somebody to laugh with.

CB: I think my favorite thing about Katie, there are lots and lots and lots of things, but I like just the overall sweetness that she has even when I come to her as a mess and I need someone there. She always, always knows what to say to pick me up and keep me going. And, honestly, watching how she works and the passion that she has for her students and the community here and how much she’s willing to give of herself for others has been great.

Dickie & JuaNita Everman

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ickie and JuaNita Everman met in a local bar more than 20 years ago. JuaNita had just moved back to Kentucky from Texas a few months before she caught the eye of Dickie, who was “born here and never left.” He asked her out that night and she agreed. She brought along her three-year-old granddaughter to their first date at Greenlee’s Restaurant, to which Dickie was surprised. But they hit it off and were married a year later in 1990. In addition to JuaNita’s older children, Chris and Pam, the Evermans had two girls together, Rachel and Rebecca. But, Dickie struggled with alcohol addiction that caused problems with the couple and jeopardized their marriage. Dickie found recovery and the couple found God together. Now, they walk alongside others who are facing similar life struggles and have been able to rejoice with other families who find recovery and reconciliation through Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step program Dickie helped establish at Calvary Christian Church. When the couple met in a bar and fell in love, there was a point they weren’t sure their marriage would make it. It would have been hard to imagine life would take them into fulltime ministry and the opportunity to share their experiences with others. Through the process, though, Dickie found recovery and JuaNita found her own healing, and the couple believes their marriage and their family is stronger because of their willingness to share past experiences.

WL: How did you guys go from meeting in a bar to leading Celebrate Recovery?

DE: I got into recovery in 1996. I am a recovering alcoholic. I drank every day. I never thought it was a problem for a long time, but it came to a head when our girls were younger. It all sort of came crashing down on us. I started going to secular programs in 1996. I stayed involved with those until we started going to Calvary.

I learned about God and the kids got involved there. We started growing spiritually, got very involved in the church and I was not going to my AA meeting as much. I decided I needed to go to a faithbased group, so we started Recovery In Christ. I knew some others at the church who had also been through 12-step programs and weren’t going anymore.

We were introduced to Celebrate Recovery in 2006, and we fell in love with it. It addresses all kinds of hurts, habits and hang-ups, not just addiction. God released me from my struggles with alcohol, but I was still struggling with other things and this program helped address those struggles using the 12 steps.

JE: I was not an addict, but I struggle with other things. During Recovery In Christ I was there for support, but as a CR leader, I had to go through a step study. I learned that I did have other issues, and I was able to change my life, too. I was co-dependent. My happiness came from making him happy and I would do everything I could to make him happy. My happiness depended on other people.

WL: How has working with CR strengthened your own marriage and family?

JE: We still go through ups and downs. But we’re a lot closer now. We continue to get better and better.

DE: We’re stronger than ever. We have been able to be there to walk alongside eachother but also others who are seeking healing.

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When that healing comes from God, and from the work they put in, we are able to see other marriages restored the same way ours was. CR is for the whole family. When we are discussing something with the parents in the step study, the children are also learning about that in their own group. There is a lot of frustration and anger that comes when family members are dealing with issues or in recovery. When a spouse or a parent changes, their family has to also change.

JE: We have an excellent relationship with our children. Since they have been old enough to understand, we are very honest with them. Our older children participate in the program some.

Our family bond is strong because are willing to talk about our problems.

DE: That is not always the case in families. We tell our kids that we know they will struggle, but we pray that they know help is out there. Too many people try to do it on their own, but they don’t have to.

WL: What tips do you have for others who are married and perhaps struggling?

DE: Marriage takes work. Recovery takes work. We have to learn to be selfless and, at one time, I was very selfish. You have to constantly work on your marriage. Even when things are going well, continue to work on it. Most of all, God is the center of our marriage now, so we can’t be selfish.

JE: Communication is a big thing. We try not to go to bed angry.

We give each other grace, and we talk about things.

DE: You have to be honest with each other. Guys have a hard time being vulnerable sometimes, but women need to be vulnerable. They are open and want to share. We have to work on communication and learning that it’s OK to be vulnerable.

