Issuu

CELEBRATING THE ENERGY OF YOUR COMMUNITY

TAKING IT

OUTSIDE Ideal decks and porches

STUNNING SEASON

Photos from an incredible UK basketball year HOME GREEN

Kentuckians who make sustainability real LITERARY LIVING

Where to see Jane Austen and King Arthur M AY 201 5 • K E N T U C KY L IV ING.CO M

MAY 2015 VOL 69 • NO 5

2015 HOME IMPROVEMENT ISSUE

27 9

Stunning Season

Celebrating the University of Kentucky Wildcats’ incredible season on the path to the Final Four Championship.

DIY Porches and Decks

COVER STORY Kentucky Living readers and experts share how to add valuable outdoor living space to your home with porches and decks, gazebos, fireplaces, and more. There’s something for all budgets.

Clean Green

Sustainability may be the new buzzword, but it’s really about preserving your home and community. Here are some relatively easy steps—from using natural cleaning products to being careful what you pour down your drain—to become more eco-friendly.

ON THE COVER Tim and Wendy Meador added a large deck with fireplace

and gazebo to their home located on the family farm in Franklin. Clockwise from left, daughter Hannah Meador, aunt Anita Meador, Wendy, and daughter Madelynn share lemonade around the table under the lighted gazebo. Turn to page 18 for more on how to add outdoor living space to your home. Photo: Joe Imel

34 DEPARTMENTS 4 KL ON THE WEB 7 YOUR COOPERATIVE COMMUNITY Your business

8 COMMONWEALTHS Winning nonfiction on the Kentucky Derby, energy efficiency, UK Wildcats photos, and more

ON THE GRID

12 THE FUTURE OF ELECTRICITY A coal plant through the generations

14 CUTTING COSTS Backup generator basics

15 GADGETS & GIZMOS Privacy and security settings

16 CO-OPERATIONS Saving lives, energy, and money

17 ENERGY 101 The pluses and minuses of robot thermostats

26A LOCAL ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE NEWS

KENTUCKY CULTURE 34 WORTH THE TRIP Literary lights: Jane Austen, Jesse Stuart, and Janice Holt Giles

38 EVENTS Mill Springs Cornbread Festival and Memorial, Woodson House Garden Festival, Paducah’s Riverfront Rod Run, Lebanon’s Picnic in the Park, and much more

41 CHEF’S CHOICE Homestyle Kelsey’s on Main, Jackson

42 GREAT OUTDOORS Sunken treasure in Cave Run Lake

43 GARDEN GURU Hail to Queen Mandevilla

44 SMART HEALTH Avoiding tick-borne illnesses

45 SNAP SHOT My favorite hobby

46 KENTUCKY MARKETPLACE 49 KENTUCKY KIDS 50 BYRON CRAWFORD’S KENTUCKY Still standing

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.com Summer plans, basketball memories The May home improvement issue takes us toward summer by profiling Kentuckians who are taking advantage of outdoor living with decks and porches tailored to their tastes and styles. Read about these do-it-yourselfers on page 18. Find out about homeowners who take sustainability seriously, with ideas you can use to live a more efficient lifestyle—read “Clean Green” on page 27. Pick up tech-tips to protect your privacy from smartphone apps in “What if I don’t want to share?” on page 15. Your electric co-op annual meeting is coming up this summer. Chris Perry paints the big picture of what that means in “Your business” on page 7. And if you can’t get over UK’s incredible basketball year, you’re in luck. Photographer Tim Webb shares his dazzling photos from games leading up to the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on page 9.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Kentucky deck designers share their secrets Two experts share even more tips to building your ultimate outdoor living space: Architect Ryan Thewes shares important considerations for planning your deck or porch. Check out the stunning photos of the modern Lake Barkley cabin with the porch he designed, with large windows facing the lake but shielded from the sun with large overhangs and cantilevered roofs. Deckadent Designs, founded by Andy Hulette, is the only certified TrexPro Platinum deck builder in the state. See tips and photos of porches and deck designs using Trex products, a sustainable material made from reclaimed wood and recycled plastic. See “DIY Porches & Decks” feature, page 18.

GARDEN

Ask the Gardener Did you know that our gardening expert Angie McManus will answer selected Kentucky gardening questions—free! Go to KentuckyLiving.com and click on “Life in Kentucky” then “Ask the Gardener.” The frost-free planting date for Kentucky is in May so it’s time to dig your fingers in the dirt. But before you bring home that new perennial or tree, why not Ask the Gardener for advice! Your question and answer might even wind up in the magazine, see page 43.

CONTEST

ENTER TO WIN

Win a Weekend Getaway for Four A family of four will be the lucky winner for a weekend at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, which includes a two-bedroom cottage for two nights with breakfast buffet, golf and archery, water park, and fun center passes, $100 food gift card, and meals from three other restaurants. Enter at KentuckyLiving.com. Deadline: May 15, 2015

ENERGY

SEARCH PAUL WESSLUND, EDITOR

2015 energy incentives

Did you know you can get money through rebates and incentives for implementing energy efficiency programs offered by your electric co-op? Many of these things you are already doing—recycling your old refrigerator, freezer, clothes washer; installing ENERGY STAR appliances or heating systems; sealing ducts or adding caulk or insulation; or simply having your HVAC system professionally inspected and serviced each year. For an up-to-date listing of the most popular energy-efficiency programs with rebates and tax incentives offered by Kentucky’s electric cooperatives, as well as from state and federal, go to KentuckyLiving. com and search for “2015 energy incentives.”

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K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G • M AY 2 0 1 5

Check out the NEW

KentuckyLiving.com responsive Web site and digital edition

EDITORIAL EDITOR Paul Wesslund MANAGING EDITOR Anita Travis Richter ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Ellie Hobgood CONTRIBUTORS Dave Baker • Byron Crawford

James Dulley • Sarah Fritschner • Angie McManus Shelly Nold • Brian Orms • Leslie Scanlon

ADVERTISING ADVERTISING SALES REP. Cynthia Whelan ADVERTISING SALES REP. Monica Pickerill ADVERTISING SALES REP. Stephanie Dumeyer SALES COORDINATOR Arlene Toon MULTI-MEDIA SPECIALIST Brandon Stettenbenz

PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER Carol L. Smith GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jim Battles GRAPHIC DESIGNER Penny Kephart QUALITY CONTROL Paula C. Sparrow WEB MASTER Tammy Simmons

KENTUCKY ASSOCIATION OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES PRESIDENT Chris Perry CHAIRMAN Ted Hampton VICE CHAIRMAN David Kimbell SECRETARY/TREASURER Greg Starheim

OUR MISSION STATEMENT Kentucky Living is published to create a community of people who take pride in thinking of themselves as Kentuckians and as knowledgeable electric co-op members, in order to improve their quality of life.

TO CONTACT US WWW.KENTUCKYLIVING.COM E-MAIL: e-mail@kentuckyliving.com PHONE: (502) 451-2430 FAX: (502) 459-1611 U.S. POSTAL SERVICE: P. O. Box 32170,

Louisville, KY 40232 NON-POSTAL SERVICE SHIPPING:

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Louisville, KY 40218

SUBSCRIPTIONS (502) 451-2430 CO-OP MEMBERS: To report address changes, please call your local co-op office.

ADVERTISING OFFICES P. O. Box 32170 (40232) 4515 Bishop Lane (40218) Louisville, KY (502) 451-2430 FAX: (502) 459-1611 E-MAIL: e-mail@KentuckyLiving.com

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AND NOW FOR THE LEGAL STUFF Kentucky Living, Vol. 69, No. 5, (ISSN 1043-853X) is published monthly by the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives Inc., 4515 Bishop Lane, Louisville, KY 40218. Periodicals Postage Paid at Louisville, Kentucky, and at additional mailing offices. COPYRIGHT, 2015, by Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives Inc. All rights reserved. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $2.87 per year for members of co-ops that subscribe on a monthly basis; all others, $15 for one year, $25 for three years. NEWSSTAND COST: $2.95. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Kentucky Living, P. O. Box 32170, Louisville, KY 40232.

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YOUR COOPERATIVE COMMUNITY

Your business A co-op annual meeting is about ownership, energy, communityâ€Śand fun

t different times of the year, there are events on the calendar that we all look forward to. For example, the first week of May brings us the Kentucky Derby. In August, the first day of school comes for the kids. November brings us the beginning of Christmas shopping. Memorial Day is the beginning of wonderful summer weather and lazy days by the pool. For electric cooperatives in Kentucky, this is the season representing the annual cooperative business annual meeting. The annual meeting for your cooperative traces back to the beginning of the electric cooperative. There are three primary purposes for the local annual meeting. First, the meeting is the time when we elect our board members. One of the unique characteristics of a cooperative is the democratic control represented by the election of directors by the members. No other business model is as open and receptive to the needs of the members. The elected directors are local men and women that take the responsibility of oversight of the cooperative. The second purpose of the annual meeting is to educate members about how

the cooperative is doing. At these meetings, there will be a presentation on the financial condition of the cooperative. There will also be discussions about energy efficiency, safety, and political factors that influence your electric rates. In addition, there will be some guests that discuss big-picture items such as power supply and the future of energy. The third purpose of the annual meeting is to have a little bit of fun. There will be music, food, and interaction between members and the local electric cooperative staff. The annual meeting is a chance to discuss issues and get to know each other a little better. Some annual meetings have car shows, some have safety demonstrations, and some have local entertainers, but all are committed to meeting our members. I will be attending the annual meetings and look forward to seeing you. Remember the purpose of the meeting. Learn about your electric cooperative and have some fun.

CHRIS PERRY PRESIDENT/CEO, KENTUCKY ASSOCIATION OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES

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COMMONWEALTHS THE DERBY’S DURABLE TRADITION How the Run for the Roses Became America’s Premier Sporting Event (University Press of Kentucky, $19.95, www.kentuckypress.com), winner of both the Kentucky Literary Award for Nonfiction and a Kentucky History Award, James C. Nicholson offers a look at the evolution of the Derby as well as its international, national, and regional importance. He details the Derby’s existence as an intersection of past traditions and contemporary culture, for both Kentuckians and Americans, and examines the historical, political, and cultural significance of horse racing’s most famous event. Few festivals and gatherings have maintained such a delicate

Seventy-five years ago co-ops partnered in the establishment of big hydroelectric power plants. Now, we are just as likely to be partnering on wind and solar projects and energy efficiency. —Jo Ann Emerson, CEO, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

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balance between exuberant glamour and local approachability as the Kentucky Derby. The first Kentucky Derby was run in 1875 with nearly 10,000 curious and enthusiastic spectators.

