Kentucky Lake Views

Ice Storm Remembered

2010-01-27T09:10:00.010-06:00

Yes, I know. I haven't been here in forever. I'll explain (give excuses) later, but for now here is an invite to all.

Who: Everyone is invited. Please help us spread the word.

What: Concert by Eternal Vision and Worship Service by Grand Rivers Baptist Church (thank you Mark)

Where: Badgett Playhouse Theater in Grand Rivers (thank you Bill and Sara)

When: Sunday, February 7, 11AM

Why: Community Gathering and Rememberance from the Ice Storm.

Sending you warm thoughts and I hope you join us.

Beautifying Grand Rivers

2009-11-09T10:17:00.018-06:00

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

2009-09-09T10:00:00.006-05:00

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!

2009-08-18T16:15:00.020-05:00

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

2009-08-14T10:58:00.008-05:00

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

2009-08-07T16:37:00.018-05:00

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

2009-07-31T16:41:00.010-05:00

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

2009-07-23T09:19:00.008-05:00

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

2009-07-15T14:15:00.010-05:00

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?

2009-07-10T09:20:00.011-05:00

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

2009-07-09T11:32:00.026-05:00

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

2009-06-16T10:56:00.028-05:00

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

2009-05-27T10:21:00.012-05:00

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

2009-05-14T14:37:00.014-05:00

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

2009-05-13T09:27:00.009-05:00

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.

2009-05-04T15:12:00.021-05:00

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.

Happy May Day

2009-05-01T15:19:00.008-05:00

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

2009-04-29T10:25:00.005-05:00

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

2009-04-28T11:57:00.010-05:00

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

2009-04-27T15:59:00.008-05:00

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

2009-04-23T08:56:00.010-05:00

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

2009-04-22T09:52:00.006-05:00

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

2009-04-16T10:54:00.007-05:00

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...

2009-04-14T09:22:00.018-05:00

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!

2009-04-08T08:35:00.005-05:00

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

2009-04-06T13:54:00.009-05:00

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

2009-04-03T16:12:00.010-05:00

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

2009-03-31T09:54:00.006-05:00

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

2009-03-26T10:05:00.009-05:00

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

2009-03-19T14:34:00.031-05:00

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

2009-03-16T11:12:00.015-05:00

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.

Sweet Retaliation

2009-03-10T13:19:00.009-05:00

It has come to my attention that my own mother does not read my blog. This upsetting news just happened to slip out in a conversation we had yesterday. Oh, she read it once alright. Of course it was the story about HER.

In retaliation, I woke up this morning and fixed my hair, and put on makeup – complete with lipstick. My mom is forever wishing I would be a bit more girly. “Just a little makeup and lipstick would only take a minute and you are such a pretty girl”, she says. Growing up I was always her rowdy girl; not the sweet girl, never the girly girl. It would MAKE HER DAY to know I was wearing lipstick. And she would know this too, if only she read my blog. But she doesn't. So she will never know.

I guess lipstick can make a girl feel better.

Weekend Review: They are Back!

2009-03-09T17:02:00.005-05:00

The weekend started out right with this great article on Lighthouse Landing Sailing School in Friday’s Paducah Sun. It included a great color picture of Outstanding Sailing Instructor Chip Riddle.

Then, Friday night I stopped by the Senior Dance at the Community Center. Stanley Walker was playing and I wanted to get pictures for the promotion of Stanley Walker Day in Grand Rivers. I guess everyone is ready to get out of the house and enjoy the early spring because they had a great crowd for the dance.

After taking pictures, I met my husband at the Commonwealth Yacht Club. Friends Pat and JT were there. Jay and Owe were back from Florida and in town. St. Louis area friends Kate and Paul were there. It was nice to see friends return to the Lake.

Saturday the weather was nice and town was full of people. Saturday was also Pat and JT’s 45 Wedding Anniversary. Hard to believe my friend Pat is old enough to have been married for 45 years. Congrats to you both.

So, the theme of the weekend was sunshine and crowds. It was so nice to see the sun and to see our visitors back in Grand Rivers. Now I’m getting ready for this weekend when the West KY Runners Club will bring over 350 runners and their families to Grand Rivers. And I’m looking forward to all the busy spring weekends ahead!

Getting Back into the Spring of Things

2009-03-06T10:21:00.006-06:00

We did get our water back at the house yesterday and speaking of water; Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina turned the water on at the piers this week. The weatherman predicts 70 degrees for this weekend and our friends Jay and Owe will be here to summerize their boat. I am looking forward to warm weather and friends returning to the lake. I knew spring would get here.

So, to all my fair weather friends. You can come on back now! Oh, and Vida I borrowed your picture of Harry turning on the water. Hope that is ok.

My Water Department is Better than Your Water Department

2009-03-05T16:05:00.003-06:00

On Monday I received a call from Martha over at City Hall. She was entering water meter readings and getting the water bills ready to mail. She noticed we used three times our normal amount of water at our house and she suspected I had a leak. Well, sure enough the line in our back yard that connects to the city meter was broken. The ground in the back yard was mushy, but we don’t use the back yard this time of year so I had not noticed. I called Martha and she came by and helped me shut off the water. Then I called a mechanical contractor to replace our pipe. He is at my house now and by the end of today, I will have water!

We received our water bill in yesterday’s mail. Left on my own, it would have been today before I figured out we had a leak in the yard and it would have been sometime next week before a plumber could have fixed it. The weekend would have been two extra days without water.

Many cities are just too big for an employee to take notice of everyone’s water use habits. And you might think it is just To Much Information for your City Hall to know this much about you. Me, I am thankful Martha knows how much water we use and that she came by the house to help me turn off the water. Who knows how much water we would have lost or how much more damage could have been caused if Martha didn’t notice our increase.

Oh, and if you are wondering what we did for water since Monday; well our neighbors Dianne and Bob turned on their outside faucet and ran a hose to our house. Thank you Martha, thank you Dianne and Bob. I am lovin’ my water department, my neighbors, and my small town life.

