St Matthews Magazine November 2025

FRONTIER TO FASHION

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HOSPARUS HEALTH

Writer / Gavin LaPaille

Tori Edwardson sees it as a privilege to work with individuals in their last stage of life. As a certified social worker for Hosparus Health, Edwardson knows the situation requires a lot of trust and wants to be there both for patients and families anyway she can.

“One of the things that people think about us is that we’re really for the last few weeks or days of someone’s life, but it’s beneficial for us to start with families as early as possible,” Edwardson says. “If we start with services early, it allows the patient and their families to build trust with the team. We just try to make one of the most difficult parts of anyone’s journey much easier and more accessible. We can offer a lot of different things that can take some burden off patients and families at this stage of life.”

Hosparus Health has provided hospice and serious illness care to tens of thousands of patients and their families in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. A fully accredited nonprofit, Hosparus Health works with patients of all ages and backgrounds, delivering care through a team-oriented approach that is tailored to each person’s needs and wishes.

Translators are also available to communicate with patients with significant hearing loss or who cannot speak or understand the English language. Volunteers can be enlisted to help families with many everyday needs.

“When we come in, we give a very comprehensive overview of the services we offer,” Edwardson says. “People will say they had no idea how many things we can do. A lot of people have no idea what to expect and what that process looks like at this stage. We really try to meet people where they are and see what services they are needing. It’s just seeing what their priorities are and offering that holistic approach on how we can get through this.”

“Patients have the same team consistently throughout their services,” Edwardson adds. “A nurse, physician, social worker and chaplain come to see patients in the home. We all work together as part of a unit. We meet every couple of weeks to discuss the patients and their needs. We try to have a very holistic approach to end of life care and the grief that comes along with that.”

In addition to hospice and serious illness care, Hosparus Health provides grief counseling, respite care and medication management.

Edwardson primarily serves individuals in the St. Matthews area, and has come to appreciate its uniqueness. Recently, Hosparus Health broke ground on a new end-of-life care center that will open its doors in 2027 on Ephraim McDowell Drive, next to the Harshaw Family Grief Counseling Center.

“The area is just so full of characters,” Edwardson says. “The people are lovely and very proud to be from St. Matthews. I love hearing their stories of how they came to be here. I’m very grateful to the people in this area for trusting us with their care.”

For more information on Hosparus Health, call 502-456-6200 or visit them online at hosparushealth.org.

CONNECT

hosparushealth.org 502-456-6200

WILDCAT DREAM

ST. MATTHEWS NATIVE JOSIE GILVIN JOINS

UK WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ROSTER

November marks the start of the University of Kentucky (UK) 2025-26 women’s basketball season, and St. Matthews own Josie Gilvin will be on the team roster. For Gilvin, donning the legendary blue and white marks the fruition of a longstanding goal.

Last spring, after three successful years playing for Western Kentucky University, Gilvin entered the women’s basketball transfer portal. UK head coach Kenny Brooks quickly extended the invitation for her to become a Wildcat.

The transfer portal is a database of college athletes who have told their current school that they intend to transfer. Coaches seeking seasoned players able to make an immediate impact view statistics and contact the athlete. Gilvin, along with family members on her father’s side who live in Lexington, have always been avid UK fans. She entered the portal with the hope of transferring to UK.

“I’ve always had a dream to be a Wildcat,” she says. “I grew up being a UK fan, so when I entered the portal, it was my main choice. There was no point in leaving Western Kentucky for anywhere else.”

Growing up in a sports-loving family, Gilvin participated on a variety of teams. Her father played several high school sports, and her mother, Danya McGrath Gilvin, is a former University of Louisville basketball player. Living behind Our Lady of Lourdes gave her the perfect opportunity to try nearly every sport.

“I played just about every sport,” she says. “I swam, played tennis, participated

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in club soccer, and later did volleyball, cross-country and track. Having my mom as a coach at Our Lady of Lourdes made a big impact on me. Her experience and knowledge of the sport helped a lot.”

During high school, Gilvin ran track and cross-country in addition to being a standout on Sacred Heart Academy’s women’s basketball team. As a junior, she recorded 27 steals during the state tournament, setting a Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) tournament record. Both her junior and senior years, she was named to the AllState First Team. During her senior season, she was also designated the 7th Region Player of the Year and was a Kentucky Miss Basketball nominee.

“There could never be a better experience than when I played basketball at Sacred Heart Academy,” Gilvin says. "I had the best teammates, and we really bonded. Head coach Donna Moir and the other coaches, Matthew Carson, Mackenzie Moir and Amy Siegel, were great. While I was there, we won two state championships.”

After her time at Sacred Heart, she played for Western Kentucky University. Each year, she worked hard, set goals, and continued to improve. Last season, as a junior, she set career highs in almost every category. She started all 32 games and averaged 13.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.6 steals per game. Coming off a stellar junior year, she took the plunge and entered the transfer portal.

Now a senior at UK, Gilvin is the only native Kentuckian on the 12-member Wildcat roster. With 20 hours of practice per week, she is going full speed while adjusting to Lexington and the new campus experience. She admits the atmosphere feels different.

“It’s not only larger, but the enthusiasm for sports is a bigger vibe,” she says. “People have been welcoming. They’ve come up to me and said how excited they are for the season to start.”

When asked what advice she would give aspiring college athletes, Gilvin says, “Know what you want. Find something you love

or else you won’t enjoy it. My dad always wanted me to play soccer, and I liked track. I could have been happy doing either, but basketball has a different vibe. It’s a long season, and you spend a lot of time with your teammates. A good team develops connections and chemistry. If you put a certain amount of work in, you see it pay off. You begin to love it and have fun. It’s not hard work anymore.”