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Features | Dynamic Duos

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Harry Enoch & Clare Sipple F

or Harry Enoch and Clare Sipple, success in their marriage and their work as local historic preservationists is all about balance. They find balance and comfort in their differences. Harry is a self-described hermit who enjoys long hours spent researching local people and places. Clare, on the other hand, loves to interact with others, especially in her role as manager of the Lower Howard’s Creek Nature Preserve. It was through their efforts to preserve local history that the pair met, and their perfectly-balanced, yet totally opposite personalities, prove helpful for their work at Lower Howard’s Creek, in other preservation efforts and most importantly, in their 10-year marriage. Harry is a retired biochemist who grew up in Montgomery County, lived in Lexington for several years and relocated to Winchester in 1999 to get away from the bustle of the big city. Clare is a seventh-generation Clark Countian who was reared on a family farm on Lower Howard’s Creek — a suitable fit for the landscape architect and preservationist who would someday manage the site. A friendship built on mutual passion for local history budded into an unlikely romance.

WL: How did you guys meet?

CS: We met when we were both volunteers for the Bluegrass Heritage Museum. He then became involved with Lower Howard’s Creek and he straightened me out on a lot of the history there because I really only knew stories my grandmothers told me or vague nonspecific stories I’d heard through theirs. Unearthing the history there has been so interesting because Harry does the research and I know the land. So he can find information about a grave and I can take him to the actual location.

HE: I moved to Clark County in 1999 and I was married at the time. My wife, Brenda, was ill and I retired to take care of her. It was a bit premature. I was only 58, but it was good to be able to do that. She passed away early in 2006. Clare and I were married at the end of 2007. We had known each other as friends because of our mutual interest in local history.

CS: We’ve been great partners because we’ve unearthed so many stories about the people who lived at LHC.

hermit and a more of a stay-at-home, go do my own thing type of person. She spends her whole day with people.

WL: What is like for you guys to have another chance at love and at working in local history?

HE: It’s been kind of magical for me. It’s kept me young.

CS: It’s exciting and stimulating.

HE: The best thing about it for us is that we are such a good mesh. If someone takes a tour at LHC with Clare, they can see how well we fit together. She’s the face. She does the talking. She tells everyone about the natural history and the plants and the history of the area. Then so much of that information she is bringing to life is the research I’ve done.

When you lose a spouse, grieving is a difficult thing to go through. It helps to have another passion to help get past that.

And then, to find someone that I can share that passion with is a really fortunate thing.

WL: How did that friendship turn into a relationship and now a 10-year marriage?

CS: When we met, Harry’s wife was still living and I had been single and sworn off relationships for 20 years. I remember always admiring how gentle and kind he was with Brenda. We worked together through the museum and the preserve, so we were friends.

I’d had foot surgery. My daughter was here taking care of me, and Harry stopped by with a flower and an offer to go to the grocery store. When he left, my daughter asked why I’d never told her about him, and I said there was nothing to tell. He was a very nice guy, but his wife had just passed away and he loved her so much I thought he would never get remarried.

HE: Her daughter told her she was wrong, I was interested.

CS: Before I knew it, we were seeing each other. I love how when we are together, we never run out of things to talk about.

Every time I am with Harry, we never shut up — well, I never shut up. We have so much in common.

HE: She’s the perfect complement, I guess, to my ways. I’m a

CS: We tell each other every day how lucky we are.

WL: What are some tips you guys would share with other couples?

HE: I think giving each other space is important — we’re the epitome of that. I have time for my interests and she has time for her interests, her needs. She needs to be able to do her own thing and I need to be by myself a lot.

CS: You have to respect each other’s boundaries. We established that early on, along with the need to be flexible.

HE: Finding balance is also important. No one person in the relationship should dominate in anything. We pretty much let each other have our ways. We don’t get mad or upset or have cross words.

CS: And in a 10-year marriage, that’s remarkable. But that’s because I know Harry is always right and Harry knows I am always right.

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Seneca Anderson & Jessica Marci A

s business partners and a couple, Seneca Anderson and Jessica Marci have been building their success for more than a decade. They met 15 years ago when Seneca was visiting Jessica’s family. Taken back by her beauty, Seneca said he quickly forged a friendship with Jessica. From friendship grew a relationship and from their relationship was born various local business ventures. Today, the couple and parents to three girls run 5Star Advertisement. The business focuses on providing avenues for local artists, entertainers and models, but more importantly, for promoting the community. Last year, the couple hosted a glow festival with a live DJ and electronic dance music, Country on Main with various regional musicians and a charity car show. Their passion for promotion and advertising came from their own struggles getting the word out about their businesses. They began a circular with ads for various local businesses. It started as a onesheet mailer and grew into a pamphlet before a larger competitor took over the market. From there, the couple decided to start working with local talent and help other businesses achieve their goals through advertising.

Their passion for promoting extends beyond their clients, though. For the couple, the key to success is being each other’s biggest chearleader.

WL: How did you guys start meet?

SA: It was actually at her aunt’s house. I was friends with her aunt’s husband and I went by to talk to him one day. She was on the front porch looking beautiful as always. We started talking from there, became really good friends and then business partners.

