Taxes aren’t just for the working years; they can also play a significant role in retirement. They determine how much of your hard-earned savings you get to keep—and how much you send to the IRS.
Information is critical to making informed decisions about retirement. In one session, you can quickly evaluate your potential tax bill in retirement, equip yourself with resources, and start a blueprint that can help you retire the way you planned.
LFG Wealth Partners, LLC is a federally registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. The oral and written communications of an adviser provide you with information you may use to determine to hire or retain an adviser. You can find the Form ADV Part 2A & 2B for LFG Wealth Partners, LLC at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching for our firm name. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed is to be construed as solicitation to buy or sell a security or personalized investment, tax, or legal advice.
TARA LOPEZ
In real estate, trust and transparency define my relationships with clients. Each transaction is more than a property exchange; it’s a chapter in their life story. I prioritize their dreams, turning the complex property journey into a tailored experience, viewing every client as a lifelong partner. EXECUTIVE GROUP, INC.
FINE is the Elizabethtown area’s purveyor of tailored and collected home goods and gifts. Sourced with a careful eye and a focus on the timeless, our inventory is built around the concepts of MODERN, TRADITIONAL, COLLECTED and intended for those who seek the same. With a collection ranging from small hostess gifts to custom furniture pieces that fill a room, our wares offer you a gift to yourself or a loved one that provides joy and fruitful conversation, whether over the dining table or while burning a FINE candle.
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
See the results and be seen on social media. Popular Presence offers industry-specific, focused social media management for discerning clients. From content creation to consistent posts across platforms to easy-to-read analytics, we’ve got you covered on becoming a household name when it comes to your targeted ideal clients. Additional services help our clients put their best foot forward and make memorable impressions in digital and print media.
The Brantingham Market Review
As the #1 team in the Heart of Kentucky Association of Realtors, we extend our sincerest gratitude to our valued clients for entrusting us as their full-service real estate resource. Our commitment to excellence drives us to continuously innovate and enhance our services, leading us to introduce a tailored menu of concierge offerings aimed at facilitating seamless transactions for our clientele.
Elizabethtown is flourishing with new businesses, revitalizing the community and infusing fresh energy into our town. The future transformation of the Towne Mall into the heart of our community exemplifies this growth, offering exciting shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Social on Main stands out, providing chic dining and unique retail experiences that highlight local talent. This influx of new ventures not only bolsters our local economy, but also creates enjoyable opportunities for families, ensuring our town remains vibrant and engaging.
Moreover, the real estate market remains steady as the town continues to grow. Homes are increasing in value at 6% year over year. However, for the first time in several years, we are seeing a shift from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market as interest rates hold steady. With inventory increasing to a three-month supply, those considering selling their homes should plan for over 100 days from listing to sale.
Elizabethtown’s dynamic evolution is a testament to our community’s resilience and spirit, promising a bright future ahead. As we continue to grow and thrive, we are here to serve you in all your buying and selling needs, ensuring that our community remains a vibrant and welcoming place for all.
Active Homes in the Heart of Kentucky MLS in Hardin County on June 27th, 2024:
234 Homes (Duplexes & Single Family Homes)
Current Interest Rate on June 27th, 2024, for a 30-year mortgage:
6.875%
Rates are based on certain assumptions and are subject to change without notice. A special thank you to our Preferred Lender Tanya Johnson with South Central Bank.
Average Days on Market for a home in Hardin County for the month of June, according to the Heart of Kentucky MLS:
67 Days
Average Listing vs. Sales Prices of Closed Listings per the Heart of Kentucky MLS: $329,158 vs. $310,877
Staying out of court when resolving family law and child custody matters can save money, time, and stress of appearing before a judge. When considering litigation alternatives (also known as alternative dispute resolution or ADR), make sure you work with a proven credentialed professional.
FAMILIES
DOWAN LAW OFFICES
Collaborative Law Attorneys
TABITHA SOSA, LEGAL SECRETARY
BRAD KENADY, INTERN
BROOKE N. TALLEY, ESQ.
LEEANNA DOWAN, ESQ.
A custom home is exactly what you would imagine —a completely customized “dream home” based on your specific needs and wishes. As a custom builder, we work with each of our clients, giving them control of the layout and details, so every foot of the house is what they imagine. Whether you want an open floor plan, a large screened-in porch, or a gym space, Smith Family Homes will work with you to design your ideal home.
Courtney Ballard, Artist, Designer, Muralist and Owner of Hip South
ELIZABETHTOWN: LOCAL ARTIST FEATURE
ON THE COVER: HINTON’S ORCHARD & FARM MARKET, CULTIVATING LOCAL AGRICULTURE AND FAMILY FUN
ON THE COVER: HINTON’S ORCHARD & FARM MARKET, CULTIVATING LOCAL AGRICULTURE AND FAMILY FUN
GROWING A WORLD-CLASS WORKFORCE ECTC & BLUEOVAL SK
GROWING A WORLD-CLASS WORKFORCE ECTC & BLUEOVAL SK
JORGE DELGADO: VETERAN & BAPTIST HEALTH HARDIN PRACTICE MANAGER
AROUND THE WORLD AND BACK TO KENTUCKY: PRACTICE MANAGER AND VETERAN FINDS FULFILLMENT SERVING THE RADCLIFF COMMUNITY
KUDDY’S SIPS AND SWEETS
THE HARDIN COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET
KUDDY’S SIPS AND SWEETS
BBT SUMMER COCKTAILS
THE HARDIN COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET
JOHN HARDIN HIGH SCHOOL’S AGRISCIENCE
BBT LOCAL SPRING COCKTAILS
PROGRAMMING PLANTS SEEDS FOR SUCCESS
JOHN HARDIN HIGH SCHOOL’S AGRISCIENCE PROGRAMMING PLANTS SEEDS FOR SUCCESS
SELF-CARE: THE UNDERRATED NECESSITY
RESTORING NATURE ONE PLANT AT A TIME: GROWING NATIVES IN HARDIN COUNTY
SELF-CARE: THE UNERRATED NECESSITY
RESTORING NATURE ONE PLANT AT A TIME: GROWING NATIVES IN HARDIN COUNTY
HARDIN COUNTY SUMMER BUCKET LIST
GUIDE TO DINING OUT IN HARDIN COUNTY
HARDIN COUNTY SUMMER BUCKET LIST
MAKE ROOM: CORVIN’S FLOORS & CABINETS
GUIDE TO DINING OUT IN HARDIN COUNTY
MAKE ROOM: CORVIN’S FLOORS & CABINETS
SAINT JAMES: LEARNING IN FULL BLOOM
SAINT JAMES: LEARNING IN FULL BLOOM
PANTHER ACADEMY CRADLE CLUB
ETOWN SCHOOLS: CRADLE CLUB
MUCH-LOVED LOCAL FARMERS
MUCH-LOVED LOCAL FARMERS
2024 CASA FARM TO FORK
2024 CASA FARM TO FORK
LOCAL EVENT SPOTLIGHTS: MEMBER MEDICAL DPC GRAND
CHURCHILL DOWNS
LOCAL EVENT SPOTLIGHTS: MEMBER MEDICAL DPC GRAND OPENING LEGATO FINANCIAL & CHURCHILL DOWNS OWEN LARUE SHRIMP BOIL MASTER GARDENER PLANT SALE
Summer is off to a hot start here in Hardin County! Lots of new businesses have opened and are opening in Elizabethtown, and we couldn’t be more thrilled for what is to come. As always, thank you to our readers, followers, advertisers, event sponsors, and everyone in the community for following along and encouraging us as we continue showcasing the best Hardin County has to offer.
