It’s a time to gather, to give thanks, and to remember that community isn’t built overnight; it’s nurtured moment by moment, through care, creativity, and connection. That extra helping hand just because.
This month, I’m filled with immense gratitude. The VOICE-TRIBUNE team continues to amaze me with their dedication, passion, and heart. Every idea, photo, and story they create leaves a lasting impact — and if I haven’t said it enough, I’ll say it here: I love my team! We’re also thrilled to welcome a new addition, Mike Tomes, whose creativity and energy already feel like home.
But gratitude also calls us to action. With the reduction of the SNAP program, many in our own community are struggling to put food on the table. From November 1 through December 10, The VOICE-TRIBUNE and Chenoweth Square are having a Holiday Food Drive to benefit Dare to Care. Every can, box, and bag makes a difference. Visit voice-tribune.com to learn how you can join us in helping our neighbors this season.
In this Volume, we celebrate the power of connection through art, service, faith, and resilience. You’ll meet creators like Amanda Riff, whose work as an art therapist reminds us that creativity itself is a form of healing. You’ll meet visionary leaders like Diane Kelton of Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center and Jill Higginbotham of J Michael’s Spa & Salon, whose commitment to wellness and empowerment extends far beyond their own walls, even across oceans to Nigeria.
You’ll also discover how projects like Louisville Makes Games and the Louisville Tool Library are redefining innovation in our city, accessible, inclusive, and community-driven. And you’ll be moved by The Rev. Dr. Lauren Jones Mayfield, whose leadership at the Center for Interfaith Relations invites us to listen deeply and act courageously.
This month, we also honor compassion in motion from the touching story The Bond: Two Hearts, One Spirit, celebrating the legacy of Cody Dorman and Cody’s Wish, to our 2025 Giving Back Guide, which spotlights the organizations and individuals working daily to strengthen Louisville through service and love.
Even our sports features reflect the same message: resilience and belief. The Louisville Cardinals remind us that perseverance and faith in something greater than ourselves can turn any season into a triumph.
And finally, as we enter the season of giving, our Shop Local Gift Guide shines a light on Louisville’s incredible makers and small businesses, the dreamers and doers who bring warmth, artistry, and authenticity to every corner of our city.
This November issue is about gratitude from stories of beauty, purpose, and hope. Thank you for being part of our ever-growing community of readers, artists, and givers. You are the heart of this publication, and together, we continue to tell Louisville’s stories one voice at a time.
Cheers to the many VOICES of Louisville,
Amelia Frazier Theobald Publisher & CEO, The VOICE-TRIBUNE
EDITOR’S NOTE
KEEPING HOPE ALIVE IN LOUISVILLE
Many of Louisville’s nonprofits are under serious strain. Many are struggling to keep their doors open, not just financially, but physically, as they face the very real possibility of losing the buildings they operate out of. These organizations are the backbone of our community, providing essential services from food and shelter to education and support, and when they falter, the people who rely on them feel it immediately.
This volume is a chance to recognize and honor the work being done every day by people who give so much to keep hope alive. Behind every program is a team working tirelessly, often with limited resources, to keep our neighborhoods connected and supported. To nourish our local culture. Their impact is clear, but without help, much of it could disappear, leaving gaps that will be very difficult to fill.
We hope these stories inspire action, not just admiration. Louisville thrives when its residents step up for one another, and right now, that means supporting the nonprofits that hold our city together. This can be done through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. They need us, and together, we can make sure they stay in the places and communities where they matter most.
Take care,
Alisha Proffitt Chief Director of Editorial & Editor
PRESIDENT/CEO, AMELIA FRAZIER THEOBALD
OPERATIONS MANAGER, MARY ZOELLER
CHIEF DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL & EDITOR, ALISHA PROFFITT
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER & DIRECTOR OF SALES, JULIE KOENIG
CHIEF GRAPHIC DESIGNER, JOSH ISON
COPY EDITOR, RENAE ISON
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER & EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, BRYLEA PEACH
DISTRIBUTION, KELLI & RAGAN VAN HECKE, JILL & JOHN MINNIX
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: ALISON CARDOZA, ALISHA PROFFITT, ANTONIO PANTOJA, CHRIS MORRIS, JACKIE ZYKAN, KATHRYN HARRINGTON, KELSEY KNOTT, KEVIN MURPHY WILSON, RUSS BROWN
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: ALI CENTER, EPILEPSY FOUNDATION, FESTIVAL OF FAITHS, GIOIA PATTON, JACKIE ZYKAN, KEVIN SIVAKUMAR, PATTY CARROLL, UOFL ATHLETICS
78
Tales of the Macabre
James Steele Haney on Art and Grief
By Alisha Proffitt
Photos By Matt Johnson
86
Holiday Style Meets
Community Spirit: Winter Fashion at Yew Dell with the Louisville Ballet
Reflections of You, By Amy Steps into the Season with Another Gorgeously Executed Remodel
By VOICE-TRIBUNE
Photos By Kathryn Harrington and Provided
118 Boss Ladies
By Alison Cardoza
Photos By Matt Johnson
Cards welcoming pressure of high expectationsKelsey expects a “really good” team
By RUSS BROWN
Photos By Louisville Athletics
122
Football Cards on the moveU of L back in contention for ACC title
By RUSS BROWN
Photos By Louisville Athletics
Louisville Calendar
Kathryn Harringtons Society
Why Limestone Water?
By Chris Morris
By VOICE-TRIBUNE
This holiday season, the VOICE-TRIBUNE and Chenoweth Square are joining forces to support families in need through a community-wide food drive benefiting Dare to Care. As the season of giving approaches, both organizations are calling on neighbors, shoppers, and local businesses to help make a real difference for those facing food insecurity right here in Louisville.
Donation boxes will be conveniently placed throughout Chenoweth Square from November 1st through December 10th, making it easy for anyone to drop off nonperishable food items while shopping or dining in the area. Every can, box, and bag of food collected will go directly to Dare to Care, which serves thousands of individuals and families across Kentuckiana each year.
This year, the need is especially great. With the reduction and loss of several government-funded assistance programs, many families who were already struggling are now facing even greater challenges. As food prices continue to rise, more parents are being forced to make heartbreaking decisions between paying bills and putting meals on the table. The VOICE-TRIBUNE and Chenoweth Square believe that no one in our community should face hunger—especially during a time meant for celebration, togetherness, and gratitude.
Community members are encouraged to donate items such as canned vegetables, soups, pasta, peanut butter, cereal, and other shelf-stable foods. A small contribution from one household can mean a warm, nourishing meal for another.
Together, we can turn compassion into action. This holiday season, let’s show what it means to be part of a community that cares. Drop off your donations at Chenoweth Square, spread the word, and help Dare to Care bring hope and nourishment to families who need it most.
Because when we give together, we grow stronger together.
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Matt Johnson
Ariana Rodriguez, now crowned Miss Kentucky 2025, is both an advocate and emblem of the underdog. A student at the University of Kentucky pursuing dual degrees in Social Work and Psychology, Ariana’s life has been molded by her early experiences in kinship and foster care, as well as by periods of homelessness that once left her without a place to belong. Yet those same hardships became the foundation of her life’s work. Through her nonprofit, The Lucky Ones Foundation, she has transformed her story into a mission to uplift foster youth and remind them, as she says, that “our challenges and struggles don’t define us, they refine us.”
Ariana’s early years were marked by instability. But where some might have seen brokenness, she saw the beginnings of her calling. “I have dedicated my life to creating a brighter future for youth in foster care through my non-profit, The Lucky Ones Foundation,” she says. “I believe that our challenges and struggles don’t define us, they refine us.”
The title of her foundation, The Lucky Ones, was born from irony, from a moment of pain disguised as comfort. “When I was first placed in the foster care system, I remember standing at the doorstep of my first foster home and crying,” she recalls. “I had just been separated from my family, friends, and the only life I had ever known. It was in that moment that my case worker looked over at me and said, ‘You should be grateful, Ariana. You’re one of the lucky ones.’”
The words stayed with her. “That moment was one of the first experiences that showed me the flaws of the foster care system,” she says. “I knew that something had to change, and that is why I created my non-profit, The Lucky Ones Foundation—because safety shouldn’t be a stroke of luck.”
Ariana’s work extends into policy, advocacy, and the halls where decisions are made about children like the one she once was. “The most eye-opening lesson has been realizing how often the people making decisions for foster youth have never met one,” she explains. “Policy is very powerful. It shapes our everyday lives, but too often, those most affected by it have the least voice in the room.”
In these rooms, Ariana’s voice carries the weight of lived experience. “I share my story in policy discussions to remind legislators that behind every case is a child with dreams, fears, and potential,” she says. “When youth are given a seat at the table, policy becomes more humane, more effective, and more just.”
Her advocacy is both personal and practical. Through The Lucky Ones Life Skills Series, she focuses on teaching financial literacy, goal setting, and career readiness. But the lesson she believes is most overlooked cannot be quantified on paper. “Emotional Intelligence,” she says simply. “We teach students how to manage coursework and extracurriculars, but we often overlook teaching them how to manage themselves, their emotions, boundaries, and self-worth.”
Her dual roles as Miss Kentucky and as the founder of The Lucky Ones are surprisingly intertwined. As spokesperson for the Kentucky Proud initiative and farm safety, Ariana finds parallels between nurturing land and nurturing lives. “Both roles center on nurturing growth and protecting people,” she says. “Agriculture teaches stewardship of land, resources, and community. Foster care advocacy teaches stewardship of hearts and futures.”
Whether she is speaking about food security or family security, her message remains constant: “We are working towards the same goal of making a stronger and safer Kentucky.”
“Homelessness stripped away everything that I thought defined me—my home, my stability, and even my sense of belonging within the world,” she says. “Although extremely difficult, battling homelessness also revealed what truly mattered, which was character, faith, and the belief that I could turn ashes into diamonds.”
She carries that belief into every interaction, with young people in care, with legislators, with audiences who see only the polished surface of a pageant queen. “I use that experience to show others that their past does not define their future, and that they are the only ones who can control their destiny.”
Even amid the glamour and relentless schedule of appearances, Ariana keeps her balance through intention. “Balance, for me, begins with purpose,” she says. “By reminding myself in difficult moments that what I am doing matters, it can transform my exhaustion into gratitude.”
Her daily rituals are modest but grounding: journaling, reading, walking her dog, and taking time for family. “Those little moments keep me grounded in who I am beyond the crown,” she says.
At the Miss America competition, Ariana made history as the first foster alumni to place in the Top 11, a moment she describes not as a personal victory but as representation. “Being the first foster alumni to place in the Top 11 at Miss America was more than a personal milestone; it was a moment of representation for the millions of individuals who grew up in the foster care system,” she says. “Standing on that stage reminded me that our pasts do not limit our potential; they prepare us for purpose.”
With The Lucky Ones Foundation, Ariana plans to expand nationally, building networks of support for youth aging out of care. “My goal is to show every young person that if I can follow my dreams, so can they.”
For Ariana, the conversation around foster care must include mental health. “Mental health should be treated as essential care, not optional,” she insists. “So many youth enter foster care with deep emotional wounds that are often misunderstood or overlooked.” At The Lucky Ones, healing is a part of the curriculum. “Our life skills series includes mindfulness workshops, self-reflection exercises, and partnerships with mental health professionals who volunteer to speak to our participants,” she says. “Healing must be part of the foundation if we want these youth to truly thrive.”
If she could sit with every child entering foster care, Ariana knows exactly what she’d say: “You are not defined by what happened to you, you are defined by how you choose to rise from it. This chapter may be uncertain, but it is not the end of your story. You are loved, you are capable, and you are one of the lucky ones—not because of your past, but because you still have the power to write what comes next.”
Perhaps the greatest misconception about foster youth, Ariana says, is that they are “damaged or troubled.” The truth, as she’s proven, is far less black and white. “They are resilient,” she says. “What they need isn’t pity, it’s opportunity. When we shift our perspective from what’s ‘wrong with them’ to what is strong within them, we open the door for transformation.”
BITTNERS
designing for the way you live
By Kelsey Knott • Photos Provided
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, and Kentuckiana is all in! The Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana is making a comprehensive effort this month to raise awareness and empower those living with epilepsy, ensuring they feel supported.
Living with epilepsy means that surges of electrical activity in the brain can cause repeated seizures. While it is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the world, about half of the people living with epilepsy have an unknown cause. Doctors can trace some causes to genetics, brain trauma, autoimmune disorders, metabolic issues, or infectious diseases, but each case presents varying signs and will receive different diagnoses and treatment options. Anyone can develop epilepsy, but many live with the disorder and handle regular work and home responsibilities through its challenges, which can include more than seizure emergencies, like thinking and memory, moods and behavior, sleep issues, bone health, social concerns, and in rare cases, early death.
The Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana is a nonprofit organization that offers a wide range of programs and services to those living with or caring for someone with epilepsy. Newly diagnosed adults and children can reach out to the foundation to receive their Epilepsy Toolkit, equipping them for the start of their journey with the disorder and fostering a better understanding of how to live their best life with it. The foundation also offers workshops and support groups, instilling a sense of community through multiple formats, like virtual meetings, mentorships, email networks, online discussion forums, and even art therapy group gatherings. In addition to helpful tools and community opportunities, they offer financial help, such as prescription assistance for those who qualify and scholarships for students pursuing higher education.
Those of all ages living with the disorder can find support and empowerment through the resources and events made available by the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. School-aged children can take part in the Youth Epilepsy Alliance, which meets in Louisville, Lexington, and Paducah for free activities where families can get to know one another in a fun and safe space. For veterans of all eras, Operation Outreach can help both veterans and their families navigate military-specific post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), post-traumatic stress (PTSD), and seizures. The foundation website at efky.org is an incredible resource for both education on what epilepsy entails as well as training for educators and others wanting to prepare for seizure first aid, still emphasizing the truth that managing epilepsy goes beyond seizure control and that mental health is vital to one’s overall well-being.
The most exciting ways to get involved with this nonprofit are through the upcoming events planned for National Epilepsy Awareness Month this November:
• Shine together for epilepsy at The Expressions of Hope Gala on Friday, November 7th at Angel’s Envy Bourbon Club at L & N Cardinal Stadium, and register online to RSVP.
• On Friday, November 14th, get ready to rumble for a cause in Carrollton at the Purple Reign event, an action-packed professional live wrestling show featuring one of NWA’s biggest stars, Big Mama! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online.
• The next day at the Hilton Garden Inn, EF Kentuckiana’s Epilepsy Empowerment Statewide Conference will provide a day of epilepsy education and community building for those living with or caring for someone with the neurological disorder.
• Spend a Night under the Purple Lights on Tuesday, November 18th, for a walk along the Big Four Bridge as it glows purple in celebration of National Epilepsy Awareness Month.
• On Monday, November 24th, The Jeffersonian will host the Kentucky Veterans of the Year Dinner, an initiative for the foundation’s signature veterans program: Operation Outreach.
• Proclamation signings will take place on Monday, November 3rd in Lexington with Mayor Gorton, Tuesday, November 11th with Mayor Greenberg in Louisville, as well as on November 13th with Governor Beshear in Frankfort.
Perhaps you’ve been inspired to give back in a more consistent manner. The Purple Spark Membership program is a monthly gift campaign that ignites change and brings comfort during uncertainty, funding education, advocacy, and life-saving services. As a donor, count on becoming a source of light, steady support, and lasting hope for individuals and families in our community affected by epilepsy, honoring those we’ve lost and lifting up those still fighting.
Let’s reduce the negative stigma associated with epilepsy this November! When you donate at efky.org, your gift can help educate, advocate, and find cures. Follow their Facebook page and join the Epilepsy Foundation for this month’s events to take action together and show that Kentuckiana is all in!
JOINS FORCES WITH C.A.R.E. AFRICA
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Matt Johnson
What started as a friendship and a prayer has turned into a life-changing partnership between two women determined to make opportunity accessible where it’s in desperate need. In Egbe, Nigeria, J Michael’s Spa & Salon has joined forces with C.A.R.E. Africa to open J Michael’s Salon Egbe, an apprenticeship salon that will give high school students in rural Nigeria a safe and professional place to learn a lifelong trade.
“This is more than a salon—it’s a chance to braid hope into the future of these students,” said Jill Higginbotham, owner of J Michael’s Spa & Salon. “They’ll have the opportunity to gain a trade that not only supports them financially but empowers them to invest in their communities.”
For many students in Egbe, learning hairdressing has meant traveling into town for apprenticeships, often in unsafe or unhealthy environments. The new salon, located directly on C.A.R.E. Africa’s mission property, eliminates that risk by providing a secure training space within the community.
C.A.R.E. Africa operates as a family-based care ministry and mission that supports a school, sports outreach, empowerment programs, and work opportunities to 73 orphans and 62 caregivers. The addition of J Michael’s Salon Egbe expands those efforts by giving students a tangible path toward economic independence.
The project took an unexpected and fitting turn when organizers learned that Michael, one of C.A.R.E. Africa’s first college graduates, had already been training in hairdressing. He will now manage the salon and mentor students, continuing the cycle of support that helped him reach his own goals.
The connection between the two salons, both sharing the name J Michael’s, feels almost symbolic. In Louisville, it’s a thriving business built on professionalism, education, and care. In Egbe, it will serve as a training center where those same values are passed on to the next generation.
The project is currently raising funds to:
• Purchase salon equipment and supplies
• Complete the salon space
• Launch the apprenticeship program
Supporters can contribute online at donorsee.com/jmichaels or donate in person at J Michael’s Spa & Salon. In-person donations of $20 or more include an ornament with prizes up to $100.
“It’s about giving students a chance to build a future through their own hard work and talent,” Higginbotham said.
With the new salon, students in Egbe will have access to the same kind of professional training that can sustain them for life. It’s a straightforward idea with lasting impact: equip people with skills, create safe environments to learn, and open doors to self-sufficiency.
For more information on C.A.R.E. Africa, visit www.iCareAfrica.org
For more information on J Michael’s Spa & Salon, visit www.jmichaelsspaandsalon.com
Wonder Begins Here
At Waterfront Botanical Gardens, simple moments spark a lifelong connection to nature. Your support ensures the Gardens will flourish into the future, creating a legacy of beauty, education, and inspiration for our entire community.
1435 Frankfort Ave 40206 waterfrontgardens.org Scan to Donate
Since 1999, FEAT of Louisville has been dedicated to easing the autism journey by providing support, education, and life-changing programs for individuals and families affected by autism. Together, let’s build a brighter future for individuals with autism. Donate today and become an autism hero.
Visit www.featoflouisville.org
To learn more about FEAT’s programs and how you can get involved.
When you meet Wes Hinton, you can tell he’s someone who’s seen too much potential go to waste to idly stand by. His words come fast, like he’s always coaching. “I had a passion for sports. I had a passion for youth,” he says. “So as soon as I got to college at UofL, I started off as a volunteer assistant at DeSales High School and assistant basketball coach. And within two years, I got offered a position to come
He quickly noticed a pattern. Brilliant athletes who couldn’t move forward because their grades or test scores held them back. At the same time, while teaching at the now-closed Myers Middle School, he saw another tragedy unfolding. Students who were bright and full of promise in sixth grade were getting lost by high school. They found themselves caught up in violence, incarcerated, or simply disappearing from classrooms. “I had a lot of talented kids that struggled in the classroom, that struggled to stay out of trouble,” Hinton recalls. “They had the opportunity to play college basketball but they could not because of their academics
“It was a wild place,” he says, “but we had a lot of young, motivated mentors in that building that were willing to save these kids.”
At Myers, Hinton saw what happened when the world stopped paying attention. “We would have these kids that in sixth grade are fighting, they’re stealing, and we would kind of take them under our wing. They’d turn this thing around. Then two years later, I would hear these stories that the same kid is involved in a shooting. That same kid’s incarcerated. A lot of times, that same kid was no longer with us.”
He pauses. “What happened in two years?”
The question led him to an answer that became his mission. “I really needed to start something to catch these kids early,” Hinton says. “Because I’m literally witnessing how a kid that absolutely hates school, hates reading - how you can utilize sports as that tool to improve them academically, improve behavior, improve attendance.”
One night, a lightbulb went off. “I’d had a couple drinks and I’m sitting there talking to my wife and I’m like, Delta - it just came to me,” he says. “Developing Educated Leaders Through Athletics.”
That was the beginning. Before Delta had a building, it had a purpose. “I would call the schools and say, don’t give me your best player,” Hinton remembers. “Give me the kid that, without sports, isn’t going to graduate, and the kid that, if they don’t graduate, is going to run the risk of being dead or in jail. And what we’re going to do is we’re going to put this support system around them that’s going to make it hard on them to fail.”
The system was simple but relentless. Grade checks, one-on-one mentors, teacher communication, summer jobs. “No one touches the court till they touch the classroom,” Hinton says.
Delta’s first big break came when a man named Ron Turnier saw a news story about the program. “He said, ‘What you’re doing is great... but it’s not going to take off till you get brick and mortar around you,’” Hinton recalls. Turnier, a successful businessman, didn’t just offer advice; he offered to fund a year of operations. “He said, ‘I’ll pay your salary, I’ll pay the rent, I’ll pay one other person’s salary, and I’ll fix the HVAC.’ Basically, I’m going to cover a year’s expenses.”
They found a vacant former school in Portland, with waterlogged floors, rats, and all. “It did have three classrooms, a cafeteria, and a gym. So we’re going to make this work,” Hinton says.
Delta’s first camp, in the summer of 2019, was as humble as they come. “We were able to serve 60 kids. We had no heat and air,” Hinton laughs. “We got pictures of kids with metal folding chairs, no shirt on, sweating, and just doing phonics on the table. But we really set the tone - we’re dead serious. You’re not touching this basketball until you give us reading and literacy time.”
That camp grew into the after-school program Hoops and Homework. Everything was growing and going according to plan. Then COVID hit.
Hinton remembers the silence after the shutdown, and how it didn’t last. “I’m lying in bed depressed for a whole month,” he says. Then he heard the governor announce that small groups of kids could meet for youth programs. “I immediately got on my phone,” he says. “I’m like, that means 40 kids. So here’s what we’re going to do: we’re going to do school at Delta.”
While most nonprofits went virtual, Delta stayed open, masked, distanced, and determined. “We were the only ones that were going to start doing hands-on programming during the height of the pandemic as safe as possible,” Hinton says. “We fed them breakfast, lunch, we had school at Delta.”
That risk changed everything. “All those doors that shut now opened,” he says. “In the year after COVID, we raised $260,000.”
By late 2024, Delta was thriving, but their rented building was being sold. “At this point, we are serving 200 families a year,” Hinton says. “Our families get everything from us. Not only do they get 100% free after-school program, summer camps, they get turkeys at Thanksgiving, hams at Christmas.”
When a developer told him the building was for sale, Hinton hesitated. “I’d never even thought about being a property owner,” he says. “But I said, ‘I’ll try.’”
After months of fundraising, a key donation came from the J. Graham Brown Foundation, and another from basketball legend Junior Bridgeman. “He said, ‘How much do you need?’ And I was like, I need about $250,000 more. And he said, ‘I got you.’”
In December 2024, Delta purchased its building, securing what Hinton calls “our forever home.”
Now, Delta hosts twelve other nonprofits alongside its own programs: trades training, culinary arts, mentoring, and a food and clothing bank that serves over 200 people a week. “We wanted this to be a campus for opportunity in the heart of West Louisville,” Hinton says. “And that’s what it’s become.”
In a city with fewer than 15 major foundations (compared to hundreds in cities like Nashville and Indianapolis) organizations like Delta survive on hard work and relationships. “In order to be a successful nonprofit, you have to have relationships with those people,” Hinton says. “Those are literally the people that are keeping this going right now while federal funding is not an option.”
Delta is a perfect example of how belief, when matched with structure and a little help from others, can outlast the odds. “We almost lost this place,” Hinton says quietly. “And now we got our forever home.”
To learn more and support Delta and its mission visit: deltafoundation502.com
By RUSS BROWN | Photos By Kathryn Harrington
Katherine Keeney, who describes herself as an “avid tinkerer, problem solver and hobby collector,” says that over the years she was constantly borrowing tools from neighbors for various odd jobs and larger projects. That’s not necessary anymore; now she can get everything she needs from her own creation -- the Louisville Tool Library (LTL).
Think of a book library, only with tools, and best of all, no late fees! Think traditional saws, hammers, and wrenches. As well as other infrequently used household tools like sewing machines, kayaks, popcorn makers, flash photography kits, and camping equipment.
The library is a volunteer-run, community-based non-profit lending system dedicated to accessibility of resources, waste reduction and growth through education. There are about 60 such libraries in the U.S. The Louisville Tool Library was the first in the state of Kentucky, and later assisted in the opening of a Lexington location. The LTL is located at 1227 Logan Street, with hours on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
“I went down a rabbit hole of researching sharing economies in 2005,” said Keeney. “The idea embedded itself into my life goals, but the timing wasn’t quite right. Fast forward through life, passion projects and a few career changes and I just went for it. No concrete plans, just a deep-in-my-bones desire to build the scaffolding for a community library space.”
But the instant popularity of the library surprised her. “I had no idea how powerfully the sharing world would bloom,” she said, explaining that the venture immediately had a handful of founding volunteers and members who believed in the mission. “Donations came flowing in and the space was filled with classes, stories and celebrations,” Keeney said. “I may have given it bones, but our community gave it life.”
The library was incorporated in March of 2022 and officially opened to the public that July, and as Keeney noted, it was an immediate success. “As soon as our awesome volunteers started posting to social media that we were looking for tools, the outpouring of support was lightning fast,” said founding member Paul Faget, Katherine’s partner. “We had a goal of having 1,000 tools in inventory the first calendar year. We hit that goal in 30 days.”
Now the inventory has grown to 2,469 tools and is constantly evolving as tools are broken or upgraded or as new items are donated. A wide variety of tools are available to borrow on a 7-day lending cycle.
