Middletown Magazine April 2019

APRIL 2019

MAGAZINE

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MIDDLETOWN 16

MAGAZINE

TOWNE POST NETWORK, INC. MIDDLETOWN MAGAZINE FRANCHISE PUBLISHER Corey Boston

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PUBLISHER Tom Britt

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PRESIDENT Jeanne Britt

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EDITORIAL MANAGER Josh Brown

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APRIL WRITERS

Angela Boggs / Carrie Petty Shannon Siders / Stephanie Weber Stephanie VonTrapp / Tyrel Kessinger

KENTUCKY WOUNDED HEROES: LOCAL ORGANIZATION ASSISTS WOUNDED SOLDIERS & CIVIL SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN

Chuck Reed has a long history of serving his country and state. From his time in the Marine Corps, where he served much of his time in the Middle East, to his 36 years with the Army National Guard as well as his 32 years with the State Police. If ever a person knew their calling, it’s Reed.

6 April Gardening Bliss: Pruning &

22 L ouisville Urban League Derby Gala

10 Grand Garland: Local Kroger

26 F ive Wardrobe Trends to Try This

Prepping

Florists Continue Tradition of Creating Oaks Garland & Garland of Roses for Derby Week

Returns May 1 Spring

20 Business Spotlight:

Berger Family Dental

Help our local economy by shopping local.

Advertising supporters of the Middletown Magazine offset the costs of publication and mailing, keeping this publication FREE. Show your appreciation by thanking them with your business.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS ARE SPONSORED CONTENT

The Middletown Magazine is published by the Towne Post Network and is written for and by local area residents. Over 17,000 copies are distributed each month in the Middletown area.

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APRIL GARDENING BLISS: PRUNING & PREPPING Writer / Carrie Petty

April bring us 30 days of pure gardening heaven, you know why? Because you are in the honeymoon phase, with dreams of all the good things to come, and let’s face it — we are all glad winter is almost over.

Brutal! But you must proceed with a bit of gardener’s cautions, our last hard frost date in the area is always around May 15. I plant like a seasoned gambler, keeping lots of old sheets on standby for frost protection.

If there is one thing you will do in the garden this month is work your tail off!

Get outside and clean up that winter debris all over the ground and begin to uncover the little green spouts that are underneath all the months of brown. There are many good things to be found in the garden and even some spring blooms. Bulbs will begin to emerge and the buds on most blooming trees and bushes will begin to swell. I fertilize absolutely everything in the month of April. You can get a jump-start on all the spring chores this month, giving you more time to enjoy May and June.

Pruning trees and bushes is a perfect first garden chore. Just be sure not to prune early flowering varieties. Like, Fortyish, Azalea, Rhododendron, Lilac, Dogwood trees or Redbud trees until AFTER they bloom. They all bloom on “old wood” or last season’s growth. You do not want to cut off your blooms.

I love the Fiskars line of pruning tools.

Sharp and clean blades are a must. And make sure when you make a cut, to make it 0.25 inches above a “bud union” (That place where you see a swell in the branch) and always cut at an angle to allow rainwater to run off the freshly cut opening, so not to cause rot and disease. Then I add a little 10-10-10 granular fertilizer to the base of the tree and make sure there is no mulch touching the base of the trunk.

Pruning does a couple of things. It helps to encourage new growth. It cuts out any dead or broken branches, and, most importantly, it maintains the shape of the plant. It is a wonderful way to get up close and personal with your trees and bushes, to really observe 6 / MIDDLETOWN MAGAZINE / APRIL 2019 / atMiddletown.com

closely the branching order of things and make a few adjustments. Just like people, we all need a little pruning!

For us, May 15 is ‘go time.’ That is the date when you can safely plant your annuals in the ground or sow seeds directly into the soil without the fear of a hard frost. So think of it this way, April is for prepping and May is for planting. But like I said, I am a bit of a rebel, and I start much earlier, and if a threat presents itself, I just cover up what I have put down.

Flowers bring extra beauty and happiness into our world, and the best kind of flowering plant is the kind that keeps coming back year after year. I have an entire garden bed dedicated to my favorite — The Perennial. Growing Perennials are one of the easiest ways to garden.

I have more than 40 varieties of perennials in my yard, I just love them because they give me a great ‘cutting’ selection all growing season long in which to make beautiful floral arrangements. Because for

me, in the summer months, entertaining and gardening life go hand in hand.

DIVIDING PERENNIALS IS SIMPLE, REALLY: Take your garden spade and dig around the plant and push the spade down under the root ball, then lift up. Keep repeating until you can lift the entire plant out of the ground. Then, take a dividing tool, or two garden pitch forks and work your way through the center of the plant, making new little plant starts. Keep greens and root connected in large chunks of divisions and you will have great success. Now, plant. Just like any new nursery purchase. Dig your hole and plant your new division, be sure to keep the top of the root ball flush with the top of your newly dug hole. Press soil in around the new plant and water in well. You are good to go!

APRIL GARDEN CHORES • Go for a walk in the woods to view the spring flowers blooming.

• Fill your containers with pansies before annuals arrive in May. • Give your home a deep clean.

• Fill your water features after a good cleaning.

• Weed, edge, mulch…repeat.

• Get hoses out of storage and turn on outside spigots.

• Toss out any old tools, hoses and gardening pots. Not worth the effort.

• Make new plants by dividing big clumps of perennials.

It is all part of helping you, “Grow a Beautiful Life!”

