John Hardy Trunk Show at Michelson Jewelers - March 24

Saturday, March 24
John Hardy Trunk Show
Michelson Jewelers
5017 Hinkleville Rd.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contemporary. Sophisticated. Timeless. Michelson Jewelers presents new collections from John Hardy at this one day only trunk show!

iLove Our Advertisers!

Check out our three new lovely advertisers who have joined us this week!

First up, Boston band Ball in the House! From their website, “Following in the path of classic harmony groups like Boyz II Men, The Temptations, and Take 6, with a mix of the classic and the contemporary, the five-member vocal band Ball in the House brilliantly blends a wide range of influences, from classic R&B to pop, hip-hop & gospel.” Check them out this Saturday night at Market House Theatre!

Next up, longtime iList advertiser Brad Rankin has a brand new spiffy banner ad. Mention the ad you saw on iList for $50 off your senior portraits!

And last but not least — Lawn & Order — who is cutting my grass as I type this! Give David a call and he’ll groom your lawn too!

EntrePaducah Annual Business Plan Competition

Entrepreneurs needing extra cash for their startup venture are urged to enter the second annual EntrePaducah-Paducah Bank Business Plan Competition.
“Last year, we saw what could be accomplished by offering a cash incentive for preparing a well-developed business plan,” said EntrePaducah Executive Director Terry Reeves.  “Our 2011 winner not only put their prize money to use immediately, they’ve used their business plan to guide them through their startup year.”

The 2011 contest drew eight contestants who competed in a preliminary round that judged their written business plan.  Three finalists were chosen to make their “pitch” in a live presentation before a different panel of judges.  Two of the three finalists opened new businesses resulting in five new jobs in the community.

2012 Marks the second year EntrePaducah has conducted the competition with financial support from Paducah Bank and Trust.  “Small business is the backbone of job creation in America.  We’re pleased to partner with EntrePaducah to encourage entrepreneurs to get off to a good start with solid business planning,” said Paducah Bank CEO Joe Framptom.

April Freeman and Casi McClure won the 2011 competition.  Their business, Dream Green, introduced curbside collection of recyclable waste to the Paducah area.

This year’s competition begins Monday March 12 with entries accepted through April 20.  Entry information and contest rules are posted at www.entrepaducah.com.  Judging takes place April 30-May 11.  The winner of the $2,500 cash prize will be announced at an awards ceremony in May.

EntrePaducah serves entrepreneurs with business counseling, educational programs and other resources to encourage successful business growth and development.  For more information, contact an EntrePaducah Concierge at (270) 443-1746, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Paducah Artist Uses Innovation to Lure Art Lovers to His Work

While artists and galleries have taken recent hits by the economy, one artist in Western Kentucky uses innovation to market his art and reach new customers.

Artist and owner of Gallery 5, William Renzulli, is not content being a one-dimensional person, and certainly not a one-dimensional artist. His next show, Just Barns & Farms is an example of Renzulli’s ability to innovate within the world of fine art. The show opens with an artist’s reception on Thursday, April 5, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Gallery 5, located at 803 Madison, in Paducah’s LowerTown Arts District.

This will be no ordinary show where attendees are exposed to expensive, intimidating works of art, but will instead be a show that will appeal to art lovers and collectors of all ages and incomes.

“The show is going to be interesting. There will be an eclectic mix of paintings and drawings in a wide array of medium, sizes and prices—all depicting barns and farms. The exhibit will look like nothing else I’ve done before. I really think people are going to enjoy it,” said Renzulli.

A notable feature of the show is Renzulli’s non-traditional layout. Large works will be the focal point of an arrangement of themed art. Surrounding the large, framed image will be smaller works, some matted and others simple sketches and prints. Art will cover a variety of price points, inviting a new generation of art lovers to begin building their art collection.

“I’ve always been fascinated by barns and have spent many years of my life living on a farm.  And, truthfully, I’ve been teased a lot about always painting barns. This show is my ‘coming out party,’ you might say,” said Renzulli. “But seriously, I just want it to be fun. I want people to really enjoy the show.”

Renzulli is well-known for his colorful depictions of regional architecture, landscapes and his travels in Italy. Visitors to his gallery in Paducah’s LowerTown Arts District will find a range of his work in pen and ink, pastels, watercolors, clay mono-type prints, art books and oil painting.

While Renzulli creates high quality, fine art, he strives to invite the public to engage comfortably with his work.  Whether in his studio, in his kitchen, or in his blog musings, the artist offers a friendly invitation to simply enjoy art. Even without knowing the artist personally, the warmth of his personality is reflected in his work and in his online musings.

