october 2021 // Priceless
against the odds
6 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
CONTENTS top notes
13
A Ticket to Win
14
Living Legend: Derek Jeter
16
Toparazzi
life+style
Passion for Future
20
Hidden Inspiration
29
health report: Genetic Counselor
30
business spotlight: Liberty Financial
33
A League of Their Own
52
Fashion Warm-Up
health+beauty
64
Boo-tiful Life
69
Autumn Aesthetics
cuisine
74
Ciao Down: Top-5 Dining
community
80
Veteran Valor
82
tops cares: AMPED Up
85
tops cares: The Hope Buss
photos
88
8 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
Events
LOOK! upcoming issues For advertising information, call us at 502-780-7825 or email getmore@topslouisville.com
november
Home for the Holidays
dec
The Giving Issue
jan
Shaping Louisville
TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 9
Vol 5 • No. 10 Keith Yarber
Publisher kyarber@topsmarketing.com
Kathy Thuerbach
CONTRIBUTORS
Editor-in-Chief and Senior Advertising Account Executive kathy@topslouisville.com
Photography: Dick Arnspiger, Danny Alexander, Two Hearts Media, R Dobbs Photography
Rocko Jerome
Writers: Dawn Anderson, Rocko Jerome, Taylor Riley, Alison Cardoza, Heather French Henry
tj white
VP, Sales tj@topslouisville.com
Brand Ambassador and Staff Writer rocko@topslouisville.com
Morgan Hancock
Chad Howard
Senior Advertising Account Executive
VP, Digital Marketing
morgan@topslouisville.com
chad@topsmarketing.com
Haley Bottorff
joseph yarber
Brooke Griffiths Senior Graphic Designer brooke@topslouisville.com
TOP Marketing Group Amanda Harper Graphic Designer amandah@topsmarketing.com
Haley Norris
Account Executive
Digital Strategist
Graphic Designer
haleyb@topslouisville.com
joseph@topsmarketing.com
haley@topsmarketing.com
100 EXECUTIVE PARK, SUITE 101 LOUISVILLE, KY 40207
(502) 780-7825 • TOPSLOUISVILLE.COM The views and comments expressed by the authors are not always that of our editors or publishers. While every effort has been made to ensure th accuracy of the information in this publication, TOP Marketing Group accepts no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions or resultant consequences, including any loss or damage arising from the reliance on information in this publication. All images contained in TOPS Louisville magazine are subject to the copyright of the artist or photographer as named, but not limited thereto. Reproduction of any part of this magazine without prior written permission is prohibited.
Louisville-Middletown 12949 Shelbyville Rd, Suite 101 Louisville, KY 40243 (502) 874-5848 Louisville-St. Matthews 4505 Shelbyville Road Suite 100 Louisville, KY 40207 (502) 835-2001 Jeffersonville-Indiana 4229 Town Center Blvd Jeffersonville, IN 47130 (812) 288-1154
NothingBundtCakes.com
10 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 11
12 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
notes TOP
ticket to
WIN
Indoor-outdoor living unites in this year’s stunning farmhousestyle home in Norton Commons. This gorgeous, brand new $750,000 home can be yours through the Norton Children’s Hospital Home and BMW Raffle to support kids facing cancer in our region.
E
er will go back The first prize winn er for the grand pp in the drawing ho ch ticket holder prize drawing so ea s! y to win both prize has an opportunit on ce pla ke ta ll The drawing wi e 2021, as part of th Saturday, Dec. 4, ed ne u yo t Snow Ball gala, bu win. not be present to
DEC
Here’s your chance to win a home in norton commons
ach ticket purchased will directly assist children receiving treatment for pediatric cancer and blood disorders at Norton Children’s Cancer Institute, which includes Norton Children’s Hospital as well as the outpatient clinic and infusion center at the Novak Center for Children’s Health. This marks the 11th year running that someone will win a stunning new home in Norton Commons. Each ticket holder also has a chance to win the fi rst prize, which is a 2022 BMW X3 Sport Activity Vehicle from BMW of Louisville plus $10,000 cash. This year’s home features approximately 2,300 square feet of living space in 1 ½ stories including three bedrooms, two full bath room and a powder room. With a focus on uniting indoor and outdoor living, the home features an indoor-outdoor see-through fi replace between the living room and side porch. “I want the house to be comfortable and approachable, which is important given the pandemic our society has experienced for the past year,” said David Ramage, founder and president of Ramage Company, who developed the house plans along with C3 Studio and built the home. “This home has multiple access points to the front porch, wraparound porch and side porch, plus a nice yard space.” Other features include a fi rst-floor primary suite with vaulted ceiling, large walkin closet and a free-standing tub. The home features an open floor plan with 10-foot ceilings and wood floors. It has a custom kitchen with floor to ceiling cabinets, stainless steel appliances and marble countertops. It also has a full, unfi nished basement, 2 ½ care attached garage and a geothermal heating and cooling system. Interior design services are by Leslie Cotter Interiors, in conjunction with support from suppliers and trade partners who have donated time and materials to the project. The winner of the home will also enjoy all the amenities of Norton commons including parks, green spaces, restaurants, retail, concerts and events in Norton Commons. The community lends itself to social gatherings and getting to know your neighbors, said Charles Osborn III, managing director of Norton Commons. According to Charles, the raffle homes are some of the most recognized in the neighborhood and bring a lot of pride to Norton Commons.
4
“Everyone recognizes that even if they are not the winner, their money is going to be put to good use helping families when they need it most,” he said. ■
For your chance to win Visit HomeAndBMW Raffle.com for all the details and to purchase your raffle tickets today or call (502) 629-8060. Tickets are $100 each and only 15,000 will be sold.
TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 13
2021
Living Legend
L OU I S V I L L E S L UG GE R M U S E U M & FAC T ORY
DER EK J ET ER
O
BY DAWN ANDERSON
n Friday, November 12, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory will present Derek Jeter with the 2021 Living Legend Award. The New York Yankees legend was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Class of 2020 in September 2021, the first such ceremony in almost two years.
Derek Jeter is now CEO of the Miami Marlins and “continues to be the driving force behind the Turn 2 Foundation,” established in 1996 to give back to West Michigan, Tampa, and New York City communities. “To date, the Turn 2 Foundation has awarded more than $30 million in grants to create and support signature programs that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and ‘Turn 2’ healthy lifestyles.” The Living Legend ceremony will also kick off the 16th Annual Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory Auction with Hunt Auctions, Inc., a fundraiser for Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation. Created in 2007, the annual Living Legend Award honors “a person whose career in baseball and life outside the game have taken on legendary qualities by virtue of his talents, achievement, and conduct.” Jeter joins the prestigious company of past recipients, including Mike Schmidt, Frank Thomas, Dave Winfield, Andre Dawson, Ozzie Smith, Cal Ripken, Jr., Tony Gwynn, Johnny Bench, Ernie Banks, Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson, and Ken Griffey, Jr. Derek Jeter is a five-time World Series champion, an MLB 3000-hit club member, and “one of the greatest to ever play the game.” He was a 14-time All-Star and the 2000 World Series MVP. Jeter received five Golden Gloves, five Silver Slugger Awards, two Hank Aaron Awards, and a Roberto Clemente Award. During his 20 MLB seasons, Derek Jeter used a Louisville Slugger P72 for all of his over 12,500 plate appearances. When Jeter retired in 2014, Louisville Slugger retired the P72 bat model and renamed it the DJ2 in his honor. Regarding his upcoming 2021 Living Legend Award, Jeter said, “It’s an honor to be recognized by the great team at Louisville Slugger Factory & Museum with this award. Louisville Slugger played a very integral role in my playing career, and I appreciate all that they have done for the game of baseball.” For more information about Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, visit sluggermuseum.com, follow @sluggermuseum on Facebook and Twitter, and @slugger_museum on Instagram.■
14 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
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photos
TOParazzi
Marnix Warren, Megan Carr, Yureka Lancaster and Greg Buccola
Jeff Wallitsch and Nique Freese
Madison Schilmiller and Kim Schilmiller at the Kentuckiana Stroke Association Tasting Extravaganza
Lance Kollker and Adria Bryant
Janelle Bradshaw and MJ Bradshaw Jenny Jerdan, Emmett Exum and Jackie Exum
Jessica Chow and Morgan McGill
Colorful attendees at the Big Four Arts Festival
TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 17
Life+Style
20
Hidden Inspiration
29
Health Report
30
Business Spotlight
33
A League of Their Own
52
Fashion Warm-Up
57
WOW Wedding
TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 19
life+style
H I D DiErN a ti o n
i n sp
BY DAWN ANDERSON PHOTOS BY DICK ARNSPIGER
To meet the people profiled in these inspiring stories, you would never imagine what they have endured or the obstacles they have overcome. Their compassion, kindness, and positivity shine in everything they do. Against all odds, they have risen above their circumstances with the strength to help others find their way, too.
20 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
life+style
Sa m a n t h a St a l l i n g s R a re Di s ea s e A dvoc ac y
S
amantha Stallings has channeled her multiple challenging medical diagnoses into a rare disease advocacy platform shining a spotlight on conditions and diseases that tend to receive less attention. She has always lived an active lifestyle, which doctors credit for her ability to achieve better outcomes from the treatment of her medical issues. Samantha has Loeys-Dietz syndrome Type III. It is similar to and often confused with Marfan Syndrome. Characterized by an enlargement of the aorta, it affects connective tissue throughout the body and can lead to immunesystem-related problems. Samantha was always tall for her age but hated basketball and was not much of a runner. At four, she took up swimming and eventually became a Sacred Heart Academy swim team member. Samantha has a 19-year involvement with Norton Children’s Brave Hearts. The organization “connects families of children with congenital heart defects, provides resources to support their heart journeys, and advocates fundraising for future advancements in heart care at Norton Children’s Heart Institute, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine.” At 13, Samantha was diagnosed with Chiari malformation, a protrusion of the cerebellum into the spinal canal. Her symptoms were severe enough to require surgery at 14. During the spring semester of Samantha’s senior year at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama, she remembers feeling “off” with nausea and headaches that seemed to move down her body. But she waited until May 2015 to see her neurosurgeon, who referred her to the University of Iowa’s Iowa Institute of Human Genetics. Samantha recalls having to fight with the medical insurance provider to get a genetic blood panel. Samantha was eventually diagnosed with homocystinuria, an inborn metabolic disorder characterized by the inability to process the amino acid methionine. October is Homocystinuria Awareness Month. “I should have had aneurysms, strokes, and
blood clots,” says Samantha. “I count myself lucky to be alive.” In addition to taking medications, she must maintain a low-protein diet of 45-50 grams per day, requiring a methionine-free nutritional supplement formula. Since her diagnosis six years ago, Samantha has looked for ways to get involved. She had always been very private about her medical issues, but she joined the Young Adult Representatives of Rare Disease Legislative Advocates (RDLA) when she fully realized their rarity. In particular, Samantha advocated for the Medical Nutrition Equity For more information, visit EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases at everylifefoundation.org. Follow Samantha @sportssammy05 on Facebook and @sosouthernatheart on Instagram.
