St. Matthews Magazine October 2023

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WHEELS UP Flight Club 502 Continues to Soar 14 STILL CRUISIN’ Mark Doty Remains Master Captain of the Belle of Louisville After 42 Years 2O

CANCER SCREENINGS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

34 AUTUMN HARVEST KEY CONTRIBUTORS

NATURAL FIT

WILLIAM BROWN TAKES ON RANGER ROLE AT E.P. “TOM” SAWYER STATE PARK

Writer / Carrie Vittitoe Photography Provided

Imagine a job in which you get to stand beneath a mighty oak listening to birds chatter in the early morning hours as the sun peaks over the horizon. Some days you’re lucky enough to spot a whitetailed deer darting into or out of a wooded area. Maybe you catch sight of an elusive fox sneaking across a leaf-strewn trail. This immersion in the natural world is simply part of the life of a law enforcement officer. This is part of the life of a ranger at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in eastern Jefferson County, one of Kentucky’s 45 state parks. It has been several years since this position was filled, but 30-year law enforcement veteran William Brown was sworn in during the month of January in 2023, and he is excited to be the face of safety and security

at the park.

A park ranger at a state park in Kentucky is a bit different from a park ranger you might see at a national park in Colorado, Utah or Montana. Those positions fall under the U.S. Department of the Interior, so rangers in national parks have educational or ambassadorial roles (although some rangers are required to hold a firearm). “Here in Kentucky, a ranger is a peace officer,” Brown says. “A ranger has arrest powers, police powers, on the premises. Once we leave the premises, we turn into regular citizens.” Like national park rangers, though, Brown and other Kentucky state park rangers do serve as ambassadors, intent on making the park an enjoyable place for visitors.

Brown grew up in the Valley Station area and began his career in Metro Corrections, where he spent over five years, but he decided to spread his wings a bit. He spent the next 13 years with Louisville Metro where he worked in many different capacities, including patrolman and homicide detective. It was a bit of a dream for him since, as a kid, he always envisioned either becoming a basketball player or a policeman. “Unfortunately I didn’t grow too tall,” he says. When he did take the path to law enforcement, he quickly realized he had some natural skills that helped him. “I learned very quickly that I like talking,” he says. “I was a pretty good interviewer with people.”

His communication skills helped him get

guns off the street, a task that he says was especially meaningful for him, and it also helped him with solving homicide cases. “Taking a murderer off the street is a great feeling,” he says. However, working these cases weighed on him. “You’re dealing with a lot of sad people, a lot of unhappy moms and dads,” he says.

After retiring with 20 years of service, he moved to the University of Louisville Police Department. “That was a planned thing because if you go, whether you’re a policeman, a carpenter or a professor, any of your children who choose to go to that school go for free,” Brown says. He then moved to a couple small police departments, including West Buechel, but as he entered his sixth decade, he talked to his adult children and decided he would be OK with slowing down just a little bit. Even though he was in a small department, it was a hands-on job that resulted in a lot of stress, due in part to being short-staffed. While age 52 certainly isn’t old, Brown was starting to feel the effects of three decades of police work and was concerned about what his health could be if he didn’t slow down a bit.

Brown was open to the idea of moving outside of Louisville for a state park ranger job, but was thrilled when he discovered the position at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer Park. Sandwiched between Hurstbourne Parkway and Freys Hill Road, the park is a respite surrounded by neighborhoods and businesses. It offers numerous amenities including a pool and splash pad, a BMX track, pickleball courts, and a radio-controlled airfield.

As a ranger Brown is responsible for security and safety in the park, which could range from replacing a lightbulb to ensuring areas are well-lit to speaking to an individual in a suspicious vehicle. He has to know the park like the back of his hand, including all walking trails, because, should an emergency arise, he needs to know the most efficient ways to get to various points. The park is, for Brown, the size of a city patrol beat, which he is used to, but “the biggest change is that 95% of the people I see are there to have a good

time,” he says.

Still, there is always a possibility that something untoward can happen, which is why park rangers in the state have a background in law enforcement. “If the stuff hits the fan, I know I’ll be able to handle it,” Brown says. While the winter months are generally quieter than the rest of the year, Brown expects that the summer will see more issues, such as teenagers loitering,

vandalism, and excessive speed on the park’s roads. Being a longtime law enforcement officer has its benefits, primarily because of the wisdom that comes with experience. “It helps to have a maturity level so you don’t fly off the handle quickly on something that, maybe if you assessed it slower, could have been smoothed out,” he says.

To be a park ranger, it’s a good idea to actually enjoy the outdoors, and Brown

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does. He often takes his three grandsons fishing, and he spends a lot of time outside in his yard. He’s also a big fan of Otter Creek Recreation Area in Meade County, Kentucky. He says knowing he could be outside 80% of the time in the ranger role was a big selling point. In his first few weeks in the position, he spotted a one-rack deer and a coyote. He enjoys taking pictures of nature, so his role as a ranger is feeding the creative side of his personality.

Life often takes people on unexpected roads they might not have anticipated when they were younger. It’s likely that most young people wouldn’t envision that a life as a police officer could bring them so fully into nature as a state park ranger. Brown says young people don’t have to get a degree in police administration or criminal justice to have a successful career. “You can go into communications, psychology, social work, and you’ll make an awesome police officer,” he says. “You won’t be pigeonholing yourself into one thing.”