Stanely Walker Jam for Kosair Charities

2009-03-04T11:25:00.010-06:00

In life he always brings his A game, and in play he tunes his guitar to straight E for a sound that is uniquely Stanley. Meet Rockabilly Hall of Famer and Grand Rivers native Stanley Walker.

Stanley was born in Grand Rivers and started playing guitar when he was only five years old. Growing up, he listened to the Grand Ole Opry and dreamed of being there. In 1969, his dream came true when he played behind Jean Shepard. Stanley played lead guitar for Ray Smith and the Rock and Roll Boys from 1956 to 1969. With rockabilly enthusiasts, Ray is revered for his five singles released on Sun Records. Stanley played on all of Smith's songs cut at Sun. Stanley’s career highlights also included appearances on Hee Haw, solo recordings, and backing artists including Roy Clark, Lefty Frizzell, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Stanley was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2008. Stanley has traveled the world sharing his musical talents. No matter how far he roamed, his heart always belonged to Grand Rivers.

I wanted Grand Rivers to recognize Stanley for his talent and so I sat down with Stanley in January to share the idea of a Grand Rivers Stanley Walker Day. Stanley was on board, but if it was his day he wanted to share it. Then he told me a story of a 10 year old boy whose life was saved by Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville. That little boy was Stanley. What if Kosair Charities had not been there?

And the idea was born for the Stanley Walker and friends Jam for Kosair Charities. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 4 at 1:00p.m. at the Badgett Playhouse. The event is free but we will collect donations for Kosair Charities. Join us to celebrate Stanley, support a great cause, and enjoy an afternoon of musical entertainment.

Calling All Quilters

2009-02-25T11:17:00.006-06:00

The Grand Rivers Chamber is looking for quilts to display at the 11th Annual Grand Rivers Spring Festival and Quilt Show. The quilts will be displayed April 22 through April 25, and will be judged by viewer’s choice votes cast by visitors to the show. The First Place Quilt will receive $100 and a blue ribbon. First Place wall hanging will receive $50 and a blue ribbon; second and third place winners will receive red and white ribbons. Enter your own handiwork or display your club's or family favorite homemade quilts. If you are interested please contact Pat Jones at 270-362-4631.

It's my Birthday

2009-02-24T10:09:00.005-06:00

My lack of posts for a long weekend is a sure sign that my mom was in town. She came to visit for my birthday. We celebrated with a mom cooked meal and a night at the Commonwealth Yacht Club. Mom originally planned to throw me a surprise 50th birthday party. It would have been a big surprise because I’m not 50.
I’ve heard it said that Kentucky is twenty years behind the times. I’m thinking this makes me 29 and fabulous.

Love you momma. Travel home safe.

One More Thank You

2009-02-18T09:27:00.005-06:00

At the risk of sounding a bit kumbaya-ish, I have one more group of wonderful volunteers that need to be recognized.

Thank you to Steve Wilson of Wood n Wave Bike Shop and all of the great volunteers that are working to clear the Canal Loop Trail in Land Between The Lakes. The Canal Loop is an 11 mile single track trail through the woods and I can only image the number of trees and the amount of debris that must be moved to clear the trail. Steve and the volunteers have invested countless man hours and have completed clearing the Barkley side of the trail. They started working on the Kentucky side yesterday. This trail is used by runners, bikers, and hikers and with enough help could be reopened soon.

If you would like to help, email Steve at Wood n Wave –info@woodnwave.com or call Wood n Wave during business hours at 270-362-2453. If you are interested in an update on the volunteer efforts, check http://www.woodnwave.com/

If you are interested in an update on Land Between The Lakes facilities reopening, check the website http://www.lbl.org/

The trail is vital to the Grand Rivers Spring Events Calendar as it is part of the course for the West Kentucky Runners Club Ultra Run and several bike races. We owe a huge dept to Steve and these volunteers as these trails and spring events draw thousands of visitors to Grand Rivers.

More Reflection

2009-02-16T16:48:00.009-06:00

Last night we had a community appreciation night for our volunteer fire department, city workers, churches, and citizens who helped us get through the challenges of the ice storm. This wonderful event was the idea of Mark Gill and of course I said I would help because I’ve always got to be in the middle of everything.

I called all my favorite cooks to help and Dianne Bingham, Martha Riddle, Susan Sunderman, Mary Ann O’Leary and my husband all made homemade soup. Miss Alma Paris, Bernice Hunt, Bette Stiles, Pat Terry, Vicky Moodie and Linda Ray made desserts. Thank you to all our wonderful cooks and to those that helped with set-up and serving.

I sent out an email about the event and asked everyone to help spread the word. With only four days to plan the event, we estimated maybe 100 people would attend. We had over 150. It was an impressive community event.

For over an hour people shared stories of thanks. In an earlier post, I shared with you the stories of the city workers, our Volunteer Fire Department, Jan and Sy Quarles of Mr. BBQs, Patti’s and the IGA. They were all mentioned last night but I also learned about more people that need to be added to my list of thank yous.

Vulcan Materials donated the use of a generator and other equipment to the shelter. They also kept their hourly employees on the clock and sent them out into the community to clear driveways and assist with clean-up. Thank You Vulcan Materials.

Thank you also to Steve Proctor and the Methodist Church, Mark Gill and the Grand Rivers Baptist Church, Bill and Sara Minihan and the Badgett Playhouse, and thank you again to all the citizens of Grand Rivers that helped each other out.

It is time to move on now but I am keeping very warm memories of the ice storm of 2009.

Open for Business

2009-02-13T11:28:00.009-06:00

I am getting calls today asking if our businesses are open and the answer is YES.

Our central business district and almost all of Grand Rivers has power. Patti's Restaurant is open. Lighthouse Landing, and the Grand Rivers Inn are open. Mr. BBQ Restaurant is open.

The Badgett Playhouse is open with shows scheduled for this weekend. AND the darling, young, single hottie pictured above with my mother is a volunteer usher tonight. How do I know this? Well, I am his mother and in my unbiased opinion the opportunity to spend a few minutes with him as he escorts you to your seat is worth the price of the ticket alone. Plus you get to see a fantastic show.