• Feed lawns, weed application and mow.

• Continue sowing seeds indoors.

• Divide early blooming bulbs and replant.

• Feed roses.

• Spray fruit trees.

• Wash garden furniture.

• Power wash and stain deck.

• Be prepared for hard freezes and frost with extra bed sheets for coverage.

• Enjoy the month and begin entertaining outdoors!

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Middletown Kroger Florists Continue Tradition of Creating Oaks Garland & Garland of Roses for Derby Week Writer / Julie Engelhardt

On the first Saturday of May the ‘most exciting two minutes in sports’—the Kentucky Derby — brings a certain buzz to the Blue Grass State. To the rest of the world, this event is a televised spectacle involving powerful thoroughbreds and jockeys racing at break-neck speeds around the track at Churchill Downs. But locals know there are other activities taking place — the Derby Festival, the Pegasus Parade, the Great Steamboat Race, the balloon glow and more.

There’s a lot happening in Middletown, especially at the local Kroger grocery store on Shelbyville Road.

If you want to witness history in the making, head to Kroger where you can watch their master florists assembling the opulent garlands that are presented to the winners of each race. Originally, the rose garland was produced by Kingsley Walker Florists, but then in 1987, Kroger took over the assembly process. Kroger began assembling the Oaks garland in 1991 at the APRIL 2019

request of Churchill Downs.

“They asked if we could make a garland for the fillies,” Allison Gousha, Kroger’s Derby Coordinator, explains. “Up until then they only had the red rose garland for Derby day.”

Kroger donates both garlands to Churchill Downs.

The process begins in January and involves construction of the backing for each garland.

Both are assembled by Louisville resident

Bev Fairfax. She and her mother worked together for years making them, but now Fairfax carries on the proud tradition alone. It takes months to construct the backings, ensuring they’re both ready to be received by Kroger by the time Derby week rolls around. Fairfax buys fabric from New York and sews the pieces together, leaving spaces where empty water vials are packed in. This is where the flowers are placed. The backing has the Kentucky crest embroidered on it as well as the logo for the current race. Once the backings are complete, greenery is added to the border at the beginning of Derby week and the final placement of flowers occurs the night before each race.

According to Gousha, 50 master florists from different stores in their district work on the garlands. In 2018, a florist from southern Illinois was selected to work on the pieces. There’s a long waiting list of Kroger florists who are eager to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Customers can visit the store on Thursday night of Derby week, from 4 to 9, to see the Oaks garland or the ‘Lilies for the Fillies,’ being constructed. Approximately 500 Star Fighter lilies are shipped from California and 144 flowers are used for the garland.

They are magnificent and flamboyant with purplish-red petals adorned with dark spots and white ruffled edges. When finished, the garland weighs 20 pounds and measures 18 inches wide by 118 inches long. The

remaining lilies are used for the jockey’s bouquet and others are given to participants in the Kentucky Oaks Survivors Parade presented by Kroger. The garland is kept in a refrigeration unit until the next morning when it’s delivered to Churchill Downs accompanied by a police escort.

On the Friday before Derby, from 6 pm to 10 pm, the florists meticulously sew on approximately 465 flowers to the rose

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week. You can watch artist Damon Farmer create a huge sand sculpture in Kroger’s parking lot.

“He starts on Monday with 10 tons of sand, and he finishes by the time we sew the first rose onto the garland,” Gousha says.

His work showcases iconic figures from the Derby, such as excited spectators and the twin spires of Churchill Downs. If you’re excited by bourbon, aficionados can meet distributors from Wild Turkey, Jim Beam and Woodford Reserve at Kroger’s wine and spirits shop. Master distillers including Fred Noe, Jimmy Russell and Chris Morris are on hand to discuss their product and sign bourbon bottles.

garland. The flowers are selected from the 5,000 Freedom Roses shipped in from Ecuador. These roses are grown and cultivated specifically for Kroger.

“Freedom has a really nice color and size and that is what we’re looking for to use in the garland,” Gousha says. “They come from a sustainable farm and we really promote the process of how they’re grown and taken care of. When they are planted, we know those are the ones we’re going to use, so extra care is taken to make sure we get the right size and color. It’s an ongoing process to ensure perfection.”

Gousha explains that the number of roses used in the garland varies year to year.

“It changes depending upon the number of horses that are racing and how large the roses are,” she says. “In the crown of the garland, we put in a rose for every horse that’s running, plus one extra at the top which represents the heart of the soul of the race and how hard the horses and jockeys work. It’s for good luck.”

Foodies will love that Kentucky Proud products from area vendors are available for sampling. Nosh on jams and jellies, beer cheese, barbecue sauce, Benedictine and and at 9 am that day the Derby garland is country ham. If you’re lucky you’ll have a escorted by police to the track. chance to witness backyard chefs compete in Viewing the construction of the garlands is the Derby burger competition at the store. a sight to behold. Large work tables in the Thursday and Friday events include a meet and greet with the winner of the official center of the store hold the garland base Kentucky Derby poster, autograph sessions and supplies. Two lines form on either with the jockeys and an opportunity to view side of the work area allowing a steady the actual Derby trophy. flow of customers to easily observe the assembly process. Approximately 4,000 All Derby week activities at the people come to see the Oaks garland and Middletown Kroger store are family nearly 7,000 people visit on Friday to friendly and a great way to participate in the see the Derby garland. Guests are given celebration, especially if you can’t make it commemorative goodies including pins to the big race. The store is located at 12501 and a small bag of rose petals on Friday.

