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COREY BOSTON corey@townepost.com (502) 407-0185
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
JESSICA ABLE
MELISSA GIBSON
BAILEY GOLDSTEIN
ROBERT JONES
GAVIN LAPAILLE
GRACE SCHAEFER
JULIE YATES
TOWNE POST NETWORK,
FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599 PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
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CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
MANAGING EDITOR DEVON DEAN
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
CONTACT
Story re-published due to printing error.
When Todd Ovington graduated from high school, he took what he thought was a short-term job with a friend’s dad installing windows. Now, Ovington owns Windows Plus, one of Louisville’s largest window companies. Since 2017 Windows Plus has strived to put quality first, by providing a variety of services that can improve the appearance and value of homes for many years.
Serving central Kentucky and southeastern Indiana, including Louisville, Lexington, Elizabethtown and Clarksville, Windows Plus uses high-quality products for solutions towards window replacement, door replacement, home siding, kitchen cabinet refacing and bathroom remodeling. From initial design consultation to expert installations that are quick, easy and mess free, the Windows Plus team wants to provide superior customer service at every
IMPROVING HOMES, IMPROVING LIVES
WINDOWS PLUS IS IN GEAR FOR SUMMER
Writer / Gavin LaPaille
phase of the remodel process.
“We have a true lifetime warranty so we only offer products that we can stand behind,” Ovington said. “Most companies offer a limited lifetime guarantee with a lot of exclusions. Windows Plus warranty does not reflect that.”
Ovington’s journey into owning a window installation company was long, as he worked for several different companies performing various tasks before branching out on his own. While out on jobs, he often felt the quality of products was not up to the standards he would want for his own home. Ovington’s main motive for starting Windows Plus was to ensure customers are getting what they are expecting when purchasing windows.
“I wanted to work independently to ensure customers received the quality they deserved; your home is a safe place,” Ovington said. “As a subcontractor replacing windows, I noticed that many customers were being sold subpar products. When I started my own company, I wanted to offer a product that would stand the test of time with a warranty that supports that. I’m a pretty meticulous person. I take pride in my attention to detail in the home improvement industry. I realized after doing it for many
years not everyone is as meticulous as I was. I always strive to be the best.”
With over 50 employees and a wide variety of services offered, Windows Plus offers expertise in all of its products to ensure the greatest quality. Warranties protect the entire lifespan of the products as set forth by the manufacture, and can be transferred to new homeowners. The attention to detail has paid off, as Windows Plus comes with high praise. Windows Plus has an A+ rating and accreditation with the Better Business Bureau, and was the 2018 recipient of Angi Super Service Award.
Initially providing just windows and door remodeling, Windows Plus eventually expanded to other services including siding and guttering, before eventually adding shower and bathroom remodeling to its repertoire. Recently Windows Plus has started kitchen cabinet styling, an area of the business Ovington hopes to grow over time.
“Everything is handled in-house; we have W2 employees,” Ovington said. “We focus on training and hiring a specialist for each specific product. Our systems and training processes are fully documented to ensure that every team member is highly skilled and effectively installing the products we offer.”
Known as the Pink Team, Ovington chose pink as the official color for Windows Plus, as no other companies seemed to use pink. Windows Plus also partnered with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in Louisville for several years to further highlight its association with the color pink. The color makes Windows Plus very visible, with its headquarters right off Interstate 64 near the Blankenbaker Parkway exit, and its trucks driving around Louisville.
“My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer around the time I started the company,” Ovington said. “I noticed an increasing number of people being diagnosed with breast cancer, which inspired me to support the cause. When I founded Windows Plus, many companies used colors like red or blue, but none had embraced pink.”
On its website, Windows Plus shows the numerous past projects its staff has completed on a wide range of homes all over the region, generally servicing about 100 customers per week. With the interactive map, customers can easily see the location of Ovington’s past work and what
products were purchased, with the ability to filter down to the different job types. Also on the website there are many customer testimonials supporting Ovington and his team for work they have completed, and a regularly updated blog gives tips on how to approach different remodeling projects. Costs can vary considering the size and scope of the home’s needs, but Ovington is committed to ensuring his team doesn’t cut corners and gives customers exactly what they paid for.
“We want to make sure customers choose a product that fits the area we live in,” Ovington said. “Our windows and doors are built to withstand all four seasons, and we’re the ones actually doing the work. Many competitors rely on subcontractors to complete the work. When an issue occurs, homeowners can often feel frustrated and get the runaround. We call this the home improving waltz, where no one wants to take responsibility for the mistake, and homeowners are left chasing down someone to fix it. At Windows Plus we take full responsibility for our installations. Many competitors add service fees for products
still under warranty, charging the customer for labor or repairs. At Windows Plus we believe this should be included. If you call us, you deal directly with our team. We respond promptly without service fees.”