Among the most popular items in demand are lawnmowers, string trimmers, electric tillers and chainsaws. One of the most underrated is a rotary hammer. “It’s one of those tools you never really thought you needed until you use one, and then you realize that you’ve been doing it wrong your whole life,” Faget said. “If you’re trying to make a hole in masonry and you’re not using a rotary hammer, you’re just making your life harder.
Faget is an engineer by trade who worked in Aerospace developing hardware for the International Space Station. He said his passion for “fixing things” was stoked by visits to Keith’s Hardware in the Highlands as a child. “Keith and Bill would always set broken equipment to the side for me to mutilate,” Faget said. “The folks who worked there really left their thumbprints on my brain and helped me realize that one of the coolest things you could do is share knowledge.”
Among the 84 volunteers are Emily Tarquin, who is also the newly-appointed Managing Director of Actors Theater of Louisville, and Mitch Smith. “The idea of ‘there is plenty if we share’ really speaks to me,” Tarquin said. “And I love being a part of a space that builds community through resource sharing. It feels like (LTL) filled an immediate need and recently has experienced an exciting period of growth as the word spreads even more.”
Actors and the Tool Library have joined forces to create a workshop series called “Stagecraft Tools for the Apocalypse,” a learning series applying arts-based tools for sustainability, survival and joy. Second Sundays at the LTL or Actors have included rope making, electrics, seeds and mending.
Smith, meanwhile, has a much different background than Tarquin. He is a master electrician as well as being trained in carpentry, plumbing and welding. With that work history you could call him a natural for a volunteer position. “I was the type of kid who would break something so I could figure out how to put it back together,” Smith said.
“I think there are few things more valuable than the ability to fix things and make them work. I even enjoy the dreaded task of troubleshooting problems. I absolutely love volunteering at the Tool Library. It’s my opportunity to be a detective and trace down the issue. I love to learn and share my knowledge with others. I like being the guy who knows things, the person you look to when you’re not sure what to do next. The people are incredible and I’m so happy to be able to offer my expertise for the betterment of the community. The (LTL) immediately felt right, like I was meant to be there. My skills and knowledge meshed so well with what the library was working towards and it’s one of the most fulfilling ventures I’ve taken in my life. I’m so grateful to have found them and to be a part of such an amazing opportunity to give back.”
Following are a few of the basics involved in borrowing tools. To become a member, inquire about tool donations, or browse the inventory, visit louisvilletoollibrary.com
How many tools can be checked out? It’s called the “ten and two rule” -- ten hand tools and two power tools. Librarians reserve the right to allow larger rental quantities on a project-by-project basis.
How long can a tool be kept? Tools circulate for a seven calendar day lending period.
Can tools be renewed for another week? Yes, as long as there isn’t someone signed up on their waiting list.
SARAH HART
2401 Ransdell Avenue
Offered for $547,500
WOODE HANNAH
502.500.0300
6905 Cabot Court
Offered for $795,000
MATT MCCALL
502.689.1008
13902 Harbour View Court
Offered for $1,595,000
DAVID BELL
502.644.2355
EXPANDS AND FINDS A NEW HOME WITH RESOLVE
By Alisha Proffitt • Photos By Matt Johnson
Louisville’s creative energy doesn’t stop at galleries, film sets, or music venues; it’s thriving on screens and tabletops, too. For over a decade, Louisville Makes Games (LMG) has been helping local game developers, artists, and storytellers build something extraordinary together.
“Louisville Makes Games is a non-profit organization that supports video game and tabletop game developers in the city and surrounding area,” says Glenn Essex, one of the organization’s leaders. “In 2014, we got together at LVL1 to host a game jam. From there, we grew and eventually found our own space, which we call the Warp Zone.”
That space has since evolved into a creative community where beginners and professionals meet to learn, experiment, and share ideas. “We run regular meetups just for hanging out and showing off projects – those are for everyone, no matter where they are skill-wise. We also run game jams, workshops, movie nights, game nights, and exhibitions. All of our events are free and open to the public.”
Over the years, Essex has watched local talent blossom. “I have seen people come into the community with no experience who are now publishing games on Steam or exhibiting games internationally. I’ve seen people solve seriously complex design problems just by collaborating with others in our community. I think LMG helps people most by connecting them together and ensuring they feel welcomed and included all the time.”
That sense of inclusion is part of what makes LMG special. “I think people stick around because we recognize the true value of their craft, and we offer a space (a metaphysical AND physical space!) for creative expression,” Essex says. “We are not a programmer meetup. We are not a profit-seeking sterile co-working space. We are not catering toward career professionals. We are mission-driven and arts-focused.”
That physical space, the Warp Zone, has been essential to LMG’s success. “When we first started, we very quickly saw the need for having our own space, where we were not constrained by someone else’s operating hours, event schedules, or rules. Warp Zone became our home base, and is really core to our mission now.”
It’s true, game development can happen from home, but LMG believes collaboration changes everything. “Sure, people can make games alone at home on their computer. But is it really all that healthy if your entire creative journey happens at home, alone, or on the internet? I don’t think so. So a physical space not only enables events; it enables unique kinds of games to be made, it enables connections with people, and unique collaborations. There is a realness to it that would be missing otherwise.”
Now, as LMG moves into a new space, that mission is expanding even further. “Before now, we never really had to consider exactly what we needed in a space. We have been getting by with power, lights, Wi-Fi, and a water cooler. Ever since we started looking for a new home, we’ve been asking ourselves that same question – how the space itself can serve our mission? I think we found our answers in Resolve.”
Resolve KY is a nonprofit coworking organization located at Logan and Broadway, adjacent to the old Broadway Theater in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It provides an affordable workspace, shared resources, and a supportive community for early-stage nonprofits and socially minded ventures. By offering collaborative offices and essential services in a mission-driven environment, Resolve KY helps organizations focus on their purpose rather than overhead, strengthening Louisville’s nonprofit and social impact ecosystem. It is a vital community resource, especially now as so many of our local nonprofits are facing hard financial challenges and experiencing difficulties securing space to operate.
The move to Resolve is an exciting new chapter for LMG. “With Resolve, LMG will be surrounded by lots of people doing nonprofit work, and we can learn from them. But it’s not just that. Warp Zone will be integrated into a quickly developing part of a historic neighborhood, and our window faces the street! No longer are we tucked away in an alley next to a flood wall. Game developers are coming to Smoketown!”
Essex continues, “Resolve offers us lots of space, lots of freedom, lots of potential connections and collaborations, and lots more public outreach. It is really awesome.”
Still, LMG’s mission depends on community involvement. “The community can help us most by coming out to our events. You don’t have to have any experience in game development. If you’re interested in art, music, storytelling, education, or any discipline that might be remotely related to games, come to our events!”
LMG’s influence is extending well beyond its walls. “We are collaborating with the Louisville Orchestra Creator Corp on a community music project. That’s super cool. We have also produced two albums of completely original music, all made by local musicians. Also…we run the biggest indie game showcase in the state of Kentucky. It’s called Local Game Harvest.”
And as for the future? “My dream is that LMG and Warp Zone facilitate a massive surge in all kinds of games being made by all kinds of folks in Louisville. Games which are big or small, personal or popular, ugly or gorgeous, unpolished, or finely-tuned. I want to change what ‘success’ means for local creators, and I want to show people that games and play are core parts of who we are as humans and so the design of games is a powerful, and profoundly creative exercise.”
For more information on Louisville Makes Games and to support their mission, visit: louisvillemakesgames.org
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos Provided
As the Muhammad Ali Center marks its 20th anniversary this year, Louisville prepares for a celebration that embodies the very spirit of “The Greatest.” On November 8, the Ali Center will host its 12th annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, presented by Humana. This is a night designed not just to honor extraordinary humanitarians, but to reflect on two decades of compassion, courage, and conviction that continue to extend far beyond the Ali Center’s walls.
Founded in 2005 by Muhammad and Lonnie Ali, the Center has long stood as a force for good, one that invites the world to consider what greatness really means. This year’s awards ceremony captures that essence perfectly, uniting remarkable global changemakers and featuring moving musical performances by the Louisville Orchestra under the direction of Teddy Abrams.
“We are proud to partner with the Muhammad Ali Center to recognize these passionate changemakers from across the world,” said Jim Rechtin, Humana Chief Executive Officer. “Humana exists to help people achieve their best health, and that purpose cannot be realized without investing in the people and organizations that create positive change in the communities where we live and work.”
This year’s honorees exemplify the humanity and conviction Ali stood for. Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, will receive the Humanitarian Award for Lifetime Achievement for his transformative leadership in philanthropy and social justice. Nancy Lieberman, basketball legend and trailblazer, will be named Humanitarian of the Year for her decades of impact through youth mentorship and community-building programs.
Super Bowl champion Anquan Boldin and his wife Dionne Boldin will accept the Humanitarian Impact Award, co-presented by the Laureus Foundation, for their dedication to education, equity, and systemic reform through their Q81 Foundation and Sport for Impact initiative. And His Excellency Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, will receive the Humanitarian Award for Civility and Compassion for his groundbreaking work in interfaith dialogue and global unity.
In true Ali fashion, the celebration will also shine a light on a new generation of young humanitarians, six inspiring individuals, all under 30, who embody Ali’s Six Core Principles: Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality. From Trisha Prabhu, whose ReThink technology fights cyberbullying, to Charitie Ropati, an Alaska Native engineer and climate advocate.
The night will conclude with a new post-show celebration, with live performances, late-night bites, and an open invitation to connect and reflect on the power of service to others.
As Louisville gathers once again to celebrate its most famous son, the Ali Center stands as a metaphor for the idea that greatness isn’t measured by victories in the ring, but by the impact we make outside of it. For twenty years, the Center has carried forward Muhammad Ali’s mission: to inspire people everywhere to find the greatness within themselves and to use it for good.
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Kathryn Harrington
A new monument now stands at the Kentucky Horse Park, a bronze statue called “The Bond: Two Hearts — One Spirit.” It honors the remarkable friendship between Cody Dorman and the racehorse named in his honor, Cody’s Wish. The sculpture is a heartfelt commemoration of compassion and the power of connection.
The monument, created by artist Jocelyn Russell, shows Cody’s Wish lowering his head with gentle eyes, as if inviting visitors to come close. Surrounding the statue are stone walls with photos and stories celebrating the bond between boy and horse. What makes this tribute especially moving is the space left open where Cody would have been in his wheelchair. That space is intentional; it allows children who use wheelchairs to roll up and connect directly with the horse, just as Cody once did. It’s a thoughtful design that reflects Cody’s giving spirit and his lifelong desire to make others feel included.
Their story began through a Make-A-Wish visit to Keeneland when Cody met a young foal who rested his head in Cody’s lap. That foal would later become the racehorse Cody’s Wish, a horse that went on to win major races while carrying the heart of the young man who inspired his name. Though Cody was unable to speak and used a wheelchair, he and the horse shared an unspoken understanding that captured hearts across the country.
Cody passed away in 2023, the morning after watching Cody’s Wish run one of his final races. Now, this monument ensures that their story continues to inspire everyone who visits. Located near the Hall of Champions, the statue welcomes people from all over the world to experience the kind of bond that goes beyond words.
At the unveiling ceremony seven years to the day that Cody and Cody’s Wish met, friends, family, and fans gathered to celebrate Cody’s life and the legacy of the horse who helped tell his story. There were tears, smiles, and moments of reflection as people took in the scene: the bronze horse, the open space beside him, and the sense of peace that filled the air. Cody’s father, Kelly Dorman, called the monument “absolutely perfect in every way,” and it’s clear that the sculpture captures both the strength and tenderness that defined Cody’s journey.
The Cody’s Wish Monument is a symbol of empathy, hope, and belonging. It reminds visitors that the deepest connections often don’t require words at all, only kindness, patience, and love. As people pause beside the horse, reaching out to touch the bronze or simply reflect, they are reminded that true bonds never fade. The spirit of Cody and Cody’s Wish lives on, a lasting reminder that love and understanding can bridge any distance.
There’s still time to get your name on the final donor plaque. Go to CodysWishMonument.com to learn more.
AMY D WAGNER
Louisville Business First
Top 20 People to Know in Construction
REFLECTIONS OF YOU, BY AMY
AMY WAGNER, NEST REALTY
LOUISVILLE FOOD HOUSING EDUCATION
Louisville is filled with organizations doing meaningful work every day—feeding families, supporting the arts, protecting animals, uplifting youth, and strengthening our neighborhoods. This Giving Back Guide is here to make it easy to find and support the causes that matter most to you.
Here are some of our favorite local nonprofits that welcome your donations and depend on community support to keep their missions alive. Whether you give a little or a lot, every contribution helps build a stronger, kinder Louisville—one gift at a time.
Just outside of Louisville in Crestwood, Kentucky, Yew Dell Botanical Gardens offers 60 acres of inspiration, education, and beauty. Once the private estate of legendary plantsman Theodore Klein and his wife Martha Lee, Yew Dell grew from family farm to nationally recognized public garden. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and welcomes visitors year-round to explore curated display gardens, woodland trails, historic architecture and ongoing plant research.
