As you’re planning your Labor Day weekend activities, you’ll definitely want to keep the Jefferson Davis State Historic Site in mind.
As part of the Labor Day holiday weekend festivities, you can see an impressive collection of reproduction Civil War flags, both Confederate and Union.
The flags, by Spencer and Linda Brewer of Central City, represent units from Kentucky and Tennessee. The flags will be on display outside the museum.
Jefferson Davis State Historic Site marks the birthplace of the Confederate president, Jefferson Davis. Kentucky has always taken pride in the fact that the President of the Union (Abraham Lincoln) as well as the President of the Confederacy (Jefferson Davis) were BOTH born in Kentucky.
The park features a 351-foot monument that was completed in 1924 and includes an elevator. The site also has a museum and gift shop. There is also a picnic area on the park grounds.
The gift shop features Kentucky handcrafts, souvenirs, books and Civil War memorabilia. The site is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through October. There is a fee for the museum and monument.
The site is 9 miles east of Hopkinsville on U.S. 68.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park will hold its annual weekend honoring Kentucky writer Jesse Stuart on Sept. 24-25.
The weekend is dedicated to the works and memory of the former Kentucky poet laureate, who was born in Greenup County, worked as an educator and became known for his poems, short stories and novels. He often used education and his Greenup County surroundings for themes in his stories.
The weekend begins on Friday, Sept. 24, with an afternoon hike to the Jesse Stuart Nature Preserve. There will also be talks about Stuart and on Saturday a tour of the Jesse Stuart Foundation in Ashland, a visit to W Hollow, Stuart’s home, and book appraisals.
The weekend will also feature “The Needles Eye,” a dramatic production with music taken from Stuart’s book about his experience as an educator “The Thread That Runs So True.” Show times are Saturday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 26, at 2:30 p.m. Both shows will be at the Greenbo Lake Amphitheatre. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and students. Preschoolers are free. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets with you.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park is on KY 1, 18 miles north of I-64 from Grayson exit or 8 miles south of U.S. 23, the Country Music Highway on KY 1. Greenbo Lake features the Jesse Stuart Lodge with 36 rooms, convention center, and Anglers’ Cove Restaurant. The park has a 225-acre lake for boating and fishing, tennis courts, 25 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The campground is open April 1 through Oct. 31. Greenbo Amphitheatre features musical concerts and plays during the summer and fall.
Call 1-800-325-0083 for information and reservations.
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 51 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our website at http://www.parks.ky.gov
* Greenbo Lake State Resort Park appears in a recent issue of Bridges Magazine. Angler’s Cove restaurant at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park is featured, highlighting an all you can eat seafood buffet.
Wow! So, Do-it-yourself projects now include fishing boats. See the details come together on Kentucky Afield television this weekend, July 31 and Aug. 1.
On the upcoming episode, we’ll learn that for sculling creeks and ponds, nothing tops a flat-bottomed boat. Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources craftsman John Akers shows host Tim Farmer how the vessels are built with little effort and money.
The construction of the KY AFIELD 09 was quite popular when first aired last fall. Now, the three-part series is combined into one full episode. DVR users take note – this is one for the archives.
“Kentucky Afield” is a production of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. It is the longest continuously running outdoor television show in the nation. The program airs at 8:30 p.m. Eastern /7:30 p.m. Central Saturdays, and repeats at 4 p.m. Eastern/3 p.m. Central Sundays on KET 1. To see the latest news about “Kentucky Afield” television and view your favorite show segments from the past, sign up today for the electronic newsletter. Visit fw.ky.gov on the Internet and click the Kentucky Afield Newsletter icon.
Kentucky’s First Lady is thinking about the young people in Kentucky – specifically about their reading habits. She has created a Summer Reading List for Kentucky’s young people. Even kids who don’t live in Kentucky will love these fascinating books.
Jane Beshear’s summer reading list is one each child should complete this summer.
In an effort to increase student reading during summer break, First Lady Jane Beshear today announced her Top 10 Summer Reads as part of the First Lady’s Reading Recommendations initiative.