Live piano music is provided on Friday by Shelbyville Road. pianist Linda Bader who donates her time for the evening.

The remaining roses are used in a variety of ways. Kroger florists create 200 boutonnieres for track personnel and 1,350 roses are placed in the urns at the winner’s circle. They also present 500 single roses for Taste of Kentucky, plus roses are given to the car valets to place in spectators’ vehicles.

When complete, the garland weighs 40 pounds and is 22 inches wide by 122 inches long. But the Kroger team still has a lot to do. Gousha and employees head out to If you aren’t able to attend the Churchill Downs at 2 a.m. Saturday morning garland festivities there’s still plenty happening during the to prepare the roses for the winner’s circle, APRIL 2019

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huck Reed has a long history of serving his country and state.

From his time in the Marine Corps, where he served much of his time in the Middle East, to his 36 years with the Army National Guard as well as his 32 years with the State Police. If ever a person knew their calling, it’s Reed.

So it makes complete sense that he would go on to found Kentucky Wounded Heroes (KWH), a non-profit focused on helping wounded soldiers and civil service men and women. After hearing his tale, one could easily call it his destiny.

“Back in 2005, we had a lot of units in Kentucky that were deployed,” Reed says.

“And we had a lot of National Guardsmen coming home in just really bad shape. These kids were shot, cut, blown up, shrapnel. We’d see a lot of that. Especially with the 149th Infantry Division. These men and women started coming home and myself and some others decided that ‘hey, someone needs to do something here to try and help these guys out.’ After they get out of the hospitals and they’re on medical leave and so forth.

forces and as a State Trooper, Reed made friends and contacts from a bevy of places, from Alaska to Florida to the Great Lakes.

They were contacts he began to put to good use for Kentucky Wounded Heroes, planning trips for the wounded men and women all over the country.

“What we started doing was gathering up small groups of soldiers and taking them fishing, bird-hunting, fishing at Lake Cumberland,” he says. “At the time it was all military. We worked with Ft. Knox and Fort Indeed, that’s exactly what Reed did. During Campbell and their Warrior Transition Unit.

We would try to take as many folks as we his long years of service, both in the armed APRIL 2019

could afford. We have annual trips to Alaska and we take another big group to Florida on gator hunts and to fish. We go to Lake Erie every year, too. We have a huge group there every year. This is the ninth year for that with about 120 of Wounded heroes there.

But not everything has been smooth waters for the non-profit organization.

Initially, KWH was simply an unofficial project but one that had the support and financial backing of the Army and National Guard. Unexpectedly, only a few years after Reed started KWH they lost their financial support.

“We had a lot of help in the beginning but eventually the protective umbrella that was offered by the Army and National Guard, with vehicles and flights so that we could take our wounded heroes on trips, that kind of dried up,” Reed says. “There was a lot of money being put into other directions and not with our wounded.”

However, as the saying goes, you can’t keep a good man down. And thus, Reed rose to the new challenge of keeping the doors of the Kentucky Wounded Heroes organization open sans financial government assistance. His response was turning it into a non-profit.

“We’ve made so many contacts over the years,” he says. “I had a lot of contacts from my years in the State Police, and I made friends that were stationed in Alaska, in the Great Lakes and in Florida. There’s just a lot of good people in Kentucky, I’ll tell you that. A lot that just want to give back.

And that’s all we do here. We just give back.

APRIL 2019

Our veterans, they signed a blank check to Uncle Sam. And that’s all the way up to and including giving their lives for this country.”

For its initial set of years, Kentucky Wounded Heroes only dealt with wounded soldiers. Then, around 2012, Reed, with his own past in mind, knew that there were plenty more unsung heroes out there who could use a little goodwill. So, the Kentucky Wounded heroes “enlarged the circle,” opening its arms to all Kentucky civil servants injured in the line of duty. Reed, rightly so, defines these men and women as “proven patriots.”

“I guess because of my background and some of the guys I was in the Army National Guard with were police officers as well, we just saw the need here at home,” he says.

“What’s unique about that is that probably nine out of 10 police officers, firefighters and EMTs are military veterans as well. If you look at it, it’s kind of shocking really.”

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One thing Reed recognizes is that what he’s doing with the Kentucky Wounded Heroes is not a one-man-army kind of job. It requires a network of people who want nothing more than to help people who could use the help. He’s made connections with people and organizations from across the state and even some in adjoining states, all donating time and money, and sometimes both, for this worthy endeavor.

“All the credit goes to our volunteers really,” Reed admits. “Our staff is made up of State Troopers, police officers, firefighters, EMTs and civilians that just want to give back. Lots of good people.

There are no paid employees. That’s something that distinguishes us from any other group in the nation. There’s no salaries. That enables us to give back everything that comes in to eating, housing and fuel for vehicles. We’re all just volunteers.”

For more information, visit Kentucky Wounded Heroes online at kentuckywoundedheroes.net or give them a call at 502-235-4262.

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BERGER FAMILY DENTAL 2831 S. Hurstbourne Pkwy. Ste. C Louisville, KY 40220 502-491-0330 bergersmiles.com

Berger Family Dental opened at 2831 S Hurstbourne Parkway last June in a space that has housed several dental practices over the last 25 years. Dr. Aaron Berger, who has more than 13 years of experience, is a general dentist who can do more than just checkups and cleanings.

“I like meeting new patients and finding out how I can help them,” Dr. Berger says.