As a nonprofit organization, Yew Dell’s mission is to spark a passion for plants and gardening through accessible science and inspiring beauty. That passion comes to life in every corner of the gardens — from seasonal displays and family-friendly events, to hands-on workshops and educational programs designed for gardeners of all levels.
Community support makes all of this possible. Whether through annual fund gifts, honoring a loved one with a tribute bench, or leaving a bequest, every donation directly fuels Yew Dell’s ability to connect people with plants. Memberships, too, help sustain daily operations while offering free admission, discounts and reciprocal benefits at gardens nationwide.
For those who prefer to roll up their sleeves, volunteering at Yew Dell provides a chance to learn new skills and give back in a meaningful way. With opportunities in the gardens, natural areas, events and even office work, there’s a place for every interest and talent.
Learn more, become a member, or support the mission at yewdellgardens.org
HELP US KEEP THE LIGHTS BRIGHT!
Donate today to support the Artists and artistry of your Louisville Ballet:
$30 buys a pair of ballet shoes
$60 provides a leotard and tights for one Ballet Bound student
$125 buys a pair of pointe shoes for a Company Artist
$200 provides snow for a performance of The Brown-Forman Nutcracker
$275 Covers performance tickets for students from a Title I school
$500 funds one Boys, Books, + Ballet library program
$850 brings one Moving Stories educational performance to the community
$1,700 awards a Ballet Bound student a first-year Community Scholarship
$1,800 supports an in-school Community Engagement residency
Your donation makes a difference!
WATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS: Where the Future Blooms
Waterfront Botanical Gardens has blossomed from a former landfill into one of Louisville’s most inspiring destinations. A place where beauty, education, and community flourish together. Each year, more than 62,000 guests stroll the grounds, while over 3,000 children experience hands-on programs that spark curiosity and nurture a love of nature.
As the Gardens continue to grow, with new landscapes and educational spaces under construction, this remarkable transformation is just beginning. Your support ensures that today’s children - and tomorrow’s - can find wonder in nature.
Every contribution makes a difference. Philanthropy sustains the Gardens’ beauty, expands its programs, and strengthens its role as a cultural treasure for Louisville. By giving, you help create a legacy that enriches families, inspires visitors, and elevates the city for generations to come.
Together, we can ensure the Gardens remain greener, stronger, and more vibrant. An oasis that reflects the best of our community.
Discover more and help the Gardens grow for generations to come at waterfrontgardens.org/support
Louisville Visual Art (LVA) has been a cornerstone of creativity in our city for over a century, shaping Louisville’s cultural landscape through programs that empower artists, inspire youth, and build stronger communities. Guided by three core pillars—Youth Art Education, Artist Support and Development, and Public Art and Community Building—LVA connects people to the transformative power of visual art.
Through our Youth Art Education over the last 100 years, LVA’s Children’s Fine Art Classes (CFAC) program has provided young people with rigorous arts instruction that builds cumulatively over weeks in the fall and spring semesters. CFAC has nurtured generations of creative thinkers by developing technical skill, artistic voice, and confidence. LVA also offers outreach programming, extending access to high-quality art education throughout the community.
LVA’s commitment to Artist Support and Development ensures that working artists have the resources they need to thrive. We hire local artists as instructors, muralists, and program leaders. We invest directly in their careers by purchasing artwork for programs and offering exhibition opportunities that connect artists with audiences. LVA strengthens Louisville’s creative economy and ensures artists can build sustainable careers.
With a focus on Public Art and Community Building, LVA brings art out of the gallery and into neighborhoods. Through murals, permanent art installations, and community partnerships, LVA creates accessible, inclusive spaces where people come together, connect, and celebrate shared stories through art.
Together, these three pillars reflect LVA’s mission: More Art [for] More People [in] More Places. Learn more and get involved at louisvillevisualart.org
Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) of Louisville is dedicated to supporting individuals and families on the autism journey through education, vital programs, and community support and resources.
Since 1999, FEAT of Louisville has actively supported autism programs for the entire family, serving over 5,000 individuals annually, and is dedicated to easing the autism journey through ongoing support, education, and collaborative programming throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Currently, 1 in 31 are diagnosed with ASD and is the fastest growing developmental disability in the United States.
ASD is the fastest growing developmental disorder diagnosis and also the most underfunded. Early diagnosis and intervention, as well as ongoing support, are critical in achieving the best outcomes for individuals with ASD. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can make great progress, and early intervention followed by age-appropriate and individualized treatment is key. FEAT’s main programs include:
- Get Your FEAT Wet Swim Program: a partnership with All About Kids, Aqua Tots, Home of the Innocents, and Goldfish Swim School for children with ASD. Children with ASD are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than their peers, making swim instruction so critical.
- Autism Friendly Business Initiative: offers training for businesses and opportunities for employment for individuals with ASD to increase inclusion and raise awareness, appreciation, and acceptance in the community. Currently, we have trained over 650 businesses in 19 states.
- Endeavor Program: one of our fastest growing programs, a partnership with Carriage House dedicated to increasing school readiness for young children with ASD.
- PreVocational Job Program: a partnership with Bluegrass Center for Autism with the goal of developing communicative, daily living, and job readiness skills to help clients gain employment and function as independently as possible.
- Dreams in Motion: a therapeutic and recreational summer camp for children ages 7-21 with ASD in collaboration with Dreams with Wings.
- FEAT Watch: a collaboration with first responders to assist those with ASD to communicate regardless of communication barriers through smart technology.
Spencer’s Stand: Strength in Every Story
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at just 11 years old, Spencer Legg’s life became a constant balance of discipline and determination—managing insulin, nutrition, and performance while chasing a Division I basketball dream. What began as a challenge became his calling.
Today, through Spencer’s Stand, he’s turning that story into strength for others—empowering kids and families living with T1D to rise above fear, isolation, and limitation. From community events to shared resources and real conversations, Spencer’s Stand reminds us that every diagnosis comes with a choice: to live limited or to live limitless.
And Spencer stands—every day—for the ones learning how to. Limits don’t define us. How we respond does.
Farmington, conveniently located in the Highlands of Louisville, offers a historic setting with modern amenities for your special event. The 1816 Federal style main house welcomes your guests to an 18-acre campus in the heart of the city. From there, they can stroll through the formal gardens to the great lawn for a large ceremony, or over to the 4800 square foot open-air Brand Pavilion. The Pavilion can be outfitted to accommodate over 300 people for a sit-down dinner, a corporate picnic, or a night of music under the stars. With (4) Big Ass fans, market café lights, and electrical outlets throughout –this malleable space will meet all your event needs.
The Carriage House, next to the Brand Pavilion, will serve as the hub for staging your event. This space houses public restrooms, a catering kitchen and prep-space, a walk-up bar that faces the Pavilion, and two elegant dressing rooms with a shared library space for group gatherings. Enjoy walking the grounds. Check out our pollinator prairie full of native plants, the vegetable gardens, and our beehives (which produce honey sold on site). F armington opened as Louisville’s first historic site museum in 1959 and continues to welcome you to visit and experience the historic structures, collections, and landscape while learning about the diverse people who lived and labored on the land and who contributed to local, regional, and national history.
Kentucky College of Art + Design (KyCAD) is Kentucky’s only independent, nonprofit college dedicated exclusively to art and design. Located in Old Louisville, KyCAD offers a transformative education rooted in contemporary practice, interdisciplinary exploration, and community engagement.
KyCAD’s original Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art has long empowered students to explore diverse creative practices—from painting and sculpture to performance and digital art. Now, KyCAD is expanding its academic offerings with six new BFA degrees designed to meet the evolving demands of the creative industries: Body Art, Digital Fabrication, Experimental Fashion, Film, Graphic Design, and Olfactory Art and Sensory Practices. These innovative programs reflect KyCAD’s commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining what an arts education can be.
With a curriculum that emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and professional development, KyCAD fosters a vibrant studio culture led by practicing artists, designers, and scholars. Students benefit from small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and access to cutting-edge tools and technologies.
KyCAD is deeply embedded in Louisville’s dynamic arts and culture scene. Through meaningful partnerships with local organizations, students gain access to hands-on experiences, professional networks, and opportunities to collaborate beyond the classroom. These connections not only enhance their creative development but also help them build lasting relationships within the broader artistic community.
Dedicated to promoting a creative and productive life, KyCAD is shaping the next generation of artistic visionaries and cultural innovators.
Learn more at kycad.org
Wellspring Provides Housing, Behavioral Health, and HOPE!
Wellspring stands out in our community because of the unique combination of providing housing and supportive services for adults with serious mental illness (SMI) along with offering a comprehensive array of behavioral health services based on clients’ needs. Wellspring offers a combination of intensive services and programs that can transform lives through:
• Personalized, multidisciplinary Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) • Assistance with Medication Management
• Crisis Stabilization services • Empowering Peer Support • Critical Life Skills coaching • Individually tailored Employment Services
Mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression, often emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, disrupting lives and families. Without access to care, many individuals with SMI experience homelessness, incarceration, substance use, or repeated hospitalizations. Wellspring meets these challenges head-on, offering quality affordable housing and life-changing services that promote dignity, community integration, and long-term recovery for approximately 1,600 people each year.
With community support like yours, Wellspring helps people from every walk of life who are living with no-fault, biological brain disorders. Your gift to Wellspring is a powerful investment. Together we can build a community where adults with mental illness are respected and given the opportunity to thrive.
Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana is a community of hope, strength and healing for anyone impacted by cancer — men, women, teens, and children, as well as their families, friends, and caregivers. Since opening our red doors in 2007, we’ve offered a place where people can connect with others who understand what they’re going through, find comfort and regain a sense of control in the face of cancer.
We offer more than 180 program offerings each month over four locations. All our programs — support groups, educational workshops, healthy lifestyle activities and social events — are provided free of charge. Whether someone is in treatment, a survivor, or bereaved, Gilda’s Club ensures no one has to face cancer alone.
As we expand to serve more people in Southern Indiana and West Louisville, community support is more vital than ever. You can make a difference: Spread the word. Tell your friends, family and coworkers that Gilda’s Club is here for anyone impacted by cancer. Share our story on social media or invite someone to visit.
Donate. Every dollar helps sustain and grow our free programs. Your generosity ensures emotional and social support remains accessible to all. Volunteer. From greeting participants and helping with events to sharing special skills, volunteers are the heart of our mission. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate community — one where everyone facing cancer knows they are not alone.
Visit us at gck.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, dedicated to ensuring healthcare is accessible in communities throughout Kentucky and beyond. Through collaboration with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health, and share lifesaving resources. There are currently 45 active American Heart Association funded research grants in Kentucky totaling over $8.1 million. Additional investments support CPR and AED education, blood pressure control, and hypertension initiatives. We also work with hospitals, clinics, and community organizations to strengthen programs focused on blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. At the state and local level, we continue to advocate to ensure that all Kentuckians, regardless of who they are or where they live, have access to quality healthcare. To support our mission, learn more, or get involved, visit www.heart.org/kentucky and follow us on social media (@heartkentucky).
Please help support KMAC Contemporary Art Museum by making a donation today. Right now, it is more important than ever to support our cultural institutions. You can make it possible for us to continue to connect to over 30,000 visitors each year with art and creative practice. Whether it’s the thousands of school children in the region that benefit from our art education in the museum and in their schools or the families and individuals coming through our doors to learn about and be with art –KMAC is helping to keep our downtown a vital hub of creative energy.
We, at KMAC, believe art is essential. It is around us and part of us to the point that it is hard to separate it from day to day to living. ART enriches our lives in many ways, acting as a tool for self expression, cultural preservation and social commentary. It fosters creativity, enhances education and contributes to our intellectual and emotional development. ART plays a significant role in shaping our cultural identity and promoting social change.
We hope you will consider supporting KMAC by donating TODAY!
Every eight minutes, someone affected by a disaster turns to the American Red Cross for support. Whether it’s a house fire, a tornado, or devastating floods, we’re there, providing shelter, food, emotional support, and emergency assistance. Here in Kentucky, we’ve seen firsthand how disasters can upend lives in an instant. This past spring, powerful floods and tornadoes tore through communities across the Commonwealth, destroying homes, displacing families, and changing lives forever.
These aren’t isolated events. The frequency and intensity of climate-driven disasters are increasing, not just around the globe, but right here in our backyards.
An average of 90 cents of every dollar we spend is invested in delivering care and comfort to those in need. Your support means we can be there, stronger, and with more resources, to help families in crisis rebuild their lives.
The holiday season is a time to gather with loved ones and reflect on what matters most. It’s also a time to share the spirit of giving with those who need it most.
Your holiday gift to the Red Cross can:
Help a family recover after losing everything in a home fire
Provide warm meals and shelter to someone displaced by disaster
Support life-saving programs like our Home Fire Campaign, teaching families how to stay safe
In a season filled with giving, your generosity can light the way for others, turning compassion into action and making a lasting impact. Give something that means something. Visit redcross.org/gift to make your holiday gift today.