The Grand Rivers Florist, Lite-Side Bakery, So Cool, Canoe Antiques, IGA, Grand Rivers Antiques, the Homeplace, and all business in central Grand Rivers are all open their regular business hours. Lake Realty and ReMax are open. First Kentucky Bank is open.

Power has been restored to Green Turtle Bay Resort and the business offices and reservations are open. The Commonwealth Yacht Club will open on February 20th.

We are open for business in Grand Rivers!

I'm in the Nauti News

2009-02-13T11:03:00.008-06:00

Mind out of the gutter please. It’s Nauti as in Nautical and it is the official publication of Green Turtle Bay Resort. I have an article in the February edition where I talk about many of the spring events we have planned in Grand Rivers. Click on the picture to read the full article.

Open for Business

2009-02-09T11:49:00.012-06:00

Did you know a picture of our own Patti’s Settlement was recently in the New York Times? No kidding. A version of this article appeared in print on January 31, 2009, on page A13 of the New York edition of the New York Times. Check it out here -

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/31/us/31kentucky.html?_r=1&n=Top/News/U.S./U.S.%20States,%20Territories%20and%20Possessions/Kentucky

O.k. so it may not be the most flattering picture but press is press. You will be happy to know that Patti’s Restaurant looks much better today AND is now OPEN FOR BUSINESS as is most of Grand Rivers. I don’t know about you but I suddenly feel like shopping and I am hungry for pork chops and boatsinker pie.

Free Movie Night at the Badgett Playhouse

2009-02-06T15:07:00.010-06:00

Those with power, please share this information with those in the area that are without power.

The Badgett Playhouse is sponsoring FREE MOVIE NIGHTS on Friday and Saturday, February 6 and 7. Movie time is 7:00 pm.

Each night will feature a family friendly movie. Families with power are of course also welcome but I am sure there are families without power that are getting a little stir crazy. Join us for a night out at the movies. FREE.

George Saves the Day

2009-02-06T09:05:00.014-06:00

I'm still having technical difficulties with my camera but my hero George emailed me these pictures of the ice storm and Mr. BBQ to go with yesterdays post.

Thank you also to WPSD Local 6 and Gerran Thomas. They did a story on Mr. BBQ. It aired this morning and will air again tonight. Local 6 is doing a great job of covering the storm, relief effors and clean up efforts.

I'm Back

2009-02-04T16:35:00.011-06:00

I’m back! My power is back on after nine days. I love electricity.

The ice storm was beyond description. We lost power. We lost water. We lost phones. What we did not lose was the spirit of this community.

The morning after the ice storm, Jan and Sy Quarles of Mr. BBQ’s Restaurant started serving free hot meals out of the restaurant. They lost power just like everyone else and they could have stayed home and tried to keep warm or left town but they didn't. They were there every single day at 7:00 am. They cooked and kept the restaurant warm with the gas ranges. For the first five days they served three meals a day. After the Senior Center started serving hot dinners, they still did breakfast and lunch each day. I’m talking bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy for breakfast, and old fashion home cooked specials for lunch and dinner. Jan and Sy are tireless in their effort to help others as are many of our citizens during this trying time. Cindy, Cozette, Martha and Mary Ann all helped with the cooking. Dianne, Sara and Mark delivered hot meals to those that could not get out. Patti’s made food donations. Emily opened the IGA for supplies.

Our volunteer fire department was also quick to respond. They have a shelter set up in the Senior/Community Center and have worked around the clock facing the challenges of the situation. They are also serving hot dinners each night.

Our city workers are Amazing. Joe, Jeff, Brandon, Bill, and T.F. were quick to respond and they all worked hard to clear the roads, restore the water, and keep our sewer plant running.

Neighbors checked on neighbors. Friends checked on friends.

Words cannot express my gratitude to those that stepped up and helped out during this trying time. Repair and clean up continues but all of my friends and family are safe. Many in Western Kentucky are still without power and my heart goes out to them. I wish this world had a Mr. BBQ and a Jan and Sy Quarles in every town.

Fun in the Sun

2009-01-26T16:39:00.020-06:00

My dear, dear misguided friends Joe and Judy keep emailing me pictures from Florida. They are trying very hard to convince me that they are actually having a good time this winter. This picture arrived yesterday and it was accompanied by a little story of a day trip to St. Johns complete with fun, sun, and mimosas. Bless their dear thoughtful little hearts.

The gig is up my friends. I know all about Photoshop and I suspect you are doctoring your pictures to include sun, smiles and tans. I choose to believe that you are actually cold and lonely.

Listen Up!

2009-01-26T08:53:00.006-06:00

Who is that dark haired beauty featured in this weeks Country Weekly Magazine music downloads? Well, it is our own lovely and talented Ms. Tabatha Rowland and her band Southern Fryd. The article calls Tabatha, "one of the hottest new country artists to come along in quite a while". I have to agree. Pick up the February 9 issue of County Weekly for the full story. You can also visit Tabatha's website for more information on Tabatha, Southern Fryd, and their latest album, Avoid Heat and Flame.

Thank you to my friend Pat for sharing this article with me.

Congrats Ms. Tabatha!

More Good News for Grand Rivers

2009-01-24T09:51:00.012-06:00

Congratulations to Lighthouse Landing Sailing School and Sailing Instructor Chip Riddle. Lighthouse Landing Sailing School was recognized by the American Sailing Associating as one of the Top Twenty Sailing Schools for 2008. Lighthouse Landing Sailing Instructor Chip Riddle was named an ASA Outstanding Instructor for 2008. The American Sailing Association is the leading authority on sailing instruction and sailing schools in the United States. Lighthouse Landing Resort and Marina is located on Kentucky Lake in Grand Rivers and has been helping people fulfill their dream of learning to sail since 1977.

Thank you Marty and Brenda for sharing your love of sailing with thousands by developing Lighthouse Landing Resort and Marina here in Grand Rivers.