Windows Plus offers free estimates, and it typically takes about six to eight weeks from order to install, with products usually installed in just one day. Ovington understands not everyone can afford to pay for all services up front. Windows Plus offers finance options that offer the flexibility some customers are after. Potential customers can obtain a free quote by submitting their name, address, phone number, email and project type they are envisioning. From the time of purchase, every customer’s job is reviewed by multiple departments to ensure the remodel process is completed accurately and efficiently. Even with the unpredictable nature of local weather patterns, Windows Plus rarely reschedules jobs and works in all conditions. The company regularly offers special promotions and discounts, and welcomes any questions.
At Windows Plus the focus isn’t just on selling products; its ensuring homeowners have all the information they need to make the best decision for their home. “We’ll come out and do a full, healthy home inspection at no charge,” Ovington said. “We create a priority list for the customer, so if and when they decide to move forward, they have all the information they need to make a decision.”
Windows Plus serves a diverse range of homeowners, from those in million-dollar estates to those in mobile homes. “I wouldn’t say there is a typical customer,” Ovington said. “We work with all types of homes and homeowners, ensuring that everyone receives
the same level of care and quality service.”
Being locally owned and operated means Ovington lives in the same community as his customers, making him passionate about ensuring a high-quality standard.
At Windows Plus, customer-centered service is a top priority, something that sets the company apart in an industry dominated by franchises and large corporations. “We’re not a franchise or a corporation,” Ovington said. “Most of the options out there are.”
By maintaining full control over both product quality and customer
service, Windows Plus delivers a level of accountability and care that larger companies often cannot match. For homeowners that means peace of mind, knowing they are working with a team that stands behind their promise every step of the way.
“We ensure that our customers receive exactly the service, product and warranty they deserve,” Ovington said.
For more information on Windows Plus, customers can call 502-632-3112 or visit windowsplusky.com.
Chenoweth Appliances is locally owned and operated by Danny & Wayne Lyons Our sales team: Steve Combs, Mark Cain, Rodney Kistner, Mary Kay Head and Kristen Lyons
TELLING KENTUCKY’S STORY
FEDERAL FUNDING CUT COULD IMPACT STATEWIDE PROGRAM
Writer / Jessica Able
Ever wondered about the origins of Bluegrass music, the legacy of Kentucky authors, or the lore of the Appalachian Mountains?
That’s exactly what Kentucky Humanities aims to explore through its mission to educate Kentuckians on the rich history, culture, literature, philosophy and anthropology of the commonwealth.
“Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone can learn from the story of others,” reads a
passage from the organization’s website.
It’s a belief Executive Director Bill Goodman hopes to impress upon all Kentuckians.
“The humanities are what make you human — anything you deal with in life, whether that is speaking, reading, philosophy, music, art, pedagogy, education or literacy,” Goodman said.
But Kentucky Humanities’ ability to tell the
state’s story is at risk. On April 2, 2025, the organization learned that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had eliminated all of its federal funding. Kentucky Humanities typically receives an $850,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, awarded through congressional approval.
Goodman said the current administration has proposed zero funding for the National Endowment for the Humanities — and the 56 state councils it supports, including
Kentucky Humanities — in the 2026 federal budget.
“Every program and support for our administrative staff will be affected. The funding cut will be devastating to our operation,” he said.
Kentucky Humanities is an independent nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. In addition to federal support, it is funded by private contributions. Each year, the organization supports more than 550 public humanities programs across Kentucky. Since its founding in 1972, it has invested more than $18 million in humanities programming for Kentuckians.
The organization began after the creation of the National Endowment for the Humanities at the federal level. Initially, it focused on awarding grants to various local organizations. Over time, it expanded
its own programming to foster greater appreciation and understanding of the humanities statewide.
One of its first programs was a speaker series, featuring scholars who presented to civic clubs, churches and classrooms. That effort eventually led to the launch of the Kentucky Chautauqua program in 1992, during Kentucky’s bicentennial celebration. The program brings history to life through historical interpreters who portray key figures from the state’s past.
In his eight years with Kentucky Humanities, Goodman, a former journalist, has seen firsthand the impact of the organization’s work.
“We tell the story of Kentucky. We try to use that theme in all the programs we do. Whether that is a literacy program or a living history representation — we are telling the story of the people of Kentucky,” he said.
In the most recent “Report to the People,” Goodman wrote: “We brought the humanities to you — in your house, in your car, on your morning run, and in your mailbox with new episodes of ‘Think History,’ new episodes of ‘Think Humanities’ released each Wednesday, and new editions of Kentucky Humanities magazine delivered in the spring and fall.”