While the buzz around town is about new businesses, for the July 2024 issue, we’re focused on all that is Locally Grown from veggies to kids with features on local farms, summer activities, and education in the area. Our cover feature showcases Hinton’s Orchard & Farm Market; the farm located in Hodgenville has been blossoming since 2006, offering customers a chance to connect with local agriculture both through farm-fresh produce and baked goods, along with outdoor family fun. In addition to Hinton’s, we have features on The Hardin County Farmers’ Market, Local Farm Families, and John Hardin High School’s Agriscience Programming Plants Seeds for Success—how cool is it that students are raising tilapia? For back to school, we talk about education meeting nature in the Saint James feature Learning in Full Bloom, have a feature on the ECTC BlueOval SK training facility, and highlight Panther Academy’s Cradle Club. LeeAnna Dowan contributed a wonderful article on self-care perfect for the summer season, and in case you’re in the mood for something sweet that will bring a smile, we have the scoop on Kuddy’s Sips and Sweets, which just opened in The Assembly. Baptist Health Hardin honors veteran Jorge Delgado in their article this issue. We are featuring a handful of local events, including the CASA Farm to Fork, which raised over $60,000 to help children in foster care in our community. SAVE THE DATE: Birdies & Burgers benefitting Down Syndrome Association of the Heartland will return with the golf scramble at Heartland Golf Club September 19, followed by a tented party September 20, and the Buddy Walk September 21!
Our mission at Elizabethtown Lifestyle is to connect locals and visitors of Elizabethtown to much-loved businesses through a curated collection of features and articles in our print publication and blog, up-to-date social media, and featuring and hosting community events. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for news on upcoming events. Please tag us online when you’re out supporting local businesses of all kinds: Use our hashtag #ElizabethtownLifestyle, and we might just share your posts. Stay cool, Hardin County!
Best,
ISSUE 20 I JULY 2024
PUBLISHER
EDITOR IN CHIEF
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Giselle Smith
Special thanks to each and every one of the advertisers featured in Issue 20 of Elizabethtown Lifestyle. We appreciate the trust you have given in allowing us to showcase your business and the very best that Hardin County has to offer. This magazine would not be the same without you. Special thanks to Heartland Communications for support on this issue and help pulling together fun features.
GLOW THIS SUMMER WITH HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS.
Baptist Health Medical Group Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, led by Tathyana Fensterer, MD, PhD, is offering monthly specials on cosmetic procedures including facials, BOTOX®, dermal fillers and more, to keep you looking refreshed and confident all year long.
As a plastic and reconstructive surgeon with more than 20 years of surgical experience, Dr. Fensterer brings a unique international perspective, specializing in reconstructive surgery, elective cosmetic procedures and skincare. Services include arm lift, breast augmentation, face-lift, neck lift, liposuction, weight-loss body contouring, skin rejuvenation, laser/IPL hair removal and more. She has received board certification in plastic surgery and is here to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
*Valid through Aug. 31, 2024.
schedule an appointment, call 270.706.1945.
Tathyana Fensterer, MD, PhD Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
cultivating local agriculture Hinton's Orchard
agriculture \
& Farm Market + family fun
Since 2006, Hinton’s Orchard & Farm Market has been consistently blossoming, offering customers a chance to connect with local agriculture through farm-fresh produce, baked goods, and outdoor family fun. With the original farm market in Hodgenville and a market in Elizabethtown, Hinton’s has become synonymous among locals and visitors alike as a place to appreciate the best of local agriculture.
At Hinton’s, each season brings a fresh assortment of products. In the spring, the business offers a variety of flower, vegetable, and herb plants, along with fresh-picked strawberries in both markets. Hinton’s also offers the opportunity to pick your own strawberries at the farm until early June. Summer features an abundance of vegetables such as sweet corn and tomatoes, as well as fruits such as peaches and watermelons, along with fresh local honey. The fall season includes apples, pumpkins, mums, and seasonal desserts, complemented by fresh apple cider. During the winter, Hinton’s provides holiday gifts, pre-cut trees, live wreaths, custom gift baskets, and more.
Hinton’s is also known for their baked goods, which are offered year-round and incorporate fresh seasonal produce. The business offers freshly baked bread, muffins, homemade turnovers, caramel apples, and pies at both markets. At the farm, soft-serve ice cream featuring seasonal flavors made with fruit picked on-site is a big hit. During the fall, Hinton’s Kitchen also serves hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, and more at the Hodgenville location. New this year are strawberry donuts to go along with apple cider donuts that were introduced in the fall of 2023.
For co-owners Jeremy and Joanna Hinton, their vision for their business has always been simple: to provide good food to good people resulting in good experiences. After marrying in 2002, the couple sought opportunities to work together in agriculture and market products directly to consumers.
Both Jeremy and Joanna bring a deep-rooted familiarity with the farming industry to their business. Jeremy, part of the eighth generation of his family to farm in LaRue County, holds a degree in Agriculture Education from the University of Kentucky, where the couple met. Joanna, although she earned a degree in History from UK, has strong ties to the farming community, having grown up with her father and grandfather running a farm equipment dealership in Marion County.
The summer before they married, with the help of Jeremy’s parents, the Hintons sustained a large garden and sold produce at area farmers’ markets. Just weeks after their honeymoon, they had the opportunity to lease an existing apple orchard, which they operated for four years. In 2006, they purchased their first property on Highway 210 in Hodgenville, leading to the creation of Hinton’s Orchard & Farm Market.
“The start at the leased farm gave us an opportunity to try out the orchard business and see if it was a fit before we invested money and time into growing an orchard,” Jeremy said.
In 2006, Hinton’s operated from an old barn on the property, planting their first apple and peach trees, growing a corn maze, and offering U-pick pumpkins. By spring 2007, a new market building with a commercial kitchen, restrooms, an office, and an apartment was completed. Over the next few years, they added three greenhouses for flowers and vegetable plants, including a high tunnel for tomatoes. In 2010, additional land was acquired, leading to the planting of more peach trees and pears, along with rotating crops of vegetables, pumpkins, and melons. Strawberries were introduced due to customer demand and became a springtime highlight.
In 2015, after discussions with friends Dale and Yvonne Depoyster of Three Springs Farm, the Hintons expanded by acquiring the Depoysters’ business and property, opening the Elizabethtown Market on Dixie Avenue. As part of this expansion, they relocated four greenhouses from Three Springs Farm to Hinton’s Orchard, enhancing their flower production for both the farm and the Elizabethtown store.
For the Hintons, selling fresh, local produce is not just about the food; it’s about providing locals with a connection to the agricultural heritage of their community.
“It has always been a priority for us to be a resource to our customers about how food is grown, not just to sell them something,” Joanna said. “As the area grows, the disconnect between consumer and farmer grows as well, and we want to be a connection to the farm and food for this area.”
In addition to offering fresh produce and baked goods, Hinton’s has embraced agritourism, making it a popular destination for families. At the Hodgenville location, kids can enjoy activities such as hayrides and Hinton’s FarmLand, which features an inflatable jumping pillow, a combine slide, a grain bin play area, and more. In September and October, families can visit the farm to explore a three-acre corn maze and pick their own pumpkins from an eight-acre pumpkin patch, or choose from pre-picked pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors at both market locations. Customers can also look forward to special events hosted by Hinton’s, including the Strawberry Festival in May, the Apple Festival in September, and their Hot Air Balloon Glow event in October.
Because of the business’ kid-friendly atmosphere, Hinton’s has become a popular destination for school field trips, offering students the opportunity to discover the farming process. During visits, students learn about the growth, harvesting, handling, and utilization of apples, pumpkins, and various other crops firsthand.
In addition to their two markets, Hinton’s extends its reach to farmers’ markets in LaRue and Hardin counties, offering peaches, melons, vegetables, and treats from Hinton’s Kitchen. They also take part in community events such as the annual Lincoln Trail Master Gardeners Plant Fair and joined the inaugural Harvest Festival in Elizabethtown last year.
As a family business, Jeremy and Joanna’s children have been involved in farm work since they were young. Jeremy notes that these experiences have taught their children valuable life lessons, including understanding the cycle of life and death, the value of hard work and its rewards, interpersonal skills in dealing with diverse people, taking responsibility for one’s actions, and the importance of taking pride in one’s work and its impact.
“There’s no way to put a value on that,” Jeremy said. “No matter what the future holds for them, whether it’s being a part of this business or something totally unrelated in another part of the world, they have experiences to look back to that have made them who they are.”
The Hinton’s oldest, Jacob, is now a junior majoring in Agriculture Economics at UK with plans to return to the family business after graduation.
