LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Talented baker
Lydia Sprigler.
T
The Extol Team is thrilled to have Lydia Sprigler
as the subject of our featured cover story. The
winner of MESA’s Kid Baking Contest, Lydia
wowed the judges with her sweet skills and will
be the guest of honor at our launch party, which
is 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. June 21 at MESA, 216
Pearl St. in New Albany. Attendees of the free,
family-friendly event will get a chance to enjoy
Lydia’s baking and other appetizers at this edition
of our signature event. We hope you’ll join us. By
the way, if you have a budding young baker in
your family, Food Network contacted MESA KIDS
(coming soon to New Albany) and asked for help
finding talented kids ages 8 to 13 to cast for season
5 of the network’s Kids Baking Championship
show. You can find more information at www.
mesakidscookingschool.com.
In this issue, we remember and celebrate
the life of Bekki Jo Schneider, who made Derby
Dinner Playhouse a must-visit Southern Indiana
institution. We are grateful to Jon Huffman and
Arts-Louisville.com for allowing us to share his
tribute to Bekki Jo.
It has been enjoyable watching basketball
standout Romeo Langford mature into a young
man who is preparing to head to Indiana University.
We caught up with the Hoosier for a quick Q&A
and photo shoot at The Pepin Mansion, where
he, once again, displayed why he’s a fan favorite
on and off the court.
Amid the articles and columns about summer
fun, food, exploring Southern Indiana (and
beyond), sports, fitness, fashion, home renovation
and philanthropy, you’ll also find several though-
Romeo Langford with fans Elliott
Baker, 7, and his sister Eve Baker, 5.
provoking first-person pieces. Zach McCrite shares
an honest account of his recent 80-pound weight
loss. Ray Lucas imparts the wisdom he learned
from his father. Guest contributor Amy Gesenhues
gives a glimpse of her family’s 100-year garden.
And Miranda McDonald details a recent trip that
includes coming to terms with what it means to
be divorced.
Many thanks to our advertising partners
for their support, which allows us to remain a
free publication. And, all of us at Extol greatly
appreciate you, our readers.
Truly,
Angie Fenton
JUNE/JULY 2018 : EXTOL
9