According to Goodman, Kentucky Humanities helps residents connect more deeply with their state. It’s not just about history — it’s about sharing the stories of inventors, musicians, poets, judges, architects and farmers from all 120 counties.
“The Kentucky Humanities has brought to life the history of Kentucky. A lot of people automatically dismiss history as not being interesting,” Goodman said. “But programs like our Speakers Bureau and Kentucky Chautauqua make history come to life.”
In 2023, the Chautauqua program presented 215 performances to schools, libraries and community organizations across 60 counties, reaching more than 17,000 people. The program added two new historical characters in 2023: a young Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Forrest Loeffler, and Madame Mentelle, an educator of young women, portrayed by Dr. Simonetta Cochis.
OTHER INITIATIVES INCLUDE:
• Think History, a 90-second radio segment.
• Think Humanities, a podcast.
• Kentucky Humanities magazine.
• Speakers Bureau.
• Prime Time Family Reading, which promotes family literacy.
• KBF School Days.
• Museum on Main Street, which brings Smithsonian exhibits across the state.
• Youth Innovation in Rural America, which engages young people in leadership and creativity.
• Kentucky Reads.
• The Kentucky Book Festival.
Kentucky Reads selects a novel each year for scholar-led discussions in libraries, book clubs and community organizations. The 2024 selection is Scissors, Paper, Rock by Fenton Johnson, a family saga set in rural Nelson County.
Nonprofits can host a discussion for a $50 booking fee and receive 15 copies of the book, along with a list of available scholars.
The Kentucky Book Festival celebrates reading, writing and publishing, featuring authors from Kentucky and beyond. The 2025 festival will be held Nov. 1 at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Lexington.
A new event — the Kentucky Book Festival: Louisville Edition — will take place June 14 in the Paristown Arts District from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In 2022, following historic flooding in eastern Kentucky, Kentucky Humanities secured emergency funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities to help cultural institutions recover. The organization awarded $20,000 disaster relief grants to five cultural sites.
“In addition, we were encouraged by the NEH to come up with programming to help all cultural institutions prepare for and
mitigate damage during future disasters,” Goodman wrote. “Our four-part webinar series is a fantastic resource for everyone.”
Based in Lexington, the nonprofit is housed rent-free by the University of Kentucky and serves communities statewide.
“We’ve been around a long time and are very proud of what we do. We want more people to know what we do — and what we can do for them,” Goodman said. “Kentucky Humanities exists to tell Kentucky’s story.”
To learn more, visit kyhumanities.org.
A KENTUCKY CANVAS
LOUISVILLE SCULPTOR UNVEILS TWO NEW WORKS
Writer / Bailey Goldstein
Birth of Hope
Although some Louisville residents may not know him by name, everyone in Kentucky has likely seen the work of artist Dave Caudill. His sculptures are on display at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in Crestwood, Fayette County Detention Center in Lexington, and Eastern Kentucky University’s School of Music in Richmond.
For the savant who completed two public artworks in the state last year, Kentucky is his canvas and the world is a gallery.
“As a matter of philosophy, I believe that art enhances creativity in the culture, whether someone is making it or looking at it,” says Caudill. “A lot of people don’t go to galleries and museums. But if you put a piece in the public, it affects them. It changes them.”
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His sculpture “Fanfare” was unveiled at EKU’s School of Music in fall 2024.
Caudill designed “Fanfare” as a destination piece to lure visitors toward the beautiful music of students and faculty. Shaped like an exclamation mark, the sculpture boasts stainless steel sides laser cut with the names of music pioneers, university programs and images of instruments.
“Many times with public work, it needs to have a cultural and physical context that makes it more significant to that particular place,” Caudill says.
In 2024, Caudill became the first artist commissioned by Lexington’s Percent for Art Program, supporting new works of art that are accessible to the public for free. The result was “The Birth of Hope”, a 30-foot-tall sculpture installed at the entrance to the Lexington Detention Center.
“It’s a place that’s so serious that only something that was equally serious was
Fanfare
Dave Caudill
Photo by Matt Johnson
going to work,” Caudill says. “Hope was the single most important factor I could relate to that would be important to everyone involved with the community at the detention center, whether they’re inmates or families or staff.”
“The Birth of Hope” is a gesture of upraised arms and hands, from which emerges a nest that erupts into an abstract form. At the base of the sculpture are planted sunflowers, which blossom into a riot of yellows and browns during summer.
“When we look up and see sculpture against a blue sky, it literally is blue sky thinking. It opens you up to a subtle push toward the same kind of mind frame that kids have,” Caudill says. “Everything is a marvel and stimulates curiosity. That was important to ‘The Birth of Hope’.”
