Datebook

One of the most recognized artists in country music turns 80 today! Nelson defined "outlaw country" with his signature sound on Shotgun Willie and Red Headed Stranger in the mid 70s. He continues to tour extensively, with his beloved guitar Trigger, putting out albums virtually every year, pleading with mammas to not let their babies grow up to be cowboys.

It’s Tuesday, April 30

Angels Attic Thrift Shop seeks donations of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing; furniture; appliances; household items; and toys.  Sale proceeds benefit Angels Community Clinic, which provides health care to the working uninsured in Calloway County. Bring donations to 972 Chestnut Street Monday through Saturday from 8 to 5, or call 762-0505 for pickup.

The controversial "American tribal love-rock musical" Hair opened at the Biltmore Theater on Broadway on this day in 1968. A product of hippie counter-culture and sexual revolution, many of its songs became anthems of the anti-Vietnam War peace movement. "This is the dawning of the age of Aquarius!"

It's Monday, April 29

Murray-Calloway County Hospital's Wellness Works program offers a free community health screening tomorrow morning from 9 to 11 at the Trigg County Senior Citizens Center in Cadiz. The event includes blood sugar and blood pressure screenings. For more information on the Wellness Works schedule or about the screenings offered, call 762-1348.

The Carol Burnett Show won 25 Emmy Awards, and was listed by Time Magazine as one of the 100 Best TV Shows of All Time. Her contributions to film include Pete 'n' Tillie, The Four Seasons, Annie, and more recently Horton Hears a Who! Happy Birthday Carol Burnett!

It’s Friday, April 26

The Calloway County Sheriff's Office and the Murray-Calloway County Parks Department present "Touch A Truck" tomorrow from noon to 2 at Central Park. Kids and families can visit the Arcadia Drive parking lot to climb in vehicles including fire, rescue, safety, bucket, farm and construction equipment pieces. For more information, call 762-0325.

If you're looking for a little light reading, search for the article, "Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids: A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid." It was the first publication describing the discovery of DNA, which overhauled the study of biology and genetics. 50 years later, The Human Genome Project was complete.

It’s Thursday, April 25

An exhibit of quilts by Dr. Nancy J. Dawson is on display at the Hotel Metropolitan in Paducah through Saturday. The quilts tell the stories of African Americans throughout history. The exhibit is open daily from 10 to 4, and Dawson gives a lecture tonight at 6.  For more information, visit thehotelmetropolitan.org.

At 625 feet, The Woolworth Building was tallest in the world for 17 years. Business pioneer Frank Woolworth commissioned the building for $13.5 million, which he paid for in cash. During the opening ceremony on this day in 1913, Rev. S. Parkes Cadman called it the "Cathedral of Commerce."

It’s Wednesday, April 24

The Kappa Department of the Murray Woman's Club holds its annual Evening of Chocolate Delight tomorrow evening at 5:30 at the clubhouse. Proceeds benefit Court Appointed Special Advocates of Murray and Calloway County. Tickets are $8 in advance by calling 227-7304 or $10 at the door.

He's probably best remembered as the man who lost to Abraham Lincoln. Democratic Illinois Senator, Representative, and presidential candidate Stephen A. Douglas famously defeated Lincoln in a debate in 1858. This actually helped Lincoln define republicanism, whereas democrats had a "house divided," which shaped the 1860 presidential election.

It’s Tuesday, April 23

The Pennyrile Area Development District presents “Caregiving: Keeping the Balance” tomorrow night at 6:30 at St. John United Methodist Church in Hopkinsville.  The class focuses on the challenges of caring for the elderly or disabled, the resources available, and specific caregiving tips.  Pre-register by calling 886-1049.