Fashionable ladies and gentlemen sat in the grandstand, parasols dotted the clubhouse veranda, and wagons carrying locals from all walks of life crowded the infield. Little did they know they were about to witness history in the making. The Derby has remained relevant to changing American attitudes and cultures and has become the brightest jewel of the Triple Crown. Nicholson, who grew up on a Thoroughbred farm in Lexington, calls this great tradition to post, offering readers a rail-side seat to the most exciting 140 years in horse racing history. —Penny Woods

energy efficıency Summer is right around the corner! Have you changed your home’s air filter? Filters get loaded with more and more particles as they do their job. Dirty filters reduce airflow and increase energy bills. Remember to check filters once a month.

STOCKBYTE/THINKSTOCK

Every year on the first Saturday in May, the world turns its attention to the twin spires of Churchill Downs for the high-stakes anticipation of “the most exciting two minutes in sports.” From the iconic garland of roses awaiting the champion in the winner’s circle to the mint juleps, the Kentucky Derby is an American sporting event with unmatched history, tradition, and pagBOOKS eantry. Over its 140-year history, the Kentucky Derby has earned international acclaim as the greatest horse race in the world while maintaining a strong sense of regional identity. In The Kentucky Derby:

Roger has only one cup of coffee a day ...but it’s a big cup.

Team terrific PHOTOS BY TIM WEBB

Congratulations to the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team for a dream year of a perfect regular season that propelled the team into the Final Four of the national tournament. Here are photos from some of the regular season games.

At top left, Kentucky head coach John Calipari shares a moment with Aaron Harrison against Vanderbilt; above, Kentucky’s Karl-Anthony Towns dunks over Missouri’s Namon Wright; and left, Kentucky’s Trey Lyles shoots over Auburn’s KT Harrell.

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COMMONWEALTHS

In the Vanderbilt contest, Kentucky’s Marcus Lee swats the ball away from Luke Kornet, top right; above, Kentucky’s Dakari Johnson dunks; below, Kentucky’s Willie Cauley-Stein fights for a loose ball with Luke Kornet.

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Top left, Kentucky’s Dominique Hawkins shows the “Raining Threes” sign after a three-point basket against Vanderbilt; top right, Kentucky’s Andrew Harrison shoots over Vanderbilt; right, Kentucky’s Tyler Ulis laughs with teammate Devin Booker during the Auburn game; and above, Kentucky’s Derek Willis brings the ball up the court against Missouri.

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ON THE GRID A coal plant through the generations How a pioneering power plant tells the modern story of coal-fired power, and the environment NANCY GRANT

he story of a coal-based power plant in Clark County offers good insights into why coal still has an important role to play in keeping electric service reliable. One year ago, electric utilities throughout the United States took a long, hard look at their coal-based

THE FUTURE OF ELECTRICITY power plants. Thinking ahead about a new federal environmental rule, known as Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, that would go into effect April 2015, they had to make some tough calculations. When they figured out how much money they’d have to spend to modify these power plants to meet these new regulations, they discovered that for many of the oldest

coal-based power plants there simply is no cost-effective way to meet the new standards.

A cold, hard winter East Kentucky Power Cooperative, which generates and transmits electricity to more than half a million homes, farms, businesses, and industries in 87 counties, had already spent more than a billion dollars on construction and retro-fitting at its newer coal-based power plants, Spurlock Station in Maysville and Cooper Station in Burnside, with scrubbers and other emission-control equipment in recent years. These power plants will meet the new Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. But East Kentucky Power’s oldest coal-based power plant, Dale Station in Clark County (which has been producing electricity since

A “RELIABLE WORKHORSE” OF A COAL POWER PLANT Due to the extremely high costs of modifying its oldest coal-based power plant to meet the newest environmental regulations, Dale Station’s generators are being taken out of service. Units One and Two stopped producing electricity in 2014. Units Three and Four will be shut down in April 2016. “Dale Station was East

Kentucky Power Cooperative’s first power plant,” says Tony Campbell, East Kentucky Power Co-op president and CEO. “This plant has been a reliable workhorse, generating the electricity that powered many thousands of Kentucky homes and businesses over the past 60 years. It provided light and heat to many families. And it has been an

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engine of economic development, providing reliable, affordable power throughout central and eastern Kentucky. We owe a debt of gratitude to the many dedicated employees who kept Dale Station running all those years, as well as the local community, which has been so supportive.” Photo: East Kentucky Power Cooperative

1954), presented unique problems due to its original design. Last year, East Kentucky Power Co-op’s Chief Operating Officer Don Mosier explained the decision to close Dale Station. “Dale Station’s generating units are quite small compared to today’s standard coal-fueled power plants. EKPC’s goal is to provide reliable, affordable power to our 16 owner-member cooperatives, and it is very difficult to justify the costs

During this past winter’s extreme snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures, Vicki Raney and Martin Kirk monitored the flow of electricity from two coal-based generators at East Kentucky Power Cooperative’s Dale Station in Clark County. Originally scheduled to be shut down last month because it would be too expensive to modify them to meet new environmental rules, these two generators will still be on standby to provide up to 150 megawatts of electricity for one more year. The extension comes at the request of the regional transmission organization that must balance reliable power resources with expected demand during winter weather extremes, and has been approved by other regulatory authorities. Photo: East Kentucky Power Cooperative

service next year—to keep electricity flowing steadily into the grid as demand spiked several times with each new weather event. necessary to keep such small units operating.” Last year Unit One and Unit Two (capable of producing 25 megawatts of electricity each) were shut down permanently. They no longer supply any power to the grid. However, East Kentucky Power Co-op planned to operate the larger generators at Unit Three and Unit Four (75 megawatts each) for one more year, then after this past winter shut them down for indefinite storage in April 2015. The coal-based Units Three and Four at Dale Station did produce much-needed electricity for about two weeks in February. This electricity from coal helped meet the spike in demand for power caused by extreme sub-zero weather and large snowfalls. In the meantime, throughout the upper south, eastern, and northeastern United States, other bulk power producers throughout the region were also operating every available generator—including coal power plants that seemed likely to be removed from

Rethinking power plant closings While snow fell and temperatures dropped, power grid officials were studying different sets of numbers. It takes a lot of power sources to provide steady electricity for everyone living and working in the power grid region known as the PJM Interconnection. PJM helps supervise the flow of electricity from power producers serving 61 million people in 13 states and the Washington, D.C., area. Extra resources must always be ready on standby, too. During any season of the year, a few power plants are out of service due to equipment failures or scheduled maintenance. Repairs are made and they begin producing electricity again. But when PJM officials took a detailed look at the impact that permanently closing all Dale Station units and many other power plants would have on the supply of electricity during extreme weather, they noticed a troubling trend. The list of coal-

based power plants that will stop producing electricity since the Mercury Air Toxics Standards rule went into effect last month keeps getting longer and longer. However, the list of replacement power sources, mostly natural gas generators, is not growing fast enough to make it an even swap. It’s not even close. The coal plants being taken out of service this year were able to produce almost 12,000 megawatts of electricity—but new power plants starting up will produce less than 4,000 megawatts. That’s a huge gap. Thinking ahead to next winter, PJM managers want to keep some coal-based power plants running beyond their scheduled closures to ensure a steady supply of electricity in 2016. As a result of their analysis, PJM asked utilities who’d already announced their coal plant closings, do you have any that could still be available to provide electricity during times of peak demand? East Kentucky Power Co-op is among those who answered “yes.” East Kentucky Power Co-op has obtained regulatory approval to prepare Units Three and Four at Dale Station to continue to operate if they are needed to keep the supply of electricity reliable next winter. This one-year extension of their combined output of 150 megawatts of electricity generated from coal may make a vital difference for electricity consumers by keeping their lights on and heating systems running. KL

Energy journalist NANCY GRANT is a member of the Cooperative Communicators Association and the American Society of Journalists and Authors.

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CUTTING COSTS

Backup generator basics When severe weather hits, I want to be prepared, and I’m considering purchasing a backup generator for my home. What types would you recommend to take care of the entire house?—Jon H. JAMES DULLEY

ackup generators won’t reduce your utility bills. But if you are concerned about the possible effects of an extended power outage, there are options. Portable gasoline or diesel powered backup generators, available at most home improvement stores, can provide enough electricity to operate essential items such as refrigerators, freezers, and computers. You’ll need outdoorrated, heavy-duty extension cords to plug them into the generator’s outlets. And you’ll need to go outside to shut the generator off and let it cool down each time you need to add fresh fuel, then restart it. If you want a simpler (but more expensive) way to keep almost everything in your house powered up, then a permanently installed backup generator is a better choice. Typically

LIFESAVING TIP Carbon monoxide kills. This deadly, odorless, invisible gas is released as fuel and burned in a portable generator. Never, ever operate a portable generator indoors. Do not attempt to operate a generator inside a garage with the door open. Instead, place the portable generator in an outdoor location at least 25 feet away from doors and windows so that no deadly gases can accidentally seep into the building.

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During an extended grid power outage, a professionally installed whole-house backup generator can provide enough electricity to operate HVAC systems, major appliances, water heaters, sump pumps, cistern-based water supply systems, and more. However, the installation and operating costs will increase your household’s overall energy expenses. Photo: Kohler

fueled by natural gas or LP gas, this kind of backup power supply feeds electricity directly into your home’s wiring system. You’ll have power not just for plug-in appliances but also for your furnace, central air-conditioning, water heater, sump pump, and more. Installing a whole-house backup generator is not a do-ityourself project–you’ll need to hire a properly trained and licensed contractor.

Safety and testing Your contractor will recommend the right size generator for your home and include an automatic transfer switch. When it senses that grid electricity is off or voltage has dropped too low, it automatically disconnects your home’s wiring from the utility grid, then starts the generator. To protect

the lives of utility line crews working to restore normal power, the automatic transfer switch isolates your home from the power grid to prevent the accidental flow of electricity from your generator into the grid. The automatic transfer switch also runs the generator briefly (called exercising) on a preset schedule to test that everything is working properly, and will alert you if there are problems. For more information on choosing the right backup generator for your home, contact your local electric co-op. KL

Mail requests and questions to James Dulley, Kentucky Living, 6906 Royalgreen Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244, or visit www.dulley.com.