The dedication ceremony took place May 7, 2025, emceed by Mayor Linda Gorton. Chief of Corrections Col. Scott Colvin told Caudill when the pair first met that the
two characteristics required to work at the detention center are courage and empathy.
“He said the day of the dedication that it was so important that the staff of that facility be able to encourage the people who are incarcerated,” Caudill says. “To give them as much encouragement as possible toward a future when they got out.”
Currently, 18 of Caudill’s stainless steel garden sculptures are on exhibit at Yew Dell Gardens. Compound curves in his sculptures create dynamic movement as the viewer walks around his work. Caudill describes his Yew Dell Gardens collection as rhythmic, like a kind of visual music.
“The surface of stainless is highly reflective. The way it responds to different kinds of light is really great,” Caudill says. “Under moonlight or streetlight, it can be very subtle and sublime. Under a full blazing sun, it’s just amazing.”
Repeat visitors are encouraged to view
Mountain Birdsong in the garden
his garden sculptures on different days, at different times and in various weather for a complete experience.
“When you put that reflective work in a garden, it picks up all the colors in the surroundings, whether it’s the sky or the grain of grass or flowers,” Caudill says. “Art in a landscape serves to me as a metaphor of humanity and harmony with nature.”
Entwining art with nature is nothing new to Caudill. The artist first gained international recognition for “Angel of Harmony”. The piece was created as an artificial reef, located on a seabed near Nassau, Bahamas.
“When divers and snorkelers and swimmers saw it, it instantly said that it belongs there,”
Caudill says. “Because coral is growing all over it and the fish are surrounding it.”
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the undersea sculpture. The 74-year-old reminisced on his decades-spanning career.
“I always ascribe it to luck because I don’t know that I’m any more talented than anybody else,” Caudill says. “The Angel of Harmony” was the first piece that I did that I thought had real significance to anybody in the world.”
The breakthrough piece allowed him to pursue his passion as a full-time career.
“I became much more serious about the kinds of things that I wanted to do, and it
gave me more ambition,” Caudill says.
He gained further global attention for “The Bolivian Odyssey”, a stone labyrinth based on the design of a human fingerprint. The work, created as a walking meditation in Bolivia, was featured in CODAworx’s 2024 book “The Economic Power of Public Art”.
Caudill first pitched the idea for his labyrinth to Louisville funders but was unable to attract interest. On a bus ride to a sculptors’ conference in Pittsburgh, Caudill struck up a conversation with Bolivian American artist María Teresa CamachoHull. She asked if Caudill would fly out to Bolivia and build the project there.
“I jumped at the opportunity,” Caudill
Dave and Bolivian Odyssey
says. “It was a chance to realize the implementation of a concept that I’d been working on for a long time.”
Caudill and three staffers at the Ars.Natura. Uta Arts and Culture Center built the colossal piece, measuring half the size of a football field. Camacho-Hull chose a giant native eucalyptus root to serve as the labyrinth’s centerpiece.
“This root seems to be coming up out of the earth and reaching for the heavens, and it sits in a small reflecting pool,” Caudill says. “To her, it served as a reminder of humanity being connected to the earth, so it was a great addition to the concept.”
Caudill is still waiting on a funder
to commission his idea for an urban companion piece to “The Bolivian Odyssey” with colorful terrazzo elements. The design for the proposed installation is available on Caudill’s website.
“So far, I haven’t been able to sell it, but there’s always hope,” Caudill says.
Several of his bronze sculptures are on exhibit and for sale at the Moremen Gallery. Whether on a coffee table or mantle, his smaller sculptures intended for private collections inspire art collectors.
“It gives the person who owns the sculpture a chance to play,” Caudill says. “Art is just a serious form of play, if you can imagine the irony in that.”
More of his public work can be seen at Louisiana’s Rip Van Winkle Gardens, East Tennessee’s Horizon Center Park, the University of Kentucky’s Singletary Center for the Arts and the University of Louisville School of Music.
“Even if you’re not attracted to abstract work,” says Caudill, “if you see it often enough, you’ll enjoy it more.”
Dave Caudill Art is available for commissions. You can contact him by email at dave@caudillart.com or by phone at 502-457-4769. For more information, visit him online at davecaudillart.squarespace.com.
SWITCH-RITE SIMPLIFIES LIGHTING
INDIANA FATHER-SON DUO REDESIGNS LIGHT SWITCH PLATES FOR FUNCTION AND STYLE
Writer / Melissa Gibson Photographer / Robert Jones
If you’ve ever stayed in an Airbnb or VRBO rental, you’ve likely spent several minutes figuring out the lights — which switch goes to which room or lighting source.
In homes with open floor plans, it’s not uncommon to see four or five switches to control three connecting rooms. In the past, we’d break out the masking tape and mark which switch worked for what, right?
