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AMBITIONS ON ICE

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Louisville Nonprofit Brings Swift, Lasting Care to Families of Fallen First Responders

BLENDING HISTORY AND TRAILS The Blackacre Barnstormer Happens August 24

Louie Aboundader Fuels Hockey Growth at University of Louisville and Beyond

& Beyond Expands Its Culinary

Derby City Disc Golf Club Grows the Sport With Passion & Community

PUBLISHER COREY BOSTON corey@townepost.com (502) 407-0185

KEY CONTRIBUTORS

BETH BECKWITH

DJ SPORTS PHOTOS

MELISSA GIBSON

GAVIN LAPAILLE

RENEE LARR

GRACE SCHAEFER

JULIE YATES

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. FOUNDER, CEO TOM BRITT tom@townepost.com (317) 496-3599

PRESIDENT JEANNE BRITT jeanne@townepost.com (317) 810-0011

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK

CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS

MANAGING EDITOR

DEVON DEAN

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SUPPORTING HEROES

LOUISVILLE NONPROFIT BRINGS SWIFT, LASTING CARE TO FAMILIES OF FALLEN FIRST RESPONDERS

When a first responder dies in the line of duty, their community is often left stunned, grieving and searching for ways to honor a life cut short in service to others. But for the loved ones of the fallen, the aftermath is far more complex — a blur of heartbreak, unanswered questions and, often, sudden financial strain. In these moments of turmoil, Supporting Heroes steps in,

Writer / Renee Larr

providing a beacon of relief and support.

Founded in 2004, the Louisville-based nonprofit provides immediate and long-term support to the families of public safety officers who make the ultimate sacrifice in Indiana, Kentucky and Missouri.

Executive Director Eric Johnson, a retired Louisville Metro Police officer, helped launch the organization after a series of personal experiences exposed the lack of infrastructure to support grieving families.

“I thought there would be a government team that would swoop in and take care of everything when someone died in the line of duty,” Johnson says. “But there wasn’t. Each department was left to figure it out on their own.”

That realization hit home after a 2000

incident involving a slain officer whose widow and young child were on the verge of losing their home. The idea that a hero’s family could face such devastating consequences galvanized Johnson and a small group of peers to act.

On Sept. 11, 2004 — a symbolically chosen date — Supporting Heroes officially began operations. Their mission was clear: to honor the service and sacrifice of public safety officers by caring for their loved ones left behind.

The cornerstone of Supporting Heroes’ work is its rapid response following a line-of-duty death. A member of the team, either staff or a trained volunteer, connects with the affected department and surviving family as soon as possible. They bring what survivors often describe as “order to chaos,” helping navigate everything from notification and funeral planning to understanding long-term benefit options.

One of the organization’s first actions is

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delivering a $5,000 check to the family to help with immediate expenses. That financial assistance can be a lifeline, especially in cases where a family has just bought a home based on dual incomes or is suddenly facing mounting bills with only one source of support.

“People forget that grief is often compounded by financial fear,” Johnson says. “We try to ease that burden right away.”

Beyond financial support, Supporting Heroes helps coordinate funeral honors that meet traditional standards across police, fire and EMS services. In cases where small departments have no experience with these ceremonies — and some have no surviving members at all — Supporting Heroes provides honor guards and logistical coordination to ensure that the fallen receive the recognition they deserve.

“No life is more or less important than another,” Johnson adds. “It doesn’t matter

if they served in a one-person police department or a major metro area. If they gave their life in service, we give everything we can to honor them.”

The organization’s commitment doesn’t end after the funeral. Supporting Heroes maintains long-term relationships with surviving family members, especially children. Each year, children of fallen heroes receive a birthday card with a check, accompanied by a personalized letter at Christmas.

“These gestures remind them that their parent hasn’t been forgotten — and neither have they,” Johnson says.

They also ensure that families can attend national memorial services, such as National Police Week in Washington, D.C. Supporting Heroes covers travel, lodging and logistical arrangements, even accompanying families if needed, to ensure they are present as the nation recognizes

their loved one’s sacrifice.

While the organization officially serves three states, its reach sometimes stretches beyond those borders. Supporting Heroes has assisted families in Montana, Mississippi and Maryland with navigating the federal line-of-duty death benefit process — a notoriously slow and complicated system that can take years to resolve.

Johnson, who has personally filed more than 100 federal benefit claims, often finds himself helping departments and families who were previously unaware of these benefits. In one case, he helped a widow in Maryland secure benefits more than 20 years after her husband was murdered — a breakthrough that occurred when new evidence reclassified the incident as a lineof-duty death.

“We never dreamed we’d play a role in filing federal claims,” he says. “But we’ve built a reputation, and when someone in need

calls, we help however we can.”