We’re excited to introduce our new Sponsor an Artist program! is initiative gives businesses and individuals the opportunity to directly support local artists by sponsoring in-depth features that highlight their work, stories, and impact on the community. ese features have always been a cornerstone of our publication, showcasing the creatives who bring color, culture, and soul to Louisville. Now, through sponsorship, you can help elevate these voices while aligning your brand with the heart of the city’s arts scene.
Each sponsored piece o ers thoughtful storytelling, beautiful visuals, and shared recognition, both in print and online. It’s a powerful way to invest in local talent and be part of something that truly matters. Contact julie@voice-tribune.com for more details on how you can get involved!
NO ONE SHOULD FACE CANCER ALONE
At Gilda’s Club, we open our doors and our hearts — free of charge — to anyone impacted by cancer. We’ve expanded that circle of care to Southern Indiana and West Louisville.
With your help, we can reach every family who needs hope, healing and connection.
DONATE. VOLUNTEER. SPREAD THE WORD.
VISIT GCK.ORG
WITH THE REV. DR. LAUREN JONES MAYFIELD
By Kevin Murphy Wilson | Photos Provided
At the end of last year, the Center for Interfaith Relations welcomed the Rev. Dr. Lauren Jones Mayfield as its new executive director. Since then Mayfield has continued the CIR’s longstanding practice of fostering interfaith dialogue, fighting for social justice, and strengthening communities through common action. Mayfield recently took some time to get acquainted with us ahead of the 2025 Festival of Faiths (The CIR’s highest-profile annual event), which runs from Nov. 12-15 at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. Participants include Sara Callaway, Gerardo Abboud, Ben Sollee, Geshe Kalsang Rapgyal, Fred Nez-Keams, and Valarie Kaur.
VOICE-TRIBUNE: What has the role of religion been in your life?
Lauren Jones Mayfield: “Religion has profoundly guided my life in many necessary ways. It has taught me to question and wonder with integrity. It has inspired my awe, propelled my activism, challenged my privilege, and guided my educational journey. It has taught me to push back on authority when friends are hurting. Religion has disrupted my tolerance for bureaucracy for the sake of bureaucracy, and it has liberated me to fiercely reject spiritual cliches. As cute as they are, idyllic memes often overlook the complexity of our feelings and psyches, which crave something raw, deep, and real. On its best days, religion equips me to pastor and lead with, as Rev. Dr. Jaqui Lewis says, with ‘fierce love.’ On religion’s hard days, it frustrates my longings for simplicity, certainty, and superficial happiness. I’m always learning that ‘Presence’ and ‘Mystery’ are where I most find belonging and peace.”
VT: We are living in a time of immense human and ecological suffering. In light of that, where does a person of faith begin to make a difference?
LJM: “Religion is most relevant when it informs our social engagement. When we truly pay attention and allow current events to shape our theology, we are better positioned to participate in civic practices because we see more intimately and honestly the suffering of others and our planet. In so many of the world’s religions, the ‘Divine’ asks us to pay attention to our suffering. Faith gives us the courage to face it. Thich Nhat Hanh offers Buddhists a lovely mantra that says, “Darling, I know you suffer. Darling, I suffer, too. Please help.” In this recognition of our mutual suffering, we are not only humbled but also have an invitation to stand together in solidarity to help alleviate the suffering. No one person or creature is exempt from pain. Therefore, its inevitable presence is an invitation to embrace and share the redemptive pieces of compassionate healing, those elements of a beautiful life that rise from the ashes of our pain and suffering. So, when we name the pain honestly, when we bravely acknowledge the suffering of others, and when we do not slink away from our responsibility to bear witness to the pain, then we find ourselves emboldened by our faith to respond with a hope that says what we are doing in the world really does make a difference.”
VT: Can you speak to the relationship between the work of a theologian—or pastor—and an activist?
LJM: “I love this question! In other words, ‘How does what we sing in the pew or petition for on the prayer mat impact how we show up in the world?’ Conversely, ‘How do I fight for justice in a way that keeps my faith honest and relevant?’ To have theology without justice is to truncate the work of liberation. To have activism without a grounding in joy, rest, resistance and hope is to burn out or surrender to resentment. I come from the Christian tradition, and in the Gospels, Jesus gets really ticked off one day that folks are not understanding this vital connection between belief and praxis. I think it’s why he provocatively said to the erudite leaders, ‘You can’t serve both God and money.’ It’s not a condemnation of those who are rich so much as it is a lament for those who cannot see our collective need for community and equity, and therefore, our interdependence with one another and the holy sources of our togetherness. Good theology begs for cultural engagement, and when we root our activism in the needs of the community, we, in the words of Dr. King, ‘get free together.’”
VT: How does the Festival of Faiths fit into the broader mission of the CIR?
LJM: “Since its inception, CIR has been committed to celebrating the diversity of faith traditions, highlighting our shared humanity and strengthening communities through common action. As our marquee event, the Festival of Faiths is the embodiment of this mission. We bring together people not only of many different religious and spiritual backgrounds, but also varied cultures, beliefs and lived experiences. The festival is a space where we listen to one another with a goal of learning and making meaningful connections. Over the course of several days, people with vastly different perspectives and insights come together with open hearts and minds, and the result is an energy that has the potential to revolutionize ourselves, our city, and beyond. Belonging is an antidote to our isolation. We are all lonely at times. We are all tired more often than not. We fear for our democracy, and we hope for an end to war. We need to find our place in this world so that we can stand for what our faith dictates. It’s a long way of saying that I’m most excited about this festival because it invites us into these sacred spaces that kindle perseverance and honor our resilience as people of ‘Divine’ light.”
For more information visit festivaloffaiths.org.
PAINTS A PATH BACK TO THE SELF
By Alisha Proffitt
Photos By Kathryn Harrington
Over time, she watches creativity begin to pour into the rest of her clients’ lives. “I love seeing clients apply a creative mindset to areas of their lives beyond artmaking,” she says. “The most rewarding moments are when it clicks for someone that their life is a canvas, and their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are the paints and tools they use to shape it.”
Her own relationship to art has shifted, too. “Art school was incredibly educational and enlightening, but it also made me overly self-critical of my work,” she reflects. “Art therapy school became a journey of unlearning that mindset and realizing my art doesn’t have to be spectacular or appeal to a wide audience to have value.” Now, she creates for the sake of release—for the moment itself.
“I see art as something that brings people back to themselves and to each other,” she says when asked how art can heal communities. “When we create, we let our guard down a little, and that’s where connection starts. Art helps people and communities heal because it gives us a way to express what words can’t always reach. It reminds us that everyone has something meaningful to create and something worth being witnessed.”
Amanda Riff’s work is less about diagnosing or decoding and more about witnessing and holding space. Inviting people back to the present moment. “When we make together,” she says, “we start to remember that healing doesn’t have to happen in isolation. It can happen in color, in texture, in the retelling of a story, and in shared moments of creativity and vulnerability.”
OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND LOUISVILLE
Saturday & Sun day November 15 & 16 , 2025 12 - 5pm Saturday & Sunday November 15 & 16, 2025 12 - 5pm
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and meet the artists! This self-guided studio tour invites the public to visit dozens of visual artists' workspaces throughout Louisville.
For more information, visit: www.louisvillevisualart.org/open-studio-louisville
By Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos Provided
In recent weeks, the 2025 Louisville Photo Biennial has overtaken more than 50 participating venues (including many noteworthy galleries, museums, colleges and cultural organizations) in the area. This time around that sprawling event features some rather stunning bodies of work such as “Anonymous Women: Domestic Demise” — a solo exhibition by renowned practitioner and art educator Patty Carroll. As the show card proclaims, “Carroll’s Anonymous Women series playfully explores the complex relationship between women and domesticity. By cleverly disguising her figures in drapery and household objects, Carroll transforms the ‘Anonymous Woman’ into both a mystery and a muse— inviting viewers into a witty game of visual hide-and-seek.” Since that exhibition remains on view at Kentucky College of Art + Design’s 849 Gallery (located at 849 S. 3rd Street) through Dec. 4, we took the opportunity to catch up with the artist for a quick conversation about her creative journey.
VOICE-TRIBUNE: Can you tell us a little bit about your background and what it was that put you on the creative path in the first place?
Patty Carroll: “I am from a newspaper family. My parents owned and ran 10 suburban newspapers outside of Chicago, so news, graphics, photography, and advertising are probably in my bones. I was supposed to grow up, marry, have a few kids, and run the newspapers. However, I wanted to be an artist. I have no idea where it came from, but there it was. When it was time for college, my parents and I compromised on me majoring in graphic design, instead of writing or journalism. Later, that turned into photography, and then my life was good! I did a BFA at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in Graphic Design and then an MS at the Institute of Design in Photography. I then began teaching photography right out of grad school. I have somehow always been interested in the fine line between reality and fiction. My family, especially my mother, found humor in most things. Any tragedy, situation or even something silly turned into a moment for hilarity and sarcasm. For instance, my mother was the editor of our newspaper. People would call her to give her gossip updates and other juicy bits for the paper. She always said she couldn’t print that sort of ‘news.’ So she started a column, called ‘Scoop Says,’ which was supposedly written by our dog, Scoop. It had a picture of Scoop wearing glasses, reading the Park Ridge Advocate. So you can see that craziness and creativity were constant in our household. Hopefully, humor shows up in my imagery, as [that] is part of my goal.”
VT: Are there any specific artists that inspired you or that you wanted to emulate, or alternatively were there any that you knew you did not wish to be like?
PC: “I once met Lisette Model, a wonderful photographer and teacher to Diane Arbus. We were able to visit her in her New York basement apartment. It was a surreal experience! The hallway entrance was painted black with tiny, shiny shapes covering the walls and ceiling. Lisette declared, ‘Oh, that is my husband; he is an artist.’ Somehow, the imagery of that meeting stayed in my mind, and I wished I were one of her students, and that I would be able to live a truly integrated life of art, photography, and love.
Lisette believed that art is an exploration of the world, and not a replication of what was already in place. I believe that truly. Although she was a street photographer, that idea applies to, certainly, all photography. There are several artists that I would not like to emulate, but I will not mention them here. All I can say is that I do not like ego-driven artists who are so full of elite ‘artspeak’ that others cannot relate to them or their work. I believe it is important to make work that is understandable as well as relatable.”
VT: What is special to you about the “Anonymous Women: Domestic Demise” work currently on view at KyCAD’s 849 Gallery?
PC: “The ‘Anonymous Women’ series began when my husband and I moved to London, England. After being raised and mostly living in the Midwest of the USA, it was a big culture shock for me. I had a small identity crisis, mostly because people kept referring to me as ‘Mrs.’ as in Mrs. Jones. My husband’s name is Tony Jones, and I am very happy to be married to him; however, I had spent a lifetime trying to establish my own identity as an artist, woman and independent person in the world. It made me think about how most women are still only known through their domestic status. So I began photographing a woman in my studio with domestic objects on her head, which hid her identity. The ‘Anonymous Woman’ was born then. She continued to evolve when we moved back to Chicago. The work has a life of its own, and now I am not sure if it follows me or I follow it! I am happy that it [the current show] is part of a larger photography event – the 2025 Louisville Photo Biennial. Hopefully, the exhibit will make more people aware of KyCAD and bring them to see the very professional operation that is the school. The work I selected to show here is part of a larger series that addresses women’s relationship with the home. These particular pictures are all about eating and drinking. The rest of the series includes many activities and obsessions with cleaning, decorating, arranging, or other domestic chores. Since this is mainly an undergraduate audience, I thought that the students would relate more to this issue, as we all eat and drink every day.”
For more information visit PattyCarroll.com or LouisvillePhotoBiennial.com.
By Kelsey Knott • Photos By Antonio Pantoja
On his debut album, I Hope They Set You Free, Sam Tabor describes what it means to grow and leave behind past beliefs, fully accepting a “new you” and embracing change through fear.
Tabor’s musical family instilled a love of music early in his childhood. “My mom’s one of the best singers I’ve ever heard. I started singing because of her, and she got me my first guitar when I was 7 or 8. My brother, who’s six years older, was playing music before me, and I wanted to be just like him.” With rock power chords reverberating through the house, Tabor was writing songs from that point on. Playing music in church and his high school jazz band provided him with practice in front of an audience, though he still preferred the creative aspects of making his own music. In college, his YouTube videos started to gain traction, accidentally putting music on hiatus. “I was still obsessed with music, but definitely went full force into my YouTube career. About a year ago, I felt like I really wanted to put out stuff. I reignited my love for it and decided I wanted to share my stuff with the world.”
Sad songs tend to be Tabor’s jam, and he stays inspired by other artists in the folk and alternative genres, as well as by nature and real-life experiences involving growth. “Every time I start writing a happy song, even if it’s happy-sounding, the lyrics are not. When I really sit down and think about the things that I’ve learned from in the past, that’s what inspires my songwriting. I’m trying hard to write happier music.” Many of Tabor’s songs are specifically about his experience living with OCD, and he hopes listeners with the condition can feel less alone. “Songwriting has helped me navigate my mental health–things I didn’t even know I needed, like letting go. I’ve started crying when songwriting, not because it’s so good or anything, but just because I really needed to release the emotion.”