GADGETS &GIZMOS

TECH TIP

LESLIE SCANLON

What if I don’t want to share? Using privacy settings and other tricks to better control apps on your phone or tablet The questions start popping up the minute you download or begin using an application on your smartphone or tablet—often when you’re distracted or eager to get started. Do you want the app to use your location? What about push notifications? Connect to your contacts? Some applications do need certain information in order to perform particular tasks. In other cases, not so much. Don’t simply accept the developer’s default settings. It’s easy to be confused—or to assume that the application needs certain information to work effectively. But consumers do have some choices about what information to release, so it’s important to pay attention to privacy settings and choose the circumstances under which you want to reveal personal information. Also understand that “push notifications” allow an app to send you messages or reminders, even

when you’re not using the application. Consider whether you would find these notices useful or annoying. App messages can range from personalized notices (receipt for a purchase, notice of a gate change for your flight) to more general (weather info or news alerts). You may also have some control over how the alerts arrive—with a sound, pop-up message, or badge indicating app activity or a message.

Review your settings after an upgrade Bear in mind that although an app asks for access when you install it, you can change your settings later. What you’ve given permission for an app to access may or may not change after an upgrade—and it’s up to you to keep track of any changes. Get in the habit of revisiting all app privacy settings from time to time, as software upgrades may affect the choices without your being aware of it. Choosing your answers to app questions carefully can cut down the annoyance factor on your smartphone or tablet—and help protect your privacy.

CHOOSY CONSUMER Controlling access to your personal information for privacy Before giving an answer to an app’s questions, read the privacy policy for clues about how your personal information would be shared. Check whether the application wants permission to share your personal data

with outside third parties. For example, a health and fitness application might give your personal information to marketing or advertising firms unless you say no. An app may also ask whether it can use your location—which can be useful in some situations (getting directions, finding a lost phone) but might seem unnecessary or intrusive in other cases. Some applications will ask to access

your contacts list or camera functions. Take time to consider what you want to reveal and what interactions you’re okay with—and block what you’re not. On Facebook, for example, you can adjust privacy settings for such things as what you allow others to post on your wall, who can see photographs that you share, whether others can see who your Facebook friends are, and much more.

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CO-OPERATIONS

GRAYSON

Saving lives, energy, and money

PAINTSVILLE GRAY

DEBRA GIBSON ISAACS

Safe thinking for kids GRAYSON

Camps are a great place for young people to learn about safety around electricity, and Camp KIDS, held each year at Carter Caves State Resort Park, is a good example. With safety helmets on their heads and silly bands on their wrists, the 60 youths ages 10-13 learned about the benefits and dangers of electricity from David White of the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives and Herbie Steagall with Grayson Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation. Camp KIDS is an East Carter County Family Resource and Youth Services based camp for Kids Ignoring Dangerous Situations.

Boys and girls celebrate while learning about electricity at Camp KIDS, held at Carter Caves State Resort Park. Photo: Julie Rhea Lewis

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Personnel for state and county road crews watch as Clarence Greene and David White demonstrate what to do in dangerous situations involving live power lines. Photo: Betty Castle

Emergency prepared PAINTSVILLE

An electric line falls on your vehicle. Your instincts tell you to get out. However, if you had listened to a presentation from David White and Clarence Greene with the Kentucky Association of Electric Cooperatives, you would know that getting out actually puts you in more danger. Road crews working in the service area for Big Sandy Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation now know this thanks to the cooperative. Big Sandy Co-op arranged the live line safety demonstration, which shows actual electrical emergencies and explains what to do. The road crews are just one of many participants. The cooperative arranges similar presentations for emergency management crews, fire fighters, and schools.

Recycling for energy savings GRAY

“I want to do anything and everything we can to help members manage their energy usage and lower their electric bills,” says Ted Hampton, president and CEO of Cumberland Valley Electric. Recently, that included a trek to Louisville to the ARCA Inc. recycling facility so Cumberland Valley employees could learn more about how the co-op’s members can save money through appliance recycling. It’s part of two new programs Cumberland Valley offers members: an appliance recycling program and an ENERGY STAR rebate program. KL Above, an employee at ARCA Inc., an appliance recycling company, takes apart an old refrigerator. For information on the appliance recycling program and other incentives, search “2015 energy incentives” at KentuckyLiving.com. Photo: Rich Prewitt

ENERGY 101 The pluses and minuses of robot thermostats Programmable thermostats can save money—but only if used properly When used correctly, programmable thermostats may help you use less energy. Basic models allow you to set the time and target temperature for four programming periods: wake, leave, return, and sleep. Simple models give you options in a 5/2 pattern of workweek/weekend days; more expensive and complex models offer more choices, and include vacation settings. The Environmental Protection Agency has established recommended temperatures for each time period during winter heating season and summer cooling season, with projected annual energy savings based on those numbers. Some

programmable thermostats on the market today are preset with the EPA’s numbers as a starting point. Many consumers will be surprised to see that temperature swings during a 24-hour period involve changes of as much as 10 to 15 degrees. It is important to note that the EPA’s recommendations are not energy efficient for homes with heat pumps. During winter, the extreme temperature swings using the preset program’s numbers may even increase your energy use, due to forcing more frequent operation of the backup system, an effect that’s most noticeable if the backup system is electric resistance

ENERGY BASICS

heat instead of natural gas heat. During the summer in leaky homes, where outside air and humidity slip in easily, the overuse of the air-conditioning system as it tries to recover from the highest settings may also increase energy use. When choosing temperature settings for your programmable thermostat, remember that your home and activity schedule is unique, quite different from the EPA’s test situations. You’ll want to experiment with the settings to achieve the comfort level that you seek along with energy savings. -National Rural Electric Cooperative Association

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2015 HOME IMPROVEMENT ISSUE

PORCHES & DECKS BY KATHY WITT

Expand your living space by creating an outdoor retreat, while adding value to your home. Learn how these do-it-yourselfers added small and large porches and decks, with expert tips from homeowners and professional builders. Remember when a deck was a 10x10 square of wood slats that looked like every other deck in the neighborhood? Or when a porch was a plain-Jane concrete slab with room for two chairs and a potted plant? More afterthought than thoughtfully conceived design, both were serviceable but not terribly stylish, ubiquitous but hardly customized to harmonize with house and landscape. These days, as outdoor living continues to be more and more popular, many homeowners are thinking outside the n Tim Meador is a self-taught DIY expert, who built the familyâ€™s new deck featuring a fireplace and gazebo. Photo: Joe Imel

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n The Meador family enjoy their outside deck additions to their home in Franklin. Hannah, age 9, and Madelynn Meador, 6, roast marshmallows in the fireplace built by their dad, Tim, while wife Wendy, at right, chats with sister-in-law Wendy Meador. Photo: Joe Imel

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TIPS FROM THE TRENCHES For $500 and elbow grease, Arnold Mueller, a Salt River Electric Co-op member, expanded the existing porch on his Fisherville home—basically a 35-square-foot walk-up with just enough room for an accent chair and a potted plant—to create a charming, functional outdoor space. Before and after photos by Arnold Mueller.

BEFORE

“My son and I built the deck part of the porch and a local craftsman at Taylorsville Machine Company built the steel rail to finish the look,” says Mueller, who moved to Kentucky from Wisconsin two years ago. The retiree and history buff currently serves as president of the Spencer County Historic and Genealogical Society. Now measuring 60 square feet, the porch has a comfy seating area and multiple potted plants, all set off with a black rail. Mueller installed plants along the front and side of the porch and house— which previously had no landscaping—and steppingstones that encircle the porch and lead to the back yard. As a final touch, he painted his front door a warm and welcoming rust color.

AFTER

“Being in the front of our home, we see many of our neighbors walking dogs and enjoy short visits with them,” he says. “The porch is a very nice late-afternoon and evening place to sit and relax, read a book, or just vegetate.”

Mueller’s DIY tips: n Keep the project size in proportion

to the overall size of the house. n Keep your project within the scope

of your knowledge. n Take into account the position of the

house as to morning and evening sun. n When planting, keep the lowest plants next to the home and

slowly increase height as you move away from it. n Always have in mind how

changes impact your weekly mowing. n Left to right, Wendy Meador chose wrought-iron balusters for the deck railing. Tim built the dry-laid fireplace from pavers. Flowers and a wrought-iron lantern grace Tim’s custom-built mantel. A copper weathervane tops the gazebo. Photos: Joe Imel

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footings to create lavish outdoor rooms with sophisticated designs that incorporate outdoor kitchens and fireplaces, gazebos, hot tubs, ponds, and landscaping—and screen in the good times while keeping out insects, rain, and full-on sun. Here are a few readers who got into DIY mode and drafted their own blueprints for porches and decks designed to suit their needs. Tim and Wendy Meador, members of Warren RECC, built their home on their family farm in Franklin. With no intention of ever moving, the couple knew that

whatever type of deck they built, they would have to be happy with it for a long time. Several months and lots of hard work later, the Meadors have completed the first two phases of a four-phase project that includes a multitiered deck with gazebo and wood burning fireplace. “I knew I wanted something with different levels for entertaining areas,” says Wendy Meador, who is the Customer Service representative at Warren RECC’s Franklin office. The fireplace anchors the deck’s main level. One step up is the gazebo dining/conversation area. Phase three, planned for summer, calls for a level two steps up on the opposite side of the gazebo for a hot tub area. For the final phase, the Meadors plan to screen in an existing patio. An arbor planted with honeysuckle—a Mother’s Day gift from Tim to Wendy Meador last year—acts as a focal and entrance point to the deck from the yard. The bulk of the work was completed by Tim Meador. “While he isn’t a carpenter by trade, he has spent time in the past working on different aspects of carpentry,” says Wendy Meador. “There isn’t much around our house that he hasn’t had his hand in. He laid the foundation of our house all by himself.” The Meadors estimate it’s cost them about $2,000 to date, including the landscaping, for their deck project. The most important consideration for the

n Below, the sitting area of the Ladds’ porch is “a great place to read—no TV!” Stairs lead into the back yard; ceiling fans and lights make the covered porch even more comfy from April–October; and doors to the kitchen and master bedroom add convenience and safety. Todd’s grandfather’s milk jug and a birdhouse made with wood salvaged from Karen’s great-grandparents’ home add family history and warmth. Photos: Joe Imel

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n Owners Karen and Todd Ladd relax at home in Cadiz on their covered, family-friendly porch, accessible from both the kitchen and master bedroom, while son Tyler works the grill. Built-in lighting and fans add usability and comfort. Photo: Joe Imel

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couple was to create a retreat where the family could wind down and enjoy nature, and have plenty of room for entertaining. Once completed, their outdoor living space will have quadrupled in size, putting relaxation always within a few steps. When the Ladd family was building a new home in Cadiz, Karen Ladd, member and employee of Pennyrile Electric cooperative, decided to scrap the original back porch design, which she felt was too cramped, and come up with her own blueprint. “I wanted something that was large enough for a

ONLINE

Kentucky deck designers share their secrets Check out more gorgeous photos of decks, porches, and a modern lake-front cabin on Lake Barkley and get expert tips for building an ideal outdoor living space—what’s the best size and flow, incorporating green materials, music, and more—from two professional deck designerswhen you search “Kentucky deck designers share their secrets” at KentuckyLiving.com.