Act (MNEA) signed on by Congressman John Yarmuth. The MNEA’s purpose is to “ensure that public and private insurance covers medically necessary foods required to prevent severe disabilities and death so that children and adults with digestive and inherited metabolic disorders can become healthy and productive citizens.” Samantha’s private insurance covers some of the $500 per month cost of her formula. She also receives financial assistance from the company that makes it. “What I have has made me tough, but other people have it a lot tougher,” says Samantha. She now has a Master’s degree in Elementary Education, is a Kindergarten assistant at St. Patrick Catholic School, teaches swim at Blairwood, and coaches swim at Owl Creek Country Club. Her parents, brother, doctors, and the rare disease community are her inspiration. With their podcast called The Village, Samantha and her mother Pam hope to help the rare disease community have a more prominent voice. “Be an advocate for yourself first. My parents spoke for me as a child, but I needed to have a voice of my own before I could advocate for others.” ■
advocate for yourself first. My parents spoke for me as a child, but I needed to have a vƣ ce of my n before I could advocate for others. Be an
TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 21
life+style
Je r e m y H a y d o n
Ch a s e Com mu n it y M a n age r
A
lmost immediately after birth, the health of Jeremy Haydon’s fi rstborn son Andrew declined, and he became lethargic. When the pediatrician visited the hospital, he recommended further testing. Andrew had a bulge in his umbilical cord. The cutting and clamping pierced his bowel. Andrew developed two holes in his heart from septicemia and underwent bowel and open heart surgeries. Andrew has cerebral palsy, autism, and is nonverbal. Caring for his son began to affect Jeremy’s work, and he struggled to pay the medical bills. After receiving a civil summons, Jeremy’s attorney advised him to fi le bankruptcy. Jeremy’s wife left, Jeremy became a single father, his car was repossessed, and his home went into foreclosure. Jeremy and Andrew were only one month away from homelessness when a simple act of kindness turned their circumstances around. A lady from a local church knocked on his door and handed him a $500 check and a Honey Baked Ham®. She told him, “This doesn’t have to defi ne you. You can start a new chapter.” Jeremy suddenly knew what he needed to do. He studied up on personal fi nance and credit repair and put a plan in motion. Jeremy was hired as one of 150 Chase Community Managers across the country. The full-time Community Manager, a new role created by the bank, will engage the community and businesses to increase awareness of available resources and tools and help connect them with fi nancial health education. The Community Manager will establish free interactive programs on credit and budget building, saving for the future, and others. As Lawrence Bailey, Managing Director and Head of Community Banking and Business Development, put it, Chase is “moving beyond community banking to community building.” Research from the JPMorgan Chase Institute
published in April 2020 found that “Black and Latinx families have 32 and 47 cents in liquid assets for every $1 held by White families.” To further address these racial disparities in fi nancial health, Chase plans to help one million people open low-cost checking and savings accounts. Chase will invest “up to $50 million in the form of capital and deposits in Black and Latinx-led Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).” Chase Vice President of Public Relations and Corporate Responsibility Carlene Lule says, “This is a brand-new role for Chase, entering neighborhoods and communities for the fi rst time, places we’ve never been.” Jeremy also emphasized the fi rm’s focus on hiring locally. “It’s critical the Community Managers be proximate to the neighborhoods and residents with whom they work.” Visit Chase at 416 W. Jefferson St. Louisville, KY 40202 and chase.com. Follow @chase on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. As a Chase Community Manager here in Louisville, Jeremy Haydon conducts budgeting, saving, credit, and home buying workshops to help facilitate fi nancial access and resources. For Jeremy, the work doesn’t stop at the end of his workday. In addition to the non-profits and community organizations he works with as a Community Manager, Jeremy also spends time working with the local prison system, The Center for Women and Families, and runs a fi nancial recovery ministry. “I am living proof that you do not have to let hardships defi ne you. If by sharing my story I help one person, that will be enough for me. Life is hard. Don’t be a victim.” Jeremy turns to the Bible verse John 16:33, which reads, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ■
“I am living proof that
you do not have to let hardships define y . If by sharing my story I help one person, that will be enough for me. Life is hard. Don’t be a victim.”
22 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
life+style
TOPS LOUISVILLE | October 2021 23
life+style
24 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
life+style
Li n d a U hl f o r Je f f U hl
Gl iobla stom a Mu lt i for me (G B M ) Aw a re ne s s
L
inda and Jeff Uhl were married in 1991. They purchased property and in 1993 moved the sod farm, started by Jeff’s father in 1959, to its current location. The Uhls soon had two children, son Griffi n and daughter Natalie. Fast forward to Spring 2018. Jeff, the hands-on owner of Uhl Turf, became more sore and tired, symptoms he chalked up to changes in medication for arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Linda noticed that he would occasionally slur his words, he wasn’t picking up his feet when walking, his mannerisms were off, and he was sleeping during the day, which wasn’t like him. Their daughter Natalie was in Indianapolis serving an internship with USA Track & Field (USATF). Linda asked her to observe any changes in her father during her next visit home. Natalie took one look at him and knew something was wrong. Jeff agreed to schedule an appointment with his general practitioner. A few days later, he said if he wasn’t feeling better when he woke up the next morning that he would go to the emergency room. After breakfast and showering, that’s where they headed. Jeff Uhl was diagnosed On August 19, 2018, after an initial with Glioblastoma in 2018. CAT scan, Linda was told, “Your lives are never going to be the same.” Two days later, Jeff had brain surgery. “The longer surgery went on, the more concerned we became,” says To help fund GBM research and support patients’ families, visit www.glioblastomafoundation.org and braintumor.org. Linda. “I remember watching the clock and thinking, ‘Please don’t let him (the neurosurgeon) ask to speak to me in another room.’” The unthinkable happened. The doctor informed Linda that Jeff had the aggressive brain cancer known as Glioblastoma and that Jeff, at 59 years old, was “not going to survive.” On hearing those words, Linda says, “I can’t begin to tell you what that feeling is.” The average survival time for a Glioblastoma diagnosis is 12 to 15 months. 25% of patients survive one year, and only 5% survive more than five years. Various physicians consulted
after Jeff’s diagnosis gave him anywhere from six months to 1-3 years. Linda recalls listening but hoping, “Maybe we’ll beat the odds.” Linda called her older brother and sister-in-law, both physicians in North Carolina. Her sisterin-law sent information that was not usually patient-facing. Linda set about reading that and everything she could. “It wasn’t easy, but I needed to understand.” Their team of physicians was “absolutely wonderful,” and Linda was determined to make well-informed decisions in Jeff’s best interest. After recovering from surgery, Jeff never felt sorry for himself. There wasn’t time. He had his moments, especially when thinking about what he would miss in Griffi n and Natalie’s lives. Jeff focused on his family, friends, and business. He went back to work, giving more and more responsibility to his General Manager, James Seals so that Uhl Turf would move forward without a hitch. “Jeff continued to enjoy, continued to do, continued to work, and didn’t let cancer define him. That was not how he wanted to live. Jeff had a gift for gab, never met a stranger, and loved to perform little acts of kindness. He didn’t change who he was. He lived his life so fully until he couldn’t anymore.” Just shy of a year later, the tumor was growing again, and Jeff underwent a second surgery. During the following six months, he still worked as much as he could and enjoyed every day. “When you know that you don’t get to survive, you hope for as much time as possible and, most importantly, that the quality of life is good. We were so lucky compared to many families dealing with GBM. Jeff didn’t suffer from many of the adverse side effects associated with Glioblastoma. We credit that to his health going into it, his team of doctors, and to his attitude throughout.” Jeff Uhl died on February 25, 2020, at the age of 61. At his celebration of life, Griffi n and Natalie heard so many stories from people whose lives their father touched. As more of an introvert, Linda Uhl tries to “put herself out there” purposely because that’s what Jeff did. She strives to bring awareness to cancers that don’t have survivor stories. “Griffi n, Natalie, and I continue to hope for advances in research that will give other families more time, something that is taken for granted until a diagnosis like GBM." ■
“When you know that you don’t get to survive, you hope for as much time as possible and, most importantly,
at e ality of life is g d. ”
TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 25
life+style
To d M o o r e
New Day M i n i st r ie s
T
od Moore was born the youngest of three boys and raised in the former Cotter Homes housing project, now the site of the Park Duvalle neighborhood. His mother was a drug “queenpin,” his father was a pimp and drug dealer, and his stepfather was a bank robber and drug user. Having their door kicked in by police was a fairly routine occurrence. Tod recalls various prison visits to see his great-grandfather, grandfather, father, mother, and uncles. Tod’s mother would often tell him, “There is no God.” But his mother encouraged him to complete his education, and Tod always had a love of numbers. In the 1979 Western High School yearbook, he was one of four seniors named “Most Likely to Succeed.” For eleven years, Tod worked at UPS. Three of those years, he worked as a delivery driver, making as much as $50,000 a year. Tod says that wasn’t enough and that drug dealing had been a part of his life since he was a child — “the generational curse.” For more information, visit ndky.org. Follow @www.ndky. org on Facebook and @ndkylouisville on Instagram. Following an August 1991 gang-related incident resulting in the deaths of three men, Tod and four other men were arrested and charged with three counts of capital murder, capital kidnapping, and armed robbery. During a jail visit in September 1992, his mother said, “I taught you wrong. You need Jesus Christ.” Two days later, during one of the jailhouse minister’s regular visits, Tod told him about the visit with his mother. The minister said, “Christ uses people just like you.” They prayed the Sinner’s Prayer, and the minister proclaimed that Tod was saved. His mother cried at the news and said, “The Lord has forgiven you. Go get busy for the Lord.” In May 1993, Tod was sentenced to 25
years to life. In prison, he tutored inmates in reading and writing. “I just started doing what I knew to do.” Pastor Larry Coleman of City Church International, who had once served time himself, prophesied that Tod and others would be disciples, start a revival, and be instrumental in building a church in prison. Referencing Luke 1:37, “For with God nothing shall be impossible,” the seed for New Day Ministries was planted. Tod assisted with prison chapel services, led Bible studies and prayer meetings, and mentored his fellow inmates. In 2005, Tod and his mother launched the nonprofit Families of the Accused/Convicted (FOTAC, later renamed Family First USA) to support families of those accused and convicted of a crime. Despite a couple of prison transfers, Tod’s ministry continued, and in 2012 “the Lord gave me the vision for New Day Ministries.” After 26 ½ years, Tod’s parole was granted. He walked out of prison on January 2, 2018. Finally, New Day Ministries’ outreach was able to expand with community empowerment and youth engagement. But Tod’s parole restrictions kept him from mission trip opportunities. On December 7, 2019, as Tod hosted over 100 guests at New Day Ministries’ first Gala Fundraising Dinner, he received a call from former Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin, who left a voicemail message sharing with Tod that he was granting him a full and complete pardon. Tod is thankful that he missed the call. If he’d answered, he wouldn’t have the recording “to be proof of the Miracles of Christ!” According to Tod, in the 43 months since his release, various news media have covered New Day Ministries 27 times. Each time he’s sharing hope and inspiring others to join him in changing Louisville’s West End culture, especially the Chickasaw community. Tod is now happily married, an Ordained Minister, and on the verge of launching Dream Center Academy, a private Christian School in Louisville’s Chickasaw neighborhood. “I can believe the impossible and see the invisible.” ■
