March / April 2026 – Owensboro Living

Iabsolutely loathe running, so I’ve committed to running a marathon.

It’s not the being active part. When I was younger, summers meant riding my bike for hours, then heading to the ball field or the gym with friends to play whatever game we could organize. I played baseball and basketball for most of my life and jumped into just about every intramural sport I could in college.

And I’d go until I couldn’t go anymore. That kind of running had a purpose. Long-distance running, though? I’ve never been able to embrace it. It’s just … boring. I understand the health benefits, but if I’m going to move, why wouldn’t I do something more fun? I could ride a bike, pretend I’m still a cool kid pulling off tricks, travel farther, see more, and actually enjoy the breeze instead of listening to the steady thudding of my feet on pavement.

So naturally, I signed up for a marathon. Because if I can do that, what can’t I do?

It may be the biggest mental hurdle I’ve ever tried to clear. I’ve already run more this year than I probably did in the last two or three years combined. After my first run, I thought, Oh, this might be easier than I expected. I also knew that feeling wouldn’t last.

It didn’t.

I hadn’t even finished my second run before I started asking myself the real questions: Is this actually worth it? What do I gain from doing this?

The truth is, almost no one will care or remember when — not if; that word leaves the door open for quitting — I run a marathon. But I will. I’ll know I pushed through something I genuinely didn’t want to do. The doubt crept in almost immediately, but so far, my mental fortitude has been stronger.

In this issue, we feature two Owensboro women who’ve run a marathon on every continent. Maybe once I finish mine, it’ll spark the desire to chase something that incredible.

But let’s be honest — one is probably more than enough for me.

RYAN RICHARDSON, EDITOR // ryan.richardson@blackbox.media

WHAT I’M WATCHING:

Survivor 50: In the Hands of the Fans

After falling off during the middle seasons, Survivor pulled me back in with the “new era” starting at season 41, and my wife and I have watched every season since. While the last few seasons have had their ups and downs, season 50 feels like it can be something special. With gameplay elements voted on by fans, I’m hopeful we’ll see a return to what made the show great in the first place: less randomness, more ruthless strategy. From the early days of tribal politics to today’s evolving twists, Survivor 50 offers a chance to blend nostalgia with fresh energy, and I’m all in again.

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ryan Richardson

PUBLISHERS

Jason Tanner

Christy Chaney

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Christy Chaney

John Kirkpatrick

Jamie Plain

Meghann Richardson

David Tucker

Ashley Wedding

Lora Wimsatt

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TRENDING

6 NEWSWORTHY

The real people, places, and events that shape our community, brought to you by the Owensboro Times

CULTURE

10 MUSIC

Reading the room: Tyminski on live shows, new chapters, and coming back to Owensboro

10 IN THE KNOW

Your guide to what’s happening in and around Owensboro

14 ART

A quiet calling finds its canvas: Cami Robertson’s art journey is still unfolding

LIFESTYLE

26 TRAVEL New Orleans

HEALTH & WELLNESS

30 FITNESS

2 best friends, 7 conquered continents, 1 epic journey

34 FITNESS

More than a world record: Local women turn challenge into a celebration of strength, friendship, and believing bigger

38 SENIOR LIVING

Living well at every age: Health and wellness for seniors

FLAVOR

56 RECIPE

Small bites for big moments

59 FORKS UP!

Top Five Bites: Dishes we can’t live without

60 RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

El Camino Real: Finding momentum after unconventional start

6 things we’re talking about now

YMCA secures $6.6M in federal funding for new child care facility

The Owensboro Family YMCA has secured $6.6 million in federal funding to build a new child care facility that will add space for about 150 children in Owensboro. The money is expected to cover construction, land acquisition and startup costs — including furnishings and equipment — to expand access to child care in the community. YMCA leaders have yet to pick a site, finalize a construction timeline or determine the exact age groups served, but say the project will build on recent expansions that have already increased capacity.

New Dunkin’ to include modern features and faster service

Dunkin’ is building a new modern restaurant behind its existing Frederica Street site, expected to open this spring with a midApril target. The redesigned space will include doublelane drive-thru service, expanded mobile ordering, and a lounge-style interior, aiming for faster service, less congestion, and a more comfortable customer experience.

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Local Christmas light display to be featured in upcoming film

A new holiday film, Holly Jolly Christmas, is being filmed in Owensboro and Henderson. One of the locations featured in the film will be the home of Owensboro resident Carter Hoagland, whose elaborate Christmas display on Hillbrooke Parkway has gained recognition in recent years.

4

WBKR Radiothon raises recordbreaking $405,253 for St. Jude

WBKR’s annual St. Jude Radiothon raised a recordbreaking $405,253.12 during its two-day broadcast, the highest total in the fundraiser’s 22-year history. The event featured heartfelt patient stories, live interviews, and community support, with volunteers, local businesses, and civic groups playing key roles. Hosts and supporters said the result reflects deep community generosity and the ongoing impact of coming together for the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Children’s clothing store

Carter’s now open

Carter’s has opened a 4,000-square-foot children’s clothing store in the Gateway Commons shopping area, offering baby and kids apparel, gifts, and accessories from brands like Carter’s, OshKosh B’gosh, Little Planet and Skip Hop. The location carries sizes from preemie through size 14.

‘Best of Owensboro Living’ voting returns March 20

Voting for the annual “Best of Owensboro Living” awards presented by Owensboro Living magazine will open March 20, giving readers across the community a chance to support their favorite local businesses, organizations, and professionals across dozens of categories.

The online-only ballot will feature more than 80 categories spanning food and drink, retail, health and wellness, home services, family activities, professional services, and more.

From restaurants and coffee shops to medical providers, salons, and specialty stores, the “Best of Owensboro Living” awards are designed to highlight the people and places that residents rely on most.

Voting will take place for one day only and must be completed

online. The official ballot link will be shared across all Owensboro Living and Owensboro Times platforms, including websites and social media channels, when voting opens.

Each voter may submit one ballot. Participants are not required to vote in every category.

Winners will be recognized in the May edition of the magazine, as well as at a formal awards ceremony.

Owensboro Living Editor Ryan Richardson said the awards are designed to showcase community voice and engagement.

“This is one of our most community-driven projects each

year because the results come directly from the people who live and work here,” Richardson said. “The ‘Best of Owensboro Living’ awards let readers actively recognize the local businesses and professionals they rely on and recommend to others.”

Richardson said the awards often highlight everything from longestablished institutions and newer small businesses.

“Every year we see a mix of familiar names and new surprises,” he said. “That tells us the local business community is continuing to grow and evolve, and readers are paying attention.” OL

by

CULTURE

READING THE ROOM Tyminski on live shows, new chapters, and coming back to Owensboro

Written by DANNY MAY

Any conversation with Dan Tyminski is always a good time and full of surprises. Turns out he’s fond of a good cigar, bakes his own bread, and plays in foosball tournaments when he’s not on stage.

IN

1

THE KNOW

UPCOMING EVENTS TO PUT ON YOUR CALENDAR

BURGER WEEK 2026

MARCH 5-14 | VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Burger Week returns with a 10-day celebration of locally crafted burgers across participating restaurants. Each featured burger is offered at a fixed price of $8, encouraging diners to revisit favorites and sample new creations while supporting local eateries.

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TRIBUTE TO JOHN WILLIAMS

MARCH 7 | RIVERPARK CENTER

This concert pays tribute to legendary composer John Williams, featuring music from iconic films including Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and Jaws. Audiences can experience the unforgettable scores that helped define generations of cinematic storytelling.

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JERRY GARCIA: A BLUEGRASS JOURNEY FAREWELL WEEKEND

MARCH 13 | BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

This farewell weekend marks the final opportunity to experience Jerry Garcia: A Bluegrass Journey. Events include live music, exhibit tours, film screenings, panels, and workshops examining Garcia’s influence on bluegrass and American roots music.

The last time Tyminski spoke with Owensoro Living was in preparation for his 2021 performance at ROMP. Since then, he’s been plenty busy and is very much looking forward to returning to Owensboro on March 6.

“Are you kidding?” Tyminski responded when asked about playing another concert at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum. “We LOVE coming to Owensboro. It’s outstanding, right in the heart of the bluegrass world, man!”

Tyminski performed with his band at the Hall of Fame in May 2022, then returned in 2023 for the filming of his episode of the TV series My Bluegrass Story, which he was thrilled to be a part of.

“I remember looking at all the memorabilia [in the museum],” he said. “I’ve told that story [from the episode] several times because it’s been 25 years now since O’ Brother Where Art Thou. But being able to send that story out to the heart of the bluegrass audience through the series was really great.”

On March 6, he’ll be back again with his full band, but one thing he won’t have is a set list.

“I usually know what two songs I’m doing first and second. Then I look at the audience and read the room and see their energy, and the rest of the set just presents itself from there,” Tyminski said, saying the spontaneity flows easily between the band and crowd. “The

OWENSBORO HOME EXPO

band is ready for anything at any time. They know what we’re gonna start with and what key we’re in, but then we feel it and go. They’re also free to start a song themselves if they’re feeling it, so I’ve got to be ready at all times, too. We all just ride the moment.”

That means fans at the March 6 show could just as easily hear “Man of Constant Sorrow” (one of his most recognizable hits), his version of “Hey Brother” (his most-streamed song), a newly released single, or something off his most recent album (2024’s Live From The Ryman).

For Tyminski, that’s what makes live performances fun.

“I think a good concert should be a vacation from life,” he said. “A little musical vacation. A battery recharge. A chance to smile and feel some good, positive energy.”

RECENT ALBUM, CURRENT TOUR

Having as much fun as possible on stage is the exact vibe Tyminski tried to capture on Live from the Ryman, an album that came about by chance.

“I had no plans on a live recording when the show was booked,” he said. “I was talking with a friend about that show coming up, and told him if I had the budget, the Ryman would be a really cool place to record a live show. So my buddy stepped in and made that happen for us. We

EVILLECON 2026

4 5 6

MARCH 14 | OWENSBORO

CONVENTION CENTER

The Owensboro Home Expo features more than 44,000 square feet of exhibits focused on building, remodeling, and home improvement. Presented by the Green River Building Industry Association, the event highlights new technologies, design ideas, and industry professionals.

MARCH 20 | OWENSBORO

CONVENTION CENTER

EvilleCon brings its growing anime convention to Owensboro, offering panels, gaming, vendors, artists, and fan-driven programming. Established in 2009, the event continues to expand while serving anime and pop-culture enthusiasts from across the region.

were so fortunate to have someone believe in the project enough to fund it because recording Live at the Ryman is a dream come true.”

With that album now in the rearview, Tyminski and company are focused on this year’s tour.

“I love what I’m doing,” he said. “I love playing with the musicians I get to play with every night. It’s been decades since I’ve had this kind of excitement and fun on stage. It’s been amazing to take a new chapter and embrace the differences of having to run the show versus playing the side man.”

EDM AND BACK AGAIN

Tyminski calls being the lead man — as opposed to a side man, as he was for Alison Kraus and Union Station for 30 years or for Lonesome River Band before that — a “new” chapter, but this part of his career has been building for decades. He stepped out for a solo album in 2000 with Carry Me Across the Mountain and again in 2009 for the Grammy-nominated Wheels.

