Flying Toward the Future
How Louisville Cadet Squadron is Training the Next Generation of Leaders
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Big Flavor
How Dan-O’s Seasoning Went From a Bartender’s Idea to a National Sensation
GOATMAN RETURNS
GOATMAN
FESTIVAL EXPLORES CRYPTID LORE WITH FRIGHTS AND FUN FOR ALL AGES
One Size Does
PUBLISHER
COREY BOSTON corey@townepost.com (502) 407-0185
KEY CONTRIBUTORS
Southern Vintage Hardwoods & Design
Rise Fitness Builds Inclusive Community for Athletes of All Abilities
Historic Samuel Culbertson Mansion Tells the Story of Louisville’s Racing Era
How Dan-O’s Seasoning Went From a Bartender’s Idea to a National Sensation
National Lighting Maintenance Services
Home Run Burger Expands With Quality, Community & Heart
ANDREW HANCOCK GAVIN LAPAILLE LOUISVILLE LENS HELEN E. MCKINNEY GRACE SCHAEFER CARRIE VITTITOE
How Louisville Cadet Squadron Is Training the Next Generation of
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599
PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ERIN TURK
CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS
EDITOR JOSH BROWN
TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. 8800 North Street, Suite 117 Fishers, IN 46038 Phone/Text: (317) 810-0011
CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?
Weatherby Park Playground
Middletown City Hall
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR: CELEBRATING OCTOBER
As we step into October, I want to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of this month and the wonderful fall weather it brings. The changing leaves and crisp air remind us of the joys of the season and the opportunities to connect with our community.
With the arrival of fall, many of us will be busy raking leaves and managing yard waste. Please be mindful not to mix household trash with yard waste. Additionally, sticks and limbs should be cut and bundled into of 4 foot sections and 2 foot in diameter for proper disposal. Following these guidelines helps keep our community clean and supports our environmental efforts.
This is a fantastic way to explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of our community. Be sure to check the schedule and hop on board!
Get ready to unleash your creativity! We are excited to announce a pumpkin carving contest this October. Residents are encouraged to submit their carved pumpkins for judging. More details on submission guidelines will be shared soon, so stay tuned!
Don’t forget about the Jtown Hop! Our trolley will be in service making stops at various locations throughout downtown. Be sure you pick up your Passport at participating locations and enter to win a prize!
As Halloween approaches, we’re gearing up for our annual Pumpkinfest! Join us for a day filled with family-friendly activities, games, and seasonal treats. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the season and connect with your neighbors.
Thank you for your continued engagement in our community. Let’s make this October a month of beauty, creativity, and togetherness.
PUMPKIN CARVING CONTEST
Registration: October 1st - October 23rd, 2025
Drop Off: Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 by 3:00 pm Jeffersontown City Hall, 10416 Watterson Trail
Open to all ages
Contest information available online at: jeffersontownky.gov or Facebook.com/cityofjeffersontownky
Join us at Pumpkinfest, Saturday, October 25th, 2025, 11:00 am-1:00 pm (time change) at the Gaslight Pavilion, 10434 Watterson Trail. Trick or treat from local businesses on Gaslight Square. Enjoy music, games and more.
Carol Pike Mayor
Don’t Trash Yard Waste . Keep
it Separate!
Leaves • Grass • Small Branches • Shrubs Tree Trimmings • Plants • Weeds
JOIN US FOR THE JTOWN HOP
Yard waste is collected 2 days after trash and recycling.
Remember:
Yard waste day is for yard waste only. No trash!
Get ready for an exciting evening at the Jtown Hop! Hop on the trolley as it makes stops at various locations throughout downtown Jtown on Saturday, October 11th, 2025, 6:00-11:00 pm.This event is for individuals 21 years of age and up.
Start your adventure by grabbing a passport card at any participating location. Visit participating merchants and have your card punched at each stop. Once you’ve collected your punches, drop your passport in a designated reciprocal at the last participating merchant you visit for a chance to win a fantastic prize!
Participating merchants will be offering exclusive event specials, so be sure to take advantage of the great deals while you explore.
Don’t miss out on the fun-filled evening of community, shopping, food and drinks. We can’t wait to see you there!
VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK - WALK OF VETERANS
The Jeffersontown Veterans Memorial Park is dedicated to the men and women who have served our country valiantly over the years in our armed forces.
The Walk of Veterans consists of approximately 6,000 brick pavers and there are currently 3,000 inscribed pavers on the walk. The pavers are available for inscription to honor individual veterans and may be purchased as a permanent remembrance or tribute to someone who served or is currently serving in the armed forces. Ceremonies are held on and around Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Applications for the pavers can be downloaded from the Post website at gijoe244.org/veterans-memorial-park, or pick one up at Jeffersontown City Hall, 10416 Watterson Trail, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm.
Please “like” American Legion GI Joe Post 244 on Facebook to be notified of upcoming events.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
SOUTHERN VINTAGE HARDWOODS & DESIGN CENTER
Writer / Gavin LaPaille
Southern Vintage Hardwoods & Design Center is the premier source of reclaimed wood, hardwood flooring, luxury vinyl plank, cabinets, box beams, timbers, carpet and ceramic tile. As a third-generation woodsman, CEO John Allgeier remains passionate about bringing quality woodworking into people’s homes.
“It’s a family passion and I enjoy doing it,” Allgeier says. “We love making custom hardwood with different textures and custom stains. There are all kinds of different options we can offer.”
Southern Vintage takes on projects such as reclaimed wood flooring, beams, paneling, cabinets and live edge tables and countertops, as well as traditional milled flooring, stone veneer and more. Southern Vintage controls every step of the process, from sourcing and milling to grading, textures and finishes, giving customers unparalleled control over customization.
“We’re the only facility like this in America,” Allgeier says. “It gives customers a better experience and more options. They’re not paying four different people to come in and do one aspect of the project. It’s a win-
win-win for the clients in several different directions.”
Southern Vintage has a 50-acre production facility that allows potential customers to see more than 4,000 different types of products and choose what is best for them. Allgeier says the location in Middletown is a big advantage.
“Our location in the east end of Louisville is easy access for a lot of our clients,” he adds. “Clients can come out here in a private location and see our production shop. There’s a lot for our clients to see out here.”
