Features MAY 2020
29 Hometown Heroes This month, we pay tribute to unsung, everyday people who have devoted their energy, gathered resources, and even retooled businesses to help those frontline workers and others in the community stay well. These folks, nominated by our readers, recognized a local need related to the pandemic and found ways to fill it. Rocko Jerome and Dawn Anderson spent time with some of these “Hometown Heroes” to share their stories.
ON THE COVER Meet local heroes who made a difference during COVID-19... PLUS...Louisville’s Real Estate Rock Stars and Luxury Down-Sizing
60
126 4 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
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Be the face that ends child abuse. Kosair Charities is committed to ensuring children and their families have everything they need to stay healthy, happy, and safe. We need your help to continue providing them with essential support.
Here are five ways you can prevent child abuse and neglect:
$
Kentucky is ranked #1 in the nation for cases of child abuse and neglect. 1 in 43 children in the Commonwealth experienced abuse or neglect in 2018*. These may be children you care about— family members, friends, and neighbors—it is likely you know a child in crisis.
Know the TEN-4 rule for key indicators of child abuse: faceitabuse.org/ten4rule Report suspected child abuse or neglect: 1-877-597-2331 or reportitky.org
Kentucky kids need your help. Stand up for kids by making a gift today to support Kosair Charities’ child abuse prevention efforts. Children are at risk now more than ever given the emotional, physical, and financial stressors on families resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donate today: kosair.org/donate-face-it
Text to 555-888 the words FacingIt and follow Kosair Charities and Face It on social media
5
Share this list with five friends, family members, and co-workers
*2018 Federal Child Maltreatment Report
I want to be help prevent child abuse and neglect with a gift of: ___$25
___$50
___$100
___$250
Surprise us: $___________________
Name: _________________________________________________________________ Street Address: _________________________________________________________ City: _________________________ State: ______ Zipcode: ___________________ Phone: _______________________ Email: ___________________________________ Please send this slip and your check payable to: Kosair Charities • PO Box 37370 • Louisville, KY 40233 To make a gift online, visit: kosair.org/donate-face-it
$25 trains an adult to recognize and prevent child abuse. $50 educates a classroom of students on abuse, bullying, and internet safety. $100 helps a childcare center inform parents on abuse prevention. $250 supplies abuse prevention resources to a library.
CONTENTS top notes
19
LLS Spring Galas
20
Top Shops: Mother’s Day Gift Guide
22
Top Shops: For the Home
life+style
50
29
Hometown Heroes
44
Surfing the Financial Wave of COVID-19
46
Co-Immunity Project: Creating a New Vision of Health for the Commonwealth
48
Boutique Spotlight: Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique
50
wow wedding: Katie & Noel
at home
58
Design Guru: Sport Court® of Kentucky: These Courts Rule!
60
Tour of Homes: Right-Size with the Right Details at the Courtyards at Curry Farms
76
COVID-19 & The State of Real Estate
78
color catalog: Romance
79
The Kentucky Birds of Spring
80
One Day DIY Home Improvement Projects You Can Do!
82
May Gardening
real estate rockstars
87
76 10 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
Special advertising section
cuisine
102
Cocktail Hour
103
Dine On: Top Picks for Local Delivery and Carryout
105
top 5 dining: Curbside & Carry Out
110
Grilling Recipes
health+beauty
114
Anxiety Getting You Down?
116
Stay Fit at Home
Women (inc)redible
119
Special advertising section
community
124
tops cares: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
126
supermom: Ashley Mason
128
Breaking the bronze ceiling: Georgia Anne Nugent
105
photos
24
77
Out & About
116 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 11
LOOK! upcoming issues For advertising information, call us at 502-780-7825 or email getmore@topslouisville.com
June
What Makes Louisville Great FEATURING Leaders of Louisville
July
The Medical Issue
12 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
August
Decadent Derby
Convenient. Safe. Peace of Mind. That’s the Power of U. UofL Health - Telehealth is ready for you, call 502-588-4343. Staying home, social distancing and ensuring your safety is of the utmost importance. With UofL Health - Telehealth, you can easily connect with over 675 of our expert providers and world-renowned physicians from the comfort and safety of home. Many of your appointments can be scheduled using our secure telehealth network and then you can access our providers from your computer, tablet, and even your smartphone. Telehealth is a convenient, safe, and easy way to connect with our highly skilled professionals for your and your family’s health care needs. From simple diagnosis to surgery follow-up appointments and physical therapy, Telehealth can be an ideal option for you.
THAT’S THE POWER OF U Visit UofLHealth.org | Call 502-588-4343 today
Vol 4 • No. 5 Keith Yarber Publisher kyarber@topsmarketing.com
Steve Fehder Executive Vice-President and General Manager steve@topslouisville.com
Kathy Thuerbach
lindsey@topsmarketing.com
SARAH MITCHELL
Brand Ambassador and Staff Writer rocko@topslouisville.com
Senior Advertising Account Executive and Fashion Coordinator sarah@topslouisville.com
Morgan Hancock
Take-Out, Curbside and Delivery available!
Advertising Account Executive morgan@topslouisville.com
Order online at: www.gustavosmexgrill.com or call:
Advertising Account Executive sue@topslouisville.com
Gustavo’s LaGrange (502) 222-4050
Gustavo’s Crestwood (502) 243-6950 Gustavo’s Prospect (502) 434-7266
Gustavo’s Norton Commons (502) 690-7070 We are in this together. STAY SAFE and thank you for your support!
having a
Fiesta?
Let us cater your social or corporate event! Please call Matt York at 502-269-1388
gustavosmexgrill.com
Norton Commons • Prospect LaGrange • Crestwood
14 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
Lindsey Ball
Editor-in-Chief and Senior Advertising Account Executive kathy@topslouisville.com
Sue simon
Kelin Rapp Project Manager kelin@topslouisville.com
Chad Howard
Digital Strategist
Rocko Jerome
Malissa Aebersold Lead Graphic Designer malissa@topslouisville.com
Amanda Harper Graphic Designer amandah@topsmarketing.com
Haley Norris Graphic Designer haley@topsmarketing.com
JEN BROWN Graphic Designer jen@topsmarketing.com
VP, Digital Marketing chad@topsmarketing.com
CONTRIBUTORS Photography: Danny Alexander, Dick Arnspiger, Tim Furlong Jr. Writers: Dawn Anderson, Alison Cardoza, Taylor Riley, Kathie Stamps TOP Marketing Group
100 EXECUTIVE PARK, SUITE 101 • LOUISVILLE, KY 40207 (502) 780-7825 • TOPSLOUISVILLE.COM
The views and comments expressed by the authors are not always that of our editors or publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure th accuracy of the information in this publication, TOP Marketing Group accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising from the reliance on information in this publication. All images contained in TOPS Louisville magazine are subject to the copyright of the artist or photographer as named, but not limited thereto. Reproduction of any part of this magazine without prior written permission is prohibited.
PC CARES
As all of us navigate this unprecedented time, we want you to know we care and are here for you. We are grateful for your support and patronage, and thankful for our employees who continue to – safely – serve the community To protect our frontline family and for the safety of the community we also call home, we have taken several measures to ensure the well-being of our customers and staff. In addition to installing sneeze guards and safety distance markers at all of our checkout counters, we also offer curbside and assisted self-check at both PC locations. If you need special assistance or have certain circumstances that require additional help, please call one of our locations and let us know what you need. We are in this together, and WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS. PC Cares for you, David and Sara Stemler
123 Cherry St, New Albany 812.944.4444 150 Hunter Station Rd, Sellersburg 812.246.4485 pchomestores.com Locally Owned & Operated Since 1975
Letter from the publisher
dear tops reader,
H
ow are you? I hope that this finds you healthy and well, coping with our new normals in the best ways possible.
So much has happened since our last issue. Let us all remember and honor the lives that have been taken by this terrible virus. The good news is that, as of this writing, our governor has released specific dates for Kentucky to phase into reopening our economy. I do not think any of us will ever take for granted again the simple joys and freedoms that suddenly vanished from our lives around mid-April, a time we are usually all getting geared up for Derby season. While being “Healthy at Home” has mainly been a challenging inconvenience, the social and economic impact has been significant to most and devastating to far too many. This month, TOPS is proud to highlight and feature a few “Hometown Heroes.” We tried to think of different things to call them, but it finally occurred to us that no other words would do. These are friends and neighbors who put their own lives at risk going above and beyond to serve others. It is said that adversity introduces each of us to ourselves. We are so proud of the way that so many among us have stepped up to make a difference. It is an honor to shine a spotlight on some truly remarkable people. Some have found insightful new ways to provide relief for others in need. Others are bravely continuing their regular jobs, doing essential work for all of us in the face of danger. As the pandemic headlines hopefully slowly fade away, we do not want to forget those whose sacrifices helped to keep us all safe. There are not enough ways to say “Thank You” to all of them. Doctors, nurses, first responders, police, firemen, relief organizations, government agencies, businesses, teachers, community organizations, parents turned schoolteachers, volunteers, and so many others who put the needs of others before themselves. If we ever underestimated their service, we never will again. We hope you enjoy their stories. On a lighter note, Springtime is also the beginning of the home-buying season. TOPS is excited to introduce you to leading real estate agents in our local area, with fantastic listings that say now is the time to buy. Interest rates are very attractive, and sellers are motivated. I want to believe that the warmer weather, along with life slowly getting back to normal, will help most of us who have suffered from a bad case of cabin fever. Haircuts, anyone?
Keith Yarber
16 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
KEITH YARBER Publisher/founder
Coming Soon!
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notes TOP
LLS
Spring
Galas BY KATHIE STAMPS PHOTO BY TIM FURLONG JR.
W
hen you combine philanthropy with competition, fundraising becomes more fun and more helpful by raising even more funds. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has raised more than $1.56 million in just the past two years with its Man & Woman of the Year campaign. “In 2018, our Man of the Year locally raised $603,000 and was our National Man of the Year runner-up. His name is John Shumate and he is the founder and CEO of Venture First and has also been battling Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for 10 years now,” said Ashley Voss, senior campaign manager for the Man & Woman of the Year campaign in Kentucky. She is working behind the scenes with Erika Furlong, LLS executive director, and Meagan Newton, campaign assistant, and the entire 28-member leadership team. Ja and Lynn Hillebrand are the 2020 Leadership Team Chairs. Ja is the CEO of Stock Yards Bank & Trust; his wife, Lynn, is a brain cancer survivor. For 2020, the Man & Woman of the Year candidates are Bill Hayden, George Barrett, Michael Smith, Pete Nochta and Scott Norton; Amy Keller, Donna Reed, Emily Hughes, Leah Joy, Leslie Hurst and Terry Russell. The “Grand Finale Gala” had been scheduled for May 16 at the Omni Hotel with upwards of 750 attendees, but now the 2020 Man & Woman of the Year Gala is planned as a virtual event Saturday, June 27. Details on the gala and online auction are updated at www.mwoy.org/ky
The Man & Woman of the Year gala also features two honored heroes. The 2020 Boy of the Year is 6-year-old Bentley Fulk and the Girl of the Year is 3-year-old Tenley Ward, both of whom are in treatment for different forms of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Another fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society involves teenagers through the Students of the Year campaign. Since 2017, participants in the Students of the Year campaign have raised more than $40 million nationally. The students’ “Grand Finale Gala” had been scheduled for March 20 at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Now it is going to be held virtually on Thursday, June 4. The gala benefits the mission of LLS: to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. “Supporting young adults working for a cause far greater than themselves and being a part of something so impactful in their lives is such an honor for me,” said Alison Conway, senior campaign manager for the program. Throughout the 7-week philanthropic competition, students raise funds for LLS (the team raising the most is named Student(s) of the Year) and they are learning about philanthropic leadership, professional skills, entrepreneurship, marketing and project management. A local blood cancer survivor or patient known as an “honored Hero” keeps the high-schoolers inspired and motivated to raise funds for a cure. “The Honored Hero delivers inspiration to the candidates and their team members by sharing his or her story and provides a personal connection to the LLS mission of finding a cure for blood caners,” Conway said. “The candidates and their team members rally around the Honored Hero, sharing his or her cancer journey with the community and giving a name and a face to blood cancer patients, survivors and care-givers.”
Gillian Funk is the LLS Honored Hero for 2020. The 5-year-old from Louisville is a two-time survivor of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), one of the scariest forms of pediatric blood cancers. She was diagnosed with AML at age 2 and beat it, only to have it return the next year. She has undergone chemo and in late 2018 she underwent a bone marrow transplant. Gillian is now a healthy little girl and an inspiration for all who support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Here are the seven student campaign team names and candidates for the 2020 Students of the Year. • “Blood Buds”: Preeti Tanwani and Safwa Gopang, juniors at DuPont Manual High School. • “Blood, Sweat & Tears for Change”: Alyssa Smith, sophomore at Sacred Heart Academy. • “Cancer Busters”: Maddie Watkins and Grace Pullen, juniors from Christian Academy Louisville, and Sam Brown, junior from St. Xavier. • “Carter’s Cancer-Fighting Crew”: Aidan Carter, freshman at St. Xavier. • “Code Red”: Sarah Hassan, sophomore at Walden School, and Sara Alzuhaili, sophomore at Kentucky Country Day School. • “Donate for Dixon: Logan Beaver, senior at St. Xavier High School. • “Lou Fighting Leu”: Staley Clark and Olivia Mayer, juniors at Sacred Heart Academy.
See all the candidates’ smiling faces and learn more about the Students of the Year campaign at events.lls.org/ky/kentuckysoy20 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 19
top notes
Mother ’s Day Gift Guide top shops:
Available at Mamili
Mother’s Day is upon us, which means it’s that time of year to shower those special ladies with everything they want and deserve. Yes, a sweet card goes a long way, but we’ve gathered a few great gift ideas that we know she really will love! Here’s a few to get you started. . .
Available at Magnolia & Fig
Available at Rodeo Drive
Available at Lulubelles
Available at European Splendor 20 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
Available at European Splendor
Available at Magnolia & Fig
Available at Rodeo Drive Available at Magnolia & Fig
Available at Magnolia & Fig Available at Rodeo Drive
Available at The Skin Group
TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 21
top notes Available at Design & Dwell
Available at Design & Dwell
top shops:
for the Home
Looking for some new eye-candy for your home? We have gathered a few accessories to help you do just that! All available at a local shop near you.
Available at Design & Dwell
Available at Details 22 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
Available at Details
Available at Design & Dwell
Offering DELIVERY & Curbside Service
Available at Lulubelles
Available at Design & Dwell
CHECKOUT D FACEBOOK AN HE T R FO INSTAGRAM TS C U D LATEST PRO fig
M @magnolia _and_fig P @magnolia
Visit us in Middletown
Available at Lulubelles
12623 Shelbyville Rd Louisville, KY 40243 (502) 253-4567 Open Monday-Sunday TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 23
photos
Zach Meiners (Director-Producer, Chronicle Cinema) working on the front porch Katie, Evie and Kyle Blackman practicing social distancing from their decorated front porch
Lily Rose hard at work with her human
COURTESY PHOTOS
QUARANTINE EDITION
presented by
presented by
Tawana Bain celebrating Oaks Night In, an online celebration of the Kentucky Derby during COVID-19 hosted by the Derby Diversity Business Summit
Ben Sollee with children in tow
Brothers Felix and Amos Holland watch Governor Beshear’s daily press conference
24 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
Thomas and Samuel Watkins with their chalk art
Monica Hardin with her daughters Faith and Eden showcasing their PPE
While our store may be closed, our online shop is here to help you! www.shoptunies.com 502.618.3868 | 1201 Herr Lane, Suite 150 Follow us: ! ShopTunies
The Hamilton family hosting a very untraditional second birthday party for their son
Danielle Rudy Davis of @louwhatwear working on a puzzle. (Photo by Avistoria Photography)
TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 25
Thank You
to all of the heroes working tirelessly to save lives. MIDDLETOWN
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ST. MATTHEWS
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Each location is independently owned and operated. © 2020 ME SPE Franchising, LLC. All rights reserved. MM# 37397
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Life+ +Style
29
Hometown Heroes
44
Surfing the Financial Wave of COVID-19
46
Co-Immunity Project: Creating a New Vision of Health for the Commonwealth
48
Boutique Spotlight: Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique
50
wow wedding: Katie & Noel
TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 27
FACES OF HOPE IN THE FACE OF CRISIS. THANK YOU, HEALTHCARE HEROES. In the face of extraordinary circumstances, your selfless commitment to the well-being of our community is awe-inspiring. Whether you are on the front lines with patients, or serving in a vital support role behind the scenes, your superhuman efforts to provide compassionate, high-quality care are very much appreciated. We are grateful today and every day that no matter what we face, heroes work here.