Supporting Heroes operates with a small paid staff of five. A team of 50 dedicated volunteers backs the organization, including mostly active or retired first responders and survivors who have joined the mission after experiencing its impact firsthand. The organization is primarily funded through payroll deductions from police, fire and EMS personnel, although community support is becoming increasingly critical to sustaining its work.

“These heroes don’t die serving each other. They die serving their communities,” Johnson says. “We all share the responsibility of caring for the families they leave behind.”

Each year, Supporting Heroes hosts a weekend-long tribute in honor of the families of the fallen. While the Heroes Tribute Gala is open to the public, Johnson says it’s not a fundraiser.

“It’s not about raising money — it’s about honoring those we’ve lost,” he says. “It gives families a chance to connect with others who truly understand their grief. They build relationships that last far beyond that weekend.”

Supporting Heroes continues to grow, but their work remains as intimate and impactful as ever. To support the mission, readers can become members through a recurring donation, volunteer their time or help spread awareness.

“We hope the day never comes when a first responder in your town makes the ultimate sacrifice,” Johnson says. “But if it does, Supporting Heroes will be there — bringing compassion, structure and unwavering support when it’s needed most.”

For more information, visit supportingheroes.org.

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BLENDING HISTORY AND TRAILS

THE BLACKACRE BARNSTORMER HAPPENS AUGUST 24

Writer / Melissa Gibson

The Blackacre Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead in Louisville is a 300-acre nature preserve featuring Louisville’s largest community garden, an 18th-century homestead, and a variety of educational programs.

This August, it will also be the site of one of the more unique trail races in the area.

“The Blackacre Barnstormer is not the traditional run on a road or at a park. It’s a four- or eight-mile trail run among scenery

like one of the oldest white oak trees in the state, a historic homestead with farm animals and wildlife on site,” said Josh Allen, co-founder of Bigfoot Timing and Race Management. “We adjusted the course last year to include some more of those historic spots, and I think it gives people an opportunity to run where they don’t often get to run.”

The race begins near the 1792 head of the homestead, down to the Sunrise Trail. At the one-mile mark, runners dip into the woods on the Waterfall Trail and then onto

Heading back toward the homestead, runners and walkers will pass goat and horse pastures, Dragonfly Pond, and finish at the Presley Tyler farmhouse.

When the race began more than five years ago, Allen said it was called Blackacre Trail Days. In a throwback to classic barnstorming parties—when stunt pilots would perform tricks in an airplane and bring in musicians while small communities danced the night away—they changed the

Tying the nature preserve and barnstorming together, the trail run logo changed too, now featuring a goat flying a biplane.

The nature preserve is not stroller-friendly; however, participants range from children to seniors.

“Bring the kids or whoever wants to participate. We’ll be here from the time you start to the time you finish, and we’ll keep the same level of excitement when you cross

Cattail Pond Trail.

name to the Blackacre Barnstormer.

the finish line whether you are running or walking. It was an accomplishment, and we want to celebrate with you,” Allen said.

Each participant will receive a finisher medal. There will be awards for overall male and female winners and the top three in each age group. If participants register two weeks in advance, they’ll also receive a Barnstormer T-shirt featuring your favorite goat for $5.

“Every year, people talk about the goats. We see a lot of runners pausing and taking selfies. We decided to make it fun — put some sunglasses on him. He’s always doing something unique or funny on the T-shirts,” Allen said.

Before and after the race, participants and visitors can check out vendors on hand, all geared toward the nature enthusiast.

Peak Freak Designs will return with their nature-inspired artwork, natural soaps,

and more. Ken Combs Running Store is sponsoring the event and will bring trailrelated gear such as shoes, backpacks, and other merchandise.

Water, ice cream, and prepackaged snacks will be available post-race, but the event is cupless, meaning participants should bring their own water bottle, hydration pack, or cup.

“I’ve seen everything from coffee mugs to Hydro Flasks and everything in between,” Allen said. “Our goal is to reduce waste and our production of waste, so we aren’t leaving debris on the trail but also keeping the environment as a whole in mind. We want to produce the smallest amount of waste possible.”

The entire event benefits Blackacre. Donations are encouraged, and a portion of proceeds from each vendor goes back to Blackacre as well.

The purpose is to remind or expose firsttime visitors to the nature preserve, a unique space many miss while visiting Louisville.

“The property is open to the public, but it’s almost forgotten sometimes. A lot of people come to the race and mention they haven’t been here since their elementary school trip years ago,” Allen said. “Blackacre Conservancy oversees the care and upkeep of the preserve, homestead, and gardens. We are a self-funded 501(c)(3) and rely on donations and community support to cover operating costs like farm equipment, maintenance of trails, care of animals, utilities, and more.”

One of the original homesteads in northern Kentucky stands as a reminder of the importance of preserving the environment and giving nature space to thrive.