JM: We were best friends, really. Then it grew into something that was amazing and more than that. From that we have three girls, ages 12, 9 and 7 and a dog that is like our fourth little girl.

WL: How did you start 5Star Advertising?

SA: At the beginning of the year, Jessica said we needed to get back into business. I said if we were, we needed to get into entertainment, managing artists and helping them advertise, social media management, photoshoots, anything they needed to be successful.

JM: We’ve always been passionate about our community and when we had our little night club, we always heard people say that there was nothing to do here. So through this business, we also want to provide things for people to do — events like the glow festival, Country on Main and hopefully others. Just anything for the community to get involved and hopefully attract people from surrounding towns to visit here, too.

SA: We want to make Winchester a destination for others. We hope our events can grow to allow businesses to make money, hotels to make money, restaurants to make money when people come here. We hope we can see our population grow. People won’t want to move here if the perception is that there is nothing fun to do here.

WL: You are reaching a younger audience with your events and clients. Why is that important for you?

SA: There are a lot of young adults around here on drugs and into bad things. But, if we can give them something positive to do to change their mindset and see that they can be successful, that’s important. We also want to be an example. If they can look at us and see that we are doing this positive stuff, maybe they will want to also. We want to get them off the street and make Winchester great.

JM: People tend to keep things bottled up and that ends up coming out in the wrong way. We also want them to bring their positive energy here because everything we associate ourselves with is good, positive and family-friendly. We also want our events to be a way for us to give back, with some donations to local charities that help people in those situations.

WL: How has your relationship been integral in your business?

JM: Basically the main thing is being a team. That’s our focus in everything and it makes us stronger. Even when we might disagree, we are able to offer constructive criticism. It becomes a learning experience. By doing that, it improves our end product. We’re able to collaborate and be constructive. Even with our children, our relationship at home, having both our opinions makes things spectacular.

SA: When it comes to making decisions, we have differing opinions. We can bump heads sometimes.

WL: What are some things that attracted you to one another?

JM: We were total opposites.

SA: And I had a nice car.

JM: He did. But aside from that, he had something about him that stood out to me. The way he talked and conducted himself was about business. He had a go-getter attitude always. That’s why we’ve had so many of his business ideas come to life. And I’m always there to support those projects and ideas. We’re very different. I’m more quiet and supportive in the background. Then, I go all in. He’s the brain, but I’m the backbone.

SA: I think I loved her because she never judged me. A lot of people judge me, look at me and see gold teeth and tattoos and have a perception of me. She never did that. It’s awesome to have that support, too. I think sometimes I’m scared of success, but she is always there to tell me to go and do it. I wish every man could have a woman like that.

WL: What tips do you have for other couples?

JM: Communication is the most important thing. We have a great trust built up. So I think that’s something all couples should work toward. But we also make sure we go out and enjoy each other. We have time to ourselves to have fun or visit with other adult friends. You have to keep your relationship enjoyable. When you have kids and jobs, it can be easy to say you don’t have time to do that. But then when the relationship doesn’t work out, you look back and have to acknowledge that you guys didn’t do anything to keep the happiness alive.

SA: That personal time and fun time can be reparative to a relationship. §

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SWEET

SP T Family-owned donut shop draws regional crowds Story by Amanda Crum | Photos by Whitney Leggett

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At The Table | Food

Winchester living | 57

Food | At The Table

T

he smell of freshly-baked donuts is one not easily forgotten, especially as it awakens an indomitable urge to placate a sudden-onset sweet tooth.

It is difficult not to swoon over the sugary goodness of the classic treat.

But not all donuts are made the same — and that goes beyond the baking process.

One Kentucky family seems to have mastered the art of the confectionery delight. The Alguera family opened their first donut shop, named for family patriarch Francisco Alguera, in Georgetown a decade ago.

That Frank’s Donuts did so well,

58 | Winchester living

the family went on to establish two more area shops — including one in Winchester.

The Alguera family opened the first local Frank’s Donuts on Bypass Road.

The shop has since relocated to busy Lexington Avenue, giving Winchester residents a place to grab something warm and sweet to fill their bellies on weekdays or a reason to get out of bed early on Saturday morning.

Frank’s is family-owned and operated, with Alguera’s sons, Frank Jr. and Alex, helping manage the dayto-day operations.

Alguera wasn’t always a baker. He emigrated to America from Honduras and noticed a stark difference in the

bread, Frank Jr. said. Unable to find a bread that compared to what he found at home, Alguera eventually began working in a bakery, where he learned the trade, enough that he has been able to branch out and successfully operate three donut shops in central Kentucky.