With the company’s roots dating back to the early 1900s, Allgeier recalls watching his grandfather create custom furniture for family members. His interest in joining the family business picked up after college, where he perfected the sanding and flooring processes to create some of the most sought out flooring textures today.
“Once I got working with my dad full time, I knew this was what I was going to do,” Allgeier says. “I always got a satisfaction of completing and seeing the finished product and the artwork of flooring.”
Allgeier draws on his family history with
woodworking to ensure high quality while designing for functionality and durability. Southern Vintage’s work is visible throughout Louisville, with projects completed at well-known establishments such as the KFC! Yum Center, Woodford Reserve, Heaven Hill, Hurstbourne Country Club, Big Springs Country Club, Starbucks, Grassa Gramma, The Riverhouse and The Galt House Hotel.
“Everything we do is hands on,” Allgeier says. “It’s not cookie cutter. Every table is a different width and every floor is a different color or texture.
Everything requires attention to detail so we can find the best way to get to the look our customers want for the right price.”
Southern Vintage is in the midst of an expansion, opening a second showroom in Knoxville, Tennessee that will broaden its customer base. As a Louisville native, Allgeier also wants to stay connected with the area he calls home.
“Our objective is to give the local market the ability to experience something they can’t anywhere else with first class service and products,” he says.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Southern Vintage, visit them online at mysouthernvintage.com or call 502-295-1583.
CONNECT
mysouthernvintage.com 502-295-1583
STRONGER TOGETHER
RISE FITNESS BUILDS INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY FOR ATHLETES OF ALL ABILITIES
Writer / Grace Schaefer
Every week, a found family of Louisvillians comes together for what seems like a workout, but is really so much more. Rise Fitness is a nonprofit dedicated to those with disabilities, providing a gym environment — complete with training and social activities — that is usually inaccessible to such an important part of the population.
Founder Jason Morrison describes it as “an adaptive and inclusive fitness program where, primarily, we focus on youth and adults with disabilities. We work on developing exercise [programs], but we’re wanting to develop a little bit more than that. There’s a lot of social aspects to what we do, and we’re hoping to develop long-term, healthy habits using a variety of exercises that will translate over to activities of daily living. [We’re] trying to instill good habits through movement so that people can be healthier and move longer.”
A few years back, both Morrison and his business partner, Sarah Gillespie, had begun researching fitness programs for people with
disabilities, but neither knew the other was considering it.
“I saw a need in our community for an adaptive gym that would be for all individuals no matter what their disability,” Gillespie says.
“I just felt a pull,” Morrison reflects. He had previous experience working with people with disabilities, particularly through the Shine Ministry at Southeast Christian Church.
“I’d much rather be around this group of people,” he says. “I felt more at home. I felt more connected. I felt less judged. So I thought, ‘I love fitness. And I love hanging out with my friends at church. So can we combine those two things?’”
After discovering that Gillespie had the same interest, they began work on what would eventually become Rise Fitness — but it took a steep learning curve. With no other program like it in the area, there was no model to follow.
“We had to learn everything on the fly,” Morrison says. “They say if you want to learn how to swim, they’re gonna throw you into the deep end. And that’s what we did.
“We started with one class. It was just an hour, and we had seven athletes.”
That first class was in 2022, and in no time, Rise had expanded to four different classes with more than 30 athletes — and even more waiting to get involved.
As Rise grew, so did the need for its own space. This summer, the program moved into its first dedicated facility, giving it the freedom to expand the schedule, add classes and create a new social space.
“It’s grown from filling a need in the community with seven people, to now a full calendar of classes where we can integrate not just training, like physical training, but some social activities,” Morrison adds.
When discussing the transition, Morrison is quick to mention Gillespie’s essential role in
the process. “We absolutely would not have the building that we have, and we wouldn’t be where we are, without her,” he says.
“With having our own gym space, we hope to reach more individuals in our community — providing a space for functional movement and a community where they know they belong,” Gillespie says.
Someone coming to Rise for the first time can expect an assessment lasting about 45 minutes. This allows a coach to get an idea of where the athlete is starting, as well as to show the athlete what Rise Fitness truly is.
“It’s not pass or fail,” Morrison says. “It’s not acceptance or rejection. It just gives us an idea of where they’re starting, so that when they come to a class, we know how to adjust the programming.”
He recalls one athlete in particular: “We have one guy—we were going to program bear crawls—and we’re like, ‘Well, he can’t do bear crawl, so we’re just going to put him over here and he’s going to do something else, and everybody else will do bear crawls.’ And we’re like, ‘Wait a minute, that’s what their life looks like — being told, ‘You can’t do this with everybody else, we’re going to put you to the side.’
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3D WALK ANALYSIS
“So what we did was reverse that. We had everybody do what he could do, because it’s still functional. And then if somebody was a little bit more advanced, we could work with them right there. But that brought everybody into the fold. His mom said it’s the only place for him in his life where he’s doing what everybody else is doing, where he’s not separated.”
Rise is not only a place for physical and social growth.
“We’ve also empowered athletes to become coaches,” Morrison adds. “It’s not just fitness, it’s leadership, it’s involvement, it’s mentoring and empowering this population that is widely ignored.”
Athletes who attend Rise and are interested in becoming a coach can pursue a coaching pathway to become certified and begin shadowing a current coach, eventually becoming a paid member of the staff.
“This is really important for us as reaching
this community, to also show that we have somebody with a disability in a very important leadership role,” Morrison says.
Gillespie, whose son is one of the coaches, highlights the significance of the program.
“Our Rise coaches want every athlete to feel proud and strong when they are at the gym working out, but also feel like they belong there,” she says. “We have created a special community that feels like a family, and we are so proud of that.”
The Rise family is open to everyone, regardless of ability.
“We are able to modify movements for each athlete, so our program is individualized,” Gillespie says. “We want all of our athletes to feel a sense of accomplishment when they leave the gym.”
Morrison agrees.
“We haven’t turned anybody down,” he says. “We feel like, if you can get to our building, we can work with you. Everybody’s on their own timeline. Some people are super shy when they come in, and they don’t want to do anything. We get all kinds, but that just shows it’s no different than any other gym.”
Anything is OK at Rise — and the best thing anyone can do is to show up and try.
Ultimately, Rise is about so much more than the physical — it is about changing lives.