Thank you Chip and Martha (aka - best cook in the whole world) for making Grand Rivers your home and for being part of our little community.

Oh, and Marty - I borrowed these pictures from your website. Hope you don't mind.

Dinner with Friends

2009-01-21T09:56:00.016-06:00

The Chamber Annual Dinner meetinng was last night. The event is open to the community and the meal is free. Patti's donates the meat and Chamber members bring the sides. You don't need a special ticket, or have to go through security checks, or plan what designer you will wear.

We had over 80 people attend. This may not sound like a big crowd, but it is over 20 percent of our population. Think about sitting down to dinner with over 20 percent of your town. And think about knowing everyone in the room.

The VIPs attending our Inaugural event included Representative Mike Cherry and County Judge Executive Chris Lasher. They are both wonderful supporters of Grand Rivers and we appreciate everything they do for us.

Mike brought a letter from the Governor congratulating us on our Southern Living Awards.

Thank you to Patti's, Green Turtle Bay, Lake Realty and Livingston County Coperative Extension - and to the many individuals who brought dishes.

Congratulations to the 2009 Chamber Board and Officers

President: Mary Ann O'Leary

Vice President: Dennice Lindsay

Secretary: Pat Gorbett

Treasure: Bill Cullen

2009 Board of Directors -

Brenda Lady

Mike Tullar

Jim Doom

Pat Jones

Congratulations to the 2008 Chamber Award Winners -

Volunteer of the Year: Dianne Bingham

Member of the Year: Bill and Sara Minihan and Variety!

Presidents Award: Hazel Demry

Mayor Tom spoke and shared with us his thoughts on the strengths of our community - service to friends, service to community. It really does happen here and it really does work.

Pick up todays Paducah Sun

2009-01-20T10:28:00.005-06:00

Thank you to Shelley Byrne and the Paducah Sun for the great article on Grand Rivers. The article includes quotes from Shelley's interview with Southern Living Travel Editor Carolanne Roberts. Pick up your copy of todays Paducah Sun and see what Carolanne says about Grand Rivers.

Hot and Cold

2009-01-16T13:38:00.014-06:00

Cold. The weather yesterday and today. I went to visit our friends at WCBL Radio yesterday morning and stopped on the dam to take a picture of the steam rising off of Kentucky Lake. It reminds me of flying above the clouds. The temperatures were in the single digits. The good news is the forecast for tomorrow is 40 degrees and sunny!

Hot. After WCBL coffee talk with Chris, I met Miss Laura K at Main Street Java in Benton for lattes and breakfast. We have contracted with Laura to be the Project Manager for the New Grand Rivers Visitors Guide. She will do all advertising sales, and graphic design, and this New Guide is going to be hot!

A Trip Around the World Begins in Grand Rivers

2009-01-15T10:44:00.019-06:00

Doug Sterret and the crew of the 37-foot Tartan Alikkai, sailed out of Grand Rivers yesterday to begin their 18-month voyage around the world. You can read the story on Leslie Moore’s blog

You can follow their trip at voyageofaliikai

I'll add the Voyage link to my blog "Sites I Visit" so we can follow them as they sail around the world. Bon Voyage Alikkai!

"Hee Haw" Tribute Show Opens This Friday

2009-01-14T10:35:00.015-06:00

The fourth season of shows (Yes the fourth season - time really does fly ) begins this weekend at the Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, KY with a tribute to "Hee Haw" and a special offer for local patrons. Local patrons will be given a "buy one get one free" offer for the opening weekend. I’m going, and I have a couple of the buy one get one free coupons in my office if anyone wants to pick one up. They are good for this weekend only.

I didn’t have a true appreciation for the original show when it was in syndication, but my dad loved it so in our house we watched it. He would have loved this tribute production. I’m taking my son this weekend and sharing with him this memory of my dad. A small remembrance of my own.

The production features a six-piece band and three singers performing the hits of such artists as Buck Owens, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Charlie Pride, George Strait, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Floyd Cramer. The band for this show is amazing. The Guitar playing genius Thomas Michaels is featured in several of the songs and his voice and talent shines in this production.

Comedy sketches include jokes from the cornfield, Grandpa Jones and a tribute to Minnie Pearl.

The show opens Friday and will run through March 27th. See you at the show!

Peacekeeper Arrives

2009-01-13T16:07:00.006-06:00

It seems friends Frank & Cindy and the Peacekeeper have arrived for a visit at Joe and Judy's house in Cape Coral, FL.
I checked the Cape Coral weather and the forecast calls for sunshine and 70 degree weather for the next couple of days. I plan to call them Friday, but only if they get rain.

Dinner and a Talent Show

2009-01-10T13:57:00.015-06:00

If you weren't in Grand Rivers last night then you missed an amazing night at the Badgett Playhouse. Last night was the Fourth Annual Grand Rivers Talent Show. All of the performers were outstanding. My husband was a judge and it was not an easy task to select a winner when the entire night was one winning performance after another. Wow.Wow. Wow.

Several of the performers mentioned they will be performing in the "You Can Be A Star" Talent Search at the Kentucky Opry tonight. If you missed them last night in Grand Rivers, you should go see them at the Opry Talent Search tonight.

Of course we started the evening with dinner at our house. Seems like our friends always gather in my kitchen. Which is fine with me. Lord knows I don't use it.

It was another great weekend in Grand Rivers.

You Know You Live in a Small Town when...

2009-01-09T11:07:00.011-06:00

I love the small-towness of this scenario. So, I'm at my office yesterday afternoon and I receive a package from a printing company shipped UPS. Well, the polite and darling UPS man noticed that he also had a package on the truck for my husband at my home address. He brought it in to my office with him and asked if anyone would be home or should he leave it with me. Yes. The UPS man knows my home address and my husbands name.