Gilvin plans to make the most of her senior year. Her dedication and hard work have paid off, earning her a spot on the Wildcat roster. She knows she will have plenty of support in the stands since her grandmother, uncles, aunts and cousins are local. Most of all, she hopes she can bring something to the team. Her ultimate wish is for the team to qualify for the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and make a run for the championship.

To view the UK 2025-26 women’s basketball schedule, visit ukathletics.com/ sports/wbball/schedule/. Home games are played at the historic Memorial Coliseum, Avenue of Champions in Lexington.

For more than 25 years, GRRAND Louisville — Golden Retriever Rescue and Adoption of Needy Dogs—has been rewriting the stories of abandoned, neglected and unwanted dogs. What began as a grassroots effort by three animal lovers has grown into one of the area’s most respected and impactful rescue organizations. At the helm is Nina Scott, president of GRRAND Louisville, who carries forward the vision of the original cofounders while helping the nonprofit adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

Three dedicated individuals, including Jane Sonntag, founded GRRAND, and she continues to serve on the board today. In the early days, the group handled everything themselves.

“It started as a very small group of people with a love for goldens,” Scott says. “They did everything, including rescuing, fostering and rehoming. From there, it just grew.”

For years, golden retrievers were the primary focus. But as the need shifted, GRRAND expanded its mission.

“Before COVID, we began to notice a lower demand for golden rescues,” Scott says. “So we branched out to include Labrador retrievers, Great Pyrenees and mixes. These breeds share similar temperaments to goldens, so it felt like a natural fit for the families who came to us looking to adopt.”

While the joy of seeing dogs find loving homes keeps volunteers motivated, rescue work is not without challenges.

RESCUING WITH HEART

GRRAND LOUISVILLE SAVES & REHOMES DOGS IN NEED

Writer / Renée Larr

“Expanding our foster base is one of our biggest challenges,” Scott adds.

GRRAND operates a kennel facility, but many dogs — especially those with medical needs or socialization challenges — thrive better in foster homes.

“We really rely on fosters to give dogs the individualized care they need before they’re ready for adoption,” Scott says.

Becoming a foster is a structured yet

rewarding process. Interested families complete an application on GRRAND’s website and work with the foster coordinator to ensure a good fit.

“We want to set both the foster and the dog up for success,” Scott says.

That means understanding a foster’s lifestyle, other pets, home environment and even fencing, since some dogs require an above-ground fence for safety.

Beyond fostering, volunteers are the backbone of the organization. GRRAND has no paid staff. Dedicated individuals power everything by giving their time and talents. Some volunteers handle hands-on tasks, such as walking dogs, overseeing veterinary care or assisting at the kennel. Others contribute remotely by processing applications, calling vet references or assisting with administrative needs.

“We can always find a role for someone who wants to help,” Scott says.

The pandemic profoundly reshaped the world of animal rescue. Initially, adoptions soared as families sought companionship during the shutdown. But as restrictions lifted, GRRAND observed a troubling trend: many families surrendered their “pandemic puppies” when they returned to work or realized they were unprepared for long-term care. This surge in surrenders, coupled with the pause in spay and neuter surgeries and the rise of backyard breeders,

has significantly increased the number of unwanted dogs, placing an overwhelming demand on rescue groups like GRRAND.

Compounding the issue, veterinary offices paused spay and neuter surgeries for months, which increased unplanned litters in rural areas. Meanwhile, an influx of inexperienced backyard breeders entered the market, breeding dogs as a side hustle during uncertain economic times.

“Now we’re seeing the aftermath,” Scott says. “There are more unwanted dogs than ever, and the demand on rescue groups is overwhelming.”

Despite the challenges, GRRAND remains focused on growth.

“One of our goals is to raise funds to bring on a full-time trainer,” Scott says.

While some dogs arrive adoption-ready, others require additional support with leash

skills or obedience before they can succeed in a permanent home.

“Having consistent training available would be a game-changer for us,” she says.

Another long-term dream is expanding the facility.

“We have a great kennel now, but it’s just not large enough,” Scott says.

Currently, GRRAND boards overflow dogs at two or three additional locations. A larger, centralized facility would allow the nonprofit to streamline operations and care for more dogs under one roof.

GRRAND’s compassion has also extended beyond the U.S. In the past, the group partnered in international rescue efforts, bringing dogs from Turkey, Korea and China.

“We’d work with an organizing group that handled transport and paperwork, and we

would commit to taking several dogs at a time,” Scott says.

While international rescues have slowed in recent years, they remain part of GRRAND’s legacy of stepping up wherever dogs are in need.

One of the most anticipated events on GRRAND’s calendar is its annual fundraiser, The GRRAND Affair. This year’s event is Nov. 21 at the Mellwood Art Center. The casual, dog-friendly evening has

become a tradition for animal lovers and adopters alike in Louisville.

A hallmark of the event is the parade of GRRAND alumni — dogs who were rescued and adopted in previous years — donning vests with pockets for donations. Guests’ hearts are warmed as the dogs make their way through the crowd, collecting contributions with wagging tails.

“It’s such a fun and heartwarming part of the evening,” Scott says.

The night also features silent and live auctions, raffles, a cash bar, music and booths from local vendors. On average, more than 350 guests attend, making it GRRAND’s largest fundraiser of the year. The funds raised directly support the rescue’s operating expenses, from veterinary care to food and supplies, ensuring GRRAND can continue its mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs in need.

“This event sustains us for the year ahead,” Scott says.

For those unable to foster or attend events, there are still countless ways to support GRRAND. Donations are always crucial, especially with rising veterinary costs. GRRAND also welcomes volunteers in roles both big and small. Even spreading the word about adoptable dogs on social media can make a difference.

