What to Do? Visit Pasta House, Learn to 'Toast'

January 31
#202 Stop by the Pasta House today at noon and take advantage of an opportunity to speak comfortably in public. It's an encouraging atmosphere. People are there to give candid, constructive criticism on your public speaking presentation. It's all friendly and helpful.  

It's the Sam Sloan Chapter of Toastmasters and they meet today from noon to one at The Pasta House, right behind KY Oak Mall near the Cinemark, in Jordan Crossing. It's training in a friendly environment that develops leadership skills, helps remove the fear of speaking, and gives you confidence when standing in front of or just interacting with the public. Visit as a guest! For more info, contact Clay Campbell, 270-703-2700.

January 30
#201 Men, watch or play tennis during the Men’s Wednesday Doubles League at Rowton Tennis Center, 5705 Old Highway 60 West from 8 - 10 pm. It's a time to meet others who play, see old tennis buddies that you've lost touch with and play against various men that will ultimately get you back in the swing of things or sharpen your game. You can play with the same partner if you like - or rotate for a three set match. Pay up front for five weeks at $50 for members or $75 for non-members. If you just want to try it for a week, it's only $12 for members or $17 for non-members. For more info, call 270-444-8363.

January 29
#200 David and Karla are making gravy tonight at Artisan Kitchen and they will teach you their secrets starting at 7 pm.  Artisan Kitchen Cooking Classes are held at the Artisan Kitchen, 1704 Broadway.

From traditional meat gravy to chocolate gravy, you'll learn and taste versions of gravy you've probably never even thought existed. These chefs suggest you come hungry. The cost is $30 per person and includes everything you need to learn plus samples as you go. For more info, call 270-538-0250 or email artisankitchen@bellsouth.net to sign up.

January 28
#199 Are you curious about starting a business and would like to hear what the pros have to say? Murray State University Regional Business & Innovation Center and Paducah Housing Services, Inc. are partnering to offer Operation JumpStart Entrepreneurship Development classes every Monday and Thursday evenings 5:30-8:30 thru February 28. The classes are held a the Scholar House of Paducah, 103 Old N. Friendship Rd. Classes are taught by Certified Operation JumpStart instructor Phyllis A. Maclin, Vice President of Paducah Services Housing, Inc. Guest entrepreneurs, business and industry professionals scheduled to appear will provide valuable insight in business operations, accounting and marketing. Lectures will concur with in-class homework assignments and student readiness. Students are encouraged to bring laptops. Classes and training manuals are free to all attendees. Seating is limited to the first fifteen students to enroll. To register, contact Phyllis Maclin at 270-450-4221 or Debbie Toon at 270-450-4219.  

January 27
#198 Work off that big Sunday meal with some fun jazzercise with Cabaret Jazz Technique from 5:30 - 6:30 this evening. Their work-out room is located at 3420 Lone Oak Road. Sassafras Dance Company is involved to bring awesome entertainment with cabaret jazz. It's a technique class where you dance your buns off and get your body in shape - all at the same time.  You can commit for a month at a time for only $25. For more info or get your name on the jazzercise list, call April at 618-638-8112.

January 26
#197 Paducah Improv Studio Series is underway and you don't want to miss this fun night with some amazingly creative young talents. Just show up at the Market House Studio Theatre, 120 South 2nd St. on Market House Square in downtown Paducah. The seats are first come, first serve from 7-9 am. You'll laugh your socks off as this talented group entertains in an intimate setting. It's hilarious long-form improv comedy with audience participation and ideas that create an evening of surprises where the actors run with thoughts as they arise. Tickets are $5 at the door tonight. 

January 25
#196 Marty Stuart and Connie Smith, Grand Ole Opry stars who are favorites in the Country Music Hall of Fame are performing at the Carson Center starting at 7:30 tonight. The Kentucky Opry is bringing these country music husband and wife stars to Paducah. You can get tickets at the door.

January 24
#195 Each year the Paducah Area Chamber hold an annual dinner and meeting. This is the 74th year. It's a time when you can relax, be entertained and informed by outstanding speakers. Awards are presented for businesses and individuals who have made an unusually strong impact on Paducah business. The event takes place at the Julian Carroll Convention Center, 415 Park Ave,. on Paducah's riverfront starting at 6 pm with reception and dinner and program starting at 7 pm. You'll have to have reservations to eat dinner.  The keynote speaker is Michael Carter, Managing Director and Global Sector Head of Enterprize, Storage and Systems, Barclays Capital. Carter is from Paducah and a Heath High School graduate. He is presenting this year's economic outlook for our community.