Aside from checkups and cleanings Dr. Berger can also fill cavities, place crowns, perform some root canals and oral surgeries including tooth removal, dental implant placement, and handle cosmetic dentistry procedures such as veneers, braces and Invisalign. Dr. Berger refers patients to a specialist when necessary ensuring they receive the best care possible no matter what their needs are, but enjoys treating what he can to save them both time and money.

Dr. Berger bought the practice from the previous owners, dentists Roy and Lisa Foster, whom he had known since dental school. In addition to a facelift that included new flooring and updated dental equipment, Berger Family Dental is proud to announce a new, state-of-the-art 3D dental x-ray machine that allows patients to make more informed choices when it comes to their dental care.

“We get to explore all that dentistry has to offer with this machine,” Dr. Berger says.

“It’s really exciting to have this high-tech piece of equipment to give patients all of their available options.”

One practical use for the machine is in planning dental implant procedures. Dental implants require a certain amount of bone present to be successful. Previously,

a dentist would not know if there was enough bone until they numbed the patient and started the procedure. Now, with the advanced capabilities of the machine, Dr. Berger knows if there is enough bone present before the surgery starts and can often place implants via a minimallyinvasive technique without stitches and minimal post-op discomfort. If there is not enough bone, he works with the patient to explore other viable options.

The machine’s capabilities can even help in an area that is not generally thought of when it comes to dentistry — obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and snoring. Using the machine, Dr. Berger can screen for a constricted airway and work with a sleep

APRIL 2019

physician to help improve the quality of life for OSA patients, often making an oral appliance to improve quality of sleep and minimizing snoring if CPAP therapy is not the best option.

“Dealing with these issues can help patients sleep better and wake up refreshed, as well as reduce their chances for other significant conditions related to OSA.” he says.

Growing up, Dr. Berger always had an interest in health sciences but knew he did not want to be a physician. Around the time of his sophomore year at DeSales High School, Dr. Berger decided to pursue dentistry, following in the steps of his great-uncle.

After earning a degree in biology from Bellarmine University, where he played on the soccer team, Dr. Berger went on to graduate with a DMD from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2006.

He worked in a group practice in Louisville before seizing the opportunity to open Berger Family Dental as a solo practitioner. Dr. Berger has also taken advantage of continuing education courses over the years to stay abreast of the latest technology, new procedures and techniques to offer his patients the best treatment options that modern dentistry has to offer.

practices, manages the front desk. The pair started dating in high school and made Jeffersontown their home in 2010, just a month before their first child was born.

“We love the J-Town area,” Dr. Berger says. “When the opportunity came up to own a practice, we decided it was a great opportunity to get to work where we live and take care of the community we live in.”

Berger Family Dental offers an intimate, low-stress atmosphere with a small team, meaning patients will know who is treating them at each visit. Dr. Berger’s wife Racheal, Berger Family Dental accepts most PPO dental insurance, and they also offer who has more than 10 years of experience competitive fees and payment options that on the administrative side of dental APRIL 2019

include a discount plan for those without insurance to allow all families to fit dental care into their budgets.

“I want to help people get the smile they want, be able to chew comfortably and stay healthy,” Dr. Berger says. “Keeping healthy teeth for a lifetime is the ultimate goal.”

Berger Family Dental is open Tuesday 1-7pm, Wednesday 10am-7pm, Thursday 9am-6pm and Friday 9am-2pm. For more information, or to request an appointment, visit bergersmiles.com or call 502-491-0330.

Writer / Stephanie VonTrapp Photography provided by the Louisville Urban League

As we sprint into Derby season, where there is a myriad of events to attend, the upcoming Louisville Urban League’s Derby Gala stands out as a significant civic contributor and night of meaningful celebration. This year, the Official Kentucky Derby Festival event will be held Wednesday, May 1 at the Marriott downtown and is featuring 11-time Grammy winner, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.

The black-tie affair, sponsored by BrownForman, is the signature fundraiser for the Louisville Urban League and sure to deliver a memorable night of entertainment and intentional dialogue for guests. I first became acquainted with the league through a charity comedy event where their President and tour de force CEO, Sadiqa Reynolds, Esq. took center stage. She was as charming and hilarious as she was passionate about her work.

Since it’s founding in 1920, the Louisville Urban League has concentrated on creating a fair and equitable community for African Americans and other marginalized populations. However, contrary to some perceptions, the education, services and advocacy they provide are not exclusively beneficial to those demographics. Last year alone the Louisville Urban League’s Center for Workforce Development completed 384 job placements, creating more than $7M dollars in new wages earned at the average hourly rate of $15 an hour. KentuckianaWorks, the region’s workforce development board, partnered with the Louisville Urban League to create KentuckianaBuilds, a skilled-trades pipeline. Last year they awarded more than 60 graduation certificates, creating new skilled workers in our construction sector.

In 2018, the Urban Seniors Jobs program provided 176 individuals, ages 55 and older, training and placement in a variety of community service positions. They also filed more than 1,000 expungement cases in Jefferson County through the Reily Reentry APRIL 2019

Project. The Project aims to help rebuild lives by motivating qualifying individuals to enroll in League programs and work on self-development. This reentry officially contributing members to society further improves our work force. Job creation and increased employment rates boost our city’s economic vitality through shared and sustainable growth.