But it was his 2013 collaboration with Swedish DJ Avicii that set him on a new course artistically. After “Hey Brother” became a global smash hit with over a billion streams worldwide, Tyminski signed a songwriting deal and wrote a batch of songs in different genres and styles. He never truly left bluegrass, but he stretched his songwriting wings a

IN CONCERT: WIZARD OF OZ… REIMAGINED

MARCH 21 | RIVERPARK CENTER

This Owensboro Dance Theatre production reimagines The Wizard of Oz through original choreography and visual storytelling. Featuring professional guest artists, graduating seniors, and more than 150 community dancers, the performance blends multiple dance styles into a fresh interpretation.

bit when he had the chance. The result of those writing sessions ended up being his 2017 album Southern Gothic.

Then, in 2022, Tyminski released One More Time Before You Go, a bluegrass EP which included guest performances by Molly Tuttle, Sam Bush, Dailey & Vincent, and Billy Strings. That was followed by the full-length bluegrass album, God Fearing Heathen, which quickly hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums chart.

Still, Dan says Southern Gothic comes up regularly in conversation.

“It’s amazing to me that every night after we play, someone will say something to me about songs on Southern Gothic,” he said. “So I’m gonna have to start weaving some of those songs into our live shows because people keep asking for them. I don’t see how, as a musician, you can’t play songs fans are asking you for.”

RECENT HEALTH JOURNEY

Long-time fans might also notice that 2026 presents a slimmed-down version of Tyminski. He credits that to some scary bloodwork, which resulted in his doctor prescribing multiple medications for blood pressure and diabetes. Not wanting to take the medicine, he instead made the drastic decision to cut out all sugar from his diet for about 6 months and then slowly reintroduce natural sugars back into his diet.

In the process, he also began baking his own bread at home using a sourdough starter he humorously calls “Lester NotSo Flatt.” He now uses that sourdough starter for all types of dough and hasn’t eaten store-bought bread since Covid. On

IN THE KNOW

7 8 HENRY CHO – THE EMPTY NEST TOUR

MARCH 26 | RIVERPARK CENTER

Comedian Henry Cho brings his stand-up tour to Owensboro following his recent induction into the Grand Ole Opry. His performance reflects decades of television appearances and storytelling rooted in observational humor and clean comedy.

the morning of this interview, for example, Dan had pizza dough rising in the kitchen for supper that night.

Four months later, his follow-up bloodwork was impeccable, and Tyminski was well on his way to losing a total of 100 pounds.

“I feel amazing,” he said. “I would say eating healthy is simple. Not easy. It’s terribly difficult cutting sugar because sugar is in everything we normally eat. But if you can find it in yourself to do that, it’s so good. For the first time in my life, my body is in check. I only wish I had done this earlier.”

NEW PROJECTS

Tyminski is constantly writing tunes and always has song ideas stored in his little notebook. But he’s more interested in releasing three-to-four song projects on streaming services than whole albums.

“We’re at an age and time where you don't have to have full-length albums anymore. If I have two or three songs that need to be out in the world, they’re going out. I don’t like the thought of waiting until we have 12 songs now. Once we have songs ready, we want people to hear them.”

As a closing remark, Dan wanted to leave Owensboro Living readers with a friendly plea to support live music at every opportunity.

“Please come see us on March 6, but if it’s not us, please go see someone else,” he said. “I know you can hear anything you want online at any time, but it's a different experience when it’s live music. Grab a friend, hop in the car, and introduce them to bluegrass music.” OL

OWENSBORO CONCERT DETAILS

Date: March 6

Time: 7-9 p.m.

Location: Bluegrass

Music Hall of Fame & Museum BY THE NUMBERS

• 14 Grammy Awards

• 4 IBMA Male

Vocalist of the Year awards

• 30 years with Alison Krauss and Union Station

• 1 billion worldwide streams of “Hey Brother”

COLLABORATIONS

• Martina McBride

• Reba McEntire

• Brad Paisley

• Dolly Parton

• Willie Nelson

• Joan Osborne

• Charlie Daniels

• Kenny Chesney

• LeAnn Rimes

• Rob Thomas

• Charlie Haden

2026 WENDELL FOSTER HALF MARATHON & 5K EXPO

MARCH 27 | VARIOUS LOCATIONS

The Wendell Foster Half Marathon & 5K Expo supports services for individuals with disabilities while promoting community wellness. The event includes races, participant activities, and an expo highlighting sponsors, vendors, and local organizations.

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JORMA KAUKONEN & JOHN HURLBUT

APRIL 12 | BLUEGRASS MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee

Jorma Kaukonen performs alongside John Hurlbut, blending folk, blues, and acoustic traditions. Known for his influential guitar work, Kaukonen continues to shape American roots music through intimate live performances.

A quiet calling finds its canvas CAMI ROBERTSON’S ART JOURNEY IS STILL UNFOLDING

Written by RYAN RICHARDSON

Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

Cami Robertson didn’t grow up believing art could be a career, or even a calling. But it quietly followed her, turning from childhood doodles to a clearance rack of oil paints that reshaped her future.

Robertson grew up in Knottsville and graduated from Daviess County High School. Like many creative kids, she was rarely without a pen or pencil, often sketching images simply because she enjoyed it.

“I was always into art growing up. I was always doodling. I was always trying to recreate stuff,” she said. “I really enjoyed pencils and pen work, but I kind of battled with whether art was something I wanted to pursue.”

After high school, art took a back seat. College didn’t feel like the right fit, and like many young adults, Robertson found herself questioning what direction her life should take. Then, about 3 years ago, a spontaneous stop at Hobby Lobby changed everything.

“They had oil paints on clearance, and I said, ‘Why not try it?’ I completely fell in love with it. I haven’t stopped since,” she said.

Now 28, Robertson is a selftaught oil painter whose work has steadily gained attention — especially for her emotionally rich pet portraits and emerging niche in live wedding painting.

QUICK SUCCESS, MEANINGFUL WORK

Unlike many artists, Robertson

didn’t grow up surrounded by art or creative mentors. But that didn’t stop her family from supporting her work.

“Not a lot of people in my family do any type of art,” she said. “I think it was just something that I picked up and couldn’t stop doing. I had a lot of people believe in me more than I believed in myself. It definitely takes a lot of work and dedication, but people tell me I have a very natural talent as well.”

Oil paint quickly became her medium of choice — and remains her primary focus.

“It’s 99 percent oil paints,” she said. “That’s been my committed love.”

When Robertson first began sharing her work, commissions came quickly. Pet portraits and custom requests filled her schedule.

“I really enjoy doing commission pieces,” she said. “The fact that people reach out and trust me with creating something for them — I think that’s amazing.”

Many of her pet portraits are

created from photographs, often honoring animals that have passed away. It’s a type of work that carries deep emotional weight for both the artist and the families she serves.

“I get a lot of people reaching out for pets that have passed away,” she said.

While commissions remain an important part of her work, Robertson has intentionally shifted toward creating pieces she feels personally drawn to, learning how to balance paid work with personal growth.

“I’ve put more intention toward creating pieces that I want to create,” she said.

Among all the pieces she’s created, some of the most impactful have been deeply personal portrait commissions honoring loved ones who have passed away.

“I’ve done a couple of portrait pieces that were collages of family members,” she said. “They had a lot of meaning.”

Creating something families can

cherish long-term is what stays with her most.

“I’m very blessed that I’m able to create something like that for people,” she said.

STEPPING INTO LIVE WEDDING PAINTINGS

One of Robertson’s newest creative challenges is live wedding painting, a growing trend that blends fine art with event storytelling.

“I’ve done about four live wedding paintings,” she said. “I go there with a blank canvas and try to get it fully covered by the end of the night.”

Robertson captures a scene from the ceremony or reception, then takes the canvas home to refine details afterward.

“That’s been really fun,” she said. “It’s been a really cool experience.”

While she’s still growing in confidence with wedding paintings, Robertson sees it as an exciting direction.

“That’s definitely a future goal of mine, to be more comfortable with that,” she said.

PUSHING PAST COMFORT ZONES

As a self-taught artist, Robertson says there are still entire creative paths she hasn’t explored — and that excites her.

“There’s a lot that I haven’t discovered yet,” she said.

Recently, she worked on landscapes and still lifes for a show in early February, intentionally stepping outside the subject matter she’s most known for.

“It was a huge learning curve,” she said. “But it was also awesome, just getting myself out of my comfort zone and trying something new.”

Robertson said she has noticed Owensboro’s growing investment in the arts, from local shows to murals and public opportunities, something she didn’t always believe was possible growing up.

“I always thought that I couldn’t do anything with art from where I’m living,” she said. “So to see Owensboro doing shows and mural opportunities, I think it’s amazing.”

Though she hasn’t yet fully immersed herself in the local art scene, she hopes to soon.

“I would love to branch out more within the community and join different groups with other artists,” she said. “Just to keep growing.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Robertson doesn’t feel rushed to define a final destination for her art, and she’s okay with that.

“I don’t have any dead-set goals just yet,” she said. “Everything is still open for me.”

For now, she said she is staying focused on growing, experimenting, and continuing to build confidence — one canvas at a time.

“I’m just really thankful for the people around me,” she said. “Even the kind words on social media mean a lot. It makes me really excited that I’m able to create things people want to support.”

Anyone who is interested in commissioning a piece can find Robertson on Facebook under Cami Robertson, where she handles most of her commission requests. OL

Army Armstrong: A LIFETIME WALKING AMONG TRIBES WITHOUT EVER LEAVING HOME

Announcer. Veteran. Artist. Mentor. Hall of Famer. Author. All of them can describe Army Armstrong. Yet none of them, on their own, really explain who he is or how he has lived. That’s just fine by him, because he’s never believed much in titles anyway.

“I’m just a guy from Owensboro,” he said. “What you see is what you get.”

That may be true in the simplest sense, but Armstrong’s life tells a more layered story, one built on community, faith, service, and a rare ability to move easily between worlds that rarely overlap. Motorsports. Business. Art. Youth mentorship. War. Fatherhood. Fame. Obscurity. All of them, in one way or another, trace back to the same place. Owensboro.

Armstrong was born and raised in western Kentucky, growing up between Owensboro, Central City, and the surrounding communities. He lost his father, a pilot, in a plane crash when he was 8 years

Written by JOHN KIRKPATRICK

Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

old and was raised by his mother alongside one sister. He has lived in the same house for decades, built a life rooted in the city, and never seriously considered leaving, even as his career carried him across the country and into rooms few Owensboro natives ever enter.

“When you travel a lot, you learn how important a small nucleus of your life really is,” Armstrong said. “Your buddies. Sitting around. Going to the Dairy Freeze. Driving around. Those things matter.”

That sense of place would shape everything that followed.

THE VOICE OF A GROWING INDUSTRY

Armstrong’s deep connection to motorsports began early. As a teenager, he worked around racetracks, learning the business from the ground up. By the time he was in high school, he was already immersed in the culture, working events on weekends in Hardinsburg, Owensboro, and Bowling Green.

What he stepped into was not just a sport, but a movement that would eventually grow into a billion-dollar industry.

The roots of indoor motorsports, Armstrong said, trace back to a group of Owensboro-area farmers known as the Owensboro Boys. In the winter months, when fields were idle, they looked for something new. One conversation led to another, and soon tractor pulls moved indoors, into arenas that had sat empty for much of the year.