HENSLEY GUTTERING AND HOME IMPROVEMENT

Writer / Gavin LaPaille Photography Provided

Clayton Hensley wasn’t planning on starting a lifetime career when he first got into the gutter business. But that’s exactly what he found.

Clayton was one of many out of work when General Electric went on strike in 1969, and was looking for a way to subsidize his income until things returned to normal. He got a part-time job hanging gutters, beginning a career that has spanned five decades in the home improvement industry.

“When you’re 25 years old and have a house payment, car payment and married, you need to make money,” Clayton says. “I was just looking for a job in anything - not necessarily gutters, just something to work on while they were on strike. By time the strike was over with, I was making more money hanging gutters than I was making at GE so I stuck with it.”

After the owner of the company he was working for retired, Clayton decided to branch out on his own, and started Hensley Guttering and Home Improvement in 1973. He has been in business ever since, offering Louisville homeowners an affordable option for gutters, gutter covers, roofing, siding, windows and doors.

Clayton says it wasn’t his intent to stay in the guttering business this long, but he’s enjoyed it.

“I liked the work,” Clayton says. “You’re not in one place all the time. You’re moving around and meeting a lot of different people every day in different locations.”

Clayton has about 10 people working for him and mainly supports the Louisville area, but will venture to neighboring cities to provide services. Much of his client base comes from referrals or repeat business. Clayton says his honesty has kept him in business so long.

“We sell what people need, not what we make the most money for,”

Clayton says. “There’s nothing we sell or do that I couldn’t do myself if need be.”

Education has also been an important aspect to Clayton as he has grown his business. He regularly attends seminars to learn about new techniques or machinery, and completes 30 hours of continuing education in order to stay certified each year.

“Any business you’re in, you have to stay up on the education of the new material,” Clayton says. “The more knowledge you can have about the product, the easier it is to sell the job.”

Clayton encourages homeowners to look up at their gutters to see if they are behaving differently, including issues like flooding and leaking. Hensley Guttering manufactures their own gutter covers - something Clayton himself is very proud of.

“For over 20 years we have made and sold our own gutter covers,” Clayton says. “That’s a big majority of the business right now.”

Area residents should expect to see Clayton around for a lot longer, as he has no plans to retire any time soon.

“I plan to keep going as long as health will allow me,” Clayton says. “I’m 79. I’m not old enough to retire yet. As long as my health is good and I still enjoy what I’m doing, I’ll keep at it.”

WHEELS UP

FLIGHT CLUB 502 CONTINUES TO SOAR

Writer / Renee Larr

Photography Provided

Annabelle Klein is a fourth-generation pilot, and she knows she’s lucky to have grown up around airplanes and aviation. She’s also aware that many other kids don’t have the same opportunities as she did growing up. In 2015 she founded Flight Club 502 to inspire students to get involved in the aviation field.

Klein says science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) embody every aspect of aviation. She says the curriculum at Flight Club 502 is built around those subjects. Klein wants kids to realize the field of aviation involves more than just flying. Many people don’t realize aviation careers include engineers, air traffic controllers, meteorologists and even marketing specialists.

One differentiating factor of Flight Club 502 is that the organization is a club, not a

flight school. It’s owned and operated by student members with adult supervision. To become part of the club, you must be a member. Three membership opportunities are available including ground level, flight level and adult advisory.

“The club aspect is very inspiring to me,” Klein says. “We have youth officers as president, vice president, treasurer and so on. Those are usually older kids with committees, with younger teens working on them. For example, our marketing committee has about 10 members working together.”

Each year the club votes on youth officers. Interested members apply and discuss their interest in propelling the club forward. Klein says recently, a member was interested in creating an engineering committee to work with a 3D printer. She says while

adults are there to assist and guide, the club is run entirely by its members.

Klein says she thinks of the club as a youth development program, similar to Junior Achievement but with airplanes. Aviation is just one piece of the program. The club is geared toward youths aged 13 to 21, with some members staying on as employees after they age out of the club. She says only about 40% of members ever actually fly.

“We started doing a lot of outreach, and in 2022 we served 1,200 youth across Kentucky and Indiana,” Klein says. “We do outreach with schools where we go in and open kids' eyes to all the possibilities of aviation. We’ve also worked with The Cabbage Patch Settlement House and Kentucky Refugee Ministries.”

Jonas Gordon serves as collegiate advisor

and has been a member since 2019. He says for the longest time he knew he wanted to fly, but he had no idea where to start. Gordon graduated from duPont Manual High School in 2021. He describes himself as a jack of all trades for the organization, but Klein says Gordon is a crucial player in the club.

“Flight Club allowed me to achieve my dreams of becoming a pilot,” Gordon says. “I love it. Honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without it. I’m here almost every day to help out in as many ways as I can.”

Klein says the executive board has a working board meeting once per month. The eight-member team also meets with the youth president, vice president and treasurer. Student members are encouraged to sit in on executive board

Care that Comes to You

meetings if they’re interested.

Introduction to Flight Club 502 is a prerequisite class for any member seeking to join. The course covers the history of the organization. It also focuses on requirements for a private pilot certificate, aircraft components, basic aerodynamics, flight organizations, jobs in aviation, aircraft systems, use of checklists, taxi procedures, fundamentals of flight, aeromedical factors and aeronautical decision making. Students then choose additional courses based on their aviation interests.

