St. Matthews Magazine May 2024

Nonprofit Grants

Wishes Big and Small for Louisville’s Aging Population

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- Matthew Lemberger, Resident

WHAT DOES INCREASING NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEBT MEAN FOR THE U.S. AND THE WORLD?

AN APOCRYPHAL WORLD WAR II-ERA QUOTE CREDITED TO A GERMAN TIGER I TANK COMMANDER SAYS, “I COULD ALWAYS TAKE OUT 10 AMERICAN TANKS, BUT THEY HAD 11.” IT MEANT THAT NO MATTER THE COMMANDER’S SUCCESS, AMERICA’S SUPERIOR NUMBER OF TANKS WON THE WAR.

One of the primary reasons the Allies and Americans won World War II was because of the economic strength of the United States. How did our debt level help us in 1944? And how does our country’s debt impact families in 2024? Today, our debt is a staggering $34.6 trillion, or $266,950 per U.S. taxpayer — and it is rising every day.

A strong economy made America a world power. America had production power and had borrowing capacity based upon the American economy as measured by gross domestic product (GDP). GDP is the measurement of all the goods and services produced by every American corporation and individual.

A strong economy and strong military are history’s hallmarks for great nations and world powers. The United States did not have better weapons than its enemies in World War II. It just could produce more weapons.

Prior to World War II and after the Great Depression, America’s national debt had reached one of its highest points at $40.44 billion, or 44% of GDP, in 1934. This means in 1934, America had approximately $40.44 billion of U.S. Treasury debt compared to GDP, which equaled $91.9 billion. By the end of WWII, this level of debt increased to its then all-time record of $241.86 billion or 113% of GDP.

World War II is arguably one of the greatest disasters the world ever

faced. The world was on the brink of becoming ruled by fascist and totalitarian governments. America was there to meet the challenge and sustain a world with freedom and democracy.

The United States’ current debt level — and where it should be.

Post-World War II, the U.S. reduced its debt to a GDP level at 33% by 2001. This is a healthy level of debt and sustained America as one of the top economic powers, according to an article in The Atlantic.

After the Great Recession and the global Covid-19 pandemic, as of January 2024, America’s national debt has ballooned to over $34 trillion, or 123% GDP. America’s debt, on a ratio basis, has surpassed the post-WWII level. America is on track to spend $870 billion on interest payments this year, more than the $822 billion the nation will spend on the defense budget.

According to the Committee for Economic Development, America should carry a debt level no greater than 70% of GDP. The European Union recommends that European countries carry a level no greater than 60% of GDP.

What to expect for the future. What does this mean for the U.S. and the world? It means that America has significant limitations on its capacity to help the world in global disasters and conflicts, putting into question the United States’ ability to thwart regional, let alone global, conflicts. Domestically, it means

we may need to apply additional resources to support the military, which means significant reductions in social security, education and other fundamental pillars of society. The U.S. will simply be strained for money.

Recently many financial CEOs from the world’s largest banks have recognized this issue as America’s greatest risk. A crisis could be upon us, and if we do not make changes within the next decade, many pillars of our society could vanish.

Back to the number of $266,950 in debt per U.S. taxpayer — while locally, we may feel we have little direct say that affects national-level decisions, it is here in our communities that we see the health of our economy on display daily. Our economy is driven by the spending decisions we make in our neighborhoods and the cities we live in. Positive change often begins with small ideas that grow.

Independence Bank has been helping small businesses grow for decades. Committed to local and family-owned businesses is how we impact the economy and serve throughout Kentucky. As we navigate the changing economic landscape together, we invite you to stop in and see us today. You can find us at our St. Matthews location at 3901 Shelbyville Road or online at 1776bank.com.

Louis R. Straub, II President Loan Officer Independence Bank

TOUCHING BASE

KEEPING THE HISTORY OF ST. MATTHEWS BASEBALL ALIVE

Baseball has permeated American culture, from movie references to music to commonly used idioms. Whether you learned the phrase, “Hey, batter-batter-batter. Swing, batter!” from watching “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” or know the tune “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” in three notes, baseball is ingrained, in some way, inside all of us.

Three Louisville men - Charles F. Siegel, Hunter Look Sr. and Dave McCandlessloved the game so much that their images and stories have now been commemorated in three plaques on view at St. Matthews Community Park off Shelbyville Road. Without their love of the game and commitment, St. Matthews Baseball might not be what it is today.

According to Chris Gadansky, who served as executive director of St. Matthews Baseball until January 2024, someone from the city of St. Matthews approached a local family that owned the land that is now St. Matthews Community Park about leasing the grounds in 1953. “Rumor or legend has it that it was one of those $1

handshake deals,” he says. “Once the land was secured, Siegel, Look and McCandless were instrumental in starting a league and building those fields.”

Although the three fields at the park are named for Siegel, Look and McCandless, as the years passed, fewer and fewer people were aware of the stories behind those who made play possible in the beginning. Several years ago Gadansky was contacted by McCandless’s son, who asked if he could show him some old photos. “We sat down at the park and talked for an hour or more, looking at these old photos,” Gadansky

says. “He was telling stories about his dad building the field. This was our first glimpse into the real people behind the names.”

In what Gadansky calls his “white-whale project,” he began his mission to tell part of the story of these fields and St. Matthews Baseball as a whole.

“The seed was planted in 1953, and their first charter with Little League Baseball was 1954,” Gadansky says. Siegel, called “Mr. Little League” by those who knew him, was the man behind the first field and served as one of the first presidents overseeing the league. By the end of the first season, the organization began work on the other fields.

“Enrollment for that first year was maybe 100 or so kids,” Gadansky says. “It doubled the next year and started growing and growing.”

Annually, the fields now see upwards of 1,200 kids playing ball. Archives of The Courier-Journal suggest that a small parade, a ceremony, and short exhibition games were held on June 7, 1953, to introduce St.

Writer / Carrie Vittitoe Photography Provided

Matthews residents to Little League play, with Siegel speaking to families to explain the concept. A photo from that time shows neighborhood men getting a small field ready for action.

Look Sr. also served as a president of St. Matthews Baseball in its early days. His family business, The Kentucky Model Shop, partnered with The McGregor Company, to provide uniforms for teams in the early days of the league. McCandless’s tireless work led to a light system for the fields, and he would spend countless hours ensuring the field that bears his name was ready for play.

Looking into the history helped Gadansky see that St. Matthews Baseball was truly a community endeavor, with so many people donating their time or resources, and the local St. Matthews government supplementing those efforts.

After his conversation with McCandless’s son, Gadansky began making phone calls to gather stories about how St. Matthews Baseball and its fields developed. It was a project with lots of stops and starts due to work, raising a family and, of course, baseball. He spent time tracking down the family members of Siegel, Look and McCandless, to interview them about what they remembered and the stories they heard about their fathers and grandfathers. Compiling and cross-checking this information took considerable time.

