Crystal Wilkinson, Scott T. Smith, Seniors Spotlight, Local Love Stories and more ALSO FEATURING
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Dear Louisville Voices & Readers,
February is here, and I have to admit—my husband and I are those people who swoon over this month’s cold, cozy, and oh-so-romantic vibes. For us, it’s more than just Valentine’s Day. It’s his birthday and a time to reflect on everything we’ve overcome together—a celebration of love and those little moments that make life sweet.
This edition of The VOICE-TRIBUNE is bursting with love—from stories that warm your heart to stories in celebration of Black History Month, to the wisdom and inspiration from our community. And let’s not forget a little self-love reminder: Book those appointments you have been putting off.
So, grab a cozy blanket, indulge in a little chocolate, and dive into this love-filled issue celebrating all that makes Louisville, Louisville.
Celebrating Love and Community
This month, we spotlight Louisville’s diverse expressions of love and artistry. From the heartfelt stories of couples celebrating milestone anniversaries—a happy 28th to Hank and Connie Williams, a joyous 40th to De De and her husband Scott Cox, a golden 50th to Richard and Angie Schultz, and an incredible 53rd to David and Claudia Runge—to the inspiring tale of Margaret Young finding her community and extended family at Treyton Oak Towers, love is truly all around in many different ways. Our cover feature not only spices things up for the season but also takes you behind the scenes of the Va Va Vixens’ spectacular February show. This dazzling performance has captured the hearts of Louisvillians for 16 years. After meeting Lisa Frye and her talented team, I can’t wait to witness their empowered and alluring burlesque show! It was absolutely wonderful to meet Lany StarDust, Lola Dee Licious, Mercury Fatale, Queerella, Sirena Sapphire, Salem VytchTryells, Jet Piston, Cooter Brown, and a few others!
Black History Month: Honoring Legacy and Leadership
In honor of Black History Month, we’ve curated stories that amplify voices making a difference. Dr. Randy Whetstone Jr. shares the impactful work of the Black Male EDquity Network, a community fostering equitable opportunities for Black males in education. We also feature a candid conversation with Poet Laureate Emeritus Crystal Wilkinson, who reflects on the intersection of history, ancestry, and storytelling through her book, Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts. These stories remind us of the power of community, heritage, and the written word.
Senior Living: Wisdom Through the Ages
We celebrate the milestones of those who have shaped our city. From Treyton Oak Towers’ vibrant community to the extraordinary 59-year career of Jim Hines at Rodes for Him, these stories reflect dedication and a legacy of excellence.
Highlights from This Edition
Speed Art Museum Ball 2025: A preview of Louisville’s most glamorous annual fundraiser, featuring world-class exhibitions and engaging community programs.
Seelbach Hotel’s Gatsby Suite: A literary and visual tribute to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby ahead of its 100th anniversary.
Peerless Distillery: A dive into Kentucky’s bourbon heritage and the meticulous craftsmanship that makes Peerless a unique experience.
Solid Light Inc.: Learn how this Louisville-based company transforms storytelling into immersive, award-winning experiences.
Jackie Zykan’s Cocktail Creations: Explore recipes that bring a playful and innovative twist to Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Feed My Neighbor: A powerful look at the Cathedral of the Assumption’s outreach program serving over 50,000 meals annually.
Looking Ahead
As we embrace this month of love, reflection, and history, we are reminded of the beauty in connection— whether it’s through the arts, our shared heritage, or simply a warm meal shared in kindness. Thank you for being a part of The VOICE-TRIBUNE community and for celebrating Louisville with us.
Cheers to the many VOICES of Louisville!
Amelia Frazier Theobald
EDITOR’S NOTE
SOME PEOPLE WANT TO FILL THE WORLD WITH SILLY LOVE SONGS—AND WE’RE HERE FOR IT.
Love is in the air this month and in the spirit of love, we’re celebrating by sharing some of our favorite Louisville love stories. Love weaves its way through every aspect of life, and we believe it’s one of the strongest foundations of our community. We hope this volume inspires you to reflect on the love in your life and how it connects us all.
Whether it’s a passion for art, performing, delicious food, losing yourself in a good book, practicing self-love, or cherishing your most special sweetheart. Love takes countless shapes, and you’ll find them all within these pages. Louisville is our Valentine, here’s to all you lovers out there that make it so special.
Take care,
Alisha Proffitt Chief Director of Editorial & Co-Editor
“You’d think that people would’ve had enough of silly love songs
But look around me and I see it isn’t so, oh no
Some people want to fill the world with silly love songs
And what’s wrong with that?”
- Wings, 1976
PRESIDENT/CEO, AMELIA FRAZIER THEOBALD
OPERATIONS MANAGER, MARY ZOELLER
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER, JULIE KOENIG
CHIEF DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL & CO-EDITOR, ALISHA PROFFITT
FASHION & EDITORIAL PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER, ANTONIO PANTOJA
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, CLEO HEINE
DISTRIBUTION, KELLI VAN HECKE, JILL & JOHN MINNIX
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: ALISON CARDOZA, ALISHA PROFFITT, ANTONIO PANTOJA, CHRIS MORRIS, DR. RANDY WHETSTONE JR., JACKIE ZYKAN, KATHRYN HARRINGTON, KELSEY KNOTT, KEVIN MURPHY WILSON, MANDA BARGER, REMY SISK, RUSS BROWN, SPEED ART MUSEUM, UOFL HEALTH
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: DR. RANDY WHETSTONE JR, GIOIA PATTON, JACKIE ZYKAN, LAPICA SHAH, MARTY KING, UOFL ATHLETICS, YEW DELL GARDENS
Opening Doors in Style with Jim Hines, Senior Style Consultant at Rodes for Him for Her By
Alisha Proffitt
by Matt Johnson
Amaze, Transform: The Solid Light Way
Male EDquity Network Launches Podcast
Treyton Oak Towers: Residents share what sets this historic Old Louisville community apart from the rest
VOICE-TRIBUNE
by Matt Johnson
Your Community by Volunteering.
Manda Barger
by Yew Dell
Celebrating 50 Years of Love: Richard and Angie Schultz’s Golden Anniversary
Kevin Murphy Wilson
Va Va FeVer heats up Art
this February
What You Whisper in the Dark with Romance Novelist de de Cox By VOICE-TRIBUNE Photos by Matt Johnson
Walz’s Cardinals Have Bounced Back from Early Embarrassing Defeats
By RUSS BROWN Photos by UofL Athletics
The Butcher Babe’s Kitchen: A Q&A with Loreal Gavin By VOICE-TRIBUNE
by Matt Johnson
A Beautiful Nightmare: The Power of Perspective and Imagination
By Antonio Pantoja
Taking the Stage and Making a Statement: Lipica Shah Dazzles as an Actor While Advocating for Inclusion
By Remy Sisk
Double Trouble: Elite Cackcourt Duo of Hepburn and Smith Has Helped Fuel Cards’ Renaissance
If you’ve ever visited Rodes for Him for Her you’ve likely had the pleasure of being greeted by Jim Hines. For nearly 60 years, Jim has been a lot more than a style consultant at Rodes—he’s been a trusted guide, a mentor, and a friend to countless clients. His eye for fashion, paired with a genuine passion for helping people look and feel their best, has made him a lasting impression as a much-loved fixture in Louisville’s fashion scene.
Jim grew up in the small town of Auburn, Kentucky, raised by his grandparents. “My grandfather and uncles were sharp dressers,” Jim recalls with a smile. “I believe that’s what first sparked my interest in clothes and shoes.” After serving in the military, Jim moved to Louisville in 1966, hoping to work for the railroad like his grandfather before him. “I passed the written exam but failed the physical. They explained I had a back problem,” Jim shares. “I just got out of the military, I knew I didn’t have a back problem—I had a Black problem.”
It was the harsh and unjust reality of the time, but Jim was determined to carve out a path. Through the unemployment office he found work in the shipping and receiving department at Rodes. Jack Rodes, the store’s owner, saw great potential in Jim, appreciated his strong work ethic and quickly made the decision to promote him to a sales position. “Jack said, ‘We’re going to put you on the sales floor.’ I was the first Black salesman at Rodes.” The transition wasn’t easy. “Some people canceled their accounts when they found out,” Jim reflects. “But others rose to the occasion.”
Jim found a mentor in Jack Rodes, who became closer than just a boss. “Jack taught me so much—not just about the business but about life,” Jim says. “He was like a father to me.”
Throughout his career, Jim has seen fashion trends evolve dramatically. “Back in the ’80s, we had leisure suits, platform shoes, and gold chains,” he says with a laugh. “Now, it’s all about clean lines and tailored fits. I love the way styles are today closer to the body, modern, and minimalistic.”
For Jim, the goal is always the same: to help clients feel confident in their clothing. “You put on a great suit, and you stand out in a room,” he explains. Over the decades, Jim has built lasting relationships with his clients and taken care of some of the biggest players in the city of Louisville and beyond. “Customer service is everything,” he emphasizes. “If you need something, I’ll make sure it fits right, gets altered, and is ready when you need it.” Some of Jim’s most memorable clients have seen his talent for going that extra mile has earned him the trust of families across generations. “I’ve dressed multiple generations of the same families,” Jim shares. “I’ve had clients bring in their grandsons for their first suits.”
Some of Jim’s most memorable clients include Owsley Brown Frazier, whose historical arms museum originally was located in the same building Rodes is in today, longtime client Rick Rowe, as well as Commerce Secretary Larry G. Townsend “Flashy guy, Larry was,” Jim recalls. “He loved life, clothes, cars. He loved everything.”
Jim has celebrated many achievements in his time with Rodes, including his role as an ambassador for Zegna, one of the world’s premier luxury menswear brands. “We hosted Zegna’s most successful trunk show. It made history in the industry, and it was a huge accomplishment for Rodes,” he says.
What at first seemed like a defeat, when Jim was turned away from his dream with the railroad, over the course of time was re-written as a victory for both Jim and Rodes alike. His position at Rodes led him down the path to meet his wife, whom he shares five children with, and a great many friends and accomplishments along the way. Rodes gained a loyal employee who remains a key member of their team, as well as the lasting impression he has made on guests spanning decades.
Jim’s story is a beautiful example of what can happen when we open doors for others rather than gatekeeping them and the power each and every one of us hold, often without realizing it. “This has been a wonderful journey,” he says. “Every generation of the Rodes family has taught me something special, and I’m grateful to Susan and Howard for continuing that legacy. They’ve given me the opportunity to grow and succeed.”
Through it all, Jim remains focused on the heart of his work: helping people feel their best. “The guy buying a pair of jeans is just as important as the one buying a $6,000 coat,” he says. “At the end of the day, it’s about making people feel good in what they wear. That’s what I love to do.”
We wish Jim Hines a very happy 80th birthday this month, and with it a heartfelt “thank you” for his many years of impeccable service to others and impact in the industry. Here’s to many more to come!
TWO GENERATIONS OF COMMUNITY PHILANTHROPISTS
By Speed Art Museum
Photos
by
Matt Johnson
The Speed Art Museum’s mission statement is “We invite everyone to celebrate art, forever.” This mission is the driving force behind the museum’s most significant fundraiser, the Speed Ball, held this year on March 1, 2025. This fundraiser helps the Speed to bring world-class exhibitions, expand statewide arts in education initiatives, grow and conserve the permanent collection and invite the entire community to experience the Speed.
Ann Wells and Laura Wells are the 2025 Speed Ball Co-Chairs, the first instance of a mother-daughter team in modern times. This dynamic duo is bringing a new passion and energy to the Speed Ball, with a goal of making it the most coveted ticket in town.
Ann Wells has been involved in the Speed Ball for almost 50 years. In those 50 years, she raised four children and was a corporate and community leader as the CEO of Commonwealth Bank. A steadfast supporter and Board member of the Speed and other non-profit organizations around Louisville, she modeled behavior for her family.
After being away from Louisville for 27 years, Ann’s daughter Laura Wells moved back to town with her husband and four young children in 2019. Laura has immersed herself in the Louisville community. She is on the Board of Governors for the Speed Art Museum, the Board of Directors at Stock Yards Bank and Trust, the Board of Directors for the Pendennis Club (first female board member) and the Board of Directors for Louisville-based holding company Citizens Financial Corporation.
Laura is excited to be back in her hometown and brings a fresh perspective to all facets of the Speed Ball. Ann is actively passing the torch of all her inherent knowledge and love of the Speed Ball to her daughter, building a solid second generation of philanthropists in the Wells family. They are eager for the Louisville community to experience the Speed Ball with this renewed sense of beauty and delight.
The theme of this year’s Ball is “Springtime in Paris”, a nod to the renewal and rebirth of the spring season as seen through a Parisian lens in the 1920s. The Speed Ball is the beginning of a bigger Parisian theme that will bloom at the end of March with the Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris special exhibition coming from the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. Featuring over 65 artworks, this exhibition recaptures the experiences of women that moved to Paris in the beginning of the 20th century and blazed new trails in a variety of fields including art, literature, design, publishing, music, fashion, journalism, theater and dance.
The Speed Ball will take place on Saturday March 1, 2025 at the Speed Art Museum. Cocktails start at 6:30 p.m. with a seated dinner in the galleries at 7:30 p.m. Late Night at the Speed with dancing and dessert begins at 9 p.m.
DETAILS
Speed Art Museum
2035 South Third St.
Louisville, KY 40208
502-634-2700
Speedmuseum.org
SPEED BALL
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Cocktails 6:30 p.m.
Seated Dinner 7:30 p.m.
Late Night at the Speed 9:00 p.m.
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GRAHAM PARKER AND THE LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA
By Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos Provided
Not too long ago, master musician Chris Thile told the VOICE-TRIBUNE that the current iteration of the Louisville Orchestra is setting a tone for orchestral music worldwide because it is not content to be a sort of music museum. “Orchestras can and should be hubs of creativity,” Thile said. “Too often they’ve been relegated to keeping history alive so we can go and pay homage to great musicians of the past as opposed to celebrating what’s going on right now in front of our very ears.”
It is no secret that the LO’s innovative approach, which is on display again this month through an assortment of high profile concerts and community programs, is largely owed to its forward-looking Music Director Teddy Abrams. That said, much of the credit for the organization’s many successes is also due to the group’s Chief Executive, Graham Parker, who largely operates behind the scenes bringing all the big ideas to life. We recently caught up with Parker, the recipient of both a Peabody Award and a Grammy Award, to hear about his own journey and what makes his current gig so special.
VT: Your résumé includes a lot of impressive stops at places like major record labels and large-scale radio stations. What drew you to a music-related vocation in the first place?
GP: “I was always very, very passionate about music. From a young age I played piano and flute and sang. I also spent a number of years thinking I would try and become a professional conductor, but that didn’t really turn out to be a path for me. So, when I moved to the United States [from London, England] in 1995 I thought, well, maybe I could combine the music background I had with my marketing interests at the time. I ended up applying for a job as a Marketing Assistant. The advert in the New York Times said that it was with a ‘prominent New York arts group.’ It turned out to be at the New York Philharmonic and they gave me the job, which is how I started my music-related career path.”