“Educators have long known that reading over summer vacation leads to improved performance when school resumes, and fosters a lifelong love of reading,” said Mrs. Beshear. “The books on my summer reading list have been chosen not only to entertain and educate students throughout the summer months but to increase their awareness of the outdoors, community service and compassion for others.”
- Summer Reading is Killing Me!, Jon Scieszka (Ages 9-12)—“In this latest adventure of the time warp trio, Fred, Sam and Joe find themselves traveling through time when Fred puts their summer reading list in The Book, which causes them to meet up with a number of familiar children’s book characters.” (On Amazon: Summer Reading Is Killing Me! #7 (Time Warp Trio)
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- Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt (Ages 9-12)—“This enchanting and timeless tale is a story of fantasy while also tenderly dealing with the real world issues of mortality and the cycle of life.” (On Amazon: Tuck Everlasting
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- The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton (Ages 13-18)—“This classic tale of the struggle of young boys trying to find their place in this world is as relevant a social commentary today as it was when it was published more than 40 years ago.” (On Amazon: The Outsiders
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- Island of the Blue Dolphins, Scott O’Dell (Ages 9-12)—“This 50th Anniversary edition is the story of a young Indian girl separated from her tribe and stranded on an island for many years. It provides a strong female lead character in a story of human resourcefulness and a will to survive.” (On Amazon: Island of the Blue Dolphins
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- Slow Down for Manatees, Jim Arnosky (Ages 4-8)—“This beautifully written and illustrated story encourages young readers to be mindful of the world they share with other creatures and the threats that humans sometimes unknowingly pose to them.” (On Amazon: Slow Down for Manatees
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- Riddle of the Reef, Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz (Ages 4-8)—“This book features adventure and an important message of conservation as Riley and his family visit Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.” (On Amazon: Riddle Of The Reef (Adventures Of Riley)
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- Mountains Beyond Mountains, Tracy Kidder, (Ages 14-18)—“A New York Times Best Seller and Pulitzer Prize winner, this book tells the remarkable and inspiring story of Dr. Paul Famer’s efforts to bring healthcare to the poor and sick of Haiti.” (On Amazon: Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World (Random House Reader’s Circle)
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- Gods of Manhattan, Scott Mebus (Ages 9-12)—“The first in a series of books about a spirit world that exists within Manhattan, the story of Rory and his kid sister Bridget provides a great deal of adventure and fantasy, as well as a little history of New York City.” (On Amazon: Gods of Manhattan
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- When Zachary Beaver Came to Town, Kimberly Willis Holt, (Ages 11-15)—“Set during a small-town, Texas summer, this book tells the story of 13-year-old Toby Wilson, his struggle to find how he fits into this world and the realization that, as difficult as his life may seem, others may have it worse than him.” (On Amazon: When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
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- Scat, Carl Hiaasen, (Ages 9-12)—“When their unpopular biology teacher inexplicably goes missing, Nick and Marta set out on an adventure to unravel the mystery of Mrs. Bunny Starch’s suspicious disappearance.” (On Amazon: Scat
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What’s new at Genuine Kentucky:
I added a new article to the Bird’s Articles: How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard
One of Kentucky’s favorite daughters, Country superstar Patty Loveless, is publicly declaring war on a disease that has claimed two of her family members: COPD. Other celebrities declaring war on COPD are Bruce Jenner, Danica Patrick, Jim Belushi and Michael Strahan.
Patty Loveless decided to be a spokesperson for the organization, mainly due to the fact that she lost her sister to the disease in 1996.
The Nashville legend and Grand Ole Opry star’s raising awareness for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Over 12 million people in the Untied States, alone, have this disease. Experts believe that the number is actually about twice that – but many don’t recognize the symptoms.
Which is, of course, where people like Patty Loveless come in – to educate us all.
For more information on COPD, go to drive4copd.com and download the campaign song, ‘Drive,’ sung by Patty, herself, for free. She co-wrote the tune with her husband, Emory. You can also take the five-question screener and be automatically entered to win either a trip to this year’s CMA Awards or a NASCAR experience in February.
Now how cool is that?
