PARIS!

IN AUTUMN 2025

On The Cover: Leslie Winders Sensing lives on her husband’s James Roy Sensing’s family farm in Mansfield. She love all things outdoors and animals, especially her Nubian dairy goats. She took this photo in a field on their farm.

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Editor’s Notes

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the Fall. –F. SCOTT FITZGERALD, The Great Gatsby

Now that the crisp air and colorful leaves have rolled in, I’m ready to soak up every moment of Autumn in Paris!

Start off with reading “Around Our Town” and learn about a vital new Lifeline in the community that’s making a big impact. Then get your game face on in “Arts & Entertainment” where Oktoberfest brings a brand new twist to 0-75. BINGO! is shaking things up!

The cozy season calls for comfort food, and “Paris Cuisine” delivers just that with mouthwatering pecan-packed recipes perfect for gatherings, bake-offs, or just a quiet afternoon at home. And while you’re sipping cider, why not plan your fall garden? John Watkins has your seasonal tips covered in “In the Garden.”

If you’re looking to reflect and reminisce, don’t miss “Recollections” and its sweet and humorous look back at washtub baths and the days of flipping TV channels by hand. “Remember When” takes us back to school – with memories, not math! And in “Reminiscence,” John Weiher reflects on how Cottage Grove has shaped his life in lasting ways.

“Great Outdoors” reminds us not to let fall slip away – there’s still plenty of time to get out and enjoy the beauty of the season. Or step inside “Home Sweet Home,” where a Carolina-inspired house offers year ’round charm and comfort.

We’re also diving into inspiration in “Feature” stories like “Building a Stronger Tomorrow,” and shaking up traditions with “Mahjong: Not Your Grandmother’s Game Anymore.” From there, take a look at how Lake Haven Behavioral Health is prioritizing care and safety in our “Healthy Ideas” section.

Finally, don’t miss our “Spotlight” on Devona May, who’s been helping locals find their own strength through fitness.

Whether you’re wrapped in a blanket on the porch or flipping pages by the fireplace, PARIS! In Autumn is your perfect seasonal companion.

Smantha

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In This Issue

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REMEMBER WHEN: BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME!

We thank Pete Lackey for the use of his photo collection in this article. Through the years, he has accumulated photo negatives and boxes of old photos, saving them for sake of local history. If you recognize yourself or family member, let us know on our Facebook page. Read More >>

RECOLLECTIONS: I Survived Washtub Baths and Changing TV Channels

By Jesse Parker, Jr.

When we finally did get electricity we used it mainly to pump water, and only had an extension cord with four receptacles on it, my mom said. One for the light, refrigerator, a hot plate, and a wringer washing machine. Because it was the only one on our street, and an antique even back then, all the neighborhood children would help us and Momma ring the water from our clothes just so they could play with it. Then they would go home and tell their moms, “Get a wringer washer like Mrs. Parker has because they are so much fun.” Read More >>

FEATURE: BUILDING A STRONGER TOMORROW: How HCPC and HYPE are Shaping a Healthier Henry County

Something powerful is happening in Henry County, not in the headlines or on center stage, but in classrooms, community halls, and quiet conversations that spark real change. It’s the work of the Henry County Prevention Coalition (HCPC) and its youth-led initiative, HYPE (Henry County Youth Prevention & Empowerment). These two programs are not only making a difference, they’re shaping a healthier, safer, and more empowered future for all of us. Read More >>

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT: Oktoberfest Introduces New Game To Event Line-Up

By Karen Geary

It won’t be long before the Henry County Fairgrounds is filled with the sounds of children laughing, people having fun, and the tantalizing aroma of grilled bratwurst wafting in the breeze. It’s Oktoberfest time in Paris! Read More >>

FEATURE: MAHJONG - Not Your Grandmother's Game Anymore

By Karen Geary

Have you noticed a lot of talk around the ancient game of Mahjong lately? The game your great-grandmother played in her parlor with her friends? The surge in popularity could be a mix of nostalgia, community, and creativity. Read More >>

HOME SWEET HOME: THAT Carolina Feeling ALL YEAR LONG

By Austin Hopper-Reed, Interior Designer

I passionately believe our homes should reflect who we are. Who would tell our story better than the environment we thrive in? Sometimes, the best inspiration comes from within us. For this client, our design came naturally – embracing her love for all things summer-time and warm tropical beaches. Read More >>

JUST FOR FUN: Autumn Crossword Fun

Test your recollection with our Paris-themed crossword puzzle in the autumn issue of PARIS!
Read More >>

AROUND OUR TOWN: LIFELINE For the Community

A new addition is coming to Tyson Avenue in Paris. Behind the doors of the new building, people will soon be rolling up their sleeves – not for fashion, but for something far more impactful: saving lives. Read More >>

REMINISCENCE: JOHN WEIHER - "Cottage Grove has been Good to Me"

By Shannon McFarlin

This has been quite a year for John Weiher. The Cottage Grove Fire Chief was honored for his 50 years of service to his community while the Freedom Festival of Cottage Grove was celebrating its 50th year. And yes, both of those milestones are intertwined. Read More >>

SPOTLIGHT: DEVONA MAY - Bringing Sweat, Strength, and Smiles to Fitness

By Noah Way

If you’ve spent any time at the Civic Center, chances are you’ve seen Devona May leading a room full of diverse people through what may look like a “workout.” The music pumping, spirits high, and everyone leaving a little sweatier, albeit prouder of themselves. But Devona isn’t your typical “fitness” instructor. Read More >>

HEALTHY IDEAS: LAKE HAVEN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, Enhancing Safety and Specialized Care

Lake Haven Behavioral Health is an inpatient psychiatric unit located within West Tennessee Healthcare Henry County Hospital. Currently, the unit offers 10 patient beds with plans to expand to 20 in the near future. It will serve both adult and geriatric populations, encompassing individuals from age 18 and older. Read More >>

GREAT OUTDOORS: DON'T LET FALL SLIP AWAY

By Steve McCadams

Everybody and his brother gets all excited and bent out of shape when spring rolls around here on the “big pond.” Lots of side effects and fishing pox is one of them. However, across the Volunteer State, and especially right here on Kentucky Lake, folks have been known to overlook the attributes of fall fishing. The season has long been underrated. Read More >>

IN THE GARDEN: Fall Gardening

By John Watkins

Well, it’s fall y’all! After another long, hot summer it’s time to sit back and enjoy all the fruits of your hard labor. Read More >>

PARIS CUISINE: NUTS About Fall! Cozy Recipes with Pecans

When fall rolls around, everything seems to slow down just a little. The weather gets cooler, the leaves start to crunch underfoot, and the kitchen becomes the heart of the home. It’s the perfect time to cook with cozy, flavorful ingredients – and pecans are one of the season’s quiet superstars. Read More >>