In early 2023, with a historical record finally compiled, Gadansky reached out to Best Stamp Company and began working on the plaques, which, like the history itself, took longer than one might expect. “The copy on each plaque went through weeks and months of changes,” he says. With his retirement as executive director on the horizon, Gadansky set October 14, 2023,

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as the date when the plaques would be dedicated. St. Matthews Baseball invited the family and friends of Siegel, Look and McCandless to attend. “We had families from four points of the U.S., down to three generations worth, so it was an awesome day,” he says.

The effort for Gadansky was fulfilling, in part because hearing about these men brought up memories of his own father, who he says was a “baseball nut,” and who passed away from COVID-19 in November 2020. “He helped me the first year and a half after I took the job as executive director,” Gadansky says. For Gadansky and for many men, baseball is a love passed down from their dads that they then instill in their own sons. “[The plaque project] took on a higher

meaning,” he says. “It turned from a tedious process to a labor of love.”

From which pitchers played on which teams in which decades, to which player has the most runs batted in, baseball is about record keeping and tracking data to tell a story. Were it not for McCandless’s son reaching out to Gadansky, the history of Siegel, Look and McCandless may have been lost to time, with their names on the fields but no one knowing much more than that.

In the 70 years since the inception of St. Matthews Baseball, things have changed, and baseball for young people is changing, with more kids moving to club play. “Recreational baseball is dying a slow death,” Gadansky says. “The fact that St.

Matthews Baseball has beaten its enrollment for five years is a testament to a community that comes together. There are kids who want to play recreational baseball and want to come back [year after year]. They get something out of it that you don’t get with club ball. It’s a unique experience and has

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BIGELOW TEA COMPANY

Bigelow Tea products are enjoyed by millions across the United States, with over 150 varieties adorning retail shelves nationwide. Much of that is produced right here in Louisville, thanks to a dedicated team of employees who keep the familyowned business thriving.

Headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut, Bigelow Tea Company has had a presence in Louisville for over 30 years, manufacturing a billion bags of tea annually at its plant located near Jeffersontown.

“Louisville is a fantastic, centralized spot in terms of distribution,” said Bigelow CEO and President Cindi Bigelow. “It’s our largest facility and we have a great labor force there. It’s a wonderful location and a very business-friendly community.”

Bigelow Tea was founded by Cindi’s grandmother, Ruth Campbell Bigelow, in 1945 after she became dissatisfied with the tea that was common during this time period. Ruth experimented with blending black tea, orange rind and sweet spices, then shared her new recipe with friends to glowing reviews. Thanks to her efforts and with the help of her husband, David E. Bigelow Sr., Bigelow Tea was born.

Ruth passed the company to her son, David C. Bigelow, who led the company for 50 years as Bigelow Tea became one of the top specialty tea makers in the country. Cindi became the third-generation Bigelow family member to hold the role of CEO in 2005 and has continued Bigelow’s growth as a family-owned and -operated business. Under her leadership the Bigelow Tea Company became the #1 tea in America.

That family mindset is prevalent throughout the company’s locations, with Cindi making frequent trips to Louisville, taking on a tradition her father started before her.

“We are blessed to be a family company,” Bigelow said. “We make sure we work really hard to keep that feel in our Louisville facility.”

The Louisville team includes a staff of about 130 and is led by a group of long-term employees who wear many hats and enjoy working alongside each other.

“There’s nothing we wouldn’t do for this company,” said Frank Buzzutto, the plant’s production manager. “It’s work but it doesn’t feel like work. It’s way more personal. That’s not a typical environment in corporate America, but that is what makes Bigelow special.”

Cindi’s father, David, originally identified Louisville as an ideal location for expansion after seeing the growth of the company’s product in the southern part of the country. Recently, Bigelow leaders showed their commitment to the area by purchasing land about a mile from the current facility that will eventually be home to a new, 300,000-square-foot state-of-the-art building in the next couple of years.

“It’s going to be absolutely beautiful,” Bigelow said. “We have a guy leading the project who is from Louisville. He has worked with all the employees and visited the other facilities to figure out the best Bigelow Tea plant layout and that’s what we’re building. It’s very exciting.”

The new facility will feature the latest equipment to keep the company producing high-quality products, while allowing for upgrades that will improve the health and well-being of all employees with a new cafeteria and locker-room space. Bigelow said the company team worked hard to honor the commitment of the Louisville team by keeping the new plant close to the area where most live.

“One of the reasons why we bought property only a mile away from our current property is because when we mapped out where our current employees lived, it

Writer / Gavin LaPaille

Photography Provided

David and Eunice Bigelow with their daughter, Cindi

would have been a tremendous inconvenience for some of them if we moved out,” Bigelow said. “We worked really hard to honor where they lived and still fill our need to expand. We’re very fortunate to find that space so close to us that our employees will not be inconvenienced when we make the move.”

While communication could seemingly be challenging with facilities thousands of miles apart, Louisville team members said they have no issues ensuring they are working towards the company’s overall goals.

“We handle communication very well,” said Nico Campbell, the plant’s day shift lead operator. “We get our marching orders and we get it done. We all work as a team - all three shifts.”

In addition to keeping things fun during working hours, the Bigelow Tea leaders also strive to keep their employees engaged when they’re not working. One of Bigelow’s biggest events is the annual Tea Pot Dinner, which brings together all employees who have been with the company seven years or

longer for a night of food, dancing, and fun. The company also participates in a number of philanthropy events throughout the city, including the annual Kentucky Derby Festival Bed Race.

“We like to bring all of our shifts together,” said Thad Judy, human resource manager. “Some folks on nights don’t see the others on days, so we try to create that bond where everyone knows everyone. It’s all a lot of fun.”

The Bigelow family values have imprinted on the company and its workforce as a whole. Cindi Bigelow makes it a point to communicate and share with employees during big events and anniversaries, while speaking with as many team members in person as she can while visiting.

“It’s important you visit and you send

other people from [Connecticut] who have that same cultural commitment,” she said. “It takes a long time to build that kind of culture, and then you have to keep it going.”

Employees have taken the actions from the Bigelows to heart and use them as motivation to make the Louisville factory the best it can be.

“We have the Bigelow values and we preach that to everyone,” said Wayne Hendrix, factory manager. “We make sure we treat everyone the right and fair way. That is how Cindi and her family want this company to be run.”

Louisville Manufacturing Plant with employees

Employees out on the production floor

David and Ruth Bigelow with their son, David

TW I LIGHT WISH

NONPROFIT GRANTS WISHES BIG AND SMALL FOR LOUISVILLE’S AGING POPULATION

Writer / Grace Schaefer Photography Provided

There’s a new nonprofit in town. And for Louisville’s elders, it could be life-changing.

It’s called Twilight Wish, and it exists to grant “wishes” to seniors - anything from trips to Normandy, to a couple jars of special spaghetti sauce.

“Every single wish has been meaningful for me,” says Julie Hartmann, director of the new Louisville chapter. She has worked with the organization since 2009 and was instrumental in bringing a chapter to Kentucky.

Hartmann began a career in physical therapy in 1985, and in the course of her work, began to serve in geriatrics. “That really solidified my love for the older adult,” she says. “I met people from all walks of life,

from farmers who lived way out to highlevel executives who ran a company, and really gained an appreciation for growing older and what it was all about. I just always felt like there was something I could do to give back.”