“Our strength is in our volunteers,” Scott says. “We’re proof that a group of passionate people can make a huge impact without a single paid staff member.”

As GRRAND looks toward the future, its mission remains clear: to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome dogs in need while giving families the joy of unconditional love. For Scott, it’s about more than just saving dogs. It’s about building connections and communities around shared compassion. “Every adoption is a new beginning,” she

says. “We see scared, broken dogs transform into beloved family members. That’s why we do this.”

This November, as supporters gather at The GRRAND Affair, they’ll not only celebrate the dogs who have already found homes but also help pave the way for the countless

others still waiting.

With each wagging tail and open heart, GRRAND Louisville continues its legacy of hope, one rescue at a time.

For more information, visit grrand.org.

FRONTIER TO FASHION

HOW

ST. MATTHEWS GREW FROM FARMLAND TO MALL CULTURE

Writer / Sam Dunn

The St. Matthews area, once a veritable oasis of wildlife and farmland, is today best known for its shopping and dining experiences. Visitors have a wide variety of options to choose from, but the center piece of the area has long been the mall. One of the largest malls in the state, Mall St. Matthews offers everything from makeup to movie theater tickets.

Despite the modern conveniences of the mall, many visitors would be surprised to learn that they are walking around one of the oldest settlements in Kentucky.

During the seventeenth century, before European American colonization, the area was home to several Native American tribes. Part of the fertile Ohio Valley, the area was often used as a hunting ground for tribes such as the Shawnee and Iroquois. Deer, rabbits, and squirrels filled the woods and meadows. Located close to the Ohio River, the easily accessible area was perfect for hunting and fishing.

European Americans, who entered the

region around 1779, quickly noticed the favorable location as well. Colonel James John Floyd, a member of the Kentucky militia and compatriot of George Rogers Clark, was the first to settle in the area. His story, one of dangerous migration to the frontier, echoes the lives of many who would come to settle in the region.

Born in 1750, in Virginia, Floyd came from a relatively prosperous family but hoped to establish himself on his own. After training as a surveyor, he was selected to lead a team of surveyors into the wild frontier west of Virginia in 1774. Floyd was only 24 years old. Very quickly, the group faced hardship and danger. Disease and crippling accidents were an ever present danger. Threats from Native Americans, who were engaged in a long series of wars with settlers, further scared off some of his group. Despite the risk, Floyd persisted. Upon reaching the St. Matthews area, he recognized the quality of the land and bought a 2,000-acre plot for himself.

Floyd’s adventures in Kentucky would

continue, involving narrow brushes with death and run-ins with some legendary figures. Most notably, he helped to rescue Daniel Boone’s daughter Jemima after she was kidnapped by a group of Native Americans. During the Revolutionary War, Floyd served on a privateer ship, working to capture British vessels. His war story, reflecting his earlier adventures in Kentucky, is full of near misses and daring escapes.

Throughout all of his adventures, Floyd never forgot about that land he had bought in Kentucky. Returning in 1779, he is widely believed to be the first settler in Jefferson County. Other settlers from Virginia came to the area, eventually creating a frontier settlement and laying out plans for the city of Louisville.

Over the next several decades, the settlement continued to grow. Profitable plantations grew tobacco and hemp. Enslaved peoples, many of whom were brought to the area by their Virginia owners, did most of the labor. Agricultural products, as well as horses and other

livestock, remained the primary export of the region for many years. The name of the settlement changed several times. By the 1840s, it was known as Gilman’s Point or Gilman’s Station, after a local tavern owner who operated his business at the juncture of several prominent roads that still exist today.

Modern day residents will be familiar with several of these road names, including Shelbyville, Westport, and Frankfort Avenue.

Notwithstanding the apparent popularity of the tavern, several citizens argued that the fast growing city deserved a more appropriate name. Thus, the name St. Matthews was adopted around 1850, named after the recently built St. Matthews Episcopal Church. Additional churches, such as Holy Trinity of Trinity High School, were founded over the next 40 years.

Even as St. Matthews grew, its focus on agricultural products continued. The great

plantations, changed forever by the Civil War, were often divided up and sold. Famers shifted their focus, finding that the land was suited for growing root vegetables, particularly potatoes. The St. Matthews Produce Exchange, founded in 1910, became the second largest potato shipper in the world. Around this time, St. Matthews became known as the “potato capital of the world.” The potato boom, and the subsequent fame, ended around 1946. By this time, as the Exchange closed its doors, St. Matthews was rapidly developing.

The St. Matthews area had begun to more heavily develop in the early twentieth century, when larger properties were first split into residential lots. The financial boom of the 1920s corresponded to further growth in the area, although it was limited by the subsequent Great Depression. A second phase of growth occurred after the Great Flood of 1937, when more than 70% of Louisville was submerged. An estimated 175,00 residents were forced to flee. Many

of them never returned, choosing to settle in nearby settlement such as St. Matthews.

The area would continue to grow until the attack on Pearl Harbor and World War II. Urban development was not considered essential to the war effort and many of the perspective home buyers were involved in more weightier pursuits.

St. Matthews saw its last phase of growth after the war, fueled by returning soldiers who began to build family homes. Modern businesses grew, providing jobs and shopping opportunities. The agricultural characteristics of St. Matthews, present since the days of Floyd and the frontier, now gave way to the contemporary urban growth that visitors see today.

The city of Louisville, laid out by the original settlers of St. Matthews, began a series of attempts to annex the area in the 1940s. After citizens of St. Matthews protested, the state Court of Appeals ruled

against the annexation in 1950. That same year, St. Matthews was incorporated as a sixth-class city. Today, while a part of the Louisville Metro government, it is still classified as a home rule-class city.