Working on the farm has also inspired their daughter, Joslyn, to pursue her own agricultural ventures. For her high school FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project last year, Joslyn focused on growing mums. Traditionally, most of the mums sold at Hinton’s markets were sourced from local growers. In 2023, Joslyn cultivated around 1,000 mums in various container sizes to determine the optimal growing conditions. She secured State and National FFA grants to kickstart her business, using the funds as seed money. Covering all expenses herself, Joslyn reinvested most of the profits to expand her enterprise in 2024. This fall, Joslyn’s Mums will be available at Hinton’s markets, debuting on Labor Day weekend.
Also new this year, Hinton’s is expanding its offerings to include nursery plants like shrubs and trees. Initially, in Elizabethtown, the Hintons directed customers to another local garden center specializing in nursery and landscaping materials. However, with the retirement of the family friends running the center, Hinton’s has established a partnership with a reputable wholesale nursery grower to provide customers with a diverse selection of landscaping plants. Additionally, enhancements to the fall season play area are underway, with new features currently in development.
Hinton’s Hodgenville Farm Market is located at 8631 Campbellsville Road in Hodgenville, and its Elizabethtown Market is located at 620 E. Dixie Avenue in Elizabethtown. Hours at both locations vary by season, so visit their website or Facebook page for updates. To learn more, visit hintonsorchard.com.
Over the past 18 years, memories have been made at Hinton’s, not just among the family but also among customers. For the Hintons, witnessing other families make cherished moments on the farm has been deeply rewarding. From seeing children with strawberrystained faces relishing family time to welcoming returning visitors each Mother’s Day as they select flowers, these experiences highlight the essence of the business, Joanna said.
“Seeing children visit for the first time as a young child, then seeing them grow up and start to drive or maybe even come looking for a job is very rewarding for us,” she said. “We’ve had families come back with favorite photos of young children and want to recreate them in the same spot after their child grew up, and that means so much to us. Those are the kinds of things that keep us going and make the work worth it.”
Flower, vegetable, and herb plants, including hanging baskets, pots, bedding plants, and vegetable slips are abundantly available in the spring. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are also available at both locations. For an added experience, stop by the farm through early June to pick your own strawberries!
During the summer months, you’ll find a wide variety of vegetables such as sweet corn, tomatoes, squash, and zucchini at our markets. Fruits such as peaches, blackberries, watermelons and summer apples are also plentiful. We also carry fresh local honey!
through seasons the
Stop by our location in Hodgenville to enjoy fall on the farm at Hinton’s! During the harvest season, you’ll find apples, pumpkins, beautiful mums, and other seasonal vegetables. Fresh apple cider and seasonal desserts are also available.
Visit Hinton’s during the winter season to find the perfect holiday gift, pre-cut trees, and live wreaths for your home or business. Stop by or call to place a custom gift or fruit basket order or shop our selection of fresh baked goods and farm fresh produce.
NOLIN RIVER The
The Nolin River Wildlife is a non-profit wildlife rescue and refuge located south of Glendale, Kentucky, with a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release local indigenous mammals that are injured or orphaned. If you would like to learn more about how you can help out as a volunteer, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, LaAnna Mraz at 270-307-7946. You can follow the events and activities of Nolin River Wildlife on Facebook or on Instagram, and check in on all the animals as they work their way back to being released into the
GROW YOUR OWN
Graduating seniors and classified staff are becoming teachers with HCS tuition assistance!
These future teachers are learning from the best! Hardin County Schools staff members have:
• A 6% pay increase coming this school year
• Access to TWO Childcare Centers
• Tremendous benefits, modern facilities, and an awesome culture
Grace Knight, Hardin County Schools Alum
GROWING A
WORKFORCE
WORLD-CLASS WORKFORCE
Gov. Andy Beshear recently joined officials from Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC), BlueOval SK, SK On, Ford Motor Co. and Trace Creek Construction, as well as state legislators and ECTC students to cut the ribbon on the ECTC BlueOval SK Training Center in Glendale.
Extraordinary job creation in Hardin County calls for extraordinary efforts among community stakeholders to grow our region’s workforce. An ongoing partnership between Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) and BlueOval SK is a prime example of those efforts.
BlueOval SK, which is creating 5,000 new local jobs, will train employees in SK On’s proprietary technical, quality and manufacturing processes at the 42,000-square-foot center.
“As the region’s No. 1 workforce training provider, ECTC is proud to play a vital role in preparing employees for these careers and ensuring the success of BlueOval SK’s historic investment in Hardin County and Kentucky,” said Dr. Juston Pate, ECTC president and CEO.
Around the world and back to Kentucky: Practice manager and veteran finds fulfillment serving the Radcliff community
Jorge Delgado is a man of the world—and, more importantly, a man of the people.
Master Sergeant (R) Jorge Delgado, a veteran of the U.S. Army, is the practice manager for Baptist Health Medical Group Family Medicine in Radcliff.
Though born in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where his father was stationed, Delgado spent most of his childhood in his family’s native country of Puerto Rico. Inspired by his father, who was an infantry soldier, Delgado is the third generation of his family to serve in the Army. “All I wanted to be growing up was a soldier,” he said. “I don’t recall ever wanting to do anything else.”
It is no surprise that Delgado, born to become a soldier, should wind up in Radcliff, serving what is largely a veteran community.
In 1997, Delgado enlisted in the U. S. Army Reserve, and was soon assigned to work in El Salvador. There, in just three weeks, he and his fellow soldiers provided medical and dental care to over 5,000 people during Hurricane Mitch. It was the start of what would become his heart and soul—a career serving his country.
Delgado began active duty in 1999. The next 22 years set the course for a journey around the country and the world: Three deployments, multiple overseas tours and assignments nationwide—from South Carolina to Hawaii—and many places in-between.
Among the experiences leaving an indelible mark on his life was teaching Tactical Combat Casualty Care, a training program that helped advance medics’ skills in preparation for combat deployment. Later, following 9/11, he was part of a team that tested and provided feedback on treatments and devices such as clotting agents and tourniquets. This work helped reduce combat mortalities and changed the face of medical treatment for soldiers in combat, laying the groundwork for clinical advancements that would benefit military and civilians even today.
Delgado came full-circle when in 2019, he returned to Kentucky –this time, to Fort Knox. In 2019, he began an externship with USA Cares, an organization dedicated to helping military personnel following 9/11. After observing multiple healthcare practices, he was strongly drawn to Radcliff.
“I can’t get any closer to Fort Knox than here. This is a community rich with veterans, and there are so many Spanishspeaking people who need help. When I showed up, there was a need for someone who could speak their language and the language of the military.”
His time in Puerto Rico and subsequent return to the U.S. filled him with a deep appreciation of diversity and culture and reaffirmed his sense of identity and purpose. “Being around people who were so culturally different was eye-opening. Then, coming to the States and seeing how beautiful the different cultures were… It was also the first time I realized there was another person out there willing to put their life on the line in order to take care of me, and I was willing to do the same for them because I was in the service – and we were doing it for this country. When you sign your name on the line, you are saying you are giving the ultimate sacrifice for this nation.”
Delgado is proud to serve the community alongside a staff that shares his connection to the military. “Almost everyone in this practice has a link to the military – they have served, or they have family who have served.”
Delgado still embraces his role of helping and serving others beyond his active duty and is honored to work with veterans today. “Many veterans have trouble transitioning to the civilian sector. Twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day because of the trauma we have experienced.”
He is also quick to remind that being in the service means serving everyone. “Service members are willing to do anything for society. We are here for you, regardless of who you are – veteran or not.”
Delgado’s patriotism and gratitude shine brightly as he reflects on his service. “We are blessed because this is the only nation where you are truly free,” he said. “You are free of mind, free to work, and free of action. If you read our founding fathers’ documents, they had the foresight to write something so beautiful that it has been used 200 years later as a framework for other countries to put their feet on the ground or enhance what they are doing. This could only come from a place as beautiful as America.”
Delgado and his girlfriend, who also works for Baptist Health, share in a blended family of five and enjoy life with two dogs. Delgado enjoys painting miniatures and training Brazilian Jujitsu. The family also enjoys participating in martial arts together.
Downtown Elizabethtown just got more amazing: The sweetest part of summer in Hardin County has finally arrived. Kuddy’s Sips and Sweets opened in early June at The Assembly, and we couldn’t be more smitten. The sweet shop contains a collection of delicious specialty sodas, baked goods, and ice cream—and anything can be boozy by adding a Kuddy’s kicker shot to your drinks. Read on to learn more and plan your visit!