The Louisville Urban League is notably committed to supporting the whole person. In addition to workforce training, professional development, job placement, workshops and employment support they also provide housing placement and assistance, educational growth, health initiatives and advocacy programs. Their holistic approach has proven to create the types of changes that are replicable and sustainable. Did you know the Louisville Urban League is the oldest HUDcertified housing counseling agency in the Commonwealth of Kentucky? Affordable housing reduces stress, improves overall health, lowers risk of infectious disease and

improves quality of life for both parents and children. It is also critical for the security of those with disabilities and the aging population. The League’s educational opportunities include programs for both children and adults.

In 2018, 643 high-school students participated in out-of-school programs through the League, with zero suspensions for 92 percent of participating youth.

In Summer Reach, graduating students enjoyed college campus tours to UK, Uof L, JCTS, NKU, Vanderbilt, Fisk, Sullivan and the University of Cincinnati. Summer Reach also provided 12 hours of ACT Prep coursework. KentuckianaWorks partnered again with the Louisville Urban League to provide 22 Summer Reach students access to the Google Applied Digital Skills training. The program prepared them with skill-sets needed in the classroom and on the job. Upon completion, they were ready for immediate, real-life application and received Chromebooks to further their

education. A highlight from last year was the Parent Leadership Academy. Sixty-one parents and 101 children attended the Academy, made available through funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Center for Families Learning. The seven-week program was designed to use a dynamic approach to education, where parents learned skills and became more empowered and involved in their children’s education.

work tirelessly to assist those at highest risk. The League spent $54.8k on client assistance last year, including health-driven initiatives and continuing support to those in need. The League’s community health program “It starts with me!” addresses multiple health issues including, but not limited to, substance-abuse, domesticviolence, nutrition, unemployment and chronic health issues. The program begins by assessing the health needs of individuals, then connecting them with a CHN (Community Health Navigator; or Health As the debates over health-care continue, non-profits like the Louisville Urban League Worker) who provides the individual access

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more than 24,000 visits last year, they are certainly making an impact. The League assisted 471 individuals in registering to vote in 2018 (of these 112 were graduating high school students). The only way we can narrow these gaps, break barriers and build bridges is by giving every citizen a voice.

I encourage all of you to take the time to listen to those who are speaking now and hope you will choose to continue to support the Louisville Urban League, renowned champions of social justice.

to the appropriate programs, services and resources. Over 90 days, the CHN will be there for support and guidance until the program is completed and the person is discharged. In 2018, 126 people and their families participated in the program.

On average, participants reported feeling healthier over four days more often in the first 30 days than before entering the program. Feeling healthier included feeling able to work, to care for one’s family and the ability to participate in routine daily activities.

As a business owner and community member for more than 30 years, I am deeply rooted in Louisville. This city’s success is a reflection of who I am and the values I hold. Growing up in St. Matthews and the East End I had the privilege of living in one of the healthiest, safest, most educated and manicured areas of our city. This is the Louisville I experienced but this is not reflective of our entire city’s narrative.

In 2016, when Louisville’s venerable Muhammad Ali came home to rest I intentionally watched the international press.

I was excited to see how our city and culture would be portrayed to the rest of the world.

The League’s goal this year is to raise at least $65,000 to continue to fund their work.

Tickets to the Gala will likely sell out once available but supporters can always donate to lul.org or text LUL to 243725. You can learn more about the incredible work they are doing in the realms of work-force development, social justice, education, myself questioning Louisville’s commitment health and housing in the Louisville Urban to the people of our community who League 2018 annual report. built and lifted up our most beloved and notorious son. Like all centuries-old cities The Louisville Urban League wishes to in America, generational wealth and the thank the following contributing sponsors residual effects of racism and Jim Crow for this year’s Derby Gala: Bellarmine still exist here. Insular neighborhoods University, Korbel, Humana, PNC, Derby and the cognitive dissonance surrounding City Gaming, Atria, Stites & Harbison uncomfortable subjects suppress our Attorneys at Law, Toyota, iHeart Media, city’s overall progress and growth. The WLKY, Muloy Real-Estate, Morgan-Stanley, Louisville Urban League’s unrelenting fight Park Community Credit Union, Republic for advocacy and equal representation is Bank, LG&E and KU Foundation, ASRC contributing to the development of a city Rubber, Sonoma-Cutrer, Pepsi, First where everyone has a seat at the table. With Financial Bank, and Butchertown Grocery.

However, as tourists and residents alike visited his childhood home in the West End of Louisville, many unflattering questions about our city were highlighted. I found APRIL 2019

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Stephanie Weber, Fashion Blogger

Writer / Stephanie Weber Photographer / Meryl, Lesley Jane Boutique

At this point in Kentucky, most of us are happy to be packing up our Sherpas for the spring and breaking out the sandals and sundresses. The hype surrounding spring style is astounding as these trends are known to set the tone for what we might see the rest of the year.

You’ve probably noticed your favorite retailers highlighting their popular floral prints, best-selling sandals and bringing back rompers. Some spring trends may never die, while others just seem to be accentuated for the year. Read on for five spring trends to try for 2019 and how you can incorporate them into your wardrobe.

1. PASTELS Yellow, pink, purple, mauve, light blue, powder blue, lilac, blush. Whatever you want to call it, if it’s light and reminds you of coloring Easter eggs, it’s in. I personally lean towards the blush trend more than any as I feel like it’s one that’s versatile. You can transition it to summer, fall and winter with different layering pieces. Who doesn’t love a basic you can wear all year?

That being said, since the Pantone Color of the Year is Ultra Violet, we are seeing a huge influx of lavender for spring. It dominated the runways seen in shows such as Michael Kors and Victoria Beckham. You can find lavender tops and dresses at many of our local retailers.