VT: Are there any specific folks who inspired or encouraged you along the way?
GP: “Yes. There have been many wonderful people who have encouraged me along the way. For example, when I first went to work at the New York Philharmonic, the senior team was then led by Deborah Borda. To learn from and watch her was kind of extraordinary. I soaked up as much as I could. Another great mentor of mine was Jacquelone Taylor who ran the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center when I went to work there. Her style and thoughtfulness around the community has impacted me throughout my entire career.”
VT: How would you describe your current work as Chief Executive for Louisville Orchestra?
GP: “I am a major spokesperson for the organization and ultimately I am the person responsible for budgets and fundraising and all the staff. Often with orchestras, or other arts groups, there is a structure called a ‘two-headed monster’ where you have someone who is responsible for the administrative or management side of the business and someone who is in charge of the artistic side. So, in a way Teddy [Abrams] and I do occupy those two roles. He is the Music Director, I am the Chief Executive. Our relationship is so incredibly strong that we consider it as running the place together. Teddy and I both agree that an orchestra is not just a decoration, it’s an essential social service, a community pillar.”
VT: Your overall career, and certainly your time in Kentucky, has been defined by partnerships and collaborations. Looking back, are there any favorite moments?
GP: “I am a deeply collaborative person. I feel that assembling a team, generating new ideas, and inspiring people to think beyond their comfort zone is kind of where I excel. I am proud to have worked with some of the great classical musicians of our time as well as major personalities like Ravi Shankar, Michael Cleveland and Chris Thile. [The latter two were part of a multi-season community-building project funded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky that takes the Louisville Orchestra to every corner of the state for concerts and special community events]. Just being here in Louisville getting to collaborate with Teddy day in and day out is an absolute dream come true.”
VT: So, how do you measure success?
GP: “That is a really tricky one. Of course, the easy things to point to could be attendance figures, donation numbers and ticket sales, and those are important indicators of success. I think, though, that real success measures come down to the conversations and the feedback one hears from members of the community living in all different parts of the Commonwealth, telling you how much a concert has moved them or the ways in which a program at their library has impacted their child. When folks are able to articulate those thoughts to you, it gives you hope that you are on the right track and it provides you with a lot of confidence to continue moving in that direction.”
For information about upcoming LO concerts and events, visit louisvilleorchestra.org.
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TALKING HISTORY, ANCESTRY AND FOOD WITH CRYSTAL WILKINSON
By Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos Provided
Crystal Wilkinson’s short stories, poems and essays have appeared in numerous journals and anthologies including The Atlantic, Kenyon Review, Oxford American, Story, and Agni. Her much-lauded books include “Perfect Black” (winner of a 2022 NAACP Image Award), “The Birds of Opulence” (winner of the 2016 Ernest J. Gaines Prize for Literary Excellence), “Water Street” and “Blackberries, Blackberries.” We recently caught up with the prolific author and Poet Laureate Emeritus to discuss her love for Kentucky and the book that is perhaps her most personal project to date, “Praisesong for The Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks.”
VT: Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
CW: “I was raised in rural Kentucky in a place called Indian Creek. Being a part of that landscape, my grandparents’ farm, the ancestral agrarian legacy of my family, is what prompted me to become a writer—at least it was instrumental in the kind of writer I have become. Place and sense of place and the detail of the rural landscape is integral to my writing. I was grandparentraised, and my family has been rooted in Kentucky since the early 1800s. So, although I was actually born in Hamilton, Ohio, Kentucky is both my home and the spine of my literary imagination. Every tree, every voice, every creek, every character begins with something that I experienced or imagined or even something that I’ve been curious about.”
VT: When did you first become aware of your calling?
CW: “I’ve always been a writer. I know that’s cliché but it’s true. My grandmother instilled in me the love of reading. She recalled that when I was a girl, she thought I was just mimicking the stories she read to me until she realized that I was actually reading along. Storytelling was a part of my everyday life. My grandparents were storytellers. I was a quiet girl but loved writing as much as reading. I wrote a story and bound it together on my grandmother’s sewing machine, so I think that’s when I became truly intrigued with the idea of making a volume of writing of my own words. The artifact of the book—how one wrote it—how it was put together—and mostly the writing and how to stack the words became a calling when I was about ten years old.”
VT: Do you think the literary and broader arts scene here in Kentucky has afforded you more freedom for exploration and collaboration than other places might?
CW: “We have something unique here in Kentucky—our literary legacy is unmatched—not just in the work that has been produced but primarily the generosity of our well-known, well-established writers. I’m not sure I would have had the confidence to move forward in my career without the institutions and individuals who bolstered me. The Carnegie Center and the great literacy and literary work that they do there is one of the institutions that helped propel me forward. The Affrilachian Poets and the great community we’ve enjoyed for more than thirty years; and then the individuals who were so instrumental in my career especially at the beginning: Nikky Finney, bell hooks, Wendell Berry, Gurney Norman, George Ella Lyon and my other friends and peers Silas House, Frank X Walker, and so many others. I think that we could easily take our community for granted but, of course, our rich and nurturing and supportive literary community has helped us all reach for the stars. And yes, Kentucky has an abundance of artistic riches to offer. It always has and of course living in that kind of environment surrounded by photography, art exhibits, music of all kinds, our food traditions, theatre, dance, festivals, a book-rich community is valuable for us all and it’s been a mainstay for me. I think it’s been that way for so many of our state’s artists and writers.”
VT: So, was music also a big part of your life growing up?
CW: “Yes. Music has always been a part of my life. The surprise is that a large variety of music continues to be a part of my soundtrack. R&B, Hip Hop, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Bluegrass Gospel, Country, etc. I have an extraordinarily long list of favorite songs, but Prince is still at the top of my list. I’ve written about his music and its effects on me as a teenager and of course music affects me as a writer. I often listen to music before I write. Not while I’m writing but before and sometimes in celebration after I’ve had a good writing morning.”
VT: How did your latest project, “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts,” come about? What makes this book special to you?
CW: “Of course, I lived this book, so in some ways I’ve been writing it my entire life. I have always included foodways in my writing because food preservation, preparation, and tradition are ways in which a place distinguishes itself from other places. I wrote an essay for Emergence Magazine a few years ago and this book evolved from that essay. It came down to there being an entire world behind that initial essay. A world that I had lived, but also a world that I wanted to research and to discover. It was a wonderful rabbit hole of digging into my own familial history through court records and family photographs as well as delving into the history of Appalachia and the history of foodways in the region. This book is special to me because it is not only my experience but so many people from the region and throughout the deeper south have read the book and been reminded of their own kitchen ghosts and their own culinary lenses. Exploring history and ancestry through food is a fascinating project and I hope to find ways in which to help others explore their own culinary legacies in the future.”
VT: These days, how does one measure success in the literary world?
CW: “There are so many moving pieces in the literary world, but the work is the only measure of success. One of the greatest things I enjoyed about being a student at the Sena Jeter Naslund/Karen Mann School of Writing at Spalding University was when Sena was the director, and she’d start each of our sessions by saying ‘Your competition is not in this room. Your competition is in the library.’ My test of success is based on the last book, not the commercial success of the last book, but how I feel about the job I’ve done. If I’ve given readers the opportunity that I set out to give them. That’s the only success that counts.”
For more information visit: crystalewilkinson.net.
THE KENTUCKY AUTHOR FORUM: CREATED IN LOUISVILLE AND VIEWED NATIONWIDE
By Dr. Randy Whetstone, Jr. • Photo By Matt Johnson
Roughly 29 years ago, Mary Moss Greenebaum and Owsley Brown II, then President of Brown-Forman Corporation, had a conversation lamenting the fact that major authors, policy makers, artists, creative writers, musicians, and scientists of our time, were not visiting the University of Louisville to teach. Unlike large well-endowed universities, funds did not exist. The lack of such resources presented challenges for the university and the city as well. From this conversation emerged a vision that would impact both University faculty and students, and the public at-large. By joining hands with the University, the KENTUCKY AUTHOR FORUM was born.
I had the chance to speak with Mary Moss Greenebaum about the Forum and the work that has been accomplished over the years.
What was your inspiration when you founded the University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum and explain its origin?
“The ancient Forum was the concept. Its original form, of course, was born in Rome. It always took place in the town’s center square. People came to listen and to question, which is how they became educated about issues of that time. Our feeling was that issues of our time could be explored in similar fashion, made available to our community at large. We recognized that we would need to create a method for luring such writers, each with their newly published book. The questioners would be well-selected interviewers. We would center first on visits to the University campus. In the evening, citizens of our city would come to our center square: the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. So that is how it began.
How did you solve then the problem of luring authors here?
“Because the University was so critical in such a plan, I turned first to Dr. Shumaker, President of the University at the time. What happened was serendipitous. On the particular day when I went to see him, the head of KET, our Kentucky public television, awaited her appointment with him in the hall. Dr. Shumaker was completely taken with the idea that such august individuals would be on campus teaching. He urged Ms. Fox into his office, asking that she join: not only commit to filming the downtown events, but to distributing them to other PBS affiliates throughout the country. The solution was found! Not only could the visiting author appear before a live audience on campus and downtown, plus have a book sale, but understand that their interview would be seen far beyond Louisville. It was also decided that in order to clarify that we were not only about Kentucky authors, our title was changed when airing nationally, on PBS stations, to GREAT CONVERSATIONS.
Of course, we needed a place to stage these hoped for events, and turned to Marlow Burt, the first President of the Kentucky Center. He agreed to lend us the Bomhard Stage, once! and it was with that gift that he introduced me to Leslie Cissell, still on our Forum team. ‘That is my second gift to you’, Marlow Burt said. Leslie, our maven who handles tickets, all accounts and all executive issues, is still with us. She has been a principal anchor. I could not have done this without her.
Tell us about the first interview back in 1996. Who was the author and the interviewer?
Senator Bill Bradley (former Senator of New Jersey), who ultimately ran for president, was the first guest-author. You’re probably too young to even know of him! Eleanor Clift from Newsweek interviewed him, and it was a wonderful hour. It was our first filming, and I remember when the cameras were off, Mr. Bradley said quietly: ‘I just may run for President of the United States’, and in fact, he did.
What sponsorships has KAF had over the years, and how have things changed?
“The great good fortune we had was stable sponsorship, which permitted us to grow and prosper. Our principal sponsors were the University of Louisville, Brown-Forman, and Humana. This gift of stability - earned quite honestly by the overwhelming support of the community and just plain hard work - remained until around 2021-2022: when there was a big turn in the road. First, Humana dropped off as a cultural funder in our community, which made us sad, and many other valuable cultural organizations were impacted as well. Brown-Forman also decided to step aside after more than 20 years. Topping off this bad financial news, COVID struck. The combination impacted us radically. With COVID, we were unable to stage events. We also had to find new financial sponsorship.
What did you decide to do as an organization to move forward and stay resilient after the pandemic?
“Undaunted, and intent on remaining relevant, my co-producer now producer, Evie Clare, produced our very first podcasts. It was a huge achievement. Those podcasts known as GREAT PODVERSATIONS, (each introduced by one of our favorite prior interviewers, Robert Siegel, long-time host of NPR’s All Things Considered) prevailed throughout those difficult several years and continue now. The critical financial solution came from the J. Graham Brown Foundation, which recognized us as an important institution in this community, with a national presence. The quality of these nationally recognized Forums, in the words of its President and CEO, Mason Rummel“reflected importantly and positively on the City of Louisville.” Not too much later, we were joined by LDG DevelopmentChris Dischinger, and the University also re-connected. Our principal sponsor continues to be the Owsley Brown II Family Foundation. Along the way the Gheens Foundation offered help, as did the Snowy Owl and Hardscuffle Foundations. With these generous gifts in hand, our work returned to normal, and we were able to move forward.
Can you think of instances where your Forums have directly affected our City?
I like to think, of course, that each seminar on campus does something to enhance a student’s thinking and each Forum downtown has brought fresh focus to the hundreds who attend. The Bomhard holds 620 people and each time these spell-binding discussions send people home, I hope, with fresh perspectives.
But when I think of specific instances: during the pandemic, we worked with the Orchestra and created a podcast, at Leslie Cissell’s suggestion, for the Louisville Orchestra conductor Teddy Abrams with the famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The conversation was extraordinary, and two years later, Yo-Yo Ma returned to Louisville to play with the Orchestra, and at a one-of-a kind concert at Mammoth Cave. It made national news.
Further, the philanthropy of the Owsley Brown II Family is guided by the Circle of Harmony and Health. When we saw that the renowned diva Renée Fleming was publishing a book last year about the powerful impact of music on the brain and health, we quickly moved to invite her as a Forum author. She will return to Louisville to sing on April 16, in a one-time concert here. The evening will be in honor of philanthropist Christina Lee Brown, who is not only the principal Author Forum sponsor, but the Louisville Orchestra’s as well, not to mention so many other causes she has undertaken to support.
How are the interviews set up at the Kentucky Center?
“Our beautiful stage set was created in 1996 by Bittners, our wonderful design company here in Louisville, Kentucky,
headed by Douglas Riddle. Our set is overseen by their designer, James Douglas. The Focus of the set is a beautiful antique partner’s desk, allowing two people to sit across from one another, as partners in a law firm used to do: they sat in a law office and kept track of what each other was doing, literally eye to eye. I wanted our author and interviewer to sit at such a desk, closely engaged, surrounded by books and a warm furnished library. It was always my objective to have people forget that they are in a theater, to more or less lose themselves: listening to a conversation, as if they were eavesdropping, a conversation they never expected ‘to overhear.’
How many interview forums are scheduled per year, and who have been some of the guests in the past?
“We typically have four a year. They can be on any topic. That’s why we have never considered subscriptions. The interests of authors and of our public are specific and wide. They can cover science, music, politics, art. We seek the individuals in our world who are talking about life’s important issues. Jane Goodall came. Hillary Clinton came. Two Justices of the Supreme Court came (Justices Breyer and O’Connor). Two Secretaries of State, (James Baker came and Madeleine Albright). On another occasion, Wynton Marsalis came and played his famous horn. He taught a music class at the University, and took the time to play with a student band at a middle school! Philippe de Montebello, the then famous head of the Metropolitan Museum, also visited our stage. Doris Kearns Goodwin, the historian. And just this fall: Joan Baez.
The latest author to be featured as part of KAF this February is the incredible Sebastian Junger, who wrote, The Perfect Storm, for which he’s very famous. He’s written about the Afghan War, as well as created a famous documentary Restrepo, which was aired at the Speed Museum. His new book In My Time of Dying, is about being brought back from a clinical death. If you missed it, please catch it on KET or as a Great Podversation on your favorite platform.
We’re very excited to announce that Colm Tóibín will be here on April 14, with his latest novel and Oprah’s Book Club Pick, Long Island. It is the quietly heartbreaking sequel to Tóibín’s Brooklyn. His character, Eilis Lacey, returns to Ireland in mid-life and that provides the backdrop for a nuanced and exquisite examination of personal choice and destiny. Tickets will go on sale February 13, at kentuckyperformingarts.org. It’s a perfect Valentine’s gift.