January 23
#194 It's a Jewelry Consignment Event that's gong on the rest of this month at Better Than Ever, 112 South 5th Street. The cost is $5 to participate in selling your jewelry and you get to keep 100% of what you sell. Anyone can shop. You don't have to contribute jewelry to be eligible to shop. Regular business hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10 am-2 pm and Thursdays 5-8 pm.  To learn more and know when this if open to the public, visit: http://betterthaneverhome.blogspot.com/

January 22
#193 If you're looking for a place to sing - like Karaoke style, show up at the local Fridays anytime after 8 on Friday nights. Have a yummy meal and get up your nerve to sing. They have half price drink specials and appetizers for $5 during this Karaoke evening. That's TGI Friday's, 5050 Hinkleville Rd., across from KY Oaks Mall.

January 21
#192 In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there's a march to the monument that honors him and his accomplishments. The monument is located at 19th and MLK Jr. Dr. The march starts at the Cherry Civic Center at 10:15 am. If you don't want to march, you can meet at the monument about 10:30. There's a wreath laying ceremony to memorialize this civil right leader's birthday and historic impact.  

January 20
#191 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest for all grades, kindergarten through high school seniors will be read to honor the late civil rights leader. It starts at 2:30 pm in the Paducah Middle School cafeteria, 342 Lone Oak Rd. This contest is held as part of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration.

January 19
#190 If trivia is your thing and you love animals, you should head to Grace Episcopal Church, 820 Broadway, tonight at 6. Project Hope No-Kill Animal Shelter in Metropolis, is have a fun night of fund raising for the shelter and it's all about playing trivia. Doors open at 6 pm and the actual trivia play begins at 7. Entry for teams of six is $90 or $15 per person. Food is available: chili, baked goods, soft drinks, water, etc. Alcoholic beverages are 
permitted but no outside food is permitted. Send an email if you'd like a copy of the entry form
 info@projecthopeanimalshelter.com  All proceeds from the event support Project Hope kitties and puppies plus cats and dogs.   

January 18
#189 If you're a reader, the Friends of McCracken County Public Library Used Book Sale at St. Paul Lutheran Church is your chance to get the most for your reading pleasure. From 9 am-7 pm today and tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 am-1 pm, you can buy all kinds of books at this widely anticipated bi-annual book sale. They will be set up in the great room at the church at the corner of South 21st Street and Kentucky Avenue. Park in the large lot on the S. 21st St. side. The sale features a collection of 15,000 + books and audio-visual items. Most hardbacks and trade edition paperbacks are $1. Other paperback books are 50 cents. Audio-visual items are priced separately. Special Collection, local interest and recently published best seller books are priced well below market value. And an added treat - baked goods are for sale, too.  

January 17
#188 Rowton Tennis Center designates Thursday mornings from 9-11 to a Ladies Doubles League. Located at 5705 Old Highway 60 West, the indoor facility is the perfect place to keep your tennis game at its best throughout the winter months. Meet new players, strengthen your game, and play against different players; keep the same partner or rotate for a three set match. For more information, call 270-444-8363.
 
January 16
#187 Are you looking for a way to get in shape? This just my be the incentive you need...Body Sculpt at Energy Fitnessthis morning at 10:15. If you're in the area near KY Oaks Mall, you can run over on Mon. Wed. and/or Fri to a 2343 New Holt Rd. for a total body workout using light bands & dumbbells. Their instructors can motivate you with a workout that will literally sculpt your body from head to toe. Classes are free to Energy Fitness members, An $8 class pass is available for non-members. For more information, call 270-554-7222.

January 15
#186 Do you want to design/develop your own website but just don't know where to begin? Paducah-Kentucky Lake Chapter IAAP is offering a class this evening at 5:30 at the City School Board offices, 800 Caldwell St. If you have limited technical skills, this is the program for you.  Dale Weaver, Technical Support Technician at Paducah Independent Schools, leads this informative time of instruction. Contact Amye Carder 270-331-0174 to sign up. Reservations for the class were due last week but there may be a few last minute openings.

January 14
#185 If car racing interests you, consider showing up at Jasmine Restaurant tonight around 6 when the West Kentucky Sports Car Club of America (WKCCCA) holds it monthly meeting. Anyone who is fascinated with car racing is invited. Jasmine Restaurant is located in at 451 Jordan Dr. behind the Cinemark at KY Oaks Mall. This group is a laid back bunch who get together to plan races, rallies and get togethers. Expect lively discussions with great food and drinks, It's a fun group of car racing enthusiasts who welcome anyone with similar interests. To learn more about this group, visit: www.wkscca.com/scca2.html.   

January 13
#184 The 20th Annual Teen Spirit Exhibition Opening Reception is this afternoon from 2-4 in the Yeiser Art Center Gallery, 200 Broadway in the historic Market House. 174 Works, 147 Artists and 14 Schools! The exhibit will be on display through February 24th.  

