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American Queen to visit Henderson KY

April 27, 2012 in Business, Henderson KY, Living Downtown, Recreation, Travel with 0 Comments

On Monday, April 30, 2012, the American Queen will be docked on our Henderson KY riverfront (my front yard) . They will be arriving around 10:00 am and departing around 4:00 pm.

The American Queen will return to Henderson KY again on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Since this is a Saturday this would be a great opportunity to come downtown Henderson KY.

The  Downtown Businesses that are normally closed on Monday (Memories Past & Present, The Gold Mine and The Tea Cafe & Gift Shop) will be open and of course our businesses that are always open on Mondays will be open to welcome our guest. See a list of downtown Henderson KY stores and restaurants.

So make plans to come down to the riverfront and view the beautiful riverboat, and make your way into our stores and restaurants! Enjoy the day in Downtown Henderson.

For a list of all the shops and places to eat in downtown Henderson KY, see the Downtown Henderson Project’s new brochure.

Why Federal Bicycle Funding Matters

April 10, 2012 in Bicycling, Henderson KY, Living Downtown, Recreation, Travel with 0 Comments

Henderson KY could be a bicycle friendly community.  We are already making great strides in creating bicycling and walking trails in our community.  We have a lot of work to do however.

Talk recently includes extending our current bicycling and walking path from Kimsey Lane to join the Balmoral Subdivision.

For a list of Bicycle Paths in Henderson KY see our list of routes on Henderson County Tourist Commission website.

MapMyRide.com maintains another great list of bicycling opportunities in Henderson KY.

Watch this video by Streetfilms that show the importance of bicycling paths in communities and how they can advocate and enhance the overall health and economy of a community.

 

Burgoo Benefiting Riverview School 2012

February 24, 2012 in Food, Henderson KY, Living Downtown, Not For Profit, Recomendations with 0 Comments

Burgoo is very popular in Henderson Kentucky.  Saturday March 10, 2012 Riverview School will be selling Burgoo as a benefit and fundraiser.

This Burgoo must be pre-ordered.  Call ahead to reserve a bucket.  270.827.3674 or email rvschool@hotmail.com.

What is Burgoo?

Read A Regional Tradition: Burgoo.  Another site  burgoo.info does a good job explaining as well.

Burgoo is popular in Henderson Kentucky that is for sure.  For the past few years Burgoo has been so popular that they sell out a week before the date of the Burgoo.  If you want some be sure to reserve your gallon now!  I have!

Each kettle makes at least 25 gallons and sometimes more.  A long time Supporter of the Riverview Burgoo Connie Flint Mays told me that the making of the Burgoo has become harder since many of the places that used to donate food to benefits  are no longer in business.  Flint-May’s said “businesses like Frank G Schmitt and C L Frank Produce was always generous and gracious when it came to Riverview Burgoo time.”  Personally, I think it is a shame that big box stores like the Wal-Mart’s of the world cannot fill the gaps like these businesses did in the past.

Not only does Riverview School make good Burgoo, but they own the 10 kettles that are used all over Henderson County for fundraisers.

Pre-sale patrons can pick up from 10-11:30am. Since this is a pre-sale only Burgoo and all the tickets have been sold there is a possibility after 11:00 am any extra will be available to the public.

For more information contact Riverview School at 270.827.3674.   They sell the Burgoo for $15 per gallon, and that includes a container.  That is  a very fair price, and I think is under priced.  I told Connie without a doubt, they should go to $20 a gallon next Burgoo and be sure to put me on the list of people to call and sell me a ticket.

I don’t have one for this Burgoo and really don’t want to stand in line to get some.  So this Saturday I will be Burgoo -less! For those that got some ENJOY!  It’s good stuff!

Tell me about your experience eating or making Kentucky Burgoo?

 

Matthew Chappell Henderson KY Native

February 23, 2012 in Henderson KY, Recomendations, Travel with 0 Comments

Matthew Chappell a native of Henderson Kentucky is starring in the musical “Smoke Joe’s Cafe” at the Derby Dinner Playhouse in the Louisville Kentucky Metro now until April 1, 2012.

Matthew is no stranger to singing and dancing having appeared in many productions done by the Derby Dinner Playhouse.  He is a graduate of Henderson County Senior High School.

Many will remember Matthew as the waiter extraordinaire at the exclusive Mezzaluna Restaurant in downtown Henderson KY that closed in September 1999.

Be sure to get your tickets now.  It’s a must see if you are going to Louisville.  I am not going to miss it.