The University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum is a learning experience that has impacted thousands of Louisvillians and those who watch on their PBS affiliates across the country.
It is the single cultural event in the city of Louisville, which is nationally distributed.
BUY TICKETS
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos by Matt Johnson
Louisville’s historic Seelbach Hotel, a beloved landmark since 1905, has unveiled a stunning tribute to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby ahead of the novel’s 100th anniversary in April 2025. The hotel, steeped in history and once frequented by Fitzgerald himself during his World War I service at Camp Taylor, now offers guests the chance to live out their literary fantasies in a Gatsby-inspired suite. This newly unveiled two-room suite, designed by Louisville native Terra B. Nelson, captures the spirit of the Jazz Age with Art Deco details, bold colors, and vintage touches that echo the opulence of Fitzgerald’s masterpiece.
The suite artfully embodies the dichotomy of old money and new money central to The Great Gatsby. The Daisyinspired bedroom is classically elegant with gold peacock table lamps, a 1920s Victorian settee, and a vintage telephone adorned with pearls. In contrast, the Gatsby Lounge channels the flashier exuberance of new wealth with plush velvet armchairs, a golden textile ceiling converging on a crystal chandelier, and an Art Deco minibar. Terra B. Nelson, the designer, notes that one of her favorite features is the vintage green light near the Daisy bedroom—an homage to the iconic green light at the end of Daisy’s dock that symbolizes Gatsby’s longing.
Fans of The Great Gatsby will delight in the suite’s thoughtful details, which bring the novel to life. Photographs of Fitzgerald and other characters, coastal art representing East and West Egg, and subtle nods like the incessantly ringing vintage telephone and pearl necklace create an immersive experience. Guests can peruse Art Deco design books and copies of The Great Gatsby, ensuring every detail speaks to the novel’s themes and timeless appeal.
The Seelbach invites visitors to fully embrace its literary and historical connections. Guests can book the Great Gatsby Suite beginning February 1, take guided tours highlighting the hotel’s storied past, or sip era-inspired cocktails like the Jay Bird and Jazzhound at the Old Seelbach Bar. From the Oakroom, where Al Capone once played cards, to the Rathskeller, where Fitzgerald enjoyed his downtime, the hotel weaves its history with the allure of the Jazz Age, offering an unforgettable journey into Louisville’s rich past and the enduring charm of Fitzgerald’s iconic work.
By Kelsey Knott • Photos By Matt Johnson
“I’m not here to get rich and famous in the next five years. I’m here to make music and art for the rest of my life. And if I do that, I’ll have lived a life I can be proud of.” Upon meeting Scott for the first time, he brought me in from the cold, made me a cup of tea, and talked about poetry and other subjects close to my heart. During our conversation, I learned this first impression wasn’t simply Southern hospitality–it epitomized his truth that the simple life cultivates connection.
From the rural suburbs of West Virginia, Scott T. Smith describes his musical beginnings as “pre-loaded.” He tells us, “I’ve been singing since I could sing…There’s really no start. And I don’t think there will really be an end.” In his home, music was on, his mother was singing, and his father’s music equipment and record collection were a true investment. “We didn’t go on big fancy vacations, but we had an audio vacation every night.” The cello was Smith’s first instrument, and his choir days taught him how to “stretch” his voice, allowing him to hang on to soprano ranges to this day. “I’ve never had a delicate voice–I’m still playing with it like when I was a kid. My dad used to joke that the difference between the men and the boys is breath control.” His father also emphasized the importance of performance and singing clearly to preserve the song’s message. As a child who would detect melodies in and sing the newspaper, Smith still finds inspiration everywhere. He grew up singing alt-rock, listening to death metal one minute and Sam Cooke radio the next.
On songwriting, Smith says, “The most important aspect is the integrity of the story and what you’re telling. My songbird phase has come and gone many times throughout my life. And I feel like it’s back. I am in an alchemy phase currently. I feel like I’m coming into just how powerful it can be, what I have in me can be and learning how to use that. I’ll just sing a whole song sometimes and think, ‘Whoa, might be something.’ So, I’m always recording, or ‘setting traps for magic.’ That’s what I call it.” Smith wants people to gain peace from his music, though he recognizes that in truth-telling, discomfort may come with the territory: “I want people to have a safe place at my concerts to feel whatever they need to feel.”
We discussed what makes Louisville a strong place for creators and agreed that this city is magic. Historically, Louisville has been a place where people ended up as they traversed the sea and followed the river. When he was laid off as a brick mason with $5 in his pocket, he remembers wandering and finding fun without feeling financial strain: “You know what’s crazy? I could sit and listen to some of the best jazz players in this part of the country for free every Monday in the basement of Deca. And I could buy a beer poured into a glass and a shot on a couple of ice cubes. I had a whole evening’s worth of alcohol and free music! It inspired me so much.” Smith also recounts a story of giving away the winter jacket off his back with no money to buy a new one: “I was raised around people that would have done that same thing.” Smith describes Louisville as a place where fear became blessings, prejudices were chipped away, and innocence and ignorance evolved into important lessons.
Smith feels that Louisville practices being “in the middle.” He states: “I’ve always grown up in the middle of culture, somewhere in the middle of the bell curve. People who live in smaller population zones have their coming of age later in life. Some people never really do; they just stay innocent forever. I wish people who grew up in rural suburbs or Appalachia knew that you could have a real pilgrimage here. A lot of Appalachian kids don’t know where their futures can be built right now, and they can be built in Louisville because Louisville’s not a city. It’s a whole bunch of country folk playing city.”
While making it big in the music industry seems like the dream, Smith counters that existing outside of it works: “Rather than letting the wheel get reinvented by the people that tried to turn it into a brick, we should just take that power in our own hands.” He rejects the idea that those with the most magic should be manipulated or fear-mongered into making money for those with malicious intent. His mission revolves around blazing a path for a new generation, hoping fear won’t stop them and community-first platforms like the Monarch listening room can help them feel heard and supported. He reminds us, “Your world is what you make it.”
Coming in March, follow Scott T. Smith’s Instagram and YouTube series of short-form bio docs, Good Noise, where he travels up and down Appalachia processing grief and the mask of authenticity. And hear his plea: “I don’t understand why more people don’t come to the Monarch–get in here!”
THE SOLID LIGHT WAY
By Kelsey Knott • Photos by Matt Johnson
Perhaps you’ve visited the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience downtown, or the Kentucky Derby Museum at the track. Maybe you’ve been as far as the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston in Texas or the American Civil War Museum in Virginia. In each of these experiences, Solid Light is responsible for entrancing visitors with award-winning, thoughtfully crafted storytelling.
Chris Moizer, Chief Operating Officer, began as a fabricator in the shop ten years ago before moving up through project management and into his current role four years ago. Chris shares with us what makes Solid Light’s work meaningful and how they bring magic to life.
Tell me about Solid Light’s start. What first inspired this kind of work?
Our CEO and founder, Cynthia Torp, started the company 25 years ago out of her attic. She had a background in commercial advertising and a very successful career, but her passion wasn’t being fulfilled, so she started Solid Light to do something to add positivity to the world and look at storytelling differently. We just celebrated 25 years. I’m inspired by doing cool things in a new, different way every time. While we are experts at storytelling through various means and methods, every client, every project, and every story are unique, so we have to find new and interesting ways to bring that alive for their audience.
You’ve said that the innovative spirit of Solid Light inspires you. What else influences or inspires those involved in creating the unique spaces or experiences?
The team comes from various backgrounds. We have designers from a traditional exhibit design background and designers who were philosophy majors. Some fabricators come from traditional construction backgrounds, but most of them come from theater, fine furniture-making, or creative backgrounds. The diversity they bring with them allows us to think differently and innovate across the spectrum. In our industry, we’re not just an exhibit design company or just a fabrication company–we’re all of those things, and the strength of our team’s backgrounds allows us to do this and even more.
Each of our clients challenges us in different ways. For example, The American Printing House for the Blind’s endeavor to open the most accessible museum in the world with The Dot Experience challenged our understanding right out of the gate. Often, when you think of a creative person, their world is highly visual, right? It immediately challenged us to think: How do we communicate the story? How do we communicate experiences and spaces through visual methods, but also equally through non-visual methods? It opened up the challenge of reaching a broader, more accessible audience.
At the foundation of Solid Light is that “people share a passion for great stories.” What is the most important aspect of this storytelling process when embarking on a design project?
For every story, from a visitor’s standpoint, you have to be able to connect with what you’re experiencing. To make the experience or the story interesting to the people coming through that space, you’ve got to have historical and personal context–How does it affect me or how can I see myself in that story? We could tell stories on a purely factual basis, but that wouldn’t be very interesting to the majority of audiences. We can do wildly entertaining and immersive experiences, but if they’re not rooted in the story, they’re just exhibits–they don’t last once you leave. We want the work we’re producing to be meaningful.
Is there something you wish more people knew about the work Solid Light does?
their families and kids to the places where they get to see the cool experience, and they also get to say, ‘I did that.’
What do you hope people gain from experiencing your unique spaces?
We hope visitors go into a space expecting one thing and leave with something new and a desire to enact change. We’ve got three tenants: elevate, amaze, and transform. We want our audiences to come in and leave transformed in their way of thinking, have experienced an elevated experience, and be amazed at what they’ve learned out of that. We like to tell the full story, getting at the crux of what the story is and not skimming across the top of it, which provides a lot of great opportunities to find new stories, find new voices, and tell the stories of people who existed but haven’t had their voices elevated in the vernacular. We hope our audiences realize history and stories are complex and interconnected–it’s not just what was presented in history books or through movies. There are so many opportunities for stories that exist if you dig deeper.
What’s next for Solid Light?
The Dot Experience will open in 2026 with a national and international presence, telling the stories of individuals who are blind or deaf through their voice and highlighting how they accommodate and adapt in a world designed without accessibility in mind. The Dot Experience hopes to be the most accessible museum in the world–from new ways to experience artifacts outside of the glass, all the way to the maps and orientation tools that help visitors navigate the space. It has such a great message about humanity: Accepting and meeting people where they are and being accessible to everyone. We’re proud of the work we’re doing and the way The American Printing House for the Blind is challenging us to work and think differently.
By Dr. Randy Whetstone, Jr. • Photos Provided
The Black Male EDquity Network (BMEN) came into formation in the spring of 2020. They were a combination of Black men with doctoral degrees and doctoral students. The George Floyd tragedy had just transpired in Minneapolis, MN and social unrest descended upon the United States. Sitting and contemplating the doctoral journey and realizing how lonely the journey can be for Black men, Dr. Douglas Craddock, Jr., Vice President for Community Engagement at the University of Louisville, brought five brothers together in an effort to build support, engagement, and a network of Black men getting their terminal degrees. Those men were Dr. Craddock, Dr. Malcolm Muhammad, Jerron Jones, PhD Candidate, Devonte Carson, EdD student, and me, Dr. Whetstone.
“As an African American doctoral student and faculty member, I observed a significant lack of representation in classrooms and on campuses at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). This observation sparked the idea to create a supportive community to address these disparities. Recognizing that community yields better results than individuality, I shared this vision with a dedicated group of
colleagues and supporters,” says Dr. Craddock. “This collaboration resulted in the founding of the Black Male EDquity Network (BMEN) in the spring of 2020. BMEN’s mission is to address and dismantle systemic barriers faced by Black males in education. The organization aims to create equitable opportunities and foster a supportive community for academic and professional success.”
Since then, these men have expanded the network in the Louisville area, region, and states in the south and west coast. Notable national conferences such as the Engaged Scholarship Consortium (ESC), National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE), and the Coalition for Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) have been presentation platforms and BMEN has had the privilege of being the recipients of local grants to serve the Shawnee community.
The men also discussed the need of building a pipeline in K-12 to undergird the success of boys, regardless of race. In three years, 20+ schools have been partners in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), serving close to 500 students in an innovative academic in-school program that includes elementary, middle, and high school students, co-authored (US copyright curriculum) and facilitated by Jonathan Tyes, MD Candidate at the University of Louisville and Jerron Jones, PhD Candidate.
To advance its educational prowess, BMEN has launched its first season of its podcast entitled: Black Male EDquity Network® Podcast.
This is a conversation where you hear from doctors and professionals who have a vast amount of experience and expertise in the fields of education, medicine, law, philosophy, theology, government, human relations, business, and so much more. BMEN seeks to eliminate educational inequities that exist by cultivating Black scholarship that will actively transform communities. The podcast includes everything you want to hear from relationships, the doctoral journey, gender in today’s society, entertainment, music, travel, movies, and the list goes on.
“BMEN transformed my entire doctoral program experience. These guys became my brothers, and they get a ton of credit for getting me to the PhD finish line and putting me in the position I’m in today. I was excited and honored to participate in the podcast because I hope that we can expand our reach and continue to have that same impact on others,” Dr. Muhammad says.
The podcast is streaming on all major media platforms:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Amazon Music
iHeartRadio
Pandora Deezer
Podcast Index
Listen Notes
For more information about BMEN, check out the following sites:
Website: www.blackedquity.com
Instagram: blackedquity
X: BlackEDquity
YouTube: www.youtube.com/blackedquity
FOR KENTUCKY’S ONLY INDEPENDENT ART COLLEGE
By Kevin Murphy Wilson • Photos By Marty King
Just before the new year, and after a rather long and eventful journey, Kentucky College of Art + Design (KyCAD) learned that it had been granted institutional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). According to KyCAD President Moira Scott Payne, that announcement capped off an unprecedented period of growth and transformation for the Old Louisville-based school which recently increased its student population, received significant funding from both the City and State Governments, and added two new pathways within its interdisciplinary BFA program structure: one in Experimental Fashion + Performance, the other in Digital Fabrication. This major accomplishment was also notable for other reasons, Payne said, including the fact that it had been nearly 30 years since any new college of art and design in the U.S. successfully navigated the rigorous demands of achieving institutional accreditation. We talked to President Payne about her own studies and the space that now exists in arts higher education for a new spirit of possibility.
VT: What can you tell us about your own background and education?
MSP: “My childhood was filled with change. New challenges, new countries, new perspectives, new people. My parents were intrepid explorers, entrepreneurial to the core. They left Scotland for India as teenagers. I was born in India on a tea plantation and was sent to a missionary boarding school in the Nilgiri hills in South India at the early age of five. From there we moved back to the United Kingdom to the remote Outer Hebrides islands off the Northwest of Scotland where I was plunged into the moody darkness of the Northern hemisphere. There I was immersed in the beauty of my mother’s home landscape, culture and language. As the other children learned English I learned to read Gaelic. Many moves throughout Scotland and the north of England carried me through 9 different schools. When I finally landed in Glasgow School of Art, the blissful five years I spent there as I completed undergraduate and postgraduate study, represented the longest I had ever stayed or studied in one place. Glasgow School of Art is an internationally renowned leader in the field of arts education. This college experience brought a new understanding of the world to me. I studied Drawing and Painting in the famous Mackintosh Building. The studio practices, libraries, museums, culture, film, music. My world was blown open and I would never be the same. I think this transformation created my deep understanding of the power of both education and the arts to shape a life experience.”
