Southern Indiana Living MarApr 2016

Boutique: Sisters | After Survivor: Debra Beebe Flowers | Gardening: Hostas 

March / April 2016 

The 

Artist 

at 

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Mar/Apr 2016 • 2

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Hey, Southern Indiana Living 

readers, guess what? We’re 

making some changes – and 

we think you’ll like what we’ve 

got planned! 

We’re in the process of taking a close 

look at what we do and how we do it, and 

we’re going to be fne-tuning some of our 

coverage over the next few issues. We’re 

kind of starting informally with this one, 

with what we think are some of our best 

stories and profles ever: 

• Bob Hill steps out of the garden to 

write our cover story this month, on 

an artist who spends time at Falls 

of the Ohio State Park in Clarksville 

turning trash into artwork. 

• Jenna Esarey has an engaging profle 

of a woman who once starred in the 

“Survivor” television series and now 

scoops ice cream at her own Jefersonville 

shop. 

• And Sara Combs has the tale of two 

sisters who started a dress shop on 

the Salem Square 14 years ago, called 

– appropriately enough – Sisters. 

These in addition to our standing 

features – Bob’s Walk in the Garden, Dale 

Moss’ Calling All Baby Boomers, and Jason 

Byerly’s Everyday Adventures. A 

couple of months ago, during a meeting 

with our new copy editor, Alan Wild, I 

described SIL’s mission to him this way: 

“Our mission is to tell the stories of the 

people and places of Southern Indiana, 

which are unlimited.” 

We’re in the process of taking a look 

Publisher’s Note 

at everything, print and digital, and trying 

to come up with ways to make all of 

it even more useful for our readers and 

advertisers. 

Want a sneak preview? One of the 

frst things we plan to do is introduce a 

regular feature we’re tentatively calling 

Our Towns. Starting in the May-June edition, 

we’ll focus on a particular community 

in Southern Indiana and really dig into 

it – the people, the history, the landscape – 

complete with plenty of photos and ways 

to connect with them. Keep watching as 

our other plans evolve over the next few 

issues. 

Maybe we’re biased, but we live 

here, and we happen to think that Southern 

Indiana is one of the best places to live 

on Earth. We hope you do, too, and we 

hope you enjoy what we will continue to 

showcase. 

In short, look for us to work to make 

Southern Indiana Living even more of a 

must-read than it already is. We’re glad 

you’re along with us for the ride! 

Peace, 

Karen 

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We’re Experiencing Some Growth Ourselves. 

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812.282.6114 | woman-care.org 


Featured Stories 

16 | SURVIVING AND THRIVING 

From the Brazilian highlands to the Southern Indiana 

knobs, Debra Beebe Flowers is living life to the fullest 

22 | THE UNOFFICIAL ARTIST IN RESIDENCE 

Bringing to light environmental destruction in a positive 

way 

34 

34 | SISTERS BOUTIQUE 

Salem boutique specializes in beautiful, unique items 

40 | FLOYD COUNTY BREWING COMPANY 

Food, Froth and Follies with a medieval fair 

Southern Indiana Living 

MARCH / APRIL 2016 

Southern Indiana In Pictures 

38 | FOOD & FUN ON THE SALEM SQUARE 

SIL columnist Jason Byerly at a book signing at 

Christie’s On The Square 

12 

In Every Issue 

9 | FLASHBACK PHOTO 

Arial of New Albany, Indiana in 1965 

12 | A NOTE TO BABY BOOMERS 

If I were king of Southern Indiana... 

14 | A WALK IN THE GARDEN WITH BOB HILL 

A garden time machine 

20 | YOUR COMMUNITY 

Spotlight on the Salvation Army of Indiana’s Bed & 

Bread Gala, and more! 

28 | #BUYLOCAL 

Local Business Spotlight 

16 

42 | EVERYDAY ADVENTURES 

Step It Up 


Our Philosophy: Build it right, build it to last, and keep it affordable. 

Home Show 

2016 Display 

Photo courtesy of Michelle Hockman Photography 

Schmidt Cabinet Company is located in New Salisbury, IN. Family owned and operated since 1959. 

Visit our showroom Monday thru Friday 8 a.m.—4 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, or evenings by appointment or visit our website at www. 

schmidtcabinet.com and see our unmatched selection of cabinets and countertops for every room of your home and ofce. Schmidt offers 

a variety of styles from Traditional to Contemporary, in a wide array of woods and colors. 

Mar/Apr 2016 • 8 

1355 Hwy 64 NE 

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812-347-2434

Southern 

IndIana 

Living 

Flashback Photo 

MAR | APR 2016 

VOL. 9, ISSUE 2 

PUBLISHER | 

Karen Hanger 

karen@silivingmag.com 

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE | 

Kimberly Hanger 

kimberly@silivingmag.com 

LAYOUT & DESIGN | 

Christy Byerly 

christy@silivingmag.com 

New Albany, Indiana 

1965 

WEB EDITOR | 

Sara Sherley 

editor@silivingmag.com 

COPY EDITOR | 

Alan Wild 

alan@silivingmag.com 

ADVERTISING | 

Take advantage of prime 

advertsing space. 

Call us at 812-989-8871 or 

e-mail ads@silivingmag.com. 

SUBSCRIPTIONS | 

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Indiana Living, P.O. Box 145, 

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Contact SIL 

P.O. Box 145 

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812.989.8871 

karen@silivingmag.com 

ON THE COVER: Local artst 

and historian, Al Gorman, at 

the Falls of the Ohio * Photo 

by Michelle Hockman 

Check out more 

features and stories 

on our website 

www.silivingmag.com 

Southern Indiana Living is 

published bimonthly by SIL 

Publishing Co. LLC, P.O. Box 

145, Marengo, Ind. 47140. 

Any views expressed in any 

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the positon of Southern 

Indiana Living or its parent 

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from SIL Publishing Co. LLC. 

Photo courtesy of Stuart B. Wrege Indiana History Room, New Albany-Floyd County Public Library. 

This aerial view of New Albany, Indiana, was taken in the 1960s, looking southeast. 

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Celebrate Indiana’s Bicentennial 

with her frst state Capitol. 

Find special 

Bicentennial events, 

Spring Break ideas 

and order your 

visitor guide at 

thisisindiana.org 

INDIANA’S BICENTENNIAL 

1816-2016 

CORYDON, IN, FIRST STATE CAPITAL 



Calling All Baby Boomers

A 

new president will be leading 

our country this time next year. 

He, or she, will have been 

my choice or yours -- somebody’s 

obviously. Like you, I get my way 

on Election Day only now and then. 

Unlike you, at least most of you, I 

once put my name on the ballot. 

What a dumb, goofy decision, worse 

than back in high school when I fgured 

running cross country would impress 

girls. I know, I know, good people should 

be candidates. Trouble is, good people, 

them. For that mater, roads in all directions 

hold back progress. Our region is 

growing. Our infrastructure typically has 

not kept up. Every mile of Interstate 65 

needs to be six lanes, at least. 

Public schools cannot assume they 

have the backing they want. State law is 

arguably no longer on their side. Neither 

are voters, fed up with costs that can outstrip 

results. Given that, this King would 

insist schools do well as is, when need be. 

My elementary and high schools were 

worn out long before I enrolled. I still 

for Borden High School again should be 

the Berries, rather than the Braves. Borden’s 

history is tied tightly to its plentiful, 

delightful strawberries. Why not a name 

that refects a community distinction? 

