Druther's Resturant - A piece of History

If you have the hobby of collecting I am just curious why you save or collect what you do? I have several things that I like to collect. I am a big Royal Crown fan, and even a bigger Squirt Soda fan, so anything along those lines, I get excited about. I also love cowboy boots. I won’t write just how many I have, but, let’s just say I have several pairs I have collected over the years. This collect by the way is a “let’s wear’em” collection. So if you see me in Red Snake Skins you can just know that I am enjoying myself.
When one collects things I often think of old things, or things that use to be. Growing up in Southeastern Kentucky one of the famous locations we older folks made frequent stops to would have been Druther’s. Remember that fast food restaurant? Williamsburg had one, Corbin had one, Barbourville had one, Pineville had one, and even Middlesboro had one. I loved the potato wedges especially. You could always get a great ham and cheese too, or at least that would have been another favorite of mine when it came ordering time.
Recently I was traveling in Taylor County, Kentucky. What I discovered in the City of Campbellsville caused me to make a complete u-turn. It had been at least since 1983 that I had seen a Druther’s, but low and behold, there was a Druther’s sitting just as I remembered from back in the day. Outside on the marquee was the special, “two cheeseburgers for a $1.00”. With such hard economic times I was tempted to order me up a dozen at that pricing! Of course you can rest assured I asked if they had wedges, and they did, so that was ordered too. Once I got through ordering my “memory special”, I said, I didn’t know that Druther’s was still in existence. The employee informed me that I was eating at the last one in the United States. At that moment I felt like King of the World. I thought about trying to collect the big Druther’s Sign, but couldn’t fit that in my car…ha, ha.
Collecting is a lot of fun but being reminded is also just as much fun. One of the things I am often reminded of is the grace and mercy that Jesus Christ provides to his children. I am reminded when I think about problems I am facing that He is always there. When I think about decisions that I have to make, I am reminded that He is a friend that provides clear directions and wisdom, if we ask.
Life has many great moments that we can enjoy. Memories that are created from looking at all kinds of different things. Memories from favorite restaurants, to moments with friends all are good ways for us to be reminded that Jesus Christ cares about us, and even if we were to think that somehow he has forgotten us, or moved on with us, we need to re-think again. I thought that Druther’s was long gone, but I only had to be in the right city to learn that I was wrong.
When you experience a moment when you are wondering where He is, or what He is doing, I might recommend you stop your travels, do a turn around where you are and look back to see He is still right there. We certainly have a friend that sticks by closer then a brother, and that’s a good thing to collect.

Until then

Doc O.J. Helvey USA Judo Champion

If you ever attended Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky, then there is no doubt that the name “Doc Helvy” means something to you. His given name was Omer James Helvey. To the students that walked the campus of Cumberland College in Williamsburg most of us simply called him “Doc”, and to those students that were not participants of the Judo Program, which he founded, he was still “Doc” and loved all students, believing that if you set your mind to it, you could do it. The official record will reflect he was a representative on the U.S. Olympic Committee. He coached from the wrestling mats at Cumberland College many Olympians through the sport of Judo.
I believe it is an amazing statement to say that I don’t know of a resident student that passed through Cumberland from 1963 until his retirement in 1986 that doesn’t have a memory of Doc Helvy. Something he said to them or the assistance they received from him, because he was a student’s friend always. I remember meeting him when I was registering as a entering freshman, but really got to know him when I was an officer with the Student Government Association. Doc Helvy was someone that would give you a professional opinion but with a real upfront down home slant. You didn’t have to wonder what he was thinking or what his suggestion was to you, if you asked his opinion. Yet, he would always allow you to make your own decision, and he would even walk through that with you even if you had not followed his advice. That is different and that’s why his former student athletes and students a like love him so.
I personally know several of his former athletes that wrestled under his leadership and his recent passing created a flood of memories in their lives, recalling all the advice they had received from him, and no doubt they may have very well given Doc credit for advice that he didn’t give, but he would smile today I’m sure, just knowing he was so loved and well thought of. As a sports official who worked collegiate athletics, Doc was also a welcomed face on the scores table at Cumberland. As an official, or referee as most would say, sometimes you’ve must go to the scorers table to get a clarification of what happened, and it wasn’t just any scores table a basketball official could turn to, but with Doc at the score book, you always knew, even if it was against Cumberland, he would help you discover the truth. That is something else that is also amazing to me.
In today’s modern age of high tech everything it is refreshing to remember the simple acts of getting to know someone face to face. Learning the why’s and how to, is not always information that some folks will share. While Cumberland College provides the academic setting for learning in the classroom, most individuals have never underestimated the real value of education. That is when someone shares who they are and what they know, without a book, but from the heart with every intention to see you achieve greater then themselves. That my friend was “Doc O.J. Helvey” and the difference he has made in the lives of students will not be forgotten in my life, as long as I live, and my thoughts would be that those of us he impacted, that we share the values he taught to others just as he invested in us.
The Bible shares many scriptures that touch all our lives in many different ways. Currently I am thinking that it is more blessed to give then receive, but I am glad I received from Doc, and now is my time to give, so here I go.