VT: You joined KyCAD at a critical point in its evolution. What was appealing about the challenge of steering this fledgling institution towards its ultimate mission of being a fully independent and accredited art college here in Kentucky?
MSP: “I came to the U.S. in search of the American Avant Garde…innovation and education, an interdisciplinary approach to arts and learning, and the development of the linguistics of practice at the intersections of multiple areas of knowledge. I was ready to take on a leadership role and became the Provost of Cornish College of Art in Seattle. Cornish is a college with an important place in the history of experimental approaches to art practice and education. It was not, however, until I came to the city of Louisville that I found the open collaborative energy that would sustain the building of new ideas around a contemporary arts education. A group of people: artists, musicians, curators, faculty, staff, donors, city leaders, were promoting the building of a new college of art and design and I knew that I probably had the combination of structural experiences that might support the realization of their vision. I was ready for the challenge.”
VT: This seems like it must have been a tedious, nearly impossible task. What did the process look like?
MSP: “Yes, it was nearly an impossible task! However, it was never tedious. Courage, humor, energy, and resilience were all needed all of the time. Everyone involved has continued to develop their own area of expertise, and the perfect team has evolved, learned and grown in response to the goals. It has taken six years to achieve accreditation [as an independent entity] and now we will build on this success.”
VT: Outside of your internal faculty, staff and leadership team, who were some of the key supporters that helped you get there?
MSP: “SACSCOC was a steady resource. Dr. Belle Wheelan, Dr. Anne Chard and Dr. Crystal Baird provided us with the guidance and encouragement we needed all the way. They supported us forward as we tackled uncharted territories. The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, led by Dr. Aaron Thompson and Travis Powell, maintained a firm oversight of all our operations as they expanded and developed over the last six years. The Gheens Foundation and multiple members of the wonderful Brown Family stood by us with steady support. The Rounsavall Foundation and other local donors consistently came behind the college. Our very committed Board of Trustees, led at various times by Todd Lowe, Fred Davis, and most recently John Birnsteel, have been an enormously positive source of enthusiasm, strength, resolve and advice. The Mayor and many City Council members, along with the Governor, Lt. Governor and a bipartisan group of State Legislators, have also come behind the college in an unbelievably prescient move.”
VT: Many folks remember when this project first emerged from the basement of 21c Museum Hotel and then landed for a time at Spalding University. How would you describe the Kentucky College of Art + Design in its present form?
MSP: “Solid, organized, with a generous and positive culture. KyCAD remains ready for growth and change. It is flexible and responsive, a fine example of a brand-new small college. Everyone working in KyCAD has embraced change, risk and is excited for the future of the college.”
VT: What comes next for the school?
MSP: “We are now carefully thinking about what kind of college of art and design Kentucky needs. The context within which we work is important to consider. How can we bring value and inspiration to the Commonwealth? How can we build the very best future-focused college? AI and VR and emerging digital technologies are creating a workplace ready for the creative thinker and the problem solver. The world is changing so fast that the usual career pathways are not enough. Students need adaptable skills and the ability to apply their practice to many challenges. Only about 1% of our graduates will go on to be [conventional] artists, the others will take everything they have learned into many new fields.”
For more information, visit kycad.org.
LOCAL COUPLES SHARE THEIR LOVE STORIES
Love is everywhere in Louisville—This month, we’re sharing some of our favorite local love stories, straight from the couples who’ve lived them. From sweet beginnings to decades of partnership, they’re spilling the secrets to lasting love, a little bit of romance, and a whole lot of laughter.
REBECCA & JOHN Y BROWN III
“When I was 23 and Rebecca was 20, we met at a Derby party in Lexington. A friend introduced us, and we hit it off instantly. I kept looking for an opportunity to ask Rebecca out on a date, but she was always with the group of friends she came with. Eventually, the group decided it was time to leave, and I looked wistfully at Rebecca as she waved goodbye and walked toward their car.
I was upset with myself for not having the courage to just ask her out and Rebecca sensed that. She told her friends she left her umbrella behind and needed to go back to get it. As I saw Rebecca walk back into the party, I ran up to her and asked for her number. Our first date was a few days later and that was 38 years ago.
But here’s the thing: There was never an umbrella. Rebecca made up the excuse to give me one more chance. Thirty-eight years later I’m still grateful for imaginary umbrellas.”
RACHEL PETTY & BETHAN KANNAPELL
“A singer joined the Va Va Vixens where she met an aerialist. They fell in love, stayed in love through two years of living 900 miles apart, started doing aerials together, got married after dating for four years (gay marriage having recently been legalized), and have now been in love for over 10 years.
The secret to an amazing relationship is to do aerials together. Just kidding! (But it helps!) Really, the secret is to grow together. Grow through shared challenges and shared joy. Aerials are not the only way to do that!”
SHELDON & MIKE TOMES
“In the early 2000s, Myspace was the digital hub of social life before Facebook and Instagram took over. In 2008, as Facebook grew, I was about to leave Myspace behind—until this guy, Sheldon, from Cynthiana, KY, messaged me asking for recommendations in Louisville. Though we had no mutual friends, I entertained his message, and soon we were texting and having long, late-night calls. These calls became a comforting escape as my father was in the final stages of brain cancer.
After months of talking, we met in person, and after a wild first date, I quickly asked him to be my boyfriend—my first. He moved in with my family under the guise of needing a place to stay, but he became my rock during my father’s passing just four months later. I felt like he was sent to me at the exact right time. In the following months, we moved into our first home, came out to our families, and faced grief together, losing both of our fathers—his father to pneumonia and my father to cancer. Then, in 2014, we were heartbroken again when his mother died in a terrible car accident.
From heartbreak came celebration: in 2015, Sheldon proposed in Paris, and we married in 2016 at The Louisville Palace, despite the lack of support from much of my family. In 2017, I lost my mother to a stroke, and though it was heartbreaking, Sheldon and I grew even closer, taking turns supporting each other through the loss of both of our parents before the age of 30. Through it all, our love only deepened. Looking back, I see how our bond has been strengthened by every challenge, and I know we are stronger together than apart.”
KAITI VENABLE & LUIS TORRES
Luis and Kaiti’s love story started the modern way—on a dating app—but it didn’t take long for it to feel like fate. Their first date, a simple dinner and drinks, turned into hours of nonstop conversation, the kind where you completely lose track of time. It felt easy, natural, like they had known each other forever. Four years later, that same spark is still going strong, proving that sometimes, a swipe right can lead to something truly special.
“Our advice would be to communicate often and ask all the important questions early on. Be your authentic self. Meeting a stranger for the first time can be very scary, but trust your intuition and most importantly, have fun.”
LEAH & LEELAND HALLET
“We met in college at UofL. Many of our friends credit themselves with introducing us, but it was actually Leeland who introduced himself to me after he found out we played the same card game. We dated for 6 years before getting married in 2018 at the Palace Theatre. Now we’re navigating a small business, saving up to buy a house, and making plans to check off bucket list items while we’re still young!
Always remember you are a team. It’s never one vs the other, but the two of you vs the problem.”
BRENNAN & CORINNE BUTCHER PERRY
Brennan and Corinne first crossed paths in high school at Louisville Male HS, introduced through mutual friends. Though they didn’t know each other well at the time, Brennan took a chance and asked Corinne to prom, both viewing it as a fun opportunity to connect as friends. However, life had other plans—when COVID struck, prom was canceled, but in an unexpected twist, the two ended up growing closer. What started as a simple friendship soon turned into something much more as they truly hit it off.
“Our best love advice for anyone is to have fun, grow together, and just be yourself. We love each other because we can be goofy and laugh, especially when times are tough. We get through challenges by laughing and taking things with a grain of salt. I always know that when I wake up, I’m going to laugh—if not all day, at least a couple of times.”
DEE DEE & JOHN TAYLOR
“At the time John and I met, it was a bit unusual. Now internet dating is completely normal. We actually matched on E-Harmony back in 2009. Chatted for a few weeks before we met, and we have been together ever since. I remember when he told me about his seizures. I remember thinking to myself, what kind of person would I be if I didn’t want to date him anymore? It’s not like he can control them. But a wonderful thing happened because of his seizures, we ended up creating a business based on his knowledge and use of once-illegal cannabis oil, or CBD oil as it is more commonly known now. He started making oil and I started educating and selling his products. It has been an incredible journey with lots of ups and downs, but one thing has remained, we are in it together and we are always supportive of each other’s businesses.
If we can pass along any advice to other couples out there it would be that it is so important to communicate with each other, laugh and try not to take life so seriously. We are all on this earth for a short time, love with all your heart and try to be a good person, to your spouse and to others. Give back when you can and take care of your community and those most important in your life. Even though John suffers from seizures, he has never let it stop him from chasing his dreams or rooting for me in my business endeavors. I think that kind of support and loyalty is heaven sent, and we are both grateful for our friendship and love. “
TOWERS
Nestled in the historic Old Louisville neighborhood, Treyton Oak Towers stands as a beacon of comfort, care, and culture for those seeking a vibrant retirement community. As one of only three Life Plan Communities (or CCRCs) in Louisville,, Treyton Oak Towers offers residents a seamless and customizable living experience. From independent living to skilled nursing care, every stage of life is supported under one roof, ensuring peace of mind for residents and their families.
Located at 211 West Oak Street, the twelve-story building is just steps away from Central Park, tree-lined historic homes and neighborhoods, and vibrant arts districts. This prime location provides easy access to an array of arts, events, and activities, all of which are central to the community’s philosophy.
A defining feature of life at Treyton Oak Towers is its connection to the arts. With a fine art studio on-site and hallways adorned with works by resident artists. Musical talent abounds, and residents can enjoy everything from casual piano performances to full-scale variety shows. As a pilot participant in the Fund for the Arts’ “Arts in Healthcare” initiative, Treyton Oak Towers is committed to fostering artistic enrichment. From sponsoring our city’s finest visual and performing arts organizations to hosting guest lectures and performances in the Oak Room, the community provides countless opportunities for cultural engagement for residents.
Beyond its vibrant lifestyle offerings, Treyton Oak Towers excels in providing top-tier care and support. As Kentucky’s first and longest-standing CCRC, the community is designed to evolve with its residents’ needs, offering easy transitions between care levels without the need to move. Programs like the Towers Program and Oak Branch Companions ensure that every individual receives personalized attention and affordable care.
The VOICE-TRIBUNE had the privilege of sitting down with residents at Treyton Oak Towers to hear their stories and testimonials firsthand. What we found was a lively and thriving community and a phenomenal staff that truly cares for and caters to residents and their individual needs.
DAVID & CLAUDIA RUNGE
David and Claudia Runge’s decision to move to Treyton Oak Towers was shaped by their desire to plan ahead and maintain an active lifestyle. After almost 53 years of marriage and a life spent in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood, they left behind their condo on Cherokee Road, a place they had loved for 20 years. Claudia explained, “David was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s two years ago. One of our sons said, ‘Mom, think about moving now while it’s easier for both of you. Waiting will only make it harder later.’ That really made us think, and we realized it was time.”
The Runges were drawn to Treyton Oak Towers because it provided them with security and peace of mind. “We weren’t willing to move somewhere where we’d be separated if one of us needed more care,” Claudia shared. “The idea of being in the same building no matter what happens was really important to us.” She also emphasized how their active lifestyle continues at Treyton Oak Towers, saying, “In good weather, we do pretty good long bicycle trips. We’ll do 20 miles, which is long for me, but not long for David—he’s always been an avid cyclist. It’s a good trip for me.”
For David, the people at Treyton Oak Towers have been one of the most rewarding aspects of their new home. “The people here are just so interesting,” he remarked. “Many have lived all over or taught at universities. It’s like getting a little education just by talking to them.” adding, “When we first moved in, we worried about how we’d get to know people. But the dining room manager seats you with different people, and now we’ve had meals with almost everyone here. It really gives you a sense of community.”
Although they missed the park and their old neighborhood, the couple has found new joys in Old Louisville. “We can hardly get a walk in because we’re always stopping to look at the architecture,” Claudia said with a smile. Reflecting on their decision, she said, “We look at each other sometimes and say, ‘We are so lucky to be here.’”
HANK & CONNIE WILLIAMS
Hank and Connie Williams were widowers who were introduced by friends on a blind date, the two instantly hit it off and have been married for 28 years. “We just moved here to Treyton Oak not too long ago, and we’re very happy,” Hank shared. After Hank moved into assisted living in late 2024 for health reasons, Connie made the decision to join him this year in an independent apartment. “It’s been a blessing for both of us,” she said.
Reflecting on their choice, Connie explained, “We had looked around a lot. The completeness of it appealed to us—the fact that all levels of care are in one building. That was key.” She added, “I’ve only been here about a month, but when the snow hit, it was like, wow, what good timing.” Hank agreed, noting, “They have everything that we were interested in. I’m very happy here.”
While living in separate areas of the community, they maintain a close connection. “We often meet for lunch or dinner,” Hank said. Connie described it as, “Just like we were in the same house at home, but in two different rooms—he’s watching football, and I’m watching Hallmark.” She also shared, “They really try to make this your home. There is a true kindness here, and that’s what I think separates it from other places.”
Connie offered advice for others considering a move: “Do your homework, make a list of the things that you feel you can’t live without. When you walk in the door, look for your first impression. Did you feel good about that? Take your time, do your due diligence.” She concluded, “It does take an adjustment, but you want to go to a place where you know you’re going to have fun.”
Hank and Connie also praised the variety of activities and amenities at Treyton Oak Towers, which cater to both individual and shared interests. “We can go listen to the Berlin Philharmonic every Monday evening,” Connie said. “And they bring cultural events like quartets or smaller performances to us on-site, which is a big plus.” She also highlighted the fitness options: “This morning, I went to yoga, and after lunch, I attended an aerobics class. Hank goes to a fitness class every morning. They’re even starting Tai Chi!” For Hank, the food has been a highlight: “The food is quite good. There’s a rotation on the menu, and I like desserts.”
The couple also appreciates the personalized attention and support from the staff. “They come around and check in the morning if by a certain hour they haven’t seen you out and about,” Connie shared. “It’s nice to have someone check on you and just to be thought of.” She noted the welcoming atmosphere from day one: “When we first started walking in the door, they’d greet us with, ‘Are you coming here to live?’ There’s a kindness here that’s different from other places, and it truly feels like a community.”
MARGARET YOUNG
For Margaret Young, choosing Treyton Oak Towers as her home was no accident. “I used to visit people in nursing homes and hospitals as part of the Pastoral Ministry at Southeast Christian Church, and of all the places I’d seen, Treyton Oak Towers was my favorite,” she shares. Nine years ago, at the age of 80, she made the move. “It’s been wonderful, and I’ve never regretted it.” The love she has for Treyton Oaks truly pours out of her, and she was very eager to share about it, offering a tour of the community greenhouse that has provided the gorgeous flower arrangements you see pictured behind her and throughout the property.