In 1784, the Tyler family settled in what would eventually become downtown Louisville and held one of the first distillery

permits in Kentucky.

Today, visitors can tour the Presley Tyler House from 1 to 4 p.m. every Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Every Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m., visitors are welcome to help feed the farm animals — horses, cows, goats, and donkeys. Through Labor Day, they offer hiking, story times, yoga, and more throughout the month.

Their community garden features more than 400 plots for those interested in growing healthy produce. Both seasoned and new gardeners are welcome.

In addition, Blackacre Nature Preserve and Historic Homestead can be rented for indoor and outdoor events, including showers, reunions, parties, and other gatherings.

The Blackacre Barnstormer begins at

8:30 a.m. Aug. 24. The four-mile run/ walk is $30, and the eight-mile run/ walk is $40 per person. To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/KY/Louisville/ BlackacreBarnstormer.

Stop by visitblackacre.org for more information.

(We’ll

AMBITIONS ON ICE

LOUIE ABOUNDADER FUELS HOCKEY GROWTH AT UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE AND BEYOND

Writer / Julie Yates Photographer / DJ Sports Photos

Louie Aboundader is passionate about hockey. Originally from Montreal, Quebec, he became familiar with the sport at a young age. As his skills advanced, he developed into a top-notch player and valuable member of his high school and college teams. Now as director of hockey and player development for the Kentucky Amateur Ice Hockey Association (KAIHA)

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and an assistant coach for the University of Louisville Cardinals men’s hockey team, he is dedicated to sharing his excitement for hockey as well as nurturing a love for the sport.

Aboundader explains how he got involved in hockey: “I started playing at about age 4. I grew up through the ranks and by age 17, I was playing at a high level. At that point, I had to decide about what route to take. I ended up going to a prep school, Gilmore Academy in Cleveland, Ohio, where family on my dad’s side lived. From there I went to Nichols College in Massachusetts and Davenport University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.”

All three schools are known for their strong hockey traditions. Gilmore Academy is considered one of the best prep schools to prepare players for competitive college teams and has accumulated many championships. While at Nichols College, Aboundader competed at the NCAA Division III level. After transferring to Davenport University,

he earned his bachelor’s degree in sports management and played on its American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I hockey team.

Aboundader then enrolled at the University of Louisville to pursue a master’s degree in sports administration. During this period, he played for the University of Louisville Cardinals from 2017 to 2019. At the time, the team was ACHA Division II. A couple of years later, head coach Brian Graham reached out to Aboundader and convinced him to take on the role of assistant coach.

Men’s hockey at U of L is a club sport and falls under the recreational sports department. Since it isn’t a varsity NCAA team, the Cardinals do not receive funding from the university’s athletic department. The entire staff, from team managers to social media and public relations, work on a volunteer basis.

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Enthusiastic Cardinal fans are eagerly anticipating the 2025-26 schedule when the team is not only moving up to Division I but also changing leagues. As members of the Atlantic Coast Collegiate Hockey League (ACCHL), the Cardinals will be competing on a national level. Games begin early in September, and much to the delight of supporters, they will face off against their rivals, the University of Kentucky (UK), five times.

“Fans go completely bananas when we play UK. There’s always a line wrapped around the Iceland Sports Complex waiting to get in. UK moved up to DI with us. We want to win the Battle of the Barrel Tournament this year and get the trophy back from UK,” says

Aboundader.

“Even though we are a self-sustaining operation with an all-volunteer staff, we treat it like a varsity team. Things started to turn around when Brian Graham began coaching in 2011–2012. He ran strict practices and began recruiting. The caliber of our players has increased, and we were nationally ranked last year,” says Aboundader.

In 2021, Aboundader was hired as the first director of hockey and player development for the Kentucky Amateur Ice Hockey Association. Founded in 2013, the 501(c) (3) nonprofit promotes and advances ice hockey in Louisville. The association’s home

rink is the Iceland Sports Complex, and the organization sponsors several tiered teams and programs for varying ages.

All the youth teams of KAIHA focus on developing hockey players with an emphasis on work ethic, sportsmanship, discipline and teamwork. Included in its programs are two divisions of house leagues that develop the skills of beginning to intermediate players ages 9 to 14. Among other offerings are travel hockey, teams for girls and high school hockey.

One program, Little Ice Cards, introduces new players ages 4 to 9 to the game. The fee of $325 includes a full set of gear and an hour of on-ice instruction for seven weeks. Upon

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completion, participants can move into either the Ice Cardinals Six and Under Mini-Mites or Eight and Under Mites programs.