Where to begin Many of the homeowners who undertook deck and porch construction projects began their search for inspiration by looking at plans they found online. Here are sources for ideas: DIY Home Design Ideas, www.DIYHomeDesignIdeas.com, has information and photo galleries for deck and patio and screened-in porch designs, as well as downloadable 3-D Design Tool options, including free home design software.

sitting area as well as an area for eating and grilling,” she says. “We also positioned our home on the lot so that, from the porch, our view is of a wooded area.” Ladd wanted her outdoor living space to be open, inviting, and relaxing. At an estimated cost of $8,500 to $10,000, she feels she achieved her goal. The porch, trimmed in white railing, is 12 feet wide by 30 feet long and provides plenty of elbow room and entertainment area. With its plump cushions, ceiling fans, and clustered plants, it checks the boxes for charm and comfort, too. “We have thoroughly enjoyed the seating arrangement for reading, listening to music, and talking,” she says, noting the family also loves grilling “under roof.” Julie Bessinger, member of Warren RECC, of Leitchfield screened in her home’s back porch, added a roof over a stamped concrete patio as well as new landscaping, and redesigned a fish pond. It was a project she and her late husband always wanted to tackle. With input from family and help from contractor John Carter of Carter Construction, she saw her design, completed in two stages to transform the outdoor living space into a relaxing family retreat. “I like to have my family, friends, and the Sunday school class over,” says Bessinger. “The space just needed to be finished so we could enjoy it no matter what the weather was like.” With ceiling fans installed on the porch and under the patio roof, and flowers planted and mulched, the project is at last finished. “Everything is finished,” she says. “The best thing is we now have an area to sit that’s shaded from the sun, and there are no mosquitoes or flies. “I’m really looking forward to being out there this year.” KL

HGTV, www.HGTV.com, is America’s leader in home and lifestyle programming. Click the “Design and Decorate” tab to connect to the “Outdoor Design” page. Houzz, www.Houzz.com, is a platform for home remodeling and design where you can find pictures relating to just about any project design you can dream up; in fact, you can scroll through hundreds of photos from homeowners, home design enthusiasts, and home improvement professionals. Houzz is also a place to find design and construction professionals. Pinterest, www.Pinterest.com. Type “outdoor living space” in the search bar and hundreds of images and ideas will pop up.

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n A recycled brick and stone path leads from the screened porch to the stamped concrete covered patio at Julie Bessinger’s Leitchfield home. Photo: Julie Bessinger

n Tim Meador built the gazebo for wife Wendy, who always wanted one. It gives shelter from sun and rain and is lit from within with decorative bulbs. n The Meadors’ deck is a frequent gathering place to enjoy meals or refreshments with family and friends. n Daughters Hannah and Madelynn enjoy toasting marshmallows for s’mores while family members gather to catch up.

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2015 HOME IMPROVEMENT ISSUE

Clean Green

Small things you can do to make a big impact in your home and community—from cleaning with natural products to being careful what you pour down the drain

B LLAR PHOTO CLU YONG HIAN LIM/DO

BY GRAHAM SHELBY • PHOTOS BY JIM BATTLES

LEGENDARY KENTUCKY WRITER AND CONSERVATIONIST WENDELL BERRY ONCE SAID HE DOESN’T LIKE THE TERM “ENVIRONMENT.” In a 2011 interview, Berry said, “We need to stop talking about ‘the environment’ and start talking about places we call by name…Nobody ever called their home place ‘the environment.’” As it turns out, the places we call home—our houses, yards, and neighborhoods—need just as much attention as the atmosphere or the oceans. There are also plenty of relatively easy steps we can take to preserve them—and ourselves.

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“Sustainability” has become a buzzword in the corporate world. When you look at Web sites of leading Kentucky businesses like Yum! Brands, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Papa John’s, you’ll find pages discussing their sustainable business practices. Even so, the concept of integrating concern for the natural world into daily life, by using fewer resources and having a low impact, makes as much sense in a household kitchen as it does in a corporate suite. One prime area of concern is that the chemicals used in many farm and household products can cause potential harm to people, animals, and plants. Two of the biggest causes for chemical concern are nitrogen, which is found in fertilizers, and phosphorus, an ingredient in many household cleaning agents. When nitrogen and phosphorus enter your water system in too high a concentration, the result can be toxic. Drinking water that’s overloaded with these and other chemicals can lead to rashes, respiratory troubles, stomach problems, and more. The health dangers are more severe for small children. Even if you’re not putting these or other chemicals into your own water, if they go down your drain, they can end up in other people’s drinking water or in their food through livestock or game that drink contaminated water. Cindy Shepherd decided she didn’t want any part of this and started making her own cleaners from nontoxic ingredients. She and her husband, Randy, live near Oneida in Clay County and are members of Jackson Energy Cooperative.

ALL-PURPOSE HOUSEHOLD CLEANER 1 cup of water 1 tsp Dr. Bronner’s liquid, all-purpose Castile soap 5 drops eucalyptus oil 5 drops lemon essential oil Use a funnel to pour into a clear spray bottle; shake to mix. More household cleaning ideas and recipes are available online at www.pinterest.com/drbronner/green-cleaning.

n Kelly Saderholm of Summer Shade advises using plain white vinegar to clean windows, toilets, countertops, and hardwood floors. Some people mix vinegar with water, but she says, “I just use it straight. There’s a bit of a vinegar smell, but it dissipates pretty quickly.”

GREENING UP OUTDOORS For many Kentuckians, particularly those in rural areas, caring for what’s outside their house is as important as caring for what’s inside. David Allen is director of the Center for Environmental Education at Murray State University. He offers these tips for greening up the way you care for your great outdoors. Use rain barrels. These work in conjunction with your gutters to collect rainwater, which can then be used to water the landscaping or yards between rain showers.

If you own land near a stream or river, leave an undisturbed area along the waterway. This will help prevent erosion and thus preserve topsoil. It will also help prevent substances such as fertilizers and pesticides from getting into the waterways and impacting the plant and animal life there (and possibly humans who may eat the fish from the waterway). Use native plants when you’re landscaping. They require much less maintenance, including less chemical application.

Create a compost pile. Many things can be composted (don’t forget to use your daily food scraps) and turned into rich organic matter that can be used in gardens, landscaping, etc. Build a water garden. These can help collect water before it becomes runoff, which can remove your topsoil. Dispose of your trash properly. This is especially important for fluids like oil and paints. If it’s poured on the ground, it will often find its way into someone’s drinking water.

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People assume the biggest source of water pollution would be large industrial facilities like factories or refineries. “The number one source of water pollution is people.”

GREEN LIVING RESOURCES UK Cooperative Extension Service The University of Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension Service has extensive resources on the subject of sustainability in the home, including videos, definitions, how-tos, FAQs and more. www2.ca.uky.edu/gogreen/index.php. You can also call (859) 257-2505. Here’s their guide to installing your own rain garden: www2.ca.uky.edu/gogreen/raingarden.php My Green Home Plenty of information and ideas for green living in the home in this blog. www.mygreenhomeblog.com Mindful Momma Health, recipes, and green living are among the topics explored in this blog by a wife and mother of two. www.mindfulmomma.com Proud Green Home Homebuilders and homeowners can find information and resources in this site dedicated to “creating high performance homes.” Also search keyword “laundry” to read 5 Ways to Be More Eco-Friendly When Doing Laundry. www.proudgreenhome.com Home Composting Made Easy Find lots of information and a quick-start guide under the “How to Compost” section, which includes how to use food scraps, grass clippings, and leaves. www.homecompostingmadeeasy.com

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“I use eucalyptus oil,” she says. She orders it online (it’s available from Amazon and other retailers) along with other materials like lemon essential oil and Dr. Bronner’s nontoxic soaps. Instead of buying a spray bottle of multisurface cleaner from the store every few weeks, she makes her own. See the recipe on page 28. Preparation time: “About two minutes.” Cost? “It’s super cheap, maybe 10 cents a cup.” (For comparison, the same amount of storebought cleaner might cost about eight or nine times that.) Shepherd says there’s also a satisfaction beyond the savings. “I know exactly what I’m using. I know I’m not harming the earth or my loved ones.” If you’re thinking about this approach, she says, “Try it. Do the research. See how it makes you feel.” Kelly and Mark Saderholm are members of Farmers RECC in Summer Shade in Metcalfe County. They built their house themselves and are among the roughly 400,000 Kentuckians the state estimates get their water from a well or spring. The Saderholms also have a septic system. Kelly says she started wanting to use more natural cleaning agents when they moved there 15 years ago. “We had small children and cats and just thought it made sense to use things that were not as toxic.” Saderholm uses plain white vinegar as one of her primary cleaning tools. “It works beautifully on toilets, glass, countertops, hardwood floors.” Some people mix vinegar with water, but she says, “I just use it straight. There’s a little bit of a vinegar smell, but it dissipates pretty quickly.” To clean drains, she says baking soda and vinegar make an effective combo. “Put a cup of baking soda down the drain, let it sit a minute, then pour vinegar down there.” Making a green home was part of the Saderholms’ plan from the beginning. They chose white asphalt for their roof shingles, which she says absorb less heat than darker-colored shingles. (Our energy advisors also add that when choosing shingles to be sure both the reflectance and emissivity values are high, in the mid .8 to .95, since both properties determine the absorption and retention of heat. An ENERGY STAR shingle typically meets these standards.) Kelly started looking into more natural cleaners in part because, she says, “I became concerned about chemicals we use leaching into the water supply from the septic system.” Seepage is a legitimate concern for the thousands of Kentuckians who use septic systems instead of a