“Our athletes are so inspiring,” Gillespie says. “They are up for any challenge. There is nothing better than seeing an athlete’s face when they accomplish something they didn’t think they could do. Whether that’s lifting a certain weight, jumping on a box or running from cone to cone. To be able to see this as a coach is really something special. Rise wants all of our athletes to live healthy, full and
abundant lives.”
Morrison is ready to keep the vision of Rise going.
“We just want more opportunities for this population, because they’re too isolated,” he says. “It makes me feel so good when they come in the door and they’re happy to be there and they work hard. Gosh, they work hard.”
These athletes are the group that works the hardest of all — and through Rise, there’s a whole new way for them to show it.
BIG FLAVOR
HOW DAN-O’S SEASONING WENT FROM A BARTENDER’S IDEA TO A NATIONAL SENSATION
Writer / Gavin LaPaille
While working as a bartender at the former Diamonds Pub in St. Matthews, Dan Oliver passed out chicken made with a special homemade seasoning. A regular customer loved the flavor so much he questioned why Oliver didn’t sell his secret recipe. The thought excited Oliver about the prospect of sharing his product with more people, leading him to create one of Louisville’s fastest-growing businesses, Dan-O’s Seasoning.
“I had the recipe for like 15 years,” says Oliver, a lifelong Louisville resident and Trinity High School alum. “Some people’s parents send them off to college with a spice rack, and I had one of those. I remember grabbing a few ingredients off that and mixing them together. It was phenomenal on chicken so it stuck with me. For years I would make this chicken for people and they would go crazy for it, but I never thought to package it. I was looking for something to do with my life because I didn’t want to bartend anymore. I had
that aha moment when the guy tried the chicken. It hit me like a ton of bricks and everything made sense: sell the seasoning, and call it Dan-O’s.”
Oliver became determined to make Dan-O’s a success. After a year of modifying the recipe, registering the business, creating a logo and generating the beloved “Little Danny” mascot, the first bottle of Dan-O’s was sold in August 2016.
“I realized people didn’t want to buy DanO’s because there was a pinch of sugar in it,” Oliver says. “That’s when I leaned into having this better-for-you seasoning product that none of these big manufacturers were making. When I would go to the grocery store, all these other brands were full of salt, sugar and chemicals. I created the product because of the flavor but I realized it could change people’s lives since there isn’t seasoning being made the way it should be.”
Oliver began selling his product in local flea
markets, festivals and trade shows, letting customers try samples. It was quickly a hit, and after moving nearly $4,000 of product in a single day, Oliver knew he was on to something.
“I was in the parking lot and called my dad to tell him I was pretty sure I was never going to work for anyone ever again,” Oliver says. “I was doing better than I was bartending and I could chase my own dreams and be in charge of things. Everything was falling in place with this business. I knew I could never give up on it.”
Oliver spent the next several years traveling around the country to various shows selling Dan-O’s Seasoning. He had big expectations headed into 2020, but had to change his strategy as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of events he relied on. Oliver turned his attention to social media, becoming more active on TikTok to promote the Dan-O’s brand and generating engagement with his cooking videos and
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other content. He also began a business partnership with Phil Crosby, who had worked in marketing for a number of years and later became the CEO of Dan-O’s.
“The way I operated my business and supported myself was these flea markets and festivals,” Oliver says. “In 2020, I was up in Michigan doing this hunting show and everything got canceled. I had to drive all the way home, thinking about what I was going to do. I saw something that said if you’re a brand, you need to be on TikTok, because that’s where all the attention is now. On the same day I met Phil, I had my first viral video, about a crab cake. I was a little discouraged and I wasn’t even going to bother. I just pulled my phone out and filmed with one hand and cooked with the other. It upset a lot of people in Maryland who didn’t like how I made the crab cake. I just kept responding, ‘You don’t know till you Dan-O.’ I made about $800 in sales because the post was controversial and people were loving what I was saying.”
From there, the attention and sales for DanO’s began to grow rapidly. In about a month, Oliver went from doing around $1,000 of sales per day to more than $10,000. The success led Oliver to expand the relationship with Crosby and move operations out of his home.
“I was a one-man show packaging all these orders out of my house,” Oliver says. “From March to May was the hardest two months I ever worked in my life. That’s when I realized I needed a business partner. The agreement was to change the world. I told him I wanted to put this product on every kitchen table across the country.”
Dan-O’s reach continued to escalate from there. In 2022, the product started to sell in Walmart and Kroger stores nationwide, and is currently present in more than 20,000 stores. It also caused a major expansion of the flavor lineup. Starting out initially with the original and spicy flavors, DanO’s now offers almost 20 different options,
with more in production. This includes a new Outlaw brand that allows Dan-O’s to break away from its traditional rules and guidelines, featuring flavors like Sweet Caribbean, Spicy BBQ and Blackened Bloody Mary.
“We listened to what people wanted,” Oliver says. “We wanted to cater to our fans and make some special seasoning. The one thing we never want to do is make something just because of money. We want to make the best seasoning there is.”
Oliver credits much of his success with DanO’s to having a vision and working toward it every day.
“People say all the time I never imagined it getting this big but I’m pretty sure we’re here because that’s how I thought,” Oliver says. “I had a really large vision to put this product on everyone’s dinner table. One of the key assets toward being a successful entrepreneur is learning how to
be resourceful and figuring things out. As you chase your dream and vision, people are going to come into your life at the right time. Things just happened for a reason, almost like there was a destiny for this product.”
Oliver is excited about expanding Dan-O’s headquarters on Terra Crossing Boulevard, including a studio for him to continue making videos and other content. He and his team are constantly thinking about new products they can offer to expand Dan-O’s reach while being grateful to the area that first made his product a hit.
“The product innovation runway is super long,” Oliver says. “There’s so many things we can do, but we can’t do it without people who believe what we believe.”
For more information on Dan-O’s Seasoning, visit danosseasoning.com.
Upcoming Mobile Mammography Screenings
8:30 am to 3:30 pm Call 502-852-6318 to schedule an appointment
Upcoming Mobile Mammography Screenings
8:30 am to 3:30 pm Call 502-852-6318 to schedule an appointment.