Regionalism has its fans, if not a ton 

of them. This King would be among them, 

in concept. I certainly wonder if Southern 

Indiana still needs so many school, library 

and parks districts, for examples. Would 

it help to blend economic development efforts, 

as well? Should you require police 

or fre or EMS, would you care about the 

What if I were King of Southern Indiana? 

not just bad ones, can come up short. 

Anyway, the Greater Clark school 

board manages without me, while I remain 

open to pitching in as long as putting 

out yard signs is not expected. 

I might accept appointment as King 

of Southern Indiana, for instance. 

Southern Indiana is my favorite 

place on Earth, after all. And 40 years of 

covering it closely provides a worthy perspective. 

Game-changing progress tries to 

make up for lost time. You too lived long 

enough to see another Ohio River bridge 

open, as well as a safe road between Borden 

and Starlight. 

The Army’s old ammunition plant, 

in Clark County, has become a new home 

for thousands of jobs. Austin is confronting 

its addiction demons, Salem is fred 

up because of a new Wal-Mart. Corydon 

somehow is forging ahead without 

Fred Cammack at its helm. Commerce 

in Clarksville is claiming an ever-larger 

share of our money. Jefersonville’s 

downtown has not been the same, thank 

goodness, since the Big Four Bridge reopened 

for walkers. 

French Lick and West Baden bask 

in overdue revival possible only because 

of casino gambling. Awful-smelling Pluto 

water, or whatever it was called, no longer 

did the trick. 

OK, so what is left? Plenty. I would 

be coming out of retirement, for sure, to 

be King. 

Indiana 60 and U.S. 150 would warrant 

my atention immediately, if not before. 

They must be wider and straighter 

to meet the challenge commuters place on 

learned. Great teachers accept few, if any, 

excuses from their students or themselves. 

This King would call on IU Southeast, 

Purdue and Ivy Tech to redouble 

eforts to retain students, not just atract 

them. Southern Indiana remains a place 

with too few college graduates, with too 

few people ready, willing and able to 

Southern Indiana is my favorite 

place on Earth, after all. 

excel in today’s careers. I would lose patience 

quickly if more breadwinning jobs 

go begging as some already are. 

Also urgent is for Southern Indiana 

to do beter by those things I see in 

the sky -- planes, that is, not drones. This 

King would feel sure a bigger, beter, 

truly regional airport would be busy and 

benefcial from day one. I appreciate that 

improvements are in the works for the airport 

in Clark. The dungeon awaits whoever 

slows, or stops, these eforts. 

This King’s agenda would prove 

that not everything useful is profound. 

The late Charley Reisert, of Jefersonville, 

felt that Southern Indiana deserves its 

own public television. I agree. In Reisert’s 

memory, I would push for programming 

that refects, say, Scotsburg and Madison 

instead of Paducah and Pikeville. 

In others words, it’s mostly helpful 

to be near big-brother Louisville. But it’s 

not all helpful. 

This King also believes the nickname 

nickname on the vehicle? Turf maters less 

and less. Cost-efective, efcient service 

maters more and more. 

Southern Indiana seems more diverse, 

but it still has a long way to go. The 

area could do a beter job of confronting 

drug addiction and child abuse. Afordable 

housing is lacking. Conversely, upscale 

shopping also is lacking. As King, I 

would woo, say Macy’s and Costco as options 

to JC Penney and Sam’s Club. 

We elders, and our elders, are 

amazed at how diferent today’s Southern 

Indiana is compared with yesteryear’s. It 

is a beter place and, this King would conclude, 

one of the best anywhere. I count 

on improvement to continue. I hope for it 

to continue faster. 

I pledge to contribute as long as 

I can, even without a crown or elective 

ofce. • 

Photos (by Michelle Hockman Photography, 

except where noted): Bicycles for rent at the 

Widow’s Walk Ice Creamery; the Falls of the 

Ohio; Schimpf’s Confectionery; the Big Four 

Bridge // courtesy of Sunnyside of Louisville 

CVB; the Salem Courthouse; the Overlook 

Restaurant // courtesy of The Overlook. 

After 25 years, Dale Moss retired 

as Indiana columnist for 

The Courier-Journal. He now 

writes weekly for the News 

and Tribune. Dale and his 

wife Jean live in Jeffersonville 

in a house that has been in 

his family since the Civil War. 

Dale’s e-mail is dale.moss@twc.com 


A Walk in the Garden with Bob Hill 

Garden Time Machine 

A look into the endless varietes of colorful and happy hostas 


Ihave no idea of the age of the long row 

of hostas that fare up along our front 

porch each summer. We’ve been living 

here 40 years and they’ve shown 

up every year, on schedule, like they own 

the place and want it back. 

I’ve even divided them a few times 

to spread in loamy, shaded spots across 

our 8 acres and it doesn’t slow production 

much – the kids are as vigorous as their 

parents. 

By now we very much look forward 

to their arrival, surging up in a narrow 

space between the house and sidewalk. 

They’re sort of like once-a-year family 

visitors, only they stick around a few until 

frost. 

They’re our time machine; we get 

to wonder: How many years have people 

been able to sit on the front porch of our 

150-year-old house and enjoy that same 

parade? 

But hostas really haven’t been a part 

of American – or even European – gardens 

for that long. Their story begins in 

Japan, China and Korea in the 1600s, if 

not earlier. 

Their chronicled popularity begins 

with a guy named Engelbert Kaempfer, a 

German doctor stationed at a trading post 

in Nagasaki. He became enamored of this 

green leafy plant, that was tougher than it 

looked, and sketched it in a pad; the hosta 

Lancifolia, which is still around today. 

The name “Hosta” frst came in 

honor of another botanist Nicholas Thomas 

Host. Then, in some gardens, it became 

“Funkia” to honor yet another old 

botanist, Heinrich Christian Funk. Other 

names would include Plaintain Lilyand 

the Japanese preferred ‘Giboshi.” Now 

we’ve come full circle to hosta – which 

made its way from Asia to Europe to 

America in the mid-to-late 1800s. 

Eventually, hostas got to our house. 

The how and whom shall always remain 

a mystery. The why is a diferent mater. 

Hostas are thrifty, brave, loyal, colorful 

and happy, given the right environment 

– and enough water and full atention to 

slugs and crown rot. They have endlessly 

variable leaves in often-exotic color combinations 

of blue, yellow, green and white. 

Their fowers rise above them on 

green stalks, demanding atention, a wave 

They’re our time machine; we get 

to wonder how many years people 

have been able to sit on the front 

porch of our 150-year-old house 

and enjoy that same parade? 

of colors and fragrance. 

Even as you read this, some mad 

hosta scientists and garden freaks are at 

work seeking new colors, leaf paterns, 

fowers that can bloom anytime from 

June to October, and weird names. Where 

else could you read horticulture descriptions 

that include dimpled, puckered, 

embossed, rufed, pleated, wrinkled and 

crinkled – not to leave out fat, curled, 

cupped, wavy, contorted, furrowed and 

pie crust? 

There are enormous websites with 

photos devoted to this interest; just 

Google up “Hosta” to see where it leads. 

OK, there are some basic rules to be 

followed to maximize all that dimpled, 

rufed, curled and cupped. To best display 

all atributes, hostas need loose, welldrained 

soil amended with all the compost 

you can create – although they can 

be amazingly adaptive, too. The area in 

front of our porch hasn’t been upgraded 

in maybe 150 years. 

They do like and require some 

shade, but there are many partial-suntolerant 

cultivars; check out the hosta 

plantaginea cultivars as being more suntolerant. 

And avoid strong afternoon sun 

in all cases. 