“That world didn’t exist before that,” Armstrong said. “Those buildings were empty except for a circus or a mobile home show. Then all of a sudden, they’re booked full.”

The innovation did not stop at spectacle. Practical problems had to be solved, including ventilation, safety, and measurement. Farmersturned-problem-solvers applied

their everyday knowledge to new environments, developing systems that are still used in major facilities today.

“People are sitting in these massive arenas now, not realizing the guy who helped design that lives right down the road from them,” Armstrong said.

Armstrong was there as the industry grew, and he grew with it.

EXPLAINING, NOT EXAGGERATING

Over time, his voice became as recognizable as the machines themselves. He developed a style that was less about hype and more about storytelling, explaining what people were seeing and why it mattered.

“I never felt the need to scream,” he said. “Just tell people what they’re looking at. Explain it.”

That approach resonated.

Armstrong went on to announce nearly every form of motorsport imaginable, from tractor pulls and monster trucks to sprint cars, drag racing, and motorcycle events. He worked live public address systems and then recorded voiceovers for television broadcasts, becoming a familiar presence in living rooms across the country.

For years, families structured their weekends around his broadcasts.

“I’ve had people tell me they wouldn’t eat supper until I finished calling the race,” Armstrong said. “That’s humbling.”

His work eventually extended beyond motorsports. Armstrong provided voiceover work for Microsoft’s gaming division, contributing to motorsports titles and other projects. While under contract, he traveled regularly to Redmond, Washington, where he met and worked alongside some of the most influential people in the

“THERE’S SOME KID OUT THERE RIGHT NOW WHO JUST NEEDS SOMEBODY TO NOTICE THEM. THAT’S IT. THAT’S HOW THINGS CHANGE.”

technology world, including Microsoft founder Bill Gates.

Despite the stature of those rooms, Armstrong said what struck him most was how ordinary those moments felt.

“Everybody’s just a person,” he said. “Power doesn’t change that. Diapers don’t care who you are.”

That philosophy has guided him throughout his life.

WAR, FAITH, AND PERSPECTIVE

Armstrong served in Vietnam, returning home on Christmas Eve in 1971. Like many veterans of that era, he came back to a country that did not yet know how to receive him. He said it took decades before the weight of that experience fully surfaced.

“For a long time, I was just mad,” he said. “I didn’t even realize why.”

His faith, which he has never hidden but never forced on others, played a central role in his ability to process that chapter of his life. Baptized at 8 and again decades later, Armstrong said faith has always been personal, grounding, and deeply tied to service rather than performance.

“I was never alone,” he said. “That’s what I always realized.”

NOTICING PEOPLE

After returning from Vietnam, Armstrong launched a screen-printing and T-shirt business that quickly expanded beyond anything he expected. Leveraging his motorsports connections, he supplied merchandise for major events and venues, shipping truckloads of product across the country.

From there, he shifted again, dedicating years to Junior Achievement. Under his leadership, the Owensboro program became one of the strongest in the nation. He worked with young people who reminded him of himself, kids who needed someone to notice them, challenge them, and believe in them.

“Sometimes all it takes is a pat on the shoulder,” Armstrong said. “That sticks with people.”

It is a theme that runs through his life and now through his book.

WALKING AMONG TRIBES

Armstrong released his memoir, Walking Amongst the Tribes, in November. The book was ghostwritten by local author Danny May, who said Armstrong’s openness and authenticity made the project unlike any other.

“He had a story to tell,” May said. “And he was willing to open up about parts of his life he hadn’t really shared publicly before, including Vietnam.”

Rather than following a strict chronological structure, the book is organized as a series of interconnected stories. Each chapter weaves together moments from different stages of Armstrong’s life, reflecting the way he has moved between communities, careers, and identities.

“It’s like putting together a quilt,” May said. “Each piece connects to the next.”

The “tribes” Armstrong refers to are not just motorsports categories, but people. Racers. Veterans. Artists. Kids. Families. Believers. Communities. All of them intersect in his story, and all of them lead back to Owensboro.

Recently, Armstrong was recognized again during a Racer’s Reunion Breakfast, where racers and fans gathered to reconnect and share stories. He signed books, told stories, and did what he has always done best: listened.

At 78, Armstrong is still creating. He paints. He designs. He builds model cars. He restores bicycles and dollhouses to give away to children. He continues to mentor, encourage, and notice people.

He is also managing Parkinson’s disease and other health challenges, which he speaks about candidly, not for sympathy, but perspective.

“We’re all just trying to work through this thing called life,” he said.

For Armstrong, the measure of a life well-lived is not found in titles or accolades, though he has plenty of both. He is a member of multiple halls of fame, including international recognition in monster truck and drag racing circles. Still, he speaks of those honors matterof-factly, almost as an afterthought.

“If I have to tell you how great I am, then it probably doesn’t matter,” he said.

What does matter, to him, is helping the next person along the way.

“There’s some kid out there right now who just needs somebody to notice them,” Armstrong said. “That’s it. That’s how things change.”

In a life that has touched millions through a microphone and countless more one-on-one, Army Armstrong has never chased recognition. He has simply shown up, stayed rooted, and kept walking among tribes, carrying Owensboro with him wherever he went. OL

THE PRAYER STAND INVITES CONVERSATION, REFLECTION, AND CONNECTION

Written by RYAN RICHARDSON

Photo by JASON TANNER

On a busy summer night downtown, with music drifting across the riverfront and people weaving through the crowd, a small, simple sign stands out. It doesn’t advertise a product. It doesn’t promote a cause. It doesn’t ask for money. It just says one word: prayer. For Chris Joslin, that word is less about preaching and more about permission — permission to pause, to talk, and to admit that life is heavy sometimes.

“The Prayer Stand is really just an excuse to start a conversation,” Joslin said. “It opens the door.”

A QUIET INVITATION

The Prayer Stand itself is intentionally uncomplicated: a portable, eye-catching structure designed to be set up anywhere people are already gathered. Joslin brings it to events such as Friday After 5, Fourth of July celebrations, air shows, farmers' markets, and occasionally indoor spaces such as assisted living facilities, with permission.

He doesn’t wait for people to approach him. Instead, he gently asks passersby a simple question: Do you have any needs I can pray for today?

“Some people walk right past,” he said. “Some stop just to be polite. But a lot of people are carrying things — stress, grief, anxiety — and when someone sincerely asks, they’re willing to talk.”

What follows isn’t scripted. Sometimes it’s a brief moment. Sometimes it turns into a longer conversation about family, purpose, or what someone is struggling with at that point in their life.

“Prayer is not offensive, and with this simple question, walls come down,” Joslin said. “People open up and share about their concerns, struggles, and challenges. And many experience, maybe for the first time, someone showing them the love of Christ, meeting them right where they are.”

Joslin said he is a member of First Baptist Owensboro, but his emphasis is not on denominational doctrine.

“I’m not a preacher,” he said. “I’m just a Christian who wants to listen, pray, and encourage people to think more deeply about faith.”

Occasionally, people ask if they can tip him or offer money. He always declines.

“That’s not why I’m there,” he said. “If anything, I want people to feel like this is a gift, no strings attached.”

He does keep small pamphlets on hand, but they’re meant to support conversations that are already happening, not replace them. Some address common questions people raise: whether the Bible is reliable, whether Jesus was a real historical figure, or what Christianity actually teaches at its core.

“My job isn’t to have all the answers,” Joslin said. “It’s to show compassion, pray, and encourage people. I have a Biblical worldview, so naturally I encourage people to read the Bible and to draw their own conclusions about the truth of Christianity. ”

FROM DISCOVERY TO LEADERSHIP

Joslin discovered the concept of the Prayer Stand about 5 years ago while looking for more natural ways to talk about faith in public spaces, especially with younger generations who may not have grown up with any religious background.

He learned about the idea from Tom Kiser, who developed the Prayer Stand while doing ministry work in New York City, including Times Square. Joslin ordered a stand, began using it regularly, and eventually formed a friendship with Kiser.

When Kiser retired from leading the effort about a year and a half ago, he encouraged Joslin to take it on.

Today, Joslin leads Prayer Stand International, fabricating and distributing stands to individuals, churches, and organizations across the country, with several hundred in use nationwide. He has plans to grow the ministry to expand the impact of this evangelism tool.

“Many are beginning to realize that if this generation isn’t going to church, then the church must go to them,” he said. “The Prayer Stand is a powerful resource for engaging people right where they are.”

While the stand itself is simple, Joslin says using it effectively takes practice. One of the ministry’s growing focuses is training, helping people feel more comfortable starting conversations they may have avoided before.

“For a lot of Christians, engaging strangers about faith feels intimidating,” he said. “But like anything else, repetition builds confidence.”

Over time, he’s noticed patterns in the conversations that emerge. Most people aren’t hostile, he said, but many are skeptical or unsure

what they believe. Political division and cultural tension often surface indirectly, though Joslin makes a point to keep conversations personal rather than abstract.

“It’s easy to talk in generalities,” he said. “But once someone asks you to pray for them, it becomes personal very quickly.”

Many of those who stop tend to be younger — teenagers through their 30s — a group Joslin believes is still actively wrestling with big questions of identity, purpose, and meaning.

“They’re asking, ‘Why am I here? What’s my purpose? Is this all there is?’ They may not be asking those questions in a church, but they’re asking them,” he said.

ONE CONVERSATION AT A TIME

Joslin is careful not to measure success by numbers. While he’s seen powerful moments, he views those as exceptions, not expectations.

“If all that happens is someone feels heard for five minutes, that matters,” he said. “If they walk away thinking a little differently, that matters too.”

As he looks ahead, Joslin hopes to grow the ministry by placing more Prayer Stands in more communities and spending more time training others to use them thoughtfully and respectfully.

“The goal isn’t to win arguments,” he said. “It’s to have honest conversations, show compassion, and meet people where they are.”

For many passersby, it’s just a brief interaction on a busy day. For others, it’s the start of a longer journey. Either way, it begins the same way — with a small sign, a simple question, and the willingness to stop and talk.

Learn more about this ministry at prayerstand.com. OL

Written by RYAN RICHARDSON

Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

A LIFETIME OF SERVICE

HOSKINS REFLECTS ON 60 YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

For 60 years, Ed Hoskins has shown up with a quiet sense of purpose, witnessing law enforcement change around him in ways he never could have imagined. He began his career without radios and not using handcuffs or a divider in the patrol car; today, he works in a courthouse shaped by layers of security and technology. The tools and titles have evolved, but the heart of the job — protecting people and doing what’s right — has never changed.

THE SIMPLICITY BEHIND HOW IT ALL STARTED

Hoskins’ path into law enforcement began when he noticed a cool patrol car cruising down the street.

“When I was in high school, my family and I lived out in the country between Whitesville and Knottsville,” he said. “Our neighbor, Ray Anderson, was a state trooper. I’d see him drive by in that blackand-white Plymouth and think, ‘Man, that guy’s sharp. I’d like to do something like that.’”

After graduating, Hoskins went to work in a chair factory and “completely forgot about becoming a state trooper.”

But when a coworker applied to the Kentucky State Police Academy, Hoskins decided to give it a try.

“I went up to Frankfort and took the general knowledge test, and to my surprise, I passed the darn thing,” he said.