LET’S GET FIZZY!
Colorful and fun, Kuddy’s Sips and Sweets was born when Cameron Davis’s love of sweets and traveling out west collided. While traveling, the Davis family would come across these tiny soda shops that combined the most interesting and delicious flavors to create tasty drinks. Cameron knew this would be a fun concept to include at The Assembly, which was set to open in 2024 in downtown Elizabethtown. As for the name, Cameron thought of it on the way home from their kids’ soccer tournament. Todd and Cameron’s son, Hudson, goes by the nickname Huddy. Replace the H with the K from their daughter’s name, Kyleigh, and you get Kuddy’s. Their kids inspire them daily, so it was only fitting to name this project after them.
The Assembly includes an eclectic collection of businesses: Social On Main, The Bug’s Ear, Kalon Health, Rueben’s Deli, Taglish, and Maillard Wood Fired Kitchen. From draft cocktails and duckpin bowling to luxurious spa treatments and a unique upstairs gaming space, The Assembly offers a one-stop shop for entertainment and dining for the whole family throughout the year.
Kuddy’s will be everyone’s favorite sweet stop inside The Assembly, serving up fizzy soda drinks, ice cream floats, milkshakes, and delicious baked goods. And for the adults, make any of Kuddy’s drinks “dirty” by adding a shot of your favorite alcohol to give your concoction a little kick! The menu is vast, but customer faves include:
THE SHARK ATTACK
Sprite, Blue Raspberry, Coconut, Half & Half + Gummy Sharks
K TATE THE GREAT
Sprite, Watermelon, Lime + Fresh Lime Wedge
HUDDY BUDDY
Sprite, Raspberry, Vanilla + Italian Sweet Cream
TAY TAY
Coke, Cherry, Vanilla + Italian Sweet Cream
MAIN STREET
Coke, Lime + Coconut Cream
THE PUSH POP
Orange Fanta, Vanilla + French Vanilla Creamer
As the seasons change, Kuddy’s will incorporate hot chocolate drinks.
INSTAGRAM: Kuddys.SipsAndSweets I FACEBOOK: Kuddy’s Sips and Sweets
HEAD TO THE ASSEMBLY TODAY AT 110 SOUTH MAIN STREET IN ELIZABETHTOWN TO FIND KUDDY’S AND OTHER FUN STOPS PERFECT FOR COOLING OFF INDOORS.
market Farmers’ the Hardin County
If we haven’t met yet, you may be pleasantly surprised by how predictable my family’s Saturday mornings are. Giselle Smith here, and on any given Saturday, you’ll find us at the Hardin County Farmers’ Market grocery shopping for the week, selecting fun, locally-raised cuts of meat, colorful + nutrient-rich veggies, and maybe even a fresh-cut bouquet or fresh-baked loaf of bread. Shopping at the market offers numerous benefits for shoppers, our local farmers and artisans, and the planet.
By choosing to shop our producer-only market, you have the chance to directly connect with the farmers and makers responsible for the food you are purchasing. This transparency in the production process gives consumers assurance about the origins of their food and the practices used in its cultivation. Supporting our local farmers’ markets also allows our local small-scale farmers and artisans to thrive, bolstering the local economy by circulating money within the community and providing livelihoods for good people who truly care about the foods that we feed our families.
People aside, the quality of the products at the HCFM is exceptional, with fruits and vegetables typically harvested at their peak ripeness, ensuring maximum flavor and nutrition. When you shop at the grocery store, food can take days—or even weeks—to be harvested, packaged, transported, and stocked. Time and distance traveled by our food is something most of us probably don’t even consider. Buying locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with the transportation of food over long distances, contributing to environmental sustainability.
Before you head to the market, come up with a list of meals you want to make with local ingredients. Allow extra time for your first visit. After a few visits, you’ll have a lay of the land and figure out which vendors have the meats, sauces, veggies, and fruits you need to create one-of-a-kind dishes with food grown and raised close to home. Don’t be scared to improvise if a type or variety of meat or vegetable isn’t precisely what you’re used to buying. Some meals my family loves that can be made entirely with Farmers’ market ingredients include BLTs, steak and mashed potatoes, chili with locally grown beans, taco salads, and sausage with marinara and veggies (sometimes served over pasta). Eggs, bacon, sausage with toast, or bread with local jams and jellies are classic breakfast items. Fresh berries, watermelons, and cherry tomatoes are the perfect summer snacks, and we couldn’t live without salsa, locally-made dressings, honey, and jalapeño candy to add to our meals.
Shopping at our local farmers’ market is enjoyable (read: FUN) and educational, allowing you to explore different varieties of produce and learn new cooking methods. It also fosters a sense of community and connection with the people who grow your food. To wrap it up, shopping at the HCFM benefits your health, the local economy, and the environment. By shopping the market, you too can enjoy fresh and locally-grown food and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food system!
HARDIN COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET IN FULL SWING APRIL - OCTOBER
For over 75 years, Elizabethtown Florist has hand-curated, elegantly designed weddings for hundreds of couples. It is more than a passion for us; it’s who we are. We’re on standby for everyday flower arrangements and special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. The Tipsy Horse is a mobile bar perfect for your wedding or event. Elizabethtown Florist Fruits & Berries offers charcuterie for gatherings of all sizes and fresh fruit arrangements delivered.
Madison Moran is our Events Coordinator and Operations Manager. Over the last four years, Madison has taken on many roles at Etown Florist from social media shares to meeting with brides and arranging bereavement flowers for families. Madison’s passion for pleasing others and her dedication to her work make Etown Florist shine. We appreciate all that she does!
Have you heard about the BBT Dog Days of Summer? Every third Thursday through summer, we are giving 10% to the Friends of Hardin County Animal Shelter. As always, the best drinks in Hardin County are happening downtown at Bourbon Barrel Tavern, and this bartender collaboration delivers a fun collection of signature cocktails available while the weather is hot. Swing by to cool down and try one of these yummy concoctions—if you’re sharing cocktails, be sure to tag us on Instagram at @ElizabethtownLifestyle!
FRENCH TIPS
A combo of a split-base daiquiri and a French 75 will have you wishing your toes were in the sand at your favourite beach. Ideal for the heat of the season, this cocktail will have you coming back all summer long. 14—
BBL
The Kardashians have got nothing on this. This blueberry lemonade tastes like summer and will lift your spirits to say the least.11—
TEE TIME
This draft cocktail is a twist on an Arnold Palmer devised of sweet tea whiskey and lemonade and will make your sub par day much better. 8—
THE O.C.D.
A housemade draft cocktail composed of vanilla rum and Tang is liquid nostalgia. The Orange Cream Dream is an adult version of your favorite childhood summertime treat. Try it on ice or as a boozy float—and it fits perfectly in a Hub cup! 12—
BBL
FRENCH TIPS
On August 24th, 2024, 32 brave individuals will take the plunge from 12,000 feet, all in support of United Way of Central Kentucky.
Before the event, all participants commit to raise $1,500 or more each, using a provided fundraising pledge website so your friends, family, and co-workers can get in on the action!
All funds support United Way of Central Kentucky’s Operation Good Neighbor program, aimed at maintaining and keeping at-risk neighbors in their homes. The sky is the limit, raise as much as you can in support of our mission to connect our community for the common good.
If all funds are not raised, skydivers will be responsible for supplying the difference.
Deadline to sign up for Skydive For Change is August 10, 2024
RAIN DATE: Saturday, September 14, 2024
**PLEASE NOTE, SKYDIVERS MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER AND WEIGH LESS THAN 235 POUNDS.**
SKYDIVEKENTUCKY.COM/JUMP-FORM-PAGE/
John Hardin High School’s agriscience programming plants seeds for success
Since its establishment over two decades ago, John Hardin High School in Elizabethtown has promoted the value of agricultural education through its comprehensive agriscience programs and on-site greenhouse. Jeremy Hall, Agricultural Education Department Chair at the high school, has played a pivotal role in the success of these programs.