It’s a big job, especially with an influx of customers during the busy morning hours. The local store opens at 4:30 a.m.

Frank Jr., 24, said there is usually only a rotation of about seven employees through the week, with two more added to the mix on weekends to fill extra orders.

Located in a former Wendy’s

restaurant, there is nothing particularly fancy about Frank’s, because there doesn’t have to be. The donuts speak for themselves, flying off the trays almost faster than the bakers can replace them.

There is something for everyone, from soft glazed varieties and warm apple fritters to extra-large muffins.

The offerings are not only large and filling, but they won’t break the bank. You can get a dozen for about $7.

The best-seller is the traditional and sweet glazed, although the Long John and Bismark are close behind, Frank said. Customers can grab a single sweet treat for themselves or a dozen to take home to the family or office — but it is best to do it as early as possible and expect a bit of a wait, especially on the weekends.

“Sometimes we have lines out the door, and it’s good to see that,” Frank said. “It means we’re doing something right.”

Despite the potential wait, Frank’s has become a regional destination with customers traveling from towns away for the chance at a box of the fresh, warm confections.

While the new location offers the

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Winchester living | 59

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“You cannot mention Winchester without thinking about Frank’s. You have not lived until you bite into a fresh, hot Frank’s donut. If they’re warm, it’s like angels frolicking on your tongue.

If they’re cold, they’re still exceptional.”

— Josh, Yelp reviewer

60 | Winchester living

convenience of a drive-through, the real experience is had inside. Customers with a few extra minutes on their hands would benefit from a trip inside where they can set eyes on the various menu options.

The dining area offers a wide view of Lexington Avenue’s hustle and bustle via the large bay windows. A bit of the building’s past life as a fast-food joint is evident in those tell-tale windows, but the rest of the shop is all Frank’s.

Inside the long display case at the counter, several trays hold the day’s varieties — often including Frank’s personal favorites, the mapleglazed donut and strawberry-cream cheese croissant.

Sticking mostly to old favorites — classics like the jelly donut and bear claw — is a sure-fire way to keep customers happy, so there aren’t many big changes to the menu, Frank said. However, new varieties are known to pop up occasionally.

Chef David Bishop of Bread Crumbs Bakeries Across America reviewed Frank’s Donuts in 2013 and was impressed by the variety of options on display, as well as the sheer amount of customers who were queuing up.

“I wanna tell you folks, wow, those are good donuts!” Bishop said. “Nothing fancy that you’ve never seen before, but what they do, they do right.

We stopped in at 8 a.m. on a Friday and that place was buzzing.”

Bishop isn’t the only one raving about the quality of Frank’s fresh pastries, just take a look at the bakery’s online customer reviews.

Yelp user Josh is among several satisfied

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customers who took the time to write a review.

“You cannot mention Winchester without thinking about Frank’s,” he wrote. “...You have not lived until you bite into a fresh, hot Frank’s donut. If they’re warm, it’s like angels frolicking on your tongue. If they’re cold, they’re still exceptional. Passing through Winchester and searching for a fast breakfast? This place is three minutes off the interstate and will imprint on your mind for the rest of your life. Grab a sackful of these beauties, a hot coffee, and you will want to take on the world.”

With so many happy customers, it is easy to imagine managing such a thriving business could be a lot for a

24-year-old to handle, even with family members around to help balance the workload. But for Frank Jr., it comes down to being able to build a career with the people he loves.

“Sometimes it’s too much, but at the end of the day, I love being able to wake up and work with my family,” he said. “Not everything runs smoothly, of course, but it’s still fun.”

Frank said he hopes to become a doctor, but he won’t be leaving the family business forever, he said. The Algueras will always be able to count on him when he is needed.

“Even if I do become a doctor or have some other career path, I’ll always have my roots here, and I’ll always help out.” §

Frank’s Donuts is located at 1457 W. Lexington Ave. Hours are 4:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. seven days per week.

Drive-thru, eat in and carry out service are offered during business hours. For more information, call 744-5303.

Food | From the Cookbook

4 FOR YOUR SWEETHEART SWEET TREATS

N

othing says “I love you” quite like a fresh-baked dessert.

Double chocolate chip cookies INGREDIENTS

— 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened — 5 tablespoons granulated sugar — 5 tablespoons light brown sugar, sifted — 1 large egg, beaten — 1⁄2 teaspoon pure vanilla essence or chocolate extract (see note) — 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons self-rising flour — 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa — 1⁄4 teaspoon salt — 2⁄3 cup (or more) dark and white (or milk) chocolate chips (or roughly chopped chocolate) — A heavy, nonstick baking sheet

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INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars together until pale and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla essence.