Hoskins was hired by KSP on

Dec. 12, 1966, initially working as a dispatcher while waiting for an academy slot. Before he could start, Uncle Sam intervened.

“I got called up for active duty with the Army Reserve,” he said. “I spent about 6 months on active duty, then came back and started the State Police Academy in September of ’67.”

He graduated in January 1968, part of a class that marked a turning point in KSP history.

“Our class was the first class to have Black troopers graduate from the academy. There were no women at the time either,” Hoskins said. “You also had to be five-foot-nineand-a-half. I remember one guy was one-eighth of an inch too short, and they sent him home.”

Seven members of Hoskins’ class were assigned to the Dry Ridge post in Northern Kentucky, a post many

rookies didn’t want.

“We were basically just Highway Patrol,” he said. “We worked I-75. I had a brand-new ’68 Ford, twodoor, no screen in the car. We had no portable radios, no tasers, and mace was disallowed.”

If someone was arrested, the decision was simple, but risky.

“We never handcuffed anybody unless they gave us trouble,” Hoskins said. “So you had to decide if you put them in the right rear so you could see them in the mirror, or in the front seat so you could watch them better. It was a precarious situation, but that’s just how it was back then.”

It was in northern Kentucky that Hoskins met his wife, Addie Mae.

“I met her at the Capri Restaurant, right there off I-75 and U.S. 42. She was a waitress. She made good milkshakes,” he laughed.

They married on Dec. 6, 1969, in a small Catholic church in Warsaw, Kentucky. A year later, Hoskins transferred back home to Daviess County, where he has since spent his career.

CHANGES IN PAY, POLICY, AND POWER

Over 27 years with KSP, Hoskins witnessed sweeping changes in pay, policy, and even power.

“When I started, I made $457 a month,” he said. “Gov. Wendell Ford brought us out of poverty. He gave us about a 15-percent raise, and then Julian Carroll gave us another tremendous raise.”

Weapons evolved from a Smith & Wesson .38 to a .357 Magnum, then semi-automatics. Patrol cars gained protective screens. Jurisdiction expanded.

“When I first transferred back to Owensboro, we had no authority in city limits,” Hoskins said. “If I followed a drunk driver into town, I couldn’t make the arrest. I had to call it in.”

He also worked during some of the most turbulent moments in Kentucky history, including courtordered school busing riots in Louisville, Vietnam War protests at the University of Kentucky, and the United Mine Workers strike near Pleasant Ridge in 1977.

“They were throwing rocks and breaking windows, and one hit a school bus,” Hoskins said. “That’s when we charged the hill. Deputies got hurt. That was significant.”

But the moments that stayed with him most weren’t riots or protests. They were fatalities. One case in particular still weighs on him.

“In 1976, we investigated a fivefatality accident in Hancock County,” Hoskins said. “A drunk driving a semi ran over a ’69 Pontiac and killed a whole family, except for a little girl in the right rear seat. She didn’t get a scratch.”

Hoskins said the driver’s blood alcohol content was .13, at a time when the legal presumption of intoxication was .15.

“What was disheartening was the jury never found the guy guilty,” Hoskins said. “That’s hard when you know someone’s guilty, but they’re not found guilty.”

Still, Hoskins never lost sight of why he stayed.

“Getting a drunk driver off the road, preventing a fatality — that’s rewarding,” he said. “I remember arresting a drunk driver and feeling bad for his kids, but I did those kids a favor. He could’ve killed them.”

A RETIREMENT THAT DIDN’T STICK

Hoskins retired from KSP in September 1993, but he couldn’t sit still.

“I went straight to work as a park ranger at Audubon State Park,” he said. “When I was hired, the senior ranger said, ‘Ed, you won't have to worry about writing tickets. Once in a while, you investigate a little fender bender.’”

On his very first night, during a pouring rainstorm, Hoskins arrested a drunk man who was unplugging RVs.

“I didn’t even have a raincoat yet,” he said. “So much for it being boring.”

From there, Hoskins spent 15 years as a court security inspector with the Administrative Office of the Courts, traveling the state with portable magnetometers for highprofile trials, protecting appellate judges, conducting courthouse security inspections, and teaching mandatory court security classes.

In the mid-2000s, a call from a retired trooper changed his course again.

“A friend called and said the Sheriff’s Office needed someone at the judicial building,” Hoskins said. “I said, ‘I’ll give it a try.’ That was 17

years ago.”

Today, Hoskins works as a court security officer with the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, rotating through courtrooms, operating metal detectors, transporting inmates, and enforcing courtroom protocol.

“You never get bored,” he said. “Every day is different.”

Now 80, Hoskins says he may finally retire this year, though he jokes he’s been saying that for a while.

“I might take a break at age 80,” he said. “Spend more time with my kids. I’ve got five grandkids and a great-grandchild. And my grandson is starting the police academy next month.”

His wife, whom he calls Mae, supported his career, albeit with some quiet reservations.

“She never let on when I was working,” Hoskins said. “After I retired, she told me she worried about me all those years.”

CONTINUED HUMILITY AND DEDICATION

Earlier this year, Hoskins was recognized at a Daviess County Sheriff’s Office banquet for his 60 years of service — an honor that caught him completely off guard.

“I was totally shocked,” he said. “I thought maybe I was getting an award for shooting or something. I’m humble and grateful. It means a lot knowing people noticed.”

Asked what he would say to someone considering law enforcement today, Hoskins didn’t hesitate.

“It’s a rewarding career,” he said. “Don’t let the media dissuade you. You do a lot of good for the community. It’s a feel-good occupation.”

After six decades, countless changes, and more than a few rainsoaked nights, Hoskins is still doing what he set out to do. He quietly shows up and does the job the right way. OL

LIFESTYLE

New Orleans

CRAVING A CHANGE OF SCENERY? IN EACH ISSUE OF OWENSBORO LIVING, WE’RE SETTING OUR SIGHTS BEYOND CITY LIMITS AND INVITING YOU TO COME ALONG. WHETHER IT’S A CHARMING SMALL TOWN A FEW HOURS AWAY OR A SCENIC DESTINATION ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THINK OF THIS TRAVEL SECTION AS A ROAD TRIP WITH A FRIEND WHO SHARES YOUR LOVE FOR GOOD FOOD, UNFORGETTABLE VIEWS, AND UNIQUE LOCAL FLAVOR — JUST LIKE WE DO HERE AT HOME.

Photos & Article by MEGHANN RICHARDSON & CHRISTY CHANEY

We thought we were taking a quick weekend trip. A direct flight out of Nashville, a hotel in the French Quarter, a loose plan to eat well and wander wherever the music pulled us.

New Orleans had other ideas.

Some cities give you a vacation. New Orleans gives you an experience, one that unfolds slowly, like the curve of the Mississippi River it was built around, revealing layers of history, culture, and soul at every turn.

One minute we were drifting down Bourbon Street, the sound of live brass floating through open doors. The next, we were standing quietly in St. Louis Cemetery, pressing 13 pennies into the tomb of Marie Laveau, the city’s legendary Voodoo Queen, hoping the stories about good fortune might be true. Before we knew it, powdered sugar dusted our clothes at a café so iconic even its imitators won’t dare claim to be better.

This is a city where the party never ends.

FOLLOWING THE CURVE OF THE CRESCENT CITY

New Orleans is known as The Crescent City, a name born from the way its original settlement curved along the Mississippi River. Founded in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville, the city was designed as a military-style grid. The first 13 blocks, now the heart of the French Quarter, sit right on the river’s edge, forming the historic core of the city. By staying on the East Bank, we were positioned in what locals call the “Sliver by the River.” This was the perfect base to explore. Everything we wanted to see and taste was within walking distance, and every stroll brought something unexpected, a hidden courtyard, a street performer, or a building that looked like it had stepped straight out of a history book.

As you walk, you’ll notice two types of balconies: the early French wrought iron (hand-forged and delicate) and the later Spanish cast iron (heavier and more ornate), which gives the city its famous “lace” appearance.

THE WOMEN WHO SHAPED THE CITY

One of the most powerful parts of our trip was learning about the women whose stories are woven into New Orleans’ fabric.

In the Treme neighborhood, we visited Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, where the legacy of Leah Chase still lives on. Known as the Queen of Creole Cuisine, Chase didn’t just create unforgettable food, she created a space where civil rights leaders gathered. Her influence was so great she became the inspiration for Disney’s Princess Tiana. And after tasting that fried chicken, we understood why.

At St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, we stood at the resting place of Marie Laveau, whose life remains wrapped in mystery and folklore. To some, she was a terrifying Voodoo Priestess; to others, she was a compassionate nurse and herbalist who cared for the sick during yellow fever outbreaks. The truth likely lies somewhere in the blur between legend and reality, but there’s no denying her impact on the city’s culture.

Another stop that stayed with us was William Frantz Elementary School, where a bronze statue honors Ruby Bridges.In 1960, at just six years old, Ruby walked past a screaming mob and through those front doors, becoming the first African American child to integrate the school. Standing there, it was impossible not to feel the weight of history, and the strength of a little girl who helped change it.

A LIVING MUSEUM OF ARCHITECTURE

New Orleans feels like an openair museum only warmer, louder, and far more colorful.

As we wandered, we passed Creole cottages with their highpitched roofs and vibrant shutters sitting side-by-side with grand historic mansions that whispered of Gilded Age opulence. We marveled at the classic shotgun houses, those

narrow, colorful dwellings so iconic to the city, and the stately Greek Revival facades that anchor the corners of the busier thoroughfares. In the French Quarter, the Spanish Colonial influences are impossible to miss, particularly in the heavy stucco walls and the legendary wroughtiron balconies. These balconies aren’t just architectural features; they are hanging gardens, overflowing with lush ferns and trailing jasmine that perfume the air.

We quickly learned the best way to take it all in is on foot and even better with a guided walking tour that fills in the stories behind the stunning facades.

EATING OUR WAY THROUGH HISTORY

If New Orleans has a love language, it’s food.

We tackled po’ boys first, crispy French bread stuffed with fried seafood or slow-roasted beef swimming in gravy. Domilise’s and Parkway Bakery & Tavern lived up to every bit of their reputations.

Then came the muffuletta at Central Grocery & Deli, the birthplace of the legendary sandwich. Layers of cured meats, provolone cheese, and tangy olive salad stacked high on round sesame bread made for a messy, perfect lunch.

And of course, Café du Monde. Warm beignets arrived three to a plate, buried under powdered sugar like edible snowdrifts. Paired with a café au lait it was pure New Orleans.

We sampled our way through Creole classics too, rich gumbo, spicy jambalaya, and buttery étouffée at spots like Mother’s, Coop’s Place, and Coterie. Everywhere we went, the food felt like tradition passed down through generations.

MORE THAN JUST A PARTY

Yes, we danced down Bourbon Street. We heard live jazz spill into the night air. We soaked in the energy that never seems to slow.

But what surprised us most was how much depth New Orleans holds beneath the celebration.

It’s a city built on stories of resilience, culture, struggle, creativity, and joy. A place where history feels close enough to touch and where every meal, building, and song carries meaning.

We came for a quick weekend, but we left with a deeper appreciation for a city that refuses to be just one thing.

New Orleans isn’t simply a destination.