JEREMY HALL, AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CHAIR
JOHN
HARDIN HIGH SCHOOL
The recent completion of a new greenhouse on John Hardin’s campus, replacing the original structure, has revitalized the agricultural education experience for students. Inside the greenhouse, students explore a key feature of John Hardin’s agriscience curriculum: the incorporation of hydroponics. This method involves growing plants in a nutrient-rich water solution instead of soil.
“It is unique and specific the way we incorporate it into urban agriculture, which is what the vast majority of my students’ backgrounds are,” Mr. Hall said. “It has given those kids somewhat of an identity in a very large traditional industry.”
The integration of hydroponics has inspired students to aim high—literally to the cosmos. Last year, Mr. Hall’s class participated in the NASA Artemis program, which aims to establish a permanent lunar outpost later this decade. To support this mission, the students conducted hydroponic farming experiments and shared their findings with NASA to help grow food for astronauts and space travelers.
Mr. Hall has committed to another year with the project, eager to advance student-led research.
“This was a really neat experience,” Mr. Hall said. “Our students got hands-on, practical experience in inquiry-based learning for a very applicable and real cause.”
Greenhouse education at John Hardin teaches sustainability in agriculture and lessons in selfsustainability. Each year, plants and vegetables grown in the greenhouse are sold to the public, with funds directly supporting class operations.
“The plant sales are the best way for us to not only earn money to fund our programs activities but also to teach and enhance so many critical employability skills for our students,” Mr. Hall said.
The class has also expanded into aquaculture in recent years, initiated by a $10,000 prize earned by John Hardin students at the 2021 Altec Innovation Challenge. The program has since installed two AST Bead Filter Solutions tanks to cultivate tilapia. This initiative not only educates students about aquaculture, but there are also plans to support the community by providing tilapia to Warm Blessings, a community food kitchen in Elizabethtown, where the fish will be packaged, frozen, and donated as a protein source.
Overall, Mr. Hall said, agriscience students develop a wide range of abilities and skills, including employability, inquiry thinking, problem-solving, communication, and more.
“All of these skills combined, I feel, make the students coming out of our program the most well-rounded and prepared students anywhere,” he said. “I am just extremely proud of how hard my students work. They are class acts, and I could not be more blessed to be a part of their lives.”
Member Medical DPC has moved to downtown Elizabethtown! They celebrated with a private event for friends and family, featuring tours of the new office, staff meet and greets, and served hors d’oeuvres catered by Markita’s. Amanda Hawkins, from Swope Family of Dealerships, is quoted saying, “I love all the friendly staff at Member Medical DPC. They treat me like family.” If you would like to learn more about Member Medical, visit our website at membermedicaldpc.com or stop by the New clinic at 300 West Dixie Ave. Suite 100 in Elizabethtown.
event SPOTLIGHT: Member Medical DPC
Grand Opening
MELISSA SCHROEDER
SELF-CARE: UNDERRATED NECESSITYthe
Submitted by LeeAnna Dowan, Esq.
In our fast-paced, demanding world, the concept of self-care often gets pushed aside. We’re encouraged to work harder, push through, and prioritize productivity above all else. However, neglecting self-care comes at a major cost to our mental health, physical well-being, and overall quality of life. It’s time we reframe self-care not as an indulgence but as a vital necessity.
What is Self-Care? The World Health Organization defines self-care as “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote, maintain health, prevent disease, and cope with illness with or without the support of a health care provider.” In essence, self-care encompasses the daily practices and habits we cultivate to function optimally—mentally, physically, and emotionally.
Self-care looks different for everyone but generally includes habits like getting sufficient sleep, eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, practicing mindfulness or meditation, pursuing hobbies and interests, setting boundaries, and tending to your psychological and emotional needs.
The Science Behind Self-Care: Numerous studies highlight the tangible benefits that self-care practices provide. For example, research shows that getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night is associated with better concentration, productivity, immune function, and emotional well-being (Walker, 2017). Similarly, regular exercise has been found to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and the risk of chronic diseases (Sharma et al., 2006).
From a psychological perspective, self-care activities like journaling, talk therapy, mindfulness meditation, and unhurried leisure time have all been linked to reduced rumination, increased selfcompassion, and improved emotion regulation skills (Hoffmann et al., 2020).
The Impact of Self-Care Deficiency: When we fail to take care of ourselves, a cascade of negative consequences can follow. Chronic stress takes a heavy toll, contributing to conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, anxiety, and depression (McEwen, 2007). Burnout becomes increasingly common, sapping our motivation, productivity and job satisfaction (Maslach et al., 2001). Our relationships and overall quality of life suffer.
Making Self-Care a Priority: Despite its clear importance, self-care is often viewed as selfish or indulgent. We have a tendency to put ourselves last, prioritizing work, family obligations, and others’ needs above our own. But this is ultimately counterproductive. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Just like we plan work schedules and household chores, self-care practices must be scheduled as immovable commitments.
Reframe how you think about self-care. It’s not selfish; it’s essential maintenance that allows you to be the best version of yourself for those around you. Start small by committing to one self-care practice like getting 20 minutes of exercise daily or doing a 5-minute meditation. Build habits slowly and watch how caring for yourself positively impacts all other areas of your life.
Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury. It’s time we collectively prioritize personal upkeep, manage our stress, and treat our bodies and minds with the same care we so diligently give to our work and loved ones. Our health, happiness, and ability to show up fully for our lives depend on it.
REFERENCES: Hoffmann, S. G., Sawyer, A. T., & Hinton, D. E. (2020). A brief review of self-care and self-care strategies. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice. Maslach, C., Schaufeli, W. B., & Leiter, M. P. (2001). Job burnout. Annual review of psychology. McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: central role of the brain. Physiological reviews. Sharma, A., Madaan, V., & Petty, F. D. (2006). Exercise for mental health. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. Walker, M. P. (2017). Why we sleep: Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams. Simon and Schuster. World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Self-care interventions for health. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/health-topics/self-care#tab=tab_1
“We humans have disrupted natural habitats in so many ways and in so many places that the future of our nation’s biodiversity is dim unless we start to share the places in which we live—our cities and, to an even greater extent, our suburbs—with the plants and animals that evolved there.”
—Douglas Tallamy
restorinG nature one plant at a time.
GrowinG natives in Hardin County
Ever since Europeans came to North America we have been happily importing and planting plants from all over the world, reveling in their beauty and spreading them far and wide, never dreaming that the plants that our ancestors loved would one day create a crisis for the plants, insects, birds, and wildlife that evolved together here for millions of years. Many of those beloved plants have now displaced the native plants, causing a crisis for the insects, birds, and wildlife that require a specialized ecosystem to survive.
In February 2023, four Hardin Countians connected through a large network of native plant enthusiasts in Jefferson County. The four started the “Growing Natives KY-Hardin County Swap Group” Facebook page hoping to meet a few like-minded people interested in learning about and sharing plants and seeds that are native to KY. In a little over a year, the group has grown to over 360 members.
The goal of the group is to foster a community committed to promoting the awareness of native plant species by facilitating the exchange of knowledge, plants, and seeds to restore biodiversity and natural habitat.
With the explosive population growth in Hardin County, many people have become deeply concerned about the effects of the huge numbers of trees and natural areas that have been removed to make way for industry, business, and homes, displacing critical populations of plants, insects, birds, and wildlife that were already stressed due to non-native, invasive species taking over natural areas.
Because of this, the Growing Natives KY-Hardin County group is entering new territory – partnering with Hardin County Water District #2, First Presbyterian Church Creation Care Team, and Hardin Co. Public Library to collaborate on a variety of rain garden and nature-nurture presentations. Plans are being made to develop a native seed bank to be housed at the Public Library. The group is also collaborating with Greenspace (a group that has developed a series of trails in and around Elizabethtown), Elizabethtown Parks and Recreation, and the Hardin County Extension Office, sharing resources, educating, and developing plans for expanding native planting in public areas. This year the Garden Club of Elizabethtown is including a Growing Natives KY-Hardin County member’s native garden in their annual Garden Tour.
For more information, search Facebook for Growing Natives KY-Hardin County Swap Group, Homegrown National Park, Kentucky Native Plant Society, Ky Native Plants Project, and Growing Natives KY-IN Swap Hub.