While Tabor originally thought The Monarch was only a venue, he was amazed to find it was so much more. A welcoming place for all, musicians and creatives are always there, talking and meeting one another, sometimes making music and other times simply having a coffee chat. He shared a story about playing his first show at The Monarch and how accommodating Mark Roberts was the day prior in perfecting his sound check. “I haven’t topped it. Mark is very good at getting people together and making everyone feel as comfortable as possible. I wasn’t expecting to make new friends in my thirties, and I have made more friends this year than I have in the past eight years.” It fits right into the Louisville vibe: feeling like home and here to create something cool more so than make it big time.
Furthermore, The Monarch evolved Tabor’s perspective on songwriting. “I think anyone should try to write a song if they want to, if they’re feeling it at all. Don’t worry about what other people think. The first time I came to the Monarch was for songwriting circles, and there were people with barely finished songs, and everyone was so supportive. Music really is a beautiful thing to try.” When it comes to songwriting, Tabor’s advice is just to start! “I think too much, and the less I think, the more people relate. So if you’re thinking too hard about making a song, just start.”
Stay tuned for new music on the way! Follow Sam Tabor on all platforms, and check out his video game channel to see another side of Sam with his second passion.
JAMES STEELE HANEY ON ART AND GRIEF
By Alisha Proffitt • Photos By Matt Johnson
Writer, actor, and filmmaker James Steele Haney was originally born in Lexington, Kentucky. He later moved to Louisville, where he attended high school and college, before eventually relocating to Las Vegas. Steele didn’t begin in film school or in the predictable corridors of cinema. “I’ve always kind of filmed stuff on my own—silly, funny things with friends,” he says. Life, however, is its own unpredictable screenplay. In 2020, his sister passed away, and with her went a certain light. “After that,” Steele explains, “I just wanted to write and work in film.”
That grief became the seed of Tales of the Macabre, which Steele wrote, directed, produced, and starred in. It was a film festival encounter earlier this year that inspired him to step fully into production. “I was on set with a friend that I met at a film festival and I was like, I think I could do this. So, I wrote Tales of the Macabre, and I wrote it with the idea of myself filming it at my late grandmother’s house, and we finally just made it happen this past weekend.”
The film takes place on Halloween night, 1984, following a ghost radio host who, while telling the legend of the Crimson Witch, accidentally summons her again. “Once you tell her story, she uses her dark magic to blur reality and dreams,” Steele explains. “You never see her move until she’s ready to kill.”
The witch, a crimson-clad Victorian silhouette, becomes less a monster than a metaphor, a stillness that follows sorrow everywhere it goes. “The main character is grieving, and it’s messing with his head. He doesn’t know what’s real anymore,” Steele says.
Grief, after all, is the ultimate unreliable narrator.
Filming took place in Steele’s late grandmother’s home, where his family still gathers each Christmas Eve. “It was so emotional,” he says softly. “We found old photos and things from the house to use as set pieces. My family was dropping by, my Kentucky friends were there, and my Vegas crew had flown in. It felt like my worlds were colliding in this beautiful way.”
That house with wood-paneled walls and fall leaves scattered across the yard became its own character in the film. “It’s a time capsule,” Steele says. “It still feels like 1984.” And perhaps that’s fitting, because Tales of the Macabre is a period piece. Inspired by the works of Vincent Price and Alfred Hitchcock, James wanted the film to emulate the tension and theatricality of the 1950s and ’60s horror greats, while staying true to the 80s, the candles and analog glow, the tactile reality of things.
“I love practical effects,” he says. “Even the pumpkins were real. I didn’t want to fake anything. I wanted the wax, the flame, the warmth.” His insistence on authenticity is a breath of fresh air. He recalls filming for hours in 44-degree weather, covered in costume blood and lying on the wet concrete, while his team wrestled with a difficult shot. “Even then,” he smiles, “everyone was laughing and having fun. That’s how I knew it was worth it.”
Steele’s passion for the practical feels like a bit of a rebellion against the growing sterility of digital cinema. “You can’t replicate that feeling through graphics,” he says. “Realness makes people believe. It makes the actors believe.” His crew included Kentucky locals, Vegas-based assistants, and a Los Angeles cinematographer. But above all, it was a family built through trust and a shared vision.
That trust, it seems, was hard-earned. Tales of the Macabre marks Steele’s directorial debut, and he approached it like a man building an altar. “I wanted to be a prepared director,” he says. “Because if you’re not, you set your crew up for failure.” Together with his assistant directors, Sheala Morrison and Melody Loveday, he crafted a production schedule “down to the minute.” When they fell three hours behind on the first day, they stayed up until 5 a.m. rewriting the next day’s plan. “We made it work,” he says. “But it wouldn’t have happened without them.”
Every element (casting, lighting, costume design) was chosen with care. The witch’s costume, designed by Edward Taylor, is full of contrasts. “I wanted her to seem unbothered, like she’s never lifted a finger in her life,” Steele says. “She’s elegance and terror, all in one shape.”
Even the children in the film (his nieces) were cast for their realness. “I didn’t want perfect hair or polished faces,” he explains. “I wanted them to look like real kids.”
Steele’s work is jam-packed with nostalgia: rotary phones, analog hums, beer bottles and magazines scoured from eBay, all placed carefully to resurrect a decade he calls “the perfect balance of technology and mystery.”
Every film he’s written takes place in small-town Kentucky during the ’80s.
“It’s just beautiful there,” he says. “The old brick, the texture of the land, it’s magic.”
That magic, he notes, is something Kentucky is finally receiving recognition for. “The film industry there is growing so fast,” he says. “And it’s wonderful to see. People take pride in their architecture, their history. It’s such a cinematic place.”
Under his film production company, Shh Studios, Tales of the Macabre now enters post-production. Steele will score parts of the film himself, blending ‘80s synth with classical orchestration. “It’s like the story itself,” he says. “Merging two worlds.” His plan is to debut the short in early 2026, sending it through the festival circuit before releasing it on streaming platforms like Shudder or Hulu (fingers crossed).
And after that? He smiles. “I want to film one of my features next year. Something bigger. Still Kentucky. Still the ’80s.”
Follow @steelejames on Instagram to stay up to date with James Steele Haney and his journey!
RING IN THE HOLIDAYS WITH STYLE
DECEMBER 4 6:30PM AT FOR $30
Don’t miss out on shopping with local vendors, hair & makeup tips, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, product deals and samples, and the chance to win some amazing giveaways!
Join the guest list
WINTER FASHION AT YEW DELL WITH THE LOUISVILLE BALLET
Photo By: Matt Johnson
Sarah Bradley grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she began her training with Cincinnati Ballet. After training in their academy, she joined the company as a Junior Trainee, then was promoted to Trainee. She was later invited and joined Cincinnati Ballet II, where she had the opportunity to work with Val Caniparoli, Septime Webre, and Jennifer Archibald. Sarah then joined City Ballet of San Diego as an Apprentice in 2018. In 2020, she joined Louisville Ballet as a Studio Company member and enjoyed roles such as Guardian Swan in Robert Curran’s Swan Lake and Rose in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. Sarah became a Company Artist in 2022 and has enjoyed roles such as the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Brown-Forman Nutcracker and the Sylph in George Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony.
Sarah Bradley
Photo By: Antonio Pantoja
Photography By Matt Johnson & Antonio Pantoja
This holiday season, fashion takes center stage, but with a purpose. This winter fashion photoshoot, set against the breathtaking beauty of Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, brings together some of Louisville’s most inspiring creative and philanthropic talents. Who said that style and heart can’t go hand in hand?
The clothing featured in this spread comes from Sassy Fox Upscale Consignment, which offers chic, sustainable fashion for every occasion. Hair and makeup were provided by J Michaels Spa & Salon, whose work extends far beyond the chair. Their partnership with nonprofit, C.A.R.E., empowers young adults in Nigeria by providing safe employment and professional aesthetics education. All of the models are artists of the Louisville Ballet, lending their poise, artistry, and nonprofit spirit to the shoot. Each pose and expression reflects the dedication and passion of an organization that has been enriching the arts in Louisville for many decades. Behind the scenes, stylist Cleo Heine (who also has a reputation for being kind-hearted and helping others) expertly tied every element together.
This seasonal shoot is a celebration of the generosity, talent, and collaboration that make our community thrive. From local shops to nonprofit efforts, it’s a reminder that every choice we make—whether in style or in giving—can have an impact. As you browse this spread for outfit inspiration, let us also tip our glasses to the incredible people and organizations working to give back, lift up, and create a more beautiful world, both in our city and beyond.
After all, service to others never goes out of style.
Photo By: Matt Johnson
Eva Pregont grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, and began her dance journey at Rejoice School of Ballet at the age of five. In 2019, she was asked to join the School of Nashville Ballet, which she attended for five years. This is her first season with Louisville Ballet as a Studio Company dancer.
Eva Pregont
Photo By: Antonio Pantoja
Originally from Purcellville, Virginia, Emmaline Fontanilla is in her third year in the Louisville Ballet Studio Company. Before moving to Louisville, she spent two years studying with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School in their Pre-Professional Division. While in the program, she had the opportunity to perform with the company in Terrence S. Orr’s The Nutcracker. She has also had the opportunity to dance internationally, attending The Royal Swedish Ballet’s summer intensive in 2023. Some of her favorite productions she has danced in during her time with Louisville Ballet have been Giselle, Alun Jones’ Romeo & Juliet, and Cinderella, and most recently, Alun Jones’ Dracula. In her free time, she enjoys baking, going on walks with her friends, and watching the sunset.
Emmaline Fontanilla
Photo By: Matt Johnson
Caitlin started dancing in Radcliff, Kentucky. She was inspired by the Louisville Ballet alumni she had as teachers and attended The Louisville Ballet School’s summer intensive in 2014. She attended the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts in 2016 as a dance major and then joined De La Dance Center in Cincinnati as a trainee. In 2017, she returned to Kentucky as part of Louisville Ballet’s trainee program, now known as the Studio Company, and was invited to join the Company in 2021.
Since coming to Louisville, she has had the privilege of performing roles and works such as a demi soloist in George Balanchine’s Serenade, Pas De Trois in Balanchine’s Emeralds, The Sylph in La Sylphide, Marie and divertissements in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, and Ching Ching Wong’s Grass is Green. She is excited and grateful to begin a new season with Louisville Ballet!
By: Antonio Pantoja
Caitlin Kowalski
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Originally from Overland Park, Kansas, Elizabeth (Ellie) began her dance training at Legacy School of the Arts. She continued her education at Butler University on the Presidential Scholarship, performing soloist roles in works such as Gerald Arpino’s Viva Vivaldi, Paul Taylor’s Piazzolla Caldera, and George Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments, as well as Snow Queen and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. She graduated magna cum laude in 2018 with a BFA in Dance Performance with highest honors, and a minor in Mathematics. She completed the University Honors Program, writing a thesis discussing the importance of K-12 arts funding. Ellie danced as a trainee and in Louisville Ballet’s Studio Company for three seasons before joining as a Company Artist in 2022. Her favorite performances at Louisville Ballet include dancing the Survivor in Stephen Mills’ Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project, Scots Lady in George Balanchine’s Scotch Symphony, Effie in La Sylphide, Dawn in Robert Curran’s Coppélia, the Spring Fairy in Alun Jones’ Cinderella, and roles in Jones’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Liebestraume, Ching Ching Wong’s 502 and Grass is Green, and Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker. Ellie is looking forward to her fourth season as a Company Artist!
By: Matt Johnson
Elizabeth Abbick Pemberton
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Kayleigh Western is from Lexington, Kentucky, and began her dance training at the Lexington Ballet School. Her studies continued there and at the School for the Creative and Performing Arts before becoming a student of Cary Ballet Conservatory’s Professional Training Program. Kayleigh went on to dance three seasons with Louisville Ballet’s Studio Company and thereafter joined Lexington Ballet Company. There, she danced principal roles in The Nutcracker, The Firebird, excerpts of Romeo and Juliet, and several original works by Eric Trope. Throughout her career, she has attended programs at Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, and American Ballet Theatre and performed works by George Balanchine, Ronald Hynd, Val Caniparoli, and Juliano Nuñes. Kayleigh has been featured in Pointe Magazine, Dance Teacher Magazine, Ballet Rosa’s Créateur Catalog, as well as the album cover art for Whirr’s Raw Blue. Kayleigh is thrilled to return to Louisville Ballet for the 2025-2026 Season.