Mulch is a good idea, but keep it 

under 3 inches; hostas gota breathe and 

with mulch too thick, voles may move 

in. The best time to divide is late summer 

or fall. Avoid planting in areas with a lot 

of root competition – maple trees can eat 

them for lunch. 

We have easily whipped that problem 

by planting a whole colony of dwarf 

hostas in containers under our trees, but 

then you’ll have to water more often. It’s 

worth the trade-of; dwarf hostas are so 

darn cute. 

We deal with slugs with a product 

called “Slug Out.” Those of you with a 

more organic bent can just remain vigilant 

and pick them of by hand. Crown rot is 

a problem in extreme heat and humidity; 

the previously mentioned good, loamy, 

well-drained soil will help with that. 

If you wonder what all is out there 

in Hostaland, and have a couple of days 

to spare, just call up “Hosta Library” at 

www.hostalibrary.org. It’s second mortgage 

territory. Don’t say I didn’t warn 

ya.• 

About the Author 

Bob Hill owns Hidden Hill 

Nursery and can be 

reached at farmerbob@ 

hiddenhillnursery.com. 

For more information, 

including nursery hours 

and event information, go 

to www.hiddenhillnursery. 

com 


Personal Spotlight 

Surviving and Thriving 

Pictured: (above) Debra with one of the murals painted by local artist Kc Winnecke 

From the Brazilian highlands to the Southern Indiana knobs, 

Debra Beebe Flowers is living life to the fullest 

Story by Jenna Esarey 

Photos by Michelle Hockman (except where noted) 


From middle school principal to reality 

TV star to ice cream entrepreneur, 

Debra Beebe Flowers’ life has 

been anything but boring. 

The co-owner of the New Albany 

and Jefersonville Comfy Cow ice cream 

shops still gets recognized from her stint 

on “Survivor: Tocantins” in 2009. 

“It’s been six years,” she said. “I can’t 

believe people recognize me, although it is 

a litle less each year.” 

“ ‘Survivor’ does have very 

dedicated fans,” she said. One of 

their number, Jefersonville artist 

Kc Winnecke, painted a large mural 

on the upstairs balcony of the Jefersonville 

Comfy Cow for her. “His 

dream is to be on the show,” Flowers 

said. “He didn’t want to charge 

me, but I insisted on paying him.” 

Flowers, 53, said her time on 

the reality show changed her. “I 

came back as a beter principal, a 

beter mother, a beter friend,” she 

said. “I have a new appreciation for 

what people are struggling with in 

this country.” 

While Flowers knew her suffering 

would end, “I now know 

truly what it’s like to be hungry 

and not just miss a meal,” she said. 

“You’re not just hungry anymore, 

you’re lethargic.” 

The show “gave me the 

courage to move on and start a 

new life,” she said. “It gave me 

the greatest gift of understanding 

people and how people feel.” 

Surviving 

Flowers spent 15 years as 

a principal in Auburn, Alabama, 

where she was named Middle 

School Principal of the Year in 

2007. “That’s how CBS found me,” 

she said. “I was touring around 

giving talks about middle school 

philosophies and concepts.” 

“I got a call asking if I was interested 

in auditioning for a reality show,” 

she said. “I thought it was about working 

dogs. My dog came to work with me and 

read with kids in the library. I thought 

that was what they were calling about.” 

She was stunned when she learned it 

was “Survivor” calling. “I had applied for 

season two when it frst aired,” she said. 

“I got into some preliminary interviews 

and wasn’t selected. I had a diferent last 

name then, so they had no idea I’d applied 

before.” 

After a week of auditions in Los Angeles, 

where she was kept isolated from 

all the other potential contestants, Flowers 

was chosen for the show’s 18th season 

and ultimately shipped of to the Brazilian 

highlands. 

She was voted of on day 33, just fve 

days shy of the fnale. “I fnished in the 

top six,” she said. “When I started, my 

goal was just to not be the frst one voted 

of. But you act like a middle school kid 

out there. I was very equipped.” 

Flowers was with “Survivor” for 

approximately eight weeks. “It’s like 

you’re on Mars,” she said. “When you 

Pictured: ( front row) Benjamin Wade (Coach), Debbie, Brendon Synnott; (top row) Jerry, 

Candace Smith, Tyson Apostol, Sierra Reid, Erin Lobdell Moss // Photo Submitted by 

Debra Flowers courtesy of CBS 

“I came back as a better principal, 

a better mother, a better friend. 

I have a new appreciation for 

what people are struggling with 

in this country.” 

leave and enter this world, you can’t tell 

anybody.” 

Those closest to her, her then-husband, 

children and parents, signed confdentiality 

agreements, while her staf 

and friends believed she was traveling to 

a Third World country to work with children 

in a school. 

The frst challenge she faced was the 

fve-and-a-half-mile hike to base camp. 

“It was one of the hardest things I’d ever 

done,” she said. “I thought I knew hot by 

being in Alabama. This was a whole new 

hot.” 

Prior to “Survivor,” Flowers had 

never even camped out. “At night, the 

snakes came out,” she said. “There were 

pumas and jaguars in the camp. We got 

into the rainy season and I’ve never been 

more cold. You’ve got your clothes and 

that’s it.” 

“I think of my time on ‘Survivor’ every 

single day,” she said. She maintains 

close friendships with many of her fellow 

cast members. “We had just experienced 

something that was a life-changing event.” 

Moving On 

“When I started flming the 

show, I was going through an ugly 

divorce,” Flowers said. “The show 

totally did change and save my life. 

I would never have had the courage 

to get out of a bad situation.” 

After the show had aired and 

the divorce was fnalized, Flowers 

found herself complaining that there 

was no one to date. “There were 

some fans, but that felt wrong,” she 

said. 

Her assistant principal 

suggested she meet a friend of hers 

who lived in Floyds Knobs, Indiana. 

“She said, ‘You need to meet a friend 

of mine,’” Flowers said. “I said, ‘I’ll 

meet him, but I will, A, never get 

remarried and, B, never move.’” 

She and Bryan Flowers had 

their frst date in July 2010. In 

January 2011 they eloped and 

married in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, 

while on a dogsledding trip. 

Flowers retired from education 

and moved to Indiana, where Bryan 

serves as executive vice president 

of sales and marketing for Morgan 

Foods Inc. in Austin. Her daughter, 

26, lives in Chicago and her son, 23, 

in Huntsville, Alabama. 

Flowers and her husband 

live in Floyds Knobs with some of 

their rescued dogs. “I am huge into 

animal rescue,” she said. “Here at 

Comfy Cow we have our Pet of the 

Week.” 

Geting Comfy 

Once setled in Bryan’s home, Flowers 

turned her mind to renovating the 

property to suit her tastes, with the help of 

Compass Construction and Lincoln and 

Lauren Ogden. 

The Ogdens were co-owners of the 

New Albany Comfy Cow location along 

with restaurateur Ian Hall. “We bought 

out Ian Hall in December 2014,” Flowers 

said. “And we opened the Jef store in 

May 2015.” 

Flowers said she was drawn to 

Comfy Cow, a Louisville-based ice 

creamery, for a number of reasons. “I love 

the commitment to using local farmers 


Pictured: (above and at left) Tese are a few of the keepsakes 

from Debra’s time on Survivor. 

Pictured: (below) Tyson Apostol, Brendon Synnot, Benjamin 

Wade (Coach), Sierra Reid, Erin Lobdell, Debbie, receiving the 

immunity doll, and host Jef Probst // Photo submitted by Debra 

Flowers courtesy of CBS 

and dairies whenever we can,” she said. 

“I love that all the wafe cones, brownies, 

pies and things are made fresh in the store. 