Chyna Taylor’s experience shows how organizations like KAIHA can benefit young hockey players. A Louisville native, Taylor grew up in the Ice Cardinal system. Now 15 years old, she is the youngest player on Team USA Under-18. In January, she proudly represented the United States at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Championships in Finland. The U.S. team made it to the finals, losing only to Canada.

“Chyna first tried figure skating. Her grandfather would take her. She saw a hockey practice going on in the other rink and asked her grandfather if she could do that. At age 6 and 7, she played on the coed team. At age 11, she began going to a prep school in Massachusetts as their number one recruit. I still talk with her grandfather from time to time. As an African American in a white-dominated sport, she defied the

odds,” says Aboundader.

During the summer, Aboundader is just as busy as he is during the hockey season and cold-weather months. He runs some summer camps of his own but also travels to work at Christensen Hockey Camps, which are held across the U.S. in places such as Greensboro, North Carolina, and Casper, Wyoming. Aboundader also heads up Team Kentucky, a coed spring and summer travel tournament program for young hockey players from the state and surrounding areas. Four teams from age 10 and under to age 18 and under can participate in up to five tournaments in locations such as Nashville, Tennessee; South Bend, Indiana; St. Louis, Missouri; and North Charleston, South Carolina.

Offseason is also a time for Aboundader to reflect on the future of U of L Cardinals ice hockey. He shares that since the team is now in Division I, a second Division II team could perhaps be added in the future,

opening the opportunity for more players who would like to participate. The end goal for the Cardinals would be to become a varsity team.

“Hockey is a great sport. From an early age, kids are cooped up in a classroom. With hockey they can skate around and exert energy. It teaches life lessons. It’s a true team sport. Ultimately, all the players on a team are needed. You can’t put the blame on any one player if you lose or win,” says Aboundader.

To view the U of L Cardinals ice hockey schedule, visit cardsicehockey.com/ schedule.

For more information, visit the KAIHA website louisvilleicecardinals.com or email info@louisvilleicecardinals.com.

The Iceland Sports Complex is located at 1701 Ups Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40223.

FORK & FLASK

BOURBON

& BEYOND EXPANDS ITS CULINARY

EXPERIENCE

Writer / Renee Larr

Bourbon & Beyond, the world’s largest bourbon and music festival, is dialing up the flavor for its seventh year with an expanded Fork & Flask stage. This multiday culinary experience fuses Kentucky’s bourbon culture with the creativity of America’s top chefs, mixologists, and spirits experts. Set against the backdrop of a world-class music lineup, Fork & Flask will be a festival within a festival, offering fans a taste of the region’s finest food and drink, along with entertainment, storytelling, and surprise celebrity pairings.

Taking place from Sept. 11-14 at the Highland Festival Grounds at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Bourbon & Beyond 2025 promises more immersive culinary and bourbon experiences than ever before. After a record-setting 2024 and being named Pollstar’s Global Festival of the Year, producers Danny Wimmer Presents are expanding the Fork & Flask curated by Kroger stage. The stage will host daily demos, panels, and tastings with an all-star cast of chefs and spirits icons.

At the heart of the Fork & Flask stage are celebrity chefs Chris Santos of “Chopped” and Edward Lee of “The Mind of a Chef”, who will host a rotating lineup of food and beverage talent. Joining them are fan favorites like Chef Amanda Freitag, Chef Esther Choi, and Chef Claudette Zepeda, alongside Louisville’s own Chef Anthony Lamas of Seviche and Chef Lawrence Weeks of North of Bourbon.

The talent doesn’t stop in the kitchen. Fork & Flask will also feature some of the biggest names in the spirits world, including Preston Van Winkle (Old Rip Van Winkle), Elizabeth McCall (Woodford Reserve),

Freddie Noe (James B. Beam), and Harlen Wheatley (Buffalo Trace). Mixologists Kyle Wallace and Lili Lambert will bring cocktail culture to the forefront with fresh takes on bourbon classics. Local producers and farmers will also take the spotlight with Kentucky Proud product features and discussions on farm-to-table sourcing.

Chris Blandford, a veteran bourbon expert and lead of Kroger Wine & Spirits, will co-host several sessions and panels, offering fans insights into the evolving role of bourbon in food, culture, and community. Programming highlights will include bourbon tastings, blind sampling workshops with renowned bourbon critic Fred Minnick, and themed sessions such as “Buzzed About Bourbon” and “New School of American Whiskey,” which focus on how new voices are reshaping the narrative of America’s native spirit.

One of the most buzzworthy moments will be the “Family Cookin’” segment with NFL legend Terry Bradshaw and his son-in-law, Chef Noah Hester. The duo, who recently

released a family cookbook, will take to the stage to share stories, recipes, and, of course, plenty of Bradshaw Bourbon.