“We have our monthly membership meetings where we have a guest speaker, and then the members break out into their committees,” Klein says. “We also offer one social event each month. In February we had a Super Bowl party. It’s just a fun time to get together.”

Flight Club 502 is based out of Bowman Field in Louisville. Klein says in 2015, the

group started meeting at Hangar 5, the Vintage Warbirds hangar, thanks to Jeff Daus. Then in 2019, the club had grown so much that they needed a bigger space. Klein and company moved into the Central American building next door to the old terminal.

“It was unoccupied for years,” Klein says. “It needed a lot of renovation, but we had volunteers, kids and parents helping us to make it nice.”

Various scholarship opportunities are available for deserving members. Criteria for selection include motivation, needs, merit and availability for training. Funds may be used for any flight-training-related expenses, books and equipment.

“The Flight Club 502 Kentucky Aviation Aerospace Education Endowment was created from a very generous donation by Mark and Kellie Carter,” Klein says. “We hope to let that fund grow while utilizing it

later to sustain and grow Flight Club.”

Part of that growth includes inspiring other clubs in different parts of the United States. In November 2021, Flight Club 502 flew its fleet to Blue Grass Airport in Lexington and launched Flight Club 859. The Flight Across America program is designed to accomplish several objectives including immediate outreach and exposure to Flight Club 502 and its accomplishments. The effort is developed around a framework of establishing a franchise package that includes a startup narrative and a handbook to help create flight clubs across the country.

“The package includes the tasks and steps necessary to establish a Flight Club,” Klein says. “It also provides substantive content and course material that FC502 has developed to conduct aviation-related training, programming, outreach, afterschool programs and summer camps.”

The four pillars of Flight Club 502

are STEM education, patriotism, entrepreneurship and good decision making. Klein says the Gone West program is one way the club embodies patriotism. Gone West is a term used in the aviation industry when someone dies. Klein describes the program as a chance to bring our community together and be thankful for the country where we live.

“We had our last Gone West ceremony in October honoring Major General Philip Ardery,” Klein says. “About 150 people attended and we had a flyover. It was gorgeous. We’ll hold our next one in the spring.”

Klein says the club isn’t just important to the aviation community and all of Louisville. She says, to put it simply, it brings people together for amazing opportunities.

“I’ve watched shy kids who wouldn’t look people in the eye become great public

speakers,” Klein says. “I really think it has the ability to change lives. Flying makes people confident. We have a great community of people here who listen to each other and mentor one another.”

Klein now serves as executive director at the age of 25. She says it’s incredible to see how much the club has grown over the years, and it is a full-circle experience for her.

“I never thought in 2015, when we started, this would be my future,” Klein says. “I went off to college in Nashville but stayed on the executive board. I came back to Louisville last year and it’s insane to see how much it’s grown.”

Klein and Gordon hope Flight Club 502 will continue to fly high for years in Louisville and other cities across the United States.

For more information, visit flightclub502.org.

Fall in Love with Gymnastics!

Flipping Louisville’s Kids for More Than 40 Years!

For more than four decades, our mission at KGA has been to celebrate each child's accomplishments, no matter how great or small, while encouraging growth with a positive attitude and mutual respect. We offer competitive and recreational gymnastics, NinjaZone, open gyms for all ages, day camps, First Stop Preschool, birthday parties, and more!

STILL CRUISIN’

MARK DOTY REMAINS MASTER CAPTAIN OF THE BELLE OF LOUISVILLE AFTER 42 YEARS

Mark Doty didn’t expect to get a lifelong career when he first showed up at the Belle of Louisville. But that’s exactly what he got.

Doty, the chief operating officer and master captain of the Belle, began his career with the local landmark as a deckhand, which involved cleaning, sweeping and getting the boat ready for events. He then worked his way up to a licensed mate and captain, before taking over as the master captain of the Belle in 2007. In 42 years with the Belle, Doty has done a little bit of everything with the boat and its thousands of passengers.

“I never imagined it would go this far,” Doty says. “I didn’t have any interest in working on a river. That just sort of fell into place.”

Day-to-day life brings a vast number of experiences for Doty, including captaining the Belle on many of its cruises, leading other captains who also drive the boat, and working on maintenance and safety guidelines to keep the Belle safe and running smoothly.

“I’m not stuck behind a desk all the time,” Doty says. “I’m not stuck cruising a boat all the time. We cruise the boat six months of the year, then we strap on tool belts to do

Writer / Gavin LaPaille Photography Provided

Mark Doty

the work to get the boat ready for next summer.”

During that time, Doty has watched Louisville go through constant transformations and development.

“I’ve watched the city front get built,” Doty says. “I started down here when there wasn’t much else. Now they have the Belvedere extension, restaurants, developed Waterfront Park, different museums. It has helped us get people down here. Before, people only came when they were offered a trip. People stroll down here all the time for other things now.”

The Belle has been on the water since 1914 and is the only remaining authentic steamboat from the great American packet-boat era. Originally named the Idlewild, the boat first set sail on October 18, 1914 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and served as a ferry between Tennessee and Arkansas near Memphis. During the 1940s the boat offered moonlight cruises and served as a USO nightspot on the Mississippi River to help with World War II efforts. The boat was later renamed the Avalon and was sold to a group of Cincinnati investors.