GREEN FEST Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A day of workshops dedicated to sustainable living, located at Bluegrass Greensource, 835 National Avenue, Lexington. www.bggreensource.org, (859) 266-1572

n To freshen drains or for slow running drains and to prevent clogs, Kelly Saderholm suggests you use an effective combo of baking soda and white vinegar. “Put a cup of baking soda down the drain, let it sit a minute, then pour vinegar down there.”

municipal sewer system. Amy Sohner is executive director of Bluegrass Greensource, an environmental education nonprofit that serves 20 counties in central and eastern Kentucky. “The septic system is really a very simple and effective mechanism for getting rid of waste. Just by pumping and getting your system inspected every three to five years, it can practically run forever,” she says. “But if you don’t do that, the leach lines clog and the soil clogs and it can cost thousands of dollars to fix.” Sohner says that water is something people use without much consideration to what happens after it leaves the house. Nonetheless, how we use it and

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what we send down the drain with it are decisions that merit some thought. She says people assume the biggest source of water pollution would be large industrial facilities like factories or refineries. “In fact, the number one source of water pollution is people,” Sohner says. That’s because everything the people put on the ground ends up in the water. Cigarette butts, untended pet waste, motor oil leaking from the car in your driveway. With time and rain, all of that material and the chemicals and bacteria along with it soak through the ground and into the water table. Sohner says, “Water treatment systems catch some of the chemicals, but they’re not designed to catch all of them.” In addition, just keeping an eye on how much water you’re using is important. If you have an unusually high water bill, check your faucets and toilets for leaks. Sometimes the problems—and solutions—are simple. Bluegrass GreenSource, based in Lexington, is conducting a series of rain garden workshops in central Kentucky this spring and planning a May 23 Green Fest of workshops on topics like keeping backyard chickens, composting, and how to use rainwater as a resource (see box above). Sohner says, “There are small things everyone can do that can make a big impact.” KL

.com ONLINE

Watch and go green Watch how to install a rain garden and how to make an organic all-purpose cleaner. Also learn how Kentuckians cleaned their homes before the industrial age of spray bottles and dishwasher tablets by searching “Clean Green” at KentuckyLiving.com.

KENTUCKY CULTURE Literary lights Join Jane, Jesse, and Janice for good company and conversation KATHY WITT

“My idea of good company is the company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation; that is what I call good company.”—Miss Anne Elliot

WORTH THE TRIP

hat Jane Austen wrote in 1815-16 in her last completed novel, Persuasion, remains true today. And when it comes to Jane and her ilk, there are no more “clever, wellinformed people” than the hundreds of visitors who gather annually at key Kentucky literary sites for a “great deal of conversation”—and plenty of good times. Jane keeps excellent company with King Arthur’s Round Table in Hopkinsville; with Jesse Stuart and

his W-Hollow homeland in Greenup County; and with Janice Holt Giles, whose log cabin perches on a lakeshore in Adair County. Each has inspired a fervent following that celebrate and keep alive their literary legacies. The Greater Louisville Jane Austen Society, a regional branch of the national Jane Austen Society of North America, was founded in July 2007 by a group of, shall we say, Janiacs. It is made up of about 150 Austen aficionados of both the Georgian-era author’s books and the scores of movie adaptations made of her novels. Sharon Lathan of Bardstown is a passionate Austen fan. Not only has she read the entire Austen canon, but she has written a multivolume sequel

series called The Darcy Saga to Pride and Prejudice, her favorite Austen novel. Her latest book, Darcy and Elizabeth: A Season of Courtship, was released in March 2014 and is part of a “prequel duo” that includes Darcy and Elizabeth: Hope of the Future, due later this year. “My novels are strong in the historical aspects of the era, romantic, and as true to Austen’s world, characters, and style as I can manage,” Lathan says. The setting for the group’s meetings and festival is also appropriately atmospheric: Louisville’s Locust Grove is a circa-1792 Georgian mansion, originally the home of William and Lucy Clark Croghan. It played host to Lucy’s brother, Gen.

Jackie Livingston, Lydia Fast, Maggie Roberts, Rebecca Cooper, and Melissa Alexander show off their Regency-era attire at the 2014 Jane Austen Festival at Louisville’s Locust Grove. Photo: Steve Lathan

Louisville’s annual Jane Austen Festival, which returns in 2016, is a family-friendly celebration of all things Jane Austen, from period costumes to afternoon tea. Photo: Steve Lathan

George Rogers Clark, Presidents James Monroe and Andrew Jackson, John James Audubon, and explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. “Locust Grove would be comparable to the Bennets and their Longbourn, a country gentleman’s home,” says Bonny Wise, referring to the home of the five Bennet sisters of Pride and Prejudice. Wise, the marketing coordinator at Locust Grove, was a founding member of the Society and is currently its recording secretary.

Now a National Historic Landmark, Locust Grove is the site of tours, lectures, music series, book sales, and, of course, the monthly meetings of the Greater Louisville Jane Austen Society. Meetings are on Sundays and always include tea. Programs follow the theme as determined at the national organization’s annual general meeting. For 2015, it is “Living in Jane Austen’s World.” Programming focuses on the gardens, architecture, music, literature, and fashions that influenced Jane. On May 17, “Children’s Literature

of Regency England” will be presented at Locust Grove by Mary Landrum, a children’s librarian at the Tates Creek Branch of the Lexington Public Library. Landrum plans to discuss books Jane Austen might have read as a child, focusing on works published by William Godwin’s Juvenile Library. Godwin was an Austen contemporary and the father of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.

King Arthur and his knights According to Landrum, young Jane may have dipped into retellings of

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Bible stories, myths, Shakespeare, and even the legends of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. And had she lived in these parts, she would have been able to experience

the latter story come to life at Round Table Literary Park. Surrounded by a thick grove of trees on the campus of Hopkinsville Community College is King Arthur’s

Jesse, Janice, and Jane events

TWO JESSE STUART EVENTS, held by the Jesse Stuart Foundation, include an OPEN HOUSE at the Foundation’s Ashland headquarters, on August 7 this year, celebrating Stuart’s birth in 1906. THE JESSE STUART WEEKEND at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, dedicated to the works and memory of the former Kentucky poet laureate, is September 25-26.

The Giles Society, named for Janice Holt Giles, has two annual events, both at the Giles Cabin in Knifely: KENTUCKIANS READING ABOUT KENTUCKY on September 12 and the 16TH ANNUAL GILES ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL

on October 3.

“THE TEA THINGS OF JANE AUSTEN,” the

Greater Louisville Jane Austen Society’s annual Christmas tea, planned for December 13, 2015, will feature a talk with Bruce Richardson, owner of Kentucky’s Elmwood Inn Teas; and Benjamin Press, tea instructor and tea historian for The Boston Harbor Museum. THE JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL, typically held the third weekend of July, will not be held in 2015 due to Jane Austen Society of North America’s annual general meeting, to be held at Locust Grove in October. The festival will be back in 2016 with its lineup of an Austen author, Regency style show, Regency Emporium, and afternoon tea, plus workshops and a Grand Ball. The festival is open to all; membership in the national society is not required.

Round Table Literary Park on Hopkinsville Community College’s campus is home to this replica of King Arthur’s legendary table. Photo: Hopkinsville Community College

Sword in the Stone and a 22,000pound replica of King Arthur’s Round Table. But that’s not all. Visitors also find a sculpture of Melpomene, the Greek Muse of tragedy; a partial medieval wall; and the Delphian Tholos, which is the historical Greek sanctuary of the goddess Athena and site of the Oracle of Delphi. The Round Table Literary Park was created from an endowment in honor of HCC faculty emeritus Frances G. Thomas, who taught English and creative writing from the college’s inaugural year in 1965 until her retirement in 1996. The park and its Greco-Roman amphitheater are the venue for the annual Round Table Literary Awards and the unveiling of the college’s The Round Table literary magazine. Kentucky’s literary sites spark exactly the variety of clever, wellinformed conversation Miss Elliot so cherishes in good company. And as Persuasion’s William Elliot notes: “that is not good company, that is the best.” KL KATHY WITT is an award-winning life-

style and travel writer and author of several books, including The Secret of the Belles.

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Tap into your latent lit lover To learn more about the GREATER LOUISVILLE JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY, visit www.

JASNALouisville.com. Membership costs $10 a person or $15 for two family members at the same residence. Details about membership and regional events can be found on the Web site. To learn more about the JANE AUSTEN SOCIETY OF NORTH AMERICA, visit www.JASNA.org. AUSTEN AUTHORS, visit www. AustenAuthors.net, a blog created by bestselling Regency author Sharon Lathan, currently has 20 authors who share their unique brand of carrying on Austen’s world. For more information about Lathan’s novels, visit www.SharonLathan.net. ROUND TABLE LITERARY PARK, Hopkinsville Community College campus, 720 North Drive, Hopkinsville. For general information, contact the HopkinsvilleChristian County Convention & Visitors Bureau, (270) 885-9096 or (800) 842-9959, www.VisitHopkinsville.com. For information on visiting or reserving the park, (270) 707-3750 or e-mail carol.kirves@kctcs.edu or carrie.mcginnis@kctcs.edu. JANICE HOLT GILES LOG CABIN, 380 Spout Springs Road, Columbia, (270) 849-8803, www. GilesSociety.org. They are a member of Taylor County RECC. The Giles House is open to the public 1-4 p.m. (CT) Saturday and Sunday, June-October. Visit the Web site for event and membership details. Giles was inducted into the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame in January 2014. JESSE STUART FOUNDATION,

4440 13th Street, Ashland, (606) 326-1667, www.JSFBooks. com. The Regional Readers book discussion group (which reads books by Kentucky authors or about Kentucky and Appalachia) meets on the last Tuesday of the month, except for December. Coffee and conversation starts at 5:15 p.m.; the discussion begins at 5:45 p.m. The book group is open to all and new members are always welcome. Visit the Web site for event and membership details.

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EVENT CALENDAR

Mill and memorial Enjoy mill-ground cornmeal hoecakes, pinto beans, and desserts for $5 and check out artisan booths at Mill Springs Annual Cornbread Festival, May 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Mill Springs Park in Monticello. The mill is open for tours May 23-25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with grinding demonstrations 2-3 p.m. On May 25, the Mill Springs Battlefield will host its annual National Memorial Day Services at 11 a.m. at Mill Springs National Cemetery. A picnic lunch, free for vets, is at the Battlefield Visitor Center at noon. For more information, call (606) 636-4045 or go online to www.millsprings.net.