From the moment she arrived, Margaret knew she had found something special. “The security team here is incredible,” she recalls. “On my first day, Ray, an ex-Marine, greeted me. He said, ‘Mrs. Young, this is your home now. We’ll do everything we can to make you comfortable.’ And they’ve lived up to that promise ever since.” Today, Margaret plays an active role in welcoming new residents. “As chair of the welcome committee, I interview everyone who moves in, learn about their interests, and encourage them to get involved. There’s truly something for everyone here.”
The comprehensive care at Treyton Oak Towers provides peace of mind, something Margaret has experienced firsthand. “Five months ago, I fell and broke my hip,” she explains. “Security was in my apartment within five minutes, and after surgery, I came back to TOT’s healthcare floor for two weeks of recovery. Physical therapy was just downstairs on the fifth floor. Everything I needed was here—I didn’t have to leave the building. It’s a blessing to know you’re cared for no matter what happens.”
Beyond the exceptional care, the sense of community at Treyton Oak Towers is what truly makes it shine. “We have happy hour by the fireplace, movies, UofL basketball watch parties, and even Sunday worship in the chapel,” Margaret says. “Your needs are met here, whether it’s healthcare, companionship, or just a place to call home. This isn’t just a residence—it’s a community where you can thrive.”
MARGARET YOUNG
By Manda Barger • Photos Provided
Retirement is often synonymous with relaxation, travel, and reaping in the benefits of decades of hard work. As time marches on, it can also bring a search for community. Wes Krupiczewicz of Louisville found that meant going back to his roots and becoming a volunteer.
When Krupiczewicz retired from his career in chemical engineering, he fulfilled his initial plans- enjoyed time with family, traveled, etc. He then considered what’s next. Gardening had always been a part of his life since he grew up on a farm in Michigan. He also enjoyed the outdoors while visiting Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. He told me, “After I retired, I knew I needed to continue that passion, so I called Yew Dell and said ‘hey, I want to volunteer.’”
It didn’t take long for Krupiczewicz to see that volunteering did more than exercise his green thumb, it revealed a community. He said, “one of the things that happens after you retire from work, you lose a significant social community. When the work disappears, a lot of those friendships drift apart quickly. So, you need to establish relationships with people that are interested in doing what you’re doing.”
This is a similar story for many of Yew Dell’s “core” volunteers- people who dedicate their time on a weekly or monthly basis in the gardens. The majority of this group is made of older adults giving back while also receiving so much in return. Multiple sources from Johns Hopkins University to AARP credit volunteering for improving physical health and brain function while reducing depression and isolation. Amanda Allred is the Volunteer and Website Coordinator at Yew Dell and sees how all the stakeholders benefit from volunteering. She adds, “Volunteers offer so much more than manual labor; they bring curiosity, expertise, friendships, dedication, and joviality to every shift.”
Volunteering offers a great way for older adults to get active, continue their purpose, and discover new friendships. As Krupiczewicz describes, “when I’m working in my yard, I’m alone- other than with the bugs and birds and weeds. When I’m volunteering out at Yew Dell, I’ve got people around me that I can chit chat with and share experiences and share the garden with.”
Krupiczewicz uses his skills to volunteer in various roles at Yew Dell- from weeding to giving tours. Organizations like Yew Dell often offer a variety volunteer options. Allred also participates in the Kentuckiana Association for Volunteer Admin
istration (KAVA), a network of volunteer administrators in the region. She says, “Most every nonprofit organization has ways to get involved that may not be apparent on the surface. At Yew Dell, that may mean stuffing envelopes, assembling signs, leading tours, serving on committees, or bringing magic to the Fairy Forest. If an organization’s mission speaks to you, but you don’t see an obvious way to get involved- ask! You may be surprised at the doors that open.”
Krupiczewicz adds there is one last benefit to volunteering in the gardens- seeing Yew Dell’s growth throughout the years. He adds, “To me, gardening is not a short term, one year commitment. It’s a life-long obsession. So, I like seeing all the changes that are happening in the gardens.”
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens will resume its regular season for volunteers in March. You can learn more but visiting: yewdellgardens.org/volunteer
RICHARD AND ANGIE SCHULTZ’S GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos Provided
Fifty years ago, Richard and Angie embarked on a journey that began with a blind date and grew into a lifetime of love, laughter, and teamwork. “My good friend fixed us up on a blind date during our sophomore year of college,” Angie recalls. “I knew he was the one the moment I saw him—so cute!”
Their relationship blossomed quickly, but their engagement story remains a favorite for its humor and charm. Angie, a flight attendant, had just returned from a tiring trip when Richard, after five years of dating, surprised her with a proposal. “He asked me to marry him on the sofa while we were watching TV,” Angie laughs. “He had to ask three times, and he didn’t even ask my dad for my hand. I always joke that he got an F- on our proposal!”
Over the years, Richard and Angie have built a life full of memorable moments. Their most unforgettable Valentine’s Day? February 14, 1981, when their eldest son was born. “It was the perfect Valentine’s gift,” Angie says.
So, what’s their secret to 50 years of marriage? “Making yourself happy,” Angie emphasizes. “Marriage is teamwork and having no expectations.” Richard and Angie credit their enduring bond to staying present, listening better, and being in the moment. “Richard leaves me notes every morning before he leaves, always with a smiley face,” Angie shares.
When asked for advice for younger couples, Angie offers wisdom that has guided their relationship: “Understand your partner’s needs, but also understand that only you can make you happy.”
“We’ve made it to 50 years, and we’re still going strong,” she says.
As they look to the future, their goals are simple, “Peace, love, and happiness.”
We wish Angie and Richard a very happy 50th wedding anniversary, cheers to many more to come!
You’ve been there for every moment— cozy nights in, hosting festive celebrations, and helping make everyday memories. But let’s be honest, we’ve both changed over time. Maybe you’re feeling a little outdated, or maybe I’m dreaming of a space that feels more like me. This Valentine’s Day, let’s rediscover what makes us work. With a little love and fresh touches, we can bring back the spark that we once had! To my Home
Lisa Frye
VA VA FEVER HEATS UP ART SANCTUARY THIS FEBRUARY
By Alisha Proffitt • Photos by Matt Johnson
Va Va FeVer, the 42nd production by Va Va Vixens will be heating up Art Sanctuary this February. Va Va FeVer is one of three uniquely themed large-scale shows they bring to the stage annually in February, June, and October. The team at the VOICE-TRIBUNE was lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at what to expect this year, as well as a look at everything it takes to put together the fabulously unique variety show that has captured the hearts of Louisvillian’s for 16 years.
True to its name, Art Sanctuary is a 501(c)3 non-profit community-oriented arts collective supporting local visual, literary and performing arts now celebrating its 20th year of uplifting artists, including Va Va Vixens, which was birthed out of Art Sanctuary in 2009. “Va Va Vixens evolved after a group of women approached me about renting Art Sanctuary for a burlesque event.” says Lisa Frye, Co-Founder of Art Sanctuary, “I thought it would be just the most amount of fun possible on the planet.”
Lisa now produces the show and manages the massive crew that makes the magic happen. “We all love it so much and we all have contributed and created to this incredible creative group together,” says Lisa. “For the people involved, this has been life changing. This collaboration that we have has helped us find ourselves, in a way. It has empowered our sexuality, our creative energy and certainly strengthened us as people. I know that it has changed so many lives. So, that’s what I’m in it for.
It’s just an amazing creative experience.”
This sentiment quickly became a theme as I spoke with the performers and crew, many of whom were inspired to join the team after experiencing a show from the audience. “I was invited to a burlesque show; it was the Va Va Vixens. And I went and I was like, holy moly, like these women are so confident in what they’re doing and they all have this energy about them that just radiates goddess energy and I was like, I need this.” says aerialist and choreographer Queerella, who has been with the Vixens now for over 10 years, “So I just started volunteering because I just wanted to be around it but in doing that I couldn’t step away. I just kept trying to weasel my little way in. Yeah, this group is radiant and confident, and it is kind of contagious.”
It’s easy to understand how so many fans of the Vixens are able to see a little bit of themselves in the show. In the true spirit of a variety show, Va Va Vixens offers a lot of just that, variety. “We’re a diverse group of people. We have 18-year-olds, 70-and-80-year-olds, all shapes and sizes, and it’s just freaking cool.” says Queerella, “In a space like this where you see literally all kinds of people, colors, shapes, sizes, with different quirks and different interests, it really does leave it open for an environment where everything is welcome, and everything is celebrated. Our audience members come in sometimes wearing burlesque clothes themselves. They look like they could be on stage. So, it’s just really cool to see how we bring such an interest.”
The performances themselves are just as diverse. At a Va Va Vixens show you can expect to see a little bit of everything– song, dance, comedy, camp, and everything in between. “There are lots of surprises. The costumes are phenomenal. We have a lot of things that we haven’t even tried before that we’re trying this time, so we’re just really excited about it.” says Lisa.
“Our biggest costumer is Carrie. Her name’s Lola Dee Licious.” shared Beatrix B Naughty, who has been with the Vixens since the beginning and was in their very first show as a bunny. “Her and her mom, they own Good Girl Corsets, and they make corsets. They make full-length costumes. They’ve made a possum costume, which is amazing. A chocolate croissant. Artists from around will hire them to make insane costumes and they will make it. They can make anything. They’re amazing.”
“It’s a variety show, right? It’s not only striptease, it’s not only dancing, it’s not only people flying through the sky. It’s got a whole slew of things,” says Venus Pearle, performer with the Vixens for 11 years and owner of Pearle School of Burlesque, “What I really love is the fact that normally, most of us would not have ever met or even considered being friends because we’re all in different little subgenres of communities around. You bring together a bunch of very different individuals that put on a show together so that the show usually represents that same variety too. So, there’s so many different things that happen, different styles and there’s always something for somebody because we are all so different ourselves.”
The common denominator seems to be a love of self-expression and a passion for entertaining.
“I grew up dancing pretty much all of my life, I’m a classically trained ballet dancer.” says Salem VytchTryells, “When you hear the audience going up it just, it’s caffeine right into the freaking veins like every time for me.” The symbiotic relationship between performer and audience brings with it a magical element that can turn even the shyest of folks into full blown extroverts. “Coming from somebody who’s an extreme introvert– It’s amazing to see. There’re a couple of us here who are actually very much like such little introverts, and then you would never guess that once we’re on stage.” she explains.
“It’s fun. I never thought that I would get up on the stage and strip down to one piece and pasties in front of my parents. You know what I mean? Like cross that off the bucket list. But I did it and it’s like, oh, I survived to tell you about it. None of us were mortified.” laughed Kara Luanne, who got her start with the Vixens as a guest performer and quickly fell in love with the group. “Like I said, it’s a very empowering thing to do where it’s like, this is my body and if you feel uncomfortable with it, then that’s your problem, not mine.”
There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to put together a Va Va Vixens show, and Stage Manager Kat and her stage crew Cynthia and Lacy have been hard at work making sure everything is safe and ready to go for the upcoming Va Va Fever performances. “My assistant stage manager is also me and I call them Safety Kat.” Kat joked, “I went from door and security and front of house manager and now stage manager. And then I got all of the safety certifications that I needed to make sure these kids are safe. We have all the same worries of a major musical production and a circus simultaneously and I’ve got to make sure that we can take care of you know, these kids are premier athletes is what they are.”
“Unlike other stage crews that just do theater, we get to look cute when we do it. We get to dress up with the theme and play around and have fun with everybody” says Cynthia.
“I came to my first show and just like fell in love with how safe of a space it felt and like how you can see how much fun they are having. and I just remember walking away thinking I want to be a part of that” shared Lacee. This team’s work ensures that the show is not only a safe place emotionally, but physically as well, and there is a long checklist of tasks that need to be accomplished in order to do so.
Everyone on the stage crew is neurodivergent, this is their superpower. Together they work as a well-oiled machine to take the creative visions of the performers and set the stage for those visions to come to life. “I love it when they bring the impossible things and then we work together, and we make the impossible happen and it just blows people’s minds every time. They ramp it up, every show is better than the last, every show has more impossible things than the last and I love that. I have the best stage crew. When I can’t do the impossible, they do it for me.” says Kat.
So, what can you expect at the upcoming show? “Expect everything. Expect to be excited. Expect to be dazzled. Expect to maybe be a little uncomfortable at times. Expect to lose your voice because you might hoot and holler. Expect to see a little bit of everything.” says Queerella,”“I feel like the Vixens are a really wonderful way to find the window to get back into yourself, if that makes any sense. It opens doors that you didn’t know were closed.”
What you’re guaranteed to get is something beautiful, and unapologetically human.
Queerella
Dark Genie & Alexandria Nicole
Cooter Brown
Salem VytchTryells
Jet Piston
Kara Luanne
Lany StarDust
Kat, Cynthia, Lacee
WITH ROMANCE NOVELIST DE DE COX
By VOICE-TRIBUNE
Matt Johnson (Photos) • Scooter Minyard (Stylist/Makeup Artist) • The Crowne Plaza (Location Venue) • Donetta Bennett Harned (Tan)
Few authors capture the nuances of love and human connection as vividly as de de Cox, whose romance novels explore deep into the struggles of relationships, and the strength found in vulnerability. The Kentucky native, with her undeniable storytelling prowess, has crafted a literary career that mirrors her own journey—one rich in resilience, devotion, and a deep-rooted faith in the power of love.
Born and raised in Deatsville, Kentucky, de de’s early life was shaped by values instilled by her family, especially her grandmother. Acts 20:35, which underscores the blessings of giving, became a cornerstone of her worldview, influencing not only her personal life but also the themes interwoven in her books. “My grandma never turned anyone away,” de de recalls, describing how her grandmother delivered food and handmade gifts to those in need. “She always reminded me of the 3Cs—kindness, caring, and compassion—and yes, she knew kindness doesn’t begin with a ‘C,’ but she said it would capture my attention— and it did.”
De de’s books echo these foundational principles. Her first bestseller, Stolen Roses quickly climbed charts. This success was soon followed by her first international bestseller, A Bridled Affair, featuring her trusted stylist and creative partner, Scooter Minyard, as the cover model. Scooter, who de de fondly calls “fluffin phenomenal,” plays a pivotal role in her career, handling not only her styling and branding but also helping her bring her creative visions to life. Alongside Scooter, de de’s son and cover model Isaiah Bo Cox and videographer Austin Ozier form her dream team and her love and appreciation for the trio is nothing short of heartwarming.
de de’s novels explore all of life’s twists and turns, often drawing inspiration from her own experiences. From her elopement at dawn with her bestfriend from junior high to high school Scott Cox (now her husband of 40 years) to the challenges of raising a family later in life, her narratives reflect the complexity and beauty of relationships. Three of her books—The Perfect Chrystmas, Stolen Roses, and Just Claus—have been optioned for screenplays, bringing her stories to an even broader audience. “I write what you whisper in the dark,” de de often says, capturing the intimate, unspoken desires that fuel her writing.
Her journey into writing wasn’t immediate. After years of balancing family life, community service, and a career, she rediscovered a manuscript she had written decades earlier. This discovery reignited her passion for storytelling, and by the age of 56, she published her first romance novel. Her writing reflects her belief in love’s evolving nature, a lesson passed down from her grandmother: “There will be days you don’t like him or even love him, but always respect him,” her grandmother had said, a sentiment de de weaves into her tales of happily-ever-afters that require hard work and dedication.