Thank You Evansville Courier Press

2009-01-06T09:06:00.005-06:00

Thank you to Karen Phelps and the Evanville Courier Press for this great article on Grand Rivers. You can read the full story here -

http://www.courierpress.com/news/2009/jan/05/big-accolades-come-small-ky-towns-way/

Calling All Talent

2009-01-05T10:56:00.005-06:00

This Friday, January 9, is the Fourth Annual Grand Rivers Talent Show at the Badgett Playhouse. Join us in Grand Rivers and showcase your musical talent onstage or cheer for your favorite performer from the audience (I'll be cheering from the audience). The winner will receive a cash prize of $200. Plus the opportunity to perform on the opening night of the 2009 Variety! Music, Memories and More Show.
General Admission Seating. Call the Box office to order tickets at 888-362-4223.
Visit the Variety website at www.grandriversvariety.com for entry form and information.

2008 in Review

2008-12-31T13:03:00.014-06:00

It is hard for me to believe that another year is drawling to a close. 2008 was a year of challenge with fire, extreme weather, crazy gas prices, and a slow national economy. Despite these challenges, our visitors, volunteers, and business community made it a good year for Grand Rivers.

In March Grand Rivers sponsored the fifth Annual LBL ultra Run with the West Kentucky Runners Club. We expected record attendance for the event and ended up with record low temperatures and snow. The winter storm closed down most of Western Kentucky, but the runners wanted to run. We had an event planned and people that wanted to come so we were going to make it happen. Almost 300 runners battled the elements to complete the race. All of our Chamber volunteers were on hand to help; despite the weather. The West Kentucky Runners Club is a remarkable group to work with and the community of Grand Rivers and our volunteers continue to amaze me.

In April the community of Grand Rivers lost the Iron Kettle Restaurant to fire. The Kettle was a Grand Rivers landmark. The Kettle stood on site of the historic Boston Block building which was also destroyed by fire in the 1940s. Six area fire stations responded to the call; Grand Lakes, Princeton, Eddyville, Kuttawa, Smithland and Ledbetter. The community of Grand Rivers owes a huge debt to these brave individuals who fought through fire, smoke and 25 mile an hour winds to contain the fire and saved the adjoining buildings.

Due to gas prices and the economy we directed our marketing dollars and public relations efforts close to home. The local media supported our efforts and our visitors came in record numbers over the summer. The summer also brought plenty of activity with a new Farmers Market, the Lighted Boat Parade, Kids Free Fishing event, Street Dances, and a huge August Marina Day Celebration at our Marinas. All organized by HUNDREDS of volunteer hours, and supported by contributions from the Chamber, the Commonwealth Yacht Club, Patti’s, Green Turtle Bay Resort, Lighthouse Landing Resort, Variety, Grand Rivers City government, and our entire community.

Despite the economy, our Chamber volunteers also raised over $4,000 this year for Breast Cancer, the Heart Association, City Beautification Committee, the Chamber Scholarship fund and more.

The fall was busy with the 1st Kentucky Commonwealth Cup race, the 30th Anniversary of the Hunters Moon Fall Festival, and the first year for the Grand Rivers Storytelling Event. We celebrated November and December with a record number of lights and a record number of visitors to the Variety Christmas Spectacular.

It was a good year for Grand Rivers. Thank you to our visitors, our community, the Chamber, and our businesses. You made it happen. Happy New Year to All!

P Jammin'

2008-12-30T15:16:00.010-06:00

When Christmas and New Year’s fall mid-week; what do you celebrate on the weekend in-between?
Our thought was Pajama Party!

Calling All Runners

2008-12-29T10:34:00.004-06:00

Registration is open for the sixth annual Grand Rivers/Land Between the Lakes Marathon Trail runs scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2009.

Four events will run simultaneously, 23k, marathon, 60K ultra, and 50 mile trail runs. The races will start and finish in Grand Rivers with the bulk of the run on the Canal Loop Trail in Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

Participation will be limited to 400 runners, and interested runners are encouraged to register now. For entry fees, complete information and on-line registration; visit the event website at http://www.wkrc.org/, or email Steve Durbin at sdurbin@marquettetrans.com

Grand Rivers Jetty Pictures

2008-12-24T10:49:00.022-06:00

I've had two requests for jetty pictures this morning. One from my post on Southern Living Readers Choice Awards, and one from an ilistpaducah reader. I'll add jetty pictures to the Grand Rivers website after the first of the year, but the quickest way to share them is to post them here -

Merry Christmas to All from Grand Rivers

2008-12-24T09:52:00.008-06:00

The First Dance

2008-12-23T11:08:00.008-06:00

These pictures capture a magical moment in the lives of my best friends; Pat and JT. Thank you to Sharon for capturing the moment and to Pat for sharing them with me.

Did they just get married? No, they have been married for over 40 years. Was this the first dance together after over 40 years? No, they danced often, and beautifully. Are they celebrating an anniversary? No, they are celebrating life, just like they do every day.

JT had a stroke in September and every day they work together on his recovery. Every day they get one baby step closer to the goal. This was their first dance since September.

Want to know the steps to this dance? I watched my friend Pat and I can share them with you. Start with a strong foundation of love, compassion and communication. Don’t keep score. Give selflessly. Next, trust your partner. Know that the dance may not always be smooth but you will always have each other to lean on. Hold tight to each other in times of fear and pain and find strength in your partnership. Celebrate the little things and laugh often. Be a good friend and you will find yourself surrounded by supportive friends. And if he ever does anything irritating, step on his toes and pretend it was on accident (ok, this last step is part of my dancing skills).

I am amazed by their strength, courage, and love. I am honored to call them my friends. Love you guys,

Southern Living Readers Showing the Love for Grand Rivers

2008-12-18T14:56:00.012-06:00

Wow. Grand Rivers has placed in TWO categories in the 2008 Southern Living Readers Choice Awards. The Grand Rivers Jetty is number 4 in the Most Scenic View Category. Grand Rivers is number 8 in the Best Small Town Category.
I don’t know how many people voted, but I do know that with a population of about 350, we are the smallest town (village) on the list. Thank you to all of our visitors and citizens that voted. We are feeling the love in Grand Rivers.