It wasn’t until 1962 that the Avalon was put up for auction and was purchased by Jefferson County Judge-Executive Marlow Cook for $34,000 and renamed the Belle of Louisville. Her first appearance under the new name was in the inaugural Great Steamboat Race in 1963, going up against the Delta Queen in what has become an annual tradition during the Kentucky Derby Festival.

AT METRO UNITED WAY,

WE ARE MORE FOCUSED THAN EVER ON THREE PRIORITIES:

There’s nothing more important than making sure our community’s children have what they need to thrive.

When we have strong households, we are creating pathways out of poverty to prosperity, which is a win for all of us.

We envision the Greater Louisville region as a place where zip code doesn’t determine destiny and everyone has the opportunity to live up to their full potential.

Learn more by scanning the QR code or visiting metrounitedway.org/impact

In 1988 the Belle was highlighted as the nation’s oldest and most authentic river steamboat, a designation it continues to hold today. The Belle celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2014, as the only steamboat in history to reach that age.

Doty says he is proud to captain a boat with so much history.

“When you work down here you don’t even think about that aspect of it, just doing the job,” Doty says. “When you step back and look at the whole picture, it’s pretty neat that you’re running one of these antique landmarks up and down the river.”

The engines on the Belle are actually older than the boat itself, having initially been installed on a different boat that burned down the year the Belle was built. They date back to the 1800s, adding to the experience for guests.

“Most people have a good time out on the river,” Doty says. “Even when it’s raining, they come to see the engines. Our engine room is wide open and they can watch that old machinery that is clanking.”

In addition to the Belle, Doty also has its sister boat, the Mary M. Miller, under his guidance. Named for America’s first female licensed steamboat captain, the Mary is a propeller-driven steamboat built in 1985, with a capacity of 450 passengers and a diesel-style engine.

While both boats have a maximum speed of about 12 miles per hour, Doty says the experience driving them is very different.

“With the Mary you can basically land the boat using your engines,” Doty says. “You don’t have to do a lot of steering. You can pretty much put it where you want it. With the Belle there’s no diesel engine, just a paddle wheel. With the Belle you need to

know where you want to be 10 minutes ahead of time. When you’re planning with the wind and the current, you need to plan. It’s 10% heart and 90% luck. Every landing is different and you can’t get used to the same thing or you’ll mess up. I have a little bit of experience but I am surrounded by guys who were here when I started, which really helps.”

The Belle isn’t the only historic landmark under Doty’s guidance. Life Saving Station #10, better known as the Belle of Louisville Riverboats Ticket Office, also holds this distinction, with a history dating back to 1881. She is the only remaining inland Life Saving Station in the United States. She stays dockside and does not cruise as the other two do, with no propellers and no engine.

Doty says having two historic landmarks is an appeal for guests.

“Up until this past year, 80% of our passengers were out of state,” Doty says. “They were coming and knew about us because it’s a national historic landmark. We own two of the historical landmarks in the city limits, and there’s only eight of them. People come to see the history. We operate like they did 100 years ago.”

The Belle continues to offer a variety of experiences for guests, with cruises designed for sightseeing, dining and kids, that go up the Ohio River and take in all the sights. With a capacity of 800, the Belle also hosts many special events designed around holidays, school programs and group events.

Recently the Belle went through shipyard inspection and was told it could stay on the water for 75 years if regular maintenance of the boat is upheld.

“We have a new strategic plan,” Doty says. “We have a lot of meetings and created Friends of the Belle to help raise money for the boat. It just keeps us busy, doing a lot of research for what we need to do. We don’t have a full game plan yet for what our schedule is going to be. We’re changing some things up. We’re not going to just be a party boat. We want to be more educational.”

Doty has had a number of memorable experiences in his career with the Belle including the many steamboat races and meeting celebrities like Muhammad Ali, Roger Staubach and Carol Channing. He’s hoping to have many more as he continues to lead the Belle down the river.

“I’m not tired of it yet and I just turned 60,” Doty says. “I’ll keep going until I get bored with it, but after 42 years I’m not there yet. I’m not going anywhere. They’ll have to kick me out. I don’t really know anything else. It’s been a pretty good life.”

OCTOBER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

DOWN

1. Children in a school?

2. Sailor’s assent

3. Couldn’t stand

4. Kind of team

5. Fiesta fare

6. Olympic activities

7. Club ___

8. Make shadowy

9. Yoked pair

10. Spare parts?

11. Eye problem

19. Impolite look

20. Less civil

21. Diary fastener

22. Suspicious of 24. Aries, for one

26. Religious factions

28. Estimating, ___ out

CANCER SCREENINGS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Cancer is scary. No one wants to face a cancer diagnosis. It can be tempting to put off getting screened for cancer just so you don’t have to face the possibility of a diagnosis.

However, cancer screening should be considered an important part of your overall health, just like your annual visit to a primary care provider or keeping up with your medications.

Knowing when to be screened for certain types of cancer is key. The guidelines and recommendations are different for each type of screening. Your primary care provider can help guide you on which cancer screenings are recommended for you and when to start. The

guidelines below are a good place to start.

Why is early detection important? When cancers are caught in earlier stages they are easier to treat, and this gives you a far better chance of survival. Treatments are also less invasive when cancer is caught in earlier stages.