Saturday October 18th
Saturday October 18th First Baptist Church - Jeffersontown 10600 Watterson Trail 40299
First Baptist Church - Jeffersontown 10600 Watterson Trail 40299
Wednesday November 12th VFW-Middletown 107 N. Evergreen Rd. 40243
Wednesday November 12th VFW-Middletown 107 N. Evergreen Rd. 40243
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Gwendolyn W arnock and Kirjan W aage with help from the ensemble
Gwendolyn W arnock and Kirjan W aage
Wakka Presents
GOATMAN RETURNS
LOUISVILLE LEGEND INSPIRES TWO-DAY FESTIVAL FULL OF FUN, FRIGHTS & FOLKLORE
Writer / Carrie Vittitoe Photographer / Louisville Lens
If you’ve lived in Louisville any time at all, you’ve probably heard of the Goatman, a creature of lore that is a mix of man, sheep and goat. Over the years, stories surrounding the Goatman have grown and changed, but what has always been true is that the Pope Lick trestle bridge is a dangerous spot. Was the legend of the Goatman created to keep young people away from the trestle, but inadvertently
who traveled by wagon throughout the United States from 1930 to 1987, being led by a team of goats.
“He would roll into town and set a tire on fire that put out big black billowing smoke in the air. That was his signal to the community that he was there,” says Michael Book, CEO of Most Fun You’ve Ever Had! “People would
Ches McCartney’s tall tales.” It is possible that children spread the story of seeing the Goatman, which sounded far more sinister than what McCartney actually was.
Cryptid tales have long fascinated humans. For thousands of years—maybe as ancient people sat in caves by the fire—they told stories of mysterious creatures that couldn’t
them. The Algonquin culture shared stories of the Wendigo, a cannibalistic monster associated with winter. Sasquatch was a creature in stories told by Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest. Even today, with all of our scientific advancements and technology, there are things in life we don’t understand and can’t explain, and so we sometimes fill in the blanks with cryptids and paranormal activity.
Some people dive deep into cryptids all year long, but for most of us, cryptids become especially appealing as the spooky fall season approaches. Louisville’s Goatman has, over the years, become a centerpiece of Halloween-related activities in the city, and it is the namesake of a Louisville festival that will be held Oct. 10–11, 2025.
Most Fun You’ve Ever Had! is the company behind the Goatman Festival, as well as many of the Halloween attractions that people in Kentuckiana frequent from late September to early November. The company’s longest-running attraction, Danger Run—which many people may remember as being associated with WQMF radio—has been in operation for 35 years. Other attractions and events the company has produced include Industrial Nightmare, Haunted Hotel, Black Orchard, Nightmare Forest and the Ultimate Halloween Parade & Festival.
Book became involved with Danger Run in 1995, during its second year, but his interest in cryptids and horror began much earlier. He says his uncle introduced him to horror films when he was just 3 and to haunted houses at age 4. Though he was terrified, the experiences instilled a lifelong interest. “It molded me into loving the feel of horror, movies and special effects,” he says.
Book recalls drawing Freddy Krueger in kindergarten and being sent to the counselor, where it was determined he just really liked horror movies. At 15, he designed and managed his first commercial haunted house fundraiser for children with disabilities at the former Silvercrest Sanatorium in Southern Indiana—a foundational experience. He later attended college in Pittsburgh, where he majored in
special effects, and put this training to use back in Louisville on haunted attractions, B movie sets and at Actors Theatre.
Ultimately, Book discovered a passion for complex problem-solving. “The bigger the problem, the more intrigued I got,” he says, which led to additional degrees, a Ph.D. in physiology and a career in cardiovascular research. While clinical research is his day job, he and his team at Most Fun You’ve Ever Had! spend nights planning and improving their attractions.
The Goatman Festival is held at Pope Lick Park, a public venue open year-round, which creates logistical challenges. Without an on-site warehouse, staff begin moving and preparing set pieces in July and August for the fall events. “We start putting up set pieces for the attraction and they will stay up through the fall. Once fall is over, we have everything out of there by Thanksgiving,” Book says.
two-day event, the company’s Halloween attractions run every weekend from late September through Halloween and are all part of the broader festival.
So what can a visitor expect from the Goatman Festival?
If you’re not a horror fan or have small children, there are still plenty of nonscary attractions to enjoy. Ensuring that the festival and all associated events are welcoming to everyone is a key goal of the organizers. “That’s not fun [and] not the type of experience we want to leave people with,” Book says, referring to guests who used to wait in the car while others explored
haunted houses. The company now includes events for all comfort levels, and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
A person in a Goatman costume will be present, but children tend to find the character playful and approachable—he gives high-fives and plays on the swings. The event also features speakers from across the country who are experts in cryptozoology, as well as a wide variety of vendors offering posters, stickers, embroidered clothing and more.
Entertainment includes magic shows, live music and outdoor film screenings. The festival, which runs from 7 to 11 p.m. Oct. 10 and 3 to 11 p.m. Oct. 11, also offers food
and beverages, including a full kitchen with an elevated menu and vendors offering beer and mead.
Guests can also enjoy themed games inspired by Harry Potter and James Bond, a trackless train, escape puzzles and, of course, opportunities to experience the more terrifying aspects of Halloween.
For more information about the festival, visit mostfunyoueverhad.com/goatmanfest.
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
OCTOBER CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Crisp mornings. Cozy spaces. And a home that fits just right. At Perfection Builders, we craft low-maintenance homes designed around how you live—so you can spend less time on chores and more time enjoying the season.
Where comfort, community, and carefree living come together.
Welcome to Gustavo’s Mexican Grill—more than a dining venue, it’s a heartwarming community. Our unique edge? Personal touch. Often, you’ll find Gustavo himself welcoming you. At Gustavo’s, we’re a family-oriented environment where you’re not just a customer but a valued part of our extended family. Join us for an authentic, delicious and fun dining experience.
DERBY LEGACY
HISTORIC SAMUEL CULBERTSON MANSION B&B TELLS THE STORY OF LOUISVILLE’S RACING ERA
Writer / Helen E. McKinney Photographer / Andrew Hancock
Known as Louisville’s most historic bed-and-breakfast, the Samuel Culbertson Mansion B&B sits in the heart of Old Louisville’s National Historic District. Behind its doors, you’ll find splendor and opulence combined with casual Southern charm — a testament to the Culbertson family and their influence in the area.
Located at 1432 S. Third St. in Louisville, this impressive mansion was built in 1897 for Samuel Alexander Culbertson. The previous year, Samuel had purchased the land on Third Avenue, one of the most sought-after locations in Louisville.
