Written by Cindy Abraham

“I was born in the Parris Island Naval Hospital in 1957.  The Code of this location was to  "Improvise, Adapt and Overcome.” This code has underlined my whole life.” Cindy Abraham
 
Over the past two centuries, my paternal and maternal families were centered in Eastern Kentucky (with the exception of the years my brothers and I spent in a proverbial boot camp due to my dad’s Marine background). My father was a die hard member of the GOP in Montgomery County and my mother was a ‘Yellow dog Democrat’.  At this point you may notice that ‘improvise, adapt and overcome’ were healthy directions for children of this beginning.  
 
My playmates were mostly boys (brothers and male cousins) and we “green broke” our horses, fished, learned how to raise hogs and cattle, went hunting and just enjoyed running around wild on family farms. 
 
I attended Mt. Sterling High School and life was sprinkled with cotillions, fancy dresses,  rival football games, and basic 70’s teenage mischief. One of the highlights of the year was Mt. Sterling Court Days where court was held once a month and people came for miles to buy, sell, and trade.  
 
It was the mid-70's and the Vietnam War was drawing to a close. Mt. Sterling embraced our troops who were loyal to the directives of the United States and our Commander in Chief. After graduating in 1975, I continued my education at Transylvania University. 

While at Transy I majored in political science. After a couple of years, I decided to take a hiatus and move to Hilton Head, South Carolina. I always had an interest in art and decided to pursue it. While there, I worked in an art gallery and studied with local artists. In 1981, I went back to school. 
 
One of my brothers was at the University of Kentucky, so I decided to move to Lexington where I would stay in his apartment for awhile. Within the first month, I met the man I knew was going to be my husband. He was my brother’s best friend, Richard Abraham. 

Richard and I hit it off pretty quick.  We had many of the same interests and experiences. Both of us had traveled to Europe while in high school. Both families had first hand experiences with the Vietnam War. Richard’s cousins had served and lived to tell about it.  I know today’s youth may not understand the political implications of the Vietnam War. It ‘colored’ the notions of those that came back from the war and those affiliated with its presence.  
 
I wasn’t raised to be judgmental. Both sides of my family have been educators for the past 100 years.  My great grandfather rode a mule into Appalachia regularly to teach.  We were taught to examine people and situations and make decisions based upon character. 

However, when I announced to my mother that I was marrying Richard (remember as a daughter of a marine, you NEVER bring home an intended until you’ve decided to stand your ground, no matter what) she said, “I hope he’s Jewish."  

My family’s only concern was for ‘the union’ itself and the perceived difficulties I might encounter, rather than saying Richard was not for me, because of the color of his skin.  
 
After much flurry of conversations and concerns, my Grandmother Caudill and my Grandmother Nolan made ‘the ruling.’ Grandmother Caudill said, “If they marry, then he is family.  No more shall be said about it.”  Grandmother Nolan said, “He is a Christian. Done is done”. Contrary to many notions, Richard’s family had more difficulties with him marrying me.  But here we are, 38 years later and smiling.

We got married in 1983 while in college. Shortly after the nuptials, Richard attended a professional football camp in Texas. When he returned from the ‘try-out,’ he said, “Cindy, I know you think I’m big, but girl, those guys are giants!” On that note, Richard decided to continue advancing his strengths in personal training, music and working with special needs kids.  
 
While Richard finished up college, I worked for a CPA firm in Lexington. In 1984, we were blessed with our first daughter Scytha T. Abraham. After moving to Paducah, our second daughter was born Mckynleigh. 
 
So here we are, in Richard’s hometown. He worked in the medical field while I worked in retail. I kept up with my art and went from painting on canvas to making dolls and toys. I actually sell items under “Kentucky Lace: Island Creek Critters.” 
 
When it was time for my girls to start school, there were some concerns. Back in eastern Kentucky, I had come from a long line of educators so I was familiar with the process. My oldest was in public school for four years before I decided that homeschooling would be the best option. There were two reasons why I homeschooled. First, I was a registered volunteer with McNabb Elementary within the Paducah City Schools for a number of years and observed the tying of hands of our educators. Second, the Kentucky Education Reform Act was initiated.
 
One of the girls' outlets for social interaction with their peer groups was the Market House Theater. The Cochran's style of theater classes had a tremendous influence on both of the girls. I attribute much of their confidence and self-assurance to this organization. 