Beyond her literary achievements, de de is deeply committed to her community. She has served on numerous nonprofit boards, co-directed pageants, and championed causes close to her heart, often working to instill public speaking and leadership skills in young volunteers. Through her advocacy, she reminds others of the importance of giving back, living by her National Pagent Director, Dianne Turner’s mantra that “it’s more than just about the crown—it’s about the servant’s heart.”
de de’s life is one of storytelling—both on and off the page. Her books, rich with emotion and grounded in personal truths, continue to captivate readers worldwide, while her dedication to kindness and community leaves an indelible mark. Whether through her novels, her volunteer work, or her family life, de de Cox embodies a love story of her own—a journey of faith and a commitment to leaving the world a little brighter.
As she prepares for the release of her upcoming novel and continues to explore new opportunities, including the possibility of Hallmark adaptations, de de remains steadfast in her mission: to share stories that uplift, inspire, and remind us all of the beauty in life’s whispers. With her signature blend of charm, authenticity, and heartfelt narratives, she invites us to believe in the power of love—and to embrace its complexities with open hearts.
First Dream Called Ocean Model: Leah Cultice
Makeup: Galvin Mason Hair: Laura Vega
By Antonio Pantoja
Gene Wilder’s rendition of “Pure Imagination” as Willy Wonka invites us to reflect on a profound truth: life is shaped by how we perceive and engage with it. Wonka’s words suggest that paradise isn’t a distant, unattainable place but something we can uncover by shifting our perspective. The invitation to “look around and view it” is a reminder that beauty, wonder, and inspiration are often right in front of us, waiting to be noticed.
Imagination is not just for dreamers or children. It’s a force that fuels creativity, adaptation, and transformation. In a world that is constantly evolving, imagination empowers us to question the familiar, challenge stagnation, and envision better ways forward. Every groundbreaking idea, every meaningful change, begins as a spark in the mind—a willingness to see beyond the present and into the realm of possibility.
This perspective aligns beautifully with the principles of mindfulness. Like imagination, mindfulness asks us to slow down and embrace the present moment, to appreciate life’s simple, often overlooked gifts: the ability to breathe deeply, laugh with abandon, or marvel at the intricate patterns of a sunset. Mindfulness teaches us that paradise isn’t a faraway dream but a state of awareness—a practice of gratitude for what we already have and the potential for what could be.
Wonka’s message is freeing because it reminds us that we don’t need the latest technology or extravagant possessions to find joy or meaning. A book, a piece of music, or even a quiet moment staring out a window can ignite the mind and transport us to places of endless possibility. Our imagination, paired with a mindful appreciation of the present, has the power to transform the mundane into the extraordinary.
Ultimately, Wonka’s vision is a call to action: to see life as a canvas for creativity, to notice the beauty in the ordinary, and to embrace our innate ability to dream and shape the world. Paradise, it turns out, is not a destination but a perspective—a way of seeing, imagining, and appreciating life for the infinite wonder it holds.
If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Want to change the world?
There’s nothing to it.
ARTIST CHALLENGE:
Use your imagination to create something beautiful that most people might find mundane. Don’t focus on gear. It’s about the artist, not the brush. Eddie Van Halen could pick up my guitar and still be Eddie Van Halen. I still sound terrible. You can use your phone to shoot it! And tag me when you create it or reach out to me for help! @antoniopantoja
“Pure Imagination
If you want to view paradise
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Want to change the world?
There’s nothing to it”
- Gene Wilder, as Willy Wonka. “Pure Imagination.” Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Paramount, 1972.
The Crow Makeup: Matt Goodlett Model: Jess Coy
Contentment in Captivity
Assistant:
Model: Katya Estes
Model: Alexis Gibson
Hand model: Rachel White
Stylist: Frances Lewis
Hair: Michelle Villareal
Makeup and SFX: Matt Goodlett
Joey Goldsmith
Assistant: Justin Sinkler
Does it get any easier? No, but you get used to it:
Mia Bella Model: Mia Pantoja
Further Down the Spiral Makeup: Matt Goodlett Model: Justin Sinkler
Model: Echo Pantoja
Model: Cleo Heine
Makeup: Matt Goodlett
By Remy Sisk • Photos Provided
If visiting Actors Theatre of Louisville to check out “Dracula: A Feminist Revenge Fantasy” was on your Fall agenda the last couple years, then you may already be familiar with Lipica Shah’s work on stage. In the central role of Mina Harker, Shah has captivated audiences in this revitalized Spooky Season tradition, but her work spans beyond Louisville and indeed beyond theatre; in addition to her career as an actor, Shah is also a voice actor and audiobook narrator and co-founded the nonprofit 1497, which works to support and uplift creatives of South Asian descent, particularly within the American film and television industry.
Of South Asian descent herself, Shah is an Indiana native who now calls New York City her home but, for the last few years, has spent her Octobers in Louisville. She auditioned for “Dracula” during the pandemic and was cast as Mina Harker in 2022. And every year since, she has reprised the role.
“I’ve really come to enjoy being in Louisville,” Shah shares. “I found a lovely theatre community and a group of friends that I truly love working with and spending time with every year, and I’m very happy to go back.”
The arts community in Louisville is, of course, remarkably vibrant and varied, and Shah credits Actors Theatre leadership with their intentionally inclusive work as part of her positive experience here. “I think that Robert [Barry Fleming] and Emily [Tarquin] and Amelia [Acosta Powell] and the rest of the folks at Actors Theatre have done an incredible job,” she emphasizes. “I never had an opportunity to experience it before their tenure, but they have done this beautiful job at crafting a very welcoming and actually inclusive space. And I feel very at home at that theater, and being able to be there and work there and live there for two months has given me the opportunity to learn about the rest of the artist community in Louisville. And it’s just really wonderful and really supportive.”
Shah got her start in theatre by (on a dare) landing the role of the Witch in her high school’s production of “Into the Woods” and in that process, was enchanted by the experience of rehearsing; the collaboration, the preparation and the collectively piecing together of it all was what she fell in love with more than the actual performance in fact.
Originally planning to go to school for science, she opened her mind a bit to a more arts-focused trajectory, and after getting into the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, she, “had that moment of, ‘You know what, this is a really good school and if they’re saying yes to me, I feel like I should say yes back and explore this world.’”
Now, Shah is an experienced actor in myriad mediums with a particular love for new play development; however, a great deal of her passion additionally lives in advocacy work, so much so that she co-founded a nonprofit called 1497.
Shah notes that she has always been outspoken and likes to find solutions to the root causes of issues, perhaps because she is a lifetime Girl Scout. Her formal advocacy work began as a volunteer for the Asian American Performers Action Coalition (AAPAC), which she is now on the Steering Committee of, and which advocates for representation of Asian artists on and behind New York City stages. As a member of several affinity groups for Asian and South Asian artists, she soon started asking, “But how can we actually get to the next level? How can we increase this? How do we get our people into decision-making positions and how can we get people who are gatekeepers to see us and support us? Because it doesn’t actually matter how much we support each other if nobody in that gatekeeping position is willing to also see us right in terms of change. I was doing that work with AAPAC in NYC theater, and co-founded 1497 during the pandemic with two friends as a way to try to answer those questions for tv and film and build a bigger table for the community that we love and want to support.”
A highlight of 1497 is the annual Features Lab, a five-day intensive in-person retreat, and subsequent pitch day designed to develop and elevate screenplays by writers who further the mission of 1497 and provide mentorship and resources to activate their careers. Since its inception in 2020, the program has seen 12 mentees move through the Lab with tangible, net-positive results on their career sustainability and longevity.
Whether on the stage, in the rehearsal room or in the nonprofit world, Shah is always keeping advocacy and inclusion at the forefront. As she says, “My very existence on stage is a statement sometimes.” Her staying visible, staying present and showcasing what sort of talent lies in those of South Asian descent is certain to have long-lasting, substantial and influential impact in the arts industry.
Introducing the all-new Audi Q6 e-tron with an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles.
Audi Louisville
4730 Bowling Blvd. Louisville, KY 40207
Sales : (502) 894-3427 | audilouisville.com
By RUSS BROWN • Photos By Matt Johnson
ReviVILLE is in full swing in Louisville as we head down the stretch toward the all-important postseason tournaments in college basketball. At publication time, UofL was 15-5 overall, surpassing the total wins (12) in the last two seasons, on a nine-game winning streak, sitting in second place in the Atlantic Coast Conference and enjoying its first Top-25 ranking in four years at No. 21.
And among the most significant reasons that coach Pat Kelsey has been so successful in his first season is the play of his dynamic guard duo of Chucky Hepburn and Reyne (pronounced rain) Smith.
They are both valuable for different reasons. Hepburn, a transfer from Wisconsin, is the Cardinals’ starting point guard who runs the show, directing traffic on offense and harassing opposing players on defense. Smith, who followed Kelsey from College of Charleston, is the shooting guard and he takes those responsibilities seriously, launching -- and making -- a high volume of 3-pointers.
A strong case could be made that they are the best one-two punch among guard combinations in Division I. Let’s start with Smith.
At 6 feet, 2 inches tall and a solid 195 pounds he is considered an elite defender and team leader who started for Wisconsin from his first game as a freshman. In high school, he was a four-star recruit out of Omaha, Nebraska, and chose Wisconsin over Creighton, Minnesota and Nebraska. Hepburn started all 103 games during his three of his seasons with the Badgers, totaling 1,103 points, 313 assists and 162 steals before deciding to transfer.
He has been even better in Louisville’s up-tempo style of play that allows him to get out on the fast break and spot open teammates before the opposing defense has a chance to get set up in the half-court. And Kelsey’s scheme allows him more freedom on offense. At Wisconsin last season he had only three 20-point games; this year he already has four for U of L, including a career-high 32 against West Virginia in the Battle 4 Atlantis.
“Chucky is the straw that stirs our drink,” Kelsey says. “He’s one of the best point guards in the country; I don’t think there’s any question. He affects the game in so many ways. I wouldn’t trade him for anybody. He’s a special, special player.”
Hepburn showed just how special he is in a 98-73 rout of SMU on Jan. 21 in Dallas when he handed out a U of L school record 16 assists, one more than Francisco Garcia had against Murray State in 2004. Of the Cards’ first 50 first-half points, Hepburn was involved in 37 of them. He scored 13 points, and his nine assists led to 24 more points.
He also had five rebounds with just two turnovers in 38 minutes. On the season, he leads the ACC in assists with 6.4 per game and steals (49) and tops U of L in scoring at 15.1 points ppg.
Hepburn improved his season assists total to 127, and depending on how many games the Cards play in the ACC and NCAA Tournament, he could overtake single season recordholder and UofL Director of Player Development Peyton Siva, who had 228 during the Cards’ 40-game run to the 2013 national championship.
“I know my guys are constantly in the gym getting shots up, so I’m able to trust them when I find them on the court,” said Hepburn, whose previous career best was 10 assists in U of L’s 89-61 win over Indiana in the Battle 4 Atlantis. “I love playing with this team, man. We’ve come a long way, but we still have a lot of room to grow.”
Hepburn said Kelsey was one of the first coaches to call him when he entered the transfer portal at the end of last season.
“It was a very long conversation,” he said. “I loved the energy he brought. I love the type of guys he has recruited. They’re all about the right things. When you have a players’ coach like him and you bring the great type of guys he brought in, that’s something you want to go play for.”
Australian native Reyne Smith didn’t need any convincing after playing for Kelsey at College of Charleston for three seasons. C of C is a mid-level DI team, but Smith’s skills have transferred seamlessly to the high major level.
On the same night Hepburn got 16 assists, Smith hit 10-of-17 3-pointers for a game-high 30 points, joining Smith as a record-breaker. Kelsey calls their performances “magical.”
“When Reyne gets going, I see it in his eyes. The rim looks as big as the ocean to him,” Kelsey added. “I have seen it many times.”
On the season, Smith is averaging 14.5 points and shooting 41% from distance. All but 24 of his 215 field goal attempts have come from 3-point land.
Smith, who had hit 4-of-5 in the first half against SMU, missed three in a row late before ending his brief drought by drilling the record-breaker from the left corner with 1:17 remaining. That broke the standard of nine set by Taquan Dean against VMI on Dec. 13, 2003.
“I thought I had one a little earlier, but it kind of rimmed out,” Smith said. “But to see that 10th one go down was pretty nice. These guys are so selfless. They’re unbelievable dudes. They wanted me to get that 10th one. I just love this team.”
Smith said he was unfazed by his three misses before hitting the big one. He currently leads Division I in 3s made with 78, which is eight ahead of the next closest -- Davion Bailey of Incarnate Word and Avdi Basher Jr. of Monmouth. The most threes made by another player from a power conference is 69 by Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier.h
“All the work I put in, there’s no reason for me not to feel confident about my ability to shoot the ball,” he said. “I work way too hard to even think twice about my shot, and my teammates find me. Being able to see it fall and having my teammates find me, it’s always a good night.”
According to a post on X by OptaSTATS, U of L is the only DI program this century to have a player take 10 or more 3s and a player rack up 15 or more assists in the same game.
Smith is on pace to become U of L’s leader in made 3s in a season. He is averaging four per game and is guaranteed a minimum of 13 more games, counting the postseason. If he continues that production, he would finish with at least 130 and the record is 122 by Taquan Dean in 2005. He is currently tied for ninth with DeJuan Wheat (1996) and needs just three more to pass Donovan Mitchell’s 80 in 2007. Next in his sights would be Wheat’s 84 (1995) and Larry O’Bannon’s 85 (2005).
Hepburn, Smith and their teammates have Louisville on course to make the NCAA Tournament field for the first time since 2020. Going into February, UofL was No. 24 in the NET rankings, the primary tool the NCAA uses to select and seed the 68-team field. Highly respected ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi and three more of the main prognosticators all see the Cards as a No. 6 seed.
UofL is projected as the favorite to win the rest of its regular season games. After playing four of five games on the road during the first half of February, the Cards will play four of their last five in the KFC Yum! Center. The final 11 opponents have a combined record of 30-50.
“We’re about toughness,” Kelsey says of his players. “We’re about competitiveness. We’re about guys that put the team first. Our guys make people around them better. That’s a Louisville basketball player: basketball IQ, hoop dudes, guys that are passionate about their craft. We strive to have the No. 1 culture in the country. They’re going to do everything they can to represent this city in a first-class way.”
By RUSS BROWN • Photos By UofL Athletics
With eight freshmen and a transfer on the roster, Jeff Walz knew it would take his Louisville women’s basketball team awhile to mesh into a consistently effective unit, although he may have been wondering if the time frame he expected was too optimistic after a couple of blowouts within a week that he termed “absolute embarrassment.”
No one would disagree with that assessment. First, in the Women’s Champions Classic in Brooklyn, N.Y. vs. No. 2 Connecticut on Dec. 7 only one team looked like a champion, and it wasn’t U of L, as the Huskies blitzed the Cardinals 85-52 in prime time on national TV on Dec. 7. Eight days later, No. 22/20 NC State came close to matching that margin with a 72-42 shellacking in the KFC Yum! Center.