The Mall St. Matthews, familiar to locals and tourists alike, continued the St. Matthews tradition of making history. Work started on the structure in 1961. Originally to be named Shelbyville Center, by the time work was completed in 1962 organizers had settled on a snappier name. It was to be called, simply, The Mall.

The opening of The Mall, the first indoor suburban shopping mall in the state of Kentucky, generated a significant amount of attention. The Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky attended, and the crowd was entertained by the local Waggener High School Band. Many of the original businesses housed in The Mall might seem unfamiliar to today’s shoppers. At the time of its opening, the mall included

a Kaufman’s Department Store, a 25-cent store, and an A&P Supermarket.

Smaller businesses included Benton’s Tweed Shop, Bell Shoes, Sutcliffe’s Sporting Goods, and Maud Muller Candies. Although the names have changed, St. Mathews shoppers still shop for the same things today: clothes, shoes, sports gear and candy.

The Mall continued to grow over the next decades. Mall owners proudly unveiled a J.C. Penny in 1970. At this point, the mall covered an area of about 552,000 square feet. Older, or less fashionable stores, moved away from the mall and were replaced by newer ones. The cycle continued uninterrupted, even as the Oxmoor Center was built in the 1970s and The Mall was renamed Mall St. Mathews in the 1980s.

However exciting the name change, it did little to limit competition from the new Oxmoor Center. By 1990, business had slowed. Responding to growing concerns,

the space was renovated. It was at this point that the popular Bacon’s department store chain was acquired by Dillard’s and renamed. The store has remained open ever since.

As the mall continued to change, modern brands began to emerge. Forever 21 opened in 2011. Cinemark opened in 2013, on the site of the old Kaufman’s Department Store. Dave & Buster’s opened in 2019.

Mall St. Mathews had grown, now spanning over one million square feet. Although the mall has undergone many changes, customers have been shopping and socializing there for more than 60 years.

It is hard to say what past residents of St. Matthews would say about the area today. After all, it has changed significantly over the years. From hunting ground to settlement, from settlement to farmland, and from farmland to an urban landscape. Most likely, they would be amazed.

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

NEXT LEVEL RANGES + BRASS SOCIAL

Jennifer and James Naive don’t like to do anything halfway. So instead of opening one business, the husband-and-wife duo opened two.

The Naives are the owners of both Next Level Ranges, a high-tech shooting range, and Brass Social, a casual neighborhood restaurant and bar. The two businesses are located in the same 40,000 square foot facility at 11800 Electron Drive off Blankenbaker Parkway, hoping to offer a little bit of everything to their customers. Having owned a small gun store previously,

the Naives dreamed of something bigger, and were able to make it happen with the two businesses.

“We’re a little crazy,” Jennifer says. “We were already selling guns, so our next step was to build a larger store. We needed to expand to a larger store anyway and adding a range sounded way more fun. Including a restaurant just fit for us.”

“We decided to do both because we always wanted to open a restaurant,” James adds. “We had looked at restaurant spaces in the

past. It was one of those things that just worked for us. We wanted to do it, and this was a really good excuse.”

Next Level Ranges and Brass Social opened to the public last November and have progressively seen more and more customers come through its doors. Next Level Ranges takes up most of the space inside the building, featuring advanced shooting lanes and a full-service pro shop, while also providing space for dedicated training and family friendly events, all while promoting safety at every turn. Customers

are able to visit both or either of the businesses, with many taking advantage of the convenience to eat and shoot at the same location.

“People come into the restaurant not even knowing they’re in a building with a gun range,” Jennifer says. “You can’t hear them firing and it’s a very cozy atmosphere. We have a really good lunch crowd. We’re starting to pitch a lot more date nights, so people come over and shoot and then come in to have dinner. For safety, we scan IDs in the restaurant anytime anyone orders alcohol, so that locks them out of the range and they’re not able to shoot the rest of the day.”

All levels are welcomed to try out Next Level Ranges. The range offers modern classrooms for skill building with state-ofthe-art lanes and computerized systems that can help sharpen the abilities of even the most expert shooters. Classes offered include everything from basic handgun safety to advanced pistol courses and practical shooting, among others.

There are 12 fixed lanes designed for precision shooting and eight lanes offering full-tactical shooting. Next Level Ranges offers a wide selection of gun rentals so customers can try out the most cutting-edge firearms available. They even offer personal lockers providing secure storage for your own firearms. The wide range of space and technology allows Next Level Ranges to offer something for everyone.

Memberships start at $49.99 a month and are divided into Standard, Premier, Elite or Corporate options. All levels of membership unlock various perks around

Care that Comes to You

the range, including early lane access and exclusive event invitations. Members also receive guest passes, free or reduced rentals and special savings on training and gear. Corporate members can benefit from team building opportunities and tailored privileges to elevate workplace experience. There are also family level memberships offered that can let the whole household take part in various activities.

“We really built what is considered the next generation of ranges,” James says. “Our ranges are much different than anything else. The targets can move around and react to what you’re doing. We have video game systems to test your reactions. We’re able to go downrange and do barricade work and obstacle work with firearms. Most places don’t have the facilities for that.”

Brass Social was designed as a casual restaurant that provides a fresh and creative menu along with craft cocktails and Kentucky draft beer. Every dish is crafted

from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including its signature hamburgers, which are produced with premium beef from two trusted Spencer County farms. The Naives, alongside executive chef and co-owner Brandon Mitchell, share a passion for creating a dining experience that is both welcoming and unforgettable. Other menu items include a series of salads and wraps, club sandwiches and salmon entrees.