Tod is now on the verge of launching Dream Center Academy, a private Christian School in Louisville’s Chickasaw neighborhood. “I can
believe e impo ible and see e invisible. ”
26 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
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TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 27
life+style
Av o n Mc La i n, Jr Von Su b s C E O/ Fou nde r
D
espite having custody of his daughter, Avon McLain, Jr. was “into the streets” before making his restaurant VonSubs a reality. Avon got into some legal trouble and was arrested in front of his 12-year-old daughter as she was walking home from school. He spent ten days in jail, imagining what he could do differently. Avon originally hails from Baltimore, Maryland, less than a two-hour drive from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Some of the best Philly cheesesteaks outside Philadelphia can be found in Baltimore. As he was lying on his jailhouse bunk, Avon could see himself making cheesesteaks. At the time, authentic Philly cheesesteaks were difficult, if not impossible, to fi nd in Louisville. He remembers thinking, “This vision has to materialize.” Avon fi rst set up shop a week before Muhammad Ali’s funeral in June 2016, with just a grill and three tables on a vacant corner at 26th and Broadway. The community response was so strong that it fueled his momentum to move into a brick-andmortar restaurant. VonSubs opened in the Newburg neighborhood at 6006 Shepherdsville Road in the Spring of 2021. “Opening the restaurant changed my life around and provided a better life for my daughter,” says Avon. According to the National Restaurant Association, approximately 30% of restaurants fail within the fi rst year. With an average profit margin of only 5-6%, restaurants face steeper odds of surviving the pandemic. VonSubs is still going after five years in business. “It takes a lot of money, more money than you think, and a lot of hard work. I feel like we’re past the plateau, and I’m still learning.” Avon has given back to the community by feeding the houseless population in Downtown Louisville. He frequently talks to young people about overcoming a rough childhood. “I encourage them as African-Americans to break the curse, control their own lives, and follow their dreams.” Avon says he “didn’t have anyone to look up to.” Though he did not come from a broken home, his father was always working. Avon found inspiration on Netfl ix in the 2006 documentary “The Secret” and continues to seek out positive messages. ■
VonSubs – Home of the Cardinal Cheesesteak — is open seven days a week. For more information, follow @VonSubz on Facebook and @vonsubs on Instagram.
Cour tesy photos
Avon’s daughter Kavonia, the inspiration for VonSubs, tragically lost her life on September 24, 2021. We offer our deepest condolences to Avon and all of Kavonia’s loved ones.
“I encourage (young people) as African-Americans to break the curse, control their own lives, and 28 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
fo eir dreams.”
life+style
BY DAWN ANDERSON
health
2
report
Jillian Runyon, MS GENETIC COUNSELOR WITH BAPTIST HEALTH LOUISVILLE
Cour tesy headshot
021 is a life-changing year for Jillian Runyon, MS, Genetic Counselor with Baptist Health Louisville. She rang in the new year newly engaged after accepting a Christmas Eve 2020 marriage proposal. Jillian completed a Master’s degree, graduated, became board-certified, moved to Louisville to start this new job in her chosen field, and her wedding is just weeks away! Jillian describes herself as primarily left-brained, as she has always been fascinated with math and science. But she also loves art and enjoys the creative aspects of her job, such as preparing visual aids, research, and the work is constantly changing. Jillian is from Illinois and began her undergraduate studies at Illinois Wesleyan University as a Psychology major. During her junior year, a Genetics professor inspired her to change her major to Biology. Genetic counseling was a perfect fit for Jillian to combine her interests in Psychology and Genetics. To get some exposure to the field, she shadowed at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. After graduation, Jillian went straight into the Genetic Counseling program at Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, earning her Master of Science in Medical and Molecular Genetics in May 2021. She started her new job with Baptist Health Louisville in June and passed her board examination in August.
“Genetic counseling has a direct impact on patient care. … I help them through understanding the mutation and its impact and finding the right specialist.” With Baptist Health®, Jillian specializes in cancer genetic counseling. She shares the most important and rewarding aspects of her work, “Finding the specific mutation in the gene guides us in treatment and surgery options and screening recommendations for the patient’s family members. Genetic counseling has a direct impact on patient care. For patients testing positive, I help them through understanding the mutation and its impact and fi nding the right specialist.” At Baptist Health®’s multidisciplinary clinic on Kresge Way, Jillian sees an average of four patients per day where she orders testing and blood draws for patients dealing primarily with breast, colon, uterine, ovarian, or pancreatic cancers. She will soon be working two days per week with Dr. William Hoagland, Jr. at Baptist Health® Medical Group’s brand new High Risk Breast Clinic at Baptist Health® Eastpoint. Jillian trained for two weeks at Baptist Health® Lexington’s Cancer Risk Management Clinic (CRMC), which she says has been “a huge help in getting our Louisville program up and running.” In addition to exciting developments at work, Jillian’s wedding preparations have kicked into high gear with her impending nuptials. Jillian and her fiancé Blake, a community center supervisor, have fun exploring all the food options in Louisville and spending time with their pet corgi. Jillian played college softball, and Blake played college baseball, so they like to stay active, enjoying sporting events, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Once the wedding and honeymoon are over, Jillian looks forward to settling into the new marriage and her career. “I plan to be actively involved in growing the cancer genetic counseling program, expanding referrals in number and type. I am also interested in exploring other genetic counseling specialties.” As a “one-stop source for cancer information,” Jillian recommends calling Baptist Health® Louisville’s Cancer Resource Center at (502)896-3009. Visit baptisthealth.com/louisville and follow @BaptistHealthLouisville on Facebook and @BHLouisville on Instagram. ■ TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 29
life+style
business SPOTLIGHT
Flight TAKING TA L
iberty Financial opened its first two local retail offices in Louisville less than three years ago. Already, the regional credit union has made quite an impression within the community. Liberty now has five offices in Louisville—with its sixth office scheduled to open soon in Crestwood near South Oldham High School. The reason for the rapid growth? According to Liberty Financial President and CEO Bill Schirmer, it starts with the credit union’s commitment to returning value to its members.
A free, high-interest checking account With a high interest rate of 3.30% APY, as well as reimbursement of bank ATM fees up to $15 per month, Liberty Financial’s free Vertical Checking account was like nothing Louisville had previously seen. “The community has defi nitely enjoyed the benefits of our Vertical Checking program. In fact, our best advertising has been referrals. When members see the interest income post to their account each month, they tell their family and friends about it,” said Schirmer.
With America’s best checking and industry leading mortgage options, Liberty Financial is changing the way Louisville banks 30 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
life+style
Originally, Vertical Checking offered an interest rate of 3.00% APY. In July 2019, Liberty Financial increased the interest rate to 3.30% APY. Subsequently, new accounts surged significantly. The credit union’s total amount returned to members through checking accounts more than doubled in two years, increasing from $3.8 million in 2018 to more than $8.2 million in 2020. The industry took notice. In its July 2020 issue, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, a Washington, D.C.-based personal fi nance publication, began including Vertical Checking in its monthly Top Checking Accounts list where it has remained each month since. Among the four checking accounts listed from across the nation, Vertical Checking offers the highest earnings. Later in the year, the credit union received the fi rst of back-to-back accolades from Investopedia, an independent online fi nancial publisher headquartered in New York City. In December, Investopedia recognized Vertical Checking in its Best Checking Accounts article, naming it the nation’s Best Checking Account for Debit Users. In February 2021, in its list of the six Best Credit Unions for 2021, Liberty Financial was named Best Credit Union for Checking.
Industry-leading mortgage totals Liberty Financial maintains its trademark commitment to returning value to borrowers as well, which homeowners throughout Louisville have increasingly discovered. According to the American Credit Union Mortgage Association, Liberty Financial ranked fi rst nationally in residential fi rst mortgages originated among all credit unions up to $2.75 billion in assets last year. In total, the credit union ranked fourteenth among more than 5,000 credit unions nationwide.
To date, only fi rst-quarter totals have posted for 2021. These rankings fi nd Liberty Financial having climbed to the eleventh-largest fi rst mortgage originator nationally. Ross Williams, Vice President of Mortgage Operations, credits the organization’s mortgage success to its commitment to options that benefit the homeowner. “Our focus is to provide the best mortgage product based on the individual borrower’s needs. That means we offer a wide selection of programs that offer competitive rates at low costs with an exceptional service experience,” said Williams. Locally, the credit union is a prominent player in Louisville’s signature real estate event of the year. Liberty Financial is the proud fi nancial partner of Artisan Signature Homes and the 2021 Southern Living Idea House.
A full-service financial experience Although it is increasingly associated with checking and mortgage programs, the credit union has drawn national attention in multiple other areas in recent months: • Investor’s Business Daily recently recognized Liberty Financial’s Health Savings Account as one of the nation’s 12 Best HSAs of 2021 based on account features, customer reviews, benefit consultants’ input, and Morningstar fund ratings. • In June, Forbes named Liberty Financial one of the country’s Best-in-State financial institutions based on an independent survey of customer satisfaction. Schirmer noted the credit union’s recent acknowledgments are most important because they manifest that the organization is fulfi lling its mission. “We were founded on providing the best service and value to the communities we serve. That’s our focus and what drives us forward.” ■ TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 31
welcome to magnolia aesthetics! We believe in helping to enhance your natural beauty, preserve healthy skin, and prevent premature aging by offering top of the line products, services, and procedures to help you preserve a naturally youthful appearance.