She began to search for a way to do so, and discovered Twilight Wish.

The organization is dedicated to granting the wishes of men and women over the age of 65. Seniors or their families may fill out a form, found on the foundation’s website, requesting a wish. This is then reviewed and, if possible, the wish will be granted.

“If you’re in a nursing home, you automatically qualify, and veterans automatically qualify,” Hartmann says. She adds that they honor a history of

servanthood, helping those who “give back to the community in some way, shape or form. It can be anything from ‘I started the Red Cross’ to ‘I knit Afghans for local nursing homes.’ There’s some way that people are giving back.”

The goal is to do something special for the senior that they would not have the means to do for themselves, whether for financial or other reasons. “I think in all the years I’ve done it, there’s never been somebody who hasn’t met those criteria,” Hartmann says.

Because eligibility allows seniors from so many backgrounds to participate, a wide scope of wishes are represented. A “simple needs” wish may be having an accessibility ramp built at one’s house; “celebrating a life” is for those with limited life expectancies and may include returns to a

job or hometown. “Living life to the fullest” wishes range from meeting celebrities to cross-country, 18-wheeler trips, and any experience in between.

There are also “veterans’ wishes,” which make up a third of those granted and can overlap with any of the three categories. No matter the wish or the recipient, the end goal, as summed up in the foundation’s brochure, is this: “to make the world a nicer place to age, one Twilight Wish at a time.”

When Hartmann discovered Twilight Wish in 2009, only six years after its inception, a few hundred wishes had been granted. She says there have now been over 5,000.

“I’ve left crying because of the impact of a wish,” Hartmann says. “It made me take a step back in my own life and realize how good I have it. Sometimes we just don’t think about that. We spend a lot of time complaining about things, but then somebody’s wish is time with a therapy dog or two jars of special spaghetti sauce, or time with a family member that they haven’t seen in a while.” It’s a reminder of the importance of the seemingly simple.

When she’s at events, Hartmann asks older adults what they might want if they could wish for anything. The common response is, “I’ve got everything I need.”

Today, Louisville has its own chapter. The startup process wasn’t easy; Hartmann says it included learning about a host of local organizations that could “help me get the word out, and help connect me to people who maybe have organizations that might want to donate or help. It’s a learning curve to know the city.”

Hartmann and others involved were persistent, and the Louisville chapter opened in June 2023. It was granting wishes within three months of opening.

Hartmann says the Louisville chapter will recognize and celebrate older adults that live in the area. “It’s a great place to age, so let’s celebrate it in every way possible,” she says. “Let’s find the adults that are kind of quiet behind the scenes that deserve more. That’s who I’m looking for.”

These behind-the-scenes people come from all situations. “One lady wanted a flagpole,”

Hartmann says. “She was dying of cancer and she said, ‘I want a flagpole for my son to be able to look at every day and think about strength.’”

One man’s wish was for a new pair of shoes

and socks. “He was in assisted living,” Hartmann says. “He walked out in the parking lot every day and his shoes were worn out, so he just wanted a pair of shoes and socks. He went up to Dick’s Sporting Goods and he got to pick out a pair of shoes and socks. It was so exciting for him. He wouldn’t take them off.”

The Louisville chapter recently bought two iPads for Nazareth Home. “One of the Bellarmine University classes is going to go over and teach them how to use them,” Hartmann says.

Many of these wishes may look small on the outside, but to these seniors, they’re a blessing received with a grateful attitude that people of any age can learn from.

“Personally, I love the smaller wishes,” Hartmann says. “I think they’re much more meaningful for me and for the person.”

As the Louisville chapter grows, Hartmann encourages the community to get involved. Whether this is through volunteering - even volunteering to grant a wish - or through donating funds or goods, any help can be a

big help. The impact, however, can be even more widespread. “Everybody has needs; everybody has things that they can offer,” Hartmann says.

She encourages everyone, no matter the time or place, to “be supportive of the older adults. Listen to what they are saying. Be respectful.”

It’s both a community-wide effort and a personal privilege. “The older adults that we’re dealing with, they’ve been through a lot and they’ve seen a lot,” Hartmann says. “We can learn a lot from them if we take the time. Don’t forget about the older adults in your life. Reach out, continue to be a part of their life, support them. If there’s a wish that they might want, let us know.”

This kind of support, whether affiliated with Twilight Wish or not, is an easy way to improve the lives of our aging loved ones, peers, coworkers and community members.

“There’s no playbook for getting older,” Hartmann says. “There’s going to be a big variety of people, from those who are doing really well and have a great support system

to those individuals who are alone and have no support, and could use a little bit of Twilight Wish in their life.”

The process is different for each and every person, but in every situation, the community can play an important role in making Louisville a nicer place to age, one moment, one smile, and one Twilight Wish at a time.

To learn more about Twilight Wish, including how to apply for a wish and how to get involved, visit twilightwish.org.

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“GET BACK” TO ABBEY ROAD ON THE RIVER FESTIVAL

Writer / Carrie Vittitoe Photography Provided

We’ve all heard the adage that to be especially happy in your profession, ensure you’re doing something you’re passionate about. While Gary Jacob, founder and producer of Abbey Road on the River (AROTR), didn’t expect that he would produce the world’s largest Beatles-inspired music festival, he always had a passion for the band and their music.

“I first saw The Beatles on ‘Ed Sullivan’ in 1964 like so many people of my generation,” he says. “I guess they were always my favorite band through the years.”

In 1984, the 20th anniversary of The Beatles’ invasion of the United States, Jacob says he “backed into” music festival production. At the time he had his own restaurant in Ohio and converted it for two weeks into a Beatles restaurant. This initial dabbling in event production led to his work on music festivals in the greater Cleveland area.

As part of the lineup for these shows, Jacob would often hire several Beatles look-alike bands and found that they were as well-attended, if not more popular, than the headliners. “That always stuck with me,” he says.

Years later, in 2002 he was hired to produce a grand opening for a venue. Based on his various Beatles-related experiences over the years, Jacob suggested a Beatles festival theme. With the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame being so close, it seemed like a natural and exciting fit. Abbey Road on the River was born, and continued in Cleveland in 2003 and 2004.

FAb FOUR FEST

In 2005, however, the festival moved to Louisville. One of Jacob’s clients lived in Louisville and suggested the city would be very receptive to a Beatles-inspired music festival. Jacob himself had, in the late 1980s, met with Mayor Jerry Abramson and discussed some business possibilities, but the stars didn’t align until after the millennium.

“AROTR was just doing OK in Cleveland,” Jacob says. “We were competing against the Cleveland Indians, the Cleveland Browns and the Cavaliers for sponsorships.” Cleveland was also one of Live Nation’s biggest markets, which made it harder for Abbey Road on the River to break through.