Submitted by Growing Natives Ky-Hardin County Swap Group Administrators
On May 10th, Legato Financial Group hosted its 6th annual Day at the Races at Churchill Downs. This yearly event is a celebration for Legato friends and clients to network and enjoy true Kentucky racing. Guests enjoyed the Legato Financial Group Classic and Legato CPAs and Advisors Classic, sponsored races on both the turf and track. Lunch was catered through Churchill Downs, and Elizabethtown Florist designed the flowers. Legato’s experiences with their clients and friends are a testament to what they practice in retirement planning. Each element of the event was designed with the guests in mind.
event SPOTLIGHT: Legato @Churchill Downs
WHI S KEY WEDN E SDAYS$5
Carol Clark
Jason Waters, CFP®
Brian Woosley, CPA
Kellie Panter
Scott Kisselbaugh, CPA
Marc Sanborn
Chris Carter, CPA
Cameron Brown, CFP®, CTFA
Kelly Emerine
Jacob Clemons, CPA
Carrie Grey, CPA, CVA®
Philip Logsdon
Lisa Thompson
Every summer, Owen LaRue Financial hosts their annual Shrimp Boil at Thurman Landing, inviting all of their clients and friends in the community. The first Owen LaRue Shrimp Boil took place in 2018 and serves as a thank-you to their clients for their trust and commitment. The event includes all-you-can-eat shrimp and an open bar manned by Jim and Ben; this year, the whole team helped host in different ways. Thurman Landing is known throughout the community for cooking up some of the best meals, and their shrimp boil is no exception. The dinner kicks off with jambalaya and then proceeds with boiled shrimp, corn, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.
Welcome to Hardin County! We are so excited to have you in and around Elizabethtown. Here is your official Bucket List for fun summer activities. Check off the boxes as you go!
Hike the Greenspace Trails or Saunders Springs Nature Preserve
Visit the Hardin Co. Farmer’s Market for fresh fruit and veggies
See a movie at The Historic State Theater (Summer Movie Series)
Tour the General George Patton Museum at Fort Knox
Check out a Lawn Party on Freeman Lake
Find the cannonball on Public Square in Downtown Etown
Play a few games of Duckpin Bowling at Social On Main
Splash around at the American Legion Water Park
Visit Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Walk around Downtown Elizabethtown on a Third Thursday
Grab a beer and watch a band at Tavern in the Garden
Attend Cruisin’ the Heartland July 25-27 in Downtown Etown
Rent a paddleboat OR paddleboard at Freeman Lake
Visit the Swope Museum of Yesteryear
Play a round of golf at Heartland Golf Club
Visit Elizabethtown Tourism to pick up some fun Etown swag
guide to dining out in hardin county
Looking for lunch or to grab a drink? We’ve got you covered. What would an issue about fun things to do in Hardin County be without mentioning all of the restaurants we love?
2B Thai
Amazin’ Glazin’ Donuts
Back Home Catering
Back Home Restaurant
Bourbon Barrel Tavern
Bub’s Cafe
Las Chalupas
Claudia’s Tea Room
Deez Butts BBQ
Dewster’s Homemade Ice Cream
The Dreamery
ECTC Culinary Department
El Alcapulco
El Tapatio
Etown Meal Prepping
Family Fun Cafe & Ice Cream
Firefly Nutrition
Flywheel Brewing
Ginza Hibachi
Green Bamboo
Gulf Coast Connection
Gyro House
Harlow The Juice Bar
Heartland Mini Golf
Heartland Sports Pub
Impellizzeri’s Pizza
John O’s Liquor Store
J.R. Neighbors
Juanito’s Street Tacos
Kansai Japanese Steakhouse
Kohli’s Downtown Nutrition
Kuddy’s Sips and Sweets
Little Charlie’s Pizza
Mark’s Feed Store
Maillard Kitchen
Mexico Lindo
Mi Jalisco
Mountain Mikes Coffee Namaste
Nuts About Coffee
Papi’s Tacos & More
Reuben’s Deli
Social On Main
SIM Sushi & Steak
Sweet Retreat
Taglish
Tequila House Bistro & Cantina
The Cafe at Swope Toyota
The Cavern Club
Toasted Yolk
Tony York’s On Main
Vibe Coffee Shop + Vibe On Dixie
Wasabi
Water’s Edge Winery & Bistro
The Whistle Stop
Wicked Eyed Woman
Woo Hoo II
MAKE ROOM
As we dive into late summer months, you may be considering remodeling your current kitchen, bathrooms, or perhaps you’re in the process of building your first home, a custom home, tasked with the job of choosing everything from tiles to hardwood, cabinetry styles, and options for the countertops. Corvin’s can help. Read on to learn more about the process and their offerings.
The fourth generation of Corvins is currently working front and center at their showroom. Jonnie and Mike have retired, but Tony and Meghan (shown) and now their son and his wife, Braden and Maura, all work at Corvin’s. In addition, some of their staff are like family; Wayne and Phil have been with the company over thirty years, along with Celeste at twentyfive years. Corvin’s is a family, and they treat their clients like family from the moment they walk into the showroom.
VAST CUSTOM EVERY ROOM MEASURED SELECTION
You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that Corvin’s has something for everyone, whatever their need or budget is. Tile, hardwoods, and custom cabinetry are what Corvin’s is known for, but they have other products such as luxury vinyl, laminate, and carpet that can work with most budgets. Even if you are unsure of your budget, the staff at Corvin’s can help you decide what is a comfortable point for you, and then show you products that will work for your project within that budget. Corvin’s offers special financing through Wells Fargo and Synchrony Bank. Applications are processed through an in-store kiosk, or you can apply online at corvins.com. Financing can be utilized year-round, but certain seasons offer longer promotional periods. Financing can cover product costs and even installation.
Typically, when you are shopping for flooring or cabinetry, and you have met with a designer and made preliminary selections, the next step is to have Wayne come to your home and do a site visit. Wayne is the Field Estimator, and his job is to determine if the selected products are suitable for the enviorment in which they will be installed, and if they will be aesthetically pleasing once in. While on-site, he will take measurements. When your salesperson receives his measurements, you will come into the store again to verify product selection. Once you have the quote in hand, you will give approval to process the order and pay a deposit. Corvin’s will then begin ordering products and schedule the installation of the project. Timelines vary based on each project; no two projects or spaces are the same.
When imagining tile and cabinetry, you may be thinking about kitchens and bathrooms, but when Corvin’s states “Where Great Rooms Begin,” they mean every room. Possibilities are endless; each space leaves room for something custom, whether bookcases or mixed tile patterns and accents. Personalized pantries, laundry rooms, closets, and mudrooms are becoming more commonplace, complete with unique flooring, natural light, and fun cabinets of course. Whether you’re in your closet, the office, or maybe your very own coffee bar, Corvin’s employs a detail-oriented team that can assist with implementing custom storage with the design to be sure there is a place for everything. Living spaces shouldn’t be left out; even bedrooms and family rooms can feature carpets, rugs, custom shelving, and accent walls.
Upon first glimpse, their expansive showroom is a mix of cool and warm hues, muted and bold tones. As you get closer, you can see the carefully selected options and the high quality of each. The showroom is divided into twelve sections: helpful staff, kitchen and bath, countertops, cabinetry, carpet, hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl, commercial, hardware, tile, and decorative area rugs. The layout makes it easy to find just what you need, whether visiting with a professional builder, your interior designer, or planning out a DIY project. We live in a day and age where everything is so fast-paced, and people are rushed, to say the least. One of the most amazing things about walking into Corvin’s is that not only are you greeted by friendly faces and potentially pups, throughout the space there are tables and chairs set up for consultations. These inviting areas are the perfect place to meet, pull together samples, and determine what is needed, all with the help of their staff.
The process will vary based on your needs. Corvin’s is not about cookiecutter anything. Their offerings are as unique as their clientele. While they accept walk-ins, you can also make an appointment to be sure you have a staff member available and dedicated time just for your project. For remodeling projects, photos of your space and measurements are helpful to determine the look and feel, plus the quantities of materials needed. Pictures of rooms you love, whether kitchen, bath, closet, or pantry, will offer direction and insight into your style.