Magnolia Aesthetics’ proven products and nonsurgical procedures are guaranteed to optimize your natural beauty. We offer the safest and most effective services in the industry while providing a calm and relaxing environment, right in the heart of St. Matthews.
save the date open house! 502.632.2244 32 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 www.MagnoliaLouisville.com
wednesday, october 27 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Join us for an evening of hors d’ouvres & cocktails, live music, giveaways, and special pricing on all services! The first 50 attendees will get a certificate for a complimentary lip flip!
149 Chenoweth Lane Louisville, KY 40207
Now At Bat TOPS PROUDLY CELEBRATES THE FOLLOWING BUSINESSWOMEN WHO ARE TRULY IN “A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN” Our Location The Louisville Slugger Museum has upped their game with an exciting new factory tour experience! The world-famous tour now begins with a thrilling movie that transports you to the forests and mills where every Louisville Slugger bat begins. After that, walk through the heart of the factory production line and check out never-before-seen steps in the bat-making process, including the creation of our fan favorite mini-bats. For more information, please go to sluggermuseum.com.
STORIES BY ROCKO JEROME PHOTOS BY DICK ARNSPIGER
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JANA LYNN BREWER & ASHLEY ERNSPIKER Louisville Lush Aesthetics
323.929.LUSH (5874) louisvillelushaesthetics.com 11421 Main Street Louisville, KY 40243
“We wanted to create a different experience,” says Jana Lynn Brewer of Louisville Lush Aesthetics. “Not cold and sterile, but warm and like your friend’s house. A place where you can sit down and have conversations, where we consider any concerns and needs you have.” Jana Lynn Brewer and Ashley Ernspiker started the business together. They’re both nurse practitioners who share a passion for what they do. They put a big value on forming relationships with clients and serving as educators in their services. “We take pride in the fact that we are not just some injector’s office you’re walking into,” says Ashley. “We are not the typical revolving door. Our clients have become some of our sweetest and dearest friends. We care a great deal about them.” “Our intent is always to make people look like themselves,” Jana says. “We like to restore a sense of youth for our clients, along with a sense of self and confidence for a truly natural look. We think of ourselves as women helping women, but we treat men as well!” These ladies cater to you in their services and are mobile. They can meet you in your home or place of employment for a consultation or even to provide care. “As nurse practitioners, we are known for our emphasis on education and warm bedside manner,” Ashley says. “We plan to uphold that fully as we continue to grow our client base and continue to educate ourselves. We are going to be successful because we are the type of women who find strength in challenges. We are so excited for these next few months as we open our newest location in Lexington. We are ready to take on the injectables and beauty business, along with Pelo Beauty Collective.” The Pelo Beauty Collective is a group of stellar stylists and beauticians of every kind dedicated to their individual crafts. “It’s such a big city idea, but I think Louisville is ready for it,” says Jana. “We’re excited to be a part of offering so many services in one space.”
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LAUREN COX Boxcar PR
Lauren@BoxcarPR.com
“I always tell my clients- if you don’t tell your story, then someone else will,” says Lauren Cox of Boxcar PR. “In today’s world, where information is shared in the blink of an eye – it’s better to own your own story before someone else decides to do it for you.” With the edict of “Do good, give back, keep learning, live fully,” Lauren started her career in PR right out of college. “And when I say right out of college, I’m not exaggerating,” she says. “I graduated on Saturday and was ready at work on Monday at 8:00 AM.” Since then, she’s worked her way up the Boxcar ladder. First, starting as a social media coordinator, then assisting account managers, and now leading the media department and managing large corporate clients, all within six years. Clients know they can rely on Lauren whenever she’s needed for honest, straightforward counsel. “PR is diving headfirst into every aspect of your client’s story & organization,” she says. “If they are winning in their line of work, then I am doing something right.”
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KATHY THUERBACH
Editor-in-Chief of TOPS Louisville and Senior Account Manager Kathy@TopsLouisville.com
“I love helping businesses grow! I am very passionate about my clients and the things that are important to them,” says Kathy Thuerbach, Editorin-Chief of TOPS Louisville and Senior Account Manager. With over 40 years of experience in print and media, Kathy has seen the growth of digital and online marketing, as well as the impacts they’ve had on consumers. The knowledge that she’s gathered throughout her career helps her to “think outside the box.” That grants her an understanding of what people are looking for when they make buying decisions. Kathy attended Purdue University, where she was the Golden Girl, representing the University around the world. She also is a former L.A. Lakers Girl and performed during their back-toback World Championships. Today, the proud mother of three and grandmother of four takes pride in her work for TOPS, making the magazine you’re perusing now the very best it can be. “I am very thankful to be part of a growing company and industry, and TOPS Louisville is definitely on the move,” she says. “I love providing our readers with engaging, relevant information.”
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ELEET STONE COUNTERTOPS 13040 Middletown Industrial Boulevard , 40223 www.eleetstone.com
The ladies of Eleet Stone Countertops bring high-end custom craftsmanship to you with the kind of quality that puts you right in the lap of luxury. Tracy Leet, CoOwner along with her husband, Marty, is a third generation stoneworker, passing her expertise down to a fourth in this family owned and oriented business. It’s a team of experts all around. They can handle every part of the process- from finding the best materials to fabrication to getting every detail just right- so you don’t have to worry about anything. It comes with the nameEleet is synonymous with quality. “With the company motto of relationships built in stone, we believe in word-of-mouth advertising and that our work speaks for itself,” Tracy says. “We proudly offer free estimates on all stone fabrication and provide top-quality custom countertops, fireplace surrounds, vanities, and more to homes, builders, and more.”
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PAMELA ALVEY & KIMBERLY CASHION, APRNS Extended Care House Calls
502-356-4377 echp2u.com housecalls@echp2u.com
Just as the medical field is constantly changing, growing, and thriving, Pamela Alvey and Kimberly Cashion, both APRNs, have improved an old idea. These two founded Extended Care House Calls, dedicated to bettering the lives and preserving the health of their patients through continuous care that keeps those they serve contentedly in the comfort of their own homes. Beyond the services offered by conventional home care, Extended Care House Calls brings the hospital to home for even the most complex patients, especially those who are homebound, for whom a trip to the doctor or hospital would be an arduous journey. Pamela and Kimberly started this business together in 2006 and today lead a mobile staff of experts who truly care and show endless devotion, taking pride in the health and happiness that they provide to over 3000 patients. The two women have developed a code of service that they call “The Special Sauce,” one that can’t be duplicated without their personalized input.
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MAGGIE ELDER CEO at Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana GSKentuckiana.org (888) 771-5170
For more than a century, the Girl Scouts have been helping to make the world a better place. “There are programs for every girl’s interest that help them to develop skills that will help them throughout their entire lives,” says Maggie Elder, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana. She knows firsthandshe was a Girl Scout herself. “I fell in love with camp at an early age. My first ambition was that I wanted to be a Girl Scout Camp Counselor, and that’s what I became right out of high school.” Maggie’s career path took her elsewhere in the nonprofit sector, but eventually, she returned to Girl Scouts. “For a family, choosing to enroll girls into our programs is a long-term commitment to the future,” she says. “Along with a sense of belonging and fun, girls develop critical thinking and leadership skills. They learn to challenge themselves. It’s the reason I’m where I am today.” Girl Scouts is for every girl in grades K-12. New members are invited year-round, and the organization always seeks conscientious adult leaders and new volunteers. To learn more, visit www.GSKentuckiana.org or (888) 771-5170.
Maggie Elder, CEO for Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, stands behind fellow Girl Scouts Tess Beasley, age 12, and Ehthemoo Po, age 17.
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SHELBY HARDING
High School Enrollment Counselor / Advisor, Campbellsville University (502) 753-0264 X 6030 snharding@campbellsville.edu
“My partners with dual credit receive the best from me,” Shelby Harding says of the program she’s been cultivating at Campbellsville University Louisville. She’s the High School Enrollment Counselor and Academic Advisor at CU, helping high school students get a jump start on their college classes beginning their sophomore year. With a passion for helping students and working alongside their schools to provide opportunities, she is highly devoted to her career. “When they partner with CU, they get a partner who keeps open communication between the guidance counselor, parent and student. They get a partner who checks up on their students, so it’s one less thing a guidance counselor has to worry about. They get a partner that truly cares about their students’ success, whether they end up at CU or another university. At the end of the day, I want to make things as smooth as possible for my schools. Whether it’s with communication or unique ideas, Shelby is always there for her partners, working to create the best opportunities for students.
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LORI DOUGHERTY
Co-Owner of Louisville Furniture 211 North English Station Road, 40223
Carrying top quality brands, Louisville Furniture is distinguished by an uncommon standard. Providing one on one service in which you never feel alone in your shopping and design experience, Lori Dougherty and her husband Dan have a combined 40 years of experience. “For most products, this is not a store where you order and wait,” says Lori. “If it’s on our floor, it’s available for delivery by the end of the week.” The store orders from many suppliers continuously, creating a curated supply of products ready to find their way to your home. The two have no sales team and keep their overhead low for a comfortable, nopressure establishment. “We dedicate all of our efforts towards providing the very best at affordable prices,” Lori says.
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SUSAN STRAUB
Owner of European Splendor 2232 Frankfort Avenue, 40206
Serving the community for over 20 years, European Splendor is part of the fabric that holds the neighborhood of Crescent Hill together. “Each product in my store is carefully curated with my customers in mind,” says Susan Straub, owner of the charming shop. “We have direct sourcing from Europe with suppliers who we’ve built relationships with for over two decades. We constantly strive to find new products in our store.” European Splendor was started 21 years ago while Susan was living in Prague while her husband, Matt, was working for Brown Forman. Surviving the pandemic was a major milestone for the boutique. “It forever changed the way we did business,” says Susan. “Ecommerce, home delivery, private shopping hours...Owning a small business is a lot of work! There is not much down time, but I love what I do. Every day, I look forward to seeing my customers and hope they know how much they are appreciated for supporting us!”
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MADISON DUTTON Land Group Title
502-861-5960 www.landgrouptitle.com
Land Group Title made its debut as a boutique real estate title and closing company in the Louisville market in 2016. The brand is well-known amongst real estate professionals in the area, and statewide, for its energetic and personalized closings. “On top of our commitment to effortless and accurate real estate transactions, we focus on creating an enjoyable experience for our clients, home buyers and sellers,” Land Group Title’s Madison Dutton explained. “Most of our long-term customers view us as an extension of their team, which is our ultimate goal.” Dutton began her own professional life as an elementary school teacher and fitness instructor before meeting Land Group’s co-founder and joining her team. She’s also the mom of an “energetic” two year old, with a daughter on the way, so starting each day with a checklist to stay organized is key. Another key has been remembering some powerful advice offered by her own mother. “‘Work hard, dream big, honey,’ is what I tell my children, and what my mom told me,” Dutton said. “I am a firm believer that visualizing your future and going after your goals — understanding that they will evolve and change with time — is the best advice I would give. Life is full of change, keep working hard, keep dreaming big, and it all works out.”