Money was no object for William Stewart Culbertson (1814–1892), who built the home for his son, Samuel. William was Indiana’s wealthiest man and made his fortune through dry goods and the railroad before becoming a banking tycoon. Born in New Market, Pennsylvania, he went west in search of his fortune at age 21. William settled along the Ohio River in New Albany, Indiana. When he died in 1892, his estate was worth $3.5 million.
William’s home in New Albany still stands and is now a museum. Known as the Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, “we tell the story of the Culbertson family and their philanthropy,” says Devin Payne,
Southeast Regional Director of State Historic Sites. The French Empire-style mansion was built in 1867 and is where Samuel was raised.
The site interprets “the story of William and his family and the story of growth in Indiana in the mid-1880s,” Payne says.
The mansion is one of 12 historic sites in the state, which assumed ownership in 1976. The family was heavily involved in “great community works,” Payne adds.
Samuel’s family moved into the Indiana home when he was young. In 1886, Samuel and his wife, Louise, were gifted a wedding
Culbertson Mansion State Historic SiteMain St in New Albany
present by his father in the form of a mansion next door to his boyhood home. But Samuel was drawn to Old Louisville, across the river, because it was “popular and where the wealthy people went.”
Samuel eventually settled in Kentucky with Louise, their two sons, and several servants. His mansion was built at a cost of $25,000 and designed by renowned Minneapolis architect William Channing Whitney. Other notable buildings he designed include the Minnesota Building at the Columbia Exposition World’s Fair of 1893.
The Louisville mansion was “one of two built by the architect outside of Minnesota,” says Jason Bam, current owner of the Louisville mansion and B&B. It is similar to the Minnesota Governor’s Residence, also built by Whitney. That home was originally constructed as a 20-room English Tudor for lumber businessman Horace Hills Irvine and his family.
Samuel’s home in Louisville was completed just in time to receive guests for the 23rd Kentucky Derby. For the next half-century,
Culbertson Mansion interior parlor
the iconic race became the focus of Samuel’s life, and his home on Third Avenue was the jewel of Millionaire’s Row.
Samuel loved horse racing, though his father was staunchly opposed to gambling.
“His father was very anti-horseracing,” Bam says. When William disowned another son for betting on the ponies, Samuel knew he must keep his passion hidden “until his father passed away.”
He went on to make a career out of it. After a brief stint in the U.S. Army, enlisting at nearly 60 years old as a private near the end of World War I, he served from 1919 to 1928 as a member of the board of directors for Churchill Downs. He became president of Churchill Downs and the American Turf Association in 1928 and chairman of the board from 1937 to 1948.
Samuel entertained dignitaries and international guests who came to witness “the fastest two minutes in sports.” Many thoroughbred champions graced Churchill Downs during this time, cementing its
legacy — with Samuel’s hand in shaping its history, especially during the 1930s.
It was Culbertson who conceived the idea and commissioned the symbolic Garland of Roses for the 1932 Kentucky Derby champion, Burgoo King. He and Louise, along with their home, became known for formal dinner parties and elegant dances in
Joyous Singers
their ornate third-floor ballroom.
The Courier-Journal noted the Culbertsons in its Dec. 12, 1948 edition: “In former days, (the Culbertsons’) tallyho carriage, drawn by four high-stepping horses bound for the race track, provided a spectacle for pedestrians.”
Samuel Culbertson Mansion - 6th Street in Louisville
Samuel’s sons, Craig and William, also found a bit of fame in the 1890s and 1900s. They and the mansion were immortalized in the popular “Little Colonel” book series, penned by Annie Fellows Johnston. Her novels were loosely based on real-life characters and events in Pewee Valley, Kentucky, then a fashionable summer retreat for Louisville’s elite.
The boys became known as Keith and Malcolm, “The Two Little Knights of Kentucky,” and were recurring characters in the 13-volume series. Today, the B&B features an elegant Knights of Kentucky Suite, once the brothers’ original room. It contains two large rooms — a parlor and bedroom — where guests can relax and connect with their story.
Overall, the mansion carries a Renaissance theme throughout, rich in woodwork detail with massive beamed or coved ceilings. The “ladies parlor,” or morning room, is in the style of Louis XVI, while the drawing room is reminiscent of an English manor. The B&B contains more than 50 rooms across
20,000 square feet of floor space.
Few original Culbertson furnishings remain, except for a dining table built specifically for the mansion out of Honduran mahogany, and a matching sideboard. A few wingback chairs also belonged to the family.
An additional 3,500 square feet is housed in the twin-spired, two-story carriage house at the rear of the property. The mansion and carriage house enclose a formal courtyard with a fountain and a rose garden containing more than 100 varieties — as elegant as in the Culbertsons’ day.
Samuel lived in the mansion for 51 years before passing away at age 86. He walked the 15 blocks to his downtown office until his death in 1948. Two years later, Benton Roberson purchased the mansion and converted much of it into 26 apartments during the 1950s and 1960s. Restoration efforts were completed between 1975 and 1985 by Rudy Van Meter, Tony Monks and Lois Lacefield, then-owners. Bam is the fourth owner, with a partner, since the
Culbertsons sold it.
Guests from across the world now visit, Bam says, including travelers from Thailand and Australia. “In the U.S., there are not many historic buildings you can stay in of this caliber,” he adds.
Samuel’s boyhood home in New Albany is open for tours and hosts a Haunted House every Friday and Saturday in October at 7 p.m., as well as Haunted Happenings Tours. A Holiday Open House is held the first Saturday in December.
Samuel Culbertson will be remembered as a paragon of his era. He also contributed to the group that established the Louisville Park System and supported numerous philanthropic causes.
Col. Matt J. Winn — “Mr. Kentucky Derby,” who promoted the Derby worldwide — referred to Samuel in his 1944 autobiography “Down the Stretch” as “the Beau Brummell of Louisville.”
NOW THERE ARE 3 LOU LOU’S TO LOVE!
This Creole Champion of St. Matthews, Lou Lou Food & Drink has thrived for years by delivering Louisville’s Louisiana connection in culinary delight. The New Orleans vibe is also alive at Lou Lou on Market.
The Lou Lou tradition continues in Middletown with our new location.