Most importantly, don’t wait until you have symptoms. Even if you don’t have symptoms or a family history, you could be at risk for cancer. Getting cancer screenings on a routine basis will ensure your doctor has a baseline to compare to, and this ensures early detection. Talk to your doctor regularly and be an advocate for your health.

BREAST CANCER SCREENING

It’s recommended that women start getting annual mammograms at age 40 to screen for breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast or other cancers, talk to your doctor about getting a mammogram at an earlier age.

MAMMOGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE

AT SIX UOFL HEALTH LOCATIONS, INCLUDING:

• UofL Health - Medical Center Northeast, off of Old Henry Road, opened a new breast care center earlier this year. To schedule a mammogram at Medical Center Northeast, call 502-210-4321.

• UofL Health - Medical Center East, on Dutchmans Lane, also offers a dedicated breast care center. To schedule an appointment at Medical Center East, call 502-259-6408.

• UofL Health also offers mammograms through the mobile screening unit.

For patients who have a family history of breast cancer and are interested in genetic testing, UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center also offers a High Risk Breast Clinic. To learn more, call 502-562-HOPE (4673).

Symptoms of breast cancer may include a new lump in the breast or armpit, thickening or swelling of the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple area, pain or pulling in of the nipple area, nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood, change in the size or shape of the breast, and pain in any area of the breast.

COLORECTAL CANCER SCREENING

Screening for colorectal cancer can be done through a variety of tests. The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends colorectal cancer screening in all adults starting at age 45 through 75.

The most effective screening is a colonoscopy, which only has to be done once every 10 years if you’re not considered high-risk. Colonoscopies are outpatient procedures and typically take a day for recovery. The procedure detects precancerous polyps (which are removed during the procedure) and cancer. A colonoscopy is performed by a gastroenterologist, general surgeon or colorectal surgeon. Colonoscopies are offered at UofL Health - Medical Center East and other locations throughout Louisville. To find a provider, visit uoflhealth.org/screenings.

Take-at-home stool tests are also an option, including FIT and Cologuard. These look for blood in the stool, or both blood and DNA changes suggestive of colorectal cancer. These can be done through a primary care provider.

Symptoms of colorectal cancer may include changes in bowel habits, blood in or on your stool, diarrhea, constipation or feeling that the bowel doesn’t empty all the way, abdominal pain, aches or cramps that don’t go away, and unexplained weight loss.

LUNG CANCER SCREENING

Kentucky has one of the highest rates of lung cancer in the U.S., and lung cancer is the number-one cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. among both men and women. Yet,the American Lung Association reports that only 13% of those who are considered high-risk actually get screened for lung cancer.

Smoking is the number-one risk factor and accounts for 80 to 90% of lung cancer cases. The USPSTF recommends annual lung cancer screenings for adults aged 50 to 80 who have a pack-year smoking history of 20, and currently smoke or have quit smoking within the last 15 years. A pack-year is calculated by the number of years smoked multiplied by the number of packs smoked per day. For example: two packs per day x 10 years = 20 pack-years.

Lung cancer screening is done through a quick, low-dose CT scan, and because it captures scans of the whole torso, it can catch other cancers such as breast or colorectal cancers.

Low-dose CT lung cancer screening is available at eight UofL Health locations, including UofL Health - Medical Center East and UofL Health - Medical Center Northeast. Call 502-210-4497 to schedule your lung cancer screening at any of the locations.

PROSTATE CANCER SCREENING

Men should talk to their doctor about when to start screening for prostate cancer. Those with an average risk should start at age 50. However, certain groups such as those with a family history may need to start at age 40, and black men should start at age 45. Screening is done through a PSA blood test, which can be done at your primary care provider’s office. A digital rectal exam is also recommended.

CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM

The UofL Health - Brown Cancer Center Cancer Screening Program is here to help. If you have questions about cancer screening, need assistance with scheduling a screening, or would like to invite someone from the team to your community event to offer screening information, call 502-210-4497.

HEMP HERO

502 HEMP OWNER IS INSPIRED TO HELP EACH ONE OF HER CUSTOMERS

Writer / Gavin LaPaille Photography Provided

Dee Dee Taylor, owner and chief executive officer of 502 Hemp Wellness Center, hopes to educate the local community in a growing industry that could show a number of natural health benefits.

“We have way more to do with the education side and actually take the time to help our customers pick the product to fit their needs, not necessarily what we want to sell them,” Taylor says. “I think that is so important in today’s day and age with the

plethora of products that are available. It is important that people know how to use the products correctly to receive the maximum benefits from them, and to know they are high quality is absolutely essential.”

502 Hemp offers a variety of hempbased products that are legal because of a federally approved program authorized under Section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill, established by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. This bill allows for the

production, manufacturing and shipping of hemp products across state lines. In 2018 the federal Farm Bill made access to hemp products even easier.

“Hemp and marijuana are actually the same plant,” Taylor says. “What distinguishes them and makes hemp legal is the Delta 9 threshold. Ultimately there is no difference between hemp and marijuana other than the Delta 9 THC percentage. It’s legal because our products are derived from

hemp, and they’re considered hemp because of that Delta 9 THC limit.”