It’s an experience. OL

HEALTH & WELLNESS

&HEALTH wellness

2 best friends, 7 conquered continents, 1 epic journey

Written by MEGHANN RICHARDSON

Photo by JAMIE PLAIN

Vicky Payne isn’t afraid to admit she has “extreme ideas.” In fact, she’s made a habit of roping her best friend, Jennifer Falloway, into them, sometimes signing her up for races and breaking the news only after the registration is confirmed.

What started as a few miles before the workday, however, has evolved into a global odyssey. The two Owensboro women recently completed a quest to run a marathon on all seven continents, a journey defined by friendship, persistence, and a shared pace that has stretched across more than a decade.

“I feel it’s important to mention that she and I shared this seven-continent journey together,” Payne said. “Yes, there was maybe a little persuasion on my part, considering she didn’t have a passport and had never left the country.”

The partnership began around 2008, when the pair started meeting in the pre-dawn hours to log three to five miles before heading to their respective jobs. By August 2010, they tackled their first half-marathon together.

The transition to the full 26.2-mile distance came shortly after Payne’s son, Levi, was born in 2011. Like many runners, Payne originally intended for the marathon to be a “one-and-done” achievement.

“I decided I wanted to run a marathon — one marathon — just to say I did it,” Payne recalled.

With a 2-year-old at home and Falloway pregnant with her second child, Payne crossed her first marathon finish line in April 2013. But the itch for the distance didn’t fade. Four or five races later, Payne leaned into her trademark persuasion, encouraging Falloway to join her for just one full marathon in Celina, Ohio.

Falloway agreed, and the “one-and-done” philosophy quickly evaporated.

Soon, the duo shifted their focus toward one of the most prestigious goals in distance running: qualifying for the Boston Marathon. After several attempts that fell just short of the required qualifying times, the setbacks only strengthened their resolve.

While the pair was in Seattle preparing for their first successful Boston qualification, Payne’s extreme ideas resurfaced, this time on a global scale. Her vision centered on the Abbott World Marathon Majors, a prestigious circuit that, at the time, included six iconic races: Boston, New York, Chicago, Berlin, London, and Tokyo.

“Before Jennifer could change her mind, we signed up for Tokyo and applied for her to get a passport,” Payne said.

The road forward, however, was anything but linear. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world

— and the racing circuit — to a standstill. Canceled races, expiring qualifying times, and the challenge of requalifying for Boston forced the duo to reset their plans.

When racing finally resumed, Payne and Falloway wasted no time.

Their pursuit became an international whirlwind:

2021: The double-header — Berlin and Boston, two countries and two marathons completed within two weeks.

2022: The U.S. icons — Chicago and New York City, just one month apart.

2023: The final stretch — Tokyo then London, earning them the coveted Six Star Finisher medals.

With four continents already behind them, the question shifted from if they would complete the map to when. Traveling frequently with Marathon Tours and Travel, they set their sights on the exclusive Seven Continents Club, racing everywhere from Cape Town, Africa, to Torres del Paine in Patagonia, South America, to mainlang Antarctica.

&HEALTH wellness

continent in Australia, the Abbott World Marathon Majors announced a historic expansion: the Sydney Marathon had officially been added as the seventh major.

The timing worked in their favor. Payne and Falloway didn’t just complete seven continents — they became among the first runners in the world to earn 7-Star Abbott World Marathon Major status. By the time they crossed the final finish line,

milestones, both women emphasize that their journey was never a solo effort. Behind every 4 a.m. run and every long-haul flight was a support system of family and friends.

“My mom and dad have always been supportive of me … since I was a child,” Payne said. “My mom used to say, ‘We trained for marathons,’ because she was so involved. Through all the sweat, sleepless nights, and tears, and through all the victories, my mom is still my number one.”

Payne had completed 27 marathons, while Falloway had finished 20.

Then came an unexpected twist. As they prepared to tackle their final

“Jennifer and I laugh because it would seem as though every marathon had its own formidable challenge,” Payne said. “We experienced forest fires in Idaho, hurricane warnings in Houston, excess heat alerts in New Orleans — where I didn’t think I would ever quit puking — crazy time zone changes in Tokyo, soul-sucking mud in Antarctica, and dramatic weather changes in Patagonia, where Jennifer barely escaped hyperthermia.”

For Falloway, each race brought its own defining moments.

“The races themselves have been an amazing opportunity,” she said. “The adventures that come with it and the people you meet are also special. Finding a group of people who are just as passionate about the sport as we are is rare.”

While medals and international finish lines mark the visible

Meanwhile, For Falloway, that support came most prominently from her husband, Tim.

“He is one of my biggest supporters,” she said. “He has

always said, ‘If that’s something you want to do, then go for it. It’s a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity.’”

What began nearly two decades ago as a few miles before work to stay in shape has grown into a masterclass in perseverance. Through global pandemics, logistical chaos, and the challenge of balancing full-time careers and motherhood, Payne and Falloway proved that no continent is out of reach — especially when you have a best friend willing to be persuaded. OL

&HEALTH wellness

OWENSBORO HEALTH

Caring for the Community We Call Home

Owensboro is the kind of place where generations still show up for each other. You see it at the ballfield or during a school program. Grandparents cheer from the stands. Neighbors step in when someone needs a hand. That spirit is woven through daily life right here in this community, and it runs straight through Owensboro Health because it’s delivered by the very people who call this community home.

For more than a century, Owensboro

Health has been more than a place where care is delivered. It has been part of the fabric of this region, shaped by the people who live here and strengthened by the belief that communities grow best when they take care of their own. It is friends and family taking care of friends and family.

A COMMUNITY THAT SHOWS UP

For VP of Population Health Dr. Jim Tidwell, Owensboro became home in a way he never anticipated. After a lifechanging accident, strangers showed up with meals, encouragement and steady support for months. Support came from people he barely knew. When relatives asked if he planned to move closer to family out west, he found himself saying something he never expected.

“We are home,” he said. “This is home.”

His story is one of many that reveal how this community shows up for its own.

CARE THAT COMES FULL CIRCLE

In the NICU, Dr. Bridget Burshears spent years caring for families on the hardest days of their lives. Many of those tiny patients now sit beside her own

children in class. It is a reminder that care here is personal. Patients become neighbors, then classmates, then part of the community that raised them.

Quality leader Jessica Crisp feels that same connection. Her family receives care at Owensboro Health too, so every decision she makes and every improvement she drives comes from a simple purpose. She wants each patient to receive the same care she would want for the people she loves most.

Former educator and current Owensboro Health board member Chris Gaddis sees this generational connection every time he walks through the hospital. He runs into former students and even the children of former students now working throughout the system. To him, it is proof that this is a community lifting itself up through its own people.

CARING ACROSS GENERATIONS

Geriatrician Dr. Andy Collins sees this connection every time he attends a local game or community event. Families fill the stands, often three or four generations together. His work focuses on helping older adults stay healthy and independent

so they can keep showing up for the moments that matter most. His team reviews medications, supports caregivers and helps seniors stay active so they can cheer from the stands and celebrate milestones with the people they love.

PARTNERSHIPS THAT STRENGTHEN A REGION

But Owensboro Health’s impact extends far beyond its hospitals and clinics. As the region’s largest employer with nearly 5,000 team members, it supports thousands of families and strengthens the local economy. Claude Bacon, who leads the Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, sees the reach of that stability every day. Hospital jobs support restaurants, shops, contractors and small businesses across the region. When Owensboro Health succeeds, the entire community moves forward.

Preparing the next generation of caregivers is part of that work. Representative Suzanne Miles calls HealthForce Kentucky one of the most remarkable collaborations of her legislative career. Owensboro Health helped unite school districts, higher

education partners and healthcare providers across more than a dozen counties to build a sustainable workforce pipeline for the future. Mobile training units have reached more than 300,000 people, and interest is growing across the country. Miles believes it has the potential to become a national model and a pathway to healthier communities across Kentucky.

COLLABORATION OVER COMPETITION

Collaboration is key in behavioral health as well. Dr. Wanda Figueroa, leader of RiverValley Behavioral Health, has seen what happens when organizations choose cooperation over competition. Together, RiverValley and Owensboro Health created Kentucky’s first mobile mental health crisis team and a statewide crisis text and chat line, offering support when people need it most. She believes strong communities grow from strong partnerships, and both organizations share a higher purpose that extends beyond their individual walls.

HEALING THAT GOES BEYOND MEDICINE

Sometimes healing looks different than a clinic visit. Through community

investment grants, Owensboro Health supports music and arts programs through its Arts in Healing program that bring comfort to patients and families in hospitals, nursing homes and classrooms. Musician Randy Lanham has been on both sides of the patient experience. He has played songs at bedsides and sat in those same rooms with his own family members. He believes healing often begins with simple human presence. A song or a smile can ease fear and bring peace when people need it most.

THE FABRIC OF A COMMUNITY

Taken together, these stories reveal a single message. Owensboro Health is more than a hospital system. It is woven into the fabric of life in this region, from the first breaths in the NICU to the steady support of aging with dignity, from classrooms and ballfields to crisis calls and quiet moments of comfort. It is friends and family taking care of friends and family in the most meaningful ways. This is your community. This is your hospital.

And that makes all the difference. OL

MORE THAN A WORLD RECORD

LOCAL WOMEN TURN CHALLENGE INTO A CELEBRATION OF STRENGTH, FRIENDSHIP, AND BELIEVING BIGGER

Written by RYAN RICHARDSON // Photo by JAMIE PLAIN

In the early morning haze of a humid September day, a group of Owensboro women stood shoulder to shoulder on the turf at Daviess County High School, their hearts pounding. With the sun rising and a soaked field from a fresh rain, they prepared to do something no allfemale group had done before: flip a 215-pound tire — over and over, in relay — until they had officially set a world record.

But for this group of 10 women, the true victory wasn't just the record itself. It was the friendships formed, the barriers broken, and the message sent to girls and women everywhere: You are capable of more than you think.

“This was about so much more

than just flipping a tire,” said Alexa Roberts. “It was about showing up. It was about grit. And it was about proving to ourselves and everyone else that women can do hard things.”

THE SPARK BEHIND THE FLIP

It all started with a little laughter and a wild idea, but it was no joke. It was the next chapter in a growing movement of women challenging physical limits and traditional roles. The idea took root after trainer Bob O’Brien helped several of the women set a previous push-up world record.

“They came back after that and said, ‘What’s next?’” O’Brien recalled. “So I pitched the tire flip. The only problem was, there had never been an all-female team to do it before.”

The governing body, Alternative Book of Records, had categories for co-ed and all-male groups, but not for women.

“I told them, ‘Give us a chance.’ And the rest is history,” O’Brien said.

Recruiting a full 10-woman team wasn’t easy, but one by one, the lineup came together.

“Most of us didn’t know each other at all,” said Hannah Trogden. “I got recruited by my best friend. That was the only person I knew.”

The rest were strangers, until they weren’t.

TEN WOMEN, ONE GOAL

Each woman came into the

process from a different stage of life. The youngest was 28. The oldest was 55. Some were teachers, some were moms. Some had always been athletic, while others saw this as their first real fitness challenge.

“I was kind of coming out of the post-baby fog,” said Roberts. “This gave me something to work toward. It helped me get back to feeling strong again.”

Sarah Hayden added, “I’ve always been active, but this was a different kind of demanding. I thought I could just fit it into my routine, but it wiped me out. I had to adjust everything. It was humbling.”