October 10 th
October 11 th & 12 th
LOCATION: OLD TOWN PARK, DOWNTOWN HARRODSBURG
Circle City Stompers and Hot Sauce Brass Band
• Free
• Spend the day
• Short Drive from Louisville
• Food Trucks On Site
• Activities For Kids
• Family Friendly
• Free Parking
For
LOCATION: OLD FORT HARROD STATE PARK
15 Regional and National Bands, including Jamey Aebersold, Nashville Jazz All-Stars, Collegiate Big Band Blast (UK, UL, etc) and more!
Saturday Headliner: Brad Goode Quintet
In Historic Harrodsburg, KY
and the full band lineup check out our website! www.kyheritagejazzfest.org
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
NATIONAL LIGHTING MAINTENANCE SERVICES
Writer / Gavin LaPaille
CEO Sandy Woods didn’t know what she was getting into after taking over National Lighting Maintenance Services (NLMS) in early 2024. Woods had much to learn about leading a company with more than 40 years of history providing lighting solutions for commercial use but has shared she has enjoyed every step along the way.
“It’s been a brand-new experience,” she says. “I didn’t know more than most people would about lighting. But every day I come to work and learn something new. NLMS specializes in innovative lighting solutions tailored to fit your organization needs. We are committed to quality and sustainability, and we ensure that every lamp we install for our clients will also contribute positively to the environment.”
Woods was lucky enough to team up with an expert in the industry, Slater Medley, and the two of them have already taken the company to a higher level of service for their customers, employees and vendors. Medley is the company President and has been in the lighting and energy efficiency industry for more than 15 years.
His knowledge and expertise is demonstrated every day when working with our staff and our clients.
Woods and Medley now lead NLMS into a new generation, helping clients find solutions that are economically and ecologically sustainable. The most common service offered by NLMS is lighting retrofit, which entails upgrading lighting systems to be more efficient and up-to-date with today’s technology.
The team also leads projects across the country installing a variety of commercial lighting solutions that will enhance functionality, aesthetics and energy efficiency. The impact NLMS provides has been felt by many companies in different industries, including retail, hospitals, manufacturing, distribution, school systems and office complexes.
Woods so far has been spending her time sharing what she has learned about the industry with potential clients on the benefits of installing the right lighting and the effects it can have on their energy bills and the environment.
“I don’t think people realize lighting isn’t just about changing a light bulb,” Woods adds. “It’s really an energy solution and that’s what we try to focus on. If you look at your electric bill every month, the number one cost for a large commercial operation is the lights. We’re trying to educate companies that they could see those bills reduced in half by just investing in LED lights, lighting controls and sensors.”
So far the company has received positive reactions from clients when discussing the benefits of updating their lighting systems.
“People don’t stop to think that lighting systems are sophisticated networks that can dramatically impact efficiency, occupant comfort, and transform how you illuminate the space for your employees,” Woods says.
While Woods is new to the lighting industry, she brings years of entrepreneurship experience to NLMS, having previously led a staffing service for more than 30 years that she sold in 2021. This opportunity presented itself
and the connection with the previous owner of NLMS really had an impact on her, and she wanted to learn more.
After human resource and recruiting work, it was a welcome change in her life that brought about challenges and an instant interest in wanting to learn more.
“Slater and I have immense potential to collaborate and bring a new surge of enthusiasm to a very innovative industry,” Woods says. “Believe it or not, it is possible to get excited about helping people light up their space.
“Our goal is not just to sell fixtures,” she adds. “It is partnering to create environments that inspire, boost morale and positively impact your bottom line. This industry is constantly evolving, and our company can help you design and adapt cutting edge solutions that will enhance your workspace.”
NLMS is a women-certified business with more than 40 years of experience. All lighting technicians are certified through NALMCO and the support staff ensures clients are always in the know.
If you’re ready to move forward and upgrade your lighting, NLMS is the team to take you through the process. NLMS is located at 2116 Plantside Dr. In Louisville. For more information, visit them online at nlmsinc.com or call 513-734-6444.
2116 Plantside Dr. Louisville, KY 40299
513-734-6444
nlmsinc.com CONNECT
with the highest-quality ingredients, Home Run Burger has become a well-established presence in the Louisville market over the last two decades.
“We use 100% certified Angus beef — the real deal, and we’re the only chain around doing that,” says Home Run Burger President Sangeeta Jha. “Every burger is made fresh to order, using homemade ingredients from our fries to our coleslaw with no preservatives. Customers can choose from more than 28 different toppings, an unmatched variety that allows people to build their burger exactly how they want. We offer 10 unique signature burgers, each with its own twist. You could come in every day of the week and never get bored.”
Home Run Burger started as a familyowned spot in 2008, with a simple idea: serve great burgers with the freshest ingredients. Sangeeta and her husband, RJ, took over in 2021 when the original owners were looking to retire. The Jhas wanted to bring the same quality and experience to more people, turning a single neighborhood spot into a destination for burger lovers.
OUT OF THE PARK
HOME RUN BURGER
EXPANDS WITH QUALITY, COMMUNITY & HEART
Writer / Gavin LaPaille
recently out of state, one each in Nashville and Indianapolis, and others are in the works. Each location remains true to what Home Run Burger stands for: high-quality ingredients, made-to-order meals and a team that prioritizes customers above all else. That standard has garnered recognition, with Home Run Burger winning Louisville’s Best Burger in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
“The moment we saw the brand, we knew it had something special — real, wholesome and full of potential,” Sangeeta says. “It wasn’t your typical burger joint. We inherited a legacy, and we’re committed to carrying it forward. Today, we have drivethru setups and stores in three different states, expanding far beyond Louisville.”
The menu is full of options, including the All-Star Lineup selections that range from the Classic Burger to the Smokehouse Barbecue Burger and Fish Sandwich combos.
Other popular items include the Bases
Loaded Burger, Cajun Fries and Home Run Sauce, with chicken wraps and appetizers recently added as well. For those with a sweet tooth, Home Run Burger offers plenty of milkshake options and other desserts such as deep-fried doughnuts, brownies and cookies.
The Build a Burger option allows customers to select a single, double or triple beef patty, along with choices for cheese, bun and more than 28 toppings. Recurring guests can take part in the loyalty program, which provides exclusive benefits and points toward free food, special deals and discounts.