Louisville had a responsive tourism bureau and mayor’s office, as well as a river, so the festival name could remain the same. Plus, the city wanted AROTR to take place on Memorial Day weekend as a signature event, which delighted Jacob. “Fifth Third Bank agreed to be the title sponsor after hearing a 10-minute pitch,” he says. “When everything came together, we said ‘We’re moving.’” Despite some negative press in Cleveland about the relocation to Louisville, he felt like it was the right decision.

For several years AROTR took place at the Belvedere, but by 2015 Jacob and his team began to consider a change of venue. There were some structural issues that concerned him, with the weight of the stages and trucks on the Belvedere. Plus, similar to Cleveland, competition grew from sports and other music events in downtown Louisville.

“We knew sponsorships in Louisville were going to be harder to

acquire,” Jacob says. “Jeffersonville called us and we just fell in love with it.” In 2017 AROTR was held at Big 4 Station Park, a site that has been developed and offers plenty of restaurants, parking, and space for festival attendees.

Now, producing a music festival in Kentuckiana while living in Cleveland is no picnic. Jacob estimates he has driven back and forth at least 100 times, which clocks in at about 70,000 miles (he could have traveled across the globe a little under three times at that number). “I know every exit on 71,” he says. Despite the distance, throughout his time producing AROTR, he has developed a great network of Louisville and Jeffersonville event professionals who make the process much easier.

Aside from travel, one of the challenges of producing a music festival can be keeping things the same for individuals who love routine, while also freshening things up for attendees who don’t want to see the exact same thing every year. “We’ve always worked on adding fresh elements, but we’ve had major headliners going back to 2012 when we first started bringing in national classic rock hall of famers,” he says. “What stays the same is the music of The Beatles. It’s so timeless. They are as important today as they were 60 years ago.”

One of the most critical areas of focus is keeping the event family oriented and affordable, because young people are the future of AROTR. “We cannot keep this thing fresh if all of our customers hit retirement age and have to start doing other things with their savings instead of traveling to Jeffersonville,” he says. Jacob and his team are committed to this family focus, with a policy of free admission for anyone aged 21 or under.

Crescent Hill resident

Steve Bennett and his youngadult son, Tanner, share a love of Beatles music and regularly

the music’s ability to transcend time,” Steve says. “For me it’s a nostalgic journey, yet surprisingly present.”

His son echoes this enthusiasm. “I attend because I’m a huge fan of The Beatles,” Tanner says. “The setup and bands are always amazing.”

Sheila Quire of Jeffersontown and her husband, Jack, try to make it to at least one day of AROTR every year. “Abbey Road brings in some of the best Beatles tribute bands in the world,” she says. “My favorite is the Rigbys from right here in Kentuckiana.” Even more than the music, the event is just a good time. “Everyone is happy and friendly,” she says.

Aside from a fantastic lineup, which this year includes Dean Torrence from Jan & Dean’s Beach Party, the Royal Guardsmen and the Cyrkle, attendees can expect comfort and security, which are integral aspects of the festival. “We keep the event comfortable, and I’m not sure there is another music festival in the area where there is as much space and comfort for people,” Jacob says. “I know our security is the best.”

AROTR runs from May 23 to 27 and offers numerous ticket packages depending on how many days you’d like to attend. Jacob sums up what attendees can expect. “They are going to be immersed in this amazing music in this wonderful venue, hopefully with lots of sunshine, great food, great vendors and a playground for the kids,” he says. Go to arotr.com for more info.

Maintaining the Integrity of Your Tile and Grout

INSIGHTS FROM A HANDYMAN

Writer / Craig Noon, Done By Noon Handyman Services Photography Provided

As a seasoned handyman, I’ve encountered my fair share of neglected tile and grout, and let me tell you, the consequences of overlooking regular maintenance can be dire. However, with a bit of wisdom and foresight, you can ensure that your tile surfaces remain not just functional, but also aesthetically pleasing for years to come. The following are some valuable insights into the importance of regular maintenance for tile and grout, along with tips on cleaning, sealing and even replacing them when necessary.

First and foremost, let’s talk about the importance of cleaning and sealing your grout. Grout is more than just the filler between your tiles; it’s a crucial component that helps hold your tiles in place and prevents moisture from seeping through. Over time, however, grout can become dirty, discolored and even cracked,

compromising its integrity and detracting from the overall appearance of your tile surfaces.

Regular cleaning is essential for removing dirt, grime and mold buildup from your grout lines. I recommend using a mild detergent or specially formulated grout cleaner along with a stiff brush to scrub away stubborn stains. For particularly stubborn grime, a mixture of baking soda and water can work wonders. Once your grout is clean, it’s important to seal it to protect it from future stains and moisture damage. A quality grout sealer creates a protective barrier that repels water and prevents dirt and stains from penetrating the surface, keeping your grout looking fresh and clean for longer.

But what if your tile and grout are beyond repair? In some cases, completely replacing

the old tile may be necessary. Whether your tiles are cracked, chipped or simply outdated, installing new tile can breathe new life into your space and enhance its overall appeal.

Regular maintenance is essential for preserving the integrity and appearance of your tile and grout. By cleaning and sealing your grout regularly, you can prevent stains, mold and moisture damage, ensuring that your tile surfaces remain beautiful and functional for years to come. And if the time comes for a complete overhaul, don’t hesitate to reach out to your handyman, who can guide you through the process with expertise and professionalism.

You can reach Craig Noon at Done By Noon by calling 502-533-7737.

THE ARTERBURN

ST. MATTHEWS COMMUNITY CENTER GETS

$2.5 MILLION MAKEOVER AND NAME CHANGE

The building previously known as the St. Matthews Community Center is now officially named The Arterburn.

This event facility is a hidden gem that sits among 45.8 acres encompassing St. Matthews Community Park, located across from Mall St. Matthews, at 310 Ten Pin Lane. This little-known facility has undergone some massive changes during its $2.5 million renovation.

Why the Arterburn name? Arterburn originates from the family whose members, Shelton B. Arterburn and C. Bernard Arterburn, the executor of the will and trust of the estate of Covington Arterburn, sold the Community Park property that the current Arterburn building stands upon, to the City of St. Matthews on December 23, 1980. The deed refers to the real estate as “commonly known as Arterburn Park.”

“When the city was in the process of

renovating the building, St. Matthews City Councilmember Mary Jo Nay found, in city records, that the facility was decreed by the city council, on February 26, 1981, to be known as Arterburn Hall,” said St. Matthews City Councilmember Tim Holland. “Councilmember Nay recommended we honor that historic 1981 decision and reinstate the name to once again honor the Arterburn family. The name won’t get lost this time.”

While researching the basis of the action taken by the city council in 1981, it was discovered that the Arterburn family had deep roots in the St. Matthews community. William Arterburn Sr. of Charles County, Maryland, and his wife, Rachel Smoots Arterburn, born in Shenandoah County, Virginia, came to Jefferson County circa 1880. Together they made the trip by flatboat to the mouth of Goose Creek, then overland to Beargrass Creek, and settled in what would be St. Matthews years later, before Kentucky was a state. They settled in

a log cabin by what is now Oxmoor Farm, where they acquired substantial acreage in the area, and together raised nine sons.