Finally, you can read more about Patty’s efforts in an interview she gave to Lifescript: Country Star Patty Loveless Sings Out Against COPD
About Patty Loveless:
Patty Loveless was born Patty Lee Ramey on January 4, 1957 in Pikeville, Kentucky. Patty was the 6th of 7 children. Although she was born in Pikeville, Patty’s family lived in a small town nearby named Butcher Holler where her father was a coal miner.
In 1969, the family moved to the Louisville area, seeking treatment for the dad’s lung disease.
Beautiful Patty Loveless first came onto country music’s radar in 1986 with her first (self-titled) album. Patty has recorded too many country and bluegrass songs to list, but suffice to say she remains one of the best loved artists of all time.
This fact was apparent to us (us being my husband and myself) when we recently attended a Patty Loveless concert at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The sold out Opry was filled with a special kind of love that flowed from the artist to each audience member and right back to the artist. It was a special evening and you could feel it in the air.
Did You Know?
Loveless is a distant cousin of Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle. She is married to Emory Gordy, Jr. (1989 – present), who is also her producer.
On October 21st, 1992 Patty Loveless had throat surgery. For the next nine weeks, she could not speak or talk! On her 36th birthday, January 4th, 1993, Loveless re-entered her professional life by performing at the Grand Ole Opry.
One of Patty’s crowning achievements was her popular album When Fallen Angels Fly. It won the Country Music Association’s Album of the Year award and gave her four Top 10 singles.
Patty Loveless made an abrupt and bold move away from commercial, country/pop in 2001 with a heart-felt, true to form bluegrass album. Mountain Soul was released to numerous critical accolades but (amidst the Faith Hill and Shania Twain era) didn’t exactly get the radio support necessary to make albums fly off the shelves.
Patty loved bluegrass as much as bluegrass loved Patty, so she stuck with the genre for a memorable Christmas album, Bluegrass & White Snow: A Mountain Christmas, in 2002.
On Your Way Home, marked a return to more “radio friendly” country, was released in 2003 to critical acclaim.
As of today, Patty has charted more than forty singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, including five Number Ones. She has recorded fourteen studio albums (this isn’t counting compilations) in the United States, four of which have been certified platinum, while two have been certified gold.
Loveless will be inducted into the The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame on April 7, 2011.
From the Louisville Zoo:
Louisville Zoo volunteers Emily Goldstein, an 18-year-old University of Louisville freshman; Sam Leist, a 18-year-old Senior at Saint Xavier High School; and Kaitlin O’Bryan, a 15-year-old sophomore at Atherton High School, have made it to the final round in the international Project Polar Bear contest sponsored by Polar Bears International (www.polarbearsinternational.org/project-polar-bear).
The contest challenged teens to find ways to reduce carbon emissions in their home communities. The four finalist teams—from Louisville, Ky.; Tulsa, Okla.; Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Winnipeg, Canada—will travel on an all-expense paid trip to the San Diego Zoo in California at the end of April where the winning team will be announced.
“Our teens are downright inspiring,” Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak said. “I am so proud of their accomplishment and dedication to the Zoo and our mission of bettering the bond between people and our planet. These teens exemplify conservation leadership and they are working hard to educate others to make a difference. Polar bears illustrate the beauty of the Arctic, and we must do all we can to save them.”
While in San Diego, the teens will get a VIP tour of the San Diego Zoo, including a behind-the-scenes stop at Polar Bear Plunge and a trip to Sea World. The grand prize for the winning team will be a trip to see polar bears in the wild in Churchill, Manitoba, Canada—the polar bear capital of the world.
“While we are very excited,” Leist said, “what is important is not the recognition of our achievements, but the fact that the recognition itself means people are beginning to care about the world.”
For the contest, the teens developed a free Energy Use Evaluation Kit for local businesses and organizations that evaluates the business’ energy use and offers easy energy-saving options to implement.
“Our team was able to convince dozens of companies to commit to saving 17 million pounds of CO2 per year!” Goldstein said. “If three teenagers from Kentucky can do this, think of what could happen if everyone would do their part?”
In addition to the kit, the teens made presentations to local businesses to educate employees on the importance of using less energy and asking them to sign a carbon emissions reduction pledge.