Photo By: Matt Johnson
Kayleigh Western
By: Matt Johnson
Originally from Stoneham, Massachusetts, Lexa began her dance training at the Northeast School of Ballet under the direction of Denise Cecere. She continued her education at the University of Utah, graduating magna cum laude with a BFA in ballet performance. She began her professional career with Portland Ballet in Maine before joining Louisville Ballet as a trainee in 2014 and later as a Company Artist in 2016. A few of her favorite roles include Rose and the Sugar Plum Fairy in Val Caniparoli’s The Brown-Forman Nutcracker, Myrtha in Giselle, the Wife in Andrea Schermoly’s Appalachian Spring, the Lilac Fairy in Adam Hougland’s Sleeping Beauty, and Nikiya in an excerpt from Kingdom of the Shades in La Bayadère. In 2025, she was honored to help portray the life story of Naomi Warren by performing as the Survivor in Stephen Mills’ Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project. Lexa is deeply grateful to have had the privilege of performing works by a variety of choreographers over the course of her career, including George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Serge Lifar, Alun Jones, Andrea Schermoly, Adam Hougland, and Ching Ching Wong. She is also a faculty member of The Louisville Ballet School, teaching in the Pre-Professional Program. Lexa would like to thank her family for their endless love and support throughout her career.
Photo
Photo By: Matt Johnson
Photo By: Matt Johnson
Photo By: Antonio Pantoja
Photo By: Antonio Pantoja
‘Tis the season of giving, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by choosing gifts that give back to the community. This year, we are encouraging readers to skip the generic and opt for something truly special right here at home. From handcrafted treasures to one-of-a-kind creations, our city is bursting with local artists, makers, and small businesses who pour heart and soul into their work.
When you shop local, every purchase becomes a gift that keeps on giving. It’s a vote of confidence in our neighbors, our culture, and the spirit that keeps our community and local economy thriving. Let’s make this holiday season one that shines a little brighter for everyone by supporting the small businesses that make our city so extraordinary. Here are some of our favorite holiday gift ideas waiting to be topped off with a bow right here in Louisville.
By Chris Morris • Photo By Manuela Adler (Pexels.com) - Headshot Photo By Matt Johnson
The use of limestone water in the crafting of great Kentucky Bourbon is legendary. Kentuckians grow up with that belief emblazoned in their psyche. This makes me ask -why? Why is limestone water so identified with Kentucky Bourbon? What is limestone water? Why did our ancestors use it to craft their Bourbon Whiskey in the first place? The answer to these questions, like those of our other articles, can be found in time and place. The use of water in the production of Whiskey is one of its sources of flavor. If you recall the global definition of Whiskey, every Whiskey must be made from cereal grain. Well, unless that grain recipe has been cooked, mashed or washed with water to remove its starch and sugars, fermentation with yeast cannot occur. So, water is a necessary ingredient in the crafting of any type of Whiskey. What specifically is limestone water? Limestone water is naturally occurring water filtered through limestone rock, which is rich in calcium and magnesium and is iron free. Kentucky is famous for its “karst” region, its cave region. Famous caves such as Mammoth Cave have been formed over millions of years by water flowing underground through cracks in the limestone strata that underlie the Bluegrass Region, dissolving the limestone. This creates caves, sinkholes and of course, limestone water.
The legendary role that limestone water plays in the history of Kentucky Bourbon is fascinating. I have read articles written by professional journalists that actually state that the use of limestone water is required to make Bourbon, that it is part of the standard of identity of Bourbon Whiskey. The use of limestone water is not required by the federal government. The only type of water referenced in standards of identity is the use of pure water. So, no matter how much we may think that limestone water is a Bourbon requirement, it is not the case.
Let’s be clear, every type of Whiskey can be made with water that is not limestone sourced. For example, there are over 100 Single Malt Whisky distilleries in Scotland, but only one of them uses limestone sourced water. So, let’s put that one legend to rest; a distillery does not have to have limestone water to make good Whiskey. In fact, many Kentucky Bourbon distilleries do not use limestone sourced water today. The more modern operations are not purposely situated on a limestone spring water source because today they can rely on a municipal water supply. There is nothing wrong with that. As long as the water has been filtered and is iron free, it can be used. That last point is very important, if water has iron in it, it cannot be used to make Whiskey for chemical reaction reasons.
Every historic distillery, and by that I mean pre-commercial distilling age, was located on a natural water source. As noted earlier, water is required for the mashing or cooking of the grain recipe and for other activities in a distillery. Therefore, a ready supply of water on hand was needed.
While a creek or river would supply the amount of water needed for running a gristmill or for providing cooling water for a still, our ancestors knew that that water was not to be used for human consumption. Their livestock would stand in the creek, pond or lake and any runoff from their homestead would flow into the water. They knew from experience that the water was not safe to drink. But they realized that water bubbling out of the ground from an artesian well was going to be pure because its source had not been contaminated by environmental conditions. This was the water you wanted to drink and use in your Whiskey making process.
The underground source of springs varies from across geographic regions, and in some cases spring water is not appropriate to use such as if it issues from an aquifer that contains sulfur or salt for instance.Fortunately, in central Kentucky many spring systems are fed by limestone strata. The water is iron-free and full of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals are helpful in the production of Bourbon because they furnish yeast, which is essential in the fermentation process, with nutrients it needs to do an effective job. This mineral rich water, the soil and grass it contributes to, was also vital in the establishment and location of the thoroughbred horse breeding industry in central Kentucky. The same minerals in the limestone water that help a bourbon distiller’s yeast are also important in developing strong bones in thoroughbred horses, but that’s another story.
So, limestone water was used to craft the early Kentucky Bourbons not by design, but by opportunity. That was the water available to the early settlers of Central Kentucky, and with their knowledge of the environment, they knew that was what to use. Take the site of today’s Woodford Reserve Distillery as a classic example of this practice. The Elijah Pepper family settled on a hill overlooking the banks of Glenn’s Creek in 1812. While the creek provided vast quantities of water to run their grist mill it was the limestone spring system that fed the creek that was important to them. Not only did Pepper build a home he also built a stone spring house on the hillside below the home. The ruins of the springhouse exist today, still issuing crystal clear, cool spring water year-round. It was this water that provided the Pepper family with clean drinking water, primitive refrigeration, and more importantly the water used in their early distillery to craft Bourbon. Today the Woodford Reserve Distillery still uses that same spring water system to mash its grain recipes. Why change a good thing?
By Jackie Zykan
With over 20 years of experience in beverage alcohol, and a love affair with the natural world, I am delighted to share some of Kentucky’s finest pours alongside fresh, local, and seasonal botanicals.
November is a time to embrace transitions and pause to revel in the beauty on offer at every phase of life’s precious cycles. Deciduous trees fade from green to brilliance to brown, and eventually rest bare for the winter. Kentucky is home to a plethora of hardwoods which captivate us in the fall and stand as reminders to rest and retreat in stillness during the winter to come. One of my particular favorites exemplifies the notion of something to celebrate in all forms, whether its vibrant and distinctive patterned foliage, or the evolution of the food source it yields over the duration of summer into winter. Black walnuts are a key food source for wildlife and yields an unforgettable aroma which brings back childhood memories of unexpected stains on curious hands. May through early July is prime picking season for these delicacies in their green form, but this time of year is great for harvesting the nuts at maturity. I would certainly advise wearing gloves to prevent staining in any season, and be mindful of surface staining while you work with these wonderful gifts of the forest.
Featured Kentucky Flora: Juglans nigra (Eastern Black Walnut)
A familiar resident of Kentucky, Eastern Black Walnut spans the eastern and central United States. The tree is commonly harvested for its rich, dark wood and used for a variety of applications. The nuts are a dense source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants, and have also been used cross-culturally as a medicinal treasure trove with anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Consuming walnuts is well known to support brain, heart, kidney, and neurological wellness. Utilizing both the hull and nut in this month’s featured recipe allows a full spectrum of flavor and contributes an alternative bittering agent in lieu of dashes of aromatic cocktail bitters.
Black Walnut Old Fashioned
• 2 oz 95-100 proof Kentucky Bourbon • ½ oz bitter black walnut syrup • Garnish: lemon peel
It is important to note that any acorns from any type of oak will do for this recipe. While creating this piece, a nearby pin oak readily contributed an abundance of acorns, so this recipe primarily used fruit from that particular tree. I would advise to leave white oak acorns resting where they lie if you are collecting in forested areas. Due to harvesting pressures for its use in the whiskey barrel industry, I tend to leave these gorgeous specimens as undisturbed as possible. Personal preference.
Directions: Combine all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. Stir until the outside of the glass chills. Strain into double old fashioned glass with fresh ice. Garnish with lemon peel, oils expressed over the drink.
Non-Alcoholic Variation: As with most barrel-aged spirit cocktail recipes, an easy substitution is a freshly brewed black tea, made at double strength. There are also a variety of non-alcoholic whiskey alternatives on the market which can seamlessly take the place of the bourbon in this recipe.
Bitter Black Walnut Syrup
As always, be mindful to clearly identify what you are foraging. Black Walnut is a distinctive ingredient, but be sure to use nuts which are not decaying or housing pests. Please be mindful of potential staining- cover surfaces and wear gloves as needed.
Ingredients:
• 6 mature black walnuts with hulls, loosely cracked open
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 whole cloves
• 3 whole allspice berries
• 1 sprig fresh sage
• 3 cups water, divided
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ tsp salt
Directions: Rinse black walnuts and hulls thoroughly, then combine with 2 cups of water in a small/medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Once a boil is reached, remove from heat and strain. Discard water, and return walnuts to saucepan. Add remaining 1 cup of water, sugar, salt, and spices. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, continue to simmer until liquid has reduced by half. Remove from heat. Add fresh sage. Allow mixture to cool and then strain into preferred storage vessel. Keep refrigerated. Feel free to save the nuts used in the syrup, they’ll be nicely seasoned and sweetened, ready for toasting on parchment paper in a low heat oven.
Hosting a large group? Decoding the mystery of batching spirit forward cocktails
This is one of the most common conundrums I get asked about when it comes to ramping up servings of spirit forward cocktails. “I followed the recipe, multiplied the servings, and it’s too strong”. We tend to think of ingredients as just what is included in the recipe list. But one of the most crucial elements in any cocktail is the dilution which occurs during its preparation. Stirred cocktails are actually the easiest to execute in a batch format, and it just takes the art of embracing the water component which would have come from the melting ice while stirring. When multiplying servings, for every individual recipe, add 1 oz of water. That may seem like a lot, but I can attest after intensive investigation it will not only transform your final result, but also save you having to stir each individual drink. If you are using a lower proof bourbon (80-90 proof), knock it down to ¾ oz of water per serving to maintain balance. Keep the mixture cold, and when you’re ready to serve, simply pour directly over ice and garnish. If you’re more of a Manhattan drinker, this rule applies to mass production of those as well.
One cocktail, so many variations
If you have ordered an old fashioned at more than one location, you may have discovered the fact that everyone has their own interpretation of this well known libation recipe. Sometimes you get a splash of club soda on top. Sometimes you get a muddled cherry and/or orange. Sometimes you get a shaken serve. So, let’s break down what “technically” constitutes this classic. The primary components are as follows: spirit, sugar, bitters, water. It’s plain, it’s simple, and with such a straightforward ingredient list, technique (or lack there of) shines through unapologetically. The citrus is a nice touch, but isn’t necessarily required. The pulverized fruit salad that graces the glass takes this simple concoction in the direction of a smash. The addition of carbonation introduces additional acid and dilution to the party which isn’t necessary and can actually knock the balance off center. As a spirit forward cocktail which doesn’t call for fruit juice or dairy, the appropriate method of mixing is to stir, not shake. All of this being said, how you prefer it is always the right way for you. Life is too short to cheer with a glass of something you’re hesitant on. If you’ve got a strict preference on how you like yours made, regardless of the “rules” of the build, be sure to kindly specify to the bartender when ordering to side step surprises. The greatest joy in hospitality is to deliver something that makes the guest’s heart sing, even if it triggers your fears of being high maintenance or “that-person”. Know what you like, kindly ask for it, sip, repeat, and tip well.
When foraging wild plants always be completely certain of identification and follow the rule of “when in doubt, don’t”. Only take what is needed, leaving plenty for our native pollinators and fauna. Avoid harvesting from areas which are exposed to pesticides or other chemical applications. The statements in this article are for entertainment purposes only and are not meant to diagnose, treat, or medically advise. Please drink responsibly, you are loved by many.
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Kathryn Harrington & Provided
The recent Hurstbourne project by the team at Reflections of You, By Amy showcases the firm’s signature blend of great taste, functionality, and attention to detail. Led by Amy Wagner and design associate Kaelin Roberts, the team transformed this home into a space that feels both polished and personal. Their approach focused on timeless design choices, modern updates, and a cohesive flow that enhances how the homeowners live and enjoy their space.
Roberts, who served as lead designer, oversaw a complete remodel of the primary bath, hall bath, and powder room, turning each into a gorgeous retreat. The updated kitchen (featuring new lighting, countertops, backsplash, window treatments, and furnishings) seamlessly blends classic charm with contemporary style. The design emphasizes warmth and usability without sacrificing visual impact.
In the dining room, every element was considered to create a refined yet inviting atmosphere. From the custom built-ins and carefully selected furnishings to the lighting, window treatments, and area rug, the result is a space that feels elevated and comfortable. The finished home is yet another beautifully executed project of Reflections of You, By Amy, who never seems to fail to bring thoughtful design and real-life functionality together for each client’s specific needs and taste preferences.