Spring in bloom Stop and smell the flowers while strolling the historic grounds at the free Woodson House Garden Festival at Battle for the Bridge Preserve in Munfordville, May 9, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Victorian Tea, 2-4 p.m., $15, or children 10 and under $5. There are art displays, music, craft booths, historical displays, and demonstrations of crafts such as spinning and wood carving. For details, call (270) 5240101 or go to www.hartcountymuseum.org.

Happy birthday, Lebanon Celebrate Lebanon’s bicentennial at the annual Picnic in the Park, May 30 at Graham Memorial Park. Inflatables, caricature artist, face painting, toy train rides, kids’ events, food, and birthday cake, 11 a.m. -3 p.m. Celebration continues at dusk with a free concert under the stars by Nashville country rocker J.D. Shelburne at the Farmers Market Pavilion. For information, call (270) 692-0021 or go to www.visit lebanonky.com.

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Street rod fun American-made, pre-1973 hot rods and custom and classic muscle cars and trucks rule at the Riverfront Rod Run, May 29-30 in downtown Paducah. Vehicles can be viewed by the general public (donations suggested; proceeds to go to charities) and fun activities are planned for registrants. Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Awards are at 3 p.m. Saturday. For details, call (270) 851-3076 or go to www.rivertinstreetrods.com.

EVENT CALENDAR FRI MAY 1

Evening of Dance

(270) 745-3121 Russell H Miller Theatre, Bowling Green. SAT MAY 2

Dailey and Vincent— Sneed Family

(270) 361-2101 Plaza Theatre, Glasgow.

Wildlife Cruise to the Blue Heron Rookery

Second Saturday Street Fair

(270) 393-3444 Fountain Square Park, Bowling Green.

Second Saturday

(270) 982-2209 Elizabethtown.

Woodson House Garden Festival & Ladies Tea

(270) 531-2354 Munfordville.

I’m a Dam Runner 5K Run/Fun Walk

(800) 734-5611 Also the 9th, 16th. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg.

(270) 789-3776 Green River Lake State Park, Campbellsville.

Silks in the Bluegrass

SUN MAY 10

(502) 777-6300 Crowne Plaza, Louisville. SUN MAY 3

Spring Tea

(859) 485-4383 Gaines Tavern History Center, Walton. FRI MAY 8

Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels

(502) 352-7469 Grand Theatre, Frankfort.

Lion & Lioness Spring Festival

(502) 593-3839 Through the 9th. Mt. Washington.

Vintage on the Creek

(859) 322-3082 Through the 9th. Berry. SAT MAY 9

Lecture Series

(270) 542-4167 South Union Shaker Village, Auburn.

National Train Day

Mother’s Day Train Excursion

(502) 249-9443 Also the 22nd, 29th, June 5. Blue Grass Entertainment & Exposition Complex, Bardstown.

Bourbon Open Golf Tournament

(502) 349-6542 Through the 17th. Old Kentucky Home Country Club/Kenny Rapier State Park Golf Course, Bardstown.

NMCA Muscle Car Nationals

Mother’s Day Celebration

Maifest

Taylor’s Survivors Relay For Life Motorcycle Run

(606) 305-2026 Pulaski Co. Park, Somerset.

Friends of Anderson Public Library Book Sale

(502) 839-6420 Lawrenceburg.

Spring Fest

(270) 369-6188 Glendale.

Pennyrile Classic Car Club Cruise-In

(270) 886-5710 Hopkinsville.

Christian Co. Animal Shelter Spay-Ghetti Dinner

(270) 887-4175 War Memorial Building, Hopkinsville.

Jessamine Co. Quilt Show

(859) 384-6617 Jane’s Saddlebag, Union.

(859) 491-0458 Through the 17th. MainStrasse Village, Covington.

(859) 887-1292 Christian Church, Nicholasville.

Red Lick Artisans Tour

All-American Soap Box Derby

(270) 589-1425 Through the 17th. James D. Beville Park, Leitchfield.

(859) 986-7225 Through the 11th. Berea.

(270) 843-6665 Through the 16th. Phil Moore Park, Alvaton.

FRI MAY 15

Paddle + Yoga Weekend

Central KY Community Theatre: Xanadu Jr. (859) 336-5412 Through the 17th. Opera House, Springfield.

Logan Co. Bluegrass Festival

(270) 725-0812 Through the 17th. McCutchen Coke Park, Auburn.

3rd Friday Art Gallery Show

The Maiden City Pursuit

LowerTown Arts Festival

(606) 416-6080 Community Park, Shopville.

The Bardstown Opry

(800) 272-0152 Kentucky Railway Museum, New Haven.

(859) 279-3431 Art House, Ft. Thomas.

Antique Tractor & Small Engine Show

(502) 507-0808 Also the 22nd, 29th, June 5. Bardstown.

(270) 781-7634 Through the 17th. Beech Bend Park & Raceway, Bowling Green.

(800) 272-0152 Kentucky Railway Museum, New Haven.

(859) 588-2612 Cynthiana.

A Visit with the Spirits of Wickland

(270) 908-0090 Through the 16th. Paducah.

Jessamine Co. Beef Cattle Cookout

(859) 608-6295 Through the 16th. Tractor Supply, Nicholasville.

(270) 745-4044 Through Jul. 2. Hardin Planetarium, Bowling Green.

(606) 453-2991 Through the 17th. Mt. Vernon.

Spring Fling

(606) 789-2600 Paintsville.

Junior Naturalist Program

(270) 393-0077 Lost River Cave, Bowling Green.

Hope Jam

(502) 220-2335 Eminence.

A Tradition of Variations from the Pilgrim/Roy Collection

(270) 442-8856 Through Aug. 17. National Quilt Museum, Paducah.

Friday Night Thunder

Golf Scramble

(606) 474-4401 Hidden Cove Golf Course, Grayson. SAT MAY 23

Girl Scout & Boy Scout Day

(606) 687-4157 Somerset Mall, Somerset.

(800) 272-0152 Kentucky Railway Museum, New Haven.

SPORTSNationals Test & Tune

Cornbread Festival

(270) 781-7634 Beech Bend Park & Raceway, Bowling Green.

(606) 348-3064 Mill Springs Park, Monticello.

100th Somernites Cruise

(606) 872-2277 Fountain Square, Somerset.

SUN MAY 17

SAT MAY 16

Great Saltpetre Cave Open House

FRI MAY 22

(270) 529-3781 Through the 24th. Buchanon Park, Bowling Green.

Guy Penrod

(270) 450-4444 Carson Center, Paducah.

(800) 272-0152 Through the 17th. Kentucky Railway Museum, New Haven.

(606) 474-4401 Through the 25th. Grayson.

KY ASA Girls Fastpitch Softball Northern National Qualifier Tournament

Art in the Park

(800) 734-5611 Through the 16th. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg.

’40s Weekend

Grayson Memory Days

Night Sky Stories over a Summer Campfire

Spring Tea

(859) 485-4383 Gaines Tavern History Center, Walton. WED MAY 20

Compagnia TPO: Bleu!

(800) 775-7777 Through the 24th. Kentucky Center, Louisville. THU MAY 21

The 3 Painters

(270) 904-1880 Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center, Bowling Green.

W W W. K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G . C O M • M AY 2 0 1 5

Memorial Weekend Celebration

(270) 343-2525 Through the 25th. Lake Cumberland State Dock, Jamestown.

Bluegrass & Gospel Sing

BBQ, Blues, & Bikes

(270) 982-2209 Elizabethtown.

Chamber Music Festival of the Bluegrass

(800) 775-7777 Through the 29th. Bomhard Theater, Louisville.

(606) 297-4169 Mountain Home Place, Paintsville.

(800) 734-5611 Through the 24th. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg.

Wendy Whelanâ€” Restless Creature

Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony

(800) 775-7777 Brown Theatre, Louisville.

SPORTSNational Open

(270) 781-7634 Through the 24th. Beech Bend Park & Raceway, Bowling Green.

Double J Stables & Horsemenâ€™s Campground Memorial Weekend (270) 286-8167 Mammoth Cave.

WED MAY 27

The Unauthorized Harry Experience: A Parody by Dan and Jeff

THU MAY 28

(270) 259-5587 Leitchfield. MON MAY 25

Mill Springs Battlefield Memorial Day Services

(606) 636-4050 Nancy. TUE MAY 26

AMRA Harley Davidson Summer Shootout & Rally

(270) 781-7634 Through the 28th. Beech Bend Raceway, Bowling Green.

TS Performance Diesel Drags

(270) 781-7634 Beech Bend Park & Raceway, Bowling Green. FRI MAY 29

Riverfront Rod Run

(270) 554-2975 Through the 30th. Paducah.

Glasgow Highland Games

(270) 651-3141 Through the 31st. Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas.

Taylor Co. Fair

Russell Co. Fair

(270) 789-2964 Through June 6. American Legion Post 86, Campbellsville.

(270) 585-2009 Through June 6. Fairgrounds, Russell Springs.

SAT MAY 30

TUE JUN 2

Woodford County Womanâ€™s Club Garden & Home Tour

Taylor Swift

(859) 873-0241 Versailles.

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train Murder Mystery (866) 801-3463 Bardstown.

Train Robbery

(800) 745-3000 KFC Yum! Center, Louisville. THU JUN 4

U.S. 25 Yard Sale

(859) 779-3005 Through the 6th. Berea.

Hwy. 68 400 Mile Sale

(800) 272-0152 Through the 31st. Kentucky Railway Museum, New Haven.

(270) 782-0800 Through the 7th. Bowling Green.

Janeâ€™s Saddlebag Wine Festival

Great American Brass Band Festival

(859) 384-6617 Union.

(859) 319-8426 Through the 7th. Danville. FRI JUN 5

Pennington Folk Music Festival

(270) 365-3959 Through the 6th. Butler Lawn, Princeton.

One Slight Hitch

(866) 597-5297 Through the 20th. Pioneer Playhouse, Danville.

Bluegrass Festival

(502) 252-9004 Through the 6th. White Acres Campground, Bardstown.

SAT JUN 6

Alzheimerâ€™s Association Making Memories Gala & Auction

(502) 451-4266 Belvedere Outlook, Louisville.

Shake, Ride, and Roll Bike Ride

(270) 542-4167 South Union Shaker Village, Auburn.

Day Out With Thomas

(800) 272-0152 Through the 7th. Kentucky Railway Museum, New Haven.

Contented Heart Quilt Guild Quilt Auction

(606) 340-0015 Wayne Theater, Monticello.