“That shouldn’t happen here,” Walz said.
After 11 games, U of L stood 6-5. In 18 seasons guiding the Cards, it marked only the third time they had compiled a record that bad after the same number of games. They have been 9-2 or better in 13 of 18 seasons. Louisville was ranked No. 17 in the AP preseason poll but had dropped out by week 6 and at this point wasn’t even receiving a single vote.
However, the Cards have shown signs of getting their act together, and with a schedule that ranks 17th in the nation, they’ll need to continue their progress. After the NC State debacle, they won seven straight before falling at Virginia Tech 70-65 Jan. 19 in the first of three consecutive road games.
“I’m pleased with where we’re at, but we’ve got to get better,” Walz said. “We look really good at times and then really bad at times.”
Against the Hokies, the Cards turned in one of those really bad performances, shooting a season-worst 11% from 3-point range and just 39% overall, while allowing the winners to shoot 53%. However, they got back on the right track by beating Virginia on the road, 68-65 to improve to 14-6 overall and 7-2 in the ACC, good for fourth place and just one game out of second.
Louisville women’s coach Jeff Walz, shown here during an interview with ESPN, is hoping the Cardinals can continue to overcome a slow start and finish the regular season strong as they try to reach 20 victories for the 15th consecutive year.
“We had some kids coming in as freshmen and our returners were having to accept more responsibility,” Walz said. “I probably scheduled overzealously, and we had games we were right there and should have won. And I think we learned more from those than the NC State loss when we just got our butt kicked. What we did learn was if we don’t shoot the ball well, you’ve still got to try and guard somebody. You can’t let your offense dictate your defense.”
They must have forgotten that lesson at Virginia Tech, which they can’t afford to do again with their upcoming challenges in February that includes five games against ranked teams -- home and away against No. 3 Notre Dame, along with No. 18 Cal, No. 14 North Carolina and No. 16 Duke. With the exception of the Hokies, all of Louisville’s losses have come against Top 25 teams, including No. 11 Kentucky (71-61 in overtime). Their only win against a ranked team is No. 13 Georgia Tech, 69-60.
“This is a league that, golly, if you look at the (NCAA) NET I think we’ve got 10 teams in the top 50,” Walz said. “We can’t look past anyone. It’s real and you’ve got to be competitive. There have been some unbelievable games in our league, and even teams that might have only one or two wins right now in conference play are playing teams really, really close. There’s nobody you can just walk on the court and say, hey it’s a win.”
U of L’s biggest weakness has been 3-point shooting. The Cards are next-to-last in the ACC at 29.5%, which Walz finds puzzling.
“One area I’m looking for us to improve is our 3-point shooting because we really do shoot the ball well in practice,” he said. “It has just not translated yet into games. We should be shooting the ball 35-36 percent from the three.”
A highlight for the Cards has been the play of freshman guard Tajianna Roberts. She made an impact in her first collegiate game with a game-high 21 points in the opener against UCLA -- which is unbeaten and ranked No. 1 -- to earn ACC Rookie of the Week honors and is the only freshman in the starting lineup. She has scored in double figures in a team-best 15 of 18 games, the most by any rookie in the league and leads the team with 13.0 points and 29 minutes per game.
“She’s doing exactly what we thought she could,” Walz said. “I’ve just been very, very impressed with her patience, how the game has come along to her, how she’s seeing the game. It’s one of the things when you come in as a freshman, sometimes it’s so much quicker and stronger. And for her, it plays out slowly.”
Roberts is one of four players averaging in double figures for Louisville’s balanced attack in conference games, with senior Jayda Curry at 11.8, junior Nyla Harris 10.6 and grad student Olivia Cochran 10.1. Ja’Leah Williams is close to 9.1.
U of L has a chance to finish the regular season strong, playing five of its last seven games at home. If that happens, those early lopsided losses will fade from memory.
Mackenly Randolph, a 6-0 forward from Los Angeles, is one of two freshmen in Louisville’s starting lineup and his contributing 4.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per outing. She is the daughter of former Michigan State and NBA star Zach Randolph.
By: Alison Cardoza • Photograhy by Matt Johnson • Sponsored
Working out with a partner or staying active alongside your love not only improves your love handles but sweating it out with each other naturally reduces stress and tension. Exercise naturally helps release physical and emotional stress that leave couples in greater harmony together.
Sarah and Steve Waterfill have been members at Baptist Milestone for quite some time. The positive energy they bring to Milestone is contagious, creating a motivating atmosphere. Their playful interaction with one another and other members ensures workouts are enjoyable for everyone, even on Monday mornings! Sarah joined Baptist Milestone in 2000 and Steve in 2001. They have been happily married for 42 years.
HOW
DO YOU TWO MAINTAIN AN ACTIVE AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE TOGETHER?
“We both like to hike, play golf, and generally be active. We both work out with trainers two days each week, different trainers,” says Steve. Steve also enjoys spin classes with Dean Brooks, our spin instructor at Baptist Milestone. “The facilities at Milestone are clean and the equipment is well maintained. I enjoy the comradery of regulars in the classes, and they motivate me to work harder. I have had to use physical therapy at Milestone, and they coordinate with my trainer, Heather Albro, so her work compliments the therapist.”
Sarah’s personal trainer, Kelsey Smith, enjoys challenging Sarah to keep her body healthy and her mind alert. “Staying active enhances life experiences when you exercise with a partner. Milestone is a very kind and caring community. We have made many wonderful friends,” Sarah expresses.
They both share the love of working out and staying active at Baptist Milestone. So can YOU! Join Milestone today and contribute to spreading love and positivity amongst yourself and others!
SHOW SOMEONE LOVE
Show a friend or family member that you care!
Instead of a handshake, go in for a hug. Hugging can burn up to 12 calories.
Kissing can burn anywhere from 3 to 26 calories.
Call a family member or a friend today on the phone. Laughing can burn anywhere from 10 to 40 calories.
Alison Cardoza, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone. BS Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a minor in Health Promotions from the University of Louisville. Former UofL ladybird and NFL Colts Cheerleader.
Mrin Shetty, M.D.
By: Mrin Shetty, M.D. • Photos Provided
Our focus is on encouraging everyone, including women, to adopt healthy-heart lifestyles and to inform them of signs and symptoms of heart-related issues. It is vital to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of heart disease, especially in women, as women may experience different symptoms compared to men. Heart disease is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in women, so it is important to raise awareness to help improve early detection and treatment.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S. It is important to know what the common risk factors, symptoms and treatments are, especially in women versus men.
RISK FACTORS
There are nonmodifiable risk factors that can’t be controlled, such as race, gender, age and family history. But there are many factors that can be controlled and changed to reduce risk factors for heart disease. Lifestyle factors include smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol use and air pollution. Medical factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and obesity.
SIGNS OF HEART DISEASE IN WOMEN
Although some women, particularly those with diabetes may not experience symptoms, some women may experience:
• Angina (dull or heavy chest discomfort or ache)
• Pain in the neck, jaw or throat
• Pain in the upper abdomen or back
• Nausea
WHY IS HEART HEALTH IGNORED?
• Vomiting
• Tiredness that won’t go away or feels excessive
• Sweating
• Sense of impending doom
Heart health is often ignored due to the misconception that it only affects the elderly and may lack visible symptoms. Limited health education and gender disparities in awareness may also be factors in ignoring heart health. Some women aren’t aware of how the symptoms vary between men and women, so they often get ignored or misdiagnosed.
HOW TO PREVENT AND REDUCE THE RISK OF DEVELOPING HEART DISEASES
It is always important to refer to the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential Eight that focuses on heart health:
1. Eat better
2. Be active
3. Quit tobacco
4. Get healthy sleep
WE CAN HELP AT UOFL HEALTH
5. Manage weight
6. Control cholesterol
7. Manage blood sugar
8. Manage blood pressure
UofL Health – Heart Hospital has a dedicated Women’s Heart Health Clinic where women can come in, share their symptoms in a safe and non-judgmental space and get the attention they deserve from physicians who have specialty training to diagnose and treat women-specific heart disease. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 502-587-4000 or visit UofLHealth.org. With more than 30 heart care locations, your heart is in the right place at UofL Health.
DEBUNKING MYTHS
Heart disease only occurs in older people. False. Heart disease can affect anyone at any age.
Heart disease is hereditary, so it cannot be prevented. False. Heart disease results from a mix of genetic and environmental risk factors. Depending on the person’s medical history, there can be ways to monitor your health or preventative measures to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
There’s no reason to stop smoking after doing so for a long period of time. False. Benefits of quitting smoking are immediate, so it is more beneficial to quit sooner rather than later, as smoking is a major cause of cardiovascular disease. Individuals who smoke can have their first heart attack 10 years before those who don’t smoke.
By RUSS BROWN • Photos by Matt Johnson
If you are driving or walking in downtown Louisville around noon any day of the week, you may notice a crowd of people gathered near the Cathedral of the Assumption at 433 South Fifth Street.
They are the homeless and working poor beneficiaries of the “Feed My Neighbor” program, a mammoth undertaking by the church with roots dating to the Depression days of the 1930s.
The organization’s mission statement reads: “The Feed My Neighbor program benefits the good work that takes place at the (Tommy) Sandefur Dining Room. Our goal is to care for our neighbors by serving up dignity one meal at a time.”
The number of needy the program serves is astonishing. According to Director of Worship Maggie Cyphers, who was the driving force behind formation of the modern version of the church’s outreach, the program feeds over 50,000 people each year, or an average of more than 150 per day at a cost of about $150,000 including all expenses such as utilities and maintenance for the dining room/ kitchen and security.
“For the first 20 days of the month, it’s all homeless people,” Cyphers said. “But as we get to the end of the month, we also cater to the working poor because they are people who have unexpected car repairs or medical expenses. Life happens and we don’t say no to anybody. We don’t care how well-dressed you are, you get a hot meal. We get men, women and children.”
Over 300 volunteers share in helping with the daily operation and businesses in Louisville chip in with donations of food, including Kroger, Paul’s Fruit Market, Garden Gate Fruit Market and Deli, Gallrein Farms, Sweet 16 Farm and Dare to Care. Twice monthly hot meals are delivered to serve from Derby City Gaming.
A typical lunch menu consists of a soup of the day and sandwich, along with salad and/or fruit, a cold or hot drink, depending on the season, and dessert. An old standby is a bologna sandwich, a nod toward the item that was served during the depression. On the second Sunday of every month, St. Albert The Great Catholic Church parishioners and youth group provide a cookout of hot dogs and hamburgers, rain or shine.
Special meals are provided during the holidays. Vincenzo’s provides Thanksgiving dinner, and their staff serves it. “On that day we have 200 to 250 people because word gets out that Vincenzo’s is going to be here,” Cyphers said.
In December, instead of a cookout St. Albert’s prepares an Italian dinner and, with an appearance of Santa Claus, provides a Christmas party for the homeless.
The person who makes all of this run smoothly is native Hawaiian Paul Tadatada, whose official title is Coordinator of Daily Lunch Program, or more informally, “kitchen manager.” Among his many duties, he is responsible for purchase of food and supplies, coordinating donations, scheduling volunteers, creating and using a budget, and working with the Louisville Health Dept. to maintain all food safety practices required in the codes.
He had very good training, having served as a district manager of Wendy’s Restaurants in Louisville. He made the switch six years ago, explaining that he was looking for a job with less stress and fewer hours.
My background with Wendy’s was very useful,” Tadatada said. “Skills such as budgeting, ordering, organization, food safety and food production are all needed in what I do today.
Tadatada, 64, is a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and became aware of the kitchen through his Fishermen bible study group. He replaced Steve Lee, who retired.
Tadatada said the position appealed to him because he is a member of Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal service order, and has long been a supporter of those in need. He said one of the homeless men especially struck a chord with him because he had known him as a member of the bible study years ago.
“After his mother died, he moved away from our area,” Tadatada explained. “During the intervening time, he got into a bad relationship, lost everything and became homeless. I and my fellow bible study men had no idea until he came to the soup kitchen to get food. This reconnection enabled us to help him, not only with daily meals and a bike to get around town. He was able to be independent and happy again, but who knows what would have happened if there weren’t places like ours available to help.”
The kitchen was financed with the help of church member Christy Brown, who convinced Brown and Williamson Tobacco CEO Tommy Sandefur to donate $1 million for construction of the kitchen in 2003.
Michelle Owings, an at-large member of the Parish Council and a volunteer in the kitchen, said the experience has been an eye-opener for her and her family.
“It has been an education for all of us,” she said. “I assumed, before I was involved in Let’s Dance, that our guests in Sandefur Dining Hall were all homeless. I couldn’t have been more wrong. There are so many reasons that people need a meal--some don’t earn enough to feed themselves from one paycheck to the next, some are between jobs, some are students who can’t afford food.
“I will never forget meeting a delightful professional lady who shared that at one point during college, she was living in her car, attending school, had no money for food and was a frequent guest at Sandefur. Her story still brings me to tears. I just can’t imagine trying to be successful at school, or life, on an empty stomach, and it was very gratifying learning that the Feed My Neighbor program helped her get through those tough times.”
Tadatada said he has noticed a disturbing trend in those taking advantage of the meals.
“I am concerned that the numbers have grown over the years,” he said. “This past year our numbers were greater than they were before Covid. We see more new faces every day, so it’s not only the same people coming to get help daily.”
The primary fund-raiser for the program is “Let’s Dance Louisville,” the brainchild of Syphers, who came up with the idea after months of hard work trying to develop a fund-raiser that would appeal to the church membership and didn’t involve any form of gambling. She came up with the idea of “Let’s Dance Louisville” because her favorite TV show was “Dancing with the Stars.”
What was to become the charitable arm of Sandefur was an immediate hit when it debuted in 2014 at the Seelbach Hotel, raising nearly $74,000. Since then it has averaged $142,500 per year, the bulk of Feed My Neighbor’s budget of $150,000.
For Let’s Dance, 12 people are invited to participate as celebrity dancers -- “they’re the ones that make the magic happen,” Cyphers said. They recruit their friends, family and co-workers to support them by buying tickets to vote for them. They are also asked to donate items for auction.
Following the first event at the Seelbach, Let’s Dance was moved to the Marriott to accommodate larger crowds. The 10th anniversary event (it wasn’t held in 2020-2021 due to the pandemic) will be held on June 15. Tickets are available at letsdancelouisville.org. To donate to Feed My Neighbor go to Feedmyneighbor.org.
THE BUTCHER BABE’S KITCHEN: A Q&A WITH LOREAL GAVIN
By VOICE-TRIBUNE • Photos By Matt Johnson
Meet Loreal Gavin, a Kentucky-based chef whose journey from a humble farming family to culinary stardom is as flavorful as the dishes she creates.
Loreal’s career has taken her from the stoves of Maui and New York to appearances on The Today Show and Food Network. Whether she’s crafting playful riffs on nostalgic classics or curating immersive dining experiences for events like the Kentucky Derby, Loreal’s approach to food is always guided by two key ingredients: love and salt.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to your passion for cooking.