“We’re focused on using local ingredients,” Jennifer says. “Almost everything is scratch made in our kitchen and tastes really fresh. Our menu is online for anyone who wants to check it out. We have a little bit of everything because we love food. Brandon had to reign us in because we were all over the place at the beginning. It was nice having him with his past restaurant experience be able to narrow that down for us so it made sense to our kitchen staff.”

As a family owned and operated business, the Naives strive to treat their employees

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and customers like family as well.

Employees can cover roles in both spaces, with all pitching in to do whatever is needed. They want all their customers to feel welcome when they come inside with an atmosphere that is fun for all ages.

super friendly and open. We want everyone who wants to learn about the safety aspect of firearms and become more proficient to come see us.”

bring their teams to train with us. If we continue to grow that portion of the business, we may do advanced training there. We don’t know for sure yet. It may never be anything.”

“We are very family focused,” Jennifer says. “We treat our employees that way and we’re very welcoming to families. We have family memberships that teach gun safety at a young age. If you have guns in your house, your kids should know the safety aspects of guns too. We have some women only classes, so females aren’t as intimidated coming into a class with others who already know everything. Our space is very bright and open and modern. Everything is hightech and clean. All of our employees are

As both businesses continue to grow, the Naives are already looking ahead to the future of what more they could offer to their customers with the space available.

“We do have about two more acres we could build on,” Jennifer says. “As we grow, we plan to expand and offer more of whatever everyone is looking for be that more training or membership space. We do work with a lot of police departments, and they

Hours at the two businesses are similar, with Next Level Ranges opening every day at 10 a.m., closing at 8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and an hour later on Friday and Saturday. Brass Social opens at 11 a.m. daily, closing at 8 p.m. Sunday, 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. This allows patrons to visit the range first and still have time to get dinner after it closes.

For more information on either business, call 502-203-0294 or visit nextlevelranges. com and brasssocial.com.

NOVEMBER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Set of symptoms

Quit (premises)

Mode

Clump of grass

Hallowed

BARREL TO BOTTLE

CRAFTERS PIZZA & DRAFTHOUSE TEAM SELECTS SIGNATURE BOURBON, ONE TASTE AT A TIME Writer & Photographer / Stephanie Duncan

Owners of Crafters Pizza and Drafthouse in Carmel, Brian and Alexis Hall, routinely select unique single-bourbon barrels and have them bottled for their patrons to purchase. But they don’t do it alone.

This year, they assembled a team to travel to the Angel’s Envy campus in Louisville, Kentucky, to pick out the next barrel for their signature bourbon. Some distilleries offer to ship single bourbon samples for customers to choose from rather than tasting on site, but Brian prefers to be more hands-on.

“I really prefer to be here in person,” he says. “Then we can show our guests the process. Some people think you’re just putting a sticker on a bottle.”

Angel’s Envy is the first full-production whiskey distillery along Whiskey Row in downtown Louisville since Prohibition. Its bourbon is known for fruity notes, with

hints of vanilla and caramel, thanks to aging in port wine barrels.

The tasting team included two experienced bartenders, Javier Colon and Sebastian Simmons, as well as a loyal customer, Matt Miller. Together, they brought their

collective expertise to the table to help the Crafters team select their next single barrel of Angel’s Envy.

Before the tasting, the group went on an in-depth tour of the distillery. Angel’s Envy tour guide Charlie Neal showcased each

step of the distilling process and the unique history of the building.

Upon entering the fermentation section, the group noted the distinct smell of fresh bread and whiskey. They got a closer look at the giant fermentation tubs, the machinery

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that cooks the grain and water that make up the bourbon, and the grain selection room, where each batch is tested for moisture content, starch levels, and potential contaminants such as pesticides—all factors that affect the

Next, Neal led the group into a room filled with bourbon barrels stacked high on pallets. More than 2,000 barrels are curated explicitly for Angel’s Envy’s Single Barrel Program. The distillery sources its port wine barrels from the Douro region of Portugal, and every barrel holds a nuanced flavor profile.

Neal hand-selected three barrels for the team. Each person used a special tool called a whiskey thief to extract a small sample from the barrels.

The group was then led to a private tasting room, where they sampled three distinct barrels. The host guided the team through the tasting process, and the team highlighted specific flavor notes, aromas, and nuances in each sample.

Between the three, the team noticed how different each barrel tasted. Sample 1 had an earthy flavor with notes of spearmint. Sample 2, a front-runner, featured a sweet berry taste thanks to strong contact with the port wine barrel. Sample 3 was also popular, with an approachable butterscotch flavor. After testing the picks at different proofs, they settled on 110 proof. Sample 3 won out based on its versatility.

“When we do a single barrel, we like it to taste great neat or on the rocks, but also so we can make a cocktail from it,” Alexis says.

This visit marked her third barrel pick at Angel’s Envy and her 13th barrel pick overall.

Crafters memorializes each selection with a framed certificate on the wall and keeps one bottle from each barrel pick.

Knowing what customers like plays a significant role in the selection process.

“The tasting is definitely easier the more I do it, but you also have to have a good palate and know what you’re looking for,” Alexis says.

That’s also why they included bartenders Colon and Simmons in the process. Their experience with guest preferences adds a valuable perspective.

“You have to pick somebody you trust,” Brian says. “Sebastian and Javi have been allowed to pick because I trust their palate.”

This was Colon’s third barrel pick, and he says knowing your customer is key.

“We didn’t even pick out our favorite,” Colon says. “When you pick your single barrel, you’re picking for the customers and what they like.”

The Halls also invited Matt Brown, a regular at Crafters, to participate in the selection. They want guests to know how much care goes into choosing the signature bourbon. Brown appreciated being included.