Tom Cox and his son, Chris, have an alternative for this.
“I’ve been a home builder since 1999 and
a carpenter before that, and I’ve always had an interest in mechanical things. It’s a rewarding process to put together a project with all of the trades involved,” Tom Cox said. “One of the silly little problems we’d encounter was when a customer has meticulously labeled all the switches, and one time, I was asked if there was any better method. To be quite honest, the answer was ‘no.’ Even the best labeling attempt looks a little goofy compared to this nice, new home you’ve built.”
Cox was convinced there must be a way to create a switch plate that included an
identifier, and seven years ago, he started the tedious process of drawing, sketching and brainstorming.
“My son was exiting the service and getting married. He moved back to Indiana and wanted to work with me, so I thought, maybe now is the time,” Cox said. “We started with the patent attorney, then the engineering process and met with mold manufacturers. We were able to utilize resources right here in Indiana from design, engineering, mold production, testing and adjustments.”
Switch-Rite provides light switches with a label or plastic insert flush with the plate, identifying what room or device the switch operates.
Customers have the option of choosing inserts like “Living Room” and “Office,” but also “Fireplace,” “Ceiling Fan” and “Stairs.”
They even improved the classic light switch plate to solve more problems than just the labeling itself.
“When I would turn over a new home to the customer, I’d walk through it with a very detailed list of things, and you want to provide something that’s new and aesthetically pleasing,” Cox said. “We made these switch plates slightly deeper than what you normally find because a conventional plate is about 30/100 of an inch from meeting the wall. It used to drive me nuts. The solution to that was to caulk, but when we developed this, we also made sure we had plenty of room for our label and everything to fit properly.”
3D
3D WALK ANALYSIS
As of August 2024, the Switch-Rite product has been made available to homeowners, but they’re concentrating on new builders, hotels and rental companies too.
“Our main goal is to create awareness. I think a lot of people simply don’t realize this is available yet. It’s something that’s always intrigued me. If we turned this or moved this over a little, it would look so much nicer, so we’re just tweaking things to make it a little better,” Cox said.
Visit lightswitchlabels.com to order or for more information.
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JULY CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Reclining casually
Zoo inmate
Tropical root vegetables
Rectangular courtyard
Uncomfortable (situation)
Scrapes by, ... out a living
Twitch
Undressed
Mosquito-borne fever
Middle-age spread
Wisecrack
Flying toy
Ballroom dance, ... doble
—Jared Fox Matthews, Fox Den Billiards, Bites & Brews Owner.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TOGETHER
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES BRINGS
Writer / Grace Schaefer
It began in 1981, when Jef Conner and Hunt Rounsavall found themselves in the hallways of a hospital as their infant daughter, Christine, received treatment for neuroblastoma. But what they didn’t expect was that hospital hallway was also a hotel—parents spent their days and nights in those halls because, often enough, home was simply too far away.
“[They] didn’t feel comforted by that,” says April Sage, director of communications for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana, “that families had to go through so much stress when there was already stress from their child being in the hospital.” Partnering with Dr. Sal Bertolone, the family opened the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana in 1984, 10 years after the first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia.
“Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana is a home away from home for families who have children who need medical care or healthcare away from their hometown and seek that in Louisville,” Sage says. “So a lot of the people we serve are from across the state, sometimes other states and even across the world. It’s for families who need to travel for that medical care—they can’t find that care in their hometown.” Ronald McDonald House provides a free room and nightly meals. And with their 2020 renovation, during which
they added 20 rooms, they have shifted to an even more accessible approach. “When we did that expansion, we realized a lot of the families we were serving were families that were participating in the Frazier Rehab trials ... and when we did our renovation, we were very intentional on making spaces that were accessible for those families, so that they could get around with ease and not feel like there were barriers for them.”
Not only do they provide a place for families to call home during their time in Louisville, but the charity has also worked to make healthcare settings feel more like home. “Over time, we realized that there were needs for more services that went beyond our house. So, in 1992, we opened our first Ronald McDonald Family Room in Norton Women’s and Children’s Hospital.” Today, the charity has three Family Room locations, having added rooms at Norton Children’s Hospital and Frazier Rehab Institute. The Family Room is a space within the hospital where families can
go for some much-needed rest. There are showers, snacks, places to sleep and more, depending on location—it’s like a miniature Ronald McDonald House for families to use without setting foot outside the healthcare setting.