Scytha is married and lives in Paducah. She’s a Registered Nurse and has blessed us with five grandchildren. Mckynleigh is engaged and lives in Nashville, Tennessee. Her pursuit has been the stage since she was four years old. When asked at a young age what she wanted to be when she grew up, she stated, "I am going to be a star."  She was performing on Broadway Tours before COVID shut it down. She has her Life Coaching Certification and is building a business that’s gaining traction while waiting for Broadway to reopen.  
 
In 1996, Richard co-founded VIP (Vision Inner-City Paducah) with the late Carol Hoover. We continued our involvement in street ministry and had a talk radio show on WGCF called ‘The Safe Haven Show.’ We ministered to inmates and youth fleeing abusive situations. We discovered that south of Owensboro, Kentucky, there was no safe organizational home for these youth. 
 
Since the local youth distress issue wasn't being addressed by our city commissioners, Richard was unhappy with their lack of interest or action.  He said there weren't enough questions being asked by it members.  “The people aren’t being represented,” he said. In 2000, Richard decided to run for office and won a seat on the Paducah City Commission.
 
Richard has always stated that “hard questions should not be a problem and citizens need to see transparency in those they’ve elected”. I truly believe that Richard accomplished everything that God put him to address during his 14 years of service on the Paducah Board of Commissioners.  As Richard said, “if God wants me as mayor right now, no man can stop it.  And if He doesn't want me there, I do not want to be there.”

As for me, along with the joy I've had as Mrs. Richard Abraham, I, like many others, have experienced abuse, pain, loss, and hardship over the last 63 years.  Again, the “...adapt and overcome’ life motto,  has served me well.  I am a believer in our Creator and in His son Yeshua ha Mashiach. This has strengthened me beyond words. 
 
I’ve been married to an All American, public servant, teacher of the Word, excellent father, one that has dined with a U.S. President and sang for another, a certified personal trainer/life coach, sports and radio announcer, and advocate for troubled youth and those with special needs.  If I accomplish nothing else in my life, being his wife has been beyond fulfilling and always exciting. Who knows...he may be drawn to another genre of public servitude in the future. Stay tuned for the next journey.

Taking place now...support our Cats in a win against the Cardinals!

In a newly released statement, Johnson is said to be in 'critical but stable condition and following simple commands.'

This young star player Keyontae Johnson was in a medically-induced coma after collapsing on the court Saturday after a brief timeout. Before his collapse, Johnson had made a beautiful slam dunk. After the collapse, he was rushed to the hospital.

In the video from Saturday's game against Florida State, you'll see his head drop to his chest, a stumble, and then the full collapse. His teammates started to panic while calling for help. Johnson was taken from the court and received initial treatment at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. He was later transported to Gainesville, Florida where the University of Florida is located. 

Over the summer break, Johnson and other team members had tested positive for COVID-19. It's not clear whether his collapse was COVID-19 related. The virus has been linked to myocarditis which is a viral infection of the heart. 

Johnson was voted preseason SEC player of the Year. 

The Kentucky Wildcats are preparing for a mental game with fewer turnovers and better offensive play against Notre Dame tomorrow at 12 pm EST. Both teams are struggling with losing records this season. At a press conference held on Friday, Kentucky Coach John Calipari along with a couple of player's Olivier Sarr and BJ Boston  spoke about strategy, mental health, and moving forward. 

Turnovers and three point shooting have ruled much of the conversation about the young Kentucky team. Calipari stated, “If it’s important to me, it will be important to them.” Kentucky has been averaging over 19 turnovers per game this season. Coach said, “We’ve been doing some things in practice. After ‘x’ amount of turnovers, we all run after that.” BJ Boston spoke about the turnovers and said, “Coach said don’t try to be the guy to make the easy play. Just slow it down.” 

Transfer and forward Olivier Sarr said, “The team has been playing with great energy the last few practices. We’re learning from our mistakes. The last game was disappointing to us all.” Sarr is referring to the game against Texas Tech. According to Calipari, the Yellow Jackets played a smaller bench and Kentucky didn’t know how to handle it. Sarr was asked by one reporter, ‘How are you doing?’ He responded, “I’m doing great. It’s basketball. I’m here to get better. Sometimes things don’t go your way but you have to fight every time.” 

There’s been some concern regarding the mental health of all the college players. In fact, Coach K. cancelled all Dukes non-conference games and is sending his team home for Christmas. He said they aren’t going to play the games or try to reschedule. This has caused some controversy about whether or not he’s doing it for the kids or because Duke is losing. 