Here is the link to the info -

http://www.southernliving.com/travel/2009-readers-choice-awards-00400000036477/page14.html

When the Picture tells the Story...

2008-12-17T10:14:00.009-06:00

Half Asleep in Frog Pajamas

2008-12-16T11:13:00.007-06:00

This morning it is cold and icy in town. A few cars are out but they are moving slow. I’m moving slow too. I’m nursing a cold and have been for a couple of days, so I’ll keep this weekend review short and sweet and then go home and nap.
Saturday was Miss Linda’s annual Community Christmas breakfast and neither my cold nor the 8:00 am start time could keep me away. Linda embodies everything I love about Grand Rivers. She is outgoing and warm hearted. She was one of the first to welcome me to Grand Rivers when I moved here. She is also high spirited and full of pluck. I love her jokes. Visit her at Canoe Antiques, and you will love her too. At breakfast we said farewell to Marie, another long time resident of Grand Rivers. She will be moving soon to be closer to her children and she will be missed.
Sunday was the Chamber Holiday Open House. The hand bell choir from the Grand Rivers First Baptist Church performed magical Christmas harmonies on the bells.

My personal highlight of the weekend was a surprise gift from a friend. Now, I’m not much on receiving gifts. I’m hard to buy for because I don’t think there is anything I need and most of the time I would rather people just save their money. I’m not much on surprises either, but I LOVED LOVED this particular surprise gift. So may I close in saying, Thank you, thank you Susan for the frog pajamas. Neither my mom nor my husband will be able to outdo this gift…maybe even for years to come.

Cinderfella

2008-12-09T11:13:00.006-06:00

Today is my wedding anniversary. Tonight my husband and I are going to dinner with friends. Tonight is also the Grand Rivers City Council meeting and they are swearing in the new candidates for 2009-2010, and the thing is I would really like to go. I know if I told my husband that I was going to spend our anniversary evening at city hall his response would be something like this, “Every day we spend together is a celebration so go. I’ll cook and have a late dinner waiting when you get home”. No lie. That is precisely why that even though I want to go to the council meeting, I want to spend time with him even more. Because every day we spend together is a celebration and I don’t want to miss a minute of it.

I hope someone gets pictures of the swearing in for me. I will be at dinner with my husband.

Another Wow Grand Rivers Weekend

2008-12-09T10:23:00.011-06:00

It was another wow weekend in Grand Rivers. Friday night we went to the Variety Christmas Spectacular with friends (our second time to see the show- I love it). If you haven’t seen the Christmas show, make your plans now. It is a must see for the holiday season in Grand Rivers.

Saturday night was the Sailboat Lighting contest at Lighthouse Landing Marina and Resort. My husband and I were the judges and with all of the great decorations and bribes, it was a challenge to choose the winners. The celebration included all my favorites; Christmas lights, friends, music, food, bribes, and beverage. My camera did not work in the cold, but you can see pictures and a review of the event on sail boater Leslie Moore’s blog here. If you visit Grand Rivers to see the Festival of Lights, make sure you drive by Lighthouse Landing and see these dazzling decorations.

We finished the evening with a stop at the Commonwealth Yacht Club Christmas Party where we were entertained by Miss Dawn and the Misters.

I love the holidays.

I'm Looking for a Bail Out

2008-12-04T16:11:00.008-06:00

So if the big three can ask Congress for billions; surely I can ask my friends for a couple of ideas, right?
As the new recording secretary for the Commonwealth Yacht Club I am responsible for sending out agendas and take minutes. No problem. The officers are also encouraged to write articles for the Green Turtle Bay Resort and Marina publication, The NautiNews. Well, the articles for January are due on the 10th of this month, and I still don’t know what to write about. Most of the club's offices lead naturally into a story. As the leader of the club, the Commodore can write about his plans for the new year. As the cruise organizer, the Fleet Captain can talk about all the activities he has planned for the year. So how do I take the duties of a record keeper and spin it into a fun story on boating and the new year? Throw me a line please.

I'm a Fan of Patience

2008-12-03T14:39:00.013-06:00

O.k., so not the kind of patience that means you have to wait for something. I have been known to yell at the coffee pot for taking too long.

I am a fan of writer Patience Renzulli. She is an author, blogger, WKMS commentator and mother to nine blue-ribbon-winning Whippets. She is also a guest writer on ilistpaducah where this week she featured the Friends of LBL Adopt an Elk or Bison program. Thank you Patience! Read her story here.

Hotties off the Press

2008-11-26T11:09:00.007-06:00

The 2009 Men of Grand Rivers Calendars are now at the printers, and will be available for sale at the Chamber Holiday Open House. The Open House is Sunday, December 14, at the Senior Community Center from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. EVERYONE is invited. The price of the Calendar is $15 and all proceeds go to the Chamber City Beautification Fund. A big thank you goes to all of our models for donating their time and talent to our beautification fundraiser. One look through the calendar and you will agree that these cuties definitely add to the beauty of Grand Rivers. Make sure you attend the Chamber Holiday Open House and purchase your calendar. The Chamber printed 50 copies and once they are gone they are gone!

Blame it on Momma

2008-11-25T11:18:00.008-06:00

If you have noticed my lack of posts over the last week, you can blame my mother. She came to visit and so I have been busy enjoying home cooked meals, shopping excursions, and family time. Although she is not officially a local character, she is a character so if you are reading this you will meet her anyway.
My mom has the best laugh in the whole world. It is a cross between a deep belly chuckle and a giggle. And that eye twinkling thing that Santa does; well he learned that from my mom. He did not however learn the suit covered with ashes and soot thing from her because she is always impeccably dressed.
My mom is a good listener but never judges so you can tell her anything. She wants my life to be stress free and will offer to do all my worrying for me.
She is a master in the kitchen where her repartee features southern comfort food (my fav) and lots of it.
She is also a shopper extraordinaire. She can help you find things on sale that you never even knew you needed.
If she wasn’t my mom, she would still be my friend because she is so much fun to hang out with.
She thinks I am smart, beautiful, funny, and a good person. She wants me to be happy. She wants me to be the best I can be. She thinks that with just a little lipstick (“to add a little color”) that I would be perfect.