APRIL 2019

Pastels are great to wear with light denim, distressed denim and white bottoms. Pair these with your favorite taupe or cognac sandals.

2. WINDBREAKERS What goes around comes back around and the windbreaker is no different. We started to see this 90s fashion comeback in 2017, but this year it seems that these jackets are a wardrobe must. I think this trend is one that anyone can try because it’s the definition of functional fashion.

Windbreakers are just good to have on those chilly, rainy spring days.

I’m planning to sport one with a graphic tee, light wash distressed denim and my

Adidas sneakers. Windbreakers are a great compliment to the athleisure trend, perfect for those who have a more casual sense of style.

3. WHITE We often relate white pieces to events surrounding a wedding or to those family beach pictures where everyone is a little sunburnt. But this year, head to toe white is a fashion statement I encourage you to try.

Even I wasn’t sure how I felt about this trend at first due to my fair skin and eating-on-thego lifestyle. However, this color is timeless and encompasses those basic pieces we all need in our closets. If white on white scares you, try implementing it in various staple pieces. For example, I love the white dress I’ve featured here from Lesley Jane. I could pair it with a white sandal, but I could also pair it with taupe, cognac or something more colorful to break it up.

4. PRINTS We’re seeing everything from florals to stripes to bold check prints. I find myself wandering through stores, ending up at the register with all stripes. I love that prints add so much to a simple look. You can use these pieces to layer or stand alone.

I know not everyone loves those bold floral prints, and I want you to know you are not alone. Although I will say, these are fun for a beach getaway. If florals are too much for your style, stripes are a good print go-to.

5. FLATS AND PLATFORMS Popular spring shoes include sandals, casual sneakers, flats, wedges and ankle booties.

While I love all of those, we are seeing an increasing demand this year for flats and platforms. Steve Madden is my man for shoes. I know the quality, I know how they fit and I know I will wear them. Dolce Vita and Franco Sarto are two other brands I love.

I suggest investing in some type of neutral

flat, like mules or loafers, that you can dress up or down. Platforms are a great option if you want something with a little height that’s more comfortable than a stiletto.

Spring fashion gives us an opportunity to try something new. I’d challenge you to pick a couple of these trends, head to your favorite local retailer and invest in some new pieces. You might never have guessed you’d fall in love with a white dress paired with a cognac platform sandal.

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THIS TULLY ELEMENTARY STUDENT HAS A HEART FOR OTHERS Writer / Angela Boggs

Ryan Neighbors is a busy lady. She collects food donations for elementary school children for Blessings in a Backpack, gives out blanket and clothing donations for the homeless at the annual BBQ Under the Bridge and volunteers with Opal’s Dream Foundation, a program for seniors in nursing homes and long-term care.

She’s also an award-winning pageant princess named “Charity Supreme” with a platform for anti-bullying, and she recently appeared in the Miss Kentucky Outstanding Teen scholarship pageant. She has modeled in Derby fashion shows, at a show in Chicago and the BloFish Clothing “Passion Meets Fashion” show here in Louisville at Play dance club.

Ryan is 9 years old and has spina bifida, a congenital condition affecting the spine.

Her love for helping others began when she was in the hospital at Christmas time — she began a toy drive for Norton Children’s Hospital. While undergoing treatment she also made bracelets and sold for $2 each, raising $1,000 for March of Dimes. Ryan also hosted a lemonade stand and sold fundraiser t-shirts.

At five years old Ryan was a Dream Factory recipient. The organization grants wishes to children with chronic illnesses. Her wish was to be a princess. She went to Disney World to meet Cinderella and got to dress up like her too.

“She was over the moon,” says her mother, Shelly King, even though she was in a cast APRIL 2019

at the time because of a broken femur. Ryan became an ambassador for Dream Factory and helps raise funds and volunteers to give away teddy bears.

Ryan even recently appeared on billboards for Dream Factory, at the KY International Convention Center and at I-65 near the Fairgrounds.

“She was mind blown” when she saw the billboards,” King says. “She’s been involved in so much her whole life.”

Ryan has also appeared at the acapella group Linkin’ Bridge’s Christmas concert, threw out a pitch at a Louisville Bats game at Slugger Field and met former Miss America Heather French Henry. Last year she was the recipient of a specially

designed playhouse by Kosair Charities and Youthbuild Louisville.

Her mother feels that Ryan’s community service “gives her purpose. She’s got the biggest heart. We work hard to focus on what she can do, not what she can’t do. We don’t even have to force that focus, she’s always so happy.”

Ryan loves school, too. She’s a third grader at Tully Elementary in Jeffersontown and she is “very social, and loves her friends and teachers,” King adds.

King says that she recently competed with Ryan in a Mommy and Me pageant, too.

“We’ve met the best people and made the best friends through pageants,” King says.

“They don’t really compete, they’re so kind,” noting that Ryan became interested in pageants because of her love of all things princess. She thought they were princesses.”

family. Her brother Jude is seven and in the second grade at Tully. King says “his heart belongs to the homeless.” He even asked Santa to bring him blankets he can give away for the past two Christmases. King says Ryan and Jude are “like twins,” and that he is very protective of his sister.

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APRIL 2019

at Mercy. She’s also a Dream Factory ambassador, and Ryan ‘absolutely adores her,” King adds. “They love doing makeup tutorials on each other.”