Coach Cal said, “All coaches have to make their own decisions.” Calipari said the safest place for his players is on campus. “It’s the best place to be if they get sick.” 

“Fifty parents and their families came to Thanksgiving but couldn’t be with their sons. They couldn’t eat with their sons. They wore masks and saw each other outside. Meals were sent back with the parents.” said Calipari. “It’s my job to keep the kids safe. To keep an eye on their mental health.” 

Christmas break will be handled differently for the players this year. “Every year, I give kids four or five days off for Christmas. Why do I do it? Because I need a break and the staff needs a break. I want to be with my family too,” Calipari continued, "The team will do Christmas by themselves with their team this year. I’m their family too," he continued, "I mean, what happens after they return...they have to quarantine for 10 days?" He also said that his children won't be coming home for Christmas either. 

Coach Cal said, “My team isn’t playing well and they want to play. I worry about my 12 guys and my staff.” Calipari said that it’s a struggle, doing the best thing for the team. Their mental health is very important. It has to be taken care of. They’re doing things together as a family...the players and Coach Cal. The players get tested every three days. It’s important to look out for the league and stay on top of this. 

The game against Detroit was cancelled due to safety and logistics. Calipari said he would like to have a chance to reschedule and be with his son. He said it’s really about the league. “After the 15th, everything changes. If anyone tests positive, we have to wonder why? We have to be diligent about why we can’t play that game.” 

Sarr was asked a few additional questions during the press conference. As a transfer and someone that’s been playing ball at the college level, many expect a lot out of Sarr as a leader and a player. He said, “I can’t have a game like I did against Texas Tech.” He said the biggest lesson he’s learned so far is, ‘we’re in this together and we have to compete each and every game.” One reporter asked, “Who’s the junkyard dog?” Sarr said, “BJ, Terrance, Cam, Isaiah...everybody has the potential to do it. We just have to show it.” 

BJ Boston took a few questions during Friday’s conference. He was asked about preparation for the Notre Dame game on Saturday. Boston said, “I started a 6 am shoot-out. I lock my mind on how to approach the game. I’m getting up at 5:30 am and have extended invites. I call it the breakfast club. We finish up at 7:30 am. We’re getting better everyday.” 

The game tomorrow starts at 12 pm EST on CBS. It will be played at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. 

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Kentucky fans are ready for the team to be one. They need to find their groove. It's a familiar dance played on the court by our beloved Wildcats. Today could be the breakout day. The day it all comes together. The day shots are made and a team is born. Let's do a quick recap. 

As Kentucky takes on Georgia Tech, both have two losses this season. Kentucky is 1-2 and Georgia Tech is 0-2. The Wildcats played better offensive ball against the Kansas Jayhawks compared to their lackluster shooting game against the Richmond Spiders. It wasn't until the second half that the Jayhawks showed the maturity to close the deal. With a mostly freshman starting line-up, with the exception of senior transfer Olivier Sarr, the players will need to 'grow into' a more cohesive team (which is not uncommon for Kentucky season openers). 

As mentioned, Georgia Tech has played two games this season and have lost both games. One of the team's top players is senior forward Moses Wright who is averaging 25.5 points a game. Kentucky top scorers after three games include guard BJ Boston. averaging 15.7 points, forward Olivier Sarr averaging 11 points, and guard Terrance Clarke averaging 11 points. All three players have minutes in each of the three games. 

The Yellow Jackets are playing an offensive game and have been putting a lot of points on the board without yielding results. If Kentucky can shoot the ball, defensively they are sound resulting in a win today for the Wildcats.

Predictions for the starting line-up for Kentucky include Devin Askew, Terrance Clarke, BJ Boston, Olivier Sarr, and Isaiah Jackson. 

Remaining schedule for December

Coach Cal donning his Kentucky mask to protect himself and others while engaging in indoor activities. UK plays Morehead State Wednesday at 6 pm EST

UK fans are chewing at the bit waiting to see the Wildcats play their season opener Wednesday, November 25. The game, played at Rupp Arena in Lexington, will have all the expected hype along with some Covid-19 precautions. 

Fans are 'no strangers' to learning new names and numbers each year due to the extremely talented, high-quality UK players entering the NBA draft, and this year’s no different. And, say it isn't so...it could be even more difficult for two reasons;  there’s only one returning player, Keion Brooks with any significant playing time and the season has been shortened. 