With such a variety of options, the charity is truly in place to impact as many families as possible. “A lot of our families come to us sometimes in crisis. We have a lot of families who have children premature, and they can’t get the specialized care in their community, so they must travel, in a crisis mode, to Louisville to seek that care. And a lot of times, they don’t really know what their next thing is going to be—they don’t know where they’re going to sleep, where they’re going to eat. They’re really focused on the care of their child. And thankfully, we’re able to be there for them, so we can take ... one of those worries, two of those worries away, so they really can focus on the health and well-being of their children,” Sage reflects. “Last year we served a little
over 1,200 families at our house program, and that saved families $3.3 million in food and lodging cost. So, they were able to fully put that focus on their child versus having to figure out the logistics of where to stay.”
Throughout the year, the charity keeps families engaged, whether they are actively on location or not. “We put a lot of effort into activities for the families who are staying here during the summer,” Sage says. “We have a lot of repeat families who come back and do three-month trials at Frazier Rehab. We really try to keep them engaged through activities. We connect with different partners across the city to find some places that they can go and get outside of the house, like the Louisville Zoo [and] the Kentucky Science Center. And that helps break up the mundane of going to the
hospitals; so, we try to find opportunities for them.”
But in their service of families who have made Louisville their temporary home, the charity is significantly impacted by Louisville’s locals. It is volunteers who make evening meals for the families, and it is community members whose donations fund those families’ no-cost stays. As the summer continues, the charity will start a raffle in August, selling 1,984 tickets in honor of the year they opened. The next month, community members are welcome to attend “Intro to RMHCK” on Sept. 4—a lunch-and-learn for those interested in learning about the charity or getting involved. “We [also] participate in Give for Good Louisville, and it’s a really big fundraising event for us,” Sage says. “So we’d love the community to get involved with us there. We’re planning to be at the Louisville
Bats game that night as well, if people want to come out and say hi.”
“Families never expect to need us—but thanks to our community, we’re always ready when they do,” Sage says. “Just having that community there and people who really care makes a huge impact for our families.”
Ronald McDonald House is truly one big family—one made of the volunteers and donors who keep the spaces running, and the families—and the very special children—who make Louisville their temporary home. It is a family built on service and support; on finding rest and hope amid the struggle. And ultimately, it is a home away from home.
For more information about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana, including how to get involved, please visit rmhck.org.
THE YMCA FAMILY MUD RUN RETURNS JULY 26
Get ready for some mud-covered fun. Eagerly anticipated by Louisville-area families and young-at-heart adults, the annual YMCA Family Mud Run returns to the Oldham County YMCA on Saturday, July 26. Each year, participants age 4 and older enjoy getting dirty from head to toe as they navigate a muddy, obstacle-filled course.
“The Mud Run started in 2017, but then
IN THE MUD
Writer / Julie Yates
it was on a much smaller course and run by an outside company. We are located at 20 Quality Place in Buckner on 26 acres of land and thought, why don’t we just do it ourselves? Each year we make it bigger and trade out or add more obstacles. We are always trying to make it more fun; it’s never the same. We keep it interesting,” said Brittany Caple, associate executive director.
“We rent a backhoe. After digging and digging, we add water and the obstacles. Clay mud tends to stay on clothes, and as participants go through the course, they get muddier and muddier,” Caple said.
The untimed event is purely for fun and is not a fundraiser. It’s an activity offered to the Louisville community by the Oldham County YMCA. Most people complete the
Varied obstacles, such as plunge pits and rope climbs, add enjoyment to the event. Although forward progress might be temporarily hindered, the fun is not blocked. Family teamwork is evident, and there are plenty of staff and volunteers who lend helping hands along the way.
Each of the approximately 35 obstacles along the roughly 2-mile course involves mud. One of the most popular is Tubes of Doom, where huge slides deposit people into waist-high mud puddles. Participants climb out and immediately find themselves going back into the muck. Another crowdpleaser is the Infernal Pass, which consists of a balance beam over a pit full of water. Then, everyone climbs under a cargo net.
“You can walk it, jog it or run it. It’s very family-friendly, and if the group doesn’t feel like doing a certain obstacle, they can skip around it. Last year the temperature was almost 100 degrees. There are two water stations. The mud cools everyone off, and at the end, a fire truck sprays the mud off everyone with a low-pressure hose. All registered get a T-shirt, medal and snacks after completing the course,” Caple said.
Online registration is available on the Oldham County Family YMCA website, and the cost is $30 per person. The registration table opens at 8 a.m. Beginning at 8:30 a.m., waves of about 25 participants
are sent off to the muck and mire every 10 to 15 minutes. Specific start times can be requested when signing up.
“The Mud Run goes on until 3 p.m., and as long as people come before then, they can participate. There is plenty of parking in the facility lot. Wristbands are given at the registration table, and the entry fee can be paid there for those who haven’t already signed up online. We encourage people to wear old clothes and shoes they don’t care about. We see a lot of shoes floating in the water. Some people who have done it before come wearing goggles and duct tape shoes to their feet,” Caple said.