“It puts a little pressure to pick the right one,” he says.

It takes about six weeks for Crafters to receive their bourbon, but the owners and staff are eagerly awaiting the finished product.

One perk after the bourbon is bottled: the owners get to keep the barrel. Sometimes they ship it to a brewery to create a limited-edition barrel-aged stout. Some lucky Crafters customers can even win a barrel once it has been retired from brewing and distilling.

Crafters Pizza and Drafthouse is located at 2430 E. 146th St. in Carmel and offers tavern-style pizzas with globally inspired toppings, along with sandwiches, salads and popular sports bar appetizers. For more information, call 317-798-2056 or visit craftersdrafthouse.com.

Chenoweth Appliances is locally owned and operated by Danny & Wayne Lyons

Our sales team: Steve Combs, Mark Cain, Rodney Kistner, Mary Kay Head and Kristen Lyons See why our customers become life long customers.

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CLATER JEWELERS

Writer / Gavin LaPaille

In a world filled with fleeting trends, some possessions stand the test of time. They are the objects passed down through generations, each one a sparkling tangible memory of a family’s history. Clater Jewelers believes the most treasured pieces of fine jewelry are more than just beautiful accessories – they are stories waiting to be told.

“The most captivating trend in jewelry is not a particular style but the art of personal storytelling through jewelry,” Sallie adds.

collaborative process ensures the final piece is not just beautiful but deeply personal as well. As a family-owned jewelry store, Clater Jewelers ensures the highest level of service and craftsmanship goes into every product that walks out the door.

“Nothing feels more luxurious or meaningful than a piece of jewelry that tells a story,” says Megan, one of the owners.

Perhaps a ring that marked a new beginning, a necklace given to celebrate a milestone or a pair of earrings that were a spontaneous act of self-love. These are the moments that weave into the very fabric of gold and the brilliance of each diamond, transforming a beautiful object into an invaluable part of your life story.

Since 1949, Clater Jewelers has had the honor of helping the Louisville community mark its most important moments, while learning the true value of jewelry lies in the memories they hold. Located in Westport Village, Clater Jewelers offers engagement rings, wedding bands, earrings, chains, bracelets from all the top designers.

Clater Jewelers believes jewelry should be unique like the people who wear it. From a delicate necklace with a loved one’s initial to bespoke rings that feature a child’s birthstone, personalization allows everyone to become the co-creator of their jewelry. Creating custom pieces is just one service offered at Clater Jewelers. Others include appraisals, jewelry repair, remounting, pearl stringing, engraving by an expert machine engraver and complimentary repair estimates and inspections.

The experts at Clater Jewelers — Sallie, Megan, Christy, Shannon, Carrie, Lynn and Katelyn — have almost 200 years of combined experience and are delighted to help bring these ideas to life for all their customers. The process of crafting each person’s story begins with a conversation.

Everyone at Clater Jewelers listens to each person’s journey and vision while guiding through the wide variety of selections to find the perfect gem and metals. This

“A great piece of jewelry is an investment, not just in its intrinsic value but in the memories it will hold,” Christy adds. “All jewelry is a promise, a celebration and a whispered secret.”

Clater Jewelers helps all its customers find a piece that speaks to their heart and that they’ll be proud to wear and pass down, one that is truly theirs.

Clater Jewelers is now serving its third and fourth generation of customers due to their customer service, integrity and pleasant in-store experience. Some may even say “you’ve hit a Gold Mine!”

For more information, call 502-426-0077 or visit them online at claterjewelers.com.

CONNECT

BREATHING ROOM

UofL HEALTH SURGEON ADVOCATES FOR EARLY LUNG CANCER SCREENINGS & IMPROVED ACCESS

Writer / Gavin LaPaille

November brings heightened awareness for one of the deadliest forms of illnesses in the United States: lung cancer.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, with nearly 160,000 patients dying each year, more than from prostate, breast and pancreatic cancers combined. Dr. Victor H. van Berkel, M.D., Ph.D, the division chief of thoracic surgery at UofL Health and surgeon for the lung cancer team at UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, says the main reason lung cancer can be so deadly is the lack of early symptoms that develop within patients.

“People with early-stage lung cancer don’t know they have it,” van Berkel says. “They don’t have any pain or a cough or anything

that lets them know. Unfortunately, a lot of times we find out when it’s too late.”

Kentucky has the highest incidence rate of lung cancer in the United States, with about 90% of lung cancers caused by smoking. But there is good news. Getting screened for lung cancer can help detect before symptoms ever develop and when the cancer is more treatable and possibly curable. The U.S. Preventive Task Force recommends yearly lung cancer screenings to anyone who has a history of heavy smoking and is between 50 and 80 years old. Most insurances cover the screenings in that age range even for former smokers who quit

within the last 15 years and smoked more

than 20-pack years.

“There’s a big push to let people know about lung cancer and to get more screenings,” van Berkel says. “Lung cancer screenings are simple. It’s a CT scan where we take a look at your lungs to see if you have anything that isn’t supposed to be there. About 60% of people who should get scanned for colonoscopies do it. When you look at lung cancer, it’s somewhere around 8-10% who actually get screened. That’s a huge problem because of the amount of people who still smoke. If we can get all the people who are smoking to get screen, we would find a lot of these cancers at a much earlier stage and we can fix those people. If you have a Stage One lung cancer, I go in and cut it out and most people do great.”

Lung cancer isn’t just a career choice for van Berkel. His father died from lung cancer after years of heavy smoking, which has reinforced van Berkel’s research to improve screening percentages and understanding of how hard it is to quit smoking.