And we’re very big on giving back to the 

community.” 

Her husband is a partner in the business, 

but largely a silent one. “He just 

doesn’t have the time that I do,” Flowers 

said. 

Flowers and the Ogdens planned the 

Jefersonville store, purchasing antiques 

and collectibles to fll the high-ceilinged 

space decorated to feel like a city courtyard, 

with iron railings on the staircase 

and the upper balcony. False windows 

are flled with plush characters looking 

down, while kites and cows fll some of 

the open space above. 

When she took on the business, 

Flowers “went through training like any 

employee. I’ve never been so stressed in 

my life,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve done 

‘Survivor’ and this was more stressful. 

I fll in and I do work here from time to 

time.” 

Business is good for Flowers and the 

Comfy Cow. They have branched out into 

catering ice cream for parties, weddings 

and corporate events. And she is extremely 

proud of Moolissa, a van with LED 

lights on the undercarriage and around 

the wheels that transports their Mobile 

Scooping Unit to events. 

Flowers still spends some time 

speaking to groups about her life and experiences. 

“I will forever be grateful to 

‘Survivor’ and the opportunity. It forever 

changed my life.” • 


Pictured: (above) Debra standing in front of Moolissa, a van that trasports the Comfy Cow Mobile Scooping Unit to events; (right) one of the many 

handcrafted ice cream treats available at the Comfy Cow; (below) a glimpse insdie the unque interior of the Comfy Cow.. 


Your community, brought to you by... 

Benefits by the Book 

Passionate Parenting is not just a title but a strong belief of 

Dr. Stuart Eldridge, Floyd County-based pediatrician, who 

recently signed copies of his book for Danielle Limeberry 

Periago, left, DMD, MS, as his wife, Janet, looked on. Dr. 

Eldridge’s book addresses a unique niche by being a guide 

for healthcare professionals, who are in a position to observe 

behavioral issues in children and help parents address those as 

well as their physical needs. The book’s tenets are also helpful 

for parents and grandparents, he said. The book is available 

at his ofce in The Landmark Building at Highlander Point in 

Floyds Knobs as well as at Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, 

and tatepublishing.com. 

Patchwork of Blessings 

Members of Covenant Community Fellowship in New Albany presented Pastor Tess Brunmeier 

and her husband Dan with a quilt of many colors made from fabric donations from around the 

world. The project also included leters and photos compiled into a handmade keepsake book by 

friends and strangers who wanted to ofer support and encouragement to the Brunmeier family. 

Paige Kissinger, an artist and church member, painted the cover of the book during a weekly 

worship service. 


These pages are sponsored by Your Community Bank

Salvation Army of Southern Indiana 

Bed and Bread Gala raises spirits and funds 

The Hoosier Room at IU Southeast was electric with camaraderie and philanthropy as people from the area convened for the 

annual Bed & Bread Gala recently to beneft the Salvation Army of Southern Indiana. 

From appealing silent and live auction items, a scrumptious bufet, and special award presentations to the entertaining banter 

between well-known meteorologists, the event became memorable. John Belski of WLKY-TV 32 served as emcee, and Kevin 

Harned of WAVE-TV 3 was the auctioneer for the evening that raised thousands to help provide food, shelter, and other basic 

necessities for struggling individuals and families.in Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Scot, and Washington counties. 

Pictured: (left, top) Seated: Gala chair Dotie Ot and Dennis Ot, 

who also were lead sponsors. Standing: Roxanne Haley, Salvation 

Army business administrator; Jason Fessel and Vince Reker of the 

Marine Corps League, which was recognized for its long-standing 

assistance with the Toys for Tots campaign; Joe Brown, Salvation 

Army board member for more than 30 years, who was given the 

Lifetime Achievement Award; and Troy Jones, co-manager of the New 

Albany Wal*Mart, which received the Service to Mankind Award for 

its support in donations and starting the annual golf scramble. 

Pictured: (left, middle) Lou Ferguson, Bill Henderson, Lynn Belski, 

emcee John Belski, and board member Todd Lancaster. 

Pictured: (botom, left) John Belski autographed copies of his book, 

“Backyard Weather Folklore”, for Jo and Jef Sumler of New Albany 

as his wife Lynn looked on. WLKY donated a second printing of 

the sold-out book so all proceeds could go to charity. Guests viewed 

Lynn’s creative video, “The Journey of the Angel,” tracing the Angel 

Tree program from start to culmination when families receive toys, 

clothing, and food each Christmas. 

Pictured: (botom, right) Kevin Harned, auctioneer; Debra Hofer; and 

Allan Hofer and Dr. Al Knable, Salvation Army board members. 

812.981.7750 

yourcommunitybank.com 

Member FDIC • Equal Housing Lender 

These pages are sponsored by Your Community Bank 


Cover Story 

The Unoffcial Artist in Residence 

Bringing to light environmental destruction in a positive way 


Story by Bob Hill 

Photos by Michelle Hockman (pages 22 & 23); Courtesy of ArtistatExit0.wordpress.com (pages 24-26)

The glacier-carved Ohio River Valley 

has for thousands of years 

been a benefcial source – and laboratory 

– for our Southern Indiana 

history, commerce, botany, zoology, 

bird watching and folklore. 

It’s provided us our world-class 

fossil beds, our ancient Native American 

tribes, our earliest explorers, the great 

grass prairies, the herds of bufalo – and 

those U.S. history game-changers, John 

James Audubon, George Rogers Clark 

and Lewis & Clark. 

Not to leave out the Falls of the Ohio 

– that singular Ohio River impediment 

that kept so many people around here to 

setle the place. 

So fast forward to our contemporary 

Ohio River immigration – the thousands 

of yellow plastic botles, sun-bleached 

children’s toys, water-carved chunks of 

Styrofoam and frayed pieces of rope that 

wash ashore at the Falls of the Ohio to the 

feet of local artist and historian Al Gorman. 

He is a one-man welcoming commitee 

for junk. His 13 years of riverbank 

slogging comes with the title “The Unofcial 

Artist-in-Residence” at the Falls of the 

Ohio State Park – and he is not necessarily 

happy about it. 

He has his own blog site – (Artist 

at Exit o Riverblog or artistatexit0.wordpress.com) 

– with 400 monthly entries 

dating back to 2009, thousands of pictures, 

and correspondence with people all 

over the world; commentary, whimsy and 

fable-like stories included. 

He is a soft-spoken, thoughtful, 

creative, concerned, photographically involved 

and very erudite garbage collector. 

He’s blessed with an endless supply 

of free artist’s materials he really doesn’t 

want – and a quiet sense of humor that 

fully appreciates his situation: our situation. 

“I sometimes wonder if we are an 

experiment to see if we have some evolutionary 

advantage,” he said of human 

presence along the 980 miles of Ohio River, 

if not the world. “No other animal has 

spoiled its nest to the extent we have.” 

Gorman is living in an artistic 

Catch-22 of sorts: What’s a guy to do to 

bring focus on the negative problem of environmental 

destruction but use its foating 

pieces in creative ways to focus our 

atention on environmental destruction in 

a positive way? 

“As far as I know,” he said, “I’m the 

only artist working at this level on an inland 

waterway in the country.” 

His art background was always 

“My goal is to keep people 

engaged in what I do and 

then make up their own 

minds.” 

there. He is the well-traveled son of a career 

military man. He was born in Amsterdam 

– where his father, a 32-year U.S. 

Army veteran, met his mother by sheer 

accident; he was wanting a train to Paris 

and took the one to the Netherlands by 

mistake. 

“I owe my existence,” he said, “to 

my dad geting on the wrong train.” 