Two freshman guards expected to ignite the floor are BJ Boston and Terrance Clarke. Boston has been hailed as a natural scorer and one of the top recruits this season.  247 Sports ranked Clarke as the No. 2 shooting guard in 2020. Both players have been compared to De-Aaron Fox and Malik Monk. If you appreciated this dynamic duo, UK fans could be in for a repeat performance. 

A transfer from Wake Forest, Olivier Sarr is said to be the ‘real deal.’ During his junior year, he averaged 13.7 points and 9 rebounds per game. He led the team in 11 double-doubles and 33 blocks. With his height, wingspan and Kentucky’s remaining tall, lean players, the team will surely annihilate the competition defensively in rebounds and blocks.  

Isaiah Jackson is one to check out this season. The thrill of watching Jackson make that incredible dunk during Big Blue Madness last weekend was inspiring. He has the athleticism and finesse of Michael Jordan, one of the greats.  Jackson managed to beat out Jacob Toppin and Lance Ware, two favorites in the competition. The insanely athletic bouncy dunk was one of the highlights of the evening. Jackson is just another layer of excitement expected to delight fans this season.  

Representatives from the K Fund and the UK Ticket Office have been working with season ticket holders on seating in Rupp for the past two weeks. The majority of the tickets have been sold as full-season packages for both men and women. Attendance at the events have been scaled back 15% which leaves general public ticket sales with zero expectations for seating anytime soon. If you wait until closer to game time, there may be tickets returned or released. 

Once inside the stadium, all fans are to wear face coverings unless they are actively eating or drinking. They should fit snug around the mouth and nose with multiple layers of fabric. You’ve got to sit in your assigned seats and practice social distancing. Everybody will have a temperature screening before entering the Arena. If you’re fever’s up...you won’t get in. It’s a small price to pay to get to see the Wildcats in person. 

If you’re watching from the comfort of your own home, you’ll find Wednesday’s and Sundays game time and channel. The listing is eastern standard time. Also, if you’re struggling with the names and numbers of our Kentucky team, here’s a cheat sheet. 

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This week’s schedule for UK Men’s Basketball

Wednesday, November 25 UK vs Morehead State University Lexington/Rupp Arena
TV: SEC Network  Radio: UK Sports Network 6 pm EST
Sunday, November 29 UK vs University of Richmond Lexington/Rupp Arena
TV: ESPN  Radio: UK Sports Network 1 pm EST 

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0   - Jacob Toppin - Sophomore - Forward - 6’9 - 194 lbs.
2   - Devin Askew - Freshman - Guard - 6’3 - 198 lbs.
3   - Brandon Boston Jr. - Freshman -  Guard - 6’7 - 185 lbs.
5   - Terrance Clarke - Freshman - Guard - 6’7 - 194 lbs. 
10 - Davion Mintz - Graduate Student - Guard - 6’3 - 196 lbs. 
11 - Dontaie Allen - Redshirt Freshman - Guard - 6’6 - 198 lbs.
12 - Keion Brooks Jr. - Sophomore - Forward - 6’7 - 205 lbs.
13 - Riley Welch - Senior - Guard - 6’0 - 185 lbs.
14 - Brennan Canada - Sophomore - Forward - 6’6 198 lbs.
20 - Zayne Payne - Redshirt Sophomore - Guard/Forward - 6’4 - 215 lbs.
21 - Cam'ron Fletcher - Freshman - Forward - 6’6 - 215 lbs.
23 - Isaiah Jackson - Freshman - Forward - 6’10 - 206 lbs.
25 - Kareem Watkins - Freshman - Guard - 5’8 - 145 lbs.
30 - Olivier Sarr - Senior - Forward - 7’0 - 237 lbs.
55 - Lance Ware - Freshman - Forward - 6’9 - 223 lbs. 

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McCracken County Judge Executive Craig Clymer releases statement regarding the rise in cases of COVID-19 in our community. 

The Purchase District Health Department has reported 91 new COVID-19 cases today in McCracken County. In a news release sent out by McCracken County Judge Executive Craig Clymer, he's asked the community to be vigilant and to not let our guard down. Clymer said he realizes that we'd all hoped the virus would be over by now, but it's not. It's here and we're seeing a 'strong and steady escalation in the number of COVID-19 cases in our county." 