Taylor’s journey into the hemp business started on a personal level. Her husband, John, suffers from grand mal seizures and wasn’t seeing the results he wanted with his prescribed medication. After looking for a more natural alternative, John learned how to make CBD oils and began taking them. The impact was felt quickly, as John stopped having seizures for five years and has only had eight seizures since 2010 - a drastic decrease from the two to four per month he was having previously. In 2014, when Kentucky started the Hemp Pilot Program, John and his business partner were one of the first to be licensed as processors. They’ve since been in business making quality, safe products with Kentucky hemp.

Seeing John’s results, Taylor began using the same CBD oils to help with her deliberating anxiety and panic attacks, noticing a remarkable difference. With the impact

the oils had on her family, she decided to switch career paths from working in the law industry to focusing full time on the hemp business.

“The more I learned, the more I decided I wanted to start offering these products to others,” Taylor says. “I want to help educate and change the tides on people being so dependent on big pharmacy and pills, and get them to try something that is much more natural, without side effects. There are a lot of people out there who are still scared of hemp. They think it’s a drug or that it’s harmful, or they will get high from it. You can’t get high from CBD oil, but you can feel euphoric from Delta 9 THC and Delta 8 THC products, or you can use it just to get some sleep. It’s all about the education side and how to use these products properly.”

Taylor began her foray into her new business by setting up shop at fairs and festivals around Louisville, using the name KY Beauty and Wellness. Getting many

questions surrounding the legality of the products, she found a passion for educating her new customers and learning about new advances in the hemp industry.

“I feel like I got my start at flea markets,” Taylor says. “Back in 2016 everyone was asking what I was selling and if it was legal. It was a lot of explaining. People’s biggest question was if they were going to get high from CBD oil. Some people were disappointed and some were happy to try it once I explained the possible benefits. For almost two years I would just set up at different events, and in the downtime I would deliver products directly to my customers.”

In 2018 she decided to open up her first actual store, located on Moser Road off of Shelbyville Road in Middletown. The hemp business was getting more mainstream, and Taylor was concerned about products sold by bigger retailers that potentially weren’t as safe for consumers. She wanted to be fully

transparent with her customers about how her products are produced and tested. Plus, she wanted customers to get the education they needed, instead of just buying a product to buy it.

Late last year, Taylor expanded with the opening of her second store, known as 812 Hemp, in Clarksville, Indiana. She has eight part-time employees working for her in total, including certified cannabis consultants and CBD educators. Customers range from those with serious illnesses looking for pain relief to those in need of some extra rest. She says cannabis products should be a first choice, not a last resort, for many ailments.

“I was really nervous and scared to open the first store,” she says. “I knew it was a big change from being a paralegal. Luckily, my legal background has helped a lot, including navigating some of the political processes. In the beginning I asked myself if I was doing the right thing and if I was going to

be successful. I think I managed to prove I have been by having integrity, only carrying quality products, and actually caring about my customers. I have notes all over my office wall thanking me for helping them for many different reasons. It was never about the money. It was and is about helping my customers find relief with quality hemp products.”

Taylor’s work has continued to be recognized. In 2022 she was appointed by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to his Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee. On September 21 of last year she was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel for her advocacy work in the cannabis industry, and advocating for legal hemp products and restrictions on Delta 8 products instead of an all-out ban. She also received the 2023 entrepreneur BOOM Award from the Jeffersontown Chamber, and was previously included in the 20 People to Know in Health Care by Louisville Business First.

Taylor is also a board member of the Kentucky Hemp Association and an honorary board member for Kentucky Moms for Medical Cannabis, plus she was nominated as one of Today’s Woman’s Most Admired Women for 2023.

502 Hemp was recognized as a finalist for the Better Business Bureau's Torch Award for Ethics in 2023. In 2022, 502 Hemp won Business of the Year and the 2022 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Award by the Prospect Area Chamber. 502 Hemp also won the 2022 LEO Readers’ Choice award for Best CBD Oil, and the Best of the Best from the Courier Journal.

502 Hemp is also the official hemp/CBD product partner for the Kentucky Derby Festival for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

While Taylor continues to fight the perception of what hemp is and worries what the future holds in the marketplace,

Restaurant * Taproom * Brewery

she plans to continue growing in the local market and expanding nationwide in the future. With the upcoming five-year anniversary of her first store, she is very proud of all she has accomplished.

“October will be our five-year anniversary,” Taylor says. “I’m honored and humbled by that. Most small businesses don’t last that long, especially with all the politics in the background trying to limit hemp products. I wasn’t even sure I would survive if I didn’t help get the regulatory laws passed for Delta 8 THC. I know in my heart that the more people I can help with my products, the better. I absolutely love hearing my customers' success stories. Even if it just involves getting more sleep, I love to hear it. That’s what I live for.”

For more information on Taylor’s story and 502 Hemp, check out 502hemp.com or swing by the store at 201 Moser Road, Suite B in Louisville. Call them at 502-654-7100.

MUST-DO ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR FALL BUCKET LIST 12

It’s the time for soft flannels, cozy cardigans, pumpkin-spiced lattes, getting lost in corn mazes and watching football games. I love being bundled up in a new coat and scarf, the crunch of leaves beneath my boots, and sitting outside at a bonfire on those chilly, moonlit nights. I can’t resist going on a hayride with family with a cup of warm cider in hand. You know what that means? It’s fall. It’s time to embrace the change of seasons. Here are 12 must-do ideas to complete your fall bucket list.