Through online ventures, Renzulli connects with his patrons even outside of a traditional gallery setting. His followers are extended a warm invitation to engage with him on new pieces he is working on at Gallery 5 and to be a part of the artist’s life through his blog, Reflections On a Life in Medicine, Art, and Now…Pasta.

It is difficult to imagine how this 72-year old has time to do all that he does in a week, between creating art, imagining new pasta dishes, blogging, and keeping up with his Facebook and Etsy pages. And yet he’s managed to do it, all the while building a loyal following of art patrons.

Just Barns and Farms will give audiences a sample of the artist’s broad range of talent and interests.

For more information contact the artist at 270.444.2020 or e-mail him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

iVote!

Are you as bemused, befuddled and bewildered as we are by the current bumper crop of NINETEEN — it’s a record — Paducah City Commission candidates? No idea in which direction to point your hanging chad?

US EITHER!

That’s why we, the intrepid staff at iList Media World Headquarters, are compiling your TOP TEN questions and putting them to the 2012 Paducah City Commission candidates. Have a question you’d like to see on the list? E-mail us!

We’ll feature the answers of a partial group of Commission hopefuls a week until the May 22, 2012 primary.

Here are the candidates (in no particular order):

• Allan Rhodes
• Frank Schuler
• Eric Youngblood
• Jeanie Embry
• Rodney Worak
• Shelley Keeling Sr.
• Carol Gault (incumbent)
• Michele Thomas
• Raynarldo Henderson
• Brandon Hall
• Sandra Wilson
• Brian Shemwell
• Robert Cherry Jr.
• Mark “Atlas” Foglesong
• Peter Steyn
• Richard Abraham (incumbent)
• David Guess
• Lennis Thompson
• Shirley Trail Lanier

Michelson Jewelers Expands Services with Addition of Second Master Jeweler

Michelson Jewelers is pleased to announce the expansion of their services with the addition of a second Master Jeweler to their team.

New Michelson’s Master Jeweler John Harsh brings with him 36 years experience, starting his career in 1976 in Birmingham, Alabama. He has an extensive background in custom work and special orders, and has been awarded with four National Awards for his creations. He joins Master Jeweler Vincent Furches who has been with Michelson’s for 5 years. Vincent is from Murray, Kentucky and comes from a family of jewelers. He began casting at age 18 after taking his father’s metalsmithing class at MSU, and his grandfather owned a jewelry store on Murray’s court square for over 20 years. With over 30 years experience, he is proud to call himself a true “goldsmith”, creating custom pieces as well as performing all variety of repairs. Together John and Vince boast almost 70 years experience in working with precious metals.

“We are proud to offer this expanded capability to our customers.” said owner Louis Michelson. “Now that we have two full time Master Jewelers, Michelson’s can now offer same day service for most any basic repair work. It also allows us to create all variety of custom designs as another option for customers in addition to the tri-state’s largest collection of designer diamond jewelry. “

Michelson Jewelers invites everyone to come in and sit down with John or Vince to create that special piece of jewelry that will be come a heirloom to be passed down throughout the years. For more information, visit www.michelson-jewelers.com or www.facebook.com/michelsonjewelers.

Calling all Girl Scouts, Volunteers, Alumni & Friends!

In 2012, Girl Scouts, volunteers, alumnae and friends everywhere will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting. Join them TODAY as they continue the tradition of gathering for Promise Circles as a way to celebrate their official 100th birthday and as they accept a proclamation from the Mayor’s Office.

Promise Circle Ceremony & Proclamation
Monday, March 12th
5:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Dolly McNutt Plaza (Fountain area beside the McCracken County Library)

SPONSORED POST: Michelson Jewelers Pandora Promotion

Unleash your creativity with PANDORA! From bracelets and charms to rings, earrings, necklaces and watches, you’ll be inspired to create and customize your own classic look.

Stop by Michelson Jewelers during our March PANDORA Promotion, March 15-18

Receive a PANDORA clasp bracelet (a $65. US retail value) FREE with your purchase of $100 or more of PANDORA jewelry. Good while supplies last, limit one per customer.

Founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, PANDORA has created more than 800 handcrafted charms, available in sterling silver, 14k gold, murano glass, semi-precious stones and precious gems. PANDORA donates a portion of proceeds from some charms to nonprofit partners, including Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Your City at Work: Paducah Recreation Center

New Episode on Government Channel 11

Public Information Officer Pam Spencer interviews Parks Services Director Mark Thompson and Recreation Superintendent Amie Clark about the Paducah Recreation Center purchased by the City in 2011.