In 1872, William and Rachel’s son, Norbourne Arterburn, became one of the richest men in Kentucky. He and his brothers, Covington and William Crawford Arterburn, held tremendous farm holdings on both sides of Shelbyville Road.

Another son, Shelton Bernard Arterburn, was born in 1890 and grew up on the family farm, known as Beechwood Gate Farm, located in what is now Beechwood Village. As a young boy, Shelton was the last Arterburn to work on the family farm. He attended the old Greathouse School, while hauling potatoes to the produce market by horse and wagon for a nickel a barrel. In 1903 the preacher from Beargrass Church came to talk to the young Arterburn while working in the fields. Shelton decided to join the church, and at the time of his death he was the longest-living member of

Story & Photography Provided

the church.

From Greathouse he attended Louisville Male High School, where he was within three months of finishing when typhoid fever struck. He continued to farm for a while, then went to work for PeasleeGaulbert, one of the largest paint manufacturers in the country, for $5 per week.

Then in 1912 he joined Sutcliffe’s, a sporting goods company, to promote tennis. Shelton was the Kentucky state singles tennis champion and Falls City singles champion four times, as well as the Kentucky state doubles champion five times and the Falls City doubles champion three times. Two years after his death he was inducted into the Kentucky Tennis Hall of Fame.

In 1955, upon retiring from Sutcliffe’s as vice president, Shelton agreed to lease a part of the farm to then-Mayor James Noland of St. Matthews. Twelve years later, in 1967,

Shelton agreed, with then-St. Matthews Mayor Bernard F. Bowling, Sr., to grant St. Matthews an option to purchase what is now St. Matthews Community Park. The rest is history!

In addition to a new name, The Arterburn’s $2.5 million renovation gave the facility much-needed upgrades. Currently the city is implementing a facelift to The Arterburn’s facade to enhance the building’s signature look.

The Arterburn now features new flooring, new mechanicals and audio-visual equipment, a bridal room to accommodate bridal-party needs, and a professional kitchen that allows for event catering. There is also an enclosed patio that includes a grass area and sun shade sail for events such as on-site ceremonies, allowing more outdoor space to be utilized as weather permits. A variety of spaces within the facility are offered to accommodate events of most any size, while renters also have the option to reserve the entire hall, which allows for a capacity of 250 people.

“It’s a great asset for the community and

we want people to know that it’s here and available to them,” said Holland, who serves as chair for the council’s rental committee. “An added benefit to St. Matthews residents who choose to reserve The Arterburn is a 10% discount on the rental fee. Current reservations at the facility include retirement and birthday parties, anniversaries, weddings, celebrations of life, corporate events, club meetings and such. Rental periods vary from eight to 12 hours and alcohol is allowed to be served. Weekends are the busiest, however reservations are available for weekdays too.”

More info including the venue’s availability calendar, contract and rates, along with a virtual tour, is available at stmatthewsky. gov/arterburn. Also call 502-895-9444.

Historical facts obtained from “St. Matthews: The Crossroad of Beargrass” by Samuel W. Thomas, and the Arterburn family.

LEGENDARY LANDSCAPES

MATT BIZZELL AND HIS TEAM ARE THE HORTICULTURAL HEROES OF CHURCHILL DOWNS

Writer & Photographer / Jessica Able

As Churchill Downs prepares to host the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, one thing is sure to be true; the grounds will look absolutely spectacular, thanks in no small part to Matt Bizzell and his team.

Bizzell and his 10-person team are in the midst of preparing the historic grounds for an influx of tourists and locals alike, who flock to the track the first week of May. When they step onto the pavers lining the walkways of the grandstands, take in the grandeur of the newly renovated paddock and look out at the winner’s circle, they will see the thoughtful planning and design that go into ensuring the sesquicentennial racetrack looks in tip-top shape.

Bizzell has worked at Churchill Downs for 25 years, and has been the director of horticulture for the legendary horse park for the last 13 years.

“I came here straight out of college,” he said. “I took a job on a crew and didn’t know what I wanted to do long-term.” Somewhere along the way, he felt at home in the greenhouse at Churchill Downs.

In his work caring for the 190-acre property on Central Avenue, Bizzell takes his role as steward of the grounds with respect. His crew is in charge of everything growing on property, with the exception of the turf track, which has its own crew.

“The trees, shrubs, flowers, perennials,

grasses and everything else is our responsibility,” Bizzell said.

Being a part of something so important to Louisville and to horse racing is an honor, Bizzell said.

“If I meet anyone and I tell them I work for Churchill Downs, almost every time they tell me about the time they went to the Derby, or about their family’s special Derby tradition,” he said. “I really appreciate that connection to people and to the city.”

While the Kentucky Derby is synonymous with red roses, there are actually 100 varieties of plant species on the grounds of Churchill Downs.

“If I meet anyone and I tell them I work for Churchill Downs, almost every time they tell me about the time they went to the Derby, or about their family’s special Derby tradition,” he said. “I really appreciate that connection to people and to the city.”

— Matt Bizzell

“In the past we’ve planted 6,000 to 12,000 tulips every year,” Bizzell said. “With the construction this year, we’ve curbed that. We are still planting tulips, but a smaller amount.”

When the new paddock construction is complete, the plan is to put a brand-new tulip garden back in, Bizzell said.

In the rest of the racetrack, Bizzell and his team have turned to some interesting and unique plants and trees to adorn the property.

“We try to plant a diversity of species,” he said. “When you drive down Central Avenue there are several weeping bald cypress - something that definitely stands out.”

In addition to the cypress varieties, there are a lot of European beech and Alaskan and weeping Alaskan cedar trees. While these are not native to Kentucky, they handle the cold weather well and transplant well. They

start off in big pots and are then planted around the property.

Several native species visitors will find on the property include bald cypress, black gum and many native oak species. One species many Louisvillians will recognize is the southern magnolia tree, which starts to bloom right around Derby time each year.

Bizzell’s team grows the plants in the large greenhouse located on property, on the corner of Longfield and Wizard avenues, across from the VFW Post. The 12,000-square-foot greenhouse grows more than 100 plant varieties and upwards of 18,000 individual plants. Professional horticultural crews have been present at the track for well over a century, Bizzell explained.

Bizzell uses the track’s off-season as a time to strategize what he’ll plant, scour nurseries for unique and unusual plants and trees, and brainstorm ways to make the park stand out

when it’s flooded with 160,000 people on the first Saturday in May.

The largest planting field is the area around the Kentucky Derby winner’s circle. It’s the large, horseshoe-shaped area where the winning jockey, owner, trainer and connections of the horse are presented with the winner’s trophy.

“We have about 6,000 to 8,000 plants in that area,” Bizzell said. “In the past we’ve planted plants in the shape of a fleur-de-lis. We may do something more intricate depending on the weather conditions.”

A slew of coleus plants are planted in the winner’s circle, as well as hundreds of red geraniums.

The Kentucky Derby is fairly early in the season so there is a risk of frost, Bizzell noted. Also, oftentimes the horses and humans accidentally trample the plants. In order to account for this, Bizzell always

grows double the amount needed for the area, so his team can replace as needed.