Christmas in Grand Rivers

2008-11-19T09:26:00.009-06:00

The Christmas lights are amazing. Even a little rain did not put a damper on the weekend in Grand Rivers. My pictures were not the best. Thankfully, Danielle with Green Turtle Bay did get some good pictures. Here is one she shared with me.

Joi with Genuine Kentucky was also in town this weekend. You can read her review of Variety! Christmas Spectacular here -

http://www.genuinekentucky.com/

Grand Rivers Festival of Lights

2008-11-14T10:15:00.004-06:00

Patti's turns on the lights tonight! The gospel group Eternal Vision plays at the gazebo behind Patti's at 5:30 and the lights come on around 6:00. This is one of my favorite nights of the year in Grand Rivers. My mom and my son are in town and both will be joining us tonight. The gang is meeting at about 5:00 in front of Anna's Coffee Shop. I can't wait.

Cooler than a Puppy

2008-11-11T09:33:00.009-06:00

Not to be outdone by last week’s news of the pending Obama puppy, I will be surprising my friends and family with an American Bison for Christmas. Yep, if you wake up with one of these adorable creatures under your tree or peeking out of your stocking, you will have me to thank for it.

You should get bison for your friends for Christmas too. A bison is way cooler than a puppy. A bison is a patriotic gift. They are an icon of American history and have appeared on flags and coins. They are also the largest land animal in North America and big gifts make you look like a big spender.

Ok. So I do realize that bison are dangerous and unpredictable wild animals. Poetic license aside, what my friends and family will actually receive on Christmas morning, is a cute plush stuffed animal representing an adopted bison through the Friends of LBL Association.

The Friends of LBL is a non-profit organization that assists with the education, improvement, and conservation of the USDA Forest Service’s Land Between the Lakes. The friends are offering a new program where you can adopt a symbolic bison or elk. The cost is $30, plus a shipping charge if the package is mailed, for each animal adopted. With the adoption you receive a cute plush elk or bison tagged for the year you adopted it, an adoption certificate; and an information piece about elk or bison, depending on which you adopted. You also receive a collage picture of elk or bison, an Elk-Bison prairie brochure and a token for a free admission to the prairie.

The proceeds from the adoption go to Friends of LBL and support environmental education, conservation activities, and programs in the Elk-bison prairie of Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. A unique gift and a good cause! It is the “Tickle me Elmo” for outdoor enthusiasts.

The adopt a bison or elk program is brand new. They will be in Friends of LBL gift shops before Thanksgiving or you can order them through the Friends Administrative offices. For more information or to order, contact jrufli@friendsoflbl.org . For more information on Friends of LBL, visit their website at http://www.friendsoflbl.org/

Fond Farewell

2008-11-10T10:04:00.014-06:00

On Saturday night the gang met up at our house to say farewell to (and Happy Birthday to) more boater friends; Frank and Cindy. Frank and Cindy arrived in Grand Rivers in the spring sporting glowing tans and long blonde hair. We called them the Vikings. The marina assigned them a slip on pier 6 and “Mayor” Pat took them under her wing. Frank and Cindy live every day to the fullest. They are a welcome addition to Green Turtle Bay and Grand Rivers. They volunteered on Marina Day, cooked for Tuesday night clubs, participated in cruising club and CYC events, and added to the fun of summer with all their enthusiasm. We laughed. We cried. We now call them friends and will miss them over the winter. Frank and Cindy shared with me this letter to express what these few short summer months meant to them.

“In October 2006 we arrived at Green Turtle Bay; one of the “must stops” when doing the Great Loop. We were traveling with another boat and we planned to stay one night and then move on. Well, all of us had such a great time that we stayed four days. Since then, we have always talked about our great experience at Green Turtle Bay.

Due to Hurricane insurance, we have to be north of the 35 parallel by the first of June. We started thinking of all of the nice places we visited when doing the loop. Well, Green Turtle Bay popped into our minds and we thought it would be a great place to spend a few summer months. What a great choice it turned out to be.

We arrived in April on a windy rain filled day. As we were tying up at our designated slip on Pier 6, we were welcomed by the “Mayor” of Pier 6; Pat Terry and her faithful companion Luke. As the days went on the mayor introduced us to everyone on Pier 6 and to others from piers 12, 5 and 4. We were overwhelmed by the kindness of everyone. We joined the Commonwealth Yacht Club and participated in many of the events throughout the summer. There is so much to do at Green Turtle Bay there was never a dull moment.

To try and find all of the right words to express our memories and new experiences of the past several months would be a challenge, but here are a few; awesome, overwhelming, fun, learning, relaxing, and enjoyable. By far this was the best stop in our three years of boat travel. We have so many special thank yous to give to all. To try and list everyone by name would take another six pages so to everyone a big THANK YOU.

Over the summer our pet of 7 years, Diamond passed away. Our hearts were empty. The kindness and compassion of our new friends helped us get through this difficult time and we will never forget any of you.

Winter is moving in and it is time to go south. We would like to thank the entire Green Turtle Bay staff for all of your friendly smiles, and help with whatever we needed. The Gary’s for having the foresight to build such a beautiful resort for boaters. And once again to everyone we have met, Thank you so much. All your warm hearted and thoughtfulness is what makes Green Turtle Bay in Grand Rivers, KY one of the finest boating area’s around. See you in the spring. Have a safe and happy new year. “

Frank and Cindy Staffe
Peacekeeper

Boater Friends

2008-11-06T13:31:00.007-06:00

About this time of year in Grand Rivers we start seeing many of our boater friends migrate south. Last night we met our friends Jay and Owe at the Commonwealth Yacht Club for their seasonal farewell. Also present were Pat, Jerry, Diane, Marcia, Stu, Diane, Cindy and Frank (did I mention that I am the new recording secretary for CYC).