Riley is a cheerleader, and her cheer team has even gotten involved in the family’s efforts and helps with whatever causes they are fundraising for.

Ryan’s father Chris is always there too, helping with the family’s activities. And Ryan’s school has gone “above and beyond to accommodate her and help her get the best education.”

She’s the only child in a wheelchair who is mainstreamed at the school.

“Ryan has reached and touched so many,” King says. “It’s neat to watch the ripple effect, the way others get inspired and jump on board.”

Ryan is also a huge NASCAR fan and got a chance to meet her favorite driver, Kyle Busch, at KY Speedway in 2017. Busch found out about Ryan through a family friend, sent her a pass and invited her to his pit. She met his wife and team as well, then a NASCAR representative took her to the driver stage and she got to meet each driver and shake their hands.

“It was a very special day,” King says.

“They call Kyle ‘Rowdy,’ so Ryan had shirts made.”

Even though Ryan has had 36 surgeries, King says that she doesn’t get discouraged by her medical issues.

“She’s not a complainer, she takes everything in stride,” King says. “She loves the hospital, it doesn’t phase her, it’s not a big deal. She’s always been so happy and willing to do anything. She’s an old soul.”

Ryan’s current activities include collecting teddy bears for Dream Factory, and she has plans to help build beds for kids in need at an April event here in Louisville.

Even with her busy schedule of doctor appointments, “she’s always collecting food and personal care items all year long for the homeless, and the teddy bears for the Dream Factory,” King says.

Readers can keep up with Princess Ryan at her Facebook page, Team Ryan, for photos of her with her favorite stuffed animal, Yoda, (he goes to surgeries with her), and her adventures at Kentucky Kingdom, and her first concert — Taylor Swift at KFC Yum Center.

APRIL 2019

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THE REALITY OF HOME RENOVATIONS SETTING YOURSELF UP FOR A SUCCESSFUL HOME RENOVATION renovation with no delays or unforeseen problems, understand that more times than not there will be some sort of snag. The true When looking for contractors, be sure to hire one based on the qualifications that you test of a good contractor is not measured are looking for, NOT because they have the by whether something goes wrong on the lowest bid. All bids, including the materials job but what they do to make it right. I used, the design and quality of work are not recommend that you remain flexible and have a contingency fund set aside. It is much created equal! cheaper to deal with the issues when they Once you’ve hired a good contractor, make are found rather than cover them up. sure there is a clear contract between you and them that states the scope of work to be One of the biggest points of conflict in done, the quality of materials to be used and a renovation is making changes after the renovation begins. Refrain from asking the the payment terms. Start with your budget workers to add a little here and change a and secure financing before the project little there. While you are the homeowner begins. The cost of labor and materials is and you should get what you want, higher than it’s ever been. Trying to penny understand there is a premium cost for pinch a renovation is like trying to squeeze making changes mid-renovation and you the last little bit out of the toothpaste tube. should only make them with your GC to avoid conflict. As a general contractor, by Construction of any kind, whether it is exterior or interior, is inconvenient, not just the time we begin a renovation, I will have for you but also for your contractor. Things 60 percent of my job done, planning and orchestrating crews, researching materials, go wrong, weather interferes and holidays getting quotes and finding vendors. If we delay. Make sure you factor in these things when looking at your expected completion must stop production to re-quote, re-think materials, or re-design, that affects each date and, keep in mind, communication is trade and all the dominos topple. paramount on both parties. they highly referred by their past clients?

Writer / Tami Hartley

At Our House Restoration, we have a slogan that reads “Home is not a PLACE… it’s a feeling.” With the ever-increasing popularity of the DIY and HGTV shows, homeowners can see that slogan in action and crave that feeling in their own lives. But what takes 30 to 60 minutes on TV is hardly an accurate picture of what a home renovation looks like.

Let’s start with the fact that the contractors that are featured are tried-andtrue professionals. If we’re being honest, this might be the most important step in your entire renovation and something the reality show homeowners do not have to worry about.

With home renovations in high demand, combined with skilled labor at its lowest availability in history, finding someone to do the work, let alone good work, is often difficult. I recommend you hire a good general contractor (or GC) rather than a handyman or try to be your own GC. If you hire the right GC, they should be able to bring all the moving pieces together and coordinate everything behind the scenes so that you don’t have to as well as warranty all work completed by their subs.

Here are some tips for finding a good GC. Do your research. Go to the BBB and make sure they are a registered business. Look at their rating, it does make a difference. Are they a licensed contractor with Louisville Metro? Do they have liability insurance?

Are they a part of the professional organizations like the Louisville Building Industry Association and the NHBA? Are

There is a reason the reality shows require their homeowners to move out of their house during the renovation. It gives the crew unlimited access and unlimited hours to your home. Make sure you are giving your workers unencumbered access to the space being renovated.

Have high but realistic expectations. If you are renovating, there’s nothing wrong with expecting a job well done, however, do not be a “hover” homeowner. No one likes to be micromanaged and the goal is to get the work done well.

Expect something will go wrong, you’ll be pleasantly surprised if it doesn’t. While the goal for any contractor is to have a perfect

2304 HURSTBOURNE VILLAGE DR. SUITE #1100 (502) 272-4824 | OURHOUSERESTORATION.COM APRIL 2019

So, after all this, is renovating really worth it? Have you seen the joy, elation and tears in the great reveals on HGTV? You really can have the home of your dreams, one that when you pull up into your driveway you are not only proud of your home’s curb appeal, but when you walk in it functions and flows for your family, and one you will love to fill with friends. Best of all, now you can have the place you live in… really feel like home.