“We never cut corners,” Sangeeta says. “Quality is non-negotiable. We use premium Angus beef patties, source top-tier ingredients, and even go the extra mile to get the best potatoes for our hand-cut fries. We always deliver on our promises. We work closely with our trusted distributors to maintain consistent quality across all locations. They help us source our 100% Angus beef, fresh produce, and the ingredients we use to craft our homemade
sauces. It’s all about keeping our standards high and our food fresh daily.”
Each Home Run Burger has a unique atmosphere, with customer service being of utmost importance. Guests are greeted with a smile and welcomed like family, whether grabbing a quick bite, bringing the whole family for dinner or hanging out with friends. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, perfect for any
occasion, allowing all to sit back and relax while enjoying their meal.
Customers can also order online and pick up in the restaurant or have their food delivered.
“Customer service is everything,” Sangeeta adds. “It’s the heartbeat of any restaurant. We make sure every guest feels welcomed and taken care of, every single time.”
Every Home Run Burger location, including the flagship at 2723 Hurstbourne Parkway, has either recently held or is planning a grand reopening to reconnect with the community and showcase what’s new.
“It’s a fresh start for each store, and we’re excited about what’s ahead,” Sangeeta says.
As part of the reopening of the Hurstbourne location, Home Run Burger partnered
with the Wolves Baseball Organization and donated $3,000 to the club to help grow the program and support its young athletes.
Home Run Burger also donated $3,000 to the Rose Park Middle School Baseball Club during the opening of its Nashville location.
“Community support is at the core of what we do,” Sangeeta says. “Through our initiatives, we back local causes and partner with area baseball organizations
to scout and support young talent. We’re committed to helping future stars thrive on the field and beyond. It’s our way of giving back to the community that continues to stand behind us.”
For more information, visit homerunburger. com and find the closest location.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AROUND
OCTOBER
View All Local Events or Submit Your Own
LOUISVILLE AREA EVENTS
3-4
PAW PATROL LIVE! “A MIGHTY ADVENTURE”
KFC YUM! Center, 1 Arena Plaza
10 a.m., 2 p.m., & 6 p.m.
Any child who has celebrated their first birthday must have a paid ticket. Prices are subject to demand and can change at any time. PAW PATROL VIP Become a Very Important Pup! The V.I.P.
3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26
PUMPKINS AT KENTUCKY KINGDOM
Kentucky Kingdom Theme & Water Park, 937 Phillips Lane Times Vary
The annual family friendly fall festival, Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom is returning this fall!
3 THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW 50TH ANNIVERSARY WITH PATRICIA QUINN
Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th Street
8 p.m.
Join the original ‘Magenta’ - PATRICIA QUINN - for a screening of the original unedited movie like you’ve never seen it before! Enjoy a live shadow cast and audience participation.
4
BILL MURRAY & HIS BLOOD BROTHERS
Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th Street
8 p.m.
Bill Murray and His Blood Brothers (ft. Mike Zito, Albert Castiglia & Jimmy Vivino) Doors open at 7:00pm. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges.
KINDNESS
WARRIOR WALK - DOWN SYNDROME OF LOUISVILLE
Festival Plaza, 231 Witherspoon Ave.
9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Location: Festival Plaza and Great Lawn. Join Down Syndrome of Louisville as we unite for a common cause and raise funds at the 2025 Kindness.
5
BLACKACRE SUNSET MUSIC SERIES: JUNE THROUGH OCTOBER FEATURING FAMILY FUN
Blackacre Nature Preserve, 3200 Tucker Station Road 5-7 p.m.
Join us for Blackacre’s expanded 6th Annual Sunset Music Series! Enjoy five months of live music, from R&B to bluegrass and country, on our 300-acre homestead.
5
NATE BARGATZE: BIG DUMB EYES WORLD TOUR
KFC YUM! Center, 1 Arena Plaza
7 p.m.
10-11
DRACULA
Louisville Ballet, 315 East Main St.
1:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
10
SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS WITH THE GET DOWN
Headliners Music Hall, 1386 Lexington Rd. 7 p.m. (Show at 8 p.m.)
Reserved Seating and General Admission (standing) tickets available. Table Seat - $45 each (must buy whole table) Balcony Seat - $35 GA Standing - $20. This is an 18+ Event.
11
DAN SODER: THE GOLDEN RETRIEVER OF COMEDY TOUR
Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St.
7 p.m.
11 FRANZ FERDINAND
Mercury Ballroom, 611 S 4th Street 8 p.m.
The Mercury Ballroom is an all-ages, standing room venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. Doors open one hour prior to the event.
MORGAN FREEMAN’S SYMPHONIC BLUES
Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St. 7:30-9 p.m.
Morgan Freeman, narrator. Sean Mayes, conductor. Morgan Freeman Presents: Symphonic Blues is a live concert experience.
THE ‘SUPERSTARS OF BOXING
Bourbon Hall, 116 W Jefferson St. 6-11 p.m.
Get ready to witness some knockout punches and jaw-dropping fights at ‘Superstars Of Boxing’ - the event you don’t want to miss!
15-19, 22-26
FDR’S VERY HAPPY HOUR –WORLD PREMIERE
Actors Theatre of Louisville Times Vary
Franklin Delano Roosevelt hosted a cocktail hour nearly every day at the White House, welcoming folks from different backgrounds to sip martinis, laugh, and connect.
16, 23, 30
GIRL’S NIGHT OUT CRUISE
Belle of Louisville
7-9 p.m.
This one’s for the girls! Celebrate each other and the women who’ve shaped river history.
19
HISTORIAN/AUTHOR
STEVE
WISER: HAUNTED HOUSES OF LOUISVILLE
Nunnlea House, 1950 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy
Admission will include a copy of Steve’s book, refreshments and a tour of Nunnlea’s very own haunted rooms.
23
UNITED SPIRITS BOURBON FALL FESTIVAL
Progress Park Airstream Resort & Event Venue, 4503 Progress Blvd.
5-10 p.m.
Metro United Way annual United Spirits Fall Festival is a night of elevated fair of bourbon brands, chef-prepared food, and unique experiences for the bourbon lover.
24-25
BEETHOVEN’S “PASTORAL” SYMPHONY
Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St.
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Teddy Abrams, conductor. Tessa Lark, violin. Anthony Green, Ev’ry Time I Blink. Chelsea Komschlies, A Hidden Sun Rises.