Kasey Boone said she was drawn in because of the people.

“I asked who was coaching, and when they said Coach O’Brien, I was like, ‘I’m in,’” Boone said. “He was my teacher in middle school. I wasn’t the most athletic, but I’ve always wanted to push myself.”

TRAINING IN THE DARK

With September as their deadline,

&HEALTH

the team began training in August, meeting twice a week before sunrise on the Daviess County High School turf. Some days, they arrived before 5 a.m.

“We were all out there in the dark, flipping this giant tire across the field,” Trogden said. “Then we’d rush off to work, teach school, get our kids ready. But we made it happen.”

Karyn Goldstein said their kids sometimes tagged along,

“We were juggling jobs, families, workouts — but we always showed up,” she said.

Early sessions started with a lighter tire. Eventually, O’Brien swapped in a heavier one, knowing it would make the final version feel easier. Then came the regulation tire — 215 pounds, and ready for record-setting.

“We got so used to the heavy one, the official tire actually felt

easier,” Roberts said. “We were like, ‘Oh, we got this.’”

They trained in groups of two and three, learning how to pace themselves, flip in unison, and rotate quickly in relay format.

“There was a lot of learning on the fly,” Roberts said. “Technique mattered. You couldn’t just muscle it up. And once we started doing video critiques, it clicked.”

The technical side was only half the challenge. The real work was in building trust.

THE TIRE FLIP TEAM

AS PICTURED L TO R

HANNAH TROGDEN, 28

ALEXA ROBERTS, 30

SAM STEVENS, 32

KARYN GOLDSTEIN, 55

LAUREN SETTLES, 43

MEGAN DURHAM, 34

SARAH HAYDEN, 46

HEATHER GROSE, 51

KASEY BOONE, 33 NOT PICTURED ANGIE MOORE, 47

“You had to know your partner’s rhythm,” Goldstein said. “You couldn’t flip it alone.”

Lauren Settles added, “The second someone was struggling, someone else stepped in. No one wanted to be the weakest link, but no one was left behind, either.”

That chemistry stayed strong even when training was hard, or the weather didn’t cooperate.

&HEALTH wellness

“We trained into the fall, and it would be pitch black and cold,” Hayden said. “Everything would be wet. You’d slip and slide. But we kept going.”

And when someone couldn’t make it?

“We always let each other know,” Boone said. “We communicated. And if someone couldn’t flip, someone else filled in. No drama. Just support.”

THE DAY OF THE RECORD

On the morning of Sept. 21, the field was soaked from rain. The event had to be delayed by a few hours.

“But it turned out to be a blessing,” Roberts said. “We sat together, talked, laughed. It calmed us down.”

Hayden spend thatm time visualizing how the attempt would unfold.

“I was thinking about how the tire would feelm where my hands would go,” she said. “My cycling coach always told me to visualize the finish line. That helped.”

Others were focused in a different way.

“I had my hair done. Put on makeup,” Trogden laughed. “I figured, when you look good, you do good.”

When the clock finally started, the tire flipped steadily — three women at a time, in a continuous relay, until the team covered 32,325 feet.

O’Brien watched quietly. He knew they were ahead of pace, but didn’t tell them.

“If they thought they were ahead, they might ease up,” he said. “So I told them they were behind. It gave them something to fight for.”

When it ended, they had not only set the first all-female mark, but also beaten the existing co-ed time.

As the final flip hit the turf, emotion took over.

“I was holding my baby,” Trogden said. “He didn’t know what we did, but one day he will. And I was crying. Just overwhelmed with pride.”

Roberts said they cycled between cheering, hugging, and crying.

“We had done something no one else had,” she said.

MAKING A LASTING IMPACT

At some point, the physical accomplishment became secondary to the real reward.

“I don’t know how to describe it,” Trogden said. “You bond so quickly when you’re all showing up for something bigger than yourself. Even though we didn’t know each other before, it felt like we’d known each other forever.”

The impact went well beyond the group, too.

“I had a mom stop me in the car rider line at school,” Roberts said. “She said her daughter came home talking about how awesome it was that her teacher had done this. That meant everything.”

Hayden said that was never the goal, but it’s humbling to know that others were positively affected.

“We weren’t trying to be role

models,” she said. “But if we inspired someone? That’s the cherry on top.”

Months later, people still ask them about it.

“I see people at the gym or the store,” Goldstein said. “They remember. They ask how we started, and what’s next. It stuck with people.”

O’Brien sees it too.

“I had a guy ask about it while I was at the doctor’s office,” he said. “That shows you. What these women did mattered.”

For Roberts, the message is clear.

“This shows women — young girls, moms, professionals — that you don’t have to stop chasing goals. You can be strong. You can do amazing things.”

Hayden added, “It’s easy to say things like this are fleeting. But even if one person is inspired, it was worth it.”

SO … WHAT’S NEXT?

There are whispers of new records — log carries, obstacle courses, maybe even co-ed relays with spouses or partners.

“We’re not done,” Settles said. “We didn’t peak with a tire.”

O’Brien added, “There are plenty of records out there. And I know they can break them.”

Whatever challenge comes next, this group knows one thing for sure: they’ll face it together.

“We’re still a team,” said Trogden. “Always will be.” OL

SENIOR LIVING

LIVING WELL AT EVERY AGE Health and wellness for seniors

Written by DR. DAVID TUCKER, Executive Director of the Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County

Aging is a natural part of life, and maintaining good health and wellness becomes increasingly important as we grow older. Senior health is not just about managing illnesses, it’s about staying active, engaged, and fulfilled. With the right habits and support, older adults can enjoy a high quality of

life well into their later years.

Regular physical activity is one of the most powerful tools for senior wellness. Exercise helps maintain muscle strength, balance, and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls and chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Activities like walking,

swimming, yoga, or light strength training are gentle yet effective ways to stay active. This is why we are currently expanding our exercise options at the Senior Community Center of OwensboroDaviess County. We understand the importance of activity and friendship; our classes offer both. These classes include yoga, tai chi, low impact classes, cardio, and more are being planned.

Routine medical checkups are also essential. Preventive care, including screenings, vaccinations, and medication management helps detect potential issues early and supports long-term health. We often partner with Owensboro Health Regional Hospital to bring some of these essential needs to our seniors.

Proper nutrition plays a vital role in healthy aging. Seniors benefit from balanced meals rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated is equally important, as the sense of thirst can decrease with age. Our senior nutrition program serves home delivered meals (Meals on Wheels), and congregate meals at six different locations throughout the community. The menu is prepared by FiveStar Food Service in cooperation with a registered dietitian who provides the same menu throughout much of the state. Each meal is carefully designed for the health and wellness of seniors and is aligned with state and federal guidelines to be one third of a person’s daily nutrition.

Special attention should be given to calcium, vitamin D, fiber, and protein, which support bone health, digestion, and muscle

maintenance. Consulting a healthcare provider or nutritionist can help tailor dietary needs.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Staying socially connected, pursuing hobbies, and engaging in lifelong learning help keep the mind sharp and spirits high. Activities such as reading, puzzles, music, or volunteering can reduce stress and improve cognitive function.

It’s also important to recognize signs of depression or anxiety, which are common but often overlooked in seniors. Open communication with loved ones and healthcare professionals can make a significant difference. Our friends at River Valley Behavioral Health are standing ready to assist our seniors as needed.

Strong social relationships

&HEALTH wellness

contribute greatly to senior wellness. Spending time with family, friends, or community groups helps combat loneliness and promotes emotional resilience. Many seniors find purpose through mentoring, volunteering, or participating in local organizations like ours and many others.

A safe living environment supports independence and confidence. Simple adjustments— such as good lighting, grab bars, non-slip rugs, and accessible layouts—can prevent injuries and enhance daily comfort.

Senior health and wellness is about embracing aging with confidence, dignity, and vitality. By focusing on physical activity, proper nutrition, mental wellbeing, and social connection, seniors can continue to lead active,

meaningful lives. Aging well is not just about adding years to life but adding life to years.

All this is part of our mission at the Senior Community Center of Owensboro-Daviess County. We are an activity center for anyone aged 60 and older in Daviess County. Our classes are fun, educational, and active. Our social opportunities are varied, and our meals are nutritious and offered at a suggested donation of $1.50. Transportation is provided for a suggested donation of $1.50 each way and scheduled at least 48 hours in advance to members.

Membership is free! If you are 60 years of age, you should join us! We will be moving to our new facility later this year and look forward to seeing you soon! OL

From ‘Yes!’ to ‘Just married!’ A SIMPLE GUIDE FROM ENGAGEMENT TO HONEYMOON KELLEY

JAMES EVENTS

Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments of your life, but what comes next can feel overwhelming. Between decisions, deadlines, and emotions, the season from “yes” to “I do” can move fast. Here’s a simple, stepby-step guide from engagement to honeymoon, so you can enjoy every moment without the stress.

1. CELEBRATE THE ENGAGEMENT

Before diving into planning, pause and celebrate! Share the news, enjoy the excitement, and soak in this once-in-a-lifetime season. Chat about hosting a small engagement party or planning a fun photo session to capture this chapter. This is also the time to talk about your priorities: what matters

most to you as a couple, what kind of wedding you envision, and how you want your day to feel?

2. SET YOUR FOUNDATION

Once the excitement settles, start with the basics:

• Choose a date or season

• Create a realistic budget

• Draft a guest list

These three decisions shape everything else. They’ll guide your venue options, vendor availability, and overall wedding style. Having a clear foundation early will save you stress later.

3. BOOK YOUR DREAM TEAM

With your date and budget in place, start securing your major vendors. Typically, couples book

their venue, planner/coordinator, photographer, and DJ first. These professionals set the tone and timeline for your entire wedding. A coordinator or planner can be especially helpful. They keep you organized, manage details, and allow you to enjoy the process!

4. DESIGN YOUR WEDDING VISION

Now comes the fun part: bringing your wedding style to life. Choose your color palette, décor style, florals, and attire. Think about how you want guests to feel when they walk in: romantic, joyful, or elegant. Every detail, from invitations to centerpieces, should support that vision.

5. SEND INVITATIONS AND TRACK RSVPS

Send save-the-dates, then formal invitations about 6-8 weeks before the wedding. Track RSVPs carefully so you can finalize seating, catering numbers, and rentals. This step is often more time-consuming than

couples expect, so stay organized and ask for help if needed.

6. FINAL DETAILS AND TIMELINE

As the wedding gets closer, your focus shifts to the details:

• Ceremony order

• Reception flow

• Seating chart

• Vendor confirmations

This is when your wedding timeline is created, mapping out the entire day from getting ready to your grand exit. A strong timeline ensures everyone knows where to be and when, so the day flows smoothly.

7. THE WEDDING DAY

Your big day is finally here! Trust your vendors, take deep breaths, and focus on each other. Things may not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay. What matters most is the commitment you’re making and the love you’re celebrating.

8. AFTER 'I DO'

Once the music fades and the last

guest leaves, take a moment to soak it all in. Return rentals, send thank-you notes, and preserve your memories through photos and keepsakes. Take out all of the bobby pins and off all of the makeup — hallelujah!

9. HONEYMOON: THE FIRST CHAPTER OF MARRIAGE

Your honeymoon is more than a vacation; it’s your first adventure as a married couple! Whether it’s a tropical escape or a cozy road trip, use this time to rest, reconnect, and dream about your future together.