Read this review that appeared in the Jeffersontown IN newspaper News and Tribune.

Break a leg Matthew, Henderson Kentucky is so proud of and for you! 

Starbucks in Henderson KY

February 22, 2012 in Business, Food, Henderson KY with 2 Comments

Inside information told me yesterday that the real estate people for Starbucks were in the area the past few weeks and did look at locations in Henderson KY but have put off opening any store in our area for at least two to three years.  A lot having to do with I69 highway development I was told.

This means if you are thinking of opening a full-fledged official coffee-house in Henderson KY you stand a good chance of making it if your product is good. You should not have to fear Starbucks coming in and taking your business away.

I would encourage anyone thinking of a venture like this to go for it. Our community is ripe for an establishment like this. Henderson Kentucky people are looking for a place to be and be seen in a coffee shop type environment. The need is great. It doesn’t have to be downtown either-anywhere in our community would be nice.

We have three coffee establishments in Henderson Kentucky area that presently serve as a coffee destination.

Bridgeview Coffee at the corner of 2nd and N Green is a drive-through coffee place. They really can’t be called a coffee-house because they just have outdoor seating for two and a place for you to park your bicycle.  I do have to say that their product is consistently good and price is reasonable.  I buy coffee from them frequently.  I have a problem with the Styrofoam cups that they serve custom coffee drinks. They should use paper cups.   I’m not a huge fan of the drive through anything-, but I do  use this service when I want coffee in downtown Henderson and not on my bicycle. Their product would do quite well in a location that would allow inside seating. Just this morning I personally witnessed cars wrapped around this small kiosk at 8:00 am in line for coffee.  Their business is booming.

Planters Coffee House is a long time mainly lunch destination than a coffee-house  or coffee shop in downtown Henderson KY. They are open during the mornings and are trying out new evening venues and serve beer and wine.

The Thirst Aid Station at the Elm Street entrance to Methodist Hospital is good too.  Consistently they serve a good cup of official Starbucks. I think though people are having a hard time grasping going to the local hospital to get a cup of good java. I hope they stay.  It is really close to my house.  They have real potential of making a coffee destination. Read Methodist Hospital press release about The Thirst Aid Station.

Another tidbit of information in the Starbucks Evansville IN market is that they plan on enlarging the Green River Road Store (#9759) into the former Integra Bank location. With this, they will be able to offer drive through service.   Starbuck’s is also looking to  bring back a west side Starbucks location.  They  closed a west side Evansville IN location a few years ago.

I too was told that in order for a community to have a local Starbucks they need to have either a Target or Kroger in the vicinity.  Have you heard that?

What would you like to see as a coffee destination in Henderson Kentucky?

Free Tax Filing for those with Low Income in Henderson KY

January 16, 2012 in Henderson KY with 1 Comment

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Last week I participated  in the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Certification Training.

Not only did I complete the basic certification exam but the immediate certification as well, and now I can  begin volunteering (along with many others from Henderson KY) through the United Way of Henderson County as a Certified VITA Tax Preparer.

The VITA program volunteers provide a valuable community service by preparing tax returns at no cost to qualifying families. Individuals earning less than $30,000 and families earning less than $50,000 in 2011 qualify to have their taxes prepared by VITA volunteers.

The Henderson County VITA site is located at the Henderson County Housing Authority, 111 South Adams Street, Henderson KY.

The hours of operation are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. VITA services will begin on Tuesday, January 31st, 2012.

For more about the Henderson County VITA Program see their Facebook Page or website.

If you have questions about this free service contact United Way of Henderson County.  I will be volunteering many of the times the site is open.

Bring these items to the tax site, if you have them:

  • Picture ID
  • Social Security cards for self, spouse and children, or Individual Taxpayer ID number (ITIN)- for self, spouse and children.
  • Information for other additional income (Social Security, Alimony or Maintenance. Unemployment, etc.
  • Proof of tuition expenses (1098-T from college).
  • Information for all deductions and credits.
  • Proof of Dependent Care Expense in 2010, your providers Name, Address and Employer ID or Social Security Number.
  • A copy of last year’s return.
  • For Direct Deposit: Personal bank account number and the bank’s Routing Number

To speed up the process a filer can complete the Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet before they come to the VITA Site.

The video below shows two friends discussing the Earned Income Tax Credit while commuting. Find out if you qualify to get up to 5,600 dollars back from the IRS.