While Bizzell prefers the slower pace the non-racing months provide, he does revel in the Derby week festivities.

Derby week is showtime for Bizzell and his team. Up until opening day the weekend before the Derby, the grounds team works at breakneck speed in order to get the expansive property up to the standards visitors and locals alike have come to expect.

“We are trying to keep the grass mowed, picking up trash and tending the grounds,” he said.

Once racing begins, the week leading up to the Oaks and Derby events are a blur, Bizzell said. He and his crew are working 12-plushour days.

On Oaks and Derby days, the team arrives by 6:30 a.m. and cleans the perimeter of the

track. Once the gates open mid-morning, they return to the greenhouse and grab a bite to eat. Then, they are back out on the grounds. They are stationed at the starting gate, finish line, paddock gate and everyday winner’s circle, or assisting people in crossing the racetrack when appropriate. To top it off, they clean up the entire property at the end of the day.

“It’s nonstop on Oaks and Derby daydefinitely the longest days of the year,” Bizzell said. “There are 110,000 people here for Oaks. Then we have to turn it around and clean the facility, and open the track back up for 160,000 people the following day.”

Bizzell has undoubtedly one of the best views of what some call the most exciting two minutes in sports. While most people are gathering in the grandstand, looking at the track and anticipating the start of the big race, Bizzell is situated on the turf track looking at the twin spires.

“As the horses come out and ‘My Old Kentucky Home’ plays, I’m looking in the

opposite direction watching all these people gather and sing as the horses go by in the post parade,” he said. “It’s wonderful.”

Once the race is over, on both Oaks and Derby days, Bizzell’s team ensures water is available for the horses and the track gates are open for people to cross.

“On Oaks, myself and my crew put the garland of lilies on the winning horse,” Bizzell said. “It’s a special honor.”

On Derby, the rose presentation is done by the valets who take care of the horse, Bizzell noted.

Once he’s put the week to bed, he does breathe a sigh or two of relief that another year has concluded with minimal hiccups.

“There are many enjoyable things about it, but I’m always happy to have it behind us,” he said. “Derby week is very hard. Even as stressful as it is, it’s a lot of fun.”

Bizzell noted that the men and women

who work on his team are incredibly dedicated to their profession.

“The men and women who work for me just do an incredible job,” he said. “They, like myself, are full time year-round. The amount of work, time and hard labor they put into their job is always impressive. All of them have been here a considerable amount of time, and are dedicated to Churchill Downs and the greenhouse.”

When he’s not at work, Bizzell enjoys doing his own plantings and fixing up his historic house.

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DOING KENTUCKY PROUD

KENTUCKY COLONELS REPRESENT NEARLY A CENTURY OF PHILANTHROPY AND CAMARADERIE

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The title Kentucky Colonel dates back to around 1813. The Kentucky Militia had just returned from a highly successful campaign during the War of 1812. When the militia disbanded, Governor Isaac Shelby commissioned Charles S. Todd, one of his officers in the campaign, as an aide-de-camp on the governor’s staff. Todd’s official rank and grade was colonel.

While early Colonels actually served military roles, the position took on a more ceremonial function in the late 1800s. Colonels in uniform attended functions at the governor’s mansion, stood as symbolic guards at state events, and the like.

In the late 1920s, a group of Colonels started talking about forming a “society.” Governor Flem Sampson gave his blessings to the project, and late one Saturday afternoon in May of 1931, the first meeting of what would eventually become the Kentucky Colonels was held in Frankfort. “Formulate a society to more closely band together this group into a great nonpolitical brotherhood for the advancement of Kentucky and Kentuckians,” Governor Sampson challenged. And they did. Minutes of the early meetings confirm that charitable programs were to be a central part of the

organization. Social events would also play an important role. The group held a Derby Eve dinner for the first time in 1932.

Ruby Laffoon, who seemed to have had an innate sense of public relations and an affinity for Hollywood stars, replaced Sampson as Governor in 1932. Early on, Laffoon didn’t seem to take to the idea of a Kentucky Colonels society and somewhat shunned the organization, which was known then as The Kentucky Colonels. In December of 1932, Laffoon met with Colonel Anna Bell Ward Olson, who owned several movie theaters across Kentucky. A representative of theater owners nationwide who also held a Kentucky Colonel commission accompanied Colonel Olson. The meeting theoretically concerned movie censorship. However, what came out of the meeting was Laffoon’s commitment to Kentucky Colonels, and in particular a “new” organization to be called the Kentucky Colonels. Laffoon appointed Colonel Olson as secretary and keeper of the great seal.

Colonel Olson attacked her new position with fervor. Colonels around the world were contacted and invited to become members of the Kentucky Colonels. Social

events were scheduled to coincide with the Kentucky Derby to attract as many individuals as possible. At the same time, Governor Laffoon started appointing Colonels with a similar zeal. Hollywood personalities such as Mae West, Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire and W.C. Fields not only became colonels, but also embraced the idea of the Kentucky Colonels.

The crisis that motivated the order to make a major impact on the state came with the disastrous Great Flood of 1937. The Kentucky Colonels appointed by Sampson and Laffoon, and organized by Colonel Olson, went to work. New York-based Colonels collected five dollars from each member (the equivalent of nearly $100 today). In California, colonels such as Fred Astaire held benefits to raise money for Kentucky. Recovery from the flood was still ongoing as the war in Europe broke out. As World War II loomed at the change of the decade, the “great nonpolitical brotherhood” was again mobilized.

Colonel Anna Friedman had taken over the duties of keeper of the great seal from Colonel Olson. It was a job that fit her perfectly. Not even Governor Laffoon enjoyed associating with the stars and the

elite business community of New York as much as Colonel Friedman did. As the country prepared for war, Colonel Friedman again used funds donated by these honorary “Kentuckians” to set up recreation rooms for soldiers in training at Fort Knox.

By one count, Kentucky Colonels established and then posted signs in at least 35 facilities. The signs read, “Kentucky Colonels hope you hang out and have fun

here.” Kentucky Colonels also set up and staffed the WAC recruiting office in Louisville.

Kentucky Colonel social events were cancelled during the war. However, a small group of colonels gathered annually at The Forest, Colonel Friedman’s Anchorage home, to drink a toast to the men and women in the service. It was, incidentally, at The Forest that the grand tradition of the Kentucky Colonels’ BBQ Reunion began

Welcome Home to Harmony

in the late 1930s.

The years following the war saw the charitable side of the Kentucky Colonels grow rapidly. In 1946, colonels attending the annual Derby Eve Colonels banquet pledged money to help start the Kentucky “Country Doctors” fund. Today the fund is known, more politically correctly, as the “Rural Kentucky Medical Scholarship Fund.” It has helped hundreds of physicians attend medical school in return for a promise to practice in rural areas of the state. Kentucky’s first cancer treatment center and the Lions Eye Center also continue to serve Kentucky. Kentucky Colonels funded both in large part.