Caple shared that although a few people throw away the shoes they wore after the event, she has had good luck washing hers. While wearing headwear such as goggles might seem extreme, securing hair out of the face is wise. Getting dirty is what the fun is all about — just bring extra clothes to wear on the car ride home.
The Oldham County Family YMCA welcomes sponsors for the event. This year, Ameriprise Financial is a Gold Sponsor at the $1,000 level. Kroger is a Silver Sponsor, contributing $500 of in-kind donations by supplying snacks such as granola bars, fruit, water and drinks at the end of the course. Gatorade is donating Prime Hydration Sports Drinks.
As part of the YMCA of Greater Louisville, the Oldham County location offers programming to strengthen the community, with an emphasis on developing youth potential. Amenities include a fitness center with cardio and strength equipment and free weights. The facility has a gymnasium, group exercise classes and a cycling room. There is also an indoor swimming pool, sauna and locker rooms. Outside are hiking and biking trails, sports fields and an 18hole disc golf course.
Through its affiliation with the YMCA of Greater Louisville, the Oldham County
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branch offers members an array of classes and events for adults and youth. Examples include hip-hop dance camps, late-night basketball, color runs and sensory family swims at Calypso Cove. Among the classes are babysitting and CPR. Birthday party packages are available as well.
To join the YMCA, visit ymcalouisville. org and click on the Membership tab. After choosing a location, fee options — which vary with family size — are shown. Financial assistance is available through a sliding scale.
“Registration for the Mud Run is open right now on our website for participants and volunteers. We had 600 people take part in the run last year. We hope to surpass that number this year,” Caple said.
“I love to hear the comments from people during the event. At the start, there are Ninja Steps. People hop from one place to the next saying, ‘Oh my gosh! Mud!’ At the
end is a very small fire pit they cross over. By then, everyone is covered in mud. There are so many smiles. People are so happy. I can hear them saying, ‘That was the best thing ever!’” Caple said.
The YMCA Family Mud Run will be held Saturday, July 26, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oldham County Family YMCA.
The Oldham County Family YMCA is at 20 Quality Place, Buckner, Kentucky, 40010.
Registration at ymcalouisville.org is open for participants age 4 and older.
The registration fee is $30 per person.
For more information, call 502-222-3916 or email Brittany Caple at bcaple@ymcalouisville.org.
AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2025
JULY
View All Local Events or Submit Your Own
LOUISVILLE AREA EVENTS
2
CHICAGO
8 p.m.
Louisville Palace 625 S. Fourth St.
Doors open at 7 p.m. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Everyone, regardless of age, including babes in arms, must purchase a ticket.
GIRL’S NIGHT OUT CRUISE
7–9 p.m.
Belle of Louisville
REVEREND HORTON HEAT –PRESENTED BY 91.9 WFPK
8 p.m.
Mercury Ballroom 611 S. Fourth St.
4 ST. MATTHEWS INDEPENDENCE DAY 5K
8–10 a.m.
St. Matthews Baptist Church
Grandview Room
Join us at 8 a.m. Friday, July 4, for the St. Matthews Independence Day 5K. The race dates to the 1970s, and the course remains unchanged.
4
WATERFRONT PARK FOURTH OF JULY
6–10 p.m.
Big Four Lawn and Swing Garden
5
ROARCHESTRA 2025
7–10 p.m.
Louisville Zoo
The Louisville Orchestra and the Louisville Zoo partner for a musical evening.
8 THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS –PRESENTED BY 91.9 WFPK
8 p.m.
Mercury Ballroom 611 S. Fourth St.
An all-ages, standing-room venue. Doors open one hour before the event.
11
SOUTHERN ACCENTS – THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO TOM PETTY & THE HEARTBREAKERS
8 p.m.
Mercury Ballroom 611 S. Fourth St.
12
2025 JTOWN SUMMER BEER FEST
4–8 p.m.
Gaslight Pavilion 10434 Watterson Trail
IPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS
10 a.m.–noon
1411 Beckley Creek Parkway
Join local artist Ellen Sears to explore iPhone photography.
15
PRIMUS – ONWARD & UPWARD SUMMER TOUR 2025
7:30 p.m.
Iroquois Amphitheater 1080 Amphitheater Road
22 RYAN ADAMS: HEARTBREAKER ‘25 WORLD TOUR – PRESENTED BY 91.9 WFPK
8 p.m.
Louisville Palace
625 S. Fourth St.
Doors open at 7 p.m. All sales are final.
We test it out, make you an offer and CUT YOU A CHECK ON THE SPOT.