His father was a very talented illustrator 

and cartoonist, but he was unable 

to pursue that career. Gorman lived for a 

time in Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Knox, Ky.; 

and Paducah, Ky., where he earned an associate 

degree in sciences. His Kentucky 

connection got him a bachelor of fne arts 

degree from Murray State University, and 

later came a master of fne arts from the 

University of Cincinnati. 

He and his wife, Pati Linn, the site 

manager at Riverside – the Farnsley-Moremen 

Landing along the Ohio in southwest 

Jeferson County – have lived in Louisville 

about 30 years. 

Along with participating in and directing 

many Kentucky, Louisville and 

Southern Indiana art exhibits over the 

years, he has been curator of the Louisville 

Visual Art Association, worked fve years 

with adults with developmental disabilities, 

and had an art consulting business. 

About a year ago he became coordinator 

of public programs and engagement 

at the Carnegie Center for Art & History 

in New Albany – a department of the New 

Albany-Floyd County Public Library. 

His journeys to the Falls of the Ohio 

began began because the site so suited 

him: Where else can a man with so many 

intertwined interests fnd a matching 

landscape so close to home? 

“I foated in there just like everything 

else,” he said. 

His almost weekly visits to the Falls 

are just an extension of all his education, 

travel, history, art, work and philosophy. 

“The park is a signifcant, dynamic 

and living space with an extensive, natural 

and cultural history that I often reference 

in my works,” he explained. 

He can walk out on the 400 millionyear 

old fossil beds, look down to see and 

touch the crusted remains of a prehistoric 

organism, then look up to see the Louisville 

skyline … all those years traveled at 

a glance. 

“There are few places in the world,” 

he said, “that feel like they have something 

a litle extra special going for it.” 

We journeyed together onto The 

Falls of Ohio riverbed on a very cold 

morning early in the year. He wore gloves 

and a heavy parka, carried a walking stick 

in one hand and a cloth bag of alreadycollected 

debris in the other: small botles, 

plastic lids, fshing gear and dolls heads; 

he has collected hundreds of those. 

We walked down the slope into a 

pale yellow, water-washed world of driftwood 

and leafess shrubs, the Ohio River 

pouring madly over a nearby wall in a 

Artwork on Display 

Environmental Artist Al Gorman’s work will be featured at Hidden Hill 

Nursery & Sculpture Garden on Saturday, May 21, beginning at 10 a.m. 

Admission is free. 

Gorman will speak about his history and collecting at the Falls of 

the Ohio, create a piece as you watch, and then lead a tour of his work in the landscape 

at Hidden Hill. For more information go to hiddenhillnursery.com or call 

812-282-0524. 

Gorman’s work is regularly on display at the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive 

Center, just up the hill from the fossil riverbeds in Clarksville. The center just 

reopened after a major renovation. Regular daily admission costs $7 for those 12 

and younger (under 5 free) and $9 for the bigger folks. Parking is $2. Visit www. 

fallsoftheohio.org for more information. • 


low, steady roar, tossing and tumbling 

high over the fossil beds. 

We walked past huge, spiky clumps 

of willow-tree roots and long piles of 

driftwood logs patiently awaiting the next 

food out of town. There’s always the 

sense of being in a diferent world down 

there: ancient, sandy, desolate, interesting 

and ever-changing. 

By now Gorman has his favorite 

routes, his personal collections of debris, 

his hiding places – one at the far western 

edge of the park where few others venture. 

His many interests are always at 

hand. He held up a short stick carved by 

beaver, a piece of coal washed smooth by 

the water. He pointed out an old brick 

foundation being ripped apart in the 

foods, the greater mystery being what it 

was doing there in the frst place. 

His artist’s eye takes many forms. 

His conversation fowed into quantum 

mechanics, the String Theory, parables 

and the vandals who destroy the art he 

often leaves behind, perhaps a movie title 

– “The Smashers.” 

He paused above a blue plastic rocking 

horse resting in a bed of sticks: Was it 

a child’s toy just foated in from Cincinnati? 

Pitsburgh? Car tires and tubes were 

partially buried in the sand, along with an 

endless supply of plastic foods. 

“I already have 11 fake hamburgers, 

hot dogs and a plastic drumstick,” he said. 

“Do we really need to make more plastic 

food and vegetables?” 

Other collections of river-found art 

include bubble wands, wheels and a giant 

necklace made from about 200 yellow 

foam cores of new-age softballs. 

He led us past one of his displays, a 

ragged line of 20 plastic botles – oil, detergent, 

antifreeze and soap. They were 

deliberately displayed in colors sliding 

from harsh yellow to faded blue-green – 

all in a row on an old board supported by 

a weathered stump. 

The display raises questions: What is 

that doing here? But it also wanders into 

the other side of the issue: Yes, it’s his art, 

but it’s also pollution. 

Gorman, in fact, can’t begin to dispose 

of even a small fraction of all the junk 

that foats onto the Falls of the Ohio every 

year, but he would welcome a day it was 

all gone. 

“How do you begin to address that 

conversation?’’ he asked? “I was just reading 

about plastic garbage patches in the 

Pacifc Ocean as big as fve states of Texas. 

As a contemporary human being myself, 

how do I not feel like a complete hypocrite? 

“But because I am an artist, I address 

that in ways that are comfortable to me. 

My goal is to keep people engaged in what 

I do and then make up their own minds.” 

That includes creating works of 

art from river debris and selling it at art 

shows, or giving it to friends. As we wandered 

the Falls of the Ohio he came across 

a piece of torso-sized, water-sculpted Styrofoam 

that needed to become whole. 

Next he found a smaller piece of Styrofoam 

– a head. He reached into his cloth 

bag and took out two old bobbers (the 

eyes), a cone-shaped piece of blue plastic 

(the nose) – and a pink, heart-shaped 

mouth. 

Using a Swiss army knife he carved 

each object into the head, carved some 

wooden ears, atached that to the torso. 

He hunted the neighborhood for the justright 

driftwood arms and legs; he will 

spend hours searching for just the right 

ones. 

The head topper was a green plastic 

propeller. He named his creation Gyro- 

Bob. It went home in the back of a pickup 

truck, a litle less debris along the Ohio 

River. • 



Pictured: Various art found at Al Gorman’s blog, artistatexit0.wordpress.com. More photographs of his work can be seen there. 


Everyone is Invited 

To a Brunch & Guided Tour of 

Jasper Engine & Transmission 

Presented by Crawford County Chamber of Commerce and Jasper Engine & Transmission 

Thursday, May 12 at 10 a.m. 

at Jasper Engine & Transmission Facility, 5400 E. Industrial Lane, Leavenworth (off SR 66, Carefree) 

(meet in the break room--just off the main entrance hallway at 10 a.m.) 

Reservations must be made by Monday, May 2nd by calling 812-739-2246 or email info@crawfordcountyindiana.com 

The cost of the tour and brunch is ONLY $5 

Come Meet, Greet, Eat & Tour 

Sponsored by the following Crawford County Chamber of Commerce highlighted members. 

EVERYONE INVITED 

www.jasperengines.com 

800-827-7455 

Also: Only $5 for brunch and 

tour 

ELLEN MYERS INSURANCE 

Your Full Service Insurance Agency! 

812-338-2923 

517 S. Main St. 

English, IN 

When Service Matters

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812-739-4264 • Only 3 miles from I-64 at Exit 92 

New Menu Coming Soon! 

