Tales From The Kentucky Room Lexington Public Library

Join Sylvia Lovely as she tells a story of her own in our Quilting Kentucky's Stories series recalling a humorous moment she shared with her family during a time of impending loss. 
Sylvia often introduces herself as a lawyer by training, a CEO by experience and a media mogul in her dreams. She has a rich history in media as the author of three books, numerous articles and opinion pieces for a variety of publications. She is also in the restaurant business with Azur Food Group, owner of Azur Restaurant and Patio and The Lexington Diner. She has for ten years co-hosted Food News and Chews Radio with Chef Jeremy Ashby, Executive Chef of Azur Food Group and her business partner. She currently provides coaching and regular classes on the art of writing/telling the story for the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning and Good Foods Co-op Grocery and Community Center. She also works in other venues in pursuing her passion to encourage others to be storytellers.
Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole.

Mariam sits down with Matthew Strandmark about his biography of Kentucky’s perennial political candidate, Gatewood Galbraith. They talk Gatewood’s childhood in Carlisle, Kentucky, his family life, his local law career and he captured the state’s attention with his political career.
 
In Gatewood: Kentucky's Uncommon Man, Matthew weaves together personal stories, public records, and oral history interviews to provide a comprehensive overview of the life and career of an eccentric and fascinating figure. From his ailment-plagued childhood in Carlisle, Kentucky, to his young adulthood spent at the fringes of Lexington society, the opening chapters of Galbraith's life were vital in developing the values that later came to define his political career—his passion for rural communities and low tolerance for bullies.
Gatewood: Kentucky’s Uncommon Man is available for check out from the library and for purchase.
This episode discusses Gatewood Galbraith’s personal politics and political platform and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities the speakers represent.

Kali Mattheus joins us with a story of finding comfort in our memories and letting go of the guilt of missing a goodbye.
 
Kali Mattheus is a podcaster, producer, videographer, editor, and writer who has called Lexington, Kentucky home for more than half her life. She has a rich background in television and movie production that stems from a deep love of storytelling. She sits on the advisory boards for BCTC’s Filmmaking and Cinematic Arts and Tahlsound Concert Series, where she also serves as the Internship Director and Videographer. She has a love for connecting people and helping them with their passion projects.
 
Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole.

Forget what you know about the Daughters of the American Revolution and join Mariam as she sits down with three members of Kentucky’s Lexington chapter of the DAR. Judy Owens, Robin Fisher, and Sharon Withers talk about the contemporary society and what it means to each of them, their work to research and identify patriots of color, historical preservation at McConnell's Springs and Sharon's pioneering use of DNA in DAR genealogy research, and the use of DNA to find patriots of color and their descendants. 

The Lexington Chapter of the DAR is hosting a DNA Beginners Seminar at Beaumont Branch on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

The oral history series mentioned in the episode is Daughter Dialogues, and is available at https://www.daughterdialogues.com

This Memorial Day, Terry Hall joins us with a story of hope and healing. While Terry's story has a happy ending, he describes the darkest period of his life as he dealt with alcoholism and post traumatic stress, including thoughts of of suicide, deaths during war, and a description of the murder of a friend.  Please take care of yourself while listening to this episode.
Terry Hall is a disabled Army veteran from eastern Kentucky who enlisted in the US Army after graduating high school in 1983. He quickly rose to the rank of W2 due to his outstanding leadership skills and commitment. In 1991, Terry was deployed to the Middle East for Operation Desert Storm, where he demonstrated bravery and determination in the face of danger. After returning from serving in the Gulf War, he has struggled with PTS and has recently turned to writing as a way to share his story and inspire and encourage others. Terry has been married to his wife Vickie for 30 years and together they have 3 sons, 3 daughters-in-law, 4 grandchildren, and 1 fur baby.
Theme song "Appalachian Lofi" composed and performed by Bryan Klausing and Christine Cole.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org/
For veterans struggling with post traumatic stress, you can find out more about the Save a Warrior project at their website https://saveawarrior.org/ 

Mariam sits down with Kim Wickens, author of Lexington: the Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America’s Legendary Racehorse, to discuss her book and Lexington’s impact on the sport of horse racing in the mid-19th century.
 
Kim tells us about Lexington’s racing career, how his racing career ended in 1855, and how his offspring fared in both war and the racetracks in the Northern Union States. Lexington: the Extraordinary Life and Turbulent Times of America’s Legendary Racehorse is available for checkout from the library and for purchase at your favorite book stores.