Fork & Flask will also embrace its entertainment roots with appearances from actress Elizabeth Banks for her “Unscripted & Uncorked” conversation and comedian Jim Gaffigan, who returns to the festival with his bourbon brand, Fathertime, for a blend of stand-up and sipping.

The culinary experience complements an already impressive music lineup featuring headliners such as The Lumineers, Phish, Jack White, Sturgill Simpson, and Noah Kahan. The synergy between food, drink, and music is what sets Bourbon & Beyond apart, making Fork & Flask not just a pit stop between sets, but a headline experience of its own.

As Chef Chris Santos says, “Bourbon & Beyond is where the heart of music meets the soul of bourbon country… Every sip feels like a high-five, and every bite is a thrilling encore.” And with over 210,000 attendees in 2024 and even more expected this year, the culinary stage is more than just a flavor bonus; it’s an essential part of the festival’s DNA.

The Fork & Flask stage will host workshops daily from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and organizers will announce the full schedule in the coming weeks. For fans of food, bourbon, and immersive festival experiences, Fork & Flask is where it all comes together.

For more information, visit bourbonandbeyond.com.

Tastes of Louisville with Chef Noam Bilitzer, Edward Lee, and Allen Stone

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STAR GAZING

LOUISVILLE ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY BRINGS SPACE EXPLORATION DOWN TO EARTH

Writer / Julie Yates

Photo by Duke Marsh

Throughout the existence of humanity, people have been fascinated by the night sky. Making sense of seasonal shifting stars and tracking constellations has always had a place in culture and folklore. Since it began in 1933, the Louisville Astronomical Society (LAS) has cultivated interest in and educated the public about celestial objects, their properties and movement. It is dedicated to outreach programs for schools, colleges, libraries, churches,

science fairs, state parks and scout groups. Besides conducting events and talks in the community, the LAS has two main educational sites. Both the James G. Baker Center for Astronomy in Curby, Indiana, and the Urban Astronomy Center (UAC) at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Louisville, Kentucky, are maintained by members.

There are several different reasons why the society’s more than 250 members

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joined, but each enjoys the thrill of stargazing. Typical participants are anyone interested in the night sky. They might be construction workers, lawyers, accountants or computer scientists. Some are educators or astrophotographers. There are several families who enjoy viewing the night sky as an activity they can do together.

The current president, Steve Katsikas, became interested in astronomy when his

sons were Boy Scouts. While chaperoning a camping trip, he was impressed by a presentation given by the LAS. Several years later, he joined in 2020.

“The programs we give are tailored to the age of the participants. We see an interest in space sprouting in very young kids. Kindergarten, first grade or second are not too young. We make it fun by conducting activities such as ‘Name That Nebula.’

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night long,” Allen says.

A dark sky, one that is free from light pollution, is needed to view the planets, stars and constellations. These optimal conditions are shrinking and necessitate driving to locations outside of cities. From 1955 to 1972, Star Lane Observatory was the center of LAS programming and educational outreach. Unfortunately, it was closed due to excessive amounts of artificial light surrounding it.

“I’ve been interested in astronomy ever since I was little,” says Karl Schmidt, who has served the organization as vice president, secretary and historian. “In the ’70s and ’80s there was plenty of black sky. Now there is a lot of light pollution, and the skies are washed out. Today kids must travel outside of their community to see stars.”

For several years after the closing of Star Lane Observatory, LAS looked for a site for another observatory. In 2000, the organization purchased 40 acres in Curby, Indiana, which was the darkest spot members could find within an hour from downtown Louisville. The goal to establish a well-equipped observatory from which supernovas, galaxies and nebulas could be seen became a reality when the LAS James G. Baker Center for Astronomy Observatory was completed in 2004.

Members refer to the observatory as “Curby,” a nod to its location. The roof slides off, allowing the telescopes to aim up at the stars. The property has several

acres of camping space and a building with restrooms, a classroom and kitchen. Once a month, the observatory hosts an event for nonmembers. Members meet there each month during the time surrounding the phase of a new moon.

The UAC opened its doors in 2007. It is located at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park. This education center includes a classroom, computer lab, kitchen, four acres of observing field plus a restroom. It, along with the Curby location, is the site for Star Camp. This weekend experience of stargazing and instruction includes the opportunity to meet the requirements for scout merit badges but can be customized for different groups.

LAS saw a huge increase in interest during COVID. Viewing the sky was something people felt they could do safely. However, both before and after the pandemic, there has always been interest in the public events the society has sponsored. Over its more than 90 years of existence, thousands have participated in the organization’s outreach programs. In 1993, a record for public astronomic observations was set when more than 3,000 people attended a meteor sighting event in Long Run Park.

Katsikas shares that most of the organization’s funding comes from membership dues and donations. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and its programs are purely volunteer run; it has no paid staff. Members may have periods when they devote a lot of their time to LAS but

then become less involved as other personal commitments become more pressing, only to jump in again a few years later.