BaptistHealth.com/Louisville
SPONSORED BY
hometown
heroes BY DAWN ANDERSON AND ROCKO JEROME • COURTESY PHOTOS
Over the past several weeks, while we have all been social-distancing, frontline healthcare workers put their lives on the line to help those suffering from COVID-19. Together with all Louisville citizens, TOPS Louisville salutes them and their courage. We were honored and humbled to share some of their stories in our April issue.
businesses to help those frontline workers and others in the community stay well. These folks, nominated by our readers, recognized a local need related to the pandemic and found ways to fill it. Rocko Jerome and Dawn Anderson spent time with some of these “Hometown Heroes” to share their stories.
This month, we pay tribute to unsung, everyday people who have devoted their energy, gathered resources, and even retooled
TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 29
life+style
hometown
heroes
tim lyvers
coo,, green remedy A
fter many years in the security industry and selling his security integration business in 2017, Tim Lyvers joined his high school and college friend John Salsman, President of Green Remedy all-natural hemp extract CBD products. Tim’s mother had been suffering from neuropathy so acute that it made wearing shoes painful, even with two medications intended to alleviate it. John recommended Green Remedy’s Full Spectrum CBD Balm; but Tim was skeptical. After only three days of use, Tim’s mother was pain-free and able to go off of her medications. Tim eventually became Chief Operating Officer of Green Remedy.
Green Remedy products are sold in select stores and online; but when coronavirus social distancing measures were put in place in Kentucky, in-store sales dropped. Although they did see a small increase in online sales as a result, a decision was made to halt production. Fortunately, there was plenty of backstock to fill orders. Green Remedy turned their attention to what they could do to help the community, essential workers, first responders, and front line healthcare. Using a World Health Organization approved formulation and partnering with a regional distillery to source alcohol, glycerine, and water, Green Remedy uses its bottling line to produce sanitizer for hands and surfaces. Filling the demand for sanitizer has enabled Green Remedy to not only retain employees
30 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
The heroes are our employees. They are rock stars who just want to fulfill the need. tions, factories, and large energy companies will continue to need sanitizer as well. The biggest challenges to their new operation are alcohol production and sourcing more bottles and caps.
but to hire more now and in the future. “The heroes are our employees,” says Tim. “They are rock stars who just want to fulfill the need,” even offering to work overtime to do so. Green Remedy are funding production themselves and with slim profits from the sales of larger sanitizer orders. Smaller batches are donated. The first two large orders went to a major local healthcare system. They expect to continue fulfilling hospital demand for at least 12-18 months until a coronavirus vaccine is found. Local corpora-
Green Remedy will probably cut some farm production of hemp, even in the long-term, to extend sanitizer production alongside their CBD products for as long as the need remains. They will continue to collaborate and partner with other helpers like On Duty CBD, owned by former Special Forces veterans and led by military veterans, first responders, outdoorsmen, medical advisors and researchers. To find out how you can help, email Green Remedy at sales@greenremedy.com. You can also support Green Remedy by shopping at www.greenremedy. com for their CBD products, which studies show may reduce pain and inflammation, relieve stress and anxiety, and have sleep and immune system benefits.
Fred MCDowell, jr.
senior pastor,, truth baptist church Fellow employees participated in a personal hygiene shoebox ministry that not only helped the homeless but also built morale in the workplace. When Fred is able to work overtime at Raytheon, he donates that overtime pay to feed the homeless. As little as $40-$50 can feed an entire camp. In the event of their relocation by city authorities, Fred leaves his contact information in the camps so that he can continue to serve them as they are displaced.
O
n a cold winter day over twelve years ago, Fred McDowell, Jr. was driving along Crittenden Drive in Louisville when he spotted a man walking down the road with no coat. Fred pulled his car over, took off his own coat and gave it to the man. It was a natural instinct for Fred, Senior Pastor of Truth Baptist Church in Radcliff, Kentucky, and it inspired him to do more.
On a larger scale, Fred partners with Sidewalk Servants Homeless Outreach of Louisville under the leadership of Mellanie Hunter. Last year they provided over 400 Thanksgiving meals and collected over 1300 coats and 500 blankets. Sidewalk Servants have always used some level of personal protective equipment when serving the homeless to guard against possible transmission of hepatitis or HIV. But because the coronavirus is so highly contagious and much more easily contracted, they have had to incorporate social distancing measures. Food and hygiene products are left with no more hugs
exchanged or shaking of hands. But Fred will still pray with people at a safe distance. His work with the homeless is challenging, but rewarding. Fred says, “It just melts me,” when he delivers to someone who shares that they had just been praying for food or certain personal hygiene items. Not letting them down is Fred’s motivation to continue so tirelessly. “My truck gets loaded with supplies. When I leave, it’s empty. That’s the best feeling.” For information on how you can help, visit facebook.com/sidewalkservants502/ or contact Fred at fmcdowell.59fm@gmail.com.
Fred speaks lovingly of his wife Lillian, his four children, and eleven grandchildren. He has studied at Simmons College of Kentucky and served as a missionary to Louisville’s homeless populations every Friday night for the last several years. Fred personally delivers hygiene products and food, often cooking the meals himself. Fred also works full time for Raytheon Technologies in Louisville, who have contributed generously to assist Fred in his efforts.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 31
life+style
hometown
heroes
SPONSORED BY
Foster Care Youth Workers boys & girls haven E
ven before the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, the foster care youth counselors at Boys & Girls Haven faced an unprecedented battle every day.
Care program for youth aged 12-17 and a Pre-Independent Living program for young people 18+ preparing to “age out” of the foster care system.
managers, support staff, and foster parents are finding ways to adapt during the pandemic to keep reaching positive outcomes for children in need.
“Kentucky holds the highest rate of child abuse and neglect per capita in the United States,” says Boys & Girls Haven CEO, Amanda Masterson. “While the COVID-19 crisis added new challenges our agency has never faced before, our youth counselors continue to come to work in spite of the risks.”
“The young people under our roof have been through an average of 12-18 placements before crossing our doorstep,” says Amanda. “From maintaining healthy routines and helping with homework, to taking care of doctor’s appointments and offering a shoulder to cry on, youth counselors are the backbone of the work we do to help our kids stabilize and heal.” In addition to youth counselors, Amanda notes that Boys & Girls Haven’s dedicated team of therapists, case
Says Amanda, “During these days of uncertainty, we need our employees and foster parents more than ever as we focus on providing a home and a future to hurting families and children.”
Boys & Girls Haven is a nonprofit agency specializing in service to tweens and teens in foster care. Three shifts of youth counselors ensure 24/7 care in both a Residential Foster
32 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
While Kentucky advances to flatten the curve of COVID-19 ahead of much of the country, Boys & Girls Haven staff continues to fight an escalating child welfare crisis from Ashland to Paducah. For more information and ways to help, visit BoysAndGirlsHaven.org.
COV I D-19
EMER GENCY
Relief F und
Your donation will bolster Boys & Girls Haven as we prepare for a significant drop in funding due to the economic fallout of COVID-19.
Our doors have to remain open. The resilient tweens and teens in foster care at Boys & Girls Haven know what it means to face a crisis and our staff are committed to walking beside them as long as they need us.
YOU CAN HELP YOUNG PEOPLE CONTINUE TO FIND THEIR "FOREVER" FAMILIES
YOUR GIFT HELPS SUSTAIN OUR THERAPEUTIC ANIMAL PROGRAM
DONATIONS ENABLE US TO TO PROVIDE CAREER AND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
BoysAndGirlsHaven.org/donate-funds NOTE: The recent passage of the CARES Act by provides additional incentive to contribute to nonprofit organizations at this time – individuals can take a $300 charitable deduction ($600 for couples) regardless of whether you itemize deductions.
life+style
hometown
heroes
SPONSORED BY
The CB&T Team
Bankers & Operations Staff at Commonwealth Bank & Trust W
ith the many challenges the health crisis brings, it is not uncommon to be thinking about your financial well-being. For the staff of experts at Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company, it is essentially business as usual, and they continue to service client needs around the clock in this time of considerable uncertainty. “I have never been so proud of a group of employees,” says John Key, Bank President. The team at CB&T is currently processing hundreds of PPP loans for small businesses each day, keeping Louisville’s proud independent spirit ahead of the curve in these tough times. “If there is ever a time that our customers need us, it is right now,” says Ann Wells, Chairwoman and CEO. “Our bankers and operations teams have proven that Commonwealth Bank holds a strong place in this community. Our people are on the front lines of the financial crisis.” That same spirit of service is alive at every Commonwealth Bank branch. “I am extremely impressed with how CB&T is stepping up to help our business clients with the PPP loan process and our consumer clients with loan deferments. I could not ask to be part of a better work family,” says Tina Hawkins, Business Development Officer at the Preston Branch. “We are all stepping up and
34 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
out of our comfort zones to help each other. These times will make us a tighter knit group than we ever were before. We are operating in a very fluid environment. Customer needs shift daily, and the need for flexibility and compassion on our parts is a must. I want my customers to feel supported.” Jessica Anaya, Business Development Officer at the Norton Commons Branch, had this to share: “I am finding it increasingly difficult to estimate the impact that COVID-19 is currently having – and ultimately will have – on our customers’ businesses, but I am in it for the long haul. I love my job and the service I can provide to the extended Prospect community. We offer truly valuable service to our community, and our clients trust that we have their best intentions at heart.” “Even as social distancing took its place in our lives, our team banded together to unselfishly take care of unforeseen daily challenges – all while maintaining a fantastic, positive attitude,” says John Key. “I know Commonwealth Bank will come out the other side stronger and better. This is our time to define the true meaning of what a community bank truly is. Our tagline for years has been ‘Like having a Banker in the Family.’ It has never been more true.”
To learn more about Commonwealth Bank & Trust’s lines of business, products, and services, please visit CBandT.com.
We are all stepping up and out of our comfort zones to help each other. These times will make us a tighter knit group than we ever were before.
In the current health crisis, we are all faced with uncertainty. Our employees have exemplified our “Banker in the Family” mentality from day one, and we are proud of the ways they’re serving our community.
At Commonwealth Bank, YOUR business is OUR business. And we will see you through this.
CBandT.com | 855.535.5654
life+style
hometown
heroes
jeff hunter
personal stylist,, rodes for him and for her A
make themselves for dinner,” he says. “I’m more than happy to be able to help.”
Luckily, Jeff’s heart is as strong as his sense of style. He’s found an outlet for his extra time and energy in the form of putting his culinary skills to work in the service of medical care professionals. “With everything on their minds right now, the last thing that doctors need to be thinking is what they will have to
It’s been nice for Jeff as he used to cook for as many as five before his kids were grown, and after recently becoming widowed, he has been adjusting to making meals for just himself. Now, four times a week, Jeff prepares a variety of large meals, including grilled salmon, casseroles, lasagna, and scrumptious desserts like pound cake. He delivers all this food to different doctor friends around town. “The people at the grocery look at me like I’m crazy when I’m getting all these boxes to deliver the food in, and I’ve even used Rodes boxes a few times,” Jeff says with a laugh. “I have to put the deliveries on the sidewalk outside, then text to have them come down to pick it up. Sometimes, they have time to talk for a moment from six feet away. I’m just so happy to be of help.”
s a personal stylist at Rodes For Him and For Her, Jeff Hunter is a paragon of style in the local community. During regular times, it’s very common to see him out and about, cheerful, and always impeccably dressed. “I’m usually very social at events or dinners, so for my personality, this quarantine situation has been tough,” Jeff observes.
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the last thing that doctors need to be thinking is what they will have to make themselves for dinner. “I’m more than happy to be able to help.
virginia moore
executive director,, the Kentucky Commission of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing D
espite all the amazing things today's televisions can do, closed captioning in real time broadcasts is still sadly lacking, catching just certain things here and there and more often than not creating a jumbled word soup. That's why people like Virginia Moore are so important. Virginia is a nationally certified ASL interpreter. ASL stands for American Sign Language, and it's a primary form of communication for many hearing impaired people in Kentucky. Standing beside Governor Beshear during his conferences, Virginia enthusiastically and concisely translates these important daily messages for those who cannot hear them. Virginia learned sign language as a child from her family, out of absolute necessity. "My parents are deaf, both Mom and Dad," she told a reporter from Spectrum News 1 in Lexington. "I have a deaf sister. I have a deaf brother, and I have two other hearing sisters. So, my family taught me sign language. That was my first language." Virginia is a strong advocate for ASL and hopes that it will become more prevalent thanks to her fantastic work. "My point really should be communication," Virginia said in a video for Kentucky Hands and Voices. "We can use ASL, or we can speak, it doesn't matter...I hope that everybody tries to learn." Recently as part of his daily 5:00 broadcast, Beshear has begun bringing Virginia directly to the podium to teach signed phrases to all of us watching at home. The first sentence was one of the governor's mottos: "We will get through it together."
TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 37
life+style
hometown
heroes
bret walker
besheargear.com I
nspired by Governor Beshear’s calming daily presence in our lives, Bret Walker found an intuitive way to help those affected by this crisis. Bret is a Software Engineer, working remotely for a California company. He also works with Code for Kentuckiana, a group that uses technology to make communities better. “Tech isn’t always used for good,” he says, “but by partnering with this team, I’m always looking for ways to be helpful.” Bret came up with a fantastic way to contribute. “Like so many of us, I find Beshear to be very comforting,” he says. “I noticed that
38 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
some of his phrases were really catching on.” Bret was inspired by WFPL’s Laura Ellis, who created a live tweet bingo game in which you get points for recurring phrases like “You can’t be doing that” or “We will get through this together.” Bret, along with his friend Emilee Stites, took some of Beshear’s best words and created T-shirts for purchase from BeshearGear.com. 100%
of the profits go to the Team Kentucky Fund, where the money will help make a big difference for those in need during these days. “We were hoping for $1,000, but so far, this has raised $85,000,” says Bret. “It’s truly been amazing to see all of this support.”
THEY’RE GIVING SO MUCH. HERE’S SOMETHING YOU CAN GIVE IN RETURN. When you make a tax-deductible donation to the COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Fund, 100% of your gift will be used to help frontline workers during this crisis. Resources and supplies have never been more critical. So please call 502.896.7475 or visit Donate.SupportBaptistHealth.org Corbin | Floyd | La Grange | Lexington | Louisville | Madisonville | Paducah | Richmond
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life+style
hometown
heroes
SPONSORED BY
jeff gordon
owner,, gordon technologies B
orn and raised in Louisville, Jeff Gordon pursued engineering at Purdue University, worked on the Chevy Volt project for GM in Michigan, and returned to his hometown seven years ago. After the family engineering firm was sold a year and a half ago, Jeff was looking for ways to channel his energy, resources, and talents. He enjoyed spending time with his family and piloting private planes out of his hangar at Bowman Field. When Kentucky’s “Healthy at Home” orders were put in place due to the coronavirus, “sitting at home wasn’t an option” for Jeff. He set his engineering training and machines back to work, partnering with Maker13 in Jeffersonville, Indiana, Owings Patterns in Sellersburg, Indiana, and Jones Machine and Tool in Fredericksburg, Indiana, to produce face shields for front line healthcare workers. Owings Patterns does the die-cutting and Jones Machine Tool provides injection molds. Another company, Samtec, through their philanthropic arm Samtec Cares donated $50,000, expertise, and materials to produce face shields. Jeff added another $10,000 once Samtec had run through their
40 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
initial $50,000. He then continued the operation with another $40,000. Smaller orders are donated. Larger orders are sold at-cost or for slim profits which are funneled back into operations. So far, production has been limited to local and in-state hospitals and healthcare systems. A friend of Jeff’s who is a physician in Florida informed him of the need for intubation protection boxes. Jeff now produces and provides these through gordon-tec.com. Intubation boxes and face shields are not only protective in and of themselves, but also serve to protect other PPE such as face masks so that they may be saved and worn for longer periods of time. In addition to business partners, Jeff is assisted in his operations by his wife, his mother, and volunteers who practice social distancing with porch pickups and drop-offs of face shields that have been cleaned and sanitized to remove residue from initial production. Packing and shipping runs out of Jeff’s Bowman Field hangar. He says, “Sitting around on the couch watching Netflix would drive me nuts. This is my fidget spinner, so to speak.”
