Greenexpo, A Planetarium, David Dick Triibutes, Best In Kentucky,and More
There’s nothing like a good murder mystery to send a chill up your spine during the spookiest of seasons. Lexington author Abigail Keam certainly delivers with her first novel, Death by a Honeybee: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery (Cricket Press, $15). The story unfolds when Josiah, a dedicated beekeeper, finds a body in one of her hives. No one seems to be sure whether the death was an accident or if foul play was involved, the police are pointing fingers, and the community is abuzz with gossip and opinions as to who might be involved. Josiah is determined to find answers but may be the one who gets stung in the process.
Like Josiah, Keam is also a beekeeper, retiring from her career as a photographer in 1999 to sell honey full time at the Lexington Farmers Market. Keam also shares other similarities with her character, saying, “I think I patterned Josiah after the woman I wish to be. She is loyal, bright, funny, and has a strong sense of self. I think too many women worry about what people think of them, and because of that, don’t take the chances needed to make their lives full. Josiah listens and trusts her gut before anything else. She is willing to get into trouble if she thinks she is right. More women should do that. That’s why I like her.”
Keam was recently notified that she is a finalist in three categories of the Readers Choice 2010 Book Awards for Chic Lit, Mystery, and Action/Adventure. She has already completed the second installment in the series, which takes up where the cliffhanger ending leaves off, set to premier in April 2011. A third book is also in the works.
Keam encourages her readers to visit her on Saturdays at the Lexington Farmers Market or to have a look at her Web site, www.abigailkeam.com.
Penny Woods for Joseph-Beth booksellers, pennymouse1@yahoo.com,(800) 248-6849 , www.josephbeth.com.
Time capsule: 50 years ago n Kentucky Living
Baking by telephone
Electrical engineers have made it possible for a housewife to use the nearest dial telephone to start a meal cooking. She dials her home number and, by means of a special relay system, the oven may be turned on or off, depending on previous settings. The model (in the photo) is using a new design in telephone receivers.
It may be time to replace your refrigerator. A fridge made before 1993 could cost more than $100 each year to operate. A new ENERGY STAR-qualified model could cut your related energy costs in half. In addition, newer models keep food fresher longer.
Have fun finding out how to save energy and money at the largest collection of green products, services, and exhibits ever in Kentucky at the 7th Annual Bluegrass GreenExpo, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on October 30, and noon to 6 p.m. on October 31 at Heritage Hall at Lexington Center in Lexington. There’s no charge for the event that includes workshops and demos, a kids’ expo, and local art, food, and entertainment. For more info, phone (859) 523-4773 or visit www.bluegrassgreenworks.org
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Teams from all grade levels are presenting service projects, fixing up charts, and polishing their speeches, getting ready for the annual Student Technology Leadership Program showcases that begin next month. Since 1995, this all-volunteer program has offered Kentucky students a unique opportunity to help their schools and communities put technology to use in practical ways. Individual teams develop customized projects that know-how in all content areas while also improving students’ communication and leadership skills. Each project provides information and services to the local school and community, such as last year’s “Recycling 101” entry from Ashland Independent School District’s Hager Elementary School. Hundreds of teams are expected to participate in eight regional showcases this year. Top regional projects advance to statewide competition at Rupp Arena in May 2011.
The nearly 13,000 visitors to the Space Science Center Star Theater more than doubled expected attendance at Morehead State University’s planetarium during its debut year. Students from 19 Kentucky counties and three Ohio counties saw programs intended to inspire interest in the economically important areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This fall, the planetarium is adding a new program for preschool students to join current programs for elementary, middle, high school, and college students. For more information or to schedule a school program, visit www.moreheadstate.edu/startheater.
Wonderful father
David Dick was a teacher, philosopher, journalist, and a wonderful father to me. He had untold wisdom. How many times did the phone ring when I was feeling down and somehow Dad knew I needed to talk? He had that instinct.
His journalism career will stick with me forever. As a child and through my early 20s, I never missed the CBS Evening News just to catch a glimpse of my father or to hear his voice. I was terrified when George Wallace was shot. I knew my father was with him and didn’t know if he had been hurt also. Luckily, he had been spared. I will never forget the stories he allowed me to go on with him: from a Martin Luther King Day celebration at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta to Wichita Falls, Texas, where a tornado wiped out an entire town.
The experiences he has provided for me are endless. My family and I are fortunate to also have his words on paper. What a gift he has left us for generations! The courage he displayed through his battle with cancer was strong and uplifting. Since my father’s death, I have been filled with a tremendous inner strength. I know that is coming from my father, David Barrow Dick, who will live on inside me forever!
Nell Blankenship, Paris
Encouraged writing
I met Lalie and David once at a festival in Harlan. I was surprised they would bother to talk to me, but they did. I said I wrote poetry and stories about my mother and father. Lalie and David encouraged me to continue writing. Even though I am not good at it, I still write. I will never forget how they took the time and cared enough to talk to me.
Starlin Shafer, Corbin
Like Mark Twain
David Dick brought life to Kentucky living not only in Plum Lick but throughout our beautiful state. My favorite book is The Rivers of Kentucky. David did for the rivers of Kentucky what Mark Twain did for the mighty Mississippi. And Lalie gave genuine and loving respect to the phrase “stand by your man.”
Leondus Beach, Florence
Wit and charm
A Kentuckian true, with character strong
Inspired us all with wit and charm.
With ease and always very warm
No loss for words, flowing rich, but never long.
At times deep thought challenged but still entertained
The wisdom of years shared anew
Kept readers alert and renewed.
So much of himself, though shared with all, remained.
Rest peacefully, David, dear writer so bold.
Your presence is felt though you’ve gone,
With hope that your words may live on;
That in human hearts you may never be old.
Robert J. Haglage, Covington
Kentucky gentleman
Twenty years ago, I left Michigan to make my home in Kentucky. I tried to learn a lot about the state, its history, art, and customs so I would be comfortable here. David Dick made the countryside come alive with the beauty of his words. I feel I got to know a great Kentucky gentleman.
Ann Shely, Florence
Remember the little things
David Dick wrote about how each person is important to their family and communities and to their Creator. He told about how each town, village, and neighborhood was equally important and each had its own story to tell. Through his column he encouraged me to write a story about our family, and how to remember the little things that happen in our lives that turn out to be so important. Each individual has a purpose. You are not here by mistake. I would like to encourage each person to write their own story. Leave your legacy for the next generation.
Raymond Borders, Vine Grove
We’ll print your memories of David Dick through December. Send by Postal Service to David Dick Tribute, P.O. Box 32170, Louisville, KY 40232, or send them online, where they will be posted permanently, by going to www.KentuckyLiving.com and clicking on “Share your own David memories.” The last column of The View From Plum Lick that David submitted is printed on page 50.
Tell us and you might win one of five $100 prizes
Send in your nominations for the best things in Kentucky. You’ll be part of Kentucky Living‘s 2011 Best in Kentucky list and when you do, your name will be entered in a drawing to win one of five $100 cash prizes.
Use the form on this page (no photocopies of this form will be accepted) or go online to www.KentuckyLiving.com
and click on the “2011 Best in Kentucky” link and submit a form electronically. Limit one entry per person. Kentucky Living will compile the most popular into this year’s Best in Kentucky list and publish it in the annual April travel issue.
To nominate, go to the online form at www.KentuckyLiving.com
, or fill out this form and mail, by November 30 to:
Kentucky Living
2011 Best in Kentucky
P.O. Box 32170
Louisville, KY 40232