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DEANA LOCKMAN
Executive Director of Experiences at Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory www.sluggermuseum.com
Starting at Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory in 1997 as a tour guide, Deana Lockman is now the Executive Director of Experiences. “I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside talented and driven leaders and peers and couldn’t have asked for a better environment to learn and develop over the last two and a half decades,” she says. “Most people don’t realize that our company, Hillerich & Bradsby is still the exclusive maker of the Louisville Slugger wood bats. We are still locally owned and operated. We’ve put more focus on making the highest quality wood bat, improving our world-class museum & factory tour, and expanding our offerings for additional experiencebased attractions.” The 137 year old company has continued to grow and thrive across five generations. The family feeling permeates. “I actually met my husband at the museum in the summer of 1998, when we were tour guides,” says Deana. “ He works for GE Appliances now, but our daughter started working in the museum last summer. She will be graduating from Ballard this Spring.”
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STEPHANIE SUSEMICHEL Owner of Magnolia and Fig
12623 Shelbyville Road, 40243 magnoliaandfigboutique.com
“It’s really not as much about clothes as it is about how you feel,” says Stephanie Susemichel, owner of Magnolia and Fig. “My customers are my heart. There are a lot of laughter and happy tears here when we help these ladies to look their best. We truly have something for every body type or phase of life. There’s nothing better than when someone tells me that they got engaged in a dress they got from me or aced a job interview in a jacket that I helped them pick out. It means everything. It’s beautiful, it’s humbling, and it’s why I do this.” Stephanie is also devoted to her son, Emerson. “I opened the store when I was pregnant with him,” she says, “and from that point to now and forever, I look at him and I know that he is the reason why this store is so important to me. They’re growing together.” It’s an easy thing to imagine that as Emerson grows into a fully formed adult, Stephanie will similarly guide Magnolia and Fig to greater heights. After all, they’re practically siblings.
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ADRIA JOHNSON
President and CEO of Metro United Way metrounitedway.org adria.johnson@metrounitedway.org
“When my time of service is done, I want to be seen as a leader who worked to address the tougher, persistent, and more systemic issues present in community,” says Adria Johnson, President and CEO of Metro United Way. “A leader who wasn’t satisfied addressing challenges at a surface level, but a leader who dug down deep to understand the root of the challenges and compelled others to be unified and committed to solving for them over the period of time required to bring about true change.” A Louisville native, Adria knows first hand what it is to have lived in the conditions the organization works so hard to lift others from. “I know the pain of poverty and instability in the home, the devastating causes and effects of addiction and mental illness, raising children as a single parent, having to be both a mother and father. And, as a Black woman having to navigate life enduring subtle and not so subtle acts of racism and discrimination – I possess an unwavering commitment to being an authentic servant leader, a tireless advocate for equity, empathy, and compassion.” 46 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
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RHONDA HATFIELD Blue Halo Med Spa
8104 Old Bardstown Road, 40291 12400 Shelbyville Road, 40243 bluehalomedspa.com
“I always wanted to be a nurse, but I just couldn’t get over my phobia of blood and needles,” Rhonda Hatfield says with a laugh. Though an entrepreneur at an early age, she worked in Corporate America for ten years before starting Little Scholars Child Care in 2004. After selling her centers to a large chain in 2011, she’s found an outlet for her passion for medical science by building Blue Halo Med Spa, where they are dedicated to improving the overall skin health and wellbeing of their clients. “Though this is a different type of business, I’m still taking care of people,” she says. “I’ve found that the basics are the same.” Rhonda leads a fantastic team of professionals who are experts and highly experienced in their areas of expertise. “Our team and customers are more like family, and our goal is to create personal confidence for our customers,” she says. “God blessed us during a difficult year, and we are excited to offer services in both Fern Creek and their new Middletown location!”
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MEREDITH LINTNER METZMEIER AND KATHY LINTNER Co-Owners of Cartwheels Papers and Gifts 3919 Chenoweth Square, 40207
Meredith Lintner Metzmeier and her mother, Kathy Lintner, first opened the doors of Cartwheels Papers & Gifts in the Spring of 2009 with a focus on having “ Fun. Seriously!” Cartwheels is a full-service gift and stationery shop in Chenoweth Square, in the heart of St Matthews. It is best known for its unique offerings of works of over thirty local artists, vast gift selections, and custom papers for all occasions. “From the very beginning we knew we wanted our focus to be on the best possible customer experience and that continues to be the key factor in our growth and success,“ Kathy says. “We highly value our team, our guests, our neighboring business partners in Chenoweth Square, and our community,” says Meredith. The Cartwheels team is consistently dedicated to friendly, personal service, keeping a first-name basis with many of their customers. The dedication to a pleasant shopping experience and friendly work environment is how they have become Louisville’s definitive, professional, onsite, in-person, fine paper and gift resource.
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MELISSA HUFF Owner of Mamili
826 East Main Street, 40206 (502) 384-4450
Mamili, brought to you by Melissa Huff, the founder of Mad Hatter 502, which is the Derby Hat business she formed several years ago, is proudly a part of the NuLu Marketplace. Melissa opened Mamili in March of 2020. “Mamili means ‘to shop’ in Tagalog, which is the dialect my family speaks from the Philippines,” Melissa says. “ I’m Filipino and a native of Louisville.” Mamili offers casual and sophisticated women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories, along with select men’s and youth merchandise, as well as home accessories and gifts, some of which are made locally. The eclectic selection is carefully designed to appeal to a broad range of shoppers, providing for many age groups. “Mamili has something for everybody,” Melissa says. Melissa hopes to give back to the community as Mamili grows and this month especially, you can shop with a sense of purpose, as a portion of all sales will be donated to Twisted Pink, the charity created by Caroline Johnson, which raises money for metastatic breast cancer research.
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CRINDA FRANCKE ExecTrain Corporation
info@executrain.com 859-271-0296
Lexington’s ExecuTrain is a training institution offering onsite services and online classes customized for a range of client needs, whether they be people training, process orientations, technology management or otherwise. President and CEO Crinda Francke has been working in the training and development industry for more than two decades, serving thousands of Kentucky organizations as they design and implement their employee training programs over that period. “I have always loved helping people improve,” Francke explained. “Our ability to customize the solution to each individual client’s need as it relates to people, process and technology is what sets us apart.” Francke is also a volunteer facilitator at PATHS, which helps currently and formerly incarcerated women join and succeed in the global workforce, and serves on local boards dedicated to improving the lives of women and families. It’s clear that her motivational leadership style can be incredibly inspiring in any volunteer setting. “Never give up, stick to your plan, even though at times you will need to adjust, pivot and flex,” she advised. “Don’t forget why you started your journey and use that commitment to move forward and celebrate every success, no matter how big or small.”
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life+style
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life+style Inl e t Ves t, $139 | Athl e ta
Swif tland P ul l ove r Hoo die, $60 | REI Co-op
Ash C ropped Half Zip Jacke t, $75 | Fabl e tics
Go for pieces that are snug to the fit to allow for easy movement and warmth.
Pack It Up Jacke t, $138 | Lul ul emon
For a true fitness junkie, the cooler days aren't stopping them from getting that daily workout in! It just means you put a few more layers and bundle up to keep that warmth in and moisture out.
Scub a Ove rsized 1/2 Zip Hoo die, $118 | Lul ul emon
From multi-purpose jackets, fleece-lined leggings and the perfect pair of gloves, you're sure to be prepared for the start of those chilly morning runs. TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 53
Al l the Right Places High-Rise C rop Legging, $118 | Lul ul emon
Winte r Warm Fl eece-Lined High Wais t Leggings, $50 | C lai re and C lara
Women’s Winte r Warm Tight, $89 | The North Face
Run for It Al l Hoo ded Gl oves, $48 | Lul ul emon
G o-To Sweatpant, $70 | Fabl e tics
Whether you're running outside, doing backyard yoga or headed to the gym, a perfect pair of sweats or leggings can't be beat for that all-around comfort. If you're staying outside for your workout then you'll want to opt for bottoms that are fleece-lined or on the thicker side to help hold in that heat... not to mention, they're unbelievably cozy and comfortable. Winte r Bl ur™ Pom Pom Beanie, $35 | Col umbia Sportswear
Run for It Al l Beanie, $38 | Lul ul emon
Rec ycl ed Cotton Cuffed Beanie, $35 | Madewe l l
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You can't forget that noggin! If you're exercising outdoors, it's important to wear a beanie to keep your body warmth in.