As another boating season draws to a close, I reflect back to the memories of this season and past seasons that bonded us as friends. Tuesday night dinner clubs at the Green Turtle Bay Pavilion, get-togethers on the pier, parties at the Yacht Club; all are more fun when Jay and Owe are in town. I have never once seen Jay in a bad mood. She has a genuine concern for others and always asks me how my son or mom is doing. Whenever you invite her somewhere the response is, “What can I bring!” She is always ready to help and she has one of the best laughs I have ever heard. What I like most about Owe is his quick wit and one liners. I am privileged to call them friends. To Jay and Owe, thank you for your friendship, travel safe, have a warm winter, and we will see you back in Grand Rivers in the spring.

And in Other Election News...

2008-11-06T13:13:00.007-06:00

Congratulations to Mark Sunderman and all of the new 2009 Green Turtle Bay Commonwealth Yacht Club board members and officers (and by "all", I mostly mean me and my best friend Pat :). Click on the article to read the full story.

You Go Girls!

2008-11-05T09:35:00.003-06:00

O.K. So I didn’t get the chance to vote for Hillary yesterday, but I did get the chance to vote for three AMAZING women in Grand Rivers. In our local election, nine candidates ran for six City Council seats. And the 2009 – 2010 Grand Rivers City Council Members are (ladies first of course)……

Brenda Lady
Dianne Bingham
Pat Gorbett
Bud Hunt
Frank Buchanon
Bill Huffman

Weekend in Review

2008-11-04T11:57:00.027-06:00

On the weekends, I become a tourist in my own town. This weekend the weather was gorgeous and the events were all about friends and celebration here in Grand Rivers.
Friday night we celebrated Halloween with friends at the Commonwealth Yacht Club Halloween Party. Saturday morning was spent downtown working on Christmas decorations with Chamber volunteers (thank you to Pat, Jack, Martha, Lauren, Clinton, and TJ for all your hard work on Saturday). Saturday night was the 25th Anniversary of the Friends of LBL Dinner. Sunday was our last breakfast of the season at Docker’s Restaurant (they will reopen in the spring), and the maiden voyage of the Frog’s Pajamas (our new old boat). Thank you to our friends Pat, Jerry, Cindy, and Frank. Without you all, I don’t think we would have made it out of the dock.
I think I will let the pictures tell the details as I need to get to work...

Behind the Scenes at the Grand Rivers Festival of Lights

2008-10-30T14:54:00.006-05:00

Visit Grand Rivers from mid-November through December and you will witness the splendor of the Holiday Festival of Lights. It is pure magic. Ever wonder what it takes to make the magic?

For Patti’s 1880’s Settlement employees, the work starts in September. Patti’s has five fulltime employees on grounds crew, plus two fulltime decorators indoors. The Patti’s staff starts by reviewing the inventory of lights and decorations, planning out the displays and new purchases, and then organizing the work.

The crew checks over 70,000 strands of lights and 10,000 decorations, replacing bulbs and refurbishing where needed. Owner Mike Tullar plays an active role in organizing the work. He also does the shopping for new lights and displays. The grounds crew hangs all the lights and outdoor displays, while the decorators and retail employees are busy decorating Patti’s Restaurant and stores. Jackson Purchase Electric Cooperative provides a key element; the loan of a bucket truck to hang the higher outdoor decorations. Jackson Purchase is also a financial sponsor for the event.
All together, Patti’s employees spend over 2,500 hours and hang over 500,000 lights and install over 10,000 decorations.

I want to thank Mike and the Tullar family, Ricky, Chris, and all of the employees of Patti’s for creating the magic for thousands of people to enjoy.

This year the Festival of Lights kicks off on Friday, November 14. It is one of my favorite nights of the year in Grand Rivers. Eternal Vision, a gospel singing group will be performing. The festivities will begin about 5:30pm. Santa Claus and his elves will be there. The lights will be turned on at dusk and the Festival of Lights show will continue through the first week of January, 2009.

Meet the Pats

2008-10-29T13:56:00.005-05:00

In this tiny community of 350 people, you will find special events and activities all throughout the year. The amazing thing is that most of our events are organized and manned with volunteers. We have a lot of great volunteers in Grand Rivers and topping the list are “the Pats”. The Pats enjoy working together and they make a great team. And, if it is happening in Grand Rivers, chances are the Pats are helping out. Here are the highlights of their 2008 contributions:

In February the Pats organized two events for National Heart Health Month and raised $880 for the American Heart Association. In March they Co-chaired the Chamber hospitality area for the Grand Rivers Ultra Run providing hot food and nutritious snacks for over 300 runners. In April they Co-Chaired the Grand Rivers Quilt Show. In May they organized a fashion show and raised over $500 for the Grand Rivers Chamber Scholarship Fund. In June the Pats volunteered for the Grand Rivers Free Kids Fishing Event. In August they volunteered for the National Marina Day festivities. In September they worked with Kentucky’s Western Waterlands on the Arts and Crafts festival and they raised over $1,400 for the Grand Rivers Chamber in concession sales. In October they Co-Chaired the Hunters Moon Committee, organized the Chamber Silent Auction fundraiser, and organized a breakfast for National Breast cancer awareness month that raised $900 for the American Cancer Society.

Hunters Moon Festival is all wrapped up and now we are getting ready for the Festival of Lights. The Pats (and other volunteers) are going to meet me downtown on the next two Saturdays and help with Christmas decorations. The Pats are also busy working on a 2009 Men of Grand Rivers Calendar to raise funds for the Chamber. You may also see them in November and December at the Badgett Playhouse where they volunteer as ushers.

And then in January, they will start over again. Thank goodness for volunteers and thank God for the Pats.

Welcome to Kentucky Lake Views

2008-10-16T13:08:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my blog. I work, live, and play in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, the village between the lakes. I love this village and the lakes that surround us. Most of all I love the spirit of the people in this community. We are connected and we are accountable. We laugh, sometimes argue, and always look out for each other just like family. We find our common goals and work toward them. Some of our visitors do have the opportunity to meet our locals and connect with that spirit. For those of you who don’t, this blog is a peek inside our community.