“People just need binoculars to get started; they don’t need to invest a lot of money. We do have an educational talk regarding choosing and using a telescope for beginners. The LAS partners with the Louisville Free Public Library to provide a telescope lending program for the Louisville area, including some libraries in southern Indiana. The sky is there for everyone. A lot of people don’t take the time to look up,” Schmidt says.

“If you are a member, LAS has 12 different types of telescopes that can be checked out. It’s good for those who want to try one out before they buy. To join, you don’t need a special background—just an interest. There is lots of support, no matter what level, and there’s nothing better than being mentored. We have lots of activities and plenty of good people. Members have access to an incredible wealth of knowledge, and $50 a year is a great bargain,” Katsikas says.

Information about upcoming LAS events, membership and donating can be found on the organization’s website, louisville-astro. org. It maintains a group Facebook page which shares information about current sighting opportunities plus awe-inspiring photos. The public’s questions can be answered by emailing louisvilleastro@ gmail.com.

SUPPLY LAB MEDIA

Writer / Gavin LaPaille

Tre’Sean Durham wanted to give creatives an outlet to showcase positivity. After continuously meeting talented individuals from all walks of life who he wanted to highlight, Durham created Supply Lab Media to do just that.

Supply Lab Media offers photography and videography services for individuals and groups in entertainment, media, and sports. Durham, who started the business six years ago after the passing of his mother, operates the one-man shop and strives to provide his clients with the best product available.

“It’s been a blessing to create something,” Durham said. “I used to walk around with a notebook and just write my ideas down. I would chat with my mom and just share information, and she encouraged me to put some action behind it. I do it all. Originally, it was just going to be videos, interviews with people I was meeting. I started taking pictures and people liked my photos. It switched and focused more on photography.”

A Louisville native, Durham has a deep passion for photography and videography. A former college basketball player at Berea College and Thomas More University,

Durham always had an aspiration to do something behind the camera.

“My entire life I was an athlete, but I always loved cameras,” Durham said. “If you ask any of my teammates, I was always recording and filming behind-the-scenes stuff. I knew I wanted to do something with a camera, I just didn’t know what.”

Durham tries to stay well-rounded, working with a variety of different clients, including the Speed Art Museum, the University of Louisville Cultural Center, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Other clients include friends and family, or those who come across his work on social media.

“It’s a wide range of folks,” Durham said. “I don’t focus on one area of photography or one lane. I’ll shoot anything. That’s the beauty of Supply Lab: If they have demand, we have supply. Typically, it’s a lot of random people who book me through my website. Most people say they found me on Instagram or word of mouth. People love my work, and they let me know that by displaying it. It’s very heartwarming.”

Starting a company from scratch has had its ups and downs for Durham, but recent years have seen a lot of success, thanks to the high

quality of his work. He hopes to continue growing the business, potentially adding help so he can reach more people.

“We’re starting to see enough growth that I can’t do it all by myself anymore,” Durham said. “The biggest thing is noticing I need a team. That’s been the biggest challenge, to delegate. I’ve been a one-man team all this time, but I can’t be in two places at once. I don’t want to lose out on opportunities, but I need people who can execute the vision. I had to learn that I couldn’t do it all on my own if I want to be successful.”

No matter what, Durham wants his clients to know how passionate he is about his projects.

“I love photography,” Durham said. “I love telling a story with visuals. I am extremely passionate about photography.”

For more information on Supply Lab Media, visit its website at supplylabmedia.com.

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Tre'Sean Durham

A NEW LIFELINE

BLUEGRASS BARTENDERS FUND FOUNDED TO OFFER SERVICE INDUSTRY AID

Writer / Beth Beckwith

The service industry nationwide has been hit hard by rising costs, and Louisville is certainly not immune. While the LEE Initiative and APRON Inc. have long supported local spirits industry

professionals, they recently teamed up with a specific new mission.

The Bluegrass Bartenders Fund was founded to help the hospitality community stay afloat by offering financial aid for a variety of necessities based on individual needs.

Some services include assistance with rent, childcare, medical bills, and utilities. One-time grants are awarded to eligible professionals working within the local spirits industry.

“The Bluegrass Bartenders Fund is more than just financial relief — it’s a lifeline for the individuals who make Louisville’s spirit scene what it is. Our bartenders are the storytellers, the connectors, and the heart of hospitality,” says Ashley Shadburne, director of communications at The LEE Initiative.

According to APRON Inc.’s website, 66%

of hospitality workers lack insurance to cover mental and physical healthcare. They also note that the average bartender earns approximately $14 per hour. Of the more than 10,000 bartenders working in Louisville, Kentucky, 70% report experiencing mental, physical, and financial struggles.