Until then

Darrell "Dog" Brock, Sr. What I learned from him...

Watching people has always been a hobby. I guess some folks will think it to be a little strange but to watch people at work, how they mingle with folks, the conversations they have, friendships you develop because of such observations and inner actions has also become a blessings. Especially when you consider the growth you witness in those we look upon. Those folks often become heroes, people we attempt to emulate in actions and deeds.
Children are fun to watch growing up because they are so eager to learn, do and experience everything. Adult can also be fun if we remain eager to learn, do and experience too, just like we did when we were kids, if we work toward those as goals throughout our lifetime.
As a child, teen and adult I have often looked at others attempting to find the good and to see what I could learn from their lives. An adult that I have watched in my life time was Darrell Brock, Sr. I first met Darrell though my parents and their involvement in Masonic work, and the Order of Eastern Star. Bell Lodge # 691 and the OES # 89 in Pineville were activities, programs and events that I had a chance to learn from Darrell, or “Dog” as he was well known as. Darrell and Joann were also active parents, involved in the lives of their two children, Darrell, Jr., and Craig. I was a part of the last graduating class of Bell County High School, while Darrell was a part of the first graduating class of the new Bell County High School, with the consolidation of Lone Jack. I went to Arjay Elementary and Darrell and Craig went to Right Fork. We have always been friends as long as I can remember.
When I learned of Darrell’s passing the first question that came to my mind was a wondering question. What did I think he enjoyed most about life? Having observed “Dog” as a child and teen, and then to work with him on projects and various events as an adult I believe I also knew my answer to my question too.
The love of a grandfather and grandmother for their grandchildren is not only a special bond, but a unique opportunity for children to build memories and “precious times”. These moments develop from simple moments like walking around with, hanging out in the truck, car or as “Dog” loved, a good 4-wheeling trip. Nothing I know fills the ears so completely as listening to the stories and experiences of your grandparents. For those that lost that opportunity to build, I am sure there is a void that develops from time to time where one wishes they could only remember or had the opportunity to have gotten to know their loved ones.
While I believe Darrell spent great quality time pouring into his grandchildren, my wondering didn’t select that as “most enjoyed” in life. Sitting with Darrell eating breakfast from time to time on the right fork side of things, talking with him at Lodge Meetings, and having great conversations about Bell County, life and a host of lively discussions, I believe Darrell’s greatest moment was living to see his two sons become great men, who have made a difference with their lives, where they were planted in life.
When your children grow up and you see them making their own decisions, and even taking positions that you yourself might not select, there is still a great deal of joy in knowing they are able to make great decisions on their own, being themselves, fighting for what they believe in. “Dog” was an honest man, who gave honest effort in doing the best he knew, and there should be great personal satisfaction in that knowledge for his children and for Joann too.
One of my favorite quotes “Dog” and I often laughed at was, “some republicans can make a democrat out of anybody”. I am smiling even now as I type this, because Darrell learned to enjoy life at all stages, and I admired that trait in him. Darrell Jr., and Craig stand on the foundation of their parents, like we all do, but they too have also learned to step out on their own and become their own people too. This is a trait I also admire in them as well. One of my other fond memories of “Dog” is from our discussions of where we are from. The mountains are a great place to call home and he was never ashamed of where he was from or what he had accomplished. Another trait I personally admired. I am very proud of my home, where I live, where I grew up, and faith that with hard work and dedication, I could become anything I wanted to be, even if others thought I was lacking because of where I hailed.
Darrell Brock, Sr., was a friend to many from all over Southeastern Kentucky. Some friends he earned from his work in the coal industry. Some friends he earned from his work in the Blue Lodge and others from his many travels and adventures in life. Me, he earned as a friend by being real and trustworthy. And I know he had great pleasure in his children, something to always remember.