Colonels continue to contribute dollars to the goal of benefiting Kentucky and Kentuckians. Since 1951, as an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) charity, the Kentucky Colonels have distributed over 7,000 grants to charitable and educational agencies all across Kentucky. For the last dozen years, the Kentucky Colonels’ board of trustees has distributed approximately $2 million each year, impacting the lives for more than 3.8 million people in and around Kentucky.

This year, someone in every county in the state will be touched by a program funded by the voluntary, tax-deductible contributions of Kentucky Colonels living in every state in the nation, as well as colonels living in 49 nations abroad.So the next time you meet a fellow Kentucky Colonel, you can assume you are with a kindred spirit - someone like you who goes that extra step in kindness, goodwill and pride in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

WITH SHERRY CROSE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Q: What is your role with the Kentucky Colonels organization?

A: Executive director and keeper of the great seal.

Q: What is the keeper of the great seal?

A: The Honorable Order has several historic items that have been created and celebrated over the decades, the great seal being one. This historic symbol (logo) was created in 1933, fashioned off the Seal of the Commonwealth. With the creation of the actual symbol of the organization, the governor at the time, Ruby Laffoon, appointed Anna Bell Ward Olsen as the first keeper of the great seal. She was from Lexington and appointed secretary to the Kentucky

Colonels, and given the task of “organizing” commissioned colonels into what is today the Honorable Order. She was followed by Anna Friedman Goldman of Louisville in the 1950s. Colonel Anna is recognized as the individual who created a very success barbecue the day after Derby, and the Derby Eve Banquet held at the Galt House. In 1957 articles of incorporation were signed and noted in corporate minutes. The governor could still appoint the keeper of the great seal. That tradition faded after two more individuals were appointed keeper of the great seal, Dorothy Smith and Patty Boston, and by the early 1990s the title was seemly dropped. In 2017 a board of trustees member researched the title and determined that the title and

responsibilities rest with the executive director’s position.

Q: How has the role of the Kentucky Colonels evolved over the years?

A: Kentucky Colonels have been a social bunch since the 1800s, and that continues today. It has just evolved to more formalized events and chapters. Colonels want to meet colonels in their own hometowns, so the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC) formalized groups by chartering chapters, beginning in 2021. Today there are 41 chapters and five of those are outside of the U.S.A. There is a chapter right here in Louisville, the Derby City Chapter.

Kentucky Colonels are individuals

recognized for their giving nature and care for their communities, and that trait has strengthened over the last almost 100 years. When the flood of 1937 happened along the Ohio River, colonels who resided outside the commonwealth sprang into action and contributed money to help Kentuckians. That gifting generosity continued and has now evolved into a philanthropy program that grants over $3 million annually to over 300 different types of nonprofits in the commonwealth. Those dollars come annually from individual Kentucky Colonels who are touched that someone recognized and took the time to nominate them for their good deeds. Colonels who donate reside in every state and 49 countries, and they know their contributions stay in Kentucky! They know that the nonprofits are carefully researched and vetted by the board of trustees.

One piece of history that has not evolved since the 1930s is the nonpartisan, nonpolitical nature of the Honorable Order. This is the governor’s recognition program. However, HOKC gets the opportunity to take that meaningful title and continue to help Kentuckians.

Q: What is the some of the charitable work that has been done by the order in recent years?

A: The Honorable Order has had a structured grant program beginning in 1951. The colonels granted funds prior to that, but not on a consistent, annual basis. The charitable work spans the spectrum of categories that impact Kentuckians. There are veteran and youth service nonprofits. There are nonprofits that support the poor, needy, and those facing health, rehabilitation or mental illness issues. Historic preservation,

cultural activities, and nonprofits that support the disabled and provide education opportunities for adults and children are also supported, as well as nonprofits that care for our fourlegged friends.

Over $64 million has been distributed since 1951 to over 1,800 distinctive nonprofits. Here in the Louisville area, examples of nonprofits assisted by the Kentucky Colonels are Alley Cat Advocates, Snacks in Sack, the Louisville Leopards, StageOne Family Theatre, Neighborhood House, Scarlet Hope, First Tee, South Louisville Community Ministries, and the Westend Token Club, just to name a few.

Q: What is the most unique grant the Kentucky Colonels have gifted?

A: The most unique in our history were the two reindeer for the Life

Adventure Center located outside of Lexington. These two were gifted to expose interurban youth to an animal they wouldn’t see in Kentucky. Interesting grants recently have included a kitten incubator for a small humane society in Edmondson County; paying for the repair of a leaking conservation pond used to water a community garden that is tended by inmates from the county jail where food is grown, to give away to low-income residents in Marion County; purchasing trendy gym shoes for low-income youths who just want to fit in with their peers; a historic headstone for the first woman who was named a Kentucky Colonel for her work during World War I; and for sensory rooms and play equipment for youths and adults.

Q: What lies ahead for the Honorable Order?

A: The organization is coming up on its 100th anniversary on May 2, 2031, and HOKC would like to help nonprofits in every county in Kentucky. Currently HOKC has helped nonprofits in 76 counties out of 120. It is the goal of the volunteer board of trustees to fund every qualified grant, which doesn’t mean every grant that is submitted. The Honorable Order funds needs - not wants - of nonprofits. The trustees take spending the generous contributions from colonels very seriously, because it is also their donations that support nonprofits in Kentucky. HOKC is organizing more ways for colonels to meet other colonels through volunteer days of service, creating events in other cities outside of Kentucky for colonels, and highlighting amazing achievements of Kentucky Colonels and by Kentucky Colonels.

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CREEPY CRAWLIES TURNED GARDEN BESTIES

MANY SEEMINGLY SCARY OUTDOOR BUGS ARE ACTUALLY YOUR GARDEN GOOD GUYS

Writer / Olivia Wagner Photography Provided

It has happened this way for years - as soon as the air warms and the dirt thaws, I get the urge to put my hands in it. I start new seeds, purchase new plants, and say hello to the ones that have survived the winter in my garden. I pull up some unwanted plants and transfer some to new homes - I am lost in the garden.

I have survived the long winter, the sun is touching my face, and I am fully immersed in the plants. Then, suddenly I am pulled away from this bliss when I come face to face with the creepiest-looking bug I have ever seen. It makes my skin crawl. I hate how it moves, and it looks like it could hurt me. To avoid coming in contact with it, I remove myself from the situation, and my time in the garden is done for the day.

It has been my personal mission to conquer this fear in order to not let the creepy crawlies keep me out of the garden. I have noticed that learning more about them has made them a lot less creepy. I have even learned that some of the creepiest looking are predators whose scary body is designed

not to hurt me, but rather to hunt other bugs that I would consider garden pests.

While there are still times I violently recoil when I pull a weed and a swarm of ants fall out, I am getting better. Most of the time I can turn my disgust into fascination, and I can appreciate their place in the garden. If you have a similar situation, I hope you will join me in this pursuit, because sometimes you may figure out that the bugs you’ve been scared of are actually your friends, joining forces with you to destroy some of the pests that wreak havoc in your garden. To help you start, here is a list of five creepy crawlies that you can turn into your garden besties this year:

LADYBUGS

We probably all know what ladybugs look like, but like other insects, they go through a complete metamorphosis, and you may not recognize what they look like in all their life stages. Just like caterpillars turn into butterflies, after ladybugs hatch out of their egg, they are in what is called the larval stage. In this stage, they look like miniature

alligators, with long, black and spiky bodies that may put them in the creepy crawly category. However, whatever stage they are in, they are friends to you and your garden. Ladybug larvae can eat up to 40 aphids an hour and can consume up to 5,000 insects in their short lifetime - only about four to seven weeks.