From engagement to honeymoon, this journey is full of milestones, emotions, and unforgettable moments. With the right planning and support, you can enjoy every step and start your marriage feeling confident, connected, and ready for

Choosing the perfect engagement ring

Written by RYAN RICHARDSON

Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most meaningful steps in a couple’s journey — and one that often comes with plenty of questions. Whether you’re shopping together, offering input, or planning a surprise with shared tastes in mind, the process can feel overwhelming with so many styles, stones, and settings to consider.

A little guidance — and advice from trusted local jewelers — can help narrow the options and turn ring shopping into an experience that reflects both your style and your story.

SET YOUR PRICE RANGE

Before visiting a jeweler, decide what you’re comfortable spending. There’s no “right” amount for an engagement ring, and today’s market offers options at every price point. Many jewelers can help prioritize what matters most — whether that’s stone size, setting style, or overall design — to make the most of a set budget.

Lab-grown diamonds, for example, can cost significantly less than mined stones while still

offering a high level of brilliance and durability. Spreading the budget across the stone, setting, and craftsmanship often results in a ring that feels both intentional and personal.

UNDERSTAND THE ‘4 CS’

The quality and appearance of a diamond are determined by four key factors: cut, color, clarity, and carat — commonly known as the “4 Cs.” Understanding how these elements work together can help couples make informed decisions — and often stretch their budget further.

Cut refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and faceted, and it has the greatest impact on sparkle and brilliance. A well-cut diamond reflects light back to the eye, creating that signature fire and shimmer. Even a diamond with excellent color and clarity can appear dull if the cut is poor.

Color is graded on a scale ranging from colorless to light yellow. While completely colorless stones are rare and more expensive, many diamonds with slight warmth appear bright and beautiful once

set, especially in yellow or rose gold. Small differences in color are often difficult to detect without side-byside comparison.

Clarity measures the presence of natural inclusions or surface characteristics within a diamond. Most inclusions are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye. Choosing a diamond that is “eye-clean” — meaning no visible imperfections — can offer excellent value without sacrificing appearance.

Carat refers to a diamond’s weight, not its visual size. While larger carat weights are often associated with higher value, factors like cut and shape can influence how large a diamond appears. In many cases, a slightly smaller diamond with a superior cut can look bigger and brighter than a heavier stone.

Together, the 4 Cs allow couples to prioritize what matters most — whether that’s sparkle, size, or overall balance — and find a diamond that fits both their style and their budget.

“Once you’ve settled on a carat range, prioritize the cut above all else,” said Mandy Collins of

Lance & Co. Jewelers. “An ‘ideal’ or ‘excellent’ grade ensures maximum brilliance; anything less, and the diamond loses its fire. Next, consider color. While a colorless ‘D’ is the gold standard, a ‘G’ grade offers a beautiful compromise, revealing only the slightest hint of warmth to the untrained eye. Finally, look to clarity. By staying within the ‘slightly included’ (SI1 or SI2) range, you ensure the stone remains eye-clean, as most characteristics only reveal themselves under 10x magnification.”

SELECT A SETTING THAT FITS THE STYLE

The setting frames the diamond and defines the ring’s personality. Some shoppers fall in love with a setting first and choose a stone to match, while others do the opposite. Keep in mind that not every shape works with every setting.

Common engagement ring styles include:

Solitaire — a single stone that keeps the focus on the diamond

Halo — a center stone surrounded by smaller diamonds

Classic — accent diamonds along the band

Vintage — designs inspired by earlier eras

Bezel — a smooth metal rim surrounds the stone, offering a modern look and excellent protection

Pavé — tiny diamonds set closely together along the band create continuous sparkle

Three-stone — features a center diamond flanked by two smaller stones, often symbolizing past, present, and future

Cathedral — the band arches upward to support the center stone, adding height and elegance.

CONSIDER YOUR CENTER STONE OPTIONS

While diamonds remain the most traditional choice for engagement rings, many couples are opting for alternative center stones that reflect personal style, meaning, or budget.

Moissanite has become a popular option for its durability and brilliance, offering a diamond-like appearance at a lower cost. Sapphires, available in classic blue as well as a range of colors, are prized for their strength and timeless appeal. Birthstones and other gemstones can add a deeply personal touch, symbolizing a birth month, anniversary, or shared story.

Choosing an alternative center stone allows couples to break from tradition while still selecting a ring designed to last a lifetime. OL

Creating a registry that grows with your life

WILLOW & PINE MARKET

Planning a wedding comes with no shortage of decisions, but few feel as lasting — or as personal — as creating your wedding registry. It’s a chance to imagine the life you’re building together and choose the pieces that will become part of your everyday routines, your celebrations, and your memories.

At Willow & Pine Market, creating a wedding registry is meant to be thoughtful, approachable, and even enjoyable. The goal isn’t to fill your shelves, but to help couples select pieces they’ll use often, care for well, and carry with them through the seasons of life ahead.

Before adding items, it helps to take a step back and think about how you actually live, and how that may change once you’re married.

Do you love cooking together after work? Hosting friends on the weekends? Baking for holidays or family gatherings? Are you combining two kitchens into one, or replacing well-worn pieces from early apartments and college days? These questions help guide choices that feel practical now and meaningful years down the road.

A thoughtfully built registry focuses less on quantity and more on quality. High-quality cookware and bakeware make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Durable serving pieces and linens elevate casual gatherings and formal occasions alike. Over time, these items often become part of family traditions, pulled out for holidays, shared with guests, and eventually passed down.

Why in-person still matters

Online registries offer convenience, but many couples and guests still value the experience of shopping in person. Seeing items firsthand — feeling their weight, texture, and scale — makes it easier to choose with confidence.

Registering locally also allows couples to receive guidance along the way. At Willow & Pine Market, registries are personalized to each couple, with staff available to help curate selections, suggest complementary pieces, and answer practical questions about care and use.

Shopping in person, having gifts beautifully wrapped, and carrying them out the door adds a sense of ceremony that online shopping can’t always replicate. Gifts can also be delivered directly to a shower venue or the couple’s home, easing logistics for everyone involved.

Willow & Pine Market has built its reputation on helping couples create registries that feel personal, intentional, and enduring — a reflection of both their home and their values. OL

A suit doesn’t impress because it’s expensive—it impresses because it fits.

You can buy a suit anywhere. A perfect fit comes from experience. At The Earle, decades of expert tailoring and styling go into every suit we sell, and we stand behind it with our Perfect Fit Guarantee.

The details complete the look. Cufflinks, ties, and pocket squares add personality, polish, and purpose—and they also make memorable groomsmen gifts. We offer curated accessory packages, custom options, and engraving services to help you build a look that’s distinctly yours.

Talk with a stylist at The Earle today—and look the way you’re meant to look.

• Onsite Tailoring

• Rent or Buy

• No appointment necessary

270.684.3111

Wesleyan Park Plaza

A wedding registry as unique as you

JULEP HOME & GIFT

Creating a wedding registry is one of the first chances an engaged couple has to express their personal style beyond the wedding day itself. It’s not just about selecting gifts; it’s about curating pieces that reflect how you live, entertain, and make your house feel like home.

At Julep Home & Gift, wedding registries are designed to be flexible, personal, and tailored to each couple’s tastes. Rather than following one set look or trend, couples are encouraged to mix styles, colors, and textures that feel authentic to them and adaptable as their life together evolves.

A registry often begins with everyday living. Whether you love hosting dinner parties, prefer cozy nights in, or fall somewhere in between, your registry can be shaped around how you actually use your space. Many couples also take the

opportunity to replace mismatched or dated items with pieces that better suit their current style and needs.

Julep Home & Gift offers a wide selection of tabletop, entertaining, kitchen, and home accessories, making it easy to build a registry that balances function with personality. From dishes and glassware to linens, serveware, and decorative accents, couples can create a collection that feels cohesive without being overly formal or restrictive.

For couples who may feel unsure where to begin, the registry process can also serve as a helpful starting point for defining a shared style. Seeing pieces together, rather than one item at a time, often helps couples clarify what they love, what works in their home, and how different elements can complement each other.

One of the biggest advantages of

registering locally is the ability to see options in person. At Julep, couples can compare colors, patterns, finishes, and scale firsthand, making confident decisions about what works best in their home. Knowledgeable staff are available to offer suggestions, answer questions, and help couples refine a registry that fits both their style and budget.

Guests appreciate the experience as well, from shopping locally to having gifts beautifully wrapped and delivered in town. Registries can also be viewed and managed online, giving both couples and guests added convenience.

Located in Wesleyan Park Plaza at 2738 Frederica Street, Julep Home & Gift specializes in wedding registries that celebrate individuality, creativity, and personal style. OL

by JAMIE PLAIN

RECIPE: SMALL BITES FOR BIG MOMENTS p. 56

FORKS UP: TOP FIVE BITES p. 59

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT: EL CAMINO REAL p. 60

FLAVOR

Small bites for big moments

Recipes and photos by JAMIE PLAIN

Spring is prime time for celebrating: engagements, showers, and all the in-between gatherings that lead up to the big day. It’s the season of open doors, clinking glasses, and tables meant for grazing rather than sitting still.

These finger foods are designed for exactly that kind of party: easy to pick up, easy to share, and just elevated enough to feel special. Perfect for spring celebrations where the goal is good company, low effort, and snacks that quietly do their job while the real focus stays on the people being celebrated.

Asparagus & Brie Puff Pastry Bites

SERVES: ABOUT 24 PIECES

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

BAKE TIME: 18–22 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

1 sheet frozen puff pastry, thawed

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

3–4 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced

4–5 oz brie cheese, rind removed and sliced

1 egg

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You can optionally blanch your asparagus (based on your preference). If you choose to, boil the asparagus for three minutes before shocking them in ice water.

2. Unfold the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut into 6 equal rectangles.

3. Place a strip of prosciutto on each pastry rectangle, followed by 3 asparagus spears. Add a small piece of brie on top.

4. Fold the pastry around the filling, pressing gently to seal.

5. Whisk the egg with water to make an egg wash. Brush lightly over each pastry.

6. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until puffed and deeply golden. Let cool slightly before serving.

Prosecco

Grapes

SERVES: ABOUT 6–8

PREP TIME: 10 MINUTES

CHILL TIME: AT LEAST 1 HOUR

INGREDIENTS

1 lb green seedless grapes

1 cup prosecco

½ cup granulated sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Wash and thoroughly dry the grapes. Transfer to a medium bowl.

2. Pour the prosecco over the grapes, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).

3. Drain the grapes well, then toss them in the sugar until evenly coated.

4. Transfer to a serving bowl and return to the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Lemon Lavender Shortbread

MAKES: ABOUT 24 COOKIES

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

BAKE TIME: 12–15 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender

¼ teaspoon salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a small bowl, lightly crush the lavender using your fingers or a mortar and pestle to release the flavor.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in the lemon zest and crushed lavender.

4. Add the flour and salt and mix just until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

5. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are just beginning to turn golden.

7. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. OL

TOP FIVE BITES

Photos & article by CHRISTY CHANEY

Eating is a lifestyle for me. I chase local moments, travel gems, and any trendy bite I can find. My whole family knows the camera eats first. Welcome to Top Five Bites, where we take giant, delicious bites out of life right here in Owensboro, plus anywhere we find ourselves along the way.