Winter Hours 

Monday - Thursday: 

11:00 am - 7:00 pm 

Friday: 

11:00 am - 8:00 pm 

Saturday: 

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Sunday: 

8:00 am - 7:00 pm 

Check out our website: 

www.theoverlook.com 

Follow us on Facebook: 

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Check our Facebook or website for DAILY SPECIALS 

Since 1979, Sprigler Door Service has been committed to providing 

customers with high quality products, at a fair price, with a dedication to 

excellence in service. Whether it is new construction or replacement of 

existing garage doors and door openers, we have a style and design to 

ft your needs. 

4125 Earnings Way 

New Albany, IN 47150 

812-945-9770 

www.spriglerdoor.net 


Stock 

Chiropractic 

Chris Stock, D.C./C.S.C.S. 

Chiropractor 

2127 Edsel Lane NW 

Corydon, Indiana 47112 


Box of Chocolates 

Upscale Consignments 

“You never know what you’re going to get” 

NEW & LIKE-NEW 

Mens, womens and childrens 

clothing; handbags, shoes, 

housewares and jewelry. 

– New and Used Bridal Gowns – 

520 Vincennes St. 


(812) 948-2957 

Nurse Call Systems · Camera Systems · Healthcare grade TV’s · Access 

Control · Security · Sound Systems · Wander Management 

812.738.8020 Ofce 

812.738.1760 Fax 

stockchiro.com 

Kentuckianacommunicatons.com 

131 E. Court Avenue · Jefersonville, IN 47130 

Phone: (812) 725-0267 · Fax: (812) 725-1253 

BUSY. BUSY. 

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Life insurance shouldn’t wait. 

Even though life is busy, take a moment 

to refect on what’s most important. For 

peace of mind, protect your family with 

State Farm ® life insurance. 

We put the life back in life insurance. 

CALL ME TODAY. 

Theresa Lamb, Agent 

1523 2441 State Street Ste B 


Bus: 812-945-8088 

theresa.lamb.rnmv@statefarm.com 

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in 

MA, NY or WI), State Farm Life and Accident Assurance 

Company (Licensed in NY and WI) 

1311009 Bloomington, IL 

PROFESSIONAL 

ELECTRICAL 

CONTRACTOR 

“Our 17th Anniversary Year” 

• Southern Indiana’s premier, 

small family owned electrical 

service provider. 

• Lifetime labor warranty, no overtime, 

drive time or emergency fees. 

• 

35 years experience, Licensed, 

insured master electrician performs 

the work. 

• Residential, commercial and industrial 

expert electrical services available. 

• Full service, professional electrical 

contractor. 

• 

On board computers. Free estimates, 

proposals, invoices and receipts 

generated on site. 

• From Ellettsville to Brandenburg, 

Madison to Mt Vernon, we have 

you covered. 

CELCO Electric, LLC. 

P:812-788-2058 

C:812-309-1474 

www.celcollc.net 

Tyler Wyman 

812-738-5353 

1735 Gardner Ln., Corydon, IN 47112 


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Gift Certificates Available 

Waxing 

Pedicures 

812.246.1400 

Make-Up 

Facials 

Hair 

Nails 

Massages 

102 Hometown Plaza Sellersburg, IN 47172 

51 Years of Sound Care! 

Call today for your 

Free hearing consultation… 

812-282-3676 

Classic Oldies 

FM 102.7 

AM 1550 

Original Do-Wopp 

Rock & Roll Music 

is now on FM 

at 102.7! 

Harrison County’s Radio Station 

1516 Spring Street • Jeffersonville 

Office Hours: M-F 9-5/Sat. 9:30-Noon 

www.connhearing.com 

Listen to Harrison County Boys & Girls Basketball on WOCC 



TIRES 

WHEELS 

BRAKES 

SHOCKS, ALIGNMENTS 

812-347-3134 

1529 Hwy. 64 NW 

Ramsey, IN 47166 

1-800-847-0770 

Fax: 812-347-2166 

www.vanwinkleservice.com 

e 

to soft solitude . . . 

Carpet that invites you in. 

812- 

738-2249 

www.limeberrylumber.com 

Carpet Corner 

602 Vincennes St. 


812.948.0755 


Health News 

Amanda Davenport, MD OB/GYN, joins WomanCare 

WomanCare, a Jefersonville, 

Indiana, OB/GYN practice, 

is pleased to announce that 

Amanda Davenport, MD, is 

joining our staf efective March 1, 2016. 

Dr. Davenport completed her undergraduate 

studies at Vanderbilt University, 

where she graduated cum laude and 

was involved in multiple service organizations. 

She received her medical degree 

from the University of Louisville School 

of Medicine and completed her OB/GYN 

Residency at Cleveland Clinic and Metro- 

Health medical center. 

In residency, she received the Award 

for Excellence in Female Pelvic Medicine 

and Reconstructive Surgery from the 

American Urogynecologic Society for 

her research and surgical skills. Prior to 

joining WomanCare, Dr. Davenport practiced 

at Women First of Louisville, Baptist 

Health Louisville, and Ob Hospitalist 

Group at Norton Hospital. 

Dr. Davenport, a Kentucky native, 

completed a mini-fellowship in minimally 

invasive hysterectomy in 2015 and 

strives to ofer patients the best surgical 

options available, including laparoscopy, 

vaginal surgery, hysteroscopy and endometrial 

ablations. Dr. Davenport also 

loves the practice of obstetrics and looks 

forward to ofering women quality care in 

pregnancy, and is excited to join a group 

with established midwifery care. Her 

scope of practice includes vaginal deliveries, 

VBAC, and cesarean sections. 

Dr. Davenport joins Drs. Christopher 

Grady and Ronald Wright in the 

practice, as well as Certifed Nurse Midwives 

Elizabeth Bary and Alison Reid 

and Nurse Practitioners Chelsae Nugent 

and Nicole Sichting, who is also a Certifed 

Nurse Midwife. The practice’s physicians 

and nurse midwives deliver babies 

in Clark Memorial Hospital’s Family 

Birth Place. WomanCare is located at 301 

Gordon Gutmann Blvd. in Jefersonville, 

where they ofer in-ofce ultrasound, including 

gynecological and obstetric along 

with 3D/4D ultrasound, in-ofce sterilization, 

Essure and NovaSure. They also 

ofer in-house labs, IUD contraceptives, 

and a team of experienced laparoscopic 

surgeons. 

The practice, which ofers convenient 

appointment times and accepts most 

insurance plans, provides a comprehensive 

array of OB/GYN services for women 

of all ages, including preconception and 

family planning, perimenopausal and 

menopausal care, infertility evaluations, 

complete care through pregnancy and delivery, 

including VBACs, and routine care 

throughout the year. • 

For additional information call (812) 282- 

6114 or check out the website at www.womancare.org 

Another exciting year of special events 

and living history at historic 

Beck’s Mill 

Opening Friday, April 1st 

Harrison County Community Foundation 

P.O. Box 279 

Corydon, IN 47112 

(812) 738-6668 

www.hccfindiana.org 

4433 South Beck's Mill Road, Salem, Indiana 

www.becksmill.org 

Visit: washingtoncountytourism.com 



Business Spotlight 

Unique and Local 


Sisters Boutique in Salem attracts customers from far and wide 

with beautiful, unique items 

Story by Sara Combs 

Photos by Michelle Hockman

a related business called Quick Seal. 

“We are just two sisters who love 

beautiful things,” says Jennifer. “Clothes, 

shoes, bags, jewelry, all of it. We always 

have. And we like to help other women 

fnd things they love.” 

She says they and their customers 

prefer unique lines, rather than department 

store items. “We are constantly on 

the lookout for names and articles we like 

that aren’t carried in big stores,” she says. 