Tours available Wednesday through Sunday. Make your reservation TODAY! Follow us on instagram at @whiskeyrowbourbon & @billygoatstrutwhiskey kentuckyartisandistillery.com | 6230 Old LaGrange Road, Crestwood, KY | 502.822.3042
Jorge & Erin
This Couple Went From Best Friends to Bride & Groom BY TAYLOR RILEY | PHOTOS BY T WO HEARTS MEDIA
E
rin and Jorge Wilson didn’t know what their sincere platonic friendship in high school would eventually turn into, but in June, the couple became husband and wife in a ceremony in front of friends and family at The Refinery. The two met in 2012 when Erin “slid into his DMs” while Jorge, now a Client Specialist at Hearst Television, was at Central and Erin, now a second-grade teacher at Semple Elementary, was attending Eastern High School. From there, the two were friends for a few years until it became something more; they then began dating in 2014. Erin, a UK graduate, says she and Jorge, a U of L graduate, had a difficult time scheduling a venue due to Covid. The Refi nery was the third venue change due to Covid (the couple even pushed back their ceremony a year!), but they were in “love” with the space, along with its “awesome” and “accommodating” team, says Erin. She put her trust in Darian at Special Moments to work his magic with her idea of incorporating warm, neutral colors and gold. Erin’s bouquet held a gifted pendant by her mother that held a picture of her uncle
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Erin’s bouquet held a gifted pendant by her mother that held a picture of her uncle who passed away 10 years ago. “I sobbed when she gave it to me.” A remembrance table also honored Jorge’s late uncle who passed away earlier in the year. who passed away 10 years ago. The two had a “special bond,” and she always dreamed he would give her away on her special day. “I sobbed when she gave it to me,” she says. “It was a surprise.” A remembrance table also honored Jorge’s late uncle who passed away earlier in the year. Some lighter moments marked the day for the couple, including sharing vows and jumping the broom, a tradition in some Black ceremonies. The couple practiced a viral TikTok dance to do for their entrance to the reception that was “hilarious,” says Erin. She says their bond is built on laughter, and they love to make each other laugh, so the entrance to “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield was flawless. The couple also enjoyed sweet toasts from the bridal party, dances with their mothers, and a sparkler send-off. The day was perfect, but it didn’t have an easy journey. Erin says if she could do anything differently it would be to have a destination wedding. “While we loved our wedding and the experience ... I won’t wish a guest list and RSVPs on my worst enemy,” she says. “Planning for attendance during Covid was hard!” Along with this change, she suggests that other couples remember the day is truly all about the bride and groom. “Don’t get caught up in the expectations of others,” she suggests. “Also, savor the small moments. The day goes by so fast )everyone gives this piece of advice, but it’s true), so take a second to take it all in. You are marrying the love of your life!” ■
SPONSORED BY
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Important Vendors Photographer: Two Hearts Media Videographer: Cultivating Perceptions, Dantana Smith Ceremony Venue: The Refinery Reception Venue: The Refinery Catering: United Catering Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes Wedding Planner: Special Moments, Darian Dickerson-Green Flowers: Special Moments, Darian Dickerson-Green Rentals and/or Décor: Special Moments, Darian Dickerson-Green Bridal Gown: Louisville Bridal Suite Bridal Party Attire: David’s Bridal Groom & Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse Hair and Makeup: Hair: Natural Beauty by Alanna, Makeup: Delana Gilkey Bartenders: Toinette LeMasters with LeMasters Events and Catering
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Health +Beauty
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Boo-tiful Life
69
Autumn Aesthetics
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Health+Beauty
BY ALISON CARDOZA PHOTOS BY DICK ARNSPIGER
Chai tea, pumpkin spice lattes, and hot apple cider all remind us that the season of Fall is now among us. Cozy sweaters and snuggles under your blanket give us this feeling of warmth and comfort in this seasonal change. These are our blissful rewards after a busy day. Pumpkin picking and hayrides are just a few of the activities families enjoy right here in Louisville. As we age, these activities can generate apprehension. Can we keep up with the Halloween activities with our grandchildren? Do we have the energy to go pumpkin picking with my children? Can we climb aboard a hay truck and walk the fields of a pumpkin patch and not have to ice our knees when we arrive at home? Many of my clients at Baptist Milestone approach me wanting to accomplish one goal: confidence. They want to achieve confidence in themselves to attend activities and feel secure in their balance, coordination, and stamina. Their mission is to not let lack of activity or joint pain impede on their joys in life.
BOOTIFUL
LIFE
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Health+Beauty
Don’t let cardio SPOOKIFY you! Elevate your heart rate daily with exercise. Where should my heart rate be? A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Generally, a lower heart rate implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. Your target heart rate can be estimated using the formula 220 minus your age. You then would multiply by .50%-.70% if doing a moderate intensity activity. For example, a 50 year old’s estimated heart rate would be: 220 -50 x.50%=85bpm For vigorous-intensity physical activity, a person’s heart rate should be at least 70% to 85%. For example, a 30 year old would estimate their beats per minute around 160: 220 - 30x.85%=161.5 Alison Cardoza, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist Health Milestone wellness Center. B.S. Exercise Science and Sports Medicine with a minor in Health Promotions from The University of Louisville. Former University of Louisville Ladybird and former NFL Colts Cheerleader.
Don’t let weight training FREAK you out! Try adding these weight bearing exercises to help strengthen your muscles and give you the confidence to keep on going! Deadlifts-the deadlift is a weight training exercise in which a loaded barbell is lifted off the ground to hip level, torso perpendicular to the floor, before placing it back onto the ground. Monster Walks-Get yourself into a half squat stance, workout band around ankles or thighs to enforce resistance. Step forward and out to the side with one foot and repeat the other leg. Take “monster” big steps keeping feet apart and stepping wide to the side. After you select the perfect pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, you can confidently get it home and start carving! Save those seeds and bake in the oven for a healthy snack. Pumpkin seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals like manganese and vitamin K. They are a great source of protein and unsaturated fats, including omega-6 fatty acids (brain function). ■
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Health+Beauty
BEAUTY
Fall is finally here which means it's time to put away the bright and colorful makeup shades to pull out the those trusty fall tones we all know and love. There's just something about a warm eye or a bold red lip that makes us feel like we've arrived with the perfect autumn aesthetic. HERE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVORITES... TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 69
Health+Beauty PRO TIP
01.
Go for amber-toned blushes to keep your face warm and don’t forget to hit the bridge of your nose for that perfect sunkissed look, even when the days start to get cooler.
02.
03.
04. 05.
06. TREND ALERT
No more dramatic cateye. We've now shifted towards the more refined kitten eye. This daintier trend is easy to achieve and allows for a clean eye look, which is a huge favorite during the fall season to pair with a darker, bold lip
08.
07.
09. 10.
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Health+Beauty FAN FAV
SuperStay Matte Ink Lip Color in 'Globetrotter', $10 | Maybelline
11.
12.
13.
14.
01. Pressed Powder Shadow in shade 'Mission', $4.50 | Colour Pop 02. 'Big Poppy' Shadow Palette, $14 | Colour Pop 03. 'EARTH' eyeshadow palette, $10 | Essence Makeup 04. Baked Blush in shade 'Bella Bellini', $28 | Melani 05. Tartelette™ Toasted Eyeshadow Palette, $39 | Tarte Cosmetics 06. 'The Child' eyeshadow palette, $16 | Colour Pop
15.
07. 'Cheek to Chic' blush, $40 | Charlotte Tilbury 08. Eyeliner Stylo, $28 | NARS 09. Monochrome Moment Velvet Blush in shade 'She's Adorable', $32 | Patrick TA 10. Epic Ink Liner, $9 | NYX Professional Makeup
16.
DOSE OF COLORS LIQUID MATTE LIPSTICK | $18 ...the go-to matte stick! 11. 'Berry Me 2' 12. 'Brick'
TREND ALERT
13. 'Truffle'
Easily spice up your "nomakeup" fall look with a bold lip. Saturated hues aren't just for the summer time.
14. 'Warm Me Up' 15. 'Talk is Chic" 16. 'Ripe Berry"
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Cuisine
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Ciao Down! Top-5 Dining
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cuisine
Grassa Gramma Ristorante Italiano
TO P 5 D I N I N G
Ciao Down! Often ranked as the top national fare polled in the United States and worldwide, Italian food is comforting and familiar. These local ristorantes take this beloved cuisine to the next level in atmosphere, preparation, service, presentation, and flavor. Discover a new local favorite or get the latest update on a tried-and-true Louisville classic. Mangia! BY DAWN ANDERSON | PHOTOS BY DANNY ALEX ANDER
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In January 2019, brand marketing expert and restaurateur Kevin Grangier added Grassa Gramma in Holiday Manor to his Belle Noble portfolio of Louisville restaurants, including The Village Anchor and Le Moo Steak House. Grassa Gramma translates to “plump grandma” and speaks to the familial love and the work that goes into Italian cooking, as exemplified by the matriarchal Italian grandmother, or Nonna. The restaurant serves authentic northern and southern Italian dishes among its dazzling art decor, tapestries, and marble reminiscent of old-world Italy. For example, the bar features a salvaged 18th-century Gothic church altarpiece. Grassa Gramma servers have extensive training in Italian food and wine. In addition to Executive Chef Ben Notess, Grassa Gramma’s pasta, pizza, and pastry chefs all work in-house. Owner Kevin Grangier selected some main dishes he likes to recommend this time of year. The Spaghetti & Meatballs has three of their famous meatballs atop hand-made spaghetti and San Marzano Pomodoro sauce. “Seven layers of house-made pasta and Ragù alla Bolognese spiked with house sausage and ricotta” make up the decadent Lasagna. The Sous Vide 8-oz Filet Mignon is served with crispy Tuscan potatoes, asparagus, and bordelaise. Be sure to ask about their featured ravioli as well!
cuisine
Save room for the beautiful Limoncello Torta with house-made limoncello, sponge cake, lemon curd, black currant coulis, Italian meringue, and macaron. From the revamped cocktail menu, Grangier spotlights the Penta Costal with Buffalo Trace, Wild Turkey Rye, and Lillet ma.com am gr sa as gr sit Vi on a m Blanc. The restaurant also has a am gr sa as and fo llow @ gr m. ra growing list of Italian liqueurs ag st In d an Facebook and wines. Tripadvisor recently named Grassa Gramma a 2021 Travelers’ Choice Award Winner. According to tripadvisor.com, “Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.”
ROC Originally located in Tribeca, NYC, ROC Restaurant is a chic, authentic Italian restaurant fi lled with high energy and situated in the heart of the Highlands on Bardstown Road. Chef/Owner Rocco Cadolini brings authentic, fresh pasta and seafood dishes from his hometown of Sorrento, Italy. Over 21 years in business, Rocco & Stacy Cadolini know how to throw a party with five-star service. Food Network featured Chef Rocco on “The Best Thing I Ever Ate,” “Access Tribeca with Billy Crystal,” and other national TV shows. Rocco’s impressive credentials include Hotel and Restaurant Management study in Sorrento, Italy, and training in Lugano, Switzerland, and London, England. After moving to
NYC in 1989, Rocco spent the next ten years at the iconic Elio’s Restaurant on the Upper East Side, NYC, before leaving to open his restaurants, ROC Tribeca and Baci & Abbracci Trattoria, in hipster Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Ladyroc Stacy is a native New Yorker, member of Les Clef d’Or, and Chief Concierge for 15 years at the Essex House Hotel in NYC. You can fi nd Stacy at the helm of ROC along with their daughters Alessia and Sofia. It is “all in the family!” ROC’s “beautiful bar” boasts over 100 bourbons and an excellent Wine Spectator Award wine list, one of the best in Kentucky. Chef Rocco has exciting menu recommendations for autumn, including Truffle Carpaccio served with micro arugula, toasted almonds, and parmesan fondue topped with seasonal truffles. His seaside hometown on the Amalfi Coast inspired
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cuisine Linguine Seafood with clams, mussels, shrimps, and salmon. “This is a bonafide Italian meal!” Tuesdays will transport you to Rome with Rocco’s Cacio e Pepe — a giant wheel of pecorino Romano cheese set on fi re with fresh pasta, extra cheese, and pepper — entertaining and delicious! Rocco and Stacy want ROC to be your dining room from everyday dining to business meetings to celebratory meals. “Our home is your home with a little extra fi nesse!”