Tami Hartley is a General Contractor and Owner of Our House Restoration specializing in Exterior and Interior Restorations, Renovations and Designs.

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Writer / Shannon Siders

Todd Bingham and Chad Wright met 10 years ago while working for a company in the franchising business, and recently teamed up to open a franchise of their own, Party Princess Productions.

The high-end character entertainment company provides characters of all kinds, including princesses and superheroes, for children’s birthday parties, corporate events and festivals.

“Being in franchising over 10 years, we’ve seen a lot of businesses that have gotten us excited,” Wright says. “But one of the things my wife always told me is we will not invest in a business we don’t believe in or would not utilize the product or service.”

Wright, who has a 3-year-old daughter with his wife Kelly, and Bingham, who has a 13-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son with his wife Cindy, latched on quickly to Party Princess Productions, because they knew it was a business they and their friends would use.

“People may not spend money on themselves, but they’ll go hog wild on their little kid to have a great party, a great experience,” Wright says.

“Party Princess Productions fit an area where we didn’t think there was saturation in the market, we felt there was an opportunity here, and the cost was right,” Bingham adds.

like the people in the community. People here do business with people who are in J-Town. They’re pretty loyal to people who live, work and are from the J-Town area, and I like that.”

The duo, who came across several appealing franchises over the years, was excited to finally collaborate on a business of their own, and opened shop in Jeffersontown last May. Bingham, a Jeffersontown resident, knew the area was a good place to do business and liked its central location. The pair wanted an office space that was easily accessible and settled on an office at the corner of Taylorsville Road and Six Mile Lane.

“The area is really booming,” Bingham says.

“I’ve lived here 10 years now, and I really

The comfort and safety of the performers coming by the office to pick up and drop off costumes was also important.

“Since we’re dealing with a lot of high school aged or younger individuals, we wanted to make sure it was a safe place,” Wright says. “We looked at a lot of industrial spaces, but they were poorly lit.

Here you have a lot of establishments that keep the parking lot relatively busy, and it’s well-lit.”

The franchise was appealing to Bingham and Wright because they can manage the business while still having time for their families and other projects.

“Plus, it’s a pretty fun business,” Bingham says. “We get to talk to parents quite often after the fact, and we hear mostly the good, which is unique.”

Wright works as director of franchise development for another company, but Bingham shifted his efforts to Party Princess Productions full time as the business started to take off.

“We work days, nights, weekends to try to get the word out, to let everybody know

36 / MIDDLETOWN MAGAZINE / APRIL 2019 / atMiddletown.com

we’re here, we exist and the service we provide,” Bingham says.

Party Princess Productions employs about 20 contractors locally to serve as performers, many of whom are from the Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS).

Some of the cast members have previously worked for Disney’s college program, and word of mouth has continued to grow the pool of performers organically.

Todd Bingham

“The acting community, just like J-Town, is very close-knit, they all know each other,” Bingham says.

really play the character.”

Through just five months of operation, Party Princess Productions has provided performers for more than 50 local events and parties, with the uptick in corporate business fueling brand recognition that has led to more birthday parties.

Performers engage in an interactive story time, telling the story of the character they’re portraying and often lead a singalong.

“We employ mostly musical theater majors, people who have been involved with musical theater or otherwise have strong vocal ability,” Bingham says. “They really can belt out the song or songs associated with the story. We feel that really separates us compared to some of the competition.”

A great deal of emphasis is placed on making sure the performer really looks like the character she or he is portraying, down to the eye color. Some performers even utilize colored contacts to be more versatile.

All the costumes are shipped from the business’s Anaheim, California, headquarters. Two former Disney employees make the high-quality costumes and wigs worn by the performers, and the franchise provides training videos on how to do makeup for each character. There are also restrictions around jewelry and nail polish to make the performers look as authentic as possible.

The character leads the singing of “Happy Birthday” and can serve the cake and ice cream to those in attendance if requested. Other activities such as face-painting, crafts and princess or superhero training can get the children interacting with the character throughout the party.

The popularity of a character is usually fueled by a movie release, and top-requested characters so far have included Disney princesses Elsa, Cinderella, Moana, Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog,” and Ariel from “The Little Mermaid,” as well as characters like the Red Ranger from “Power Rangers.”

“When the character shows up, it’s typically a surprise for the birthday kid,” says Bingham, who said the sweet-spot is children ages five to seven. “They make a big to-do about the birthday kid. They introduce themselves as the character and

Chad Wright

event can call 502-443-1711 or visit louisville.partyprincessproductions.com for more information.

As for the future, the duo plans to continue growing the business in Louisville and beyond.

“I would love to be a household name in the area that any family or company can say, ‘I want a character at an event and we know who to call,’” says Bingham, with Wright nodding in agreement. “Chad and I would like to expand the business to the Lexington area and other areas in Kentucky. There’s a need for other parts of the state, even Indianapolis, and I think that’s a very doable thing over the next three to five years.”

Before a party is booked, Bingham or Wright speaks with the parents to set expectations and determine the performer’s arrival time.

“We do pay attention to the very small details,” Bingham says. “We really want to make the party special for the kid. We want them to really believe this is the actual character coming to their home to perform for them.”

Parents or organizations interested in booking Party Princess Productions for an upcoming

atMiddletown.com / APRIL 2019 / MIDDLETOWN MAGAZINE / 37

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