“I was amazed at how many people were saving CO2 but didn’t realize it,” O’Bryan said. “Some things are so easy to do and when we gave them suggestions, they were happily surprised that they were already doing it. It inspired them to do more.”
The teens have a website, www.louisvillezoo.org/projectpolarbear that features information and resources on polar bears and climate change in the form of quizzes, a photo gallery and journal. At the end of the contest (which ran from June 1 to December 31, 2009), the team reduced more than 17 million pounds a year of CO2 though pledges.
This is the second year a team of Louisville teens entered Polar Bears International’s Project Polar Bear contest. Last year, the team of Goldstein and Brandie Farkas won the grand prize—a 6-day, 5-night trip to the polar bear capital of the world in Canada to see polar bears in the wild and go dog sledding. (Read more at http://www.louisvillezoo.org/news/press/MR/2009/MR%2009-05-04_polar.htm.)
For detailed information on all four finalist projects in this year’s Polar Bears International’s Project Polar Bear contest, visit http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/programs/project-polar-bear/winners#2009-winners.
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Congratulations to all of the young, conscientious, and compassionate people who aren’t just TRYING to make a difference – they ARE making a difference. Also, Kudos to the Louisville Zoo. The success of Louisville teens reflects on the zoo and the education it provides.
Michael and I went to the beautiful Lake Barkley Lodge last night for the Lake Barkley State Resort Park Presents Comedy Dinner Theater featuring Marty Pollio. The food was delicious and the laughs were constant.
Marty Pollio is a tremendously talented Louisville comedian. You can read more about him in my previous post and learn even more by visiting his website. In fact, I insist that you visit Marty Pollio’s website. Not only is he a total riot – he apparently shares one of my own great passions: cooking! He has tons of delicious-sounding recipes on his website. I’ve actually been saving a lot of them this morning to print out and try. Italian food… come on, it doesn’t get any better.
I am so grateful to the Lake Barkley State Resort Park for putting together this Dinner and a Show evening. What a brainstorm! I’d love to see more of Kentucky’s wonderful state parks doing the same. And if they bring in Marty Pollio, I’ll want a ticket to each and every show.
As you know, I’m a huge fan of the Variety! Music, Memories, and More shows in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. On the way home last night, I thought how amazing it would be if they’d bring Marty to the Badgett Playhouse. I nearly laughed out loud at the thought of him interacting with Bill Minihan and Steve Sherling. I’d give up 6 months of Starbucks to see the three of them on stage together. If you know me, you know that’s as good as offering up your first born.
Marty Pollio has “it” – that certain something that a comedian either has or doesn’t have…. they own it or fake it. He’s like a cleaner, Italian, juggling Dane Cook. Let’s see Mr. Cook juggle 4 balls at once!
As luck would have it, my husband was one of the faces in the crowd that Marty interacted with. My husband, who is as big a ham and character as anyone, played along beautifully. As a mother who loves her daughters more than her next breath, I do have to clear something up. When he asked Michael how many children he had and if he was proud of the way they turned out- he shook his head NO! For anyone there, know that he was (of course) playing around.
He also said he wasn’t there for their births – he was there (and green) for all three. Liar.
Anyway, aside from getting my husband into all kinds of trouble, Marty was just spectacular. He had everyone laughing hysterically and his juggling and miming were simply unreal. How does anyone juggle like that? I’d struggle with 1 ball, let alone 4.
If you are reading this article and are looking for a hilarious clean comedian for an event or show – here’s your guy. Just promise me one thing: Let me know when he’ll be there because I’ll be headed that way. I might even let “you know who” come along. And sit in the back.
A few links you’ll love:
How to Juggle and Other Cheap Tricks (Marty’s How To)
Marty Pollio’s Italian Recipes
A few of my favorite actors are Johnny Depp and George Clooney – they would be EVEN if they weren’t born in Kentucky, but I do love that little fact. I got an e-mail a few days ago from a woman who currently lives in Manhattan but was born in Clay County (Manchester) and raised in Butler, Kentucky. Her name is Lisa Ashe and she’s apparently a George Clooney fan as well.
She passed along this video she’d like to share with the readers of Genuine Kentucky and I’m SO glad she did – it’s a lot of fun! I love the bluegrass sound of her voice and music – they’re a great fit. The UK grad has a degree in theater and wrote the song she sings in the video below. You can learn more about Lisa by visiting her website, http://www.LisaAsher.com.
Thanks Lisa!
Check out the cool old pic of George Clooney I found. My oldest daughter said he looked like Velma on Scooby Doo… and, sadly I must agree. But a very cute Velma, right… right?… Am I right?
Few things are as relaxing and enjoyable as sitting down with a cup of hot coffee and watching Kentucky Life on KET. Below are some of the upcoming programs. Since I currently live in Owensboro, Kentucky and once called Louisville, Kentucky home – the November 21/22 dates totally jumped off the page for me.
All of the programs sound like Must-See TV, though. Be sure you don’t miss a single one!
Oct. 17/18: The Evergreen Hills Maze in Flemingsburg, an “Our Town” visit to Adairville, and Cricket Press of Lexington. Also, “Dave Does It” features Dave working at Dahl & Groezinger Scrap Iron and Metal.
Oct. 24/25: Buffalo Soldiers camp, Magee’s Bakery in Maysville, an “Our Town” visit to Midway, and the Kentucky Book Fair in Frankfort.
Oct. 31/Nov. 1: An alien abduction legend from Kelly, Ky., an “Our Town” visit to Hell for Certain, ghost hunter Patti Starr, and the reintroduction of the Bourbon Red Turkey, once America’s most popular turkey.
Nov. 14/Nov. 15: Dog Scout Troop 107, a tasty recipe using locally grown produce, and the Flaget High School Alumni Association.
Nov. 21/Nov. 22: An “Our Town” visit to Greenup, Diana Earle and the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra, and Henrietta and Jeff Scott’s Highland Raku Studio. Also, “Dave Does It” features Dave working at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory.
A Few Did You Knows About Kentucky Life:
- Dave Shuffett is from Greensburg and graduated from Murray State University in 1982.
- The first five seasons of Kentucky Life were hosted by Byron Crawford. Byron’s grew up in Lincoln County.
- Kentucky Life’s episodes are story driven and profile the lives of Kentuckians from each of our distinct regions.
- Kentucky Life debuted in 1995. By 1996, it had become KET’s most watched local production.
- If you love animals like I do (okay, I admit it, I’m obsessed!), you’ll love Paw Pals – a photo album on KET’s website where you can enjoy the pictures of Kentucky pets and even upload your own. Click HERE to see some of the most beautiful faces you’ll ever see.
Visit Kentucky Life for more information and perhaps to even challenge Dave Shuffett to do your job!
Great food and Bluegrass music? Come on, does it get any better?!
Kings Highway and Men of the Week will be performing in Owensboro on October 24th. Each of these bands is currently playing at the Jerusalem Bluegrass Celebration in Rosine.
Kings highway (pictured above) is a band from Henderson Ky, Men of the week (pictured below) hails from the home of the next World Series champions (from my lips to God’s ears, hopefully!) St. Louis Cardinals, St Louis Missouri. (www.myspace.com/menoftheweek)
Both bands are closely followed in the Kentuckiana area, playing festivals in Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro, Louisville as well as performances in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri , Ky, Georgia ,Florida and Tennessee. Men of the week are currently performing at IBMA music showcase in Nashville, Tennessee.
These bands will start performing at 5pm Saturday Oct 24th outdoors at Reds Fish House in Owensboro, Kentucky.
From an e-mail sent to me by Reds Fish House: This is the second performance Kings Highway has done at Reds Fish House, By request from all our friends that enjoyed the first performance Reds Fish House will have this as an annual event for the Owensboro community
Reds will be serving dinner, our own fried fish meals as well as a louisiann crawfish boil ,during the performances, making this a fun night of entertainment and dinner for the Owensboro community. Admittance for both shows and dinner will be $25.00
This event will be an outdoor event seating is not available so attendees will want to bring their lawn chairs. Space is limited reservations are highly suggested in advance, Reservations can be made thru our comment page on Reds fish house web page, www.redsfishhouse.com
Reds Fish House is located at 7056 Highway 56. For directions, see the website.
