Jeffersontown Magazine April 2026

BEYOND THE SECRET

ZOOM GROUP EMPOWERS INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO THRIVE THROUGH INCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES

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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

As the days grow longer and warmer, our community is ready to welcome the arrival of spring and the many exciting events that come with it. This season promises plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors alike to gather, celebrate, and enjoy everything our town has to offer.

One of the highlights of the season will be the Grand Opening of the Farmers Market on April 25. The market will run throughout the summer and will feature fresh produce, local vendors, and a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends. The Night Market will be returning monthly through the season, be sure to watch our social media and website for details.

Carol Pike Mayor

Plainview Swim and Tennis Center is set for another great season. The pools are ready for all to enjoy and the tennis center is in perfect condition for the season!

This year also holds special significance as our nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

In recognition of this historic milestone, the City will host a series of celebratory events on June 20. The celebration will feature live entertainment, including an encore performance from Todd Herndon, whose Elvis tribute performance delighted audiences last year. More details about this exciting event will be announced soon, so residents are encouraged to stay tuned.

With so many events, activities, and recreational opportunities on the calendar, our community is set for another wonderful season. Whether you’re visiting the Farmers Market, enjoying live music and entertainment, or spending the day at our many recreation facilities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

So come out to our events, stop and say hello, and enjoy everything our town has to offer. Thank you for being part of our community. We are proud to say— we are Jeffersontown Strong.

Jeffersontown Farmers Market

Opening Day April 25th

The Jeffersontown Farmers Market returns for the 2026 season and will be open on Saturdays, 8:00 am-12:00 pm. Join us and shop from your favorite returning vendors and vendors new to the Market.

This year the Market will feature monthly concerts, and activities including Petting Zoo Day, Coffee and Donuts with Mayor Pike, Back the Blue and Fire Responders and more. Also, in celebration of the USA 250th Birthday, the City will be hosting a series of events on July 4th. (More details to come!).

For more information, contact Matt Meunier at jeffersontownfarmersmarket@jeffersontownky.gov

Plainview Tennis Center

Plainview Tennis Center will be opening May 2026. All is on track for another wonderful season with our 2 asphalt courts and 6 clay courts that will be receiving new clay during the months of March and April. Opening day has not been finalized at this time.

Please watch our website and social media for additional information regarding opening day and our new reservation system!

For more information, call (502) 267-8333 or email Debbie Hendrick at dhendrick@jeffersontownky.gov.

Your rivers are closer than you think...

UPCOMING EVENTS IN MAY

PLAINVIEW SWIM CENTER

Opening Day of the 2026 Plainview Swim Center is Friday, May 22nd. Pass applications available online.

SPLASH PARK

The Skyview Park Splash Park will be opening Saturday, May 23rd, and will be open daily between the hours of 11:30 am and 7:00 pm through the end of September.

Clean: Hosing off your driveway or sidewalk sends dirts, motor oil, fertilizer, and animal waste into our riversthe very water we drink from. So please, sweep instead of hosing. Limit your fertilizer use and avoid applying it before a rainy day. Take care when changing your motor oil. And tidy up after your pets.

...thanks for keeping them flowing!

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK RETURNS TO VETERANS PARK

Shakespeare in the Park returns Thursday, May 21st at 6:30 pm. The group will be performing Shakespeare’s THE TEMPEST.

ON TOP ROOFING

Writer / Gavin LaPaille

On Top Roofing aims to guide homeowners in the complicated process of dealing with insurance companies. On Top Roofing is a one-stop solution for all roofing needs, providing a voice and needed resources to get every project completed at the highest standards possible.

“We classify ourselves as insurance specialists,” says salesman Bruce Scales. “We work with the homeowner to identify if they have any problems with their roof. Louisville gets its fair share of storm damage and we survey their roof and look for hail damage, wind damage or both. If they do, we recommend to the homeowner that they file a claim with their insurance company. We make sure they have damage before they make a claim so their rates won’t go up.”

On Top Roofing was started in 2023 by owner Derick Hihn and has quickly become a leader in the industry. They offer complimentary roof inspections to assess quality and structural integrity, identifying areas needed for repair or replacement. After the assessment, On Top Roofing provides a detailed report and any necessary actions to keep the roof in optimal condition. The team will also go back to the

insurance companies if they disagree with its assessments.

“We’ll negotiate on behalf of the owner,” Scales says. “We guide the owner throughout the process. They are elated that we come in and basically take over. We are very knowledgeable about roofing and what the issues are.”

On Top Roofing serves the entire Louisville and Southern Indiana area, and completes the repair or replacement projects on asphalt shingles & gutters. Project Manager Americo Imperatore says On Top Roofing’s customer service and attention to detail stand out from its competitors.

“We are there for the customer from start to finish from filing the claim until that roof is fully replaced,” Imperatore says. “However long that takes, we are with the customer and are available whenever we need to be. Our communication sets us apart.”

One new avenue for the On Top Roofing crew is Shingle Tomb, a separate company also owned by Hihn that was started to

provide long term marketing for contractors after jobs are completed. This durable, ecofriendly, storage box stores extra shingles plus the logo and contact information of the contractor that completed the job, ensuring clients remember who they worked with for years to come. Shingle Tomb has already become a popular way for roofers to resonate with homeowners.