As the threat of COVID-19 winds down and demand eases, if Jeff were to end up with any extra money through the sale of large orders of intubation boxes, he would give it to charity. “My intention is to lose money.” In fact, when asked whether he would accept monetary donations toward their continued production of face masks and intubation boxes, Jeff would prefer they be directed to PPE efforts more strapped for cash. The experience has changed him by sparking ideas about how to continue to assist the medical community with innovation and engineering.
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life+style
hometown
heroes
lori mangum
gilda's club kentuckiana “I
solating is tough for everyone, but it’s so much more so for people with a compromised immune system,” says Lori Mangum of Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana. “Unfortunately, cancer survivors know what it’s like to feel isolated and afraid, so what we’re experiencing now only compounds those difficult feelings.” As a result of the challenges we currently face, the folks at Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana needed to come up with a new approach to their annual lock-in. It’s an event held overnight at Gilda’s Grinstead location for kids aged 6-11 that have been affected by cancer. Instead of canceling, Lori had the idea to create a home based experience. “This challenge became an opportunity to serve even more families,” Lori says. “We delivered special lock-in boxes to almost 50 homes. The theme was Super YOU and included games, crafts, and family talking points so kids could create their own superheroes that they could then connect to themselves. The boxes also had masks, capes, and other superhero activities for everyone in each home to enjoy.” Lori’s big heart continually makes a huge difference.
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She’s a cancer survivor herself and believes in doing all that she can to help others through every stage of their own experience. “At Gilda’s Club, we are all serving everyone with a cancer connection,” she says. “No matter where you might be in your journey, even if you’re in remission and are currently cancer free, there’s always a place for you here.” Everyone at Gilda’s Club is proud to serve here in Kentuckiana. They are even giving out green light bulbs for free, for those who would like to show their support to all of us affected by COVID-19. If you need help or would like to help, please visit GCK.org.
Isolating is tough for everyone, but it’s so much more so for people with a compromised immune system.
DELIVERING NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED, LIFESAVING HEART CARE. THAT’S WHAT GETS OUR BLOOD PUMPING. In Louisville, there’s no better place for your heart than Baptist Health. We offer the latest advances in cardiovascular care, delivered with compassion and skill by an expert team of specialists. We have received national recognition from U.S. News & World Report and the American Heart Association. And we have been awarded the highest rating by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Dedicating our lives to taking better care of your heart; that’s cardiac care centered on you. Visit BaptistHealth.com/HeartCare to learn more and take a heart risk assessment.
Corbin | Floyd | La Grange | Lexington | Louisville | Madisonville | Paducah | Richmond
BaptistHealth.com
life+style
financial wave SURFING THE
OF COVID-19 “YOUR SURFING CAN GET BETTER ON EVERY TURN, ON EVERY WAVE YOU CATCH. LEARN TO READ THE OCEAN BETTER. A BIG PART OF M Y S U C C E S S H A S B E E N W A V E K N O W L E D G E .” - Kelly Slater, Professional Surfer
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BY DAWN ANDERSON
U
nder the cloud of COVID-19, in the roiling seas of a global pandemic, leaning into fear and pessimism could lead to a financial wipeout. Turning to experienced, well-respected financial advisors can restore confidence and renew the strength needed to stay upright. Even in the best of times, everyone’s personal finance situation is unique. Not every piece of advice will apply to each individual or family. However, our experts offer both general principles and some more specific strategies that most anyone can apply or adapt to their own set of circumstances. Larry Jones is Executive Vice President/Central Kentucky Region President of Community Trust Bank, Inc. in Lexington. Billy Lanter, CFP , CTFA, AIF is a Fiduciary Investment Advisor with Unified Trust Company. The first steps to managing personal finances in times of economic uncertainty are to prioritize immediate needs and focus on the top priority first. “Get the bills paid,” says Larry. Available funds go to rent/mortgage and utilities before anything else, even in the best of times. “Know what your cash revenue streams are going to be. Are they reasonably certain?” For those with financial difficulty prior to coronavirus mitigation efforts or for those who may have been dealt a blow since, being well-informed about severance and unemployment options is vital to filling in the gaps. Many more individuals qualify for unemployment and more compensation is available now than ever before. Being aware of the changes and following up on getting access to these funds is key. Billy emphasizes the importance of an emergency savings account in times like this. Having cash on hand and readily accessible will help to manage some debt
load. Monitoring and eliminating some expenses, particularly ongoing subscription services is one way Billy recommends lightening that burden. Unless you have been mismanaging money all along, this is no time to reinvent the wheel. Larry also recommends evaluating expenditures; but, “You don’t need to run scared.” He mentions the 1918 Spanish Flu Epidemic and the 20082009 recession. Just like those times of hardship, “We will get over it.” Billy agrees that, especially if you can maintain job security, “History is on your side from an investment standpoint.” Depending upon what retiree group you fall into, you may want to reevaluate your risk tolerance. As Mike Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” With the swells and rogue waves out of the stock market lately, this is a scary time to peek at retirement accounts. “Just leave them alone,” says Larry, “Keep contributing what you’re contributing.” Billy thinks, “It’s ok to look, as long as you don’t react. It’s a snapshot in time.” Most retirement accounts rebalance automatically. Consult with a financial advisor before making any transactions, especially at this point in time. According to Larry, “Don’t sell right now and take a loss, especially if it’s a good company,” and “You can’t deal with long-term planning on short-term volatility.” Don’t operate on the Fear Index. “Managing volatility is more about managing emotions. If I keep you from making a bad choice, I’m doing my job,” Billy says. “Don’t trade anxieties.”
recommend putting a tax refund or stimulus payment toward basic household expenses, building on an emergency fund through FDIC-insured highyield savings, a money market account, or short-term mutual fund, or paying off high-interest credit card debt or auto loans. “No luxury items!” Billy points out that a healthy balance sheet will be better for stimulating the economy in the long run. Consulting with a financial advisor and reevaluating money management strategies “should be more of a process than an event,” according to Billy. Similarly, Larry says to gauge those things by your own comfort level, “whenever you feel like you need that association,” but at least twice a year is suggested. They conclude with these considerations: Billy cautions against short-term emotions playing into long-term strategy. “History rewards stocks more than it punishes them. The risk right now will deliver returns in 3-5 years.” Larry boils it down even further, “Don’t panic. Understand that this is relatively short-term. Don’t lose your confidence.”
Billy and Larry agree that this is a good time to consolidate and refinance to help with cash flow. But don’t go out and borrow, if you can help it. They
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life+style
Co--Immunity
Project:
Creating a New Vision of Health for the Commonwealth BY DAWN ANDERSON • COURTESY PHOTOS
“IF ASKED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CO-IMMUNITY PROJECT, PLEASE DO. IT WILL HELP OUR COMMUNITY TODAY AND TOMORROW. WE ALSO ASK THAT YOU LET YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND OTHER CIVIC LEADERS KNOW THAT PUBLIC HEALTH TREATMENT AND DETECTION PROJECTS LIKE THIS ARE WORTHY OF THEIR SUPPORT AND LEADERSHIP.” - Ted Smith, PhD, Associate Professor of Environmental Medicine and Deputy Director of the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute at the University of Louisville School of Medicine
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O
n April 15 during one of his daily coronavirus press briefings, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear introduced University of Louisville President Dr. Neeli Bendapudi who announced to the statewide and social media audiences the extraordinary partnership behind the Co-Immunity Project. Governor Beshear began by describing three key elements of the project: 1) comprehensive antibody testing of healthcare workers, 2) lab identification of subjects with significant antibodies present and with strong, neutralizing antibodies for plasma donation, and 3) a donor plasma pool used to treat the most serious COVID-19 patients. Dr. Bendapudi went on to explain the associations involved in making the Co-immunity Project possible. With the coordination of Kentucky state government, Louisville Metro Government, and the University of Louisville’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute, The Louisville Healthcare CEO Council (LHCC) has brought together three major hospital systems: Baptist Health, Norton Healthcare, and U of L Health “to leverage all of the research capabilities of the University of Louisville. From our Center for Infectious Diseases to our Center for Predictive Medicine, which has one of only twelve level three BSL (BioSafety Level, Pathogen/Protection) labs.” According to their website, LHCC formed in 2017 “to solve important problems that extend beyond the scope of any one single member company.” The board includes CEOs from more than a dozen healthcare, health education, health insurance, and pharmaceutical companies totaling over 400,000 employees and $100 billion in revenue. LHCC President & CEO Tammy York Day is also a board member and granted us access to a couple of the Co-Immunity Project’s central players. Leader in “research translation” between the clinical science team, LHCC, and funders and community influencers, Ted Smith, PhD is Associate Professor of Environmental Medicine and Deputy Director of the Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute at the University of Louisville School of Medicine, led by Dr. Aruni Bhatnagar. Cedric Francois, MD, PhD is on the LHCC Board of Directors as Co-Founder & CEO/President of Apellis Pharmaceuticals.
Cedric Francois, MD, PhD
Ted Smith is trained in experimental psychology and his postdoctoral studies at MIT involved health issues of astronauts. From 2011-2017 he served as Louisville’s first Chief Innovation Officer, and created AIR Louisville community asthma monitoring program. This experience perfectly positions Ted to communicate and interpret lab work and results to LHCC partners, public policy makers, and donors. According to Ted, the Co-Immunity Project aims to first test healthcare workers in the Louisville area and then extend that work into the broader community. That second phase will provide essential information about the number of residents who are currently or have been infected. The only way to get a reliable estimate of these infection statistics is through random sampling of how many people that is truly representative of everyone in the community.. Phase I has already begun with testing of healthcare workers for viral infection and antibodies. In both phases, those who test positive for current infection are referred to Metro Health (or other county and state health agencies as the program is rolled out through the state of Kentucky) for contact tracing and to address any additional related public health concerns. Confirmed presence of antibodies, high levels of antibodies, and strength of antibodies will help identify those whose plasma can be used in treatment of COVID patients. These results should provide an estimate of herd immunity, so pivotal to reopening business and society, and
Ted Smith, PhD
make possible future “hot spot” precision interventions. With all the talk of how much or how little testing is happening and whether there is a dearth of testing supplies in the United States, Ted emphasizes instead the Co-Immunity Project’s focus on the right kinds of testing, who is being tested, and how we test. The swab test for active infection indicates the presence of infection and its viral load, or quantity of infection. Blood drop and plasma testing for antibodies measures the presence and concentration of antibodies for future treatments or to determine resistance. The Co-Immunity Project is the first of its kind in the nation to employ truly random sampling and this testing approach could be applied to all other states to adopt as well. Through the month of April, Germany had been the only other country undertaking broad, random sampling. When asked what message he has for our readers, Ted says, “If asked to participate in the Co-Immunity Project, please do. It will help our community today and tomorrow. We also ask that you let your elected officials and other civic leaders know that public health treatment and detection projects like this are worthy of their support and leadership.” Cedric Francois came to the US from Belgium in 1999, sold his biotech firm in 2009, and then founded Apellis Pharmaceuticals, described as “a global biopharmaceutical company leveraging courageous science, creativity, and compassion to deliver life-changing medicines.” He characterizes
the Co-Immunity Project as establishing and building the “state of immunity of the state of Kentucky” or a “virus radar” to safely open businesses and society and very quickly detect outbreaks. “The virus will re-emerge. There is no doubt about that - zero.” But he is confident in the University of Louisville and these three hospital systems who have “locked arms” in this “cutting edge, world class effort” to keep hospitalizations under control and reduce mortality. Whereas retroactive contact tracing involves investigating who might have come in contact with an infected person, Dr. Francois explains that the Project requires a “volunteer army of tracers” for prospective tracing which tests wastewater to track outbreak pockets. He also encourages donations to the Co-Immunity Project through the DONATE NOW button on the home page of co-immunityproject.com. “This unprecedented collaboration of the public and private sector has already secured private donations of $1.75m in the form of a challenge grant to build a community-wide coalition of philanthropic support, and your donation will allow the program to scale more quickly and save more lives.” Dr. Francois has been impressed at the level of awareness and commitment he has seen across the Commonwealth. “You should be proud. This sense of community makes Kentucky very special.” An informational FAQ section and the Executive Summary are available at co-immunityproject.com.
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life+style
Boutique Spotlight:
Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique BY KATHIE STAMPS PHOTOS BY DICK ARNSPIGER
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We all do what we do at Rebecca’s because we love LOVE. It’s an incredible honor to play a part in the most special day of their lives. – REBECCA KI M U R A
R
emaining calm, cool and collected is part of the business model of Rebecca's Wedding Boutique. Another is staying positive and spreading joy when customers are overwhelmed. Even during the recent lockdown, Rebecca and her team doubled down on their positivity and their mission to spread joy and help people feel good. They got extra creative to offer safe-distancing pickups at the store and to showcase videos of their inventory, all while continuing to take orders for headpieces, veils and other accessories. “We all do what we do at Rebecca’s because we love LOVE,” says Rebecca Kimura. “It’s an incredible honor to play a part in the most special day of their lives.” She opened her boutique in 1989 in St. Matthews. Two years ago in May, Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique moved to Clover Lane just a few blocks away and completely renovated a bright and open space. “Each bride has her own dressing room and viewing area for her and her shopping squad,” says Alex Kimura. She and her sister Sam grew up in the boutique with their mom, Rebecca. Alex handles social media and marketing, while Sam does all of the ordering. Rebecca’s twin sister, Karen, is a manager at the store. As a family business, their tight-knit team of stylists, led by General Manager Madeleine Sierakowski, feel like family also. “We have relationships with amazing designers with a wide variety of styles from boho to classic, modern to traditional, strapless to long sleeves, all lace, all beaded, all satin,
NOW OFFERING SAFE-DISTANCING PICKUPS! VISIT THEM ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR VIDEOS OF THEIR INVENTORY.
and everything in between,” says Alex. Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique has sample gowns in sizes 0 to 30, with prices ranging from around $900 to $3,000. “We have focused our energy on providing the best possible experience to our lovely brides and their besties, dedicating our space to bridal and bridesmaids only,” says Alex. Her mom (and boss) is so grateful to be in a career she loves, with people she loves even more. Rebecca says, “We have met so many wonderful women over the last 30 years and counting of being in business and we
can truly say that we are grateful for the opportunity and the joy of working with each of them.”
IF YOU GO
Stay in touch with Rebecca’s Wedding Boutique on social @ rebeccasweddings or on their website at RebeccasWeddings.com.