Nib’s Christmas Gift Idea List 2011

November 25, 2011 in Business, Food, Henderson KY, Recomendations, Technology with 9 Comments

Nibby’s favorite things list might not be as exclusive as Oprah’s but I think you will enjoy reviewing them.  All the items listed, I own or have used and recommend.   Maybe this list will give you some gift giving ideas for this Christmas 2011 gift giving season.  I sure would enjoy and appreciate your comments.

Apple’s iPad -I have owned both a first-generation  iPad and presently use a iPad2.  This blog was actually created using a iPad2 and its Bluetooth keyboard. The iPad2 is the ultimate push media device.  This one device can take the place of so many other devices its almost silly not to own one.  I no longer need to carry a camera, music player, video camera or a TV set.  This device does it all.  This is truly a marvelous invention.  See an interesting review on the Moxiemoshow.com comparing the iPad to other tablet computers.

Food Steamer –an underutilized and often forgotten gadget for the kitchen.  Cook healthy meals fast without stove or microwave.  A great way to warm leftover food too. If you have leftover rolls or biscuits- the steamer will make them fresh again. I’m finding myself using the microwave less and less.

Roku Media Streaming Player –dish the cable TV and get this device.  I find it better than Apple TV.  One box that allows you to view on your main house TV NetFlix, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Twitter, Facebook and many other services.  Their channel store has something for everyone.  If you want to stream your iTunes library the Apple TV might be your choice since Roku does not do this well. Don’t waste your money buying another DVD or Blu-ray player.  This small device does it all without discs.  Besides DVD’s and Blu-ray are going to be where 8-Tracks and VHS players are today and really quick.

Amazon Prime Membership -if you enjoy shopping with Amazon.com as much as I do you need to buy this $79 per annum membership.  This gives you free two-day shipping on many Amazon items (if an item is not Amazon Prime eligible I usually do not buy it).  The membership also gives you streaming of movies and TV Shows. If you own a Kindle device you get access to thousands of Kindle Books free.

Mobile Hotspot -ever been somewhere and needed internet access?  This device is great for traveling.  You can pay for the service as you go.  You can even get refill cards from Wal-Mart for as low as $20.  If you are with others you can share this internet connection with five other users.  I have used the device in the car with kids and iPad’s and even used it on a boat vacation one summer on Kentucky Lake.  It is not a substitute for your home or work internet connection but does get the job done.  I also have is as a disaster-recovery tool we can use at GoVaughn.com Insurance, in case we are without the internet.

Smartwool Socks -OK this is the ultimate gift.  Everyone can appreciate socks. The first time I saw and wore these socks I thought they would be hot and uncomfortable.  I was wrong. I have been wearing them for over three years and have completely removed all socks from my collection that are not Smartwool’s.  They are great year-round and they have styles for women.  Simon’s shoes in downtown Henderson KY have them.

Cusinart Brew and Grind – coolness of this gadget is yet decided.  I purchased this just a few weeks ago and already returned it once.  The base warming element clicks loudly while it is keeping the brewed coffee warm, and it is annoying while you are reading the iPad in the mornings.  However, I do like the ability to add whole beans to the top and the pot grinds and brews all at the same time.  As you can imagine there are more parts to clean on this newfangled coffee pot than just the filter basket.

Starbucks Christmas Blend is my favorite blend of coffee that Starbucks produces and only available during the Christmas Season.  The VIA version of the Christmas Blend is good as well.  Buy them direct from a Starbucks store and my favorite store is Starbucks #8345 Green River Rd, Evansville Indiana.

AVEDA Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash -best smelling nondrying body wash and hand soap I have ever found.  This is perfect anytime of the year but especially nice around the holidays with the scent of Rosemary and Mint. There are no alcohol or petroleum products in the wash – it is all natural.  There is a AVEDA store in Evansville IN – Solaris AVEDA -they are a full service salon offering spa like services.  I have used their services in the past but really like their products the best.  Next Saturday -December 3, 2011 they are having a 15% off AVEDA product sale. If you go over there try the  AVEDA comforting tea -steep yourself with a naturally sweet tea with no caffeine, sugar or added flavors a must-have for a winter evening and a great gift idea for tea lovers.

Yankee Flipper Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder a must for any bird lover who has problems with pesky squirrels eating the birds’ food.  I blogged about this fun gadget a few years ago. If you want a laugh be sure to watch the video on that blog. A very well made product.  I have owned one since 2009 and is still holding up quite well even with many Audubon Park Squirrel’s trying to break into the feeding compartment.