Until then

Assumptions I am "assuming"

Assumptions are most of the time not such a good thing to assume. Yet, we make many assumptions about people, things and situations. Growing up one of the first things we learn without many lessons from others is to be selfish and want what we want. I am ‘assuming’ that no one reading this column has ever taught their child to cry like a baby until they get what they want right? I am ‘assuming’ that when we watch others we don’t first think, look at that idiot, right? Especially if we think what they are doing is, well, let me just say stupid, right? Assumptions about why people do what they do always has gotten me in a mess, especially if I have never given them time or even a change to explain or share their position or point of view.
I am ‘assuming’ that most of us think we understand life and situations enough that we don’t need to hear someone explain what’s happening or going on in their world, right? When I think about the way Jesus interacted with people I am always challenged because His way is so different from mine. I guess the problem is that I am ‘assuming’ I know best when I really know only the Lord would know best. Why in the world would I be this way when I know a better way? Self evaluation is never easy, but I have discovered a better life as a Christian because I have decided to look at things different then my normal ‘assuming’ methods.
When looking at others I have discovered it is best to see them as Jesus Christ see’s them. Best example would be looking at them as an individual created by God and for His glory, instead of my assumed wisdom and skills of just looking and watching, and making a judgment. I have no clue, so I am making not ‘assuming’ anything, but it has been said we might need to walk in another’s shoes before we cast our opinion. We live in a society that is totally involved in making judgments, and I do know that it is necessary for each of us to make judgments and decisions, but as a Christian there is much more to our positions, or at least there should be when it comes to us looking upon people. Christians should always remember that God Loves everyone. I recently was reminded through a conversation with a group of Christians that when others do not look like us, most, or at least this group, took the stand off approach instead of the Jesus approach. Jesus never walked away from anyone. When He saw folks different or in need, He would go toward them. That approach is very different from the approach of many Christians today. I am only ‘assuming’ what a difference we would make in the lives of people if we took His approach rather then our personal assumptions. In looking upon people, observing them, we must be cautious to consider ourselves lest we fall into the same type of temptation, or find ourselves in their experience because of trying times. Some of the decisions we make create the consequences that we must live through in our lives, but even with that being true, it gives Christians no position to be less helpful, or understanding. The woman who was caught in adultery and brought to Jesus didn’t hear anything from Him other then, “go and sin no more”. I am only ‘assuming’ but I might just go all out and even sin, if you consider betting to be such, and say, I bet most Christians could not have just let her walk away without a lecture. Most I am ‘assuming’ would have felt it their duty to offer all the corrective steps she should take in life immediately, and as I think about that conversation, I am only ‘assuming’ the presence of love in one’s voice, mannerism or gestures toward the hurting one would not be encouraging or supporting. I could write personally and say, that in my life, I have experienced the latter on occasions and often wondering if I were to practice the Golden Rule and do unto them as they had just done unto me, how they would feel? I am only ‘assuming’ not so hot, but we normally wouldn’t make that kind of assumption thinking about others in our actions.
People all around us are struggling. People in the pews of our churches and pew who would say they will never sit in those same church pews. I am ‘assuming’ you would called the first group a saved group because they are at least in the church, right?, and the other group, we would tag as lost, since they won’t be coming inside the church to act like we do, right?

Until then

Four Words - Two Worlds....my choice

I cannot remember a single time, moment or situation in my life that I did not love America. The first set of books I ever asked for was about American History. The set of books gave a yearly timeline telling the historical events about individuals that believed in something, individuals that stood up for their convictions and individuals that put their lives on the live because of what they believed. One of the things I learned from reading about great leaders is their commitment to fight the cause, hold the line and push forward even when things didn’t go their way.
America is the greatest nation on the earth and I do not know of a single person that has ever experienced life in some another country that didn’t come away realizing that with all the issues in the land of Red White and Blue, we still live in the greatest land!
Not sure when it was that I learned respect for people and positions, but I did learn respect for people, all people and have attempted to practice that teaching all my life. I learned respect for the positions that people hold and I am thankful that I was taught that type of respect too. Positions I was taught to respect in life included family members like my grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, and adults in general. Younger people today have no respect for adults, but back in the day, if you said something that was not polite, or you acted “ugly”, well get ready, because your backside would become a heated spot to teach you that showing respect was an important principal to follow. Of course in today’s world, discipline a child and an adult will end up in jail.
One of the positions I have great respect for is that of elected officials. I have always viewed the Office of the President of the United States as a moral office, setting standards, providing vision, and leadership that helped to direct our country. I have not always agreed with our elected Presidents, and my ballot didn’t always make my choice the winner, but I always voted nevertheless. I have never been impressed with folks who only believed in their political parties or folks that believe the Republicans are right and the Democrats are wrong, or vice versa. I been both a Democrat and a Republican and I’ve voted Independent and do so proudly on all counts, but still never believed that one has the best interest of the country over the other.
President George W Bush on a trip to Iraq had a shoe thrown at him from a member of the press at a news conference. Iraq law has now been dispensed for that action taken by that individual and he will serve 3 years in prison for throwing his shoe at our President. The first thing I thought of when I read that story in the newspaper was what a different world the USA would be if you acted ugly toward our leaders and we locked you up? I guess this is could be one way to teach respect in America? I believe we would think twice before we said something not so nice or wished ill toward one of our leaders.
America provides the greatest earthly liberties to us, her occupants, and that freedom has arrived to us because of great cost to others who have fought for rights they only believed in, long before the dream was a reality.
Democracy and Freedom are words that are a perfect descriptive of American. Those words are as perfect as Eternity and Forgiveness. These words we can use as the perfect descriptive for a relationship with Jesus Christ. Not sure which set of words you might prefer over the other, but for me, I want all four words and both worlds…America and Heaven.