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50 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
University of Kentucky Sweethearts Tie the Knot at Yew Dell
BY TAYLOR RILEY PHOTOS BY SHINING LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
I
t was at the University of Kentucky where two Kentuckians fell in love during a 24-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon. Wildcats Katie McCrary and Noel David Ekman were undergraduates raising money for the DanceBlue Kentucky Children’s Hospital Hematology and Oncology Clinic when they were paired as partners on the morale committee. Fast forward to 2019, and the two are married at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens on a perfect July night. Katie, of Winchester, now a student at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, always dreamed of an outside wedding for herself and Noel, of Louisville, a key account manager at Frito Lay. “I loved the idea of getting married in a garden,” she says. “Also, I think, there’s a certain magic about it.” The couple really wanted a venue in which they could have both the ceremony and reception so
their guests didn’t have to travel. When they visited Yew Dell in Crestwood, it was perfect. “I wanted our ceremony to feel intimate and intentional and carry a really peaceful atmosphere,” she says. “Yew Dell is unique in the aspect that your guests can roam around and explore the gorgeous blooms and greenery. It was the perfect space to make all of our dreams come true.” The couple was content with the beautiful venue on its own, so they didn’t require a lot of extra decor for the ceremony or reception. Katie suggests future brides take her advice when it comes to decorations. “Block out all the noise and focus on you all,” she says. “It’s so easy to get wrapped up in it all with social media, Pinterest, etc. “You can start to feel the pressure of needing extra unnecessary things that really aren’t ‘you’ or that honestly just aren’t needed. Try and step back and decide what you two really want out of your day, whether it’s how you want people to feel when they are there or how you want it to look. Whatever it is, make it ‘you’!”
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life+style
F
or the ceremony, the couple’s florist and wedding coordinator from White Cat Weddings helped Katie dream up an idea of a focal point for the couple to stand in front of during their vows. “She created a gorgeous floral hoop for us to stand in front of, and then it was taken down to the reception for us to continue to enjoy after,” she says. The bride wore her mother’s wedding band on the day of the wedding. “My parents’ marriage is one that we look to as an example filled with love and friendship,” she says. “It was so special wearing it as I entered into our own covenant.” For the reception, the couple had differing sizes of centerpieces on each table. The differences in height added diversity to the pavilion area, Katie says. The poles in the pavilion were wrapped with greenery to make the space cozier and continue the garden theme. An area that had comfortable furniture for the guests to utilize during the reception was also added for grandparents and other guests to have a place to take a break from the dance floor. “Ultimately, our decor was focused on making it more intimate and very much ‘us’,” she says. The band Louisville Crashers was one of the couple’s favorite parts of the night. “Our band was absolutely phenomenal,” she says. “The Crashers made our reception so much fun and an environment everyone could enjoy.” The band included the bride and groom on stage for a cowbell banging competition, insisting it was a good way for them to learn how to fight with each other as a married couple. “Everyone got a huge kick out of it and lots of videos have surfaced since,” she says. “Honestly, it was so much fun and a memory we won’t forget. They gave us the drumsticks as a keepsake, and we received a cowbell for Christmas from my parents!”
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T
he couple says they wouldn’t change a thing about their day, saying it was a “surreal” feeling when they looked around and saw how many people they love came together to celebrate their marriage. “Every single person there was someone who championed us in our relationship over the years, and it was so special having every single one of them there with us,” Katie says. “Our ceremony was truly everything we could’ve dreamed of and more. All we wanted was an extremely personal ceremony that showed both of our hearts, and it was exactly that. We wanted our day to be full of peace and completely stress -free. Just a day of celebration, and it was that and so much more. The night was spent dancing with our most favorite people in the world. It truly was the most glorious, joyful day feeling so loved!”
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PHOTOGRAPHER: Shining Light Photography VIDEOGRAPHER: Summit Stone Creations CEREMONY VENUE: Yew Dell Botanical Gardens RECEPTION VENUE: Yew Dell Botanical Gardens CATERING: Mayan Cafe CAKE: Family friend WEDDING PLANNER: White Cat Weddings FLOWERS: White Cat Weddings RENTALS AND/OR DÉCOR: Southern Classic Rentals, Rental Depot, All Occasions BRIDAL GOWN: Made with Love Bridal BRIDAL PARTY ATTIRE: Anthropologie, Lulus, Azazie GROOM & GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: Groom- Bonobos, Party- Mens Warehouse HAIR AND MAKEUP: Hair- Hayley Gleason from Chachas in Lexington, Make up- Nikki Miner Makeup STATIONERY/CALLIGRAPHY: Shine Wedding Invitations BAND: Louisville Crashers
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Design Guru: Sport Court® of Kentucky: These Courts Rule!
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Tour of Homes: Right-Size with the Right Details at the Courtyards at Curry Farms
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COVID-19 & The State of Real Estate
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color catalog: Romance
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The Kentucky Birds of Spring
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One Day DIY Home Improvement Projects You Can Do!
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May Gardening
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DESIGN GURU
Sport Court® of Kentucky These Courts Rule! BY DAWN ANDERSON COURTESY PHOTOS
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taying active and healthy at home is a worthy investment, and Sport Court of Kentucky can make your property the envy of the neighborhood with a variety of modular court and sport surfaces. Sport Court®, The World’s Largest Court Builder, is “used
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at the highest levels of competition” and builds for residences, commercial spaces, churches, and athletic facilities. The brand has executed more than 100,000 projects in over one hundred countries in all seven continents. Sport Court of Kentucky began building state-wide in 1998 under the direction of owner Pat Davidson of Aztec Flooring and her son Patrick Davidson, Sports Division Sales & Project Manager. Sport Court of Kentucky builders are all local and average 19 years experience. Their first job at the Shawnee Boys & Girls Club was secured by their representative at the time, former Kentucky basketball great Kyle Macy. Sport Court of Kentucky’s residential business consists primarily of basketball courts, AKA ‘Game Courts’, in-ground trampolines, artificial turf lawns, and putting greens. Other court/sport surface games growing in popularity are pickleball, life-size checkers/chess boards, badminton, volleyball, and futsal. They can add various rebounder nets, set up games of handball, four-square, tetherball, hopscotch, hockey, shuffleboard, bowling,
and mini skate parks. With their superior components and services, Sport Court of Kentucky is a one-stop-shop and a preferred alternative to the hassle of do-it-yourself projects or contracting. “We’re not just selling our products. We’re selling our service.” Their turn-key operation greatly simplifies the process, from initial design consultation delivered at no cost, through all phases of construction. The website also features an online, interactive Court Builder™ to explore the possibilities with no commitment. At Sport Court of Kentucky, the mission “is to create athletic and recreation areas that promote an active lifestyle, develop athletic skills, encourage teamwork, and enhance family and group fun!” With all the advancements in site work, concrete materials, and surfaces, safety is still their highest priority. The Sport Court® playing surface presents superior shock absorption to go easy on joints and ligaments. It also offers ideal traction and ball bounce response, and an improved HIC (Head Impact Criteria) rating to reduce incidences of head injury and
concussion as opposed to just concrete or asphalt. Other developments include custom logos, add-on features to reduce costs for existing Sport Court® builds, and the ability to combine many sports into one surface area, with nets they can be raised and lowered as needed. The Davidsons find their work to be extremely gratifying with happy customers calling and FaceTiming right from their courts to express their satisfaction. The following is a recent letter from one of their customers that sums up how meaningful the Sport Court of Kentucky experience can be to a family: “Today is March 12, 2020, and the world is a very different place than it was just a few days ago. Schools closed for at least three weeks, rec centers, pools, etc. all closed or closing. All major sporting events canceled or postponed. This small spot of heaven will keep my kids happy and healthy over at least the next three weeks. Not to mention my wife won’t have to worry about keeping them busy or off their devices. Putting in this SportCourt was one of the best decisions we have (made) as a family. Thanks again for the setup and service over the years. P.S. It was a pretty good year for skating and backyard hockey, but it’s always exciting to see that blue tile again. - Joel” VIsit www.sportcourt.com and www. sportcourtkentucky.com for more information. For a no-obligation consultation, call (502)638-9004.
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Size
Right
WITH THE
Right Details
Courtyards AT THE
At Curry Farms Imagine living free; free from yard work and stress, free to travel, and spend quality time with loved ones. If your family is ready to downsize your space without forfeiting luxury, The Courtyards at Curry Farms should be in your future. BY TAYLOR RILEY PHOTOS BY TIM FURLONG JR.
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Louisville doesn’t have anything like this.
It’s right-sizing. A smaller home with the same luxury features they have in their current home or the one they just sold, with less to do.
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he community, located on Aiken Road just past Johnson Road, is brand-new with comfort, convenience, and privacy. The luxury garden homes provide residents with the features they require and the style they desire, according to Michelle and Rich Heareth with Perfection Builders. The homes can truly be one-of-a-kind as owners can add personal touches to selected designs and finishes. Those interested can build from the ground up and choose all options to personalize the space or select a Showcase Home, which is a home currently under construction. There are several unique floor plans in the community to create a staycation oasis, according to Michelle. “Louisville doesn’t have anything like this," she says. The floor plans target different people who want to travel, whose children have gone away to college, or those who want less yard work. “It’s right-sizing,” Michelle says. “A smaller home with the same luxury features they have in their current home or the one they just sold, with less to do.”
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MICHELLE AND RICH HEARETH WITH PERFECTION BUILDERS
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o matter if the floor plan has 1,400-square-feet up to 5,000-square-feet, each comes with standard luxury features that are above the typical, Rich and Michelle say. The 8-foot entry doors give the homes a larger feel. Some of the included features are hardwood floors with crown molding in the main living area, beautiful trim and casing throughout, granite countertops in the kitchen, 9-foot ceilings, tray ceilings, and taller windows.
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E
ach home has a private patio; some are on the side of the home, while others are off the back. Michelle likes to call the units biophilic, which is a design concept that connects occupants to their natural environment. “The side courtyard homes are architecturally designed to make the outside feel like part of the living space,� she says, adding that they build with privacy in mind; the backyards are not looking into one another. The community is surrounded by a 16-acre nature conservatory and a picturesque lake with walking trails and pickleball courts. Homeowners can also enjoy a swimming pool and clubhouse with a gathering space and exercise room.
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A showcase of finishes and floorplans available at The Courtyards at Curry Farms
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ich says that their community gives homeowners an opportunity to enjoy their families and travel. “It affords the lock-and-leave-lifestyle … you don’t have to worry about it,” he says. And of course, buyers have the pride of owning their space. “The homeowners can be in charge of their lives,” Michelle says. The model homes are open for tours, both virtually by appointment and physically during business hours. For more information on the prices or amenities at The Courtyards at Curry Farms, go to epconcommunities.com/ky/louisville/ the-courtyards-at-curry-farms.
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• Dedicated Internet Access • Web Hosting • Data Center Services
321 East Breckinridge Street Louisville, Kentucky 40203 502-589-4638 bluegrass.net TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 71
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Floor plans/Interior (call for pricing): PALAZZO: 2-3 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, 1,519-2,034 square-feet. PORTICO: 2-3 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, 1,776-2,468-square-feet. PROMENADE: 2-3 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, 1,995-2,769-square-feet. CAPRI IV: 2-3 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, 1,418-2,040-square-feet. SALERNO: 2-3 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, 1,643-2,247-square-feet. TORINO: 2-3 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, 1,888-2,588-square-feet. TORINO II: 2-3 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, 1,888-2,588-square-feet. VERONA: 2-3 bedrooms, 2-3 bathrooms, 2,114-2,930-square-feet. All the floor plans have multiple room options such as: sitting room, sunroom, bonus room, covered and screen porches.
Community: CLUBHOUSE: Hang out with other members of the community if being social is your scene. FITNESS FACILITY: It has 24/7 access to stateof-the-art equipment. POOL: It’s a heated saltwater pool for relaxing or swimming laps. WALKING TRAILS: The community borders a 16-acre nature conservatory and lake with serene trails. PICKLEBALL: The community has courts for fun with friends.
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SPRING INTO A REFRESHED KITCHEN
Before
Many projects completed in only 2-5 days! After Redooring
Refacing • Cabinet Painting • Redooring Custom Cabinets • 1 Day Tune-Up • And More!
YOU CAN ACHIEVE THIS LOOK YOURSELF!
ASK ABOUT OUR NEW DIY PLUS PROGRAM!
502.836.3322 | kitchentuneup.com Kitchen Tune-Up Louisville East Locally owned & operated by Chase Vincent.
5421 ORCHARD RIDGE LANE Your own personal oasis / $2,599,000
KITTY COGAN PFEIFFER 502.419.9052 kcpfeiffer.lsir.com
© MMXX Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Each office is independently owned and operated. An Equal Opportunity Company, Equal Housing Opportunity. 3803 Brownsboro Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40207.
Trans NOW OFFERING ONLINE CONSULTATIONS WALK-IN CLOSET
Call (502) 489-3901 for a free in-home design consultation and estimate or visit us online at closetfactory.com Showroom: 13010 Eastgate Park Way, Suite 107, Middletown, KY 40223 ©2020 Closet Factory. All right reserved.
ONE DECISION AWAY FROM
formation
CLOSETS • GARAGE • HOME OFFICE • ENTERTAINMENT • WALL BEDS • PANTRY • CRAFT • LAUNDRY • MUD ROOM • WINE ROOM
the art of organization
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COVID-19 & The State of Real Estate BY DAWN ANDERSON PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY KIDNER, REALTOR, SEMONIN REALTY
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irst time home buyer Kenzi Butler is in a season of life filled with big decisions, constant change, and exciting opportunities. She is also learning to expect the unexpected. After graduating from Assumption High School in Louisville and Belmont University in Nashville, Kenzi was accepted into the Disney College Program as a Hollywood Studios Jedi Training Cast Member and Animal Kingdom Safari Driver at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. She returned to Louisville last year, was hired as Trinity High School’s first Digital Media Coordinator, and became engaged in the fall. Kenzi and her fiancé Jason Surkin began house-hunting in February, and put an offer in on a home in early March. Their offer was
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accepted, the inspection and appraisal process started, then two days later Kentucky’s Healthy At Home orders were put in place. Kenzi was fortunate to be able to work from home. In the upheaval of pandemic, the appraisal process dragged on for two weeks. Then suddenly, Kenzi and Justin received just three days’ notice of closing. They had no idea what to expect. Their Semonin realtor, Amy Kidner, waited outside in her car. Kenzi and Justin wore face masks and upon entering the building were asked to wash and sanitize their hands. They were then led to a conference room as the sellers waited in another. There was a conspicuous can of disinfectant spray on the table and all pens for signing contracts became single-use and were disposed of immediately. Once outside, their celebratory closing photos were taken by Amy at a safe distance. Designated as an essential business, the real estate market rolls on even through economic uncertainty. The current “State of Real Estate” in Louisville is best explored through local experts with many years of
First time home buyers Kenzi Butler and her fiancé Jason Surkin.