By: Alison Cardoza • Photos By Matt Johnson • Sponsored
Diane Kelton, President of Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center strives to improve the health of others, offering a place of luxury for members to escape. Her mission is to provide a rich and rewarding experience for all members, nonmembers, and her staff.
“Before I became President, I was actually a member of Milestone,” says Diane. She transitioned from a member of the club to an employee in the late 90’s when the club was in need of an accountant. Diane oversaw the construction and the opening of the new Baptist Milestone back in 2000 with many amazing staff and directors that are actually still with Milestone today, including Sue Schonberger.
“The partnership with Baptist Health has been incredibly positive,” says Diane. The Healthcare system runs physical therapy upstairs in the wellness center for those just coming out of surgery or in need of a physical therapist. Sue Tamme, who was very instrumental in the partnership between the hospital and Milestone, was President of what is now Baptist Health Louisville. It was her goal to create a Wellness Center that focused on health rather than sickness. Though retiring from her position at the hospital, she continues her involvement with the Center, serving on the Board as Board Chair since 2007. Diane notes that Sue Tamme’s leadership skills have set a professional example for her.
Milestone offers an amazing cafe, HMR food solutions program, aquatics, childcare, spa, group exercise classes, personal training, pilates, and much more.
Diane enjoys the luxury of having her nails done to pamper herself and enjoy the added amenities in the club. For more than 30 years, Milestone has received numerous awards including the best facility to workout, best spa, and best ranked personal trainers in the city. This 70,000 square foot facility has earned its title as one of Louisville’s Best Facilities.
Diane has always acknowledged her skills are on the business side, not the fitness.
Over the years, she has hired talented staff with great fitness and health knowledge. One of those is Lisa Groft, who started as a fitness specialist in 2003.
In 2012, Lisa was promoted to co- fitness director with Maria Bernard. As Diane and Sue Tamme watched the fitness department and personal training department grow over the next several years, they also saw Lisa’s ability as a leader. Lisa has now obtained her MBA and was named Chief Operating Officer in 2023.
With over 4000 members, Baptist Milestone offers a place of belonging. Our vision at Baptist Milestone is to enhance the health and well being of the community through quality staff, quality service, and unsurpassed customer service. We welcome all fitness enthusiasts to experience and explore Baptist Health Milestone.
Alison Cardoza, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone Wellness Center. BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a minor in Health Promotions from the University of Louisville. Former UofL Ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.
By RUSS BROWN • Photos Provided By Louisville Athletics
Sure, 11th-ranked Louisville was dominated by No. 19 Kansas in its opening exhibition game, trailing by as many as 18 points in a 90-82 loss, but that did nothing to cool coach Pat Kelsey’s optimism and enthusiasm for his team’s outlook this season.
“I told the guys, one thing they don’t have to worry about, which is our team is going to be really, really good,” Kelsey said. “We will get better because of the things we’ll learn from watching tape of that game. We will look back at this and be able to be good really quick.”
The Cards will certainly need to fast track their development because Kelsey has put together one of the toughest non-conference schedules in the nation before ACC gets underway in January. And U of L won’t waste any time, hosting No. 9 Kentucky on the earliest date in the modern history of the series, on Nov. 11. In case you missed it, the Wildcats preseason won against No. 1 Purdue 78-65 in an exhibition game in Rupp Arena and Boilermakers coach Matt Painter said it could have been worse.
On Nov. 21 comes a trip to Cincinnati. Then in December U of L will travel to No. 14 Arkansas, play unranked but highly-regarded Indiana in Indianapolis, host Memphis and face No. 18 Tennessee on the road.
“We’ll be alright, we got punched early last year too,” said returning starter J’Vonne Hadley, referring to a 77-55 homecourt shellacking by Tennessee. “We’re a really talented team. You guys (the media) will see it when it all comes together for sure.”
Kelsey has said that his second Louisville team could be “special.” He engineered the biggest turnaround in the country last year, soaring from eight wins in Kenny Payne’s final season to a 27-8 record. Despite having to replace every single scholarship player on the roster with transfers, the Cards finished just one game behind ACC regular season champion Duke with an 18-2 mark, advanced to the league tournament title game for the first time since joining the conference in 2014-15 and earned the program’s first NCAA Tournament berth in six years.
Now U of L faces heightened expectations, as evidenced by its preseason ranking. But the players are willingly embracing the pressure.
“Our mindset is the same whether we’re ranked 25th, first, or nothing at all,” returning forward/center Kasean Pryor said. “We’ve got veteran guys, we have high standards, and there’s always pressure at Louisville. Pressure is a reward. We’re excited for the opportunity and looking forward to making a run at being No. 1 in the country.”
“Louisville basketball has a rich history of winning and success,” Hadley said. “Every time we put on that jersey, we’ve got to prove something and just hoop. That’s really all there is.”
Once again, U of L has an extensively revamped roster, although not approaching last year’s wholesale change. Hadley, a transfer from Colorado, is the only full-time returning regular, opening all 35 games while averaging 12.2 points and a team-best 7.4 rebounds. Pryor played in seven games, starting three, before suffering an ACL tear in the seventh outing against Oklahoma in the Battle 4 Atlantis championship and missing the rest of the season. He didn’t play against Kansas.
The Cards will feature seven newcomers, headed by guard Mikel Brown, who is expected to be an NBA lottery pick, plus sophomore guard Khani Rooths and two players who redshirted last year -- Aly Khalifa and Kobe Rodgers. Kelsey says the chemistry among the players, which was a strong suit last season, was again evident soon after summer workouts began.
“We’re very particular in who we recruit, not just in athleticism and length and basketball skill, but the character piece is very, very important,” Kelsey said. “And it’s much easier to put together a team that’s centered on that power unit, which is based on love for teammates, that’s their true nature, that’s who they are at their core. So I love how the guys have come together, how chemistry has come together. It’s a really good group.”
Similar to last season, Kelsey is emphasizing defense, saying that is the factor that will determine the team’s level of success.
“The caliber of our team will be the caliber of defense we become,” he said. “We’ll be able to score. That’s not in question. But the identity has to be defense, above all. We’re always going to be a bow your neck, grit your teeth, gritty, tough man-to-man team. But we’ll add some variations that I won’t tell you about. I’m not going to give away all our secrets yet.”
Last season was marketed as “ReviVILLE”, but no slogan has been revealed for this season and Kelsey said there won’t be one because it isn’t necessary.
“I just don’t think at Louisville, you need a word every year,” Kelsey explained. “You don’t need a big marketing slogan to get the people in this town excited. Like there is no apathy. There never has been, never will be. So the next thing is all we say to our guys every day about the identity of this team, it’s just to be a great Louisville Cardinal team. That’s our aspiration.
“I can’t tell you how excited I am to coach this team this year,” he said. “People talk a lot about the ReviVILLE team last year. That’s last year. This group has a chance to be special, a special makeup of young men both from an experience standpoint, talent standpoint, leadership standpoint.”
Including UK, U of L will play its first four games in the KFC Yum! Center, with warmups against South Carolina State (Nov. 3) and Jackson State (Nov. 6) before the Wildcats’ visit. The toughest stretch will come one month into the season when the Cards will face Arkansas, IU, Memphis and Tennessee in succession from Dec. 3-16.
UOFL BACK IN CONTENTION FOR ACC TITLE
By RUSS BROWN • Photos Provided By UofL Athletics
Louisville’s football season began with aspirations of an Atlantic Coast Conference championship and the berth of the enlarged 12-team College Football Playoff, but approaching mid-season, those goals looked like pipe dreams. The Cardinals’ erratic performances led to an upset loss at home to Virginia and, with a trip to No. 2 Miami on the horizon, they looked like they were on the verge of dropping out of contention in the ACC.
That’s no longer the case, though. U of L pulled off a stunning 24-21 upset of the Hurricanes, who were a two-touchdown favorite, and now the Top-25-ranked Cards are in the thick of the league title race heading into their final four ACC regular season games.
However, they’re going to need some help to get there. As the Voice-Tribune went to press ahead of a game at Virginia Tech on Nov. 1, U of L, 6-1 overall, stood at 3-1 in the conference. Virginia leads the league at 4-0 and holds the tiebreaker for a spot in the championship game in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 6 by virtue of its win over the Cards, who in turn have the edge over Miami. Georgia Tech is also unbeaten at 5-0 and the Yellow Jackets don’t face Louisville this season.
So the margin of error and U of L can’t afford another slipup.
Thus Brohm has warned his players that “you can’t take your foot off the gas.”
In U of L’s favor is a user-friendly schedule the rest of the way. There are no remaining ranked teams, and after Virginia Tech, two of the last three ACC games are at home, the exception being a trip to dangerous SMU (5-3, 3-1 ACC). Miami is still considered the odds on favorite to reach the championship contest and Duke (3-1), another team U of L won’t face, is also lurking. The Cards will likely be favored in all three games down the stretch in November -- against California (5-3, 2-2 ACC), Clemson (3-4, 2-3) in L&N Stadium and the Mustangs.
“Miami was a big game for us,” Brohm said. “Our players came ready to play and we played a full game to the end, but it only counts as one win. It’s a one-game season every week and we’ll continue to preach that. In my opinion, anybody can beat anybody. You see it every week. So you’ve got to prepare well, have a good plan, execute and do a lot of things right in order to win. That’s just how college football works. Hopefully, our team realizes that the work has to be put in, then you’ve got to perform and pass the test on game day.
“One thing I think stands out about this team is that our guys play hard. Even when things aren’t super efficient and super smooth, we hang in there and we try to make adjustments. Some of them work, some of them don’t, but these guys want to win and we’ll continue to work as hard as we can to win the next one.”
Some other things also stand out for the Cards. Offensively, they have two elite playmakers in preseason all-ACC first team running back Isaac Brown and wide receiver Chris Bell, another all-ACC first team selection. Brown is finally healthy, as he proved in a 38-24 win over Boston College on Oct. 25 by rushing for a career-high 205 yards on just 14 carries. Bell has had three 100-yard games in his last four outings. He leads the ACC in receiving yards with 687 (98.1 per game) on 48 catches and is third nationally. Then there’s Caullin Lacy, who is a threat at both receiver and kick/punter returner, and backup running back Keyjuan Brown, who is also capable of big plays.
“We need to continue to try to get the ball in the hands of our playmakers as often as possible,” Brohm says.
The offense gets plenty of help from U of L’s defense, which is one of the best in the nation. The Cards lead the ACC and are 10th in the country in total defense, allowing 286.3 yards per game. Their 12 interceptions also are on top of the conference and rank sixth nationally.
So the stage is set to find out if the Cards can come up with a big finish in the conference going into their annual rivalry showdown with Kentucky in L&N Stadium on Nov. 29.
By Kathryn Harrington
As the calendar inches toward the end of the year, Louisville proves it’s not ready to hibernate just yet. Our fair city will be rolling out a slew of events that mix giving back, glitz, and a healthy dose of winter wonder.
First up, the Gilda’s Club of Louisville will host their annual Gilda’s Night on November 7. Named after the legendary Gilda Radner and dedicated to celebrating community and resilience, this night brings together local luminaries for a cause that hits close to home: supporting those affected by cancer. You can expect good food, great company, and enough goodwill to power a small city, all in honor of a comedy icon who proved that laughter really is the best medicine.
Next up, the Muhammad Ali Center Humanitarian Awards reminds us why Louisville is proud to call Ali “The Greatest.” This glamorous event honors those who exemplify Ali’s spirit of compassion, activism, and relentless pursuit of justice. It’s an inspiring night of stories, accolades, and perhaps a few memorable quotes—because if anyone could turn social conscience into a graceful art form, it was Ali himself.
As the leaves fall, the Festival of Trees and Lights kicks off, transforming Slugger Stadium into a dazzling display of holiday cheer. From November 14-16, glittering trees, elaborate decorations, and hundreds of twinkle lights will outshine even your smartphone’s brightest flash. It’s the perfect precursor to the season of giving, where families ooh and ahh, kids get special visits from Santa, and everyone starts feeling just a little more festive. Plus, all of those beautiful trees will be for sale to raise funds for Norton Children’s Hospital.
And then, just when your holiday spirit has been sufficiently ignited, on November 22 the Norton Snow Ball brings the winter fantasy to life, without the cold! This elegant fundraiser combines frosty elegance with warm-hearted fun, featuring dinner, dancing, and perhaps a few snow-themed surprises (think: faux snow, because Louisville’s snow game is still a work in progress). It’s a night for anyone looking to toast to hope, health, and the holiday season. All funds raised at the Snow Ball benefit Norton Children’s through the Norton Children’s Hospital Foundation.
So, whether you’re raising a glass at the Ali Center, marveling at glittering trees, or simply enjoying the charity chic of the Norton Snow Ball, Louisville’s November scene proves that this city masters the art of celebration, even before the Christmas carols truly start. It’s a month blending purpose with party, kindness with glitter, and the everyday magic that turns Louisville into a place where community and cheer go hand in hand.
MARTINIS& MISTLETOE
Thursday, December 4, 2025 5 to 8 pm
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