“This box is a marketing piece for the roofing contractor,” Scales says. “Homeowners ask us to leave shingles behind sometimes in case they need to do a repair. Once the job is complete, we provide our logo and contact number and put a full bundle of shingles inside the box. We strategically work with the owner on where to place in the garage. It’s a tool for the roofing contractor that can continue marketing for 20 years. It’s worked out really well. We’ve taken it a step further and customize these boxes based on their needs. Not only do we have our standard box, we are customizing boxes for contractors. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

For more information on On Top Roofing, call 502-727-4484 or visit them online at ontoproofingky.com.

CONNECT

DARE TO CARE

TASTE OF DERBY FESTIVAL HELPS FEED FAMILIES IN NEED

Writer / Grace Schaefer

Each year at Slugger Field, more than 1,000 Kentuckiana neighbors gather for good community, great food and a wonderful charity. Planned in the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby, this special evening is the Taste of Derby Festival, and proceeds go to feeding families in the region through Dare to Care.

“[We host] at least 1,400 people, and they’re able to go through and taste from all these different restaurants, all different kinds of food, all different kinds of drinks; it’s a really fun night,” says Andrea Shepherd, Dare to Care’s senior director of philanthropic partnerships.

“[The Taste of Derby Festival has] been going on for more than three decades,” Shepherd says. “It’s had lots of different iterations, but now we just call it the best way to launch Derby season, and it is, I think, the most fun tasting event we have in Louisville. We just get great feedback that people really enjoy the food, they enjoy supporting the cause in this way, [and that] this is a beautiful way to connect.”

Hosted at Slugger Field, the Taste of Derby

Festival features restaurants and beverage companies offering tastings for visitors.

Last year saw the largest turnout, with 107 vendors, and Dare to Care hopes to beat that number this year. About 1,200 tickets are available — and they sell out quickly.

“We will have incredible eats, incredible drinks; we’ll have more lounge areas that Watson’s of Louisville makes possible, we’ll have some fun photo areas, we’ll have lots of different activities, and I can promise that people will leave with a full belly and smile, having had a great time and knowing they’ve supported a great cause,” Shepherd says.

Dare to Care is more than a local organization — it’s a team of neighbors working consistently to end a rising crisis in Kentuckiana.

“We are the food bank that serves the Kentuckiana area — eight counties in the Louisville region, Jefferson County region, and then five counties in Southern Indiana. We were formed after the death of a 9-yearold boy in 1969 on Thanksgiving Eve,” Shepherd says. “His name was Bobby Ellis;

he was 9 years old and weighed 30 pounds, and he died of malnutrition. That sparked a movement of the neighbors in this area coming together to make sure that never happens again.”

To do this work, Dare to Care partners with nonprofits; most nonprofits providing food to the community get most of those meals from this organization. Beyond that, Dare to Care also runs school pantries, prescription pantries, mobile pantries, cooking nutrition classes and Kids Cafes for hot meals after school.

“Food insecurity is everywhere,” Shepherd says. “It’s in every single ZIP code. No matter where you live, there’s food insecurity there. If you’ve got kids in school, check with the school and the resource officer there, and see what needs they might have, and encourage a food drive in the school, make a donation, or encourage others to donate. There are so many ways that people can make a big difference with just small steps.”

The need for Dare to Care is growing in the community. Shepherd notes that “the

food insecurity rate increased 48% over two years. We are seeing a growing need among our neighbors.”

Currently, the organization provides about 22 million meals yearly.

“We are here with a goal of making sure that everyone is nourished — because nobody should go without food,” she says.

The situation is painful, but it has also revealed just how willing the Kentuckiana community is to support its own.

“It’s just so lovely to see the community come together and have such positive attitudes and enjoy a night together and make a difference for this community. This event makes hundreds of thousands of

meals possible for kids and families, and so it’s important for us as an organization to make meals possible, because they need it now more than ever. At the same time, it’s such a lovely way for people to learn about Dare to Care, and hopefully stay connected with us,” Shepherd says.

At the end of the festival, Dare to Care, in partnership with Feed Louisville, takes that food back, makes it servable and shares it with the community. Even in the midst of

or 502.450.PLAN (7526)

fundraising, the organization’s most basic cause is not forgotten.

“There are hungry people in our neighborhoods, and we need to show them love and support them, because no one should go hungry,” Shepherd says.

Even those who cannot attend the Taste of Derby Festival this year can still make an impact. Shepherd encourages community members to look at which restaurants participate and then support them.

“Eat at those restaurants, buy those

products and thank them for being supporters ... because these vendors are all donating everything. It’s pretty incredible,” Shepherd says.

Dare to Care also accepts volunteers — both generally and for the evening of the festival.

Ultimately, the Taste of Derby Festival is both an act of service and a way to get more connected with the Kentuckiana community.

“Dare to Care exists because this community cares that nobody goes hungry, and this event is a really critical fundraiser for Dare to Care, so I would encourage people to find a way to make a difference in this community when it comes to food insecurity. Know that we always have an open door with our events, with volunteering, with food and fund drives, and with getting involved. It takes all of us, and we can all do something to make a difference for our neighbors,” Shepherd says.

A TASTE OF KENTUCKY

BELOVED GIFT SHOP BLENDS TRADITION & MODERN GROWTH

Writer / