Beautifying Grand Rivers

I know. I know. I haven't posted in a while. I'll catch up soon- I promise. Today I wanted to share with you these pictures of a few of our lovely Grand Rivers volunteers beautifying our town. Oh the things we will do for the love of Grand Rivers. The Chamber is planting bulbs to add beautiful color for a BIG celebration next spring.

Who are the volunteers? Be the first to guess all three correctly and I will send you a $25 Gift Certificate for Patti's 1880's Settlement.

The big celebration? Well, I'm not ready to reveal that one yet- you will just have to wait for the announcement.

I'm Looking forward to a Weekend Full of Stories

Labor Day Weekend may be over but there are still plenty of fun weekends planned in Grand Rivers. This weekend you will find me at the Second Annual Grand Rivers Southern Storytelling Event. This celebration of the traditional art form of the spoken word will take place on September 11 and 12 at the Badgett Playhouse Theater. Scheduled performers for this year’s event include Storytellers Michael Reno Harrell, Mitch Capel, and Kim Wietkamp. All great storytellers (I picked them).

I saw Michael perform at last years Storytelling event and let me tell you he rocked it! Funny. Funny. He now has a new one man play – “My Roots Are Showing”… a southern boy’s bumpy journey to manhood. I’m hoping we get a story or two from the play.

This will be Mitch Capels first time in Grand Rivers. I’m looking forward to his stories. Mitch has an impressive resume and is a storyteller, recording artist, poet, and actor.

I’m also excited that Kim Weitkamp will be with us this year. Kim combines humor with stories of her childhood and a few big whoppers that make a delightful performance.

Join us and remember just how entertaining stories, songs, and southern life can be! Box office number is 888-362-4223.

Girls Rule!

This year our summer fun has included Friday night croquet on the front lawn of Mark and Susan's new Grand Rivers home and I am lovin' it. We now have two croquet sets, shirts (the guys picked them out), and a league name.

Our croquet group (aka the Hard Knocks Club) is more social than competitive, but I must commend the girls for bringing the heat in August. Congrats to Isis, Susan, and Cindy - our winning players of the last three weeks. The girls rule!

A rush shot (that's croquet lingo) by Susan makes the guys look on in fear and awe:

Oh; and by the way, my husband has asked that I quit plastering his face all over the Internet on this blog and facebook. Seems he is shy or private or something. If you see him, will you let him know that I have honored his wishes and that my latest post does not have a picture of his face.

Thanks bunches!

Marina Day Pics

What a Blast. Thank you to Green Turtle Bay and Lighthouse Landing for providing all the fun. Free sailboat rides, kids crafts and activities, free kayaking and paddle boat rides, music, and fireworks. The marinas of Grand Rivers rocked it!

Barbara Atwood Proclaims Marina Day in Kentucky

Barbara Atwood of the Kentucky Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet visited Grand Rivers today, and on behalf of Governor Steve Beshear proclaimed Saturday, August 8, 2009 as Marina Day in Kentucky.

National Marina Day is an annual celebration produced by the Association of Marina Industries and recognizes the important recreational, environmental, and social contributions marinas make to thousands of waterfront communities all across America.

Grand Rivers is home to two of the finest marinas in the Kentucky Lake area and I was thrilled that the proclamation was presented here in Grand Rivers.

Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina and Lighthouse Landing Resort and Marina serve as gateways to boating for thousands of people seeking to enjoy Kentucky and Barkley lakes. To celebrate National Marina Day, the marinas of Grand Rivers have planned a full day of fun. Find the schedule here on the Grand Rivers Marina Day website. Thank you Lighthouse Landing and Green Turtle Bay for serving as our gateway to boating fun.

Money Can So Buy Friends

I've heard it said before that money can’t buy friendship (or happiness, or love...).

I’m here to tell you that it can- if you know where to spend it. This week I mailed a check for membership to the Land Between the Lakes Association; better known as the Friends of LBL. I love to write this check. I love to mail this check. I am buying both friendship and happiness with this check.

As a Friend of Land Between the Lakes, my gift goes to help maintain the wonderful place that is LBL. The Friends help to preserve the natural and cultural resources of LBL. They improve trails and facilities so that you may spend time in the great outdoors making memories with friends and love one. They provide educational programming and teach about the wonder of nature and the importance of conservation. And they can do all of this only through the generous gifts of friends.

Visit the website here. Volunteer your time or become a friend. You can spend as little as $25.00 or as much as $5,000.00 to be a friend. Be generous. It is a friendship that I promise you will treasure.

Calling All Children of the 70's

Here is the skinny; The Friends of Land Between The Lakes are adding Laser Light Shows to the Golden Pond Planetarium calendar for August. Enjoy three different shows every Friday night. The shows feature the music of Pink Floyd, the Beatles, U2, Led Zeppelin and other retro mixes. You can find the full list of shows and ticket prices at the Friends of LBL website here. Seating is limited so make sure you call for reservations; 270-924-2020. Be there or be square. Dudes.

Save This Date

Saturday, August 8 is National Marina Day and Grand Rivers is celebrating BIG. Here are the schedule highlights but check the Grand Rivers Marina Day website often as we add more fun to the lineup.

Lighthouse Landing Marina and Resort Activities
Free Sailboat Rides 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Free sailboat rides leave on the hour and last approximately 50 minutes. You may sign up for time slots on the day of the event. This event is very popular and space is limited. Children must be accompanied by an adult and the adult must also bring with them a child's size lifejacket.

Drawing for Free Sailing Lesson and Sailboat Rental ($270 Value) Enter to win a 2 hour sailing lesson and one day sailboat rental at Lighthouse Landing. Rental boat holds up to four people maximum and damage deposit is required. You must be 21 to enter.

Green Turtle Bay Marina and Resort Activities
Fun for Kids 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Including free kayak and paddle boat rides, bouncers and water slide, rock climbing wall, face painting, arts and crafts, and more.

Free Rides on the River Rat 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. - Take a ride around the marina on the boat from the River Rat movie.

Grand Rivers Street Dance featuring Southern Fry’d - 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. beside Dockers Grill at Green Turtle Bay Marina and Resort.

Huge Fireworks Show at Dusk. Best place to view is at the courtesy dock area beside Street Dance and the beach area

How Did I Forget to Tell You This?

The NEW Grand Rivers Visitor's Guides are here. I can't believe I haven't posted this news. Maybe because I was busy in June mailing a record 588 guides to inquires. That is a big number for our tiny village; remember only 350 people live here.

Kudos to Mz. Laura K for her design work on the guide. To borrow a word, the guide is fabulous.

An online version will be available on the Grand Rivers website soon.

In others news, Japanese beetles have invaded the rose bushes of the clinic. Of course my bushes (which stand maybe three feet away) are beetle free. Imagine that.

Don't worry about the clinic roses. This morning there were two nurses and an LPN attending to them, and I can tell you those beetles don't stand a chance.

Momma Strikes Again

Momma was here to visit again. This time for nine days. She arrived with three suitcases and we then proceeded to shop all week- and of course we had to wear all the new stuff. Come to think of it, I can't even tell you what was packed in the suitcases.

I can tell you that we found some darling deals. I have two cool new summer outfits from So CooL, new shoes from the Chandlery at Green Turtle Bay, and a new tank from Ashleigh's (who had a 35% off sale). I even bought a dress. Yep, you read this right, a dress.

My sister and her family also came for a visit to enjoy time on the Lakes. And mom's friend Janice joined us from Lexington.

So, these are my excuses for being behind on the blog again and here is a quick update on what is happening in Grand Rivers.

The farmers market has added early hours on Saturdays at Green Turtle Bay Resort. You will also find them starting at 10:00 a.m. at Moodie Tackle Company downtown.

We are enjoying visiting our friends Mark and Susan at their new home in Grand Rivers. They are not only fun to hang out with and the perfect hosts, but also have the perfect yard for croquet.
CYC had a very moving flag retirement ceremony over the weekend of the 4th. Impressive.

And, my best friend Pat had a birthday. Happy birthday Pat!

Hard at Work

According to my friend Mz. Laura K; social media has rules. If you have a blog, you must post. It seems if you don’t blog people will think there is nothing going on. Let me assure you, the opposite is true. Summer is here and in Grand Rivers that means time to work hard and to play hard.

I guess I need to tighten the schedule and make sure I blog or risk being social media shunned. So here goes, to catch everyone up on the highlights of Grand Rivers.

Captain Bill had a Big Birthday (I won't give away his age but it is the birthday that comes with a monthly check from his Uncle Sam).

Terry made the cake (Bill's favorite chocolate cake) and f.y.i.; he will also have the same big birthday this year in August.

The Lighted Boat Parade was as always spectacular.

The Kids Fishing Event was a huge success. Thank you to all that helped.

Friends Frank and Cindy have another new grandchild (I don't have pictures yet so I am cheating and using the picture of the last new grandchild, but I think it is fair since the last new grandchild and this picture are only about 5 months old).

So Mz. Laura, I am hoping this post keeps me on the social media registry. I promise to share the pump out cruise story later this week. Stay tuned.

Breaking News

Memorial Weekend brought crowds of people to Grand Rivers, Canal Campground reopened, and Grand Rivers and all of the holiday events received great press coverage in the region. In the last week, Grand Rivers and our businesses have been featured on WPSD-TV Channel 6 news, WCCK Radio Calvert, and WSRQ Radio Sarasota, FL as well as in the Paducah Sun, the Calvert Lake News, the Clarksville Leaf Chronicle the Henderson Gleaner, Heartland Boating Magazine, and Kentucky Monthly Magazine. Whew. Thank you Gerran Thomas, Greg Leif, Gid Pool, Shelley Byrnes, Loyd Ford, Maria McClure, Chuck Stinnett, Kate DeMay, and Steve Vest for all of the great coverage on Grand Rivers.

And there is MORE. So my news may not be professional publication news worthy, but at my house it is big. And believe me; it will get even bigger. I have done something that I told my husband I would never again do in my lifetime. I was firm in my statement when I made it. Then I saw these baby blues and all reason went out the window. It was love at first sight. We are now the proud parents of a new puppy. Please meet baby Riley (as in the life of). Riley is 12 weeks old and an impressive 34 pounds and 22 inches at the shoulder. It is big news and he is going to be a big boy. Just remember, you read it here first.

A Nurturing Nature

If you have visited the Tourist Information Office in Grand Rivers, then you know that right next door to me is the Grand Lakes Clinic. Since they are my neighbors, I have gotten to know and love the staff there. I also have first hand knowledge of their excellent care when it comes to poison ivy (my husband), rope burns (my nephew), colds, general wellness, and wasp stings (me).

Last year the Clinic and I coordinated new landscaping in front of our shared building. We both planted knockout rose bushes. True to their nature, the clinic staff lovingly watered, weeded and tended to their new plants. True to my nature, I took the tough love approach to landscaping. While I have never claimed to be nurturing I do believe that I have a supportive nature and will give you tons of positive feedback as you do things for yourself. My way works for the strong, but for the times in life when you need nurturing for growth and wellness; thank goodness for the Grand Lakes Clinic my friend. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so let me spell it out for you this way -

NP Denice Lindsay in front of the Clinic's Knockout Rose bushes.

Me in front of mine.

SOS

Yes. I know I haven't been here in a while. In my defense; it is boating season. I'll post pictures soon and let you know what I've been up to and it is nice to know that one or two of you miss me. I did want to share with you this letter from the lovely and talented (and sometimes forgetful) Karen Dodson-

"...SOS...

There is nothing like a small community when a distress signal is sent out. I recently returned from a trip to Berea, KY where I left my husband AND THE KEYS TO OUR HOUSE !!! After calling three locksmiths, to no avail, Del Henson at Lake Realty mentioned that Harry Sayle (of Green Turtle Bay) might be able to help me. I knew Harry from chatting with him during my early morning swims while he was trying to clean the pool around me. Del got him on the phone and I explained my dilemma.

I was sitting on my front porch waiting to be rescued, when Harry arrived along with Mayor Tom Moodie. Those two guys sized up the situation and went to work on a stubborn, heavy-duty, dead bolt lock. My cheer could be heard all across Grand rivers when they succeeded with their mission ! Many, many thanks to Tom and Harry from a grateful Grand Rivers citizen and very happy CYC member. Green Turtle Bay is lucky to have this caliber of men in their ranks and I'm lucky to have them in a beautiful small town where they were easy to find and pleased to help.

Most Sincerely, Karen Dodson"

I loved this letter. And, I do have a call into Karen asking if she found her keys and husband. :)

Sign up for the Sunfish Sailing Fleet- Learn to Sail.

Learn to sail by joining the new Sunfish Sailing Club in Grand Rivers. This new club will offer a quality sailing program for the youth in Grand Rivers and the surrounding Lakes area. The Sunfish is a popular small sailing dinghy that can be easilly handled by one person.

The program will operate out of the beach area at Green Turtle Bay Resort and will be offered on selected Saturdays. Please sign up today and let everyone you think might be interested know it is time to join the Fleet.

Here is the sign up process: go to the Commonwealth Yacht Club site at http://www.cycgtb.com/ Download the membership application from the home page. Complete the form and mail with the appropriate fee to the CYC Treasurer, Pat Jones, PO Box 654, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702. You can download the fee schedule, but the fees are $25.00 for youth members, $35.00 for adult members and $65.00 for a family membership.That's it! What could be easier.

Sign up today so the club will have your spot for summer. Get on the water and learn to sail.

Happy May Day

I know that officially summer starts around the 20th of June (summer solstice), but ancient cultures celebrated May Day or May 1, as the first day of summer. I like their thinking.

Friends Frank and Cindy of the Peacekeeper are back from Florida. Here is a picture of their arrival last week at Green Turtle Bay Resort. Friends Joe and Judy are also back.

Every week I see more and more visitors and boaters in Grand Rivers. Temperatures are warming up, even the rainy days are warmer. Flowers are blooming. The trees damaged from the storm are finally leafing out. Happy first day of Summer (unofficially) yall. I love May in Grand Rivers.

Light up the Lakes

The Patriotic Lighted Boat Parade in Grand Rivers has to be one of my favorite events of the year. I guess because it combines so many of my favorite things- lights, boats, the lakes, and a tribute to service.

This year’s parade is scheduled for Saturday, May 23 and the club wants your help in lighting the lake from shore to shore. This event is open to all boaters and vessels.

This year, CYC will award trophies and prize money totaling $800 in two categories; Vessels 20 foot and under and Vessel greater than 20 foot. Each category will include first and second place prizes for most wattage, most patriotic, and best display. There will also be a crowd pleaser award. The trophies are sponsored by Lake Realty and prize money is sponsored by Green Turtle Bay Resort. Judging will occur at the Grand Rivers Jetty by Lighthouse Landing.

So decorate your vessels with simple or complex lighting, and patriotic decorations to honor those who have given us our freedoms. Gather your family, friends, organize your pier or office, call your neighbors. Rent a barge; bring your small or large vessels with a few or many lights. Come by land or water and help light the lake from shore to shore.

Register before May 16, 2009 and be early in the lineup. For more information visit the website at cycgtb.com or contact Dave Rittenhouse, Fleet Captain at fleet captain@cycgtb.com or call 618-322-9312.

Not a boater? Join us Saturday, May 23 to view the parade at the Grand Rivers Jetty. The event time is dusk; around 8:45 or 9:00 p.m.

Quilt Man

Congratulations to Larry Krohn of Princeton, IN for taking top honors in the Grand Rivers Spring Festival and Quilt Show. Larry’s quilt won first place. Here are all the winning entries from the event:

Quilt People’s Choice Winners
1- Larry Krohn, Princeton, IN
2- Joyce Puffinbarger, Symsonia, KY
3-Kelly Culp

Wall Hanging People’s Choice Winners
1- Nancy Wilson, Arlington, KY
2- Joyce Puffinbarger, Symsonia, KY
3 - Bethel Downs - Benton, KY

Other weekend happenings included the opening of the Grand Rivers Farmers Market at Moodie Bait Company. The market features fresh seasonal plants from Local Livingston County Farmers.

And the CYC Blessing of the Fleet at Green Turtle Bay Resort. It was a gorgeous day, and the minister was the Rev. Dr. Evans. He used the historical blessings that were used particularly on the Sea of Galilee and he wore a stole that was handmade in Guatemala and used there for similar blessings.

It was another beautiful weekend at the Lakes.

In My Facebook Paducah Sun

Thank you Shelley Byrne of the Paducah Sun for including Grand Rivers in her article today on cities with Facebook pages.

If you are on Facebook, sign up to be a fan of Grand Rivers, KY. You can connect with Grand Rivers, find out what is going on, and read what others are saying - all on facebook.

Pick up today's Paducah Sun to find out what local cities are using facebook.

Quilt Show Weekend

The Grand Rivers Quilt Show opened yesterday and the Pats did an outstanding job of organizing the show and putting together all the to-die-for entries.

The show includes new and antique quilts and wall hangings from the Western Kentucky area. All of the awards in the Grand Rivers Show are Viewers Choice – the visitors to the show vote and their votes select the winners. Along with all of the beautiful quilts and wall hangings, the show includes quilt related vendors with fabrics, handmade items, embroidery, and more. My favorite booth is Miss Alma’s. She owns Days Past Antiques here in Grand Rivers and has a vast collection of antique and hand stitched quilts for sale.

The Quilt Show will be open through Saturday. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Along with the Quilt Show, Saturday is the opening of the Grand Rivers Farmers Market. They will begin the season with potted plants and they have a new location. This season the Farmers Market will be located in the parking lot of the Moodie Bait Company – a new store that just opened in Grand Rivers with bait and scooter and cart rentals.

This weekend is also the Blessing of the Fleet at Green Turtle Bay Resort. This event is hosted by Commonwealth Yacht Club but all boaters are invited to participate. To me the Blessing is the official start of boating season. Registration is at Dockers Restaurant on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

And, the weatherman is forecasting sunshine and warm temperatures throughout the week. Busy, busy, busy…it is a great weekend to be in Grand Rivers. I love my life.

Best of Show

Congratulations to our own Karen Dodson of Grand Rivers for winning Best of Show in the Woman’s Club of Paducah annual art show.

I am a big Karen fan. She is so full of warmth and positive energy and can make you feel better by just walking into the room. And she has talent, talent, talent. She is best known for her portraits; but I love everything she does.

Last year for my husband’s birthday, I commissioned Karen to do a painting for him. The painting was beyond my expectations. I love, love it. She captured visually, the affection I feel for home and family; the paining is the house my husband and I renovated together, my husband, and Carlee girl. I smile every time I look at it. I had a picture of the painting and showed to everyone for months. Now that we have the painting, I can't find the picture.

As the home of the Artist Relocation Program; Paducah has the fastest growing art district in the Nation. The Women’s Club Art Show has a 74 year history. I am proud that a Grand Rivers was recognized in the thriving art community of Paducah.

You can see Karen’s winning entry – and all the entries on display at Paducah City Hall through May 1. Exhibition hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Flawless

Recognize this beauty on the cover of the most recent 4Her magazine? It is our own gorgeous, talented, brilliant and very busy Ms Sara Minihan.

The article highlights Sara’s background and talents and also talks about the Variety Show and additional productions that Sara and her husband Bill produce right here in Grand Rivers at the Badgett Playhouse.

The fab photography is by Jeff Carty from Patti’s Photography Studio also right here in Grand Rivers. 4Her is published by KPI.

And Speaking of Birthdays...

Today is Mayor Tom's birthday.

I found this picture of Tom on the Grand Rivers Jetty at sunset. The same jetty that was in both Cosmo Magazine and Southern Living. Tom's hard work was key in the jetty project, as well as the walking trail, Badgett Playhouse, park, and more. Mayor is not a paid position in Grand Rivers. It is strictly a labor of love. I want to share with everyone the letter from Tom that will be published in our new visitors guide. It shares how he feels about Grand Rivers-

"Welcome to Grand Rivers, Kentucky; our village between the lakes. Southern Living Readers recently called Grand Rivers one of the best small towns in the south. I call her home.
I feel fortunate to have been born and raised here, married my dream girl here, and raised our son here. I am honored to serve the citizens and visitors of Grand Rivers.
This charming village is blessed with a rich history, two big lakes, an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, and an immeasurable amount of heart. Our citizens give this small town a bigger-than-life personality full of celebration, compassion, and southern hospitality.
Grand Rivers has a special place in my heart, and I hope as our guest you will feel that connection too. Visit often. Connect with family. Make friends. Create memories. You are always welcome in my home. "

Mayor Tom Moodie

Happy Birthday to the hardest working man in Grand Rivers, our Mayor Mr. Tom Moodie.

Happy Birthday Grand Rivers!

On Monday of this week I found a paper by Mike Grimes on the History of Grand Rivers. The paper outlined the development of our little town by the Grand Rivers Company. The Grand Rivers Company was a group of investors from Boston and Nashville that saw huge potential in this area for profits in iron ore. This group developed a prospectus that outlined the potential and the plans for the development of a great city. Mike’s paper noted that the Grand Rivers city government was organized on April 8, 1890. It is kinda weird that I would read this paper on our birthday week.

I read part of the Grand Rivers Company prospectus and it seems like our founding fathers have a lot in common with our citizens today; they dreamed big and saw huge potential in Grand Rivers. Here is the closing summary paragraph from the prospectus:

“No enterprise was ever commenced under brighter auspices or with a more favorable promise of success. There is an assurance in every feature of it which commends itself to the judgment of all, of the grand results that must attend it and the feasibility of their accomplishment. The mines are there with their inexhaustible wealth, the rivers are there with their wonderful adaptability to commerce, the great West is there with its demand for cheaper and more reliable supplies of iron and coal, capital is there for carrying out its plans, and energetic action is there to bring all together in a unity that shall make the city of Grand Rivers a phenomenal success.”

I love it. Happy Birthday Grand Rivers. I hope I look as good at 118 years old.

Full Circle

I couldn’t have asked for a better day in Grand Rivers than last Saturday. As with any first time event, I was nervous and didn’t know what to expect for Stanley Walker Day. Well, the theater was packed, the music was outstanding, and we raised $2,005 for Kosair Charities.

The story of Stanley Walker day is bigger than our crowds or collections. It is the story of a man who used his talents and his day to give back. One of Stanley’s greatest loves in life is his music, and he has a true gift for playing guitar. On Saturday he shared his heart through his music with Kosair Charities. Kosair Hospital took care of Stanley as a small boy and he never forgot the kindness of this great organization. Stanley’s life has led him to a place where he could give back and help the next Kosair child. More than the amount collected, it was about the gift of sharing. Who knows what child will be helped with Stanley's kindness or what talents that child may have to share with the world.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this day possible; WCCK and WCBL radio who did an awesome job with promotions AND donated t-shirts, Bill and Sara Minihan who donated the use of the Badgett Playhouse, Pat and Jack Jones who collected donations, Cindy Riley and Mary Ann O’Leary who sold t-shirts, Karen Ernspiker and Eric Churchill of Kosair Charities who came from Louisville to help us with the event, Jerry Carter, Thomas Michaels, and all the great and very talented musicians who provide the entertainment, our audience who donated so very generously to the cause, and to the man of the day Mr. Stanley Walker who used his day to go full circle and to help children through his music.

Extreme Weekend

Along with Stanley Walker Day and the opening of the Big Band Show, this weekend brings a new Adventure Race to the LBL Area.

Bonk Hard Racing is hosting the new LBL Challenge adventure race and they have 200 adventure racers from 19 states that have signed up to participate. This race offers 12 or 24-Hours of pure backwoods adventure racing in one of the best venues in the Midwest, the Land Between the Lakes.

Racers compete in teams and the 24-Hour course will consist of 40-60 miles of mountain biking on gravel roads, jeep roads and mostly single track trails; 15-30 miles of running, trekking and bushwhacking and 15-25 miles of paddling. The 12-Hour race course consists of 20-35 miles of mountain biking, 10-15 miles of foot travel and 5-10 miles of paddling. Both courses are completely navigation based; this means the teams must use a map (they get the map at registration tonight) and compass in order to finish the course.

I’ve never experienced an adventure race – never heard of one until I spoke with the organizers. These are extreme athletics and I look forward to visiting LBL over the weekend in hopes of seeing the racers in action. Or at least following along by visiting the Bonk Hard website. The race organizers plan to post to their blog and upload photos during the race.