A large number of borrowers that were pre-approved or pre-qualified for a mortgage in early March suddenly found themselves not qualified due to loss of job or layoff after the economy shut down. Once these buyers are back to work, I think this will contribute to a spike in real estate sales in mid to late summer. – SKI P B A NI STE R , PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF INTEGRA MORTGAGE GROUP
experience representing different aspects of the home buying/selling process. Carrie King has been a realtor for 14 years and is Co-Owner of Home Page Realty with George Barrett. Their locally-owned boutique brokerage has really felt the love from their 82 agents and their clients and will celebrate its 5th anniversary this month. Tim Moore is Senior Vice President for Semonin Marketology, specializing in Marketing and Information Technology. He has worked in the real estate business for 22 years; and he and his wife are both licensed realtors. H.L. “Skip” Banister is President and Founder of Integra Mortgage Group and has been an independent mortgage broker since 1997. His home-based business reduces overhead expenses so that he can pass that savings on to clients. Chip Ridge is President of Millennial Title, LLC with offices in Louisville and Florence KY, Nashville TN, and Tampa FL. He has been in the title business since 2000, sold his former title company to BB&T in 2007, and celebrated Millennial’s 5th anniversary in March. The varied perspectives of
these real estate professionals offer reassuring guidance and an overwhelmingly positive outlook for the future of the market. This is not to say that real estate in Louisville is still basically business as usual. There have been some serious impacts that have only just recently begun to manifest in market reports. Skip has noticed some reluctance on the part of potential buyers due to concern about possible unemployment and other financial uncertainties. In fact, “A large number of borrowers that were pre-approved or pre-qualified for a mortgage in early March suddenly found themselves not qualified due to loss of job or layoff after the economy shut down. Once these buyers are back to work, I think this will contribute to a spike in real estate sales in mid to late summer.” Chip brought up how open and fluid all parties now need to be regarding documentation and the rather sudden need to avoid shuffling paper in close proximity. Tim also emphasized the importance of flexibility with regard to “new tools and ways of working together” through platforms such as Zoom, “Time to embrace it now.” Carrie has found accessibility to be a major challenge. Without open houses and public showings, realtors have had to come up with creative, safe workarounds. As Tim says, “Every client is different.” He assesses clients’ concerns and adjusts the approach accordingly. Carrie and her realtors operate under “an abundance of precautions” to make each other and the clients feel safe. Mindful of his staff as well, Chip maintains offices that are frequently sanitized and allow for social distancing. He asks them, “What makes you most comfortable? We’ll do it your way.” In addition to necessary safeguards, Skip reassures us that, “Lenders are still lending. Realtors are still selling. Title companies are still closing.” Regarding new construction, contracts made prior to coronavirus mitigation efforts are moving along with little to no interruption. However, new contracts may be affected by how much or how little clarity we get as to the duration of social distancing measures. On a brighter note, Carrie points out that clients interested in building or renovations might have more time now to research designs, fixtures, and finishes. As far as listing a home for sale, Tim says “The seller has to be sufficiently motivated to sell” in the current market, which he likened to an “extended winter” season. Similarly, Carrie recommends moving forward only if the price and condition are right. Skip would wait to list until demand increases; however,
“This might be a good, opportunistic time to buy from a pricing standpoint.” The general consensus is that now is a great time to refinance. Although the criteria are tightening on qualifications, those who do qualify are enjoying the low rates. Chip cautions against resorting to mortgage forbearance unless absolutely necessary and with a complete understanding of all the implications. Without exception, our experts miss the in-person experiences and human interaction they enjoyed with clients, especially at closings. Traditionally, closings have been fairly celebratory in nature, complete with “closing gifts and bottles of champagne,” says Carrie. Skip “took pride in attending all closings.” Now realtors wait out in their cars and other parties are kept in separate rooms or have curbside, drive-up, or e-closings. Chip sees a silver lining. “People are being more patient and empathetic” through these new processes that put “a premium on communication.” We gave our experts the unenviable task of attempting to predict the future of the real estate market in Louisville over the next 18 months or so. Skip hopes to see some phases of the business opening back up, interest rates continuing to ease up, and more robust activity in June, although shaking hands on deals and the way closings are conducted may be forever changed. He encourages everyone to “Hang in there. Be optimistic. Things will get better.” Chip looks forward to a return not to normal but to at least “more normal” and is also “hopeful that the marketplace will be less constricted by June,” especially for the sake of pre-listing appointments and showings. Carrie believes working from home will continue to be much more commonplace and that going forward most sales meetings and training sessions will be held virtually. She sees a return to offices beginning in June, with flex scheduling at least. This time has forced Carrie to slow down, be “less scripted and calculated,” and even more thankful to be living and working in this community. Tim believes the typically busy spring and summer seasons of real estate will be pushed to fall. “We now have more tools in our toolbelt for how we’re going to communicate with each other.” He reflects on American hardships throughout the last 120 years: World War I, the Spanish Flu, the Great Depression, the ‘37 flood, World War II, the Cold War, 9/11, recessions, etc. “This too shall pass.” Previous generations rose to their challenges, “I think we’ll do it.” Tim leaves us with a favorite quote, “If you can’t decide if the glass is half full or half empty, order a double!” We can all drink to that. Cheers!
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at home Paradis White Dessert Plate RAYNAUD
Carranza Table Vase
Dip Dye Napkin
ALLMODERN
KIM SEYBERT
Color ROMANCE Catalog
Solenna Chandelier ARHAUS
Alexei Upholstered Dining Chair COSMOLIVING
HGTV Home by Sherwin Williams knows that #TBT colors are very in right now. Their 2020 Color Collection of the Year plays with retro tones to create a palette that reminds us that “self-care is the key to a life well lived.” Their Color of the Year, Romance (HGSW2067), is a blush apricot pink that exudes throwback glamor. It feels timeless and yet perfectly on-trend, vintage yet thoroughly modern. Use it wherever you’d like to “dress up” your space a bit. Here, it makes an otherwise playful dining room more sophisticated. Romance easily anchors bolder accent colors like Island Time (HGSW2312), a jaunty nautical green. Round out the room with warm neutrals, geometric elements and soft fabrics for a look that seems to exist outside of time. Wondering where else a color like Romance might shine? It could be stunning in an Old Hollywood-style vanity or dressing room. This peachy tone would also be perfect for a child’s room or nursery.
PAIR WITH:
Lynette Rug in Blue POTTERY BARN
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Island Time
Vanillin
Finian Blue
Blue Endeavour
THE
KENTUCKY
Birds OF
Spring ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK
These little guys might come in black, white, and red when they're older, or a shade of brown as younger fellas.
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER
Mostly orange in color, these birds like to sing and flap around searching branches for bugs they can eat. That might sound gross, but each time they find one is one less bug to get in your house.
Birdwatching IN THE BLUEGRASS BY ROCKO JEROME
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o matter what else is going on in the world, it's always entertaining and even somewhat emotionally moving to birdwatch. As silly as it might sound, observing our fine feathered friends as they go about their winged life can bring us peace and lend a sense of the enormous size of our overall ecosystem. It's something that's been around since time immemorial and has never lost its calming charm. Famous figures like Albert Einstein, Agatha Christie, and Franklin D Roosevelt were noted birdwatchers. As long as humankind has shared the earth with them, we have had a fascination with the avian animals that whip across the airways.
KENTUCKY WARBLER
There are several stellar destinations in Kentucky if you're up for a road trip. However, you might just be able to fulfill your birdwatching dreams by setting up a bird feeder in your backyard and seeing who shows up. If you live near a wooded area, you might catch a Bay-Breasted Warbler, a mostly blue songbird. With the right kind of feeder, a Ruby-Throated Hummingbird might stop by as it passes through. You might even catch an occasional red cardinal, which always feels like as special a moment in your life as finding a Four Leaf Clover. It's hard to feel anxious when you're watching a bird, so get out there and see what you can spot!
KENTUCKY WARBLER
There are many warblers, but this one is ours. A small songbird that's yellow underneath and olive green on the back.
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER
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One Day
DIY Home Improvement Projects
YOU CAN DO!
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We’ve all been spending more time at home lately. Maybe even a little too much time at home! With warmer weather comes home improvement season. If you’re ready to make some changes to your home environment but aren’t sure where to start, small projects are a great way to dip your toes into the DIY world.
Paint Your Front Door Front doors are often one of the most overlooked opportunities to add personality to your home. It’s also one of the places that often becomes faded or scuffed the soonest. Typically, you’ll need one quart of exterior paint and primer. It’s best to paint your front door on a clear, sunny day that’s not exceptionally humid or hot. If the sun tends to hit the door directly during the hottest portion of the day, consider setting up some shade to keep the paint from getting too hot.
Alternate idea: if you have a porch or lanai, paint the ceiling a lighter color, like Haint blue.
Container Gardening Container gardens can make your front door even more inviting. They provide living seasonal décor all year long with a mix of evergreens and rotating blooms. Talk to the staff at your favorite local greenhouse to figure out what will work well for the amount of light your entryway receives.
Alternate idea: Don’t have room for containers on your porch? Aim higher! Wall mountable containers could work for your front door, porch posts and more.
Safer Steps Are your exterior steps as safe as they could be? Add step treads or safety tape to increase your traction. If you prefer to paint your steps, mix four parts paint to one part sand and stir well as you paint. Once completely dry, apply a second coat of paint without sand (okay, this one will take more than one day… but it’s worth the effort!)
Alternate idea: Add solar lighting to illuminate your steps when it’s dark out.
Screen Time Warmer weather means you’re going to have your windows open. If there are holes in your screens, bugs can get in. Replacing window screens is surprisingly easy. But if you find yourself daunted by YouTube tutorials, you can find easy screen patching kits at your favorite hardware store, many of which require just scissors and a hairdryer.
Alternate idea: Have a doorway you’d like to open without letting those pesky flies in? Look at magnetic screens, fly blinds and retractable screen door options.
Grill Stash Get organized in time for the grilling season. The right type of storage will depend on your setup. If you have a grill cart, installing hooks on the side will offer you a place to hang your grill tools. For a place to stash seasoning within reach, make a wall-mountable cabinet. Looking to make your setup the envy of the neighborhood? Build cabinets to sit beside your grill. If you prefer to keep things portable, altering a vintage toolbox or vegetable crate might be the ticket.
Alternate idea: Build a cooler cart to keep your drinks close and chilly.
Add Molding Have a room that just needs a little something extra? Molding adds texture and visual interest to any space. Add panache to the tops or bottoms of walls, or create boxes to add dimension to walls, doors or cabinets. Create a coffered ceiling in a snap. Molding can make your front door more grand or let your windows really shine. Not a carpenter? Worry not! There are tons of tutorials online for adding molding without making confusing angled cuts.
Alternate idea: Already have molding on your walls? Look on Pinterest for creative ways to make the corners and transitions look more polished.
Terra Cotta Patina Give new pots an aged look by creating a natural patina in a snap. For an earthy look, soak the pot in water for 15 minutes. Using a dry foam brush, spread plain yogurt on the surface. Set in a shady spot outdoors for a week or two. For a more “artisan” look, press clay-filled dirt against the surface of the pot, adding water to help it adhere. Place in a shady spot for a month to let the soil adhere, then brush lightly to remove excess. Want moss on your pots? Mix buttermilk and crumbled moss, then brush on as desired. Let sit in a shady spot until it’s perfect.
Alternate idea: Have a pot painting party with your kids! Just be sure to seal their artworks with a plant-friendly paint sealer when finished.
Flip the Switch Never upgraded the covers on your light switches or outlets? Now’s the perfect time. It’s a subtle touch that makes your room look more luxe, and it just takes a few turns of a screwdriver. From modern metals to embellished beauties, the options are virtually endless. If your old covers are just looking a little yellowed, a coat of spray paint and sealer fix ‘em right up.
Alternate idea: Let kids paint, sticker or bedazzle their own! This is a creative way they can personalize their space.
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May gardening
May is a magical time in the garden. The threat of frost has passed, and the days are warm enough for us to get out and get our hands dirty. Tender spring blossoms have awakened our desire to tiptoe among the tulips; but they are ready to give way to the warm weather garden of our dreams. BY AMANDA HARPER
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f you are new to gardening (or just a little rusty), your first stop is the county extension agency, followed by a local nursery. Factors such as soil composition, amount of sunshine the garden area receives, and gardening ability determine which plants are best suited. A pro can give you the advice you need to succeed. Wondering what might be in store for your May garden? We have some ideas for what to get growing so that your summer season is lush and beautiful!
Annuals Now is the time to get those summer annuals in the ground. Pretty scaevolas, verbenas, zinnias, begonias, and angelonias will add lots of color to your flower beds through the season. Place them between those perennials that have yet to make their appearance for a garden that pops all year long.
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Ornamental Grasses
Herbs
Consider dedicating some of your yard space to tall ornamental grasses. They will cut down on your mowing and add beauty to the space. Plume Grass or Bulbous Oat Grass will add drama, both to your landscaping and indoor floral arrangements. Most prefer a spot that gets abundant sun. Many grass varieties are prone to spreading; so take care to surround them with mulch, further decreasing your mow zone!
Herbs are becoming a popular substitute for many home gardeners’ old standards, and for good reason. They are so fragrant and often just as beautiful as more traditional garden plants. Plus, they are useful in the kitchen! Lavender, basil, dill, mint, fennel, chives, oregano, parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme... Let your culinary interests and preferences steer your herb planting.
Fruits & Vegetables If you plan on growing some produce, it’s high time to start planting. Transplants and seedlings of peppers, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, and watermelons should be ready to roll. Make use of companion planting to save space and improve your yield. For example, set dry bean seeds among corn to fix nitrogen in the soil. They can use the stalks as a natural trellis, taking another item off your summer to-do list.
Old-School Plantings Looking for a challenge this year? Contact your favorite nursery or extension agent to learn about some native plants that are due for a resurgence. Growing native plants can be beneficial to local wildlife while promoting biodiversity. An added bonus: They often require little care, as they are uniquely adapted to growing in our area. 
D D D D
design & dwell
Interiors
Design & Dwell Interiors is a boutique offering simple, elegant & stylish furniture, home decor & gifts in a tranquil setting. Our team of seasoned designers assist customers in creating their unique vision for the dream home they have always wanted. Furniture Home Decor | Gifts
now open! S E R V I C I N G LO U I S V I L L E , K Y AS W E L L AS T H E E M E R A L D COAST OF F LO R I DA .
Monday through Saturday 10am-6pm 12003 Shelbyville Rd, Suite 106 (Next to Havana Rumba in Middletown)
( 5 0 2 ) 4 2 4 - 14 0 7 | D E S I G N A N D D W E L L I N T E R I O R S . C O M
RULERS OF RENOVATION & DESIGN
special advertising content
special advertising content
Davenport Extreme Pools and Spas (502) 408-5892
DAVENPORTEXTREMEPOOLS.COM Wouldn’t it be nice to get away from your stress, but stay home all at the same time? If it’s time for you to create an oasis on your property, Davenport Extreme Pools is your source. “We believe good times start with family and memories begin at home,” says Tracy Davenport, the entrepreneur behind this family owned and operated company. This first rate team of experts has installed over 40 beautiful pools in the last few years, and their expertise doesn’t end there. In addition to a wide variety of pools, the Davenports also offer fire bowls, waterfalls, slides, boulder walls, spa jets, deck covers, bubbles, and landscaping, among many other extras. This company is fast, friendly, and efficient. “We take the stress of pool building off of your shoulders,” Tracy says. “The world that we live in is fast paced and complicated. Slowing down to enjoy family and friends is what life is all about.”