“I had been yelling at my dad for years and years to quit smoking,” van Berkel says. “I appreciate when people tell me how hard it is to quit smoking, I don’t begrudge them for that. I do a lot of research that focuses on trying to improve lung cancer screening. Coming up with other ways to identify the cancer at an earlier stage because I know how important it is. I know if we had lung cancer guidelines, we might have known about my dad much earlier and been able to do something before he got so sick.”

It’s not just smokers who are at risk of lung cancer. Exposure to radon can increase chances for lung cancer, as can second-hand smoke, either at home or by working in an environment where others are smoking. Between 60 and 65% of all new lung cancer diagnoses are among people who have never smoked or are former smokers.

“Even really healthy people can get lung cancer,” van Berkel says. “The biggest demographic of people who get cancer but don’t smoke is middle aged women. It can happen to anyone. Obviously, people who smoke are at the highest risk and that’s who we focus on, but there’s an increasing number of people who don’t smoke who are getting lung cancer as well. It’s something for all people to think about.”

No matter what stage of lung cancer a patient has, UofL Health is committed

to helping. While previously thought of as a death sentence, treatments for even the most severe cases have improved over time, giving more options on how to move forward. Earlier detection can increase the chance of survival by 50%.

“There are people who are afraid of what this diagnosis would mean for them, but if

we can make a diagnosis early, we have a ton of options on how we can treat,” van Berkel says. “There are many more options than we had even five years ago. It used to just be chemotherapy and radiation but with the advent of immunotherapy, which has come on in the last few years, the survival of lung cancer is much better. A lot of people thought for a long time, and understandably

based on the outcome, that lung cancer is a death sentence. Now we have a much better array of tools to treat people. Not just to give them a longer life, but a higher quality of life with the treatments. The tools we have are much better than they used to be.”

To determine eligibility for low-dose CT lung cancer screenings, patients can call the

SUPPORT LOCAL WHEN DINING OUT

Brown Cancer Center’s Lung Screening Program at 502-210-4497. Screenings are available at many UofL Health facilities throughout the Louisville area, including Medical Center East on Dutchman’s Lane and Medical Center Northeast on Terra Crossing Blvd.

“The approval of lung cancer screenings started in 2016 and since that time, it’s very slowly made improvements in who is getting scanned,” van Berkel adds. “It’s like telling people cigarettes are bad - people think they will get to that and they don’t take care of themselves. I feel like we are making progress slowly but we need to make more progress. It’s not invasive. Just a CT scan. For anyone who has had a CT scan, you just lay in a tube. They don’t have to stick you with anything. The main thing that is holding people back, some of it is convenience. There’s also a component of people who smoke of not wanting to know.”

The UofL Health team is also hopeful to

make it easier for people to get screened, especially in rural communities.

“We always have a booth at the Kentucky State Fair,” van Berkel says. “We have campaigns encouraging people to talk to their primary care physician about getting screened. We’re trying to build a truck that has a CT scan unit in it so we can go to more rural communities where people don’t have access to screening places. That’s something we’re hopefully going to have up and running within a year and is all in an effort to increase the screening percentages.”

Overall, van Berkel is pleased to see an increase on the emphasis and importance of lung cancer screenings, but wants all potential patients to know he is dedicated to helping them get better.

“A lot of people who smoke think they did it to themselves,” van Berkel says. “They think they deserve it, which is crazy, no one deserves cancer. I don’t care if you smoke, we’re going to try and get you healthy. I do think there’s a component of that with lung cancer is you deserve it, and that’s not true. Everyone deserves to be taken care of.”

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AROUND THE COMMUNITY,

NOVEMBER

LOUISVILLE AREA EVENTS

1, 2, 7, 8, 9

DEAD AS A DODO

Actors Theatre of Louisville

2-5 p.m. or 7-10 p.m.

Take a journey through the underworld, a dark realm filled with glittering light and mystery where the dead are very much alive.

1-2 GAME CON JUNCTION

Louisville Marriott East, 1903 Embassy Square Blvd.

Nov. 1: 8 p.m.-12 a.m.

Nov. 2: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Get ready for three days of gaming, cosplay, and all things nerdy at Game Con Junction 2025 right here in Louisville, KY!

1 LOUISVILLE CARDINALS WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL VS. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

KFC Yum! Center, 1 Arena Plaza.

3 p.m.

2 and under are free - Clear bag policy in place.

1 OUT OF THE DARKNESS WALK

TurfMutt Great Lawn, 231 E. Witherspoon Street. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

In-person registration/Check-In Time: 10:00 a.m. Walk Ceremony Begins: 11:30 a.m.

5 THE STORY OF HUNTER S. THOMPSON: THE GOOD LIFE GONE AWRY

Ekstrom LibraryUniversity of Louisville, 2301 S. 3rd St. 6 p.m.

The McConnell Center invites you to a public lecture by scholar and historian Kevin Hayes, PhD, exploring the complex life and legacy of one of America’s most provocative writers, Hunter S. Thompson.

8

SIXTEEN CANDLES: THE ULTIMATE 80’S TRIBUTE

Mercury Ballroom, 611 S 4th Street.

8 p.m.

The Mercury Ballroom is an all-ages, standing room venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. Doors open one hour prior to the event.

11 CHAMPIONS OF MAGIC

Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th Street.

7:30 p.m.

11

WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY?

The Brown Theatre, 315 W Broadway

7:30 p.m.

You’ve seen them make up scenes right before your eyes on television’s “Whose Line is it Anyway,” now see them live and in person.

16

GLADYS KNIGHT

Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th St. 7 p.m.

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Everyone, regardless of age including babes in arms, must purchase a ticket.