1. CELEBRATE WITH A FALL-INSPIRED DRINK

It’s time for warm fall drinks like apple cider, hot chocolate (add some peppermint for extra deliciousness) and pumpkin-spiced lattes. Make these drinks at home or pick them up from your local coffee shop. You can also make adult drinks like a boozy cider, mulled wine or an old fashioned.

2. GO APPLE PICKING

Grab a basket and visit the local apple orchard. Pick your favorite variety of apples and stop at the apple store for caramel apples, cider, doughnuts and all sorts of apple goodies. When you get home, look up recipes for apple desserts like bars, cobblers, crisps, dumplings, pies and tarts. I always like to make a big batch of homemade apple butter and apple sauce.

Writer / Aimee MacArthur

3. VISIT A CORN MAZE

The number of corn mazes you can tour these days is amazing. They range from easy to very difficult. Gather a group of friends and stop at a corn maze. Makvve sure to dress in long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect yourself from the corn stalks in the maze. Plan to tour the maze in teams of two and see who’s the first one to make it through the maze. Award the winning team a prize.

5. DECORATE THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOUSE

Make the outside of your door and front of your home festive with a fall wreath, mums, hay bales and other autumn decor. My neighborhood holds a “who decorated their door best” contest every year. I’ve never won, but I’ve got my fingers crossed for this year.

6. MAKE A FALL SOUP OR STEW

It’s the time for butternut squash, chicken tortilla, chili, and all of the mouthwatering soups and stews you can imagine. Serve them with hot, buttered rolls or cornbread. I have a friend who hosts a chili party every fall with crockpots of different kinds of chili, and a bar with all the chili toppings.

4. PICK A PUMPKIN

It’s time to hit the pumpkin patch. Go on a hayride to your chosen field, and select a few pumpkins to decorate your home and to carve jack-o’-lanterns. Stop at the store and buy mini pumpkins, gourds, and the very important slice of pumpkin pie to go. Even better, pick up a whole pie to share.

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7. HOST A HOT DOG ROAST WITH THE NEIGHBORS

There’s nothing more fun than a neighborhood block party with friends and family. Celebrate the new season with a crackling bonfire and hot dogs with all the fixings. Don’t forget dessert: hot chocolate and s’mores.

8. BUY A NEW COAT

Check your closet and look at your coats. If you need a coat, now’s the time to buy one before the cold weather arrives. Bundle up with your coat and scarf, and take a walk in the crisp, cool, autumn weather. If you don’t need a new coat, you can always buy one for someone else or donate one.

9. WATCH A FOOTBALL GAME

It doesn’t matter if it’s a high school, college or professional football game, they are all fun. Wear your favorite team’s jersey and cheer them on. If you can’t attend in person, watch a game at home with all of the fun treats like subs, nachos, potato skins, wings and more.

10.

TAKE A DAY TRIP TO LOOK AT THE LEAVES

It’s a thrill to watch the change of seasons. Stop by your favorite city or state park when the fall foliage is at its peak and take in the beauty. It’s a joy to look at the different hues of brown, orange, red and yellow leaves. Don’t forget your camera.

11. POSE FOR A FAMILY PHOTO

It’s the perfect time to take a new family photo. Whether you hire a professional photographer or take the photo yourself, celebrate a new season with a new photo. Smile!

12.

LET’S ALL GO TO THE MOVIES

Some of my most cherished fall memories are going to the drive-in theater with my friends and family. Gather a group of friends and family in the comfiest car, and settle in for an evening of tasty food and fun films. If there is no drive-in theater nearby, rent or borrow a projector and watch a movie outdoors. Make it extra special by serving buttery popcorn, caramel corn and a selection of retro candy (or the candy you ate as a child).

ALTER DEVELOPMENT + REALTY + HOME LOANS

Construction is underway on a new development in St. Matthews that will appeal to those looking for luxury housing options.

Alter Development is finishing up the build on a state-of-the-art community known as Wellston Place on Massie Avenue, which will feature 12 2,400-square-foot townhomes in the heart of St. Matthews. Each home includes four bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a twocar garage, and will cost buyers around $700,000.

“We’re really excited about this one in St. Matthews,” says Chris Thompson, Alter chief executive officer and owner. “We are looking to be completely done with construction in December, and hoping to be sold out by then.”

Alter broke ground on the site last year. The opportunity to be involved with the site was presented to Thompson by another developer, who got the plans for the original project approved. Alter is now the developer and general contractor for Wellston Place.

Thompson has deep ties to St. Matthews, personally residing in the area for over a decade and also owning an office building at 136 St. Matthews Avenue, where Alter is headquartered. He calls moving forward with Wellston Place project a no-brainer.

“We’re really tied into the community,” Thompson says. “We’re very familiar with how St. Matthews works and the real estate that is here. This opportunity was presented to us by another developer who got the plan approved but didn’t want to move forward with the construction. They offered it to us and we jumped on it when given the chance.”

Thompson started Alter in 2021 after working with a number of other large real estate groups in Louisville. Alter is qualified to assist clients in their residential and commercial needs from start to finish, including construction, home loans and brokerage. Other projects Alter has worked on include a luxury living complex on Brownsboro Road, and a 26-unit apartment complex located on

Saint Catherine Street known as The Shelby. The group has also done similar projects in other states including Ohio, Missouri, Indiana and Tennessee.

