Russell, KENTUCKY

I visited my hometown this weekend.

This was once the YMCA.
I played my first organized basketball game in the gym, scoring one free throw in complete shock.
Played for the Russell Cubs on the baseball field behind the building.
Bowled my first game in the basement alley . . . with pin boys manually setting the pins.
Learned to put Planters salted peanuts in my bottle of Vernor's ginger ale.
Consumed 10X my weight in baked steak, mashed potatoes, green beans and rolls in the cafeteria.
Heard Billy Ray Cyrus sing long before the "Achy Breaky Heart" when he was just Bill Cyrus.
Presided over the East Greenup County Kiwanis Club as president (years later).
Forever associate the game of dominos with the aroma of cigar smoke and chewing tobacco.

There is no longer a YMCA located in Russell.