Bluegrass Draft Horse & Mule Championship

(800) 844-1601 L.D. Brown Ag Expo Center, Bowling Green.

Aviation Heritage Park Hangar Party

(270) 842-1101 Bowling Green/Warren Co. Regional Airport, Bowling Green. SUN JUN 7

Historical Home Tour (859) 485-4383 Gaines Tavern History Center, Walton. KL

Houseboat Expo

(270) 343-2525 Through the 7th. Lake Cumberland State Dock, Jamestown.

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K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G â€˘ M AY 2 0 1 5

How to submit your event

Events are published as space allows, must be submitted at least 90Â days in advance, and include a telephone number for publication. To submit an event online, go to www. KentuckyLiving.com and select Events, or send your info to Kentucky Living, Events Editor, P.O.Â Box 32170, Louisville, KY 40232, or fax to (502) 459-1611.

To view a comprehensive listing of events, go to www.KentuckyLiving.com and select Events. You can search by date or any keyword. Published events are subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm dates and times.

CHEF’S CHOICE

BRUNCH SOLUTION

SARAH FRITSCHNER

Cheese Torte

Hometown and homestyle

Recipe by Sarah Fritschner

JOANN HARVEY

Breathitt County native KELSEY SEBASTIAN was 25 years old when she opened Kelsey’s on Main in Jackson last summer. She was deliberate about returning to her hometown after graduating from the University of Kentucky with a hospitality management degree and business minor. Kelsey’s grandparents still live there, along with aunts, uncles, and 11 first cousins. “It just made sense for me to come back,” she says. One aunt owns the 100-year-old building that has become Kelsey’s on Main—the former Jackson pharmacy that has housed a doctor, lawyers, and another restaurant. “This space is perfect,” Kelsey says, with exposed brick wall, original ceiling, the drugstore sign, and an original apothecary cabinet. Kelsey says the cuisine “is Southern, and it’s homestyle,” with soups, sandwiches, and salads for lunch and homemade meat loaf, pork tenderloin, fried chicken, and fried catfish among the dinner entrees. Desserts, too, rotate. Kelsey describes her blondies as so easy she can “make them in five minutes.” Kelsey’s on Main is at 1124 Main Street in Jackson. It’s open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 2 p.m.

EDIS CELIK

Breathitt County restaurant owner drawn back to eastern Kentucky roots

Sunday. For more information call (606) 666-4004.

White Chocolate Chip Blondies

1 lb extra-sharp grated cheddar cheese 1 ⁄4 C grated onion 2-3 Tbsp mayonnaise 1 C chopped pecans 1 lb cream cheese (two 8-oz packages), softened 1 ⁄3 C chutney 1 ⁄2 tsp cayenne pepper 3 slices bacon, cooked until crisp 1 ⁄3 C frozen chopped spinach 1 tsp minced fresh garlic 1 ⁄2 tsp salt 1 ⁄4 tsp oregano Line a 1-quart dish with plastic wrap to allow release. In a bowl, mix room-temperature cheddar cheese with onion and mayonnaise. Spread half of mixture in dish. Chill the dish, but not the remaining cheese mixture. Add chopped pecans to remaining cheese mixture; set aside.

1 C unsalted butter, melted 2 C brown sugar 2 large eggs 2 tsp vanilla 1 ⁄4 tsp hazelnut extract, optional 2 C all-purpose flour 1 tsp baking soda Pinch salt 1 C white chocolate morsels 3 ⁄4 C chopped almonds Grease a 13x9-inch pan. Beat butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, vanilla, and hazelnut extract, if desired. Add flour, baking soda, and salt and mix until combined. Stir in morsels and almonds. Spread in pan and bake in a 350° oven for 20-24 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and cool before slicing. Serve alone or with ice cream and homemade vanilla cream sauce.

Vanilla Cream Sauce ⁄2 C butter ⁄2 C granulated sugar 1 ⁄2 C firmly packed brown sugar 1 ⁄2 C heavy whipping cream 1 Tbsp vanilla 1 1

Combine all sauce ingredients except vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until mixture thickens and comes to a full boil (5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Serve over blondies. If mixture hardens on standing, gently reheat to make it pourable.

In another bowl, combine 1/2 pound of cream cheese with chutney and cayenne. Blend thoroughly. Spread over cheddar mixture in dish. Chill. Crumble bacon. Thaw spinach and squeeze to remove all water. Combine spinach in a bowl with remaining cream cheese mixture, bacon, garlic, salt, and oregano. Blend. Spread over chilled cheesechutney mixture. Top with the cheese-pecan mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze until ready to use. If frozen, thaw overnight in fridge. Invert torte onto a serving plate and serve with crackers. Serves 20. SARAH FRITSCHNER coordinates

Louisville Farm to Table, a program bringing more Kentucky-grown food into local homes, restaurants, and institutions.

Go to KentuckyLiving.com, search for “Hometown and homestyle” for cooking tips.

W W W. K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G . C O M • M AY 2 0 1 5

GREAT OUTDOORS

Sunken treasure “Reforestation” of Cave Run Lake improves fish habitat DAVE BAKER

ections of Cave Run Lake flourished with underwater forests when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dammed the Licking River to create the lake, which became operational in 1974. The submerged branches formed canopies where predator and prey fish could thrive. Much has changed beneath the surface in the ensuing 41 years. “Cave Run Lake still has a lot of timber standing in some areas, but they’ve basically become telephone poles,” notes Northeastern District fisheries biologist Tom Timmermann. “It’s not what it was when it was impounded decades ago.” Kentucky’s lakes are going bald underneath the waves. “Our reservoirs are aging,” says Kentucky Fisheries Division Director Ron Brooks. “After 40, 50, 60 years, the structure below the surface, such as trees and stumps, breaks down and decomposes.” Last year, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources launched a pilot project to add some stubble to the state’s

INSIDER TIPS Keep up with the latest news from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources on Twitter. Follow us at www. twitter.com/kyafield.

K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G • M AY 2 0 1 5

Fisheries biologist Tom Timmermann looks over buckets of wooden stakes used to create fish habitat last year in Cave Run Lake. Photo: Dave Baker

lakes. It began in Cave Run Lake near Morehead. Employees collected discarded items such as cable spools, wooden pallets, plastic trays, Christmas trees, and plastic buckets to be recycled into new habitat for fish. Local artist Stephen Tyrone brought what is probably the most unusual item ever used for a fish attractor in the state: an unfinished bronze statue to be sunk into the lake. “He sank the statue so he would know where to find it, then returned a few weeks later to fish it,” Timmermann says. “He caught a muskie off of it.” Traditionally, fish attractors consist of small brush piles scattered around a lake. What made the Cave Run Lake project different was its scale. Employees, assisted by volunteers, sank two, mile-long sections of fish cover in the lake. Tossed-out Christmas trees will provide cover for young fish and baitfish. Some of the larger pieces, such as concrete blocks and cable spools,

provide hiding spots for larger predators, including bass and muskies. Algae growing on this new cover will give invertebrate creatures a source of food—and provide a food source for younger fish. “From what the anglers are telling us, fish moved onto this cover a lot quicker than we thought they would,” Timmermann says. “Everything we’ve heard so far has been positive.” Cave Run Lake will receive several miles of new fish habitat in the coming years. Eventually, Brooks wants to expand the program to major lakes elsewhere in the state, especially in eastern Kentucky. “The lakes all have good fisheries,” Brooks says. “It’s just that fish are not always easily accessible. This kind of habitat work will make it easier for anglers to find the fish.” KL DAVE BAKER is editor of Kentucky Afield

magazine, with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. Visit www.ky afield.com or call (800) 858- 1549 for more information.

GARDEN GURU SHELLY NOLD

ASK THE GARDENER

Hail to the queen Tropical mandevillas branch out with new varieties THE TITLE OF “QUEEN OF THE SUMMER GARDEN” has to go to the mandevillas. This tropical plant has been popular for some time, but for years it came in only one form and one color: single-flowering, medium pink. Bored with that original mandevilla, I have patiently waited for some new varieties. Finally, they have arrived.

Q I have a lilac tree and a 3- to 4-foot branch just broke off. After I saw it off, should I brush or spray an ointment on the cut to prevent the tree from getting diseased?

THERE ARE FOUR NEW MANDEVILLAS in the Parfait series, often called the Parfait Quartet. Blush, Moonlight, Passion Pink, and Tango Twirl are each beautiful, but Tango Twirl, Mandevilla x amabilis ‘Monrey,’ shown below, is my favorite. It is a double-flowering, pale pink mandevilla. The flowers appear large to me, but that may be because they are so fluffy and I am mesmerized by them.

A Before you prune out the branch that broke from your lilac, you will want to make sure that your cutting tools are sharp and clean. This will make it easier for you to make a clean cut and prevent any potential disease spread. You want to make your cut as close to the next intersecting branch or main trunk as possible but avoid cutting into the healthy wood. It is not recommended to cover or apply anything to the end of the cut. It is better for the tree to heal over on its own. Annual maintenance will help lilacs in terms of vigor as well as overall appearance. Spring-flowering shrubs such as lilacs should be pruned immediately after they have finished blooming. Dead or diseased branches should be removed as soon as you notice them. Lilacs will also benefit from being thinned, which means removing some of the older, woodier branches. This is especially true for the center of the plant, which can become dense and does not allow for good air circulation or filtered sunlight. Both can lead to disease problems.

SHELLY NOLD

TO HAVE A FEAST OF BEAUTIFUL FLOWERS ALL SUMMER, plant mandevillas in full sun. They can be planted in the ground or in a large container, but they prefer a moist and welldraining soil. They are considered light climbers, so they do need a trellis, obelisk, or fence. Unlike many vines, they will perform just fine on a light decorative piece without weighing it down. MANDEVILLAS ARE TROPICAL AND SHOULD BE PLANTED only after the threat of a spring frost has passed. They do exceptionally well in the heat of summer and can flower profusely from late spring to early fall with just light fertilization. They can be overwintered indoors, something I have never tried because I can’t bear to cut them back and bring them inside while they’re still in full flower. Instead, I enjoy them just as they are in the garden and plant a new one the next year.

is a horticulturist and owner of The Plant Kingdom, 4101 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40207.

SHELLY NOLD

ANGIE MCMANUS

HAVE A GARDENING QUESTION? Go to

www.KentuckyLiving.com, click on Home & Garden, then “Ask The Gardener.”