Until then

Hidden America: Children of the Mountains - Diane Sawyer (Part II)

The ABC program 20/20 and the report Diane Sawyer filed about the people of the mountains and her view of life in Southeastern Kentucky has produced great results for those attempting to make a difference. The “Hidden America: Children of the Mountains” special has now produced through corporate sponsorship an additional lab for Dr. Edwin Smith and his efforts. I am sure that he is very excited about receiving a new van that will touch the lives of thousands of children. We need to be reminded that this second van is a gift to Dr. Smith and his efforts, while the first van, which he paid for was his gift to the children of Southeastern KY. I cannot help but think of the Biblical scripture that say to “whom much is given much is required” and that other scripture that teaches for us to be wise, go and invest with the little that we have, and God will bless you because you used what he gave you, so He will give you more. I am sure many folks will get in line to receive whatever they can get from The Pepsi Company, but that same group might not have ever given first, which isn’t proper. After all, there is another scripture that teaches, “it is more blessed to give them receive”. Dr. Smith and those serving with him already knew this Biblical principal that’s why to see them receive what they are just going to turn around and give back away is so awesome.
Union College certainly stepped up to the plate in the life of Shawn Grim and they are a shining example today of what is proper Christian reaction. Truth is, without Diane Sawyer and that documentary Union may never have known about Shawn, but through her report, Union realized there was something they could do, and should do. I’m just wondering what all the other institutions in Southeastern Kentucky that carry the name of Christ, or Christian are thinking, and while Shawn has received help, we know of countless others that remain just like him that could use a real hand up to a new opportunity and life. What a difference could be accomplished if each school just took one more a chance. I must write that Christians are always going to be taken advantage of but that’s the example we have before us from Jesus. He was willing to be used up by some to reach those that wanted to receive His free gift---if only we acted like He did all the time!
Christians should be the type of individuals that make a difference because we realize we received something totally free, unearned and even unmerited. Grace and mercy should be two elements that we practice in our lives free flowing, yet we often act as if it might run out so we safe guard and preserve that which we think is so precious, and it is, but that was not His design for us.
We should be spreading grace, mercy and love like a might flood filling every valley and overflowing from the top of every mountain.
Here in the mountains of Southeastern Kentucky we have many cherished views, traditions, experiences and hopes. As an adult, I cherish totally the decision of my parents to depart Michigan and to bring their children home to Southeastern Kentucky. My life has been enriched because of their decision and today I pass on my learning from my family members to all that would hear a story of history, decision and chance. The children of mountains have much to be proud of, and the children of the mountains are just as smart and have just as much to give as any other child anywhere in the world. For the children of the mountains who have grown up, received an education, and for some even moved away, they hold dear the teaching they received from the life experiences that qualify many for a PH.D. on life.
Judgment is something that many people believe is wrong. Many will say that you should never judge, but truth is, the Bible teaches that we can judge, we can do some “fruit inspection” and as we go we should keep in mind what the Bible actually teaches about judgment. The standards we hold others to, the rules we lay out for them will be the standards and judgment that God will also hold us to when our day of judgment arrives. If we all thought about the standards we are going to be held to, because of the way we look upon others, I am thinking many would change their actions toward others and their response to conditions and situations. Jesus can really make a difference.

Until then