“Our customers range from high school 

girls to ladies in their 80s, so we try to 

have something for everyone.” 

Besides allowing them to explore 

markets with beautiful items, Jennifer 

says the boutique has given her and Allison 

opportunities “to meet many delightful 

people we wouldn’t have become 

acquainted with otherwise, people we are 

happy to see. Over the years we have become 

friends with many customers.” 

Besides running the business, the 

two women are busy moms, siting in the 

cheering section at various sports, taxiing, 

working as short-order cooks, helping 

with homework, making sure there are 

plenty of clean clothes. 

“When we started the business, we 

had one 2-month-old between us,” Jennifer 

says. “Now we have four children.” 

She and her husband, Wade, have two 

daughters, Hope, 14, and Macie, 12. Allison 

and her husband, Joseph, have twins, 

a son and daughter, Carter and Katie, 13. 

Jennifer credits good employees 

with allowing her and her sister to balance 

‘‘being Mom’’ with running a business. 

“Jeanie Naugle is manager and does 

our windows,” says Jennifer. “We trust 

her taste and fnd her invaluable.” 

People who work at Sisters contribute 

to its success, she says. “They are dependable 

and always helpful, answering 

customers’ questions and pointing them 

in the right direction.” 

“It is a good base of loyal customers 

who have allowed us to weather a lot of 

storms from the economy,” says Jennifer. 

Besides local customers, the boutique attracts 

people from Louisville, and farther, 

who are looking for something special. 

“Fall and spring fashion shows have also 

Nancy Roberts was lunching 

at Christie’s on the Square in 

Salem, Indiana, when Jennifer 

Tomlinson and her sister, Allison 

Ezzell, told her about their idea for 

a women’s boutique in the space adjacent 

to the restaurant. “I was thrilled,” says 

Roberts, court reporter for Washington 

County Circuit Court. “It was so exciting 

to have a dress shop opening in Salem.” 

That was in the summer of 2001. 

And last October, the boutique – appropriately 

called Sisters – observed its 14th 

anniversary. Nancy has been a loyal customer 

throughout. 

Jennifer laughingly recalls the boutique’s 

beginning. “It is customary for 

anyone starting a business to do a great 

deal of research and come up with a business 

plan,” she says. “That wasn’t the case 

with Sisters.” 

When space next to Christie’s – a 

popular Salem restaurant owned and operated 

by Jennifer and Allison’s mother, 

Carmelita Jean – became available, Jennifer 

remembers, “Dad (Burl Jean) said 

that it would be nice to have a dress shop 

there. Allison and I said, ‘OK’ and with 

very litle preparation, and not a lick of retail 

background, we opened.” 

She did have some sales background; 

Allison’s experience was in social 

work. 

However, they were able to draw on 

their parents’ wealth of business knowledge 

– besides the restaurant and boutique, 

the family has Jean’s Extrusions and 

been popular. We have a lot of repeat attendees.” 

Nancy Roberts is one of these. As 

court reporter for more than 30 years, 

she needs to dress professionally. “I get 

a lot of my clothes at Sisters,” she says. 

“And I get a lot of compliments on things 

I buy there. I have modeled in several of 

their fashion shows.” She adds, “I like to 

browse in the boutique even when I am 

not buying, and have become friends with 

most of the clerks there.” • 

Sisters is located at 35 Public Square in Salem. 

The shop is open weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The phone 

number is 812-883-1776. 

Pictured above: Owners Allison Ezzell and Jennifer 

Tomlinson. 


Pictured (this page): (top) Shoes displayed in style at the boutique. (bottom) 

a few of the many dresses available for sale. 

Pictured (right hand page): (top row, left to right) these bracelets are a small 

sample of the unique jewelry lines carried in stock at Sisters; this antique 

phone lends to the fun, eclectic atmosphere in the shop; one of the cute, 

unique hats found throughout the store. (right hand page, middle row) 

You’ll fnd this inspriational saying while browsing through the shop. (right 

hand page, bottom row) one of the window displays seen from the Salem 

square. 



Southern Indiana in Pictures 

Food A Fun 

at Christie’s On The Square 

January 9, 2016 

Photos by Michelle Hockman 

PIctured: (this page, top row) Christie’s on the square sits on the historic Salem square. (this page, bottom row) Rick McDonald entertains guests at the restaurant; Christie’s ofers pies 

by the slice and whole. Te Christie’s On Te Square cookbook lets you make some of their favorites at home.. (right hand page, top row) Local author and SIL columnist, Jason Byerly, 

and Norma Robbins, purchasing one for her great-granddaughter (volume 2 will be released later this spring, and volume 3 will come out next year); SIL publisher, Karen Hanger and 

local pastor, Earl Mullins, at the book signing. (right hand page, second row) Allison Ezzell, Burl Jean, Carmelita Jean, and Jennifer Tomlinson; Ava Pankey checking out Jason’s latest book, 

God’s Big Adventure, with her brother Blaine standing behind her. (right hand page, third row) local author and SIL columnist Jason Byerly, signing copies of his latest book; a waitress 

takes orders from Christie’s owner, Carmelita Jean, and manager Susan Lloyd. 



Feeling like trying something new 

and fun? Take a trip to medieval 

times and let the fun and follies of 

Floyd County Brewing Co. whisk 

you away to a simpler time of food, fun 

and brews. Relax and raise a glass (or a 

turkey leg!) with those you cherish most. 

You’ve got nothing to lose and a great time 

to gain at this family-friendly destination. 

Floyd County Brewing is located at 

First and West Main streets, next to the 

YMCA in downtown New Albany. Upon 

frst glance, its façade is noticeably diferent 

from the surrounding buildings – it 

looks like an old-fashioned house, 

like something out of “The Lord of 

the Rings” or “Monty Python” flms. 

“I’ve always been intrigued 

by the idea of the public house, or 

‘pub,’” said owner Brian Hampton. 

Hampton has been lucky 

enough to travel quite extensively, 

and he’s seen many, many public 

houses in his travels. “It’s clear that 

these places, some of them hundreds 

of years old, were literally houses, as 

you’re walking from room to room.” 

That is the feel he wanted to bring to 

Floyd County Brewing’s layout and 

space – with a twist. 

“I thought: What a cool idea, 

combining microbrewery and Monty 

Python,” he said. Hampton prides 

himself on keeping a good sense of humor 

and assures that the humorous tone will 

be clearly visible throughout the brewery 

in its decor. The whole reason we go 

out to eat is to escape day-to-day life for a 

bit. If a destination is strategically adding 

humor to its brand – I say even beter! 

And that’s what makes this place 

diferent. It’s not just a brand, it’s a theme. 

You can go anywhere and get an experience, 

a vibe. But this place has a theme, 

a medieval, humorous theme at that. “We 

wanted when people walked in to feel 

like, ‘OK, I’m someplace diferent.’ And 

not only is it diferent, we wanted things 

to catch your eye and be conversation 

starters.” 

The multiple diferent environments 

enhance this feeling. You can sit in the 

“hall,” a wide-open space in the front of 

the brewery whose large carriage doors 

can open to the street, with high-top tables 

and the main bar. Also in the hall are fauxfames 

projecting soft light, fags hanging 


Restaurant Spotlight 

Food, Froth, and Follies 

Floyd County Brewing Company ofers a fun, adventurous menu 

on the walls bearing family crests and 

coats of arms, and even a merchandise 

area where you can buy Floyd County 

Brewing T-shirts, stickers and growlers to 

take home. 