21

UofL HEALTH SUBSTANCE USE SYMPOSIUM

Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Ctr by IHG, 830 Phillips Lane. 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Join us at the UofL Health Substance Use Symposium for a day of learning, discussion, and collaboration on reducing SUDs stigma!

26

SOUL CIRCUS - BLIND SQUIRREL

LOUISVILLE - MUSIC, GRUB, SPORTS

592 North English Station Rd. 9 p.m.

Join us for free weekly live music!

27

LOUISVILLE HUNGRY TURKEY 5K

Waterfront Park, 231 E Witherspoon St. 7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

9th Annual Louisville Hungry Turkey 5K will be held at Waterfront Park – TurfMutt South Great Lawn, 231 Witherspoon St, Louisville, KY US 40202.

28

HOT RED CHILI PEPPERS WITH GUESTS BRONSON ARROYO BAND

Mercury Ballroom, 611 S 4th St. 8 p.m.

The Mercury Ballroom is an all-ages, standing room venue, all tickets are General Admission unless otherwise stated. Doors open one hour prior to the event.

‘TWAS A GIRLS NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

The Musical Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St. 7:30 p.m.

29-30

DOG MAN: THE MUSICAL

The Brown Theatre, 315 W Broadway. kentuckyperformingarts. org

DERBY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS

LOUISVILLE-BASED GROUP SUPPORTS

WRITERS OF ALL LEVELS

Writer / Julie Yates

Who doesn’t love a good mystery? With so many versions — thrillers, romance suspense or detective fiction — there’s a type to appeal to everyone. Likewise, writers of mystery novels gravitate to the sub-genre that excites and inspires them.

Regardless of whether an author is published or just beginning to think about the possibility of writing, it is helpful to be part of a community that encourages and shares resources. Derby Rotten Scoundrels, a group based in the Louisville area, offers support to authors no matter where they are in their writing journey.

meetings per year, they are encouraged to join. Membership is $15. Some members are from Northern Kentucky and Lexington, but the core live in the Louisville area. Men are welcome to join, but all individuals must also be members of Sisters in Crime.

According to copresident Elaine Munsch, the Louisville chapter of Sisters in Crime began in 1992

As the Ohio River Valley chapter of the national organization Sisters in Crime, Derby Rotten Scoundrels is for anyone who likes to write mysteries. It’s a community of diverse people who meet once a month in person at the Middletown Library.

Members also have the option to participate via Zoom, and some meetings are Zoom-only depending on a featured speaker’s location. Speakers include authors who share their expertise or specialists in fields such as airplane tragedy investigations or autopsies.

Meetings are open to the public, but if someone finds the group is a good fit and they want to attend more than three

with the mission to promote the mystery genre and ensure both women and men authors were equally represented. Initially, the group was primarily a book club discussing mystery works, but two years later it took the name Ohio River Valley Chapter and became a resource for writers. Programs were presented to develop skills needed to become published, as well as increasing knowledge of the crime world. In addition, funds were raised for causes such as supplying books to women’s prisons and donating to a women’s shelter.

“Our first short story anthology was published by Silver Dagger Press in 2004,” says co-president Beverle Graves Myers. “The publisher was pressing us for a catchy title. I happened to be browsing a shop that handled only Kentucky products and noticed some towels and napkins that made a play on the word ‘derby’ and ‘dirty.’ ‘Talk Derby to Me,’ for instance. I was inspired to make a list of all the common

phrases that contained the word ‘dirty’ and substituted ‘derby.’ At our next meeting, the group went over the list and thought ‘Derby Rotten Scoundrels’ was the winner. A few years later the group was intent on renaming the chapter and decided that the original anthology title would be perfect.”

To help aspiring writers in the membership transition to being published, the group has published three anthologies — collections of short stories. After the success of the first one, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, the second one followed two years later. Like its predecessor, Low Down and Derby features tales of murder and crime centered around the Kentucky Derby. The third anthology, Mystery with a Splash of Bourbon, published in 2020, has outsold the first two. It was marketed to distilleries and is available through booksellers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Walmart. Besides the opportunity to have their work showcased, members benefit from other facets of the group.

“During meetings there has always been a section for critique and discussion of writing, so six members decided to form a feedback group,” says Lynn Slaughter, past president and current secretary. “They submit their work ahead of time so members of the subgroup can read it before

meeting twice a month. It turned out to be very successful. I find we learned as much or more from reading others’ work and critiquing it as getting feedback on our own work. Everyone got published and now a second group is starting.

“Another successful subgroup is called Guppies and is for pre-published authors,” Slaughter adds. “The founders of that group went on to be published but have stayed on to offer guidance. We never say ‘unpublished’ but instead say ‘prepublished.’ When a member gets published, it is announced on our Facebook and the Members’ News Page on our website.”

The group also enjoys contributing to the community. Members are available to speak at libraries or bookstores. Slaughter shares that they are delighted when asked to come to meetings, especially when book clubs reach out.

“In the 30-plus years it has existed, the chapter has been blossoming,” Munsch says. “Many of its members have gone on to publish their own books. Our group continues to help pre-published writers attain their goal.”

For more information, visit Derby Rotten Scoundrels on Facebook or at derbyrottenscoundrels.com.

Margie B. Lung Cancer, 2019

The Power of Medical Firsts

At UofL Health – Brown Cancer Center, you’ll find success stories like Margie’s, thanks to our collaborative approach, early detection and pioneering treatments. Here, hope comes to life with our expert second opinions, advanced technology and personalized holistic care. We harness the power of academic research and groundbreaking clinical trials, only found here, to help survivors make more memories and keep living their stories.

Experience the power of world-class care, close to home at our three Louisville locations.

To find Margie’s story and other survivor stories, visit UofLHealth.org/BCCStories.