TRACY DAVENPORT AND ANGELA LISKA Davenport Extreme Pools and Spas 2193 Veechdale Rd. | Simpsonville, Ky 502-408-5862
RULERS OF RENOVATION & DESIGN
Krystal Jarrell Premiere Cleaning (502) 454-6243
LOUISVILLEPREMIERECLEANERS.COM In these days especially, the importance of cleanliness can’t be emphasized enough. Luckily, Krystal Jarrell and her team at Premiere Cleaning are expertly qualified to properly clean your home, office, restaurant, school, store or manufacturing company. With 34 years in business, Premiere is a non-franchise, locally owned company. They are trusted in this region by companies like the YMCA, JCPS, Merkley Kendrick Jewelers, Starbucks, and Walgreens. Premiere has received special ISSA certification for the Coronavirus. “Not only can we respond to the virus, but we can also help prevent it,” says Krystal. Krystal brings a personal touch to her work. Her motto is, Your time is valuable, Our time is available. “I listen to my clients and truly get to know what they are seeking, whether I meet with them in their home or over the phone,” says Krystal. “I provide a sophisticated yet affordable approach, creating the perfect cleaning plan based on their wants and needs.” In addition to residential and commercial cleaning, Premiere offers carpet cleaning, window washing, and air duct cleaning. Krystal enjoys spending time with her husband Nathan and three sons Connor, Griffin, and Graham. Her driving passion is to raise money and awareness for the Joshua Frase Foundation. Graham suffers from X-Linked Centronuclear Myotubular Myopathy. Although a cure has been developed, it’s yet to be released by the FDA. Enjoy the benefits of calling one company to schedule numerous services, call 502-454-MAID(6243) or visit LouisvillePremiereCleaners.com
Real Estate Rockstars
Whether you’re buying or selling, the local expearts on these pages will negotiate your way to success. BY ROCKO JEROME • COURTESY PHOTOS
Special Advertising Section
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FIRST SATURDAY REAL ESTATE 11603 Shelbyville Rd. #4
FirstSaturdayRE.com
Inspired by a feeling unique to the first Saturday in May, First Saturday Real Estate is unlike any other real estate agency in Louisville. “The Derby represents hospitality, excellence, celebration, and togetherness – values we aim to bring to everything we do,” says Greg Virgin, who founded First Saturday Real Estate with his wife, Stephanie. “A home is more than the structure; it’s a place to come together,” Stephanie says. “At First Saturday, that’s not just what we believe – it’s what we do. Whether taking clients to coffee, having them over to our place, or hosting events, gathering together is part of who we are.” "First Saturday is a luxury service company," says Greg. "When we help people sell their house, we operate as a full-service marketing firm. We go far beyond putting a sign in the yard and adding it to the MLS. We have many tools available to present homes to the market. We tailor our marketing plans to maximize listing views and to ensure our selling clients meet their goals. Buying or selling real estate is a complex and stressful process. We pride ourselves on making this process easier for our clients. We're very hands-on, and our commitment to service is what inspires clients to refer us business. This holds us to a higher standard. We're proud of our strong and growing reputation." “The closing table is not the end of the transaction," says Greg. "Things come up as you live in your home, a desire to remodel or a repair needs to be made,” Stephanie says. "You can lean into us in any circumstance. We have wonderful relationships with vetted contractors that we can introduce you to," she says. This commitment to service excellence is part of what Greg and Stephanie call "White Glove Service," in which clients of First Saturday can expect a spotlessbusiness relationship. Stephanie had preceded Greg in the field of real estate, and when she faced ovarian cancer in 2014, Greg left his lucrative position as an Executive Search Consultant to build a business. "We encourage every agent we work with to follow the same entrepreneurial spirit we believe in," Stephanie says. "We mentor, support and encourage what we call the ‘Business Owner’ mindset. For us, the agents are our colleagues and partners. We work with them, side-by-side, to build a stronger brokerage, wholly committed to excellence in service to all our clients." Info@FirstSaturdayRE.com
Meredith Wajda: Choosing First Saturday was a no brainer. The passion and knowledge they have for real estate and the clients they serve is unmatched. First Saturday is focused on helping their agents grow their own businesses and is committed to providing innovative marketing opportunities to help me stay connected with my network. Meredith@FirstSaturdayRE.com
Cody Stiff: I wanted to have the ability to learn from a broker that was willing to help me build and maximize my business and that was also available to answer questions as they arise. Because of the tools and mentorship First Saturday provided me, I am better able to grow my business and serve my clients. Cody@FirstSaturdayRE.com
Paula Weaver: I wanted to be with a brokerage that thinks outside of the box but truly strives for excellent service, so I chose First Saturday! Greg and Stephanie are amazing leaders, business brilliant, innovative and yet super compassionate for others. The brokerage team they have created are all unique professionals, but we share the same goals.
Paula@FirstSaturdayRE.com
FEAT URED LISTINGS
1416 E Breckinridge St., Louisville, KY 40204 2 | 1 | 998
156 Blakenrod Blvd., Coxs Creek, KY 40013 3 | 2 | 1,703
ALISSA SAMPLE Realtor, Housing Associates Realtors (502) 407-9018 • alissalombardo@gmail.com Navigating the real estate market in uncertain times is made so much easier with the experience, knowledge, and tenacity of a realtor like Alissa Sample. Alissa was #1 in her brokerage, Housing Associates Realtors, for a second time and landed in the top 5% producing real estate agents in Louisville with $7.5 million revenue in 2019. Whether searching for your first, next, or last dream home or for an investment property, Alissa is ready to work hard on your next move. Showings and closings might look different these days, but her personal attention remains the same.
929 E. St. Catherine, Louisville, KY 40204 2 | 1 | 1,300
Coming soon...another show stopping Highlands Renovation at 1218 Hull St. TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 91
H.L. “Skip” Banister, Jr., President and Founder of Integra Mortgage Group, has served in his field since 1997. “I work for no one but my clients, and since I do it all myself, I can save them money and time by streamlining the process,” says Skip. If you’re looking to purchase, refinance, consolidate debt, or embark on new construction, Skip is your Mortgage Guy!
H.L. “SKIP” BANISTER, JR. President and Founder, Integra Mortgage Group
NMLS# 62835
integramortgagegroup.com • (502) 314-5626
DAVE PARKS
FEAT URED LISTING
Realtor, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Parks & Weisberg, Realtors
Broker/Owner, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Parks & Weisberg, Realtors
rebekahriley.bhhsparksweisberg.com (502) 939-5887
dparks.bhhsparksweisberg.com (502) 643-5892 Dave is a Louisville, Kentucky native and graduate of St. Xavier High School Class of 80’ , Ohio State University, and a retired Marine. In 2008, he purchased Parks & Weisberg Realtors with his sister, Judie, and in 2013 they affiliated with the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices as franchise owners. Dave’s number one priority is providing outstanding service to his clients. His job is to counsel each client as they make important decisions for themselves and their families. Dave will be your Forever Realtor, offering assistance as needed even when you’re not in the market to buy or sell.
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REBEKAH RILEY
6502 Sedgwicke Drive, Prospect, KY 40059 $1,100,000
Rebekah prides herself in delivering professional and outstanding service whether you are buying, selling, relocating or purchasing investment property. Rebekah builds lifelong relationships by adding value to every single transaction for her clients who also refer her to others based on her dedication, unparalleled communication, responsiveness, confidentiality, integrity and loyalty.
5 | 3.5 | 4,603 # 1555916 © 2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. ® Equal Housing Opportunity.
ANGELA CORRIEA REALTOR®, Semonin Realtors angela.semonin.com (502) 656-2338 In her over five years in the real estate business, Angela Corriea has built a reputation as being profoundly ethical and very personable.”I believe in treating people the way that I want to be treated,” she says. “I’m here to make the whole buying and selling process as stress free as possible. It’s important to work with someone that is a good fit for something as important as the place you call home, and I strive to be that person. I want to build relationships with my clients and be there for them even after the closing.” Angela has received the grand distinction of being a part of the Semonin President Club, a group of especially strong real estate agents. If you are interested in buying or selling a home, she invites you to call her directly at 502-656-2338.
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TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 93
KATIE NOE Realtor, Keller Williams Louisville East (502) 292-7200 • GoTeamNoe.com
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K
atie’s big smile, big laugh, and infectiously positive personality are unmistakable. Her sales rank within the top 1% of real estate agents in the Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana areas, having sold over 80 homes in 2019. A Louisville native, she has been selling and investing in Real Estate for five years since transitioning from a successful sales career working for the largest privately held company in Kentucky. Her real estate business centers around providing positive results and smooth experiences for her clients, exceptional customer service and top-notch guidance, and using her expertise on the local market to get her clients the most return. She believes it takes hard work to get the job done and will not stop until her clients are truly satisfied.
When it comes to producing results, Katie’s acute attention to detail and a keen sense of design sets her apart from other agents. In a competitive market like we have today, a detail-oriented Realtor can make a huge difference in many different situations throughout the buying and selling processes. A client needs a Realtor that knows the nuances of the industry and the local market to guide them through the many potential pitfalls to a successful closing. Her keen sense of design and style is also unique compared to most realtors, who might defer to other third-party professionals for decluttering and staging services. Some houses need zero-to-minimal work in this area, while others require a full overhaul. Either way, Katie takes her time to assess the home properly and compares it to other homes that have sold in the area. She then provides recommendations to create the broadest appeal to the potential buyers and thus gives her client the best possible chance at a fast sale for the highest possible price. Katie truly has a servant’s heart and is dedicated to being a positive influence in the communities she serves. That is why she is committed to donating a portion of each one of her sales to the local charity of her clients’ choosing.
701 Lyndon Lofts Ln, Louisville, KY 40222 LISTED AT $249,900 2 | 2 | 1300
FEAT URED LISTINGS
A lot goes into a property before she lists it. From decluttering and staging to professional photography and videos, aggressive multi-channel marketing campaigns, prospecting for buyers, and most important of all: a detailed market analysis, as well as providing an optimal pricing strategy has proven to get her clients’ homes sold faster and for top dollar.
Brand New Builds | 13 unit boutique condo community in Lyndon
914 Fountain Ave, Louisville, KY 40222 CLOSED AT $250,000 4 | 2 | 1,732
1005 Clerkenwell Rd, Louisville, KY 40207 UNDER CONTRACT LISTED AT $269,000 3 | 1 ½ | 2,346
5532 Covington Dr, Charlestown, IN 47111 CLOSED AT $325,575 4 | 3 | 998
One five-star review online reads: “Katie is the best real estate agent we have worked with, by far. She has sold two of our homes and helped us purchase another. Katie is incredibly organized, responsive, and thoughtful. She truly goes above and beyond for her clients.”
7103 Gunpowder Ct, Louisville, KY 40059 CLOSED AT $429,900 4 | 3 ½ | 4,078
JEFF & KAREN GAPEN Mayer Realtors, The Gapen Team jeffgapenhomes.com • (502) 639-0789 Jeff and Karen Gapen are a husband and wife realty team who are passionate about making people’s dreams come true. Jeff has over 27 years of real estate expertise. He specializes in making your home buying or selling process a stress-free and positive experience. Karen is a realtor as well, and is also certified at home staging, a skill that will help your property sell. A well-staged home from Karen’s hands will show potential buyers that your house could be their dream home. As a client of The Gapen Team, you will receive complimentary staging which positions your home to sell. “We know how to make the home you sell stand out,” says Karen.
FEAT URED LISTING 6111 Regal Springs Dr, Louisville, KY 40205 $555,000 4 | 4 | 3,243
Restrictions apply. Subject to credit approval. Ask a loan officer for details.
In the market for a new home? Let the experts at Commonwealth Bank lead the way. We’re in the business of funding homeownership dreams. To learn more – call 502.259.2300 or visit www.cbandt.com/mortgage. TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 99
A NEW BLEN D of B O UR B O N M A K ER S
DISCOVERY SERIES #2 PHIFER PAVITT RESERVE COPPER & KINGS APPLE BRANDY COLLABORATIVE SERIES
FUSION SERIES #1
DELIVERY AVAILABLE!
Cuisine
102
Cocktail Hour
103
Dine On: Top Picks for Local Delivery and Carryout
105
top 5 dining: Curbside & Carry Out
110
Grilling Recipes
TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 101
cuisine
Jefferson’s
Kentucky
mule ingredients
Kentucky Mule (makes 1 cocktail) – 2 oz. Jefferson’s Very Small Batch, ½ oz lime juice, Gosling’s ginger beer, mint sprig for garnish
mix it up Fill mule mug with ice. Add bourbon and lime juice. Fill mug with Gosling’s ginger beer. Garnish with mint sprig or lime.
RECIPE COURTESY OF KENTUCKY ARTISAN DISTILLERY
Louisville-Middletown 12949 Shelbyville Rd, Suite 101 Louisville, KY 40243 (502) 874-5848 Louisville-St. Matthews 4505 Shelbyville Rd, Suite 100 Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 835-2001
NothingBundtCakes.com
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Dine On!
TOP PICKS FOR LOCAL DELIVERY & CARRYOUT Grassa Gramma C D
Spinelli’s C D
grassagramma.com • (502) 333-9595
spinellispizzeria.com • 3 area locations
Gustavo’s Mexican Grill C D
Taco Luchador C D
gustavosmexgrill.com • 5 area locations
La Chasse C D lachasselouisville.com • (502) 822-3963
3 area locations
Tea Station Asian Bistro C D teastationbistro.com • (502) 423-1202
LeMoo C D
Varanese C D
lemoorestaurant.com • (502) 458-2020
varanese.com • (502) 899-9904
PrepMeals502 C D
Village Anchor C D
prepmeals502.com • (502) 618-0664
villageanchor.com • (502) 708-1850
RiverHouse C D
Volare C D
riverhouselouisville.com • (502) 897-5000
volare-restaurant.com • (502) 894-4446
Seviche C sevicherestaurant.com • (502) 473-8560
Hungry
for more?
El Mundo C
Bearno’s Pizza C D
The Fat Lamb Modern Kitchen and Bar C
bearnos.com • 8 area locations
Brasserie provence C O brasserieprovence.com
Bristol Bar and Grille C O bristolbarandgrille.com • 3 area locations
The Café C thecafetogo.com • (502) 589-9191
502elmundo.com • (502) 899-9930
fatlamblouisville.com • (502) 409-7499
Heine Brothers Coffee C D T heinebroscoffee.com • 13 area locations
Irish Rover C theirishroverky.com • (502) 899-3544
Sou! Southern kitchen & bar C sou-louisville.com • (502) 614-6499
Come Back Inn C
Uptown Cafe C
comebackinn.net • (502) 627-1777
uptownlouisville.com • (502) 458-4212
Dragon Kings Daughter C
Zanzabar C
dragonkingsdaughter.com • (502) 632-2444
zanzabarlouisville.com • (502) 635-9227
For a full up-to-date listing of restaurants visit topslouisville.com!
#supportlocal C CARRYOUT D DELIVERY T DRIVE THROUGH O ORDER ONLINE TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 103
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PROVEN
POWERFUL
PERMANENT The Proof? You saw this ad. Now get YOUR business noticed. getmore@topslouisville.com
502.780.7825
e d i s b cur
t u o y r & car 5
DINING
TOP
Supporting local restaurants is more important than ever before. These familiar area establishments run the gamut from fast casual to fine dining. All have adapted business models to continue to serve customers safely with some combination of carryout/curbside/delivery. Take a break from cooking, enjoy local flavor, and please tip generously. BY DAWN ANDERSON • PHOTOS BY DANNY ALEXANDER
Mark’s Feed Store
MULTIPLE KENTUCKIANA LOCATIONS MARKSFEEDSTORE.COM
M
ark’s Feed Store is celebrating 32 years in Louisville. It all began with the opening of the original Middletown location in 1988. Mark Erwin opened the Bar-B-Q restaurant in the historic location of Hancock Feed Store. There are now four Louisville Mark’s Feed Store locations, one in New Albany, Indiana and one in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Mary Stebbins, Director of Operations, has been with Mark’s Feed Store for 15 years,
is a firm believer in their motto, “Friendly Folks Serving Famous Bar-B-Q!” Two of their employees have been with Mark’s Feed Store since Day One. A few others have been around for more than twenty years. In addition to the friendly staff, Mark’s Feed Store’s regulars set them apart as generations of customers pass down the tradition from family to family. Unlike many restaurants now focusing on carryout/curbside/delivery, Mark’s Feed Store is still offering an extensive menu selection. Entrée highlights are the Rib Dinners in four sizes, three different Combo Rib Dinners, and Mark’s Famous Honeywings™. With at least 14 side items, simplify the decision with Mark’s Favorites: Sweet “Fried”
Corn on the Cob (Barnyard-style adds white sauce and seasoning similar to elote or Mexican street corn) and Red Potato Salad, which has been featured on many families’ holiday tables over the years. Saving room for dessert will be a challenge; but the Homemade Buttermilk Pie is always good to go. The Mark’s Family Pack feeds 5-6 with 1.5 lbs. Pork, 1 qt. Red Potato Salad, 1 qt. Baked Beans, 6 Buns, and 1 Pint of Mark’s Original Sauce. On Monday nights, dessert is free with purchase of an entrée and on Tuesdays kids eat free! Mark’s Feed Store gives back to first responders and hospital workers with reduced-price, at-cost boxed lunches. Order online at www.marksfeedstore.com.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 105
cuisine
salsarita’s fresh mexican grill
expert with restaurant brand development experience. Salsarita’s has a user-friendly app and partners with DoorDash® and Grubhub. Start your order off with Chips & Salsa/ Guacamole/Queso. The fresh-made chips are sprinkled with a special spice blend customers can’t resist. They also anchor seven different Nacho options. The 2 Taco Combo includes tacos “any way you like” with chips, dip, and a drink. Burritos are also made your way and generously sized. Upgrade to a Quesorito and have it “smothered in creamy queso!” Quesadillas are always a hit. And with eight different options, every member of the family can find a favorite.