“The LEE Initiative team is deeply grateful to the local distilleries that have stepped up to support this fund. We received support from Bulleit Bourbon, Woodford Reserve, Angel’s Envy, Willett, Peerless, Jefferson’s Reserve, Heaven Hill, Knob Creek, and Bardstown Bourbon,” Shadburne says.

“Their generosity reminds us that in Kentucky, taking care of our own is just part of who we are.”

The LEE Initiative was established in 2017 to address similar issues, particularly in underserved regions such as the Midwest and Southeastern United States.

Both groups are optimistic Louisville bar patrons will step up to support these

hardship relief grants and give back to the people who give so much to our community every day.

“This is the first job I’ve had that grows more exciting with time. When we founded APRON 13 years ago, it was with hope and uncertainty,” says APRON Inc. president Gary Fox. “We didn’t know how we’d support our mission, but the community — especially the independent restaurant sector — has had our backs every step of the way.”

Local organizations of all kinds help, as do individuals, in part because it’s a necessary cause in an industry where workers might not have access to health insurance. It might be as simple as an injury that keeps an employee out of work for a week or two, and APRON Inc. can step in to help pay that month’s bills, or part of the rent.

The organization’s mission statement reads: “To provide temporary, limited financial relief to professional food and beverage workers in the Louisville metro area who work at locally owned establishments and who are experiencing financial distress due to

illness, accident, emergency, or catastrophic event through no fault of their own.”

Fox says they have helped the industry weather major storms, particularly during the pandemic. “Together, we’ve celebrated so many milestones: our first grant, our 1,000th, and the one that pushed us past the $1 million mark,” he says. “It’s heartwarming to be thanked in public for lightening someone’s load in their time of need. Each day brings new challenges — be it illness, fire, flooding, or helping a mother care for her son recovering from a severe dog bite. We never know what the morning mail will bring, but we always answer.”

APRON Inc. continues to host ongoing fundraisers to bring the community together and offer mutual aid. There are pop-ups and plenty of ongoing events and fundraisers posted on the organization’s social media and website.

This includes a monthly happy-hour meetup that features drawings, food, cocktails, and tastings. Known as the Happy Hour FriendRaiser, the regular event is free and mostly serves to meet those involved in APRON and network. Of course, donations are encouraged at these happy hours.

Another event is the annual Taste of Independents, held July 13 at Noble Funk

If you’ve ever met a bartender who became your best friend for a moment or a server who made you laugh when you felt like crying, now’s the time to take a stand for them. These establishments provide numerous ways to support the workers who make up the backbone of the community.

A silent auction was held over the summer to raise money for the Bluegrass Bartenders Fund. More information on how to donate can be found on their website at aproninc. org/bluegrass-bartenders-fund.

Brewing Company. It involved 40 local restaurants showcasing Louisville’s best fare.

AUGUST

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LOUISVILLE AREA EVENTS

DUDE PERFECT HERO

WORLD TOUR

7 p.m.

KFC Yum! Center

1 Arena Plaza

MACY GRAY - ON HOW LIFE IS 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

8 p.m.

Mercury Ballroom 611 S. 4th Street

SHAKESPEARE IN DANCE: A

MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAMKENTUCKY SHAKESPEARE

8 p.m.

C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater 1340 S. 4th St.

6-10

LOUISVILLE BALLET: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

Various times

Louisville Ballet returns for its ninth season with an original dance piece by the choreographer.

BOURBON & BOTANICALS 2025: TERRY LEE RIDLEY AND HIS MILLION DOLLAR BAND

5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens 6220 Old LaGrange Rd.

Rock ‘n’ roll and boogie-woogie with Terry Lee Ridley and his Million Dollar Band for night #5.

BLACKACRE SUNSET MUSIC SERIES

7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Blackacre Nature Preserve 3200 Tucker Station Rd.

SHANE GILLIS LIVE

8 p.m.

KFC Yum! Center, 1 Arena Plaza

9 RACE TO CURE SARCOMA LOUISVILLE

7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Big Four Lawn, 129 W River Rd.

Registration: 7:30 a.m.

Program: 8:30 a.m.

Race: 9:00 a.m.

Tickets: $35 Adults, $10 Children (ages 6-12)

GIRL’S NIGHT OUT CRUISE

7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Belle of Louisville

NIKO MOON

7 p.m.

Fourth Street Live

Enjoy feel-good country hits from Niko Moon.

CORN ISLAND STORYTELLING FESTIVAL 2025

1 p.m. - 10 p.m.

3rd Turn Oldham Gardens 6300 Old LaGrange Rd.

CHRIS FERRARA

6 p.m.

Louisville Marriott Downtown 280 W. Jefferson St. Concert for the Cause, a high-energy, casual fundraising event, hosted by a dedicated committee to help children with cancer.