OXO Good Grips Kitchen Tool Set – our kitchens are full of mismatched kitchen tools but none I have found to be as functional as these. From the can opener to the carrot peeler they all function well and last a long time and just have a smooth feeling in your hands. This is a nice gift to a new homeowner or one who has a bunch of mismatched nonfunctioning kitchen tools. If you need a way to give an old drawer a new look this OXO Good Grips Kitchen Tool Set will do it. You can see all the OXO Tools available.

What are some of your favorite gift giving ideas?

Have you used some of these products?  What did you think of them? 

Henderson KY Twitter Accounts to Follow

October 27, 2011 in Henderson KY, Social Media, Technology, Twitter with 1 Comment

Updated 04/24/2012

Tonight (10/27/2011), I am volunteering at the Henderson County Public Library by giving a class called Twitter Basics.

A common question is: “Who should we follow on Twitter that live/work in Henderson KY?”  I have created a Twitter List of several and have explained some of the accounts on the list below.

Favorite Organizations and Businesses

Tourhendersonky-Tourism Office

DHPHenderson-Downtown Henderson Project

HendersonArts-Henderson Area Arts Alliance (Fine Arts Center Programs)

Hendersoncc  Henderson Community College

HendersonSchool Henderson County School District  (new 1/2012)

HendersonKY Official City of Henderson KY Government (new 1/2012)

Memoriespandp-Memories Past and Present (a unique Antique Gift shop in downtown)

860WSON-Henderson Radio 860 AM or 96.5 FM

TheGleanerNews-Gleaner Newspaper

RubyMoonWinery-Winery in Henderson KY

VaughnInsurance-Vaughn Insurance Agency Co.

Unfortunately, our County government along with the Hospital  do not have Twitter accounts.  It would be nice if the public library did too.  (This is as of 04/24/2012-please update me if these change).

Favorite People

Beckydurham-Youth/Children’s Pastor at The Presbyterian Church of Henderson

Djhein70-Retired but really not  school speech pathology person and she is funny too

JoeyDDavenport- A local stockbroker that gives some great morning motivational tweets

CamGlover-Writer for the Henderson KY Newspaper the Gleaner

DarrinPhegley-Photographer for Henderson KY Newspaper the Gleaner

toddlinn-Pastor of First Baptist Church

Leethebarber-Local barber in Henderson KY

Johnlmathias-Advocate for those with disabilities in Henderson KY

KeeganODaniel-Director of Transportation Henderson County Schools

kathyjacksonky-Kathy Jackson local real estate agent

Now some of you dear twitter friends are probably saying, “Why am I not on the list?”. Well this is a listing of Henderson KY Twitter Accounts. Be sure to see the online real-time listing my Henderson KY related twitter accounts.

Here is a great handout called “Mom, This is How Twitter Works” that we used in class. Thank you Susie Thurman for sharing this with us all.

Who are some Twitter accounts in Henderson KY that I should be following? 

Mrs. Crafton of Crafton’s Office Supply Celebrates 90th

October 10, 2011 in Henderson KY, Living Downtown with 0 Comments

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This past weekend (October 8, 2011) Corinne Crafton celebrated her 90th birthday with a party hosted by her son Waverlie D. Crafton II and Donna Hatfield at their downtown North Elm Street home.

Mrs. Crafton for many years owned and ran along with her late husband Waverlie D Crafton Sr. (1918-2005), Crafton’s Office Supply at 117 N Main St of downtown Henderson KY. Their son Waverlie D. Crafton II runs and operates the store now.

Crafton’s Office Supply has been in business for over 62 years. They have supplied businesses with office supplies from paper to pencils to adding machines all these years- and still do.

I have fond memories of visiting Crafton’s Office Supply as a child (and still do as an adult) and buying a sundry of many items. Mrs. Crafton was always so kind to me.

Happy Birthday Mrs. Crafton and thanks for being so much a part of the downtown Henderson KY community.

Thank you Donna Hatfield (my former Barista at Planters for many years) for a great party. I love the minimalist decorated home in our downtown.

Fall Bike to Work Day-September 30

September 12, 2011 in Bicycling, Henderson KY, Recreation with 0 Comments

 

Join me an others that bicycle to work daily.

Friday, September 30, 2011 as we bicycle instead of driving a gas powered vehicle to work if you can.  If you can’t on that day commit to taking a bicycle ride.

Louisville KY does a great job encouraging this even.  With all the news about bridge closings and traffic headaches in Louisville KY it seems quite fitting that bicycles are the smartest way to get around town.

Read about Louisville Kentucky initiative to get more people committed to bicycling to work.  I”m so proud of my cousin Blake Priest Kenyon who bicycles each day to work in Louisville KY.

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