(502) 897-5323 • 285 N HUBBARDS LN (502) 365-1424 • 12915 SHELBYVILLE RD SALSARITAS.COM
S
alsarita’s original location opened in St. Matthews in 2006 with its fast-casual, fresh food concept. Their ingredients are prepared fresh daily, right down to the “hand-mashed guacamole”, “craveable queso”, and “wildly addictive chips” for dipping. All salsas are made from whole produce, juices, and spices.
A second location in Middletown opened in June 2012 with a drive-through added two years ago. That Middletown drive-through can now be used to order as you pull through and to pick up call-ahead or online orders. Salsarita’s offers contactless curbside service and delivery options. They recently introduced a convenient “Park Here and Order From Your Car” scan option for online ordering. Owners Pam and Steve Stallings work as
106 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
a team but approach the business from different angles. Pam is an advertising/marketing pro. Steve is the finance and operations
Family meals are available, along with Fiesta Packs: a $29.99 make-your-own taco pack for five including rice, beans, protein & toppings, chips and salsa. For $10 more, add queso, guacamole, and dessert for everyone. Enjoy special offers like $2 off all online ordering, free delivery for catering, and Salsarita’s Rewards program. Salsarita’s thanks customers and gives back to the community through various nonprofits.
The Fat Lamb Modern Kitchen and Bar
(502) 409-7499 • 2011 GRINSTEAD DR FATLAMBLOUISVILLE.COM
T
he Fat Lamb Modern Kitchen and Bar opened in 2016 as an upscale, neighborhood restaurant in the Highlands by Executive Chef/Owner Dallas McGarity and his wife, Laura. Dallas earned a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina and moved to Louisville in 2004 as a young chef excited by the burgeoning culinary scene. He worked his way up from Executive Sous Chef at Volare Ital-
ian Ristorante, then through Equus, Z’s Fusion, and as chef/partner at Marketplace. As sole owners of both The Fat Lamb and Portage House in Jeffersonville, Indiana, Dallas and Laura have the advantage of being more nimble in rolling with the punches the industry has been dealt lately. “If I need to make a fast decision I can,” says Dallas. As opposed to many fine dining restaurants in town, Chef McGarity has always kept some more approachable items on the menu, such as Lamb Meatballs with tzatziki, peperonata, and feta and Double Cheeseburger with brioche bun, american cheese, lemon garlic mayo, tasty pickles, and kettle chips. These dishes lend themselves well to the carryout/curbside/delivery model and provide customers with familiar comfort
food options. Other menu highlights include Curry Spiced Cauliflower, Turmeric & Dill Hushpuppies, Tandoori Spiced Griddled Zucchini, Ricotta Gnocchi & Lamb Ragu, and Seared Pork Tenderloin served with whipped potatoes, sautéed garlic spinach, black bbq sauce, and pickled red cabbage. At press time, The Fat Lamb is open 11am8pm Sunday-Thursday and 11am-9pm Friday and Saturday. Be sure to include with your order half-priced bottles of wine or some of Fat Lamb’s batched cocktails now available in to-go cups. Fat Lamb appreciates your patronage and gives back to the community in partnership with Apron, Inc., providing financial relief to food and beverage industry workers, and the Lee Initiative Restaurant Workers Relief Program.
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cuisine
River House Restaurant and Raw Bar
(502) 409-7499 • 2011 GRINSTEAD DR FATLAMBLOUISVILLE.COM
R
iver House Restaurant and Raw Bar is a premier restaurant serving “Regional Cuisine with a Southern Flair Featuring Fresh Seafood Daily” lovvcated on the Ohio River with riverfront dining and multiple outdoor and private dining spaces. Executive Chef/Proprietor John Varanese is experienced and well-equipped to adapt and augment the business with carryout, curbside, and other conveniences you might not expect from a higher-end restaurant. Originally from Cleveland where he worked in one of its small, but excellent Italian restaurants, John attended Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, was named Executive Chef of Louisville’s Azalea in 1997, opened Varanese in 2007, River House in 2016, and Savor in 2019. John and staff offer “quality food at an affordable price” by adding menu items, providing safe alternatives to dine-in service, and convenient grocery services for those struggling with finding necessary items and long waits for online/pick-up orders. Grocery items available through River House have included fresh produce and proteins, bread, pasta, and paper products. They are also a one-stop shop continuing their bar program with cocktail packages and beverages available by-the-drink. Seven different family-style meals for 2 or 4 help vary food planning at home. Top sellers are Grilled Salmon with fresh herb rice, sautéed vegetables, and lemon- caper aioli, Slow-Braised Beef Short Rib with barbeque pan sauce and butter whipped potatoes topped with fried onion straws, and Sautéed Gulf Shrimp over Tasso ham grits and sautéed vegetables. Entrées are also served with free salad, cornbread, and dessert. River House employees are supported by your generous tips; and John has sought to secure his employees financially with a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan. As a means of giving back to the community, some charitable dinners are in the works with a partnership between John Varanese and Commonwealth Bank & Trust in Louisville.
108 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
SIMPLE. HEALTHY. DELICIOUS. Paleo • KETO Vegan • By the Pound
NEW LOCATION! 2218 Bardstown Rd. ilding next Old Blossom Shop bu Rumba. a van Ha and to CVS
Gustavo’s Mexican Grill
PROSPECT VILLAGE, NORTON COMMONS, CRESTWOOD, AND LAGRANGE LOCATIONS GUSTAVOSMEXGRILL.COM
W
ith an emphasis on authenticity, Gustavo’s Mexican Grill opened in Crestwood in 2010 and has since expanded to LaGrange, Prospect, and most recently Norton Commons in Louisville. The family atmosphere and hospitality at all locations is exemplified by Owner/Operator Gustavo Reyes and extends to their carryout, curbside, and speedy delivery services. Dozens of menu selections keep options fresh and varied as you support this local business and its restaurant staff. Gustavo’s has done his best to retain all employees over the last several weeks and plans to do so going forward. No need to be overwhelmed with menu choices. Gustavo has been kind enough to make some of his favorite recommendations. Shrimp a la Mexicana is grilled shrimp tossed with red and yellow peppers, finished with house-made ranchero
and cheese sauces, and served with rice and beans. Fajitas are available in beef, chicken, shrimp, and vegetarian, along with Specialty Fajitas Jalisco, Especial Gustavo’s Signature Fajitas, Fajitas Del Mar, Surf and Turf Fajita with Steak and Crab, Three LIttle Pigs Fajitas, and Signature Flaming Queso Fajitas, Aloha! Fajitas, and Molcajete Fajitas. Another of Gustavo’s Signature Dishes is Mole Poblano, a traditional mole made with ancho and guajillo chiles, Mexican chocolate, and peanuts served over hand-sliced chicken breast on a bed of romaine lettuce, topped with red onions, and served with rice and warm tortillas. Signature Barbacoa Tacos are a traditional family recipe with Certified Angus Beef in guajillo chiles and herbs slow-roasted until tender, gently pulled apart by hand and served as tacos with red onions, cilantro, and a side of charro beans. Gustavo’s is now serving Margaritas-To-Go in Lime, Strawberry, Mango, and Peach flavors, Micheladas, bottle beers, and bottle wine to go. To thank healthcare workers for their service, Gustavo’s is offering them a 25% discount off their tickets.
50+ menu options With our vast menu selection, meal prep will never seem boring again! We offer new options that rotate every 2 weeks! Eat healthy and delicious!
prepmeals502.com 502-618-0664 1929 Blankenbaker Pkwy 502-963-5552 2218 Bardstown Rd
TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 109
cuisine
Skinny
Bleu Cheese Stuffed
BUFFALO BURGERS
PREP TIME:5 MINUTES COOK TIME: 8-10 MINUTES
INGREDIENTS: » 1 pound lean ground beef » ¼ teaspoon salt » ½ teaspoon black pepper » 1 teaspoon garlic powder » 1 teaspoon onion powder » 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce » ¼ cup hot sauce » 6 tablespoons reduced-fat bleu cheese crumbles (1½ tablespoons for each burger) » 4 whole wheat buns
PREPARATION: Using clean hands, combine the beef, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire and hot sauce together in a large bowl. Divide the meat into four equal-sized patties, and form a very flat hamburger by pressing with your palms. Put 1 tablespoon of bleu cheese into each hamburger, and fold it over onto itself to seal the cheese in the center. Reshape the beef into equal-size hamburgers, and make a slight thumb indentation in the center of each. That keeps them flat while grilling. Lightly oil the grill grates with vegetable oil or nonstick cooking spray. Grill the hamburgers until they reach desired doneness, or about 4 minutes on each side. Serve with the remaining ½ tablespoon of bleu cheese for each hamburger, and optional toppings as desired.
NUTRITION FACTS:
Yield: 4 servings | Serving Size: 1 burger with bun Calories 345 | Fat 13g Carbohydrates 30g | Cholesterol 67mg Sodium 1209mg | Fiber 4g | Sugar 3g | Protein 29g
Recipe Courtesy of
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Popculture.com is the nation’s go-to source for all things pop culture and speaks to fans that eat, sleep and play amidst today’s prevailing trends and provides an authentic, one-of-a-kind view of the contemporary landscape.
Grilled Italian
FLANK STEAK PINWHEELS
PREPARATION:
PREP TIME: 20 MINUTES + 1 HOUR MARINADE TIME COOK TIME: 8-10 MINUTES
Place the flank steak on a large cutting board between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound thin (about ¼-inch thick) with a meat mallet, then transfer to a gallon-sized resealable bag.
INGREDIENTS:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients and pour into the bag with the flank steak. Seal and shake around to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
» ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil » ¼ cup red wine vinegar » 1 teaspoon minced garlic » 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley » ¼ teaspoon black pepper » 1½ pounds flank steak, trimmed of fat » ¼ teaspoon salt » ¼ teaspoon black pepper » 2 teaspoons garlic powder » 5 wedges Swiss garlic and herb spreadable cheese » 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning » 1½ cups baby spinach » ½ cup sundried tomatoes, oil drained and diced » 6 (12-inch) strips Butcher’s twine » 8 wood skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes
NUTRITION FACTS: Yield: 6 servings | Serving Size: 1 pinwheel Calories 313 | Fat 21g | Carbohydrates 6g | Cholesterol 58mg Sodium 329mg | Fiber 1g | Sugar 3g | Protein 24g
Recipe Courtesy of
When ready to cook, heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to mediumhigh heat. Lay the marinated flank steak flat on a large cutting board and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread the cheese wedges all over the top surface of the meat, then sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the cheese. Spread the spinach and sundried tomatoes over the Italian seasoning. Starting with the longer edge, tightly roll the flank steak up and tie it with seven pieces of butcher’s twine, making eight 1-inch pinwheels. Insert a soaked skewer into each 1-inch pinwheel, to keep them intact after being sliced. Slice between the twine, making six equal-sized pinwheels and two uneven end pieces. Grease the grill, and cook each pinwheel for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until the desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes, then remove the skewer and twine before serving.
Popculture.com is the nation’s go-to source for all things pop culture and speaks to fans that eat, sleep and play amidst today’s prevailing trends and provides an authentic, one-of-a-kind view of the contemporary landscape.
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Health +Beauty
114
Anxiety Getting You Down?
116
Stay Fit at Home
TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 113
health+beauty
“You can’t make decisions about the future right now. If you can’t forecast days from now, scale it to shorter increments. One day at a time or one minute at time.” – TEVI S STEERE L C SW , STEERE FAMI LY THE R A P Y
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Anxiety Getting You
Down?
and having unrealistic thoughts, and being rational enough to create positive change. Tevis Steere LCSW
Family Therapist Discusses How You Can Boost Your Mood More tips to combat anxiety, from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Reframe “I am stuck inside” to “I can finally focus on my home and myself.” Stay close to your normal routine. Avoid obsessing over endless news coverage. A chaotic home can lead to a chaotic mind. Start a new ritual. Use telehealth as an option to talk to a professional if your anxiety becomes unmanageable.
BY TAYLOR RILEY • COURTESY PHOTO
S
chool is out for the year, vacation time has been rearranged and you’ve been isolated with the same humans for what seems like a lifetime. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with anxiety, or are feeling extra stressed lately, you’re not alone. There are ways that you can boost your mood and feel better about the future, according to family therapist Tevis Steere LCSW, who practices at Steere Family Therapy. You might be surprised to know that “anxiety is something everyone deals with on a regular basis,” Tevis says. So, it’s not just you with those racing thoughts and pulse. Times of isolation and lockdown can significantly increase anxiety, Tevis says, so most people are thinking negative thoughts during uncertain times. “People are handling this very differently,” Tevis said about the quarantine during the peak period in April. “Some people are thriving; some are functioning better,” he says. “Some are going to pieces and having trouble.” We are all challenged on a daily basis when it comes to work, running errands, and dealing with relationships, but usually people can deal with those stresses when they can understand what’s happening around them. During periods of uncertainty, however, it may feel like everything is closing in. How people deal with their stress, Tevis says, can be the difference between distorting reality
During the quarantine, Tevis met with those dealing with stress and anxiety in unconventional ways like Zoom chats, FaceTime, by phone, or by practicing outside. He says the appropriate response to anxiety is accept it––don’t fight it––and understand that you’re going to be anxious and then figure out how to work through it. By accepting the feeling, it cuts the feeling in half. So, what if a family member in close quarters is dealing with the anxiety of isolation? Tevis says to first tell them you can see how they could feel that way and to nurture them on some level. Once they feel like someone is on their side, they will feel less anxious and more rational. When people are more secure and calm, they can feel less uncertainty. Next, ask them how you can contribute in a positive way. Maybe they can get away for a walk and get back to their true self. Focusing on the dynamics, and identifying and practicing awareness, can create a calm household, he says. We must step outside ourselves and not allow our loved ones to avoid feelings, because those can come back in a behavior later. Tevis suggests adults remain calm for their children and allow them to talk openly. “It’s challenging and uncertain,” Tevis says, “(But we must) pay the appropriate amount of attention to challenges.” He says to allow the child to acknowledge their feelings in order to feel understood and feel better, and then help them solve the problem. Tevis says even though there is a lot of tragedy in the world, through suffering we can learn and come away with something, whether it’s more understanding of other people or learning about ourselves. He says we must learn how to continue life and to take care of each other. We should slow down and stay in the moment. “You can’t make decisions about the future right now,” Tevis says. “If you can’t forecast days from now, scale it to shorter increments. One day at a time or one minute at time.”
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health+beauty Today, with our world feeling a bit out of our control, now, more than ever, it is of utmost importance to be in charge of your health mentally and physically. Gym closures and home conďŹ nement may tempt you to be inactive at home. During this quarantine, take full advantage of keeping YOU healthy. Many are working endless hours to keep the world running and many are quarantined at home due to lack of work. At this stressful time, be kind to yourself and others. We are all in this together. BY ALISON CARDOZA • PHOTOS BY DICK ARNSPIGER
Fit STAY
at home
116 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
Pamper yourself mentally. Before even getting out of bed in the morning, slow down and breathe. Practice inhaling 10 seconds and releasing your breath for 10 seconds. Inhale positive thoughts and exhale out negative thoughts. Close your eyes and visualize people and places that make you happy. Visualize a list of 5 positive characteristics about yourself. The internal release is just as healthy as the physical. Yoga and Pilates are great physical ways to release endorphins, tension and stress, incorporating mental release while elongating your breathing through your nose and out through your mouth.
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Pamper yourself physically. Take full advantage of this beautiful weather and walk outside. Tune into workout videos online with personal trainers or create your own routine at home. Do what is best for your body as an individual. Climb your stairs for 5 minutes, sit to stand on your kitchen chair for 10 reps, or challenge yourself to push-ups on the side of your counter. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Practice these poses to help you wind down naturally in your own home. 1.
Mountain pose-Start with feet together. Reach both arms straight above your head, lengthening your body. This helps improve posture, balance, and calm focus.
2.