urant on and follow @Roc Re sta Visit roc restaurant.com . ram tag Faceb ook and Ins
Silvio’s Italian Restaurant Silvio’s Italian Restaurant opened on Columbus Day 2015 after two years in the making. Silvio’s Chef/Owner Bill Silvio Melillo kept his dream of owning a restaurant alive even after Melillo’s closed on East Market Street in 2008. He describes Silvio’s food as “all homemade, East Coast influenced, with a lot of products from the East Coast.” Silvio’s marinara, the linchpin of several Entrees and Pasta dishes, is the family recipe Bill “grew up on.” He shares menu highlights for this fall season. Silvio’s Baked Ziti is rich with spicy Italian sausage, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella. The Shrimp and Polenta is “a fragrant dish of grilled shrimp
topped with capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon zest, served with polenta and grilled broccolini.” A fig glaze coats the Grilled Pork Chop, which comes with risotto and vegetable medley. Order Spaghetti with Meatballs and marvel at 1/3-pound spheres of beef, veal, and pork. Silvio’s goes through 10 pounds per day! Meatball Lasagna is layered with “homemade meatballs, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmigiana Reggiano, or choose Nonna’s Cheese Lasagna sans meatballs. Silvio’s Chicken Parm was recently named Best in Kentucky by “Eat This, Not That!” (EatThis.com). Lightly breaded chicken breast topped with provolone, Parmigiano Reggiano, and marinara is served with a choice of pasta. For dessert, try the triple-layer homemade Italian Cream Cake with pecans, coconut, and cream cheese frosting, or Cannolis with Brooklyn bakery cannoli shells and Silvio’s house-made fi lling. Bill feels blessed to remain open, “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.” He credits the “rebounders’” (customers who try Silvio’s once and get hooked) word-of-mouth to their friends and “the flavor of the food.” Silvio’s offers indoor and For more inform outdoor seating, takeout, ation, vi sit sil viositalianres and curbside carryout. taurant.com an d fo llow @ Silv iosItalianL ouisv ille on Face book .
Vincenzo’s 2021 marks Vincenzo’s 35th anniversary. Vincenzo Gabriele considers Humana co-founders Wendell Cherry and David Jones, Sr.’s 1986 invitation to start an authentic Italian restaurant in downtown Louisville “one of the greatest honors of his life.” Brothers Vincenzo and Agostino, significant proponents of downtown Louisville, are thrilled to see business, arts, and entertainment returning to the heart of the city. As supporters of Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT), the Gabrieles purchased a Gallopalooza horse several years ago to display outside the restaurant. After the horse was stolen, damaged, and recovered in the summer of 2020, FEAT, its supporters, and the brothers paid to restore it to resume its place of honor earlier this year. In early 2020, Vincenzo’s was ranked 22nd on Yahoo’s list of “America’s 50 Best Italian Restaurants” and the only Kentucky restaurant listed. Vincenzo and co-owner and Executive Chef Agostino Gabriele hail from Palermo, Italy, in Sicily, where
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cuisine Agostino learned to cook from his mother and Vincenzo learned the importance of sincerity in hospitality from his father. As one of Louisville’s oldest continuously operating fi ne dining restaurants, Vincenzo’s lends Old World elegance and tradition to Italian dining here. A highlight of the Pasta menu is Spaghetti Con Aragosta, Pomodoro e Arugula: spaghetti with South African lobster tail, petite shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula sautéed with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, and Italian parsley. From the Secondi section of the menu, Chef Agostino recommends Maiale Infarcito — Berkshire pork tenderloin stuffed with a composition of walnuts, spinach, carrots, apple, and brie, served in an Evan Williams Single Barrel reduction. For dessert, sample the chef’s Tiramisu and always “take the Cannoli!”
ay nights . For to Vincenzo’s on Tuesd Live mu sic ha s returned lianre sturant. ation, visit vincenzosita more up dates and inform Faceb ook on t enzos ItalianRestauran com and follow @V inc . ram tag Ins ille on and @v incenzoslouisv
Volare Italian Ristorante Despite ever-changing COVID protocols and supply chain issues, “We have tried to stay as close to business as usual as possible,” says Joshua Moore, Executive Chef and Managing Partner of Volare Italian Ristorante. Together with General Manager and Managing Partner Jonathan Tarullo, Josh strives to deliver “the Volare experience,” honoring the synergy between the front and back of the house.
from the Volare menu as the weather turns cooler. An Ambassador Chef for Certified Angus Beef®, Chef Moore continues his well-received dry-aged steak program for weekend specials. For Antipasto, try the Rotollini do Melanzane — baked rolls of eggplant with ricotta and marinara. “Even people who don’t like eggplant have come to love this one.” Lumache Carcerata is house-made shell pasta in a sausage, tomato, cream, basil, and ParmigianoReggiano sauce from the Grandi Paste menu. From the Piatto Principale menu, Osso Buco Milanese is a veal shank slow-cooked in red wine with mirepoix and served over saffron risotto with fresh rosemary. For dessert, Chef Moore suggests the Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta: classic Italian eggless custard naturally flavored with vanilla beans, topped with fresh berries macerated in sweet balsamic vinegar, dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Chocolate lovers indulge in the warm Chocolate Fudge Brownie or Heath Cheesecake. On his 10-acre farm in Taylorsville, Chef Moore has added over 3000 plants for the fall season, bringing fresh crops of lettuce and kale to the restaurant just in time for his upcoming October menu revision. He expects an excellent harvest of Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage in December. Josh and Jonathan have maintained generous table spacing, employee mask-wearing, and curbside carry out through the recent COVID Delta variant surge. ■
For up date s, vi sit vo lare -re stau rant.com and fo @ vo lare _italian_ llow re staurant on In stagram and @ Vo lare Lou on Fa cebook .
Chef Moore recommends some heartier, comforting dishes
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Tim, Lead Engineer
empowering a culture of inclusion, equality, dignity and respect for all. At LG&E, our energies go to empowering business owners and strengthening economic development in the communities we serve. And as an industry leader in supplier diversity, we proactively provide opportunities by mentoring, building relationships with, and buying from companies with diverse backgrounds. Over the last 10 years alone, we have spent $1.3 billion with Black-, minority- and veteran-owned companies. Visit lge-ku.com/diversity to learn more. 78 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
Community
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Veteran Valor
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Tops Cares: AMPED
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Tops Cares: The Hope Buss
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veteran valor
THE E X T R AOR DI NA RY J O U R N EY O F
Master Sergeant Howard Griffin BY HEATHER FRENCH HENRY | COURTESY PHOTOS
H
oward Griffin or Sarge, as his friends call him, is the very definition of an American Patriot. He has the distinction of having served during three major wars in our history; WWII, Korea and Vietnam. During his long distinguished career he amassed an impressive array of medals including the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) with Two Stars, which is extremely rare. Mr. Griffin enlisted in the military at the tender age of 16 and spent his first two Christmases in WWII. After first enlisting in the Coast Guard it was determined that he was color blind. However, Griffin had a talent that the Army needed desperately, a solder with a good aim. He grew up working in the fields in Alabama where one of his many talents was the ability to pick off rabbits and squirrels with one shot. It was that ability that earned him the job as a sniper during War II and then later transitioning as a machinist during Korea and Vietnam. His military career would begin with a voyage from South Carolina to Africa. He traveled to North Africa, Oran and Algiers, where he was assigned to General Patton’s 3rd Armored Division. Some of his other campaigns included France, Italy, Germany, Luxembourg, the Battle of the Bulge, Japan and the Philippines. It was during W WII he received his fi rst Purple Heart, one of three that he would receive during his career. The fi rst time he was injured was in Naples, Italy rescuing a comrade from a truck that had hit a landmine and fl ipped.
As Griffin reminisced, “I didn’t think I was even hurt, but I got back to him and he had a one leg just twisted round and round. He put his hand up side of my head and brought it back to him, it was covered with blood.”
Heather French Henry is a nationally renowned veterans’ advocate, designer, and author. She focuses on highlighting veterans’ stories, curating historical exhibits, and designing products for retailers and organizations nationwide. heatherfrenchhenry.com
SPONSORED BY
During his many years of service he was also an advisor to leadership in Greece, Turkey, Japan, and the Iranian Army. Throughout his career, Griffi n was deployed to over 13 countries but, through it all, fi nally settled down in Kentucky where he had been stationed at Fort Knox during the latter part of his military service. With a life of service spanning nearly three decades, three wars, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant and raising a family, one would think that Mr. Griffi n would just sit back and relax in his golden years. Yet, at 94, Howard Griffi n is the model of health. He exercises daily doing a mixture of floor exercises and riding his stationary bike. Aside from keeping an active social schedule with a wide variety of veteran events and parades, he also makes time for a number of hobbies like gardening. Riding on his golf cart around his property, Mr. Griffi n also loves to show off his handy work in his workshop where he’s refurbished a number of antique horse drawn carriages. Did I also mention he loves Corvettes? His newest edition in vibrant red is parked in his garage. He’s accomplished so much in his life but still remains completely humble for the recognition he receives. “It does make you feel good that they still remember and recognize, not for me, but for all veterans,” states Mr. Griffi n. ■
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“I am proud and honored to become friends with Howard Griffin. His courage and bravery spanning three wars is an inspiration to us all.” My service in the United States Army has created close ties to the men and women who served our country. My passion is to find ways to give back to our veterans. I had the honor to meet and become friends with Howard Griffin when sponsoring his flight on a B-25 bomber and serving as a guardian with Bluegrass Honor Flight, escorting veterans from WWII, Korea and Vietnam to Washington, D.C. I am pleased that TOPS has chosen to profile this 94-year-old hero who served our nation through a distinguished military career. I am thankful for Howard Griffin and every veteran that has proudly served our country. Words cannot convey my appreciation for your dedication and sacrifice.
222-2222
Above: Karl Truman, Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army (Ret), Armor Branch with Howard Griffin, Master Sergeant U.S. Army (Ret). At left: Howard Griffin takes the tail gunner seat on a Bluegrass Honor Flight.
Karl Truman Colonel 420 Wall Street Lieutenant 10531-B Timberwood Circle Jeffersonville, IN 47130 Louisville, U.S. Army (Retired)KY 40223 812-282-8500 502-222-2222 Armor Branch Convenient Locations To Serve You In Louisville, KY & Jeffersonville, IN
WWW.TRUMANLAW.COM
T H I S I S A N A D V E R T I S E M E N T. Service may be performed by other attorneys. COURT COSTS AND CASE EXPENSES WILL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CLIENT WHEN WE WIN OR SETTLE THE CASE.