Being multifaceted and involved in projects from start to finish gives Alter a competitive edge, and this can save buyers on the back end with lower interest rates, as opposed to going with traditional banks.

“We have the ability to do exclusive financing for the townhomes,” Thompson says. “That gives us a lot of flexibility in how we price the interest rates. For how expensive construction has been lately, we’re able to save potential buyers on the back side, on the interest rates. We’re running about a half point lower than typical banks at this point.”

thealterco.com

Heather Nutt 502-512-8275

heather@thealterco.com

Doug Dreisbach 502-777-3711

doug@thealterco.com

For more information on the Wellston Place project, contact Realtor Heather Nutt at 502-512-8275 or via email at heather@thealterco.com. Also contact Doug Dreisbach at 502-777-3711 or doug@thealterco.com.

Writer / Gavin LaPaille Photography Provided

Article and recipe courtesy of Kate Boston, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Cultivate Your Plate

With summer still waving goodbye off in the distance, autumn is here and ready to delight with cooler days, crisper nights and a fall harvest that many of us excitedly anticipate all year long. It’s pumpkin season! Think of warm and vibrant spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom and cloves baked into roasted pumpkin, mashed pumpkin, pumpkin pie, pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin bread. Is your mouth watering too? Perhaps you’re not a pumpkin enthusiast. Let’s talk apples! Tart, sweet, crisp and juicy apples with just the right crunch. You know you’ve picked a good one when a light spray of apple juice caresses the cheek

of the friend sitting across from you as you take your first bite. Green apples, red apples, yellow apples or multicolored “rainbow” apples – as my daughter gleefully calls them. Homemade or jarred, unsweetened applesauce with a spritz of lemon and sprinkle of cinnamon is a quick, nourishing treat to prepare for children and grown-ups alike. Then, of course, there is apple cider, apple pie, baked apples, dried apples, apple walnut salad or – I dare you to tickle your taste buds with this dish – balsamic-honey roasted apples, Brussels sprouts and pepitas (recipe below). How are those seasonal salivary glands doing now?

For those of us that hide-out indoors during the heat of the summer, autumn is a time to reconnect with nature. The colorful array of

nutrient-packed fall produce that is available this time of year can cultivate any plate. Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients that nourish our bodies while helping to protect us from disease. When It comes to nutritional health, variety is vital as all foods offer different nutrients in varying amounts.

Variety will also optimize gut health by establishing a balanced gut microbiome which can decrease risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression, digestive disorders and heart disease. A well-balanced plate is onehalf fruits and vegetables, one-fourth lean protein and one-fourth whole grains. Select foods from every food group and produce of every color to incorporate throughout each day. Eat the rainbow for your health!

Below is a list of nourishing autumn harvest selections you might find at your local grocery store or farmers’ market. Never been to a farmers’ market? Now is the perfect time to go! The farmers’ market is a great place to meet community members and support local business. As a bonus, fresh-air shopping at the outdoor market provides a free source of vitamin D. Enjoy mingling with neighbors and soak up those warm sun rays while they last!

If you don’t have access to fresh, seasonal produce, frozen produce is another great option because it is picked at peak ripeness, blanched and then frozen to preserve nutrients. In some cases, frozen produce may contain more nutrition than fresh produce that has spent days degrading in transit, on grocery store shelves and in your refrigerator. Choose plain frozen vegetables or fruit and flavor them at home with your preferred

SEASONAL FALL PRODUCE

• Apple

• Artichokes

• Arugula

• Beets

• Broccoli

• Brussel Sprouts

• Cabbage

• Carrots

• Cauliflower

• Celeriac

• Celery

• Chard

• Chilies

• Garlic

• Green Beans

• Kale

• Leeks

• Okra

• Onion

• Peppers

• Potatoes

• Pumpkins

• Radicchio

• Radishes

• Rutabaga

• Shallots

• Spinach

• Sweet Potatoes

• Winter Squash

• Zucchini

BALSAMIC-HONEY ROASTED APPLES, BRUSSELS SPROUTS AND PEPITAS

Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

2 apples, cored and cubed

1-pound brussels sprouts, halved

¼ cup red onion, sliced

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons pepitas (green pumpkin seeds)

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease a sheet pan or line with parchment paper.

2. On the sheet pan, toss apples, Brussels sprouts and onion with olive oil and salt. Smooth to a single layer. Roast for 10 minutes, stir and roast for an additional 10 minutes or until tender as desired.

3. Transfer to a serving dish, add pepitas and drizzle with balsamic vinegar and honey. Toss gently to coat. Serve and enjoy!

ingredients. Canned produce can also be a healthful addition to meals and snacks when choosing those that are sodium-free or low sodium and rinsing well before consuming. The key is to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily, whether they be seasonally fresh, frozen or canned. As 2023 transcribes its final chapters and fall leaves begin to color our sky, take a moment for yourself to appreciate the beauty of this season and harvest autumn while it lasts. Enjoy your nourished life.

Article and recipe courtesy of Kate Boston, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with Cultivate Your Plate. For more information on her Nutrition Coaching and Education Services, visit cultivateyourplate.com.

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