It Takes a Pier

If you are not a boater you look at a marina and see a harbor full of pretty boats, but if you are a boater you look at a marina and see a neighborhood. The marinas of Grand Rivers are strong communities of families and friends. Here is a story my best friend Pat shared with me. It is the story of friendship and giving between boater friends at Green Turtle Bay. I’ll let Pat tell the story. She tells it best:

“JT had wanted a golf cart for several months now and we have been looking and looking. Well one morning this week our dear friend from pier 6, Dr. David appeared at our door with a couple of golf balls and told JT to come outside and see what goes with these...it was a golf cart! Needless to say JT was so surprised and so very happy. We both were. We thank Dr. David and the family for this kind and so very special gift. We have shed many tears of joys...another wonderful blessing!! JT has already been everywhere and is totally enjoying his new ride...it is perfect for him!!!!”
JT & Pat

Michael Mayo Inge Returns for the Big Band Show

I just found out that Nashville musician Michael Inge will return to the Badgett Playhouse for the Big Band Show in April and I am lovin this news! I first heard Michael sing in the Christmas Variety show and let me tell you I was blown away by his talent.

Michael grew up in Bedford, Virginia, and moved to Nashville in 1997 to attend Belmont University. He works full-time as a musician. He has an unbelievable voice and his talent as a songwriter was recently recognized in a national jingle contest. He entered his first jingle in the Duke Mayonnaise jingle contest and tied for first place. I think this is very cool because I can now say I know someone that won a jingle contest.

Other career highlights include writing the song, “Catch U if I Can” that was recorded by the artist Haddaway (Famous for the club hit, “What is Love”) on his CD “Pop Splits. Michael’s song “Irresistible” is scheduled to appear in the film "American Violet," which should be in theaters in April.

The Big Band Show opens at the Badgett Playhouse on Friday, April 3, and I will be there!

Next Please

Now that the Ultra Run is over I am busy with promotions for the next Grand Rivers event; Stanley Walker Day. Our sponsors are really helping out and make planning this event easy for me.

A big thank you goes to Vida with Green Turtle Bay Resort who designed the artwork for our posters and print ads. I love the design. Stanley just came by my office and I showed him the posters. He is thrilled.

A big thank you also goes to the Badgett Playhouse. They are letting us use the playhouse for free and 100% of the donations collected at the door will go to Kosair Charities.

A big thank you also goes to WCCK Radio. WCCK is an event sponsor and is helping with the promotions and will also be donating event t-shirts for us to sell. T-shirt proceeds will also go to Kosair Charities.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for Saturday, April 4 at 1:00pm and join us for the Stanley Walker Day Jam for Kosair Charities. Stanley and friends are going to provide us with a great afternoon of entertainment, and I have a couple of suprises for him. Looks like everything is coming together and I am really getting excited about this event.

Ultra Fabulous

The Land Between the Lakes Spring Ultra Trail Runs were this past weekend and it was an ultra fabulous event. We had a record 360 runners!

What makes it an ultra is the fact that you can choose to run 50 miles. And keep in mind it is a trail run. The course starts at Lighthouse Landing Resort, with the first 1.7 miles run on paved roads to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, where the trail begins. The LBL section is a 11 mile loop on single-track trail between Kentucky and Barkley Lakes; offering views of the lakes, and several challenging hills. Saturday morning’s rain turned the trail to mud and added to the challenge of the run (as if running 50 miles was not enough of a challenge).

What makes it fabulous is the West Kentucky Runners Club and all of the great Grand Rivers volunteers. I would like to recognize the individuals who make this successful event happen. They are Steve Durbin who is the director for the race, John Durbin who takes care of the finish line and awards; Mark Vance who organizes supplies; Kelly LeNeave who handles the brochure and the website; Scott Germain who is in charge of volunteers; and Mike Howard who does a little of everything.

On behalf of Grand Rivers, our part would not have been possible without the Pats who did the shopping, and food service set up at the Community Center; Martha Riddle, Sugar n Spice, Commonwealth Yacht Club, and Pat Terry who cooked soups and chili; The Grand Lakes Clinic who did all of the food for the aid stations; The Grand Lakes Fire Department who do the start of the race and help with traffic control, Mayor Moodie, Dianne and Bob Bingham, and Emory Pence who all came downtown at 6:00am on a rainy Saturday morning to direct parking, and all of the great traffic control volunteers and food service volunteers.

Thank you also to Channel 6 and Garrin Thomas and to the Paducah Sun’s John Wright for such great coverage of the event.

And congratulations to my husband for completing the challenge for the third year!

A Cold rainy 7:00AM Start for 360 Runners

Chamber Volunteers

My Husband Finishes the Race

Cool North Face Jacket the Runners Club had made for me. I love it.