Small town, big stories

 At the PX, it seemed everyone had questions for me. “Where are you from?” they’d ask. “What’s your accent?” Some would even say, “Your hair is so dark, are you Mexican?” My answer was always the same: “I am Greek.” As soon as I said that, the next question was almost predictable. “Do you have a Greek restaurant?” they’d ask with a hopeful smile, and I’d laugh, replying, “No, I don’t have a Greek restaurant.” Then, without skipping a beat, they’d ask, “Do you cook Greek food?” “Yes, I do,” I’d respond. And before I knew it, the follow-up was always, “Can you make me some?” I didn’t want to be rude, so I’d smile and say, “Yes!” Little did I know that those simple yeses would connect me with so many wonderful people and make Radcliff feel even more like home.

 The year was 1997, November 24th.  We had just arrived, and the very next day was Thanksgiving.  We didn’t have much, and after spending most of what we had just to get here, our Thanksgiving dinner was spaghetti—simple but meaningful.  My husband’s brother, Kevin, found us a small one-bedroom apartment in Patton Village.  For $345 a month, we had an old couch that pulled out to a bed, a modest kitchen against one wall, a small bathroom, and a bedroom with a double bed.  It was enough to get us started. The next day, we were out searching for work.  Our daughter, then 11, started middle school, and both of us began looking for a way to build our lives here.  Two weeks passed, and still, we hadn’t found what you’d call a “good job.” But did we give up? No.  We gathered our dimes and nickels for food and kept going.  Eventually, I got a job as a cashier at the PX for $5.15 an hour, and Michael found work through Manpower, making $7.25 an ...

 Although I wasn’t born here, Kentucky quickly became a place close to my heart.  The first time I visited was to see my husband’s brother, who was stationed at Fort Knox.  Coming from Greece, I was captivated by the beauty of this place, especially the tall trees.  Born on the island of Crete, I grew up by the seaside, surrounded by the vastness of the sea, but we didn’t have trees like these. My husband served in the American Air Force, and through his dedication, I gained an even deeper appreciation for this country and its values.  It’s that same sense of service and love for community that I bring with me when I was a candidate for Radcliff City Council.  I’m here, because I want to give back to this place that welcomed me so warmly and inspired me with its beauty.

  About me. Small Town Roots. Big Heart. Bold Voice. Hi, I’m Maria Bell.  I am a mother, a grandmother, a Radcliff City Councilwoman, a Nonprofit Leader, and storyteller with deep roots in two places:  the island of Crete, where I was born, and the small town of Radcliff, Kentucky, where I found home. I started this blog because I believe every town, no matter how small, holds powerful stories that deserve to be heard.  Stories of kindness, Struggle, Strength, Joy, Change. My mission is to shine a light on the people, places, and everyday moments that often go unnoticed but carry deep meaning.  Reflections of life in a military town inspiring     profiles of local heroes and neighbors, honest    talk about community, democracy, and belonging.  Also culture, and stories from my Greek heritage, a    hopeful vision for how we can grow stronger together. Whether I’m highlighting a small business, cooking in my kitchen, or work...