The Warrior 1 pose- Step 1 foot forward and bend into a lunge. Keep your back leg straight behind you. Raise your arms above your head elongating the spine.
3.
Leg up the wall pose- Lie flat on your back with both legs straight up. You can do this in your bed with your legs on the headboard.
Be your own hero and make positive choices with eating and exercise at home. Your mental and physical release will be rewarding.
Alison Cardoza, B.S. Exercise Science and Sports Medicine. Minor in Health Promotions. ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist East Milestone Wellness Center. Former University of Louisville Ladybird and NFL Indianapolis Colts Cheerleader.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 117
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TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 119
Cortney Burden Kentucky Eye Care (502) 896-8700 • KENTUCKYEYECARE.COM Cortney Burden is a proud veteran of the United States Navy. Cortney is the dedicated Practice Administrator of Kentucky Eye Care. Kentucky Eye Care is a privately owned, local group of ophthalmologists with a staff of 70 employees, including eight providers offering comprehensive eye care and optical services at 4 locations. Since 1899, Kentucky Eye Care has been providing excellence in eye care. KEC offers the latest in technology and personalized patient education in regards to services such as cataract surgery. “We’re all about the human connection. Our patients are like family,” says Cortney. “We proudly offer an all-inclusive option for families, and our services range from contact lens exams to cataract surgeries.”
Angela Hall Wildflower Therapy (502) 836-8035 • WILDFLOWERTHERAPYSERVICES.ORG “There’s this misconception about therapy,” says Angela Hall, founder of Wildflower Therapy Services for Women. “The idea that it’s only for those suffering from a severe mental illness, addiction, or in grief is such a misconception. Most of my clients come to me feeling hopeless, trapped, or simply joyless, feeling dependent on life circumstances and others to feel fulfilled. You don’t have to feel incomplete, and if you do the work, you will never have to feel that way again.” More interested in helping you build your future instead of just focusing on your past, Angela serves as a coach as well as a therapist for her clients. Her projects include an Ebook titled Ascend, a workbook and program for women navigating their way through relationship loss and learning to thrive as individuals. “I teach women that we really can give ourselves everything that we think we need from other people.”
120 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
Melissa Huff Mamili (502) 384-4450 • MAMILI502.COM Melissa Huff opened her boutique, Mamili, on March 7th with plans to be your source for beautiful handmade Derby Hats, fascinators, and more. She’s still looking forward to bringing you all of that, but now with the Covid-19 virus temporarily closing most businesses, it will take a little longer. When Mamili can re-open and the new date for Derby gets here, I know everyone will still want to look their best, she says. You might have seen her headwear in her successful Mad Hatter 502 pop up shop, the forerunner of this wonderful new establishment. “Mamili means ‘to shop’ in Tagalog, which is the dialect my family speaks from the Philippines,” Melissa says. “ I’m Filipino, but I was born and raised here in Louisville.” Mamili brings a tone of casual sophistication in a broad range of women’s apparel, jewelry, accessories, select men’s and youth apparel, as well as some spectacular accessories and gifts. Melissa offers a carefully curated collection of items made by some brilliantly artistic creators that will appeal to Mamili customers. The eclectic selection is carefully designed to appeal to a broad range of shoppers, providing for many age groups. “Mamili has something for everybody,” Melissa says. I have women in every age range in my family, and I think of them when I shop for merchandise for the boutique. Mamili is proudly a part of the NuLu Marketplace development with West 6th Brewery, where you’re always sure to find some of the most fun and exciting items that the area has to offer. Combining southern hospitality and great customer service, Mamili is a new part of the Louisville shopping experience. Melissa is currently working on an online store and it should be up and running soon, but in the meantime, you can shop FB or IG via @mamili502. Mamili is located at 826 East Main Street. You can reach Melissa at 502384-4450 or at shop@mamili502.com.
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20
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LEADERS OF LOUISVILLE
june 2020
BE RECOGNIZED AS A “LEADER OF LOUISVILLE” IN YOUR AREA OF EXPERTISE Don’t miss this opportunity to brand your business as a Leader in Louisville! Email us at getmore@topslouisville.com or call us at 502-780-7825
Community
124
tops cares: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
126
supermom: Ashley Mason
128
Breaking the bronze ceiling: Georgia Anne Nugent
TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020 123
community
TOPS CARES
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society BY KATHIE STAMPS
DONATE TO AND GET INVOLVED WITH THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY AT THEIR WEBSITE: lls.org/kentucky-southern-indiana
P
eople who support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and its research efforts are actually funding research for all cancers. “Almost all cancer drugs, period, come from blood cancer research. If it's going to work in blood, in the lab, it's going to work,” said Erika Furlong, executive director of the Kentucky chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. LLS is a nonprofit organization headquartered in New York. It began in 1949 and there are one or more chapters in every state (California has seven). The Kentucky chapter serves all 120 counties in the commonwealth as well as southern Indiana. There’s an LLS office in Louisville and one in Lexington.
124 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
Since 2017, 56 drugs have been approved by the FDA for blood cancer that then have also gone on to treat other types of cancer. Of those 56, 51 came from LLS funding. Prior to 2017, a typical year would have produced two approved drugs, or four in an outstanding year. “In two and a half years we’ve done 100 years’ worth of drug research,” Furlong said. “Things are moving quickly in the cancer world. I don't think people know that.” The good news is that research has really ramped up. Unfortunately, blood cancer can’t be prevented at this point. “We rely on our sister organizations that promote mammograms, colonoscopies and other types of prevention,” Furlong said. “We are able to fund more drugs because we are not funding preventions.” As a nonprofit organization focused on research and patient aid, LLS is searching to cure three diseases in particular: leukemia, lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Leukemia is cancer of the bone marrow and blood. Lymphoma is a tumor originating in the white blood cells and spreading into lymph nodes. Myeloma is a tumor of the plasma cells within the bone marrow. There are several types of leukemia, including ALL and CLL, which stand for acute lymphocytic leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. AML and CML are the initials for acute myeloid leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia. There’s also Hodgkin’s disease and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. “We have had huge strides,” Furlong said. For example, no drug for non-Hodgkin lymphoma had been approved since the 1970s until a big trial in 2014 produced nine pharmaceuticals, giving people more hope. “Last year we gave almost a million dollars, over $900,000, back to patients for financial aid and co-pay assistance for insurance claims,” Furlong said. When the pandemic hit, the organization quickly developed an
Urgent Need program to provide $250 gift cards for qualifying patients. Furlong herself has family connections to the disease. When she was 23 she lost her 89-year-old grandmother to leukemia, and her aunt and cousin have both been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Her aunt has been living with CLL for 19 years, which is rather remarkable. One of the services the LLS organization provides for patients is in legwork and paperwork when it comes to finding clinical trials for patients who are looking for one. There’s no central database of clinical trials accessible to the public. “The National average for clinic trial matching is 5%, which is sad for any kind,” Furlong said. “Ours is a 65% match rate.” The most recent program the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is involved with is a $50 million campaign to fund the first master clinical trial in the world on pediatric patients. “Any child that has relapsed from AML would be available to do this trial. We hope to come up with new drugs over the next five years,” Furlong said. “Currently there are four drugs for kids with any kind of cancer; the last one was approved in 1980.” Locally and nationally, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society partners with pharmaceutical companies. “Our CEO says we unapologetically accept their funds to turn around and give back to patients,” Furlong said. The organization has annual galas, family support groups, an online community, the inschool program called Pennies for Patients and a peer-to-peer program called First Connections, among other services and resources for patients and their families. “When we focus on an effort it makes a huge impact,” Furlong said. “We want to shout from the rooftops what we’re doing.”
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Supermom
ashley mason 126 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
BY KATHIE STAMPS PHOTO BY DICK ARNSPIGER
B
y day, and sometimes nights and weekends, Ashley Mason is the Executive Director of the American Heart Association, Kentuckiana Chapter. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Louisville and generally wears a lot of hats, including that of being an unscheduled homeschool teacher for her two preschoolers while working from home recently. At work, Ashley leads a team of development-minded, relationship-driven extroverts like herself, and they are all committed to creating and sustaining equitable health and wellbeing for the community. “Being a female leader for a nonprofit organization helps me feel empowered (some days). Being a mom generally makes me feel anxious and doubtful, like I am getting it wrong (most days).” Ashley says she lives and dies by her calendar and considers herself a daily routine type of person. “I am not a big fan of my cheese being moved,” she says with a laugh. She schedules in everything, from work meetings to kids’ activities, and is setting an example for her young daughter on how to take care of herself as a person while contributing to the community and working in a fast-paced society that always wants more. “And while I am not sure my kids appreciate this now, I believe my time at American Heart Association has built me up to deal with conflict management that I attempt to use at home on my children—and my husband, if I am being honest—to have crucial conversations,” she says. Self-care is key for everyone’s physical and
mental wellness. For Ashley, self-care takes the form of yoga, indoor cycling, step aerobics, running three or four days a week, individual therapy every other week, cooking nutritious meals for her family, and enjoying the occasional cocktail. She says it’s White Claw these days.
her two precious children the only thing she can feel is joy and happiness. “Dan and I lost twin boys at 21 weeks gestation to an infection called chorioamnionitis,” she recalls. She was on bedrest with Adalyn and with Alex, both of whom have two guardian angel big brothers and a nana looking out for them.
“I know my kids are I know my kids are sick of hearing me quiz “My mom passed away them on healthy snack sick of hearing me four years ago from inchoices versus unflammatory breast canquiz them on healthy snack healthy snack choices,” cer and since she’s been choices versus unhealthy Ashley says. “Because gone, she’s had this way snack choices. Because of my work at Ameriof being there for me, can Heart Association, I of my work at American giving me a sign when believe now more than it gets really tough,” Heart Association, I believe ever that if we instill Ashley says. now more than ever that if healthy habits in our Supermom Ashley we instill healthy habits in youth, they will have has some go-to mana healthier trajectory our youth, they will have a tras that really help her through adolescence healthier trajectory through throughout the day, at and as adults.” She cites home and at work, like adolescence and as adults. movement, exercise and “Brace yourself,” “Stop eating healthy foods as being surprised by the – A S H L EY MA S O N top habits, as well as ununexpected” and, perderstanding signs and haps the most effective one of all, “I am doing symptoms of heart attacks and strokes. the best I can.” Ashley met her husband, Dan, when he was a groomsman in her sister’s wedding. They have a five-year-old daughter, Adalyn, and four-year-old son, Alex. “My favorite time of the day is first thing in the morning when they come downstairs,” she says. “I have a huge smile on my face and open my arms wide for a hug and tell their sleepy little faces ‘I am so happy to see you.’ I always want them to remember that feeling.” No matter how she herself is feeling in any given moment, when Ashley sees the faces of
Another key component of mental wellness for Ashley is interaction. “Mamas who were already overextended doing it all and now doing more—I feel for them. I feel for me,” she says. ”I wish that every mama out there had someone in their lives who would take a moment this month, this week, today and let them know they are doing a really good job. Everyone deserves a hype squad. Words of affirmation go such a long way, and right now words and connection mean so much more.”
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community
Breaking
The
Bronze Ceiling BY DAWN ANDERSON
G
eorge Anne Nugent was born in Louisville in the early 1870s, one of four daughters to George Nugent and Anna Foster. The house she grew up in was shared by her parents, sisters, a grandmother, an aunt and uncle, and eventually one brother-in-law as well. Georgia graduated from Louisville Central Colored School. She continued her education at State University (now Simmons College of Kentucky) in Louisville and Kentucky State Industrial College (now Kentucky State University) in Frankfort. Georgia taught Sunday School at Lampton Street Baptist Church for 50 years and began her 48year teaching career with the Louisville “Negro” public schools in 1889. It was around that same year that a severe storm struck the city. Georgia and her mother helped organize a “storm party” to gather food and clothing for Louisville Colored Orphans’ Home, then located at 18th & Dumesnil. On September 25, 1896, Georgia attended the lecture “Lynching in America” by investigative journalist, educator, and early civil rights leader Ida Bell Wells-Barnett. Georgia was moved to establish the Woman’s Improvement Club for civic works. The club sponsored Louisville’s first day nursery and Kindergarten training class for African-American adults, as well as the city’s first Volunteer Probation work program. The State Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs was founded in a November 1903 meeting attended by Georgia, Nannie Helen Burroughs, and other Kentucky clubwomen. Georgia was elected its first president. Later known as the Kentucky Association of Colored Women’s Clubs, it began with 13 clubs and 180 members but
128 TOPS LOUISVILLE | May 2020
GEORGIA ANNE NUGENT [UNKNOWN-1971]
Developing a trusted relationship
Across the country there is a growing movement to recognize noteworthy women and their historical contributions through public monuments. Unfortunately, less than 7% of the 5,193 monuments in the United States presently recognize women. We are about to change that statistic with the “Breaking the Bronze Ceiling” initiative. Each month TOPS will feature a Kentucky woman who impacted the Women’s Rights Movement. For more information visit breakingthebronzeceiling.com.
later worked with the Phyllis Wheatley Women’s Club in Chicago and traveled again to Indianapolis to attend a ball given by the entrepreneur and activist Madam C. J. Walker. In 1914 at Wilberforce University in Ohio, GeorIntuition. Patience. Discipline. A desire to learn. These traits that many women naturally gia are was elected corresponding secrepossess, and that can lead to confident decision making andand courageous tary Bookeraccomplishments. T. Washington’s third They’re also the foundation that can help build a soundwife investment strategy. Working with a Margaret was reelected president financial advisor who complements your investing style and listens more than talks, can help of the National Federation of Colyou continue making those confident decisions and keep your wealth plan on track. ored Women’s Clubs. Four years later, Georgia would become chairman of the Federation’s executive board. Wells Fargo Advisors Bluegrass Complex 333 E. Main Street, Suite 120 Lexington, KY 40507
Wells Fargo Advisors Louisville Branch Georgia and Alice purchased the 297 N. Hubbards Lane, Suite 300 house KY at40207 845 S. 6th Street in LouisLouisville,
John Gardner Managing Director – Complex Manager john.l.gardner@wellsfargoadvisors.com
Justin Schappe unmarried and livedManager there with their Senior Vice President – Branch justin.schappe@wellsfargoadvisors.com sister Mollie and her husband, their fa-
ville on June 10, 1919. They were both
ther George, and boarders taken in for extra income. In 1920, Georgia attended the YWCA National Conference in Cleveland with Nannie Burroughs and Mary McLeod Bethune and the National Association of Colored Women convention in Tuskegee, Alabama. It was here that she spoke on the ratification of the 19th Amendment: “The ballot without intelligence back of it is a menace instead of a blessing, and I like to believe that women are accepting their recently granted citizenship with a sense of reverent responsibility.” Over the next decade, Georgia traveled to NACW conventions in California and Hot Springs, Arkansas, and remained heavily involved in Louisville civic affairs.
Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR # 0819-03226
grew to 112 clubs. Georgia also held offices in the National Association of Colored Women, focused on woman suffrage, anti-lynching laws, and anti-segregation lobbying. Georgia’s sister and fellow teacher Alice had also become civically engaged by this time, although she preferred hostessing and committee work to leadership roles. In 1904, Georgia was a representative to the National Negro Business League in Indianapolis and the Baptist Women’s Educational Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. She
Georgia Nugent retired from teaching in 1938. On November 25, 1940, she died in her home and was survived by two sisters Mrs. Ida M. Paey of Norfolk, Virginia, and Miss Alice Emma Nugent. Georgia’s close friend and neighbor, Mary Virginia Cook Parrish, will be featured in next month’s installment of this series.
Here for you
In these unprecedented times, it is important that you know we’re committed to providing you the financial access, guidance and support you need during this rapidly evolving situation. Through digital, mobile, and by phone Wells Fargo Advisors is here and we continue to serve you and support our communities so that you can focus on what matters most — caring for your family’s health and safety.
Helping you focus on what matters most: The Bluegrass Market of Wells Fargo Advisors Direct: (502) 561-5030 justin.schappe@wellsfargoadvisors.com wellsfargoadvisors.com
Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.
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