25
MIDDLETOWN ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND TRICK OR TREAT!
11711 Main St
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
DJ, Bounce Houses, Candy, Pancakes, Come in Costume!
29-30
DISNEY’S HOCUS POCUS™ IN CONCERT
Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St. 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Get into the Halloween spirit with Disney’s Hocus Pocus™ in Concert! Watch the beloved 1993 film on the big screen while the Louisville Orchestra performs John Debney’s enchanting score live.
29
GROWN-UP STORYTIME502
West Sixth NuLu, 817 East Market Street #Suite 101 7-8:30 p.m.
Submit a written story to be read over beers at this monthly event.
30-31
DEAD AS A DODO
Actors Theatre of Louisville Times Vary
Take a journey through the underworld, a dark realm filled with glittering light and mystery where the dead are very much alive.
2
FLYING TOWARD THE FUTURE
HOW LOUISVILLE CADET SQUADRON IS TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS
Writer / Grace Schaefer
It began in 1941, this collaboration of civilians in the protection and service of their country. What began as a civilian-pilot air force, patrolling against submarines shortly after the Pearl Harbor bombing, has since evolved into a search and rescue and disaster relief organization known as the Civil Air Patrol. What many people don’t know, however, is that it’s not only adults doing this service—some start training as early as age 12.
“Louisville Cadet Squadron is a militarystyle youth development program where we teach aerospace science, aviation, leadership, character development,” said Squadron Commander Capt. Heather Gregory, who has been involved since her son first joined. She also serves as assistant director of cadet programs for Kentucky. “We promote
physical fitness and emergency search and rescue. The cadets also do the ground team search and rescue, where we teach them how to survive in the woods and to search for missing persons and articles. With our cadet squadron, they also earn ranks just like you would in the military, so it teaches them time management, self-management, stress management, and prepares them for any career—not just the military.”
The squadron is not associated with any school, but includes public, private and homeschooled students.
The program provides training not only for students aspiring to the military but also for those who want to develop character, leadership skills and servanthood, or work toward a pilot’s license. “We have more
cadets that do not go into the military, whether because of a medical condition that would prevent them from being in the military, which is common, or they are interested in being a commercial pilot or mechanic or something of that nature. Probably around 10% join the military. But we do promote that,” Gregory said.
There are further opportunities for those interested in service; with certain program awards, “they can enlist in the Air Force as an E-3, so they get paid more and they get promoted quicker through the enlistment. It also helps them get scholarships in ROTC and helps give them points when they apply for the Air Force Academy.”
The squadron meets Thursdays from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Bowman Field, with a
Saturday session once or twice a month for community or emergency services, aerospace science, visits to the National Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, or visits to college ROTC programs. During weekly meetings, cadets practice skills like drill and ceremony and uniform inspections to foster attention to detail. There is also a color guard and CyberPatriot team. “You can be as busy in this program as you want to be.”
But not only does the squadron provide
opportunities for the present—it’s also about growth. “Watching cadets when they first arrive—they’re shy, and they’re not really sure what’s going on, they don’t know anybody—and then watching them get up in front of the room and start leading classes, giving orders, leading drill and ceremony, writing projects or operations plans for an event that’s coming up, and
really taking charge and ownership of their position. Or learning to be a flight commander or a flight sergeant, where they learn to be responsible for other people,” Gregory said. “Just watching them mature and develop these great leadership skills that will help them whether they join the military or whether they go into the civilian world—we prepared them to do this job well. It’s just
great to see them succeed and get a reward for the time and effort that they put into the program.”
One of those shy cadets is now a major in the Civil Air Patrol. Cadet Luke Mölder reflected on his journey with the Cadet Squadron: “It has affected almost every aspect for my plans for the future. I learned of CAP through my mother who found a Facebook page of the program, and we decided to try it out. My last orientation flight through the program showed me how wonderful aviation could be. The sun was setting, and the lights of Louisville started to light up as my instructor and I headed toward Bowman Airport. It was unlike anything I had ever seen or done. After that flight, I knew I wanted to do something off the ground, which sparked my interest in aviation.”
“If you have a young boy or girl 12 or older, or close to being 12, and they’re looking for a challenge and looking for fun,” Gregory said, “if they’re interested in aviation or aerospace science, and if they like a militarystyle environment where they get to wear the uniforms and move up through ranks and develop their character and leadership skills—please come check us out.”
It isn’t only for youth, though—adults can also get involved. The Civil Air Patrol takes not only pilots, but also civilians who can take pictures from planes—called “mission scanners”—or who will participate in ground team search and rescue. There is truly a way for everyone to serve.
The community can also help by donating to support the continued participation of the cadets. Through the squadron, cadets are able to attend the Cyber Academy, Hawk Mountain Ranger School, and flight schools. They are “like no other schools,” Gregory said. Cadets learn to fly, or spend a week in the mountains learning search and rescue. “It costs money to get these kids in uniforms and send them to these special schools or special events. We help them, because they otherwise couldn’t afford to go.” Cadets can also earn a scholarship to pay for their private pilot’s license.
In addition to training, the cadets also engage with the community, particularly veterans. “We are very active in Wreaths Across America, which is where they come and place wreaths on the gravesites of our veterans at Zachary Taylor National Cemetery. Our goal is for every member that’s buried there to have a wreath placed
at their gravesite,” Gregory said. “We also support our veterans not only through Wreaths Across America, but we also do volunteer opportunities at Veterans’ Hospital. We’ve handed out roses or goodie bags to people that are coming to get treatment. We’re a very busy squadron.”
In addition, through the squadron’s color guard, cadets can perform the “Presentation of Colors”—a military tradition to honor the flag at the beginning of a ceremony.
Ultimately, the Cadet Squadron at Bowman Field is about more than training—it’s about relationships, discovering the leader every child can become, and directing those skills in the service of others. “It’s a lot of fun to watch these cadets grow, and develop, and mature, and just go out and do great things—and it’s awesome to be a part of it.”
For more information or to get involved with the Civil Air Patrol, visit gocivilairpatrol.com or email Capt. Gregory at hgregory@kwyg.cap.gov. To sponsor a wreath for Wreaths Across America, visit wreathsacrossamerica.com and navigate to “KY039 Louisville Cadet Squadron” under “Zachary Taylor National Cemetery.”
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