LOU CITY VS. NEW MEXICO UNITED

8 p.m.

Lynn Family Stadium 350 Adams St. Teacher Appreciation Night.

BLACKACRE BARNSTORMER TRAIL RUN RACE

8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

3200 Tucker Station Rd. Run through the trails of Blackacre Nature Preserve.

GROWN-UP STORYTIME502

7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

West Sixth NuLu

817 E. Market St., Suite 101

Submit a written story to be read over beers.

WFPK WATERFRONT

WEDNESDAY

5 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Big Four Lawn

129 W. River Rd.

28 LOUIS CK | RIDICULOUS

7:30 p.m.

Louisville Palace

625 S. 4th St.

This show is 18+ with mature content. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This event will be a phone-free experience.

LOUISVILLE HOME SHOW

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Kentucky Exposition Center 937 Phillips Ln.

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DISC GOLF REVIVAL

DERBY CITY DISC GOLF CLUB GROWS THE SPORT WITH PASSION & COMMUNITY

Writer / Melissa Gibson

Tommy Bronson grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and had never heard of disc golf before.

After moving to Louisville in 2006, a coworker at Foot Locker brought in some of his disc golf supplies and invited Bronson out for a game. The two became best friends and, since 2010, they’ve been playing in a disc golf club.

Today, Bronson serves as the president of Derby City Disc Golf, the largest of its kind in the Louisville area.

“Many years ago, the club we joined eventually kind of disbanded as leadership got older and people moved away,” Bronson says. “About four years ago, we decided to create a new club. We rebranded and had an established Facebook page and got it going again. Our main focus now is the metro area where we have one of the most popular courses in the state at Iroquois Golf Course. We do some tournaments in Bullitt County, and I’m really big on collaboration, so we work a lot with other clubs out of New Albany and Jeffersonville.”

They have four home courses: Charlie Vettiner Park, Iroquois Park, Wendell Moore Park and Red Orchard Park.

The club came at the perfect time. Even though disc golf has been around since the mid-1960s, the game has soared in popularity in the past 10 years.

“I think during COVID we really experienced a boom,” Bronson says. “People

were leery to do sports that were close, even when we got the green light, but disc golf is outdoors, and you could have social distancing with no problem. So, it really blew up as a sport. It’s sanctioned through the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), and I think their membership quadrupled during the pandemic.”

The game is fairly simple but requires practice and skill over time.

Think golf — but instead of a ball and clubs, players use a flying disc, similar to a frisbee. The goal is to land the disc in the elevated metal basket in as few throws as possible.

There are currently more than 9,000 disc golf courses in the United States and more than 13,000 worldwide, most of which are free to play. In addition to the challenge of the game and the camaraderie among players, Bronson says there are plenty of other benefits that keep players returning.

“You’re telling me I have a chance to go out and enjoy the weather, be competitive if I choose to and get exercise without even knowing it? It’s the perfect combination,” he says. “It’s taken me to some unique places too because we want to play at different courses. I was in Florida and there was a sign on the disc golf course to watch out for alligators. For someone like me, I’ve never had to worry about alligators.”

The game is also budget-friendly.

Bronson says discs can be found at a reasonable price, and at amateur

tournaments, instead of cash prizes, participants receive gift certificates for the local disc golf store.

That’s not to say there isn’t money in the game if you want to take it to the next level.

“There is a pro side, and you’re talking about a weekend tournament with first place taking home $15,000, but there are also beginner courses, especially for new players or young players that are still building their confidence,” Bronson says.

There are weekly leagues, and Derby City Disc Golf hosts around 10 tournaments per year, but players could compete every weekend if they wish.

They like to get together for a variety of occasions, and the disc golf family supports one another.

“We do fundraisers for families in need or for Operation Santa during the holidays,” Bronson says. “We’re excited to partner with courses for their special events, and we’re always participating in park discussions. We want to be a part of it, not only because of our love for the community but for our love of disc golf.”

They’re also looking at ways to inspire younger generations in the game.

For many, disc golf wasn’t offered at high school or in recreational leagues when they were growing up.

“We’d like to create an event where the club

covers fees for kids to come out and learn more about the game, play in a tournament and experience it at no cost,” Bronson adds. “It’s getting bigger in college now, but even in elementary gym class there are going to be kids that don’t want to run, play basketball or dodgeball. This might be another option.”

The Derby City Disc Golf Club is run by volunteers. They do have a board to help brainstorm and make important decisions, but it’s all coming from the heart — their love for the game.

“Our sponsors are local business owners,” Bronson says. “We’re running fundraisers and tournament events just because we love it.”

Visit discgolfscene.com/club/7710/derbycity-disc-golf for more information.

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Margie B. Lung Cancer, 2019

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