“I grew up in a humble farming family household. There were always cast-iron pans on the stove and mason jars full of last season’s harvest. I can still hear the old wooden frame screen door and feel its worn handle under my hands. Right outside the farmhouse’s back door was a beautiful garden. Where my curiosity could run just as wild. Cooking has always been a part of telling that story. A way to fill your heart, your table and most importantly provide some much-needed comfort from this crazy world. I am 37 years old now and I would like to think all that still rings true. I have seen a steak dinner and a bottle of wine turn someone’s day around.
When you prepare a dish, you are telling a story. At an early age, I realized how much joy it brought me to weave these delicious tales. I am 37 years old now, time flies when you are having fun.”
How did you get your start in the industry?
“I kicked off my professional cooking career once I completed the culinary program at Sullivan University in 2009. Currently, I am based out of Louisville, Kentucky but I am blessed to have spent time cooking in a lot of eclectic places like Maui, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.
There have been so many roads in my career. It is a little daunting even for me to encapsulate them, but I’ll try to paint a picture for y’all. I have moments now when I look back and I’m like dang, “Was that really ten years ago, fifteen years ago?” I’m feeling old. Older. Seasoned. A lot more like my grandma’s cast-iron.”
...the two most important ingredients are LOVE and SALT.
- Loreal Gavin
What are some of your favorite highlights throughout your career?
“As far as highlights on my career go, I’ll touch on a few. I am a cookbook author for Page Street (Macmillian Publishing). The book is called ‘The Butcher Babe Cookbook’. I married a lot of old-school Southern sensibility with classical French nuances. I figured anyone who wanted to be more confident in the kitchen would have some good tools to do so. I stressed the importance of cooking with seasonality in mind (on that note what I would do for a perfectly ripe heirloom tomato right now). There are a lot of butchery basics in there as well. Lots of folks don’t even know how to break down a whole chicken. Perhaps it is because you don’t want to know how, but that’s between you and God. LOL. I think it’s important to have some basic skills and a sharp knife.
I’ve appeared on a few shows you’re probably familiar with like, The Today Show, Rachael Ray, The Hallmark Channel, Food Network, Cutthroat Kitchen, The Drew Barrymore Show and The Cooking Channel. I’ve even had the opportunity to Produce and host a series for CMT called ‘The Downtown Farmer’.
Life has been kind to me, and I always joke that I am not the best chef in the world, I just know how to shop for good ingredients, use salt properly and the power of being a nice person. The doors for opportunities I could have never imagined just opened at certain times, and I was brave enough to try my luck.”
What are your favorite ingredients to work with?
“As far as ingredients go, the two most important ingredients are LOVE and SALT. LOVE is a flavor you taste when someone is being intentional. SALT is the tool to open those flavors wide up for everyone to enjoy. Even sweet desserts benefit from a pinch of Salt.”
What have you been up to recently and what are you looking forward to?
“I am currently still wearing a few different hats. You can find me at Jeff Ruby’s as a FOH culinary entertainer and a culinary teacher for JCPS. Additionally, I entertain clients as a private chef here in Kentucky. I am looking forward to creating another iconic menu for the Kentucky Derby. There are folks who come from all over the world to enjoy what Kentucky has to offer. Most folks have no idea how diverse the bounty is during the growing season here in the blue grass state. I sketch out all my menus and print them on homemade paper as a part of their takeaway experience. Folks can reach out at loveandsaltkitchen. com to fill out an inquiry form and learn more about what delicious options I can provide.”
How would you describe your cooking style?
“I would describe my food as playful. I love to riff on old-school classics and nostalgic flavors. Sometimes you gotta zoom out to look at the big picture and imagine what your guests’ needs and wants could be. I love collaborating with local distillers and crafting cohesive culinary stories around that spirit or celebration. It’s time to have fun. If you’re looking for a dining experience that is unique and playful while also honoring blasts from the past, I am your chef. Cheers yawl.”
By Jackie Zykan
With over 20 years of experience in beverage alcohol, and a love affair with the natural world, I am delighted to share some of Kentucky’s finest distilled spirits alongside fresh, local, and seasonal botanicals.
Enjoying the wild bounty Kentucky has to offer can be a challenging feat in the heart of winter if you’re looking for freshly foraged ingredients. Luckily, there are various techniques to ensure our supply of local delicacies sustains us all winter long. Herbaceous elements can be dried and stored, and fresh fruits and vegetables can be harvested at the peak of ripeness and canned, turned into preserves, or frozen for later use. While I don’t recommend tossing a dollop of jelly into your shaker tin due to the clumpy texture you’ll end up with in your glass, I am a huge proponent of transforming fruit preserves into syrup to increase their versatility in the kitchen. Doing so gives you more ways to enjoy the delicious fruits of summer during these cold winter months, outside of just cocktail crafting. The method of rehydrating and heating preserves to create a syrup can be used on any fruit you’ve stored away. This month our focus is on the strawberry, for the health benefits, the symbolism, and of course the crimson color which adorns our Valentine’s day decor. A touch of jasmine in the featured recipe celebrates this month of love by leaning in to its natural aphrodisiac properties.
Featured Kentucky Flora: Fragaria virginiana (wild strawberry)
For the majority of the year, these darling little fruits pop up throughout the bluegrass state. They are noticeably smaller and with a denser covering of seeds than the common garden strawberry (available for purchase year round). They are nonetheless very much edible, albeit exceptionally more tart than their store bought counterparts. The strawberry we encounter at the grocery is Fragaria ananassa, or the garden strawberry, and is a hybrid of the wild strawberry and a chilean variety, Fragaria chiloensis. Despite the variances in sweetness and size, these members of the rose family punch above their weight as far as nutritional value. Loaded with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, these little beauties are a lovely resource for maintaining a healthy immune system. Symbolically, strawberries are associated with Venus, the goddess of love, and have been used in many traditions as a means of expressing affection. It is even suggested in some folklore that sharing one of the delightful berries with someone will make them fall in love with you.
Venutian Tea
2 oz Jasmine Tea, unsweetened
1.5 oz Old Forester 86 proof bourbon
1 oz Strawberry Preserve Syrup
2 Dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
3-4 Fresh Strawberry Slices
Directions for all variations: Combine ingredients in shaker tin with ice. Shake, pour entire contents into glass.
Strawberry Preserve Syrup
Yields approximately ⅓ cup
½ cup Strawberry Preserves
¼ cup Jasmine Tea, unsweetened
2 TBSP sugar
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes and remove from heat. Cool, then pour through a fine mesh strainer into a heat safe vessel. Store syrup in the refrigerator.
When Dry January turns into Dry February.
Every day, more and more folks are choosing to abstain from consuming alcohol for a multitude of reasons. The aforementioned cocktail recipe can easily be crafted into a non-alcoholic version by substituting the bourbon component with a non-alcoholic spirit. There are many available in the market but if you’d like to save the trial and error process, my recommendation is the Free Spirits brand (www.drinkfreespirits.com).
By Chris Morris • Photos by Matt Johnson
Language, how it is presented in writing or how it is spoken, is an interesting subject. Why do some people pronounce the same word differently? Take the place name “Versailles” for example. In Woodford County, Kentucky, the home of the Woodford Reserve Distillery, we locals pronounce it “Ver – sales.” It makes sense to me. It has two “L’s” in it. Outside of Paris, the one in France and not Bourbon County, Kentucky, the locals pronounce it “Ver – sigh.” Why? I have no idea; I am not a linguist. There are many examples of words and names like this. The whole how to pronounce “Louisville” question has become a marketing campaign with phonetically spelled options found on bumper stickers, posters and more. These are just two examples of a word being pronounced in a radically different way based on where the speaker is from. But what about a word that is pronounced the same by all but is spelled two different ways? This leads me to a question that I am often asked, “What is what the correct way is to spell Whisk(e)y? Why do some countries and the brands from them spell it with an “e” and others without? Now that is a good question. This leads me to another, often unasked question… what is the origin of the word Whisk(e)y? What is its meaning? “Whisk(e)y” is the anglicized pronunciation of “Uisge.” While the exact production origins of Whisk(e)y will probably never be known, it is generally accepted that the Irish Celts were the first to craft what would now be recognized as a new make (unaged) Whisk(e)y-type spirit. As we discussed previously, Whisk(e)y is the only spirit type that must be crafted from grain. So, the role Whisk(e)y played in the life of the everyday Irish farmer was so important that in Celtic, the unaged distillate was called “uisge beatha”— the water of life. Therefore, the modern term Whisk(e)y is a derivation of water – or originally “Uisge.”
Why water? New unaged Whisk(e)y is clear – it looks like water. Our ancestors were quite literal.
There is no rule governing the spelling of Whisk(e)y. This of course results in there being a number of explanations for the use of or non-use of the letter “e” in it. Ultimately its spelling distills (pun intended) down to how the two original Whisk(e)y making cultures, the Scots and the Irish, pronounce the same word.
In my research I learned that Scottish and Irish differ in speech from each other in terms of grammar and some intonations even though both belong to the same Gaelic language.
Irish accents are very lively, and it seems that the speaker is happy, carefree or thoughtful. This results in an extended or drawn-out pronunciation of many words. So, in this regard the Irish spell Whisk(e)y with an “e” to extend the last syllable of the word.
Scottish accents on the other hand are somewhat aggressive when compared to the Irish. The Scots speak in a brusque manner with clipped syllables. Therefore, the Scots spell Whisk(e)y without an “e” to make the pronunciation more abrupt. So how do the other Whisk(e)y producing countries like Canada, Taiwan, Sweden, Japan and many more spell it? Most spell it like the Scots – the big exception is the USA. Of course, we use both spellings!
Historically American distillers selected the spelling that reflected their ancestry, at least that is what some historians say. Accordingly, George Garvin Brown, the founder of Brown-Forman and creator of Old Forester, spelled Whisk(e)y without the “e” because he was of Scottish ancestry. The builders of the historic stone distillery that is now the home of Woodford Reserve were Irish so that distillery historically spelled Whisk(e)y with an “e” in the Irish style and that tradition continues to this day. So, depending on the brand Brown-Forman uses both spellings of Whisk(e)y in its Kentucky Bourbon portfolio! Isn’t it good to know that when it comes to Kentucky Bourbon Whisk(e)y you will never fail a spelling test, at least on that one word, Whisk(e)y.
Stanley W. Bayersdorfer
January 5, 2025 ~ 6 Tevet 5785
Stanley W. Bayersdorfer, 96, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025.
Born in Steubenville, OH, he grew up in Louisville, where he was a member of Castlewood Athletic Club. He was a graduate of Riverside Military Academy, the University of Louisville, and served as a staff sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps during the Korean War.
With his wife, Ellen, he founded The Fashion Post in 1959, where he continued working until just weeks before his death.
He was a board member of Actors Theatre of Louisville, the city of Rolling Fields, Frazier Rehab Institute, and the University of Louisville Board of Overseers. He was past president of the University of Louisville Associates and Standard Country Club, as well as past chairman of the March of Dimes and Jewish Hospital Healthcare Services.
He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Ellen, his parents, Helen and Dr. Silas Starr, and his sister, Ruth Sobel.
Survivors include his children Carol Cohen (Ed), Bill (Emily Trader), Bob, and David; Grandchildren Ellie Cohen (Julian Groover), Andy Cohen (Julia Katzman); and great-granddaughter Caroline Groover, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews plus his extended Fashion Post family of alumni and friends.
A memorial service was held at The Temple on Wednesday, January 8. The service was live-streamed at thetemplelouky.org/stanley
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First off, I hope everyone made it through this year’s Snowmageddon! We have triumphantly cleared the dreary month of January and are now ready to get back out on the town. As the heart-shaped chocolates line the store shelves and the temperatures hover precariously around “Is it winter or are we feeling spring?” Louisville is gearing up for a month that promises love, laughter, and maybe a bit of hibernating for those of us who prefer our cozy blankets to frolicking outside. February in Derby City is a delightful mix of romantic escapades, quirky events, elegant galas, and the undeniable charm of the local arts scene. Here’s your guide to navigating the festive frenzy while maintaining your sanity and perhaps scoring a free dessert or two.
GALAS
GALORE
One thing I know for sure each year is that January is the absolute slowest month for events. But as soon as February hits, the galas and swanky parties Louisville is known for start popping up all over the place. So, if you’re looking to get gussied up and experience an evening of opulence while supporting a good cause, you’re in luck! A few of my personal favorites that are coming up in February are the American Red Cross’s Wrapped in Red Gala on the 8th, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana Red Tie Gala on the 22nd, and a little bit further down the road there is the Speed Art Museum Ball on March 1st. Make sure to check out the calendar on our website with more details. You definitely can’t go wrong with any of these galas.
THREE CHEERS FOR NON-TRADITIONAL VALENTINE’S CELEBRATIONS
Let’s be real: not everyone is keen on candlelit dinners and roses. Enter Louisville’s “Unconventional Valentine’s Day” events! From Galentine’s gatherings to “Singles Awareness” festivities, the city embraces those who might rather celebrate friendship—or their freedom. Who needs romance when you can share comfort food and gossip with your besties while relishing the fact that you don’t have to split the dessert? Looking for a good Galentine experience? We’ve got plenty on our calendar including “Galentine’s Day, Whiskey Chicks Style” February 13 at Jefferson’s Single Barrel House. What Galentine’s date with friends can’t be made more fun with a little whiskey?
LOVEY-DOVEY
If you’re more inclined to a traditional Valentine’s celebration with your significant other, we’ve got you covered there too. One of the most romantic spots in town in my opinion, the Waterfront Botanical Gardens, is hosting their Hearts in Bloom event on February 12th. Take that special somebody and enjoy a lovely evening of music by La Petite Musique, an Italian Dinner from Pizza Lupo and Turkish chocolates from Chocolate and Nut Kingdom. YUM.
THE ART OF LOVING LOCAL
February is also a beautiful time for the arts in Louisville. With gallery openings, theater productions, and live music erupting from every corner, you’ll find plenty of reasons to fall in love—with art! One such event I’m especially excited about is the SPARK Light Sculpture Dedication at Louisville Visual Art on February 13. Also, any performances at the Monarch are ALWAYS incredible. So, get out and experience this wonderful arts community of ours!
However you choose to spend your February, whether in fancy pants out and about or comfy pants on the couch (we don’t judge), spend it with those you love!
The
countdown to one of Louisville’s most glamorous nights has begun!
As we wait in anticipation for this year’s dazzling celebration, let’s take a look back at the unforgettable moments from the 2024 Speed Art Museum Ball. From stunning fashion to an electric dance oor and, of course, an incredible display of support for the arts, last year’s event set the bar high. With 2025’s gala just around the corner, there’s no better time to relive the magic—and make sure you’ve secured your spot for this year’s festivities!
e 2025 Speed Art Museum Ball returns on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
As the museum’s most signi cant annual fundraiser, the Speed Ball supports world-class exhibitions, impactful education programs, and meaningful community outreach—all while o ering guests a night to remember. Whether you’re stepping out in white or black tie for the main event or joining the celebration at the lively “Late Night” afterparty with dancing, desserts, and music, this is an evening not to be missed.
Have you secured your tickets yet?
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