26
AN EVENING WITH VINCE GILL
7:30 p.m.
Kentucky Center for the Arts 501 W. Main St.
MILITARY FIGURES OF CAVE HILL –MILITARY HISTORY TWILIGHT WAGON TOUR
6–8 p.m.
Cave Hill Cemetery & Arboretum 701 Baxter Ave.
Tour the graves of veterans from major U.S. wars.
29
BARENAKED LADIES: LAST SUMMER ON EARTH 2025
7 p.m.
Iroquois Amphitheater 1080 Amphitheater Road
30
GROWN-UP STORYTIME
7–8:30 p.m. West Sixth NuLu 817 E. Market St., Suite 101
Submit a written story to be read at this monthly event.
WFPK WATERFRONT WEDNESDAY
5–10 p.m.
Big Four Lawn 129 W. River Road
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
WAGGENER HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASES STUDENT SUCCESS
Waggener High School hosted educators from across the country for a National Career Academy Coalition Insight Onsite visit. Ten school districts traveled to Waggener to learn its approach to career-focused education, showcasing the achievements of Jefferson County Public Schools’ Academies of Louisville.
Writer / Bailey Goldstein
The JCPS Academies of Louisville model launched in 2017 and represents a strategic shift in education. Fifteen JCPS high schools now organize learning around career themes and pathways.
This model allows students to choose an academy that sparks their interest, exploring fields like health sciences, information technology or business. Strong academics blend with practical career skills, including handson projects and partnerships with local businesses.
NCAC supports this career academy model. As a nonprofit, NCAC sets the standard for high-quality academies and offers accreditation. The Academies of Louisville align with NCAC principles.
Waggener High School exemplifies this
model’s effectiveness as Kentucky’s first school with NCAC accreditation for multiple academies. Waggener prepares students for the workforce with essential skills, knowledge and real-world experiences. Business partners include Humana, Baptist Health, Norton Healthcare and Fives Intralogistics Corp.
Waggener High School made strides in college and career readiness. Its postsecondary readiness rate rose from 30% at the end of 2018 to 79% by the end of 2024. All three of Waggener’s academies earned “Model” status from NCAC.
The Freshman Academy received the recognition in 2020 and later achieved “Model with Distinction,” ranking in the top 2% nationally. The Health Science Academy and the IT & Law Academy followed suit.
In spring 2025, Waggener High School invited 28 educators from across the nation
for the NCAC Insight Onsite visit. This event showcased the school’s Academies of Louisville model for student success.
Visitors from states including Connecticut, Tennessee and Hawaii engaged in tours of academy spaces, observed classroom instruction and interacted with students and staff to gain a comprehensive understanding
of Waggener’s approach to career-focused education.
Principal Dr. Sarah Hitchings noted that Waggener’s achievements stem from the culture of support among students and staff.
Dr. Hitchings said Waggener’s high teacher retention rate of 95.6% fosters a
stable, supportive learning environment. This consistency allows teachers to build relationships with students and develop an understanding of their individual needs, empowering them to reach their full potential.
Visitors said they left the event feeling inspired and ready to make changes in their own schools.
“I want our students to walk into that same type of culture that has been established here at Waggener, where everybody is important, everything you do is important,” says Dr. Toriano Holloway, superintendent of Vicksburg Warren School District in Mississippi. “If we can get our kids to feel that, then we’ll continue to be successful.”
The true testament to Waggener High School’s success resonates in the voices of its students. During the NCAC Insight Onsite visit, a panel of student ambassadors shared their personal experiences. For many, the academies cultivated a strong sense of
belonging and purpose.
“I really felt included in the Freshman Academy, like I found my place,” says Kayla, a Waggener freshman.
This sentiment is echoed by Lucas, a senior in the IT & Law Academy.
“I love the community here, and you really get to know people,” says Lucas.
Students highlighted the practical skills gained through their academy experiences.
Wyatt, a Health Science Academy senior, noted the value of “learning things that I can actually use, even if my specific career path changes.”
Lauren, a senior, explained how mock interviews helped her “learn to think on my feet and feel more prepared for future challenges.”
The supportive environment and teachers were frequently praised by students.
Carsen, a Health Science Academy senior, expressed his appreciation for teachers who “really care and go the extra mile to help you understand things.”
Max, an IT Academy senior, said he feels well-equipped for his future.
“The teachers here genuinely prepare you for what’s next,” says Max.
The experiences shared by Waggener’s students underscore the power of the academies model in fostering innovation, collaboration and a student-centered approach to education.
Their voices served as an inspiring conclusion to the NCAC Insight Onsite visit, leaving visiting educators with a clear understanding of the difference this model is making in the lives of students.
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Jamie W. Prostate Cancer, 2020