Murray Life Magazine :: 2009 Summer Issue
The Cheshire Cat on County Line Road
By: John Pollpeter
It’s there, watching you. Its hazel eyes stare out from some high perch or from under some plum thicket. It is invisible. Only its eyes, reflecting the sun’s last light, can be seen, slike the fabled Cheshire cat of Alice’s Wonderland. Its whiskers twitch with nervous anticipation. Its coat distorts the light and allows it to blend effortlessly into the background while its muscles tighten, ready to jump at any moment. All this highly effective predator wants is to avoid you.
What is this mythical Cheshire cat? It is the bobcat. These wild felines are the only remaining wildcat species found in Kentucky. It regularly roams through the oaks and hickories of Land Between the Lakes. Bobcats are becoming a more common sight throughout its former range as this compact cat is making a comeback. The bobcat is now found in 47 states, excluding Hawaii, Alaska and Delaware. Recent surveys in Kentucky show its numbers are on the rise. In Land Between the Lakes, rough estimates put the bobcat population between 200-300 animals. This is a healthy number for the size of LBL, about 300 square miles.
...Read More in the Summer 2009 issue of Murray Life Magazine
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All Aboard for Happy Town!
By: Kimberly Holland Tetrev
Shhh… If you listen closely, you might just hear the old Dixies, locomotives of the Nashville, Chattanooga and St. Louis Railroad, pull in at Illinois Central Park in Martin, Tennessee. Located about 50 miles from Murray, this northwestern Tennessee city blends the history of its 1830s beginning with 21st century updates.
Originally named Frost, to honor the first railroad conductor of the Mississippi Central, the little community was grown from a sawmill, a gristmill and a forest clearing. The name was changed to Martin in 1874 when the sons of the original land owner thought they could attract more settlers by honoring William Martin. The city of Martin grew quickly to 500 residents and 28 businesses including dry goods, drug and millinery shops, marble yards, saloons, blacksmiths and an undertaker. Martin continued to grow into a regional trade center while maintaining a friendly, hometown feel. This is Martin’s greatest appeal if you are planning a day trip that includes a look back while taking advantage of special events for the entire family.
...Read More in the Summer 2009 issue of Murray Life Magazine
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All Aboard
By Darlisha Stanfield
Tucked away in the back of Murray’s Central Park, past the seven baseball fields, behind the amphitheater, across from the large playground with the rock climbing wall, and adjacent to the community pool is a magical place. Here, at the former L&N Freight Depot, children and adults alike use their imaginations, backdrops and custom costumes to bring stories to life.
Playhouse in the Park began as the Murray-Calloway County Community Theatre in January of 1977, with the mission of entertaining and educating the community. Richard Valentine, Margaret Trevathan, Jo Curris and others have been credited with bringing everything together for the company’s first performance, Androcles and the Lion. ...Read More in the Summer 2009 issue of Murray Life Magazine
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 Getting 2 Know U
Murray State's new Summer Orientation
By Andrew Dundee
Every summer, Murray is flooded with its newest residents: more than 1,000 college students accompanied by moms, dads, grandparents, siblings and friends roll into town with high expectations for a challenging, fun-filled future, and “more questions than the encyclopedia could answer.” Restaurants and stores may be filled to capacity and streets near the campus can be surprisingly crowded on an otherwise lazy summer afternoon.
The occasion is Murray State’s “Summer Orientation Program.” Since the 1970s, MSU has invited incoming students and their families for a preview of what lies ahead. During the years, the program has evolved from a simple “get acquainted” session with advanced class registration for first year students. It came to include citywide tours, social events and dances for students and parents, and informational sessions on everything from student health to scholarships and loans to housing and career planning.
New students are led around campus by specially-trained MSU students who are selected for their knowledge and their social abilities. The “Summer O Counselors” often come back for two or three summers to assist newcomers in adapting to college life.
...Read More in the Summer 2009 issue of Murray Life Magazine
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 Something New
By Caitlin Spencer
Let’s face it—summer is in the air and wedding season along with it. With so many people getting married in the summer months, people may have some trouble picking out unique gifts, if they have more than one wedding to attend. Luckily, our lovely town of Murray has some shops to help us, such as Vintage Rose, Elements and Jean-Marie’s.
Vintage Rose offers a registry for brides, already making a shopper’s job easier. Owner Sarah Jones sets up a display for each bride, so the shopper can see what the bride and groom have selected. If a bride is not registered at Vintage Rose, the shop also offers picture frames, dish sets and kitchenware. One of the kitchenware lines is called Mariposa; it is made entirely from recycled aluminum, is microwavable safe and stays beautiful through the years.
...Read More in the Summer 2009 issue of Murray Life Magazine
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