Schools that are part of the exhibit are:
Ballard Memorial High School
Calloway County High School
Cape Central High School
Community Christian Academy
Dogwood Valley Academy, and other homeschooled students
Heath High School
Johnston City High School
Livingston Central High School
Lone Oak High School
Marion High School
Massac County High School
Reidland High School
St. Mary School System
Tilghman High School

For the 20th anniversary, the Teen Spirit exhibition is bigger than ever, as Juror Paul Aho has selected 174 works, from 147 artists, representing 14 schools. Nearly 500 pieces of work were entered for judging. The YAC will be displaying the massive amount of art in the salon style, or stacked, sometimes two or three pieces high on the wall. The YAC will be absolutely full of art. "The additional goal of showcasing a far greater number of works has been met by hanging the works salon style, rewarding the efforts of more young artists and encouraging their continued creativity," said Paul Aho. "Yet despite the increase in the number of works, the works in the show are uniformly very good and on many occasions quite exceptional." Teen Spirit was created in 1993 as a part of an ongoing effort to support the area’s art programs and to recognize the talented youth of the region. Teen Spirit has come to symbolize the success of art education in the area. Teen Spirit is a tribute to all the schools, students, teachers, and other art professionals, whose outstanding work and enthusiasm over the years have been integral to the success of the exhibition. For more information, call 270-442-2453.
 
January 12
#183 Second Saturday Gallery Walk in LowerTown rolls around the second Saturday of each month. It's a time when the artists in this art district and residential neighborhood open their homes/galleries, studios from noon to about 6 pm to show off and sell their wares. You'll seel and enjoy fine art and crafts while strolling through this historic neighborhood. For more information, call Paducah Renaissance Alliance at 270-444-8649 or online: www.paducahalliance.org/lowertown-arts-district  

January 11
#182 When the Cruisers show up, it's a guaranteed fun night with terrific music. Rock the night away at The Star Neighborhood Bar and Grill, 3100 Broadway starting at 8 pm.

January 10
#181 If the Bald Eagle is intriguing to you, plan to be at the McCracken County Library this evening at 7. Staff from the Land Between the Lakes Woodlands Nature Station will be featured at tonight's Evening Upstairs at Your Library program. They are calling it "Bald is Beautiful: The Inspiring Story of the Bald Eagles Recovery" There is no fee, just show up on the second floor meeting room at the local library, 555 Washington St. It's hard to believe there are usually over 100 bald eagles on Kentucky and Barkley Lakes during January. Our national symbol has made an amazing comeback in Western Kentucky. Join the LBL staff for an informative program about the inspiring story of the bald eagle's recovery in our area and learn how to look for them in the wild. They will discuss how the bald eagle was reintroduced into the wild in LBL during the 1980s and how their population has fared since then. They will also share some fun facts about this impressive bird as well as tips on where and when to view them in the wild.

January 9
#180 If you're like me, you simply eat too much sugar and sugar-making carbs. Western Baptist Hospital recognizes how overboard most folks are with a sugar-heavy diet. Diabetes is more common now than ever so WBH is hosting a free class to address the eating habits and answer question this afternoon from 1-4. The class is held at the hospital in the Atrium Classroom, Doctors Office Building 2. A certified diabetes instructor will assist with any questions or concerns about diabetes. For more information, call 270-575-2918.

January 8
#179 New Mayor and City Commissioners to be sworn in at City Hall ceremony and reception this afternoon from 4-6. The reception will begin at 4 pm in the atrium of City Hall.  It's an opportunity for the public to talk with Mayor Gayle Kaler and Commissioners Richard Abraham, Carol Gault, Allan Rhodes, and Sandra Wilson.  At 5 pm, the ceremony will begin which will include prayers for the City of Paducah, McCracken County, State of Kentucky, and the nation.  The Mayor and Commissioners will be sworn in by Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Bill Cunningham.

January 7
#178 A variety of vendors will be set up at the Robert Cherry Civic Center, 2701 Park Ave., this afternoon from 1-7. These are some of our local small businesses and everyone is invited to come out and support them.
African & American Folk
Art & Treasures
Alphabet Photography Products
Avon
Celebrating Home
Folk Art Prints
Food Vendor
KY Triple Scent Candles
Lia Sophia 
Lighted up Night Light Bottles & Cork Products
Limu Dietary Suppliment
Next Level Nail Designs
P & T Custom Crosses
Paparazzi 
Perfectly Posh
Pink Zebra
Scentsy 
Serendipidy 
Slumber Party
Tupperware
Tutu's 
Unique One of a Kind Hair Accessories
Wooden Roses, Purses and Different Crafts
Zija