Walk around the showroom and gather ideas on what you like. A staff member will visit with you to help determine the quantities of materials you need and answer any questions. They have a great selection of instock hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, luxury vinyl tile, laminate, carpet, and tile available to come in and purchase and take with you that day if needed. Specialty items can be ordered. Tony and Meghan work with their staff when buying for the store. It is essential to work together to bring in a fresh look and keep up with current trends.
While the style of products and their range and selection of offerings stand out, the staff are what really make the difference. They are professionals and know the products. Throughout the process, you have one point of contact. You build a relationship with someone that cares about your needs and cares about the success of your project. Corvin’s works with a large group of interior designers throughout Kentucky and even in Nashville. In addition, they have strong relationships with builders in the local community. They’re able to collaborate with professionals to give mutual clients the very best in service and design.
If you’re not the DIY type and are not working with a home builder or designer, Corvin’s offers full-service design and installation, whether your home is 100 years old or brand new, awaiting finishes. Services range from basic floor installations to full remodels that may contain all the mechanical elements of a home and all of the finishes. Even though they don’t specialize in drywall or electricity, they have built a fantastic network of contractors. These relationships allow them to handle every aspect of projects from A to Z. After 47 years of serving the community, you can feel confident that working with Corvin’s will guarantee the success of your project.
TO LEARN MORE OR TO SCHEDULE A SHOWROOM VISIT, YOU CAN VISIT HTTPS://CORVINS.COM OR CALL (270) 737-5798.
Learning in
The Nature Trail at SJS offers opportunities for students to continue their learning outdoors while using their five senses to explore the world around them.
Full Bloom
Saint James Catholic School opens up a world of possibilities for learners through nature-based learning opportunities both inside and out of the traditional classroom setting. SJS recognizes that the incorporation of nature into education plays a vital role in the cognitive, emotional, and physical development of students of all ages. By incorporating outdoor learning through a nature trail, class garden, and chick incubation project, SJS provides its students with hands-on experiences that foster curiosity, responsibility, and a deep appreciation for God’s design of creation.
Nature Trail Adventures: Taking Learning Outdoors
SJS’s nature trail is a living classroom where students immerse themselves in the wonders of nature. This winding path, nestled within a grove of trees, includes the stations of the cross and offers an alternative to the typical classroom setting. Teachers utilize the trail to conduct lessons in a variety of subjects, like religion, science, math, art, and literature.
On any given day, students might be seen identifying plants, observing wildlife, using natural materials to create art, or spending time in prayer or worship. These outdoor excursions not only enhance students’ understanding of ecological systems but also promote healthy lifestyles through active exploration and alleviation of stress and anxiety.
The Class Garden: A Hands-On Approach to Learning
The class garden is another cornerstone of SJS’s outdoor learning initiatives. The fourth grade class at SJS is responsible for maintaining the garden, where they cultivate vegetables, herbs, and flowers. This hands-on approach teaches students about the life cycle of plants, the importance of biodiversity, and the basics of sustainable agriculture.
Through gardening, students learn valuable lessons in patience, responsibility, and teamwork. The students witness firsthand the rewards of their efforts as seeds sprout, grow, and eventually produce food to harvest. This experience not only nurtures a sense of accomplishment but also instills healthy eating habits and an understanding of where our food comes from.
Chick Incubation Project: Lessons in Life Sciences
Each spring, kindergarteners in Mrs. Peak’s class receive fertilized eggs and an incubator, sparking excitement and anticipation. Over the course of 21 days, students monitor the eggs, learning about embryonic development and the conditions necessary for hatching. When the chicks finally emerge, students are involved in their care, observing their growth and behavior. This project teaches responsibility and compassion, as students understand the importance of providing proper care for living creatures. It also serves as a powerful introduction to life sciences, illustrating concepts such as life cycles, development, and animal behavior in a memorable and engaging way.
A Holistic Educational Philosophy
Saint James Catholic School’s commitment to outdoor learning reflects a broader educational philosophy that values experiential learning, environmental stewardship, and a connection to God and creation. By embracing the outdoors, Saint James Catholic School provides its students with invaluable experiences that shape their minds and hearts, preparing them for a lifetime of curiosity, responsibility, and respect for creation.
Psalms 96:11-12: Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
Fourth graders at SJS discover horticulture through their class garden each year. Students help plant, tend and harvest different fruits and vegetables while working together with their classmates.
Kindergarten students at SJS learn about the development and life cycle of chickens and the responsibility of caring for animals through their egg incubation project each spring.
The 25th Annual Lincoln Trail Master Gardener Plant Fair took place at the UK Hardin County Extension Office on May 18 this year. Vendors included a mix of plant and artisan booths plus local faves from the Hardin County Farmers’ Market. Master Gardeners were on site chatting with guests, and the Hardin County 4H served ice cream to pair perfectly with cake for this green birthday celebration. The sale includes beautiful hanging baskets, hydroponic plants, succulents, herbs, and even berry bushes, plus flowers and plants sure to spruce up any garden. We loved the section of plants that are native to Kentucky.
Lincoln Trail Master
event SPOTLIGHT: Gardener Plant Fair
CRADLE CLUB
Cradle Club is a fun, play-based educational experience offered monthly during the school year by Elizabethtown Independent Schools’ Family Resource and Youth Service Center. Activities are designed for kids aged 0-5 and their parents and are open to all families in Hardin County. A free service, Cradle Club is a great way for parents, grandparents, or childcare providers to spend quality time with their little ones while helping them learn and grow. Through playful activities, kids develop important skills, including physical, social-emotional, language, and problemsolving abilities. Additionally, parents receive useful tips and support to nurture their child’s development.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CRADLE CLUB BY EMAILING AMANDA SHINE AT AMANDA.SHLNE@ETOWN. KYSCHOOLS.US AND GIVE YOUR CHILD A GREAT HEADSTART ON THEIR LEARNING ADVENTURE!
LOCAL FARMERS Much-Loved
If you’re out buying local produce, meats, or artisan goods this summer or even growing a garden of your own, tag us on Instagram at @ElizabethtownLifestyle
This issue, we had the pleasure of visiting eight local farms, seeing the plants they grow and the animals they raise. Each farm is unique, as are each farmer and family. Flip through the following pages to learn about some of the friendly faces you will meet when buying locally-grown meats and produce.
Modern Heritage Farm
At Modern Heritage Farm, we grow vegetables, fruit, and pastured poultry year-round in Glendale, KY, using regenerative, organic, and biodynamic land stewardship practices. Our mission is to grow organic, nutrient-dense food that improves the health of everyone we have the honor of serving and the land we have the privilege of stewarding. We farm on a human scale and partner with nature to create healthy soil biology. We work to foster a thriving soil microbiome that nurtures the soil’s symbiotic relationship with plants to produce food with the highest health benefits to humans and the ecosystem. Food and community share a sacred bond- our goal is to nurture and strengthen that bond by providing our local community with a reliable source of clean, safe, nutritionally rich food. You can find us at the Hardin County Farmers Market from April to October and order online during the winter months. You can also follow us @modernheritagefarm on Facebook and Instagram or email us at modernheritagefarm@gmail.com.
Your Farmers, Jessica, John-Thomas, & Jayber Hodges
Goodin’s Garden is a family farm operated by John and Sara Goodin in Elizabethtown, KY. We have been providing Hardin County with locally grown produce since joining the Hardin County Farmers Market in 2012. Goodin’s Garden comprises two farms located within a half mile of each other - one on Middle Creek Road and one on Red Mill Road in Elizabethtown. In 2015, the majority of our vegetables began being grown at Red Mill Road; while the chickens and ducks live at Middle Creek Road. The greenhouse is also located at the Middle Creek Road farm. In 2017, we introduced our homemade jams to the market, and have since expanded to include pickles, relish, salsa, infused vinegar, seasoning blends, and hot sauce. Customer favorites include jalapeño candy, blueberry vanilla jam, bread and butter pickles, jalapeño salt, blueberries, cherry tomatoes, hot peppers, and eggplant. In describing our farm, the words unique and creative come to mind. We want to offer something different than what you would find in the supermarket. For us, we love growing new varieties of vegetables, creating flavor pairings and new twists on classic jams, and showing how much fun it can be to eat local.