“It’s exciting.  We’ve never had a facility like this that we could run all kinds of programming,” says Recreation Superintendent Amie Clark.  In 2011, the City of Paducah purchased the Paducah Recreation Center located at 1527 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from Margaret Hank Memorial Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  On the latest episode of Your City at Work, Public Information Officer Pam Spencer gives viewers a tour of the facility and provides an overview of the programs and activities offered by the Paducah Park Services Department at the facility.

Your City at Work can be seen on Government 11, the governmental access channel of the City of Paducah.  The episode also is online at www.paducahky.gov and the various social media outlets for the City of Paducah including Youtube and Facebook.  Check the website for Government 11 program information, videos, news releases, and broadcast schedules.

During the first segment of Your City at Work, Parks Services Director Mark Thompson provides a tour of the Paducah Recreation Center.  The approximately 19,000 square foot facility offers a gymnasium, large kitchen, conference room, stage area with dressing rooms, and open space for classes or meetings.  After the City purchased the facility, new sports flooring was installed and portable basketball goals were purchased.  Thompson says, “It really adds to the flexibility of the facility.”  Families can become members of the facility for the minimal fee of $5 per year.

With a new facility available for use year-round, the Parks Department has been brainstorming on activities and programs to implement.  Thompson says, “We have talked to Market House Theatre to work together on doing some plays in the future, to be able to use our stage.  Plus, the Community Concert Band will be doing some concerts here.  We didn’t have that capability before we purchased this building.”  The recreation staff already has plans for wiffleball, indoor soccer, volleyball, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, dodgeball, kickball, yoga, bingo, sewing classes, recipe swaps, and after school programs.

The Paducah Recreation Center also is available to rent for parties, tournaments, and conferences.  Visit www.paducahky.gov for more information about the facility including rental fees and programming schedules.

Your City at Work: Paducah Recreation Center can be viewed on Government 11 starting Wednesday, March 7, at 9:30 a.m.  It also airs Thursday at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday at 9:00 a.m.  Daily program information is available by watching the informational slides that air on the Channel 11 bulletin board.

Your City at Work is hosted and produced by Pam Spencer, Public Information Officer for the City of Paducah through the television production facilities at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.  For more information about Your City at Work or other Government 11 programming, call Tom Butler, WKCTC Television Production Coordinator, at 534-3208 or Pam Spencer at 444-8669.

World-class Illusionist Jason Bishop to Make Magic in Paducah!

Internationally-recognized illusionist Jason Bishop will bring his larger than life illusions and award-winning sleight of hand talent to West Kentucky Community & Technical College Clemens Fine Arts Center in Paducah, Kentucky on Saturday, March 17, 2012.

The Jason Bishop Showis thelargest touring illusion show in the United States. Bishop, along with assistant Kim Hess, gives a high energy, highly-interactive performance set to an upbeat blend of rock and pop music. With exclusive large illusions and “close-up” magic captured on live cameras and projected onto large LCD screens, The Jason Bishop Show is designed to entertain, engage and enthrall audiences of all ages.

Currently the only illusionist in the United States to perform the rare Double Levitation, Plasma illusion and Op-Arton tour, Bishop is known for his state-of-the-art, modern and accessible magic. A big hit at every show is when he transforms a $1 bill into a $100 bill – and generously gives it to one lucky person in the crowd. Audience members can expect to be captivated by Bishop’s world-class magical skill, unique style, and signature sense of humor. Hess’s flawless execution of movement and multiple costume changes add to the show’s visual appeal.

The Jason Bishop Show has appeared at notable venues including Disney Cruise Lines and Celebrity Cruise Lines in Europe and Alaska, the Magic Castle in Hollywood, California, and in Las Vegas. Most recently, the show has toured at performing arts centers and theaters across the nation where it has received rave reviews.

“Best magician I’ve ever seen!”- MTV’s Bam Margera

The Jason Bishop Show will appear at the Clemens Fine Arts Center at West Kentucky Community and Technical College on Saturday, March 17th at 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices $25 for adults and $15 for students and children. While on campus, Bishop will present a lecture demonstration for area school students at 10 a.m. on March 16 in the Clemens Center. The lecture demonstration is free but reservations are required. Limited seating is available.

To order tickets for the March 17 performance, call the box office at 534.3212 or visit the website at http://focus.westkentucky.kctcs.edu/artsinfocus.html#Jason. To make reservations for the lecture demonstration, call 534.3212.

For more information about The Jason Bishop Show, visit their website at www.TheJasonBishopShow.com.