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community tops cares
SPONSORED BY
Jasmine Christopher
TOPS CARES
BY DAWN ANDERSON COURTESY PHOTOS
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T
he Academy of Music Production Education and Development (AMPED), launched in 2014, serves Louisville youth ages 8-18 with two campuses in West Louisville. “We are a resource for youth after school, providing a safe community to feel welcomed and included,” says AMPED Development and Marketing Manager Emory Williamson. The Academy also hosts programs at schools and community centers throughout the city. For example, the Level Up program offers mentoring in JCPS schools on Black literature, history, and music. In addition to music education in writing, performing, and producing, AMPED has built successful technology programs. Teaching youth to code builds “that crucial foundation necessary for career success in the 21st century.” The Advancing Cities AMPED Tech Program for family
Chris Buress
learning provides Louisville residents age 18 or older with beginner-level technology training and career skills training, regardless of previous tech experience, in preparation for an IT Support career. In January 2021, AMPED received the $50,000 Infusion Award from The Lewis Prize for Music and, more recently, a share of Kosair Charities’ $17 million 2021 Gifts and Grant Program for nonprofit organizations. “We are very fortunate to connect with many different funding partners to sustain programming now and into the future,” says Williamson. As part of their most successful fundraising month of June totaling $940,000, AMPED was given $500,000 from the James Graham Brown Foundation.
community The grant helps fund the AMPED Russell Technology Business Incubator (RTBI), supporting 37 Black and LatinX small businesses in Louisville. According to Williamson, RTBI “speaks to the commitment of our Executive Director Dave Christopher, Sr., and our executive team leadership.” Sweet Peaches, a soul food restaurant owned by Pam Haines, received a $40,000 investment from RTBI for renovation, technology, accounting, restaurant consulting, interior design, and branding. “RTBI grants access to resources they hadn’t had previously, alleviating stress and providing businesses support during the pandemic. Helping small businesses helps families and communities.” The goal is to turn the Russell neighborhood Incubator into a national model. Williamson teased some “very exciting” developments ahead. “The community has recognized that we’re an organization that does the work in building Black generational wealth.” Last month, AMPED had its most successful Give for Good campaign in five years, raising $106,490.72 in one day (a 153% increase over last year) from 268 unique donors in 26 states. “AMPED was in Give for Good’s top 2-3% of organizations in dollars raised and unique donors, a testament to our staff and community, driven to have more than just a local impact.” Since March 2020, AMPED has consistently adapted. “The
Visit www.ampedlouisville.org for more information. For the latest updates, follow @ampedlouisville502 on Instagram and @AMPEDLouisville on Facebook and Twitter. kids needed us more than ever before. We actually saw an increase in enrollment, despite having to pivot to virtual classes and adjust to the needs of the community.” AMPED is now involved in strategic planning, rebranding, and a website overhaul. Dave Christopher, Sr. “Good news keeps happening.” Even with national recognition, Williamson says AMPED will continue “advocating from the community, for the community, and in the community.” 100% of youth enrolled in the music academy have graduated high school, and 95% have gone to college. “Our family spirit has resonated through all the work that we’ve done.” ■ Jakeem Carter
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community
TOPS CARES
SPONSORED BY
T
he Hope Buss began with Founder and Executive Director Stachelle Bussey’s “HopeFULL” food justice program, bringing hope to communities with access issues such as food deserts, food apartheid, and lack of pharmacies. The work began with grocery store runs “making what’s available accessible” for residents in Old Louisville who had been subsisting on limited, overpriced food options from nearby convenience stores. Bussey recalls dropping into one such neighborhood store for a gallon of milk. Although shocked at the high price, she was able to pay it. “Everyone doesn’t have that privilege.” The Hope Buss has also hosted health fairs, community conversations on mental health, mental health conferences, free farmers’ markets, school supply giveaways, and transported voters to the polls on Election Day.
BY DAWN ANDERSON COURTESY PHOTOS
The mission of The Hope Buss is Equipping the Community, Enlisting Hope Dealers, Establishing Partnerships, and Empowering the People, “with the ultimate goal of alleviating poverty.” The nonprofit assesses the specific needs of each neighborhood’s residents and partners with local churches and community organizations to meet those needs, to “build relationships and build community.” Stachelle says she would love nothing more than to make enough connections between businesses, other organizations, and the people she serves that they render The Hope Buss irrelevant. “Put me out of business!”
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community
In the meantime, The Hope Buss and its Hope Dealers are gearing up for “Hope Re-Imagined,” their busiest, most rewarding three months of the year with fun events that focus on the kids. They decorate The Buss and turn it into a Mobile Fall Festival and pumpkin patch for their Halloween weekend event. A caravan of 20-30 cars joins in for Trunk or Treat. The Buss rolls through the West End, Park Hill, and the South End of Louisville, distributing 400-500 pumpkins, 1000 candy bags, and hundreds of hygiene bags. This October, The Hope Buss also has a “Fill the Buss” initiative to collect donations of extra merchandise from stores, excess food from restaurants, and food pantry overstock. In November, the Hope Buss and caravan will distribute grocery and restaurant gift certificates, food boxes, and hot meals for families. Hope Dealers turn The Buss into a mobile buffet with nine tables to serve 100 cooked meals to houseless neighbors on Thanksgiving weekend. In December, the Buss transforms into a Winter Wonderland straight out of the North Pole for pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. Kids can enjoy stations set up outside The Buss with tables for cookie decorating, card-making, and other crafts. Christmas wishes come true with caravans bearing toy bags and surveying families to fulfi ll special requests. “We are a community-funded, community-focused, and community-powered nucleus and anchor to meet actual needs,” says Bussey.
Additional programs include: • “Hope This Helps” education and workforce initiative for young adults 16-24 • “Hope for Tomorrow” summer educational enrichment program • “HopeHEALS” healthcare and wellness initiative for mental and physical health, offering vaccine clinics, free holistic wellness opportunities, health education, and grief and trauma-informed therapy in partnership with local healthcare providers • “HopeFIRST” providing emergency assistance to families in crisis “for utilities, housing, child care, car repairs, or legal fees” • “HopeFLEET” expanding (thanks to an as-yetunannounced “major partner”) with Hope Buss West and Hope Buss East to “connect the dots” between some of Louisville’s poorest and most privileged areas • Experiences for kids beyond the West End, such as flying planes, hiking adventures, and restaurant visits Bussey says the goal for 2022 is to be more “proactive rather than reactive.” The Hope Buss is looking to purchase a headquarters and can always use more Hope Dealers - “volunteers, donors, and anyone else
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who wants to be involved in lending a hand up versus a handout.” Hope Buss programs are possible through “generous and consistent” monthly donors who give $10-$25 per month. The Hope Buss is 40 monthly donors away from its goal. A minister herself, Bussey is seeking 50-60 churches and other faith-based organizations to donate $125 per month. Finally, Stachelle Bussey challenges each one of us “Be hope where you are.” Send messages and photos of Hope-Dealing to stachelle@thehopebuss.org. “Ordinary people achieve extraordinary outcomes.” Sign up to receive The Hope Buss newsletter at thehopebuss.org/ connect. Follow @thehopebuss on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. ■
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events
Kentucky Bourbon Festival Sept. 18 Bardstown, KY Photos by Dick Arnspiger
Alivia Riesenberg
Margarita Podorova and Francesco Viola
Jacob Feldhues (Sales Director, Presentation Distillery) with Linda McClosey (Director, Oscar Getz Whiskey Museum)
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Attendees had the opportunity to learn distillery reps.
Events
Jesse Hawkins, The Conscious Cocktailer
Deanna Duncan and Jennifer Shirley with Lux Row
Ashley & Justin Johnson all the way from Kill Devil Hills, NC.
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events
Homearama Sept. 11 Peppermint Park in Norton Commons Photos by Dick Arnspiger
Jason Stevenson (Automated Living), Bailey Pitts (Interior Design, Bailey at Home) and Salina Perkins.
Susan Graf and Angela Hepner from Norton Commons Realty
Chris & Courtney Shaw
House 2 (The Lola), Joe Kroll Builders
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Events
Peppermint Park, Homearama homes 8, 7, 6 & 5
Courtney & Nathan Allan
Builder Joe Kroll (Joe Kroll Builders) and Courtney Straub (Louisville Tile)
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Kentuckiana Stroke Assoc. – Tasting Extravaganza Sept. 11 The Olmsted Photos by Dick Arnspiger
Carrie Orman (Executive Director) and Mike Brown (President, Board of Directors)
Nico, Amy & Drew Nic with their grandmother, the evening’s honoree, Sharon Meredith
Belmont Village Corporate supporters Vicki Rogers, Mistress of Ceremonies
Steve Drechsel and Crystal Barajas (Board Member)
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Events
Clinton Spaulding and Executive Chef Emily Peck with Story Point Senior Living
Ryan & Emily Carter with Clear View Healthcare Management
Skip Todd with Tara Defler (Board Member)
Lynn Welch and Amy Rosales with Home Instead
Alisha & Neil Aboulhosn
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Annual UP Lift Event by UP for Women and Children Aug. 21 Copper and Kings American Brandy Co. Photos by Dick Arnspiger
UP for Women and Children co-founders, Amy Meredith and Andrea Scott
George Scott and Matt Schutz
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Jordyn Manning, owner and creator of The People’s Platter
Maulin & Shalini Sutaria
Shelly Tilley, Laura Butcher, Rebecca Schardein, Cecily Bell and Mary Meiners
RÊVE-olution
Big Four Arts Festival Sept. 11 Big Four Lawn Photos by Dick Arnspiger
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LOSE 5-10 LBS in 15 Days!
Rob & Katie Giltner
Kyle Wilson from Left Behind Photography
Hope is 63.
She lost over forty pounds and twenty inches.
Kentucky music from the Whiskey Bent Valley Boys
Rêve Body Sculpting - Louisville 12238 Shelbyville Rd, 40243 CALL TODAY: (502)709-4492 www.revebodysculpting.com Dee Dee Taylor (Owner, 502HEMP)
TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021 95
Presenting Sponsor
Kosair Charities Pie Auction presented by Mister “P” Express
Sunday, November 21 12–2 p.m.
Media Partner
Bid on one-of-a-kind pies and desserts made by local chefs and well-known bakeries. Tickets include bottomless mimosas, brunch, and access to incredible chef-made pies only available in the live auction. All proceeds benefit the Kosair Kids Financial Assistance Program. Tickets are limited, don’t wait!
bidpal.net/pie
96 TOPS LOUISVILLE | october 2021
kosair.org