Sift the flour with the cocoa and salt in a small bowl. Fold into the egg mixture with the chocolate chips.

Place four heaping tablespoonsfuls of the mixture on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them well apart. Press down and spread out to about 1⁄4-inch thick with the back of a wet spoon or with dampened fingers (you may like to scatter some more chocolate chips over the top). Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for one minute, then transfer to a wire rack. When cool, store in an airtight container. Repeat with the remaining mixture.

s

INGREDIENTS

— 1-2/3 cups flour — 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder — 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder — 1/4 teaspoon salt — 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened — 1-1/4 cups granulated sugar — 2 eggs — 1-1/2 teaspoons red food color — 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract — 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar — nonstick cooking spray INSTRUCTIONS

In medium bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt; set aside. In large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, food color and vanilla extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed.

Refrigerate four hours.

Heat oven to 350 F. Shape dough into one-inch balls. Roll in confectioners' sugar to completely coat. Place two inches apart on baking sheets sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

Bake 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are puffed. Cool on baking sheets two minutes.

Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

crinkle cookies Red velvet

WINTER OPEN HOUSE Feb 8, 9, 10

gingerbread cookies Almond

INGREDIENTS — 3 cups flour — 2 teaspoons ground ginger — 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon — 1 teaspoon baking soda — 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg — 1/4 teaspoon salt

— 3/4 cup butter, softened — 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar — 1/2 cup molasses — 1 egg — 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract — 1-1/3 cups sliced almonds

INSTRUCTIONS In large bowl, mix flour, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt.

In separate large bowl, beat butter and brown sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg and vanilla extract; beat well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Press dough into thick, flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate four hours, or as long as overnight.

Heat oven to 350 F. Shape dough into one-inch balls. Roll in sliced almonds, pressing almonds into dough. Place two inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until edges of cookies just begin to brown. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Store cookies in airtight container up to five days.

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Easy

Chocolate fudge INGREDIENTS — 2 cups (12-oz. package) semi-sweet chocolate morsels — 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk — 1 cup chopped walnuts — 1 teaspoon vanilla extract INSTRUCTIONS Line an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan with foil.

Combine the morsels and sweetened condensed milk in a medium, heavy-duty saucepan. Warm over the lowest possible heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in the nuts and vanilla extract.

Spread evenly into the prepared baking pan. Refrigerate for two hours or until firm. Lift from the pan; remove the foil. Cut into 48 pieces.

Why I Love Winchester

Winchester fire chief finds joy in helping community

W

inchester Fire Chief Cathy Rigney came to Clark County in June 1986 looking for a job as a paramedic with the Winchester-Clark County Ambulance Service.

“I got the job and have been here ever since,” Rigney said. “In October 1990, we merged with the Winchester Fire Department.”

Over the years, Rigney has worked to prove herself as an emergency responder, being promoted through the ranks of the department.

Nearly 30 years after first arriving here, Rigney was promoted to chief of Winchester Fire-EMS in 2015, a role she serves today.

Winchester is now the place she proudly calls home.

WL: What is the most challenging part of your job and what do you like most about it?

CR: Keeping up with all the continuous changes that happen with emergency services is a challenge.

Our duties are constantly changing with technology

66 | Winchester living

events that happen in our community. Each event has its own charm and personality.

I like Halloween Main-ia and the Christmas Parade the best, though. I love seeing the kids in their costumes for Halloween and the excitement for Santa during the parade. Plus, I love the fact Santa gets to ride on one of our fire trucks.

and tactics for the services we provide. Instead of just a fire or EMS organization, we have become an all-hazards response. We now do fire, EMS, hazardous materials, special operations and rescues. We joke all the time that when in doubt, call the fire department.

That is also the part I like the most — when people call us for help with a problem or emergency and we provide a solution.

WL: Where is your favorite place to go in Winchester-Clark County?

CR: Any place and anytime with my family.

And, of course, the firehouse with my extended family.

WL: What is your favorite time of year or annual event in Winchester?

CR: Picking a favorite event is hard to do. I think there are a lot of great

WL: What has been the biggest positive life change that has happened to you since you have lived in Winchester?

CR: When I first came to Winchester in 1986, it was for the need of a job. But not long after being hired, I quickly realized it was for the joy and satisfaction of helping others.

That sense of belonging to a community and helping out others in a time of need is something I have carried with me throughout my career here in Winchester.

I love being part of an emergency service that is so much bigger than just our community. §

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