As you move farther into the restaurant, 

there’s another street-view seating 

area, perfect for you and the family; two 

additional second-foor areas, each with 

its own feel; a semiprivate dining area, 

should you desire such; and a back patio 

with a beautiful view of the Sherman Minton 

Bridge, perfect for enjoying a hearty 

brew on a cool early-spring evening. 

The whole reason we go out to eat 

is to escape day-to-day life for a 

bit. If a destination is strategically 

adding humor to its brand – I say 

even better! 

The pricing is on point as well. Depending 

on what you feel like and your 

location in downtown New Albany, price 

points can hop around a bit. Hampton 

foresaw this and saw an opportunity to 

again stand out. “We’re seting our prices 

at about 80 percent of those nearby,” he 

said. 

The food is delicious and the menu 

fun and adventurous. Hampton and coowner 

Julie Hampton wanted to design 

a food selection that was “earthy, hearty 

… we wanted to have colorful foods. We 

wanted to have some unique things,” he 

said. And one of the most unusual things 

Story and Photo by Nicholas Moore 

they have is something I usually have to 

want an entire year to enjoy – the turkey 

leg, known here as King Louie’s Drumstick. 

This is one giant turkey leg, usually 

only found at state fairs, large festivals 

and the like, that has its own place on the 

Floyd County Brewing menu. It’s a delight 

for anyone young or old. 

Some more tasty eats they ofer 

are the Arrow Smith Chicken Skewers, 

whose honey and sriracha beer glaze are 

a smooth and savory delight to the palate, 

and the Holy Hog Nachos. These nachos 

feature a delicious smoked pulled pork. 

You can clearly taste the delightful 

smoke favor. 

The brews are amazing as well. 

Hampton is himself a home-beer 

brewer and enjoyed working with 

their brew master to design their 

six in-house brews. The beers cover 

a variety of favors, from crisp, light 

and blonde, to roasted cofee and 

chocolate, to a spicy, fruity orange 

with a dash of hops. 

This variety isn’t by accident. 

Hampton intentionally used a large 

variety of yeast and hops to create a 

wide array of favors. The result is, 

whatever your tastes, Floyd County 

Brewing has something you’ll 

surely enjoy. And if you’re feeling 

adventurous and want to try a fight 

of beer, which includes small samples of 

four in-house brews of your choice, you’ll 

be happy to get your own tiny box of samples 

brought to the table, personalized by 

the bartender so you can tell what’s what. 

The botom line: If you are looking 

for a fun, new, humorous local place to 

try for lunch or dinner, check out Floyd 

County Brewing Co. It’s great for the 

whole family and has a fantastic combination 

of food, brews and favors that you’ll 

love and that are incredibly unusual. Take 

some time out and enjoy the “food, froth 

and follies!” • 

The Floyd County Brewing Company is located 

at 129 W. Main Street, New Albany, IN 

47150. For more information, call (470) 588- 

2337 or go to foydcountybrewing.com. 

Pictured: Te Arrow Smith Chicken Skewers.


Everyday Adventures 

Step 

It 

Up 


How many steps have you taken 

today? It’s 3 p.m. and I’m almost 

to 9,000. At least that’s 

what my Fitbit tells me. You’ve 

heard of Fitbit, right? It’s one of those ftness 

bands that monitors all kinds of 

health stats like your heart rate, sleep patterns 

and yes, your steps. My mother-inlaw 

gave it to me for Christmas, and now 

I’m obsessed. 

Did you know it’s 23 steps from my 

front door to my car, 58 to my mailbox 

and 172 to the end of my street? Guessing 

you didn’t know that. Neither did I, 

at least not until recently. I’ve lived in the 

same house for 12 years and never gave it 

a second thought. But all that’s changed. 

Now, from the 

moment my feet hit 

the foor, I’m racing 

against the clock 

to get in as many 

steps as possible. It’s 

changed my whole 

approach to life. If 

I’m looking for a 

parking space, I grab 

the farthest one out. If I’m walking the 

dog, I take the long way home. If I need 

some groceries, I hike to Kroger. 

Okay, so I haven’t gone that far yet, 

but I’d love to know how many steps it 

would take. 

Of course, my total steps really don’t 

mater. What maters is that I’m moving. 

The best thing a ftness band has done for 

me is it’s made me aware of each step, 

and by doing so, has created a bias in me 

toward movement. Given the choice between 

taking a few extra steps or taking a 

shortcut, my Fitbit nudges me to choose 

the tough route every time. 

If only I had such a device for my 

spiritual life. 

Bodily motion is easy to measure. 

The activity of the soul? Not so much. 

I don’t have a band on my wrist to 

show me how much my faith has moved 

me to action over the past week. Only a 

subjective memory that either makes me 

look beter or worse than I probably was. 

Before I started using my Fitbit, I 

would have considered myself an active 

person. Once I started measuring my 

steps, though, I realized I was kidding 

myself. 

The same thing can happen with 

my faith. Just because I consider myself 

a spiritual person doesn’t mean I actually 

am one. What am I doing with my faith 

and knowledge of God? Who am I loving? 

Who am I serving? Am I just reading 

God’s word or am I actually living 

God’s way? James, the brother of Jesus, 

At the end of the day, though, we 

shouldn’t get too hung up on the 

past. The most important spiritual 

step is simply the next one. 

said it like this: “Faith by itself, if it is not 

accompanied by action, is dead” (James 

2:17 NIV). 

On the other hand, I can easily underestimate 

my own spiritual growth. 

I’ve had days with my Fitbit when I’ve felt 

like I haven’t moved 5 feet but have been 

surprised when I’ve glanced down to see 

that I’d already taken thousands of steps. 

I never would have guessed how far I’d 

walked because it was just one step at a 

time. 

Spiritual growth works that way, 

too. It’s easy to miss our progress because 

it’s often subtle and happens gradually 

over several months or years. That’s why 

it’s so helpful to keep a prayer journal or 

hang out with faithflled 

friends. Both 

can remind us how 

far we’ve come. 

At the end of 

the day, though, we 

shouldn’t get too 

hung up on the past. 

The most important 

spiritual step is simply 

the next one. Like my pal, the Fitbit, 

God wants to create a bias in me toward 

movement. He wants me to become 

the kind of person who, when given the 

chance, always takes the next step toward 

Him. 

Is there a step in your life you need 

to take today? Someone you need to call? 

Someone you need to serve? Maybe you 

need to apologize or let someone of the 

hook. Maybe you need to reach out and 

ask for help. Maybe you just need to get 

alone and let God remind you of how 

much He loves you and that you mater 

to Him. 

Whatever it is, don’t just stand there. 

Take the step. It might not register on 

your Fitbit, but it will defnitely make a 

diference to God. • 

Jason Byerly is a writer, pastor, husband and 

dad who loves the quirky surprises God sends 

his way every day. You can catch up with Jason 

on his blog at www.jasonbyerly.com or on 

Twiter at www.twiter.com/jasondbyerly.


HELLO, 

HEALTH. 

At Clark Memorial, we are welcoming health in new ways. By putting 

our patients on the path to better wellness, we’re creating healthier 

communities for everyone. From urgent care and orthopedics to 

preventive care and obstetrics, Clark Memorial cares for you during 

every stage of life. We’re here when you’re not feeling well and 

we’re here long after – helping you say “hello” to a healthier you. 

Welcome to wellness. 

Upcoming Events at 

Clark Memorial Hospital 

Annual Baby Fair 

Saturday, April 2 

Orthopedic Open House 

Thursday, May 12 

Community Health Fair 

Saturday, June 4 

For more information, call 812-283-2101. 

clarkmemorial.org

Southern Indiana Living MarApr 2016

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