1

Fire Bowl

3600

FREDERICA STREET, OWENSBORO

The Tonkatsu Ramen with tofu is our favorite, though pork belly, seafood, steak, chicken katsu, and dumplings are all in play. A rich, pork-forward broth becomes the perfect swimming pool for noodles, edamame, microgreens, and a jammy egg. Add those little pillows of fried tofu and you could almost call it health, but delicious is the only label that really matters.

Sunda New Asian

592 12TH AVE. SOUTH, NASHVILLE

Paper-thin, nearly translucent snapper sashimi floats in bright yuzu juice, delicately topped with cilantro and dry miso. You scoop the fish onto a crispy lotus chip and, for a brief moment, transcend. Soft and crisp, sour and sweet, a multilayered umami that makes you wish the plate would never end.

2

Roll Tide BBQ

CORNER OF WEST 4TH STREET & JEFF PLACE

We’re currently fixated on what may be the finest bite of barbecue chicken we’ve ever had. Smoke-kissed and seasoned with confidence, it’s the kind of chicken that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. Watched over by pitmaster Greg Wallace, this is barbecue worth repeating, again and again and again.

3

4

Mangkok

Filipino Cuisine FOOD TRUCK

La Campirana

724 N. BURKHARDT ROAD, EVANSVILLE

Telera bread is slathered with refried beans and mayo, then filled with your choice of protein. Carnitas are our go-to, but don’t sleep on the birria. The sandwich is finished with avocado, lettuce, tomato, and Chihuahua cheese, then pushed over the edge by a salsa bar that lets you choose your own Scoville adventure.

5

Before you even get to the food, the smile in the service window is worth the drive. Order the No. 2 with pork and you’ll get pancit, a traditional Filipino noodle dish tossed with fresh vegetables in a savory sauce. Squeeze the lemon over everything. The noodles are topped with pork on a stick, glazed in a sticky-sweet sauce, and honestly, nothing ever goes wrong when meat is served on a stick.

EL CAMINO REAL FINDING MOMENTUM AFTER UNCONVENTIONAL START

Written by ASHLEY WEDDING

Photos by JAMIE PLAIN

Tucked just inside the doors of a motel off New Hartford Road, El Camino Real Mexican Restaurant may not look like a traditional neighborhood dining spot at first glance. But step inside, and it quickly becomes clear why the restaurant has earned a devoted following — and why, less than two years after opening, it’s already preparing to expand to a second location.

A FAMILY-OWNED VISION

El Camino Real is owned by José and Jamie Lozano, whose roots in the restaurant industry run deep. The restaurant officially opened its doors in January 2024 inside what is now called the Rodeway Inn at 3720 New Hartford Road, a move that sparked curiosity almost immediately.

From the outside, diners wondered: A Mexican restaurant inside a motel? That curiosity quickly turned into foot traffic, with customers moving from surprised to feeling welcomed.

“People want to experience what it’s like to be at a Mexican restaurant inside a hotel,” said restaurant manager Wilber Menjivar. “And so far, we’ve gotten really good feedback. A lot of people ask questions: ‘Is it clean? Is it welcoming? What does it look like?’”

Rather than shy away from those questions, El Camino Real leaned into creating a space that felt

warm, polished, and approachable. The restaurant now serves a mix of hotel guests and local residents, particularly during the summer months when travelers staying at the hotel often head straight downstairs for dinner.

That balance played a role in the decision to keep the New Hartford Road location open even as the restaurant prepares to expand.

A MANAGER WITH DEEP ROOTS IN HOSPITALITY

Menjivar’s journey to managing El Camino Real wasn’t a straight path, but it was always rooted in service.

“I actually do have a restaurant background,” he said. “My family has been in the restaurant business for a while, so I’ve been exposed to it.”

He spent several years working in family-owned restaurants in Madisonville and Beaver Dam, gaining experience across every part of the operation. Later, he stepped away from the restaurant industry entirely, spending six years as a human resources coordinator for a Japanese company.

When the opportunity at El Camino Real came along, Menjivar returned to the industry with a

people-first mindset shaped by both experiences.

“I try to have good communication with my employees,” he said. “If there’s anything they don’t understand, anything they need — that’s why I’m here.”

That same approach carries over to his interactions with guests, many of whom he now greets by name.

FAMILIAR FAVORITES WITH A TWIST

Ask Menjivar what sets El Camino Real apart, and his answer is immediate.

“Our flavors,” he said. “We have our own personal, unique flavor in all of our dishes.”

Before officially stepping into his role as manager, Menjivar made it a point to sample everything on the menu.

“I’m very critical when it comes to food,” he said. “I tried the salsa, the chips, every dish. I wanted to know what I could improve.”

What he found instead was confidence in the menu as a whole. The result is a broad lineup that

offers something for everyone without feeling overwhelming — dishes that feel familiar, but with combinations that catch people’s attention.

“Honestly, after trying everything, I didn’t think there was anything that needed to be changed,” he said. “There are a lot of dishes that are similar to other restaurants. But I think what you name your dish and how you present it catches people’s attention.”

DISHES THAT STAND OUT

One of those attentiongrabbing items is the Kentucky Chicken, which features a grilled chicken breast topped with spinach dip, served with vegetables such as zucchini and a side salad.

“I’ve had spinach dip before, but never on top of chicken,” Menjivar said. “The combination just works. It’s very flavorful, and it’s kind of on the healthier side.”

Another dish that frequently surprises first-time diners is the Cheese Molcajete, served sizzling in a hot stone bowl with chicken, steak, shrimp, peppers, onions, Mexican sausage, rice, beans, salad, and cheese sauce poured on top.

“It’s one of those dishes that surprises people,” Menjivar said. “When it comes to the table, it’s very hot.”

For first-time visitors, Menjivar often recommends the Amber Special: a generous combination of chicken, steak, shrimp, vegetables, rice, and cheese sauce.

“It gives you a little bit of everything,” he said. “And a lot of people really like that.”

BUILDING REAL RELATIONSHIPS

Spend time inside El Camino Real, and one thing becomes clear: this is a place built on relationships. Regulars greet Menjivar as they walk in. Some even ask which days he’ll be working so they can plan their visit accordingly.

“It feels really good when someone walks in and says, ‘Hey, Wilber,’” he said with a smile. “If they remember you, it means you did something right.”

That personal connection is something Menjivar values deeply, and something he believes keeps people coming back.

“When people come to a new

restaurant, they have a lot of questions,” he said. “Especially with a big menu and food terms they might not understand. We want to be available for them.”

Feedback, both positive and critical, is something Menjivar actively pays attention to.

“I like to see the good comments, because it makes me happy,” he said. “But I also like to see the bad comments, because it shows we’re not perfect.”

That mindset — always improving, always listening — has helped the restaurant grow stronger with time.

“The support we’re getting motivates us to do better,” Menjivar said. “For everyone.”

EXPANDING THE VISION

Nearly two years after opening, El Camino Real is preparing to open a second location inside the former Amvets 119 building at 1400A

Triplett Street, which was formerly home to a pool hall. The search for a second location wasn’t quick or easy.

“We were looking around the Owensboro area, but we couldn’t find anything that felt right,” Menjivar said. “Then this place came up, and it was exactly what we were looking for.”

The new location will be larger, allowing for expanded seating and ideas that simply weren’t possible in the original space. While no exact opening date is set, the goal is to open around Cinco de Mayo.

The original New Hartford Road location will remain open, continuing to serve hotel guests and locals, while the Triplett Street restaurant will become El Camino Real Mexican Restaurant #2.

Menjivar will manage the new location, aiming to bring the same consistency and culture to a second space.

WHAT’S NEXT

For Menjivar, the new location represents more than just extra seating. It’s a chance to bring his own passions into the restaurant experience. He hopes to host karaoke nights and open mic events every Thursday, creating a space that blends food, music, and community.

“I’m big into music,” he said. “Owensboro has such a strong music scene.”

Looking ahead, Menjivar sees potential for continued growth beyond Owensboro.

“I’d like to see El Camino Real in other places,” he said. “Maybe not in Owensboro, because we already have a lot of Mexican restaurants, but I want to grow.”

He believes that growth starts with how people are treated today.

“If you treat people right and make sure their food is good all the time,” he said, “they’ll follow you wherever you go.” OL

UNICORN ROOT AND CURBSIDE COLD DRINKS A look at Owensboro’s health habits in 1926

Written by LORA WIMSATT

Health and wellness were very much concerns for our ancestors of 100 years ago, but residents of Owensboro in 1926 had a few theories, ideas, and practices that were very different from our own.

A typical advertisement published in the Owensboro Messenger a century ago told the woeful tale of Mrs. Margaret Wallace, who claimed that “at times I was hardly able to do my housework.”

“How many women,” the ad went on to wonder, “have found themselves in this same condition! How many women have fought bravely on, day after day, cooking, washing, ironing, doing the dishes, and keeping the house clean when they were in a weakened condition and had not sufficient strength to perform these duties.”

Well, never fear. Lydia E. Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound to the rescue.

All those valiant female soldiers who were “waging battle in (their) own kitchens” with “no thrilling bugles to cheer her on, no waving banners” were exhorted to find strength, energy, and health in this miraculous concoction.

Sadly, ladies of 1926 had no means by which to Google ingredients in this magical elixir, but a quick search today tells us that the compound included –

oh dear – unicorn root, life root, black cohosh, pleurisy root, and fenugreek seed … all preserved in 19% alcohol.

Well, I guess that’s one way to feel better.

But on a brighter note, our forebears did take seriously the health and wellness of their children. In fact, the entire community rallied around observance of National Health and Clean-Up Day, with special attention focused on programs in public schools.

Mayor J.R. Beck issued a proclamation acknowledging that “the science of disease prevention, if properly applied, can add fifteen years to the average length of a human life, and the economic gain to be obtained from preventing postponable disease, measured in dollars, exceeds one and one-half billion annually.”

Schools implemented a variety of health screenings, including dental examinations in which the teeth of 2,389 children were assessed, of whom 1,746 were found to have teeth in good condition. More than 1,000 children had no family dentist, and 647 children “have really bad teeth” – a figure designated as “good,” all things considered – and 411 children admitted they did not use toothbrushes.

Health programs took place in all schools, including Washington, Lee, Franklin, Longfellow, Lincoln, “and probably the parochial schools.”

A child health fair included cash prizes to be awarded to the children deemed to be in the best physical condition: $10 for first place, $5 for second, and $2.50 for third.

That money could well be spent at Progress and Callas, “Owensboro’s Popular Drink Shops,” which advertised: “For your health’s sake and the health of your baby, eat our pure ice cream and drink our delicious cold drinks.”

Not to be outdone, Porter-Pirtle Co. on Frederica Street offered the convenience of curbside delivery of their “nice cold drinks from our sanitary fountain.”

“If you are in a hurry, blow your horn and watch the prompt service we give you in your car,” they promised.

But for those looking for something beyond soft drinks, there was always this option: “For the health’s sake of grown folks and the babies as well, eat Sugar Creek Creamery Butter.”

Soft drinks? Butter? Unicorn root and alcohol? Well, who are we to argue? Our ancestors lived long enough to beget us. Now let’s do our best to stay healthy for another generation. OL