W W W. K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G . C O M • M AY 2 0 1 5

SMART MOVES

Tick, tick, tick Avoid tick-borne illnesses during the summer and year-round DR. DEREK FORSTER

SMART HEALTH

REDUCING RISKS The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that these and other tick-borne illnesses may be prevented by avoiding areas where ticks are concentrated, such as dense woods and bushy areas. When you are outside—especially in a wooded area—use insect repellents that contain DEET, a chemical that repels ticks and other biting insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, and chiggers. Wear long pants, longsleeved shirts, and socks, and always check yourself for ticks after outdoor activity.

K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G • M AY 2 0 1 5

malaise, muscle aches, headache, nausea/vomiting, and occasionally a rash (more common in children). Ehrlichiosis can be serious and life-threatening. Symptoms of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include fever, headache, nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, and rash, which occur in about 90 percent of patients. This disease is also lifethreatening if not treated correctly. Though uncommon, Lyme disease can happen here. Symptoms are similar to ehrlichiosis, but the classic symptom is the red and white “bull’s-eye” rash. Lyme disease may also cause other conditions later in life, like arthritis, heart problems, and Bell’s palsy, which is a paralysis of some of the facial nerves that causes a drooping appearance. Relatively newly discovered, STARI is transmitted by the Lone Star tick, found in the southern Midwest and Southeast. It can cause a rash similar to Lyme disease.

If you have a tick bite, be alert for symptoms of these diseases, and consult a physician immediately if you develop fever, rash, or other symptoms. The antibiotic doxycycline is considered the first-line therapy for all of these diseases, and is most effective if given within five days of symptom onset. Patients with some forms of Lyme disease may also require other IV antibiotics. The majority of cases of tickborne disease PE are reported from May through August, with about 50 percent of cases each year occurring in June and July. This coincides with the times when we are most active outdoors and when ticks are at their peak activity. However, cases can occur in cooler seasons as well, especially if those seasons are warmer than normal. KL PI K4 4/ DO LL AR PH OTO CLUB

hen people think of ticks, they usually think of Lyme disease. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the United States, but it occurs mainly in the Northeast and upper Midwest. Though Kentucky has a few cases each year, the disease is not considered prevalent here. Other tick-borne diseases in Kentucky include ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and Southern tickassociated rash illness (STARI). Ehrlichiosis is the most common tick-borne disease in Kentucky. Symptoms develop one to two weeks after a bite and include fever, chills,

DR. DEREK FORSTER is an infectious disease

specialist at UK HealthCare.

SNAP SHOT

my favorite hobby

p SUMMER BOATING Elliot, Sterling, and Auburn Butler of Russell Springs enjoy boating and family fishing trips on Lake Cumberland. Photo by mom, Bridget Butler; members of South Kentucky RECC. t LOVES HORSES Jacob Ball of Hardinsburg enjoys taking care of his horse. Photo by Holly Fowler; submitted by Danielle Ball, member of Meade County RECC. u SWEET HOBBY J.D. Luttrell, from Mt. Eden in Russell County, removes a stray bee swarm to add to his existing bee stands, making for an environmentally conscious hobby. Photo by cousin, Jo Ann Dubree, member of South Kentucky RECC.

UPCOMING SNAP SHOT THEMES July August

Pool party Sports stars

Deadline May 18 Deadline June 17

GO TO WWW.KENTUCKYLIVING.COM to submit photos and see additional themes. TO SEND BY MAIL Include your name, address, phone number, name of your electric co-op, photographer’s name, and any details. Identify people left to right and their relation to you. Mail to Kentucky Living Snap Shot, list theme title, P.O. Box 32170, Louisville, KY 40232. Include a stamped, self-addressed envelope to return photos. Photos with people work best. Do not send color laser prints.

MORE SNAP SHOTS! See if your photo was chosen to be posted on our Web site or Instagram at WWW.KENTUCKYLIVING.COM

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MARKETPLACE •

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www.KentuckyLiving.com/advertise Â‘Â?Â?Â‡Â”Â…Â‹ÂƒÂŽ ÇŚ Â‰Â”Â‹Â…Â—ÂŽÂ–Â—Â”ÂƒÂŽ ÇŚ Â?Â†Â—Â•Â–Â”Â‹ÂƒÂŽ ÇŚ Â‡Â•Â‹Â†Â‡Â?Â–Â‹ÂƒÂŽ Â—Â•Â–Â‘Â? Â‡Â•Â‹Â‰Â?Â‡Â† Â–Â‡Â‡ÂŽ Â—Â‹ÂŽÂ†Â‹Â?Â‰Â•ÇĄ Â‡ÂŽÂ‹Â˜Â‡Â”Â‡Â† Â–Â‘ Â›Â‘Â—Â” ÂŒÂ‘Â„Â•Â‹Â–Â‡Ç¤ ÂƒÂ…Â–Â‘Â”Â› Â‹Â”Â‡Â…Â– Â?Â‡Â–ÂƒÂŽ Â”Â‘Â‘Ć¤Â?Â‰ ÂƒÂ?Â† Â•Â‹Â†Â‹Â?Â‰ Â‡Â† Â”Â‘Â? ÇŚ Â?Â‰ÂŽÂ‡Â• ÇŚ ÂŠÂƒÂ?Â?Â‡ÂŽÂ• ÇŚ Â?Â•Â—ÂŽÂƒÂ–Â‹Â‘Â? Â—Â”ÂŽÂ‹Â?Â• Č‹Í˜Ěś ÇŚ Í•Í–ĚśČŒ Â—Â?Â…ÂŠÂ‡Â† Â–Â‘ Â›Â‘Â—Â” Â•Â’Â‡Â…Â•Ç¤

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40 x 60 x 10 ...................................... $11,200 50 x 75 x 12 ...................................... $15,800 60 x 100 x 12 .................................... $22,800 100 x 75 x 12 w/column .................. $29,500 20 x 100 x 8â€™6â€? Mini Warehouse ...... $8,400

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Years

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W W W. K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G . C O M â€˘ M AY 2 0 1 5

www.KentuckyLiving.com/advertise

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K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G • M AY 2 0 1 5

KENTUCKY

KIDS May flowers

Flowers are appreciated for their appearance and their scent. Growing your own flowers from seeds is a fun project that rewards you for caring for them over time.

NAME THAT

FLOWER Fill in the blanks and complete the name of each flower pictured below.

1) T_ _ _P 2) L_ _Y 3) R_ _E 4) D_ _ _Y 5) O_ _ _ _D Answers: 1) Tulip, 2) Lily, 3)Rose, 4) Daisy, 5) Orchid

Did You

Know? Honeybees fly in a pattern called a “dance” to alert other honeybees and show them they have found a good source of nectar.

Green Team Tip If you go on vacation turn your thermostat up to save on the cost of cooling your home. Tip submitted by James Armstrong

Win a T-shirt! Send us your Green Team Tip, and if it gets printed, we’ll send you a free CFL Charlie T-shirt! Submit your best tip for conserving energy, in 50 words or less, online at www.kentuckyliving.com/contact.

State It!

HONEYBEES Honeybees are the state agricultural insect. They get that title because they are a very important part of growing the food we eat. Pollen must be moved from one flower to another so new fruit can be formed. Pollen can spread from plant to plant by the wind, but some need it to be carried by insects. Bees take care of this job better than any other insect.

Fruit snacking tip Slices of fruit like apples or bananas turn brown after a while because oxygen in the air reacts with chemicals in the fruit and break down the fruit. If you squeeze a little bit of lemon juice on your fruit, the vitamin C from the lemon can slow down the browning so you will have a fresh and tasty snack.

JOKE!

It’s a

Submit your favorite joke to www.kentuckyliving.com/contact. If it gets printed, we will send you a free gift!

Why didn’t the turkey eat dessert? Because he was already stuffed. Submitted by Teresa Heuser, age 8

W W W. K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G . C O M • M AY 2 0 1 5

BYRON CRAWFORD’S KENTUCKY

Still standing Ghostly “settlement” of reassembled log buildings testifies to the original craftsmanship BYRON CRAWFORD

hen he was a boy of about 12, James H. Riley and some of his buddies—armed with little more than axes, handsaws, and their boyhood imaginations— built themselves a crude log cabin in a woodland on the back of the Marshall County farm where James grew up. He remembered the venture while recounting how, in the 1980s and ’90s, he collected an entire village of original log buildings, one building at a time, from scattered sites around Kentucky and west Tennessee, and relocated them to his farm near Benton. It all began when a neighbor gave Riley an old log corncrib if he would move it. Then he found a log barn in Spencer County, which he hauled to western Kentucky and attached to the corn crib. That was all he had planned to do, until his brotherin-law mentioned a friend in Lyon County who had a circa-1840s “story and a half” log cabin that he’d give to Riley. The small log village, clustered on a hillside on Riley’s farm, eventually grew to 13 buildings. He called it Cabin Hill. Soon, he added a smokehouse and another corncrib— this one with double dovetail notches—part of another cabin from near Nicholasville, and the largest building, a 35-by-25-foot schoolhouse from Dover, Tennessee, made of yellow poplar logs and said to have been built by Civil War veterans. As Riley numbered and carefully reassembled each log in its place, the more he came to admire those whose hands had originally cut, hewed, notched, and fitted each log together, perhaps a century and a half earlier. It was possible, he reasoned, that many who had shaped these logs could not read and write, but they certainly could build structures that stood the test of time. Today, most of the buildings are furnished with relics

K E N T U C K Y L I V I N G • M AY 2 0 1 5

of the pioneer period. The log school now houses what Riley calls “The Spit ’n’ Whittle General Store,” with a long counter, a big pot-bellied stove, a flour barrel from a vanished general store, and other artifacts. Cabin Hill enjoyed several years of visits from school groups, historical societies, and the media, but now is a virtual ghost town of gray log monuments to a way of life that is all but forgotten. Riley donated one of the cabins to a group of high school students from Wylie, Texas, who reassembled the structure in Wylie, but the other buildings are still there. And Riley, a member of West Kentucky RECC, still has a few old-fashioned surprises, and occasionally a new one, for passersby at Cabin Hill. Each winter he taps many of his sugar maple trees to make maple syrup. One cold day his friend Sam Clark noticed that Riley had attached a tap and sap bucket to a utility pole—and he stopped to ask what that was for. Riley, who had been hoping someone would ask, smiled and answered: “Pole syrup.” KL

BYRON CRAWFORD is Kentucky’s storyteller—a

veteran television and newspaper journalist known for his colorful essays about life in Kentucky. E-mail him at bcrawford@KentuckyLiving.com.