Nibby Priest -Life On Purpose

Living at Mile Marker 803.9 of the Ohio River in Downtown Henderson KY

Matthew Chappell Henderson KY Native

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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

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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

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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.

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Nib’s Christmas Gift Idea List 2011

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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?