There were 1,789 new positive cases and 17 deaths reported today in McCracken County. There are currently 609 active cases, including 28 hospitalizations, according to the PDHD. 

McCracken County remains in the red zone and reports 57.9 average of daily cases per 100 residents. Clymer is pleading with the community to act now. 

In Clymer's statement released today he said, "I ask each person to do your part. It is simple. Wear a mask, keep your distance, limit you contacts, and wash your hands. And encourage others to do so. The virus is an unseen peril. As we go about our lives we do not know where it is, who has it, or how close we may have come to being infected. But by following the simple guidelines, we can slow the growth, and know that we are doing what we can. 

When the virus began, we  were concerned that there would no be enough hospital beds in which to treat the survivors and not enough morgues to store the dead. It was surreal to stand in the cold of a huge industrial refrigerator and calculate how many bodies could be stored. I don't want to go there again." 

According to recent Facebook posts, a group of veterans that have been gathering at the Hardee's in Lone Oak, Kentucky for over a decade were asked to leave. The manager told the men to either remove the Trump flag from the property or disperse. The veterans refused because they were eating a Hardee's breakfast bought and paid for from the restaurant and the Trump flag was on their truck. The Sheriff was called and they left the property. 

After speaking to the general manager at Hardee's in Lone Oak she did say that indeed she asked the two men to either remove the Trump flag or they would have to leave the property. According to the GM, the men got upset, refused to leave, and said she should call the sheriff to make them move. And, she did. 

This will be the third general manager at the Hardee's location since January. The new GM said the other's left because they didn't want to deal with the situation anymore. She's referring to the group of men that gather in the parking lot outside  Hardee's each morning since in-person dining isn't an option. She continued to say that Hardee's has a policy that asks patrons to keep  political or offensive displays including signs, flags, and other similar forms of expression off the property. She was doing her job. 

Numerous complaints have been made by other customers regarding gatherings that take place at the Hardee's in Lone Oak and she's trying to be fair to everyone. The GM said she will continue to bring coffee to the gentlemen every morning and likes serving them. It's the large displays of flags and signs that cause a problem, regardless of political party. 

The dining room has been closed since the pandemic shuttered businesses but the men continued their tradition of buying and eating breakfast at the location every day for over 15 years, only now it's in the parking lot outside of Hardees in Lone Oak. The GM said sometimes the group will go to the Broadway Hardee's where there's still in-person dining.  

There are two Facebook posts below.  The first is from Tom Lowe, one of several veterans that meet everyday at the local Hardee's. The other is from a member of the McCracken County Republican Party. 

This Facebook post is by Tom Lowe, a 'regular' at Hardees in Lone Oak, Kentucky that's been eating breakfast there for over 15 years. 

This post is by a member of the McCracken County Republican Party asking the community to join her in protest Saturday morning on the public sidewalk in front of Hardee's at 8 am. 

Trump supporters are continuing their quest to win the presidency. I'm beginning to see 'a movement' in regards to new signage displayed in yards throughout communities. Trump flags, Trump signs, and American flags all in support of the President and his legal battles ahead.   Many of these patriotic symbols are popping up after the election. That's right, after Tuesday's general election.

What does this mean? That Trump will live to fight another day. There are world leaders that haven't reached out to Joe Biden still today. 

Russia, China, Brazil and Mexico have held back their congratulatory calls to former Vice President Joe Biden. President Trump has not conceded as to the results of the election or to Joe Biden. The president has accused Democrats of fraud, launching a legal fight to contest the results.

The Kremlin said today that it would be premature to recognize Biden at this point.  Beijing, like Russia, says it's taking a wait-and-see approach. "We noticed that Mr. Biden has declared election victory," Wang Wenbin said in a daily briefing in Beijing. "We understand that the U.S. presidential election result will be determined following U.S. law and procedures." So far, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has been in no hurry to congratulate Biden either.

Regarding voter fraud accusations. In Kentucky, voters had two choices, to ask for an absentee ballot or vote at the polls. According to a source, there were two counties in Georgia that sent out ballots to all voters, regardless of whether or not they were requested. Furthermore, ballots were received multiple times. This particular party, tore the ballots up and decided to vote in person. 

As the legal battles are pursued, as they should be, it's still a wait and see situation. President-elect Biden will continue assembling his transition team. President Trump will continue as President as his lawyers 'duke it out' in the courts. It's a time for patients and prayer.