LACEWINGS

These beautiful insects also go through a metamorphosis. You can find their eggs on the underside of leaves or blades of grass. The females place the eggs in a careful row, where the eggs are on the end of long, thread-like strings to prevent the hatchlings from eating each other. The adults have light-green bodies with beautifully delicate, transparent wings. However, just like the ladybugs, they go through an awkward larval phase between egg and adult. The larvae are fast-moving, flattened brown and white creatures with large, curved mandibles. They use these scary-looking mouth parts to eat up to 100 aphids per day, earning them the nickname “aphid lions,” so I would consider them a friend!

ASSASSIN BUGS

The assassin bug really earns the name creepy crawly! There are hundreds of different species that live throughout North America, and they all share a similar body composition. Their heads are narrow, and their legs are long and spindly. But perhaps the creepiest thing about them is their sharp, segmented beak, which can pierce human flesh if they are handled incorrectly. Mostly, they hunt garden pests, from softbodied aphids to hard-bodied beetles, and use their beak to stab their prey and inject a lethal toxin, which liquefies the prey’s insides so they can suck it up. Although this one can hurt humans as well, this skilled hunter is usually on your team if you leave them alone!

HOVERFLIES

Hoverflies may look like small wasps or bees, with black and yellow or white striped abdomens, but they do not have the ability to sting as they are actually flies. They get their name because they will hover over flowers and are considered a very important pollinator species. Their larvae are small brown or green maggots that hatch from eggs laid on plants infested with soft-bodied pests. There has been some interesting research that has shown that aphid-infested potatoes emit particular odors that will attract hoverflies. Amazingly, these odors are capable of activating reproductive capabilities in the hoverflies. The flies will then lay their eggs on the infested plants. If the potatoes are not infested, they will send out a different odor that tells the flies there is no prey available.

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SPIDERS

I know spiders can be scary, but out of the 38,000 known species of spiders in the world, only two of them have bites that are harmful to humans in our area. Luckily, that means the chances of you encountering a spider that can seriously hurt you is small, especially in the garden. Most spiders have fangs that are either too small or not strong enough to pierce human skin. Spiders are hunters that mostly prey on insects. However, they are not picky eaters and will capture beneficial insects just as much as they will capture garden pests. So maybe this one is your friend, but they might also eat your other friends!

This summer, take time to learn about some of the bugs you encounter. You may find that they are not all bad and some might even be helpful. This list is just a start, and there are many more fascinating and helpful bugs all around you, so turn the creepy crawlies into your garden besties.

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A Taste of India

OWNERS OF NAWABI HYDERABAD HOUSE ARE ENJOYING SUCCESS

Janakiram Vangoor and his wife Swapnasree grew up in the southern part of India, in a city called Hyderabad. Though they have been living in Kentucky for more than 10 years, they had never come across authentictasting Indian food until they tasted Hyderabad House. When they learned it was a franchise, they thought it would be a good idea to bring authentic Indian food to the people of Louisville.

With 42 locations nationwide in cities like Nashville, Dallas, Chicago and Columbus, the couple liked the fact that the quality of the food and sauces is uniform across the franchise, as they specialize in authentic, south-Indian specialties.

foot space that’s cozy and comfortable.

Right from the start, the community has welcomed them with open arms.

“The response has been very good,” Vangoor says. “People are liking the food and often tell us, ‘I’m glad you brought the Hyderabad House to town.’”

Their friends initially questioned their decision to open a restaurant in the middle of a global pandemic, but the Vangoors weren’t deterred. In fact, because so many restaurants shuttered as a result of COVID-19, they saw an opportunity to provide a service that many craved during such a difficult period of time.

“Even during the pandemic, people still needed good food,” Vangoor says.

and I figure they need to go somewhere, so why not here?”

He says although 20% of restaurants closed at the time, the number of people either going out or ordering takeout was roughly the same.

“We felt confident opening our doors because we could see that there was a demand,” Vangoor says.

Plus, they offered something special that couldn’t be found on the average street corner. After all, it’s not fast food, but rather authentic, gourmet Indian food with flavors that cannot be replicated. Plus, the closest Hyderabad House locations outside of Louisville are in Cincinnati and Indianapolis.

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

Prior to this endeavor, Vangoor worked in the consulting field for 25 years. Though the restaurant industry is completely different, he insists that his life is about the same.

“My wife and I cook every day at home anyway, so now we just cook on a larger scale,” he says.

The restaurant is famous for a wide variety of biryanis, and customers also love the soups, appetizers, breads and sides. The desserts include Gulab Jamun, which are soft dumplings dipped in rose water and sugar syrup, as well as Rasmalai, including homemade soft milk patties dipped in sweet condensed milk and pistachio.

The eatery’s vegetarian appetizers include deep-fried Gobi, marinated in spicy batter, Masakali, consisting of deep-fried veggies cooked with special aromatic spices, and Karampodi, deep fried and tossed with house-special spices, red chilies and fried garlic.

Non-vegetarian entrees include Gongura Curry, which comes with a bone-in choice of meat cooked with gongura leaves - a South Indian delicacy, and also Tikka Masala, tender boneless choice of meat cooked in a rich tomato sauce, cream and spices. There’s also the Karaikudi Curry, prepared with a choice of meat, sautéed, and cooked with coconut milk and spices in a chettinad style.

They also sell a variety of Indian and local beers as well as wine, scotch and whiskey. Their goal is to provide a wide variety of quality Indian dishes and a fine Indian dining experience to guests, while focusing on their roots.

Though they are enjoying this new chapter of their life (Swapnasree was formerly with Commonwealth Bank), the biggest challenge in this career is keeping up with the high demand on weekends, as famished customers are typically eager to get their order as quickly as possible. When they

first opened their doors, the wait time was one hour, but now they have it down to 30 minutes from the time an order is placed.

“Everybody wants food immediatelywithin minutes - but on weekends, during peak times, the wait is longer,” Vangoor says. “There’s no way around that.”

The restaurant offers delivery, takeout and curbside pickup. In addition, customers can order from Grubhub and DoorDash. A lot of folks have enjoyed the convenience of online ordering. They also offer catering options.

“The bottom line is simple - if you maintain

good, quality food, people will always come,” says Vangoor, who likes getting to know each customer’s tastes and preferences.

Some prefer mild, and others medium. As Vangoor points out, there is no standard definition of medium.

“It feels good to give greattasting food to the people,” he says. “We are happy to provide that service.”

Nawabi Hyderabad House is located at 12412 Shelbyville Road in Louisville. For more information, call 502-405-8788 or visit hhlouisville.com.

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