GOODINSGARDEN.COM
Goodin’s Garden
Wade Apiaries
Founded in 2018, Wade Apiaries is a beekeeping business located in Hardin County Kentucky. Our current production apiary is located on 100 acres of native pollinators outside Sonora, with a new apiary beginning with Spring swarms on the Nolin River outside Glendale. We plan to grow our capability to meet the growing demand of our fans. Our obsession is old-fashioned beekeeping, utilizing natural materials that beekeepers have utilized since Lorenzo Langstroth invented the modern beehive in 1851. We use wood, wax, and wire in our hives avoiding the plastic, Styrofoam, and other synthetic materials pervasive in today’s beekeeping. We focus on the health of our bees, and they provide us with delicious 100% natural Kentucky raw unprocessed honey and honeycomb. You can find our honey at the Hardin County Farmer’s Market and Tony York’s on Main restaurant in Glendale.
Follow us at Wade Apiaries on Facebook!
We are the Thomas Family, owners and operators of Fallen Maple Farm, located just outside Elizabethtown, KY. The farm has seen many changes over the last 100 years, as we transitioned from dairy farming in 2004 into a full-time flower and vegetable farm. We now also offer beef, pork, and canned goods. In 2022, we started a farm store on-site at the farm. This allows our customers the opportunity to enjoy their shopping experience right here at the farm. We have seasonal events all year long at the farm store.
Our farm is owned and operated by our ever-growing family. John and Brenda have raised their four children to love and nourish the land. Zach keeps our freezers stocked with delicious beef and pork. Katie is our farm manager, and she ensures everything is maintained, organized, and efficient. Amy is always willing to step in and help out at all our events and plant fairs. Hannah is the marketing guru for the farm.
We pride ourselves on offering affordable, high-quality products to our community and look forward to sharing our farm with you.
Fallen Maple Farm
Smith Family Farm is a diversified, multispecies farming operation that operates around 300 acres around the Payneville and Webster communities of Meade and Breckinridge County. At SFF, we raise beef cattle, hogs, and poultry, which service our direct-to-consumer business. We also raise a herd of registered polled Hereford cattle and market bulls and heifers to other cattle producers throughout the state and several surrounding states. The operation is owned by Ben and Hayley Smith, who met in college at EKU while pursuing their degrees in Animal Science. After completing graduate degrees at Murray State and Colorado State University, we decided to go our own direction with our farming operation and scaled our production to what it is today. Utilizing low-input, regenerative farming practices, we strive to build healthy soils that help remove carbon from the atmosphere and grow delicious grass for our livestock. Animal welfare is extremely important to us, so we give every animal the best life they can live. We do not use subtherapeutic antibiotics or artificial hormones or finish feeding cattle in a feedlot environment. Instead, our cattle are on pasture and regenerating the landscape. We love our land, our community, this region, and all the great people we have met through this business. Moreover, we are so thankful for all of our wonderful customers who allow us to keep doing what we love to do, which is caring for the land and our livestock!
Smith Family Farm
S B Bell Farms &
In Hodgenville, Kentucky, Susan and Brian Bell started S&B Bell Farms in 2015 as an alpaca fiber farm. Since its inception, our farm has grown to include registered Katahdin sheep, barnyard chickens, English Angora rabbits, a dairy goat herd, and a meat goat herd. Our three Great Pyrenees dogs keep a close watch over all the animals on our farm. 2024 marks our eighth season at the Hardin County Farmers’ Market. We continue to be your trusted source for local lamb, micro greens, farm fresh eggs, goat milk soap, gluten-friendly baked goods, and alpaca yarn. Later in 2024, we will be adding local goat to our offerings. We also continue our partnerships with Prayer Mountain Farms (Upton, Kentucky) for delicious gourmet mushrooms and Cedar Valley Farms (Hodgenville, Kentucky) for pasture-raised pork.
You can find us on Facebook and Instagram @sbbellfarms
Color Me Mod Flower Farm
Welcome to Color Me Mod Flower Farm, nestled in the heart of Hardin County in Cecilia, Kentucky. Established in 2018, our three-acre farm is a vibrant haven bursting with nearly fifty types of perennials, including exotic varieties like calla lilies, peonies, delphinium, and phlox. Because everyone who sees our flowers immediately wants to smell them, we are committed to sustainable and organic farming practices. The flower and foliage selection is carefully curated, focusing on unique textures and colors not commonly found in the local market. Our flowers are sold to event planners, wedding consultants, and florists across Kentucky and into Nashville, Tennessee. You can purchase them locally at the Hardin County Farmers’ Market. In the middle of the property, we have a large deck perfect for events and classes. We have hosted farm dinners set amidst the blossoms that offer a sensory feast curated by our talented chef, who happens to be none other than my son. At Color Me Mod Flower Farm, we invite you to explore, learn, and celebrate the beauty that nature and community can bring together. Join us in coloring the world with the joy of flowers!
At Solway Farms, we are a local small family farm dedicated to providing the highest quality, certified organic produce to our community. Our vegetables are available year-round through local farmers’ markets, local pick-up, Hinton’s Farm Market, and Harlow the Juice Bar. We take care of our soil using regenerative practices to ensure that future generations can enjoy the same nutrient-rich produce that we do. We believe in supporting local agriculture and providing healthy, delicious options for our customers. Come visit us and taste the difference of locally grown, organic produce.
Solway Farms
THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS
CASA CHAMPION OF CHILDREN
The Schmidt Family Foundation
HARVESTER SPONSOR
Dirt Works Unlimited
PLOW SPONSOR
Altec
Elizabethtown Lifestyle Kosair for Kids
Swope Family of Dealerships
West Point Bank
TILLER SPONSOR
Abound Credit Union
Cerity Partners
Cupper’s Choice Coffee
Hardin County Tree Service
South Central Bank
The Cecilian Bank
SEEDLING SPONSOR
Baptist Health Hardin
Fresh Start Farms
John O’s Liquor
Magnolia Bank
Mike & Rose Harris WesBanco
EVENT SPONSORS
Blakey Printing
Elizabethtown Fire Department
Forest Edge Winery
Highland Sod Farms
Legato Financial
Lovely Leaves / Giselle Smith
Marty Fulkerson / Lewis Auction
Rosemary’s Catering
Signarama Elizabethtown
The Elizabethtown Lion’s Club
The Tipsy Horse Bar
Van Winkle & The Spirits
LOCAL FARMS
Color Me Mod Flower Farm
Fallen Maple Farms
Hinton’s Orchard
Lovely Loaves
Modern Heritage Farm
Stith Family Farms
Solway Farms
Taking Root Farms
SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2024
HIGHLAND SOD FARMS
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Heartland recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who advocate on behalf of abused, neglected, and dependent children.
CASA of the Heartland gives our sincerest thanks that you were able to join us for our annual Farm to Fork. This year’s menu featured a delicious menu by Rosemary’s Catering and the Elizabethtown Lion’s Club. Recipes will feature locally grown, farm-fresh foods from Stith Family Farms, Solway Farms, Modern Heritage, Lovely Loaves, Hinton’s Orchard, and Taking Root Farms; florals are also locally sourced from Fallen Maple Farm and Color Me Mod Flower Farm.
Farm to Fork benefits CASA of the Heartland and provides caring advocates for local children under petition with the family courts.
WORDS FROM THE CASA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MICHELLE
KAIL:
“We are so incredibly grateful for all of the support that our community has shown CASA of the Heartland. Because of the generosity we have been shown, we’ve raised over $60,000 with the CASA Farm to Fork. This support allows us to continue to serve the most vulnerable children in our community, and we could not do that without the support from all of our sponsors, donors, guests, vendors, staff, board, and volunteers.”
WITH TRUSTED ORTHOPEDIC CARE.
BAPTIST HEALTH HARDIN PROVIDES NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ORTHOPEDIC CARE, LOCALLY. In fact, we were the first hospital in Kentucky to receive Advanced Total Hip and Total Knee Replacement certification from The Joint Commission. Our skilled orthopedic specialists offer a full range of advanced services and procedures along with personalized care that’s centered on you. It’s no wonder most people choose Baptist Health to help them keep moving, keep working, and keep playing. If you ever need orthopedic care, our team will be ready to take great care of you, too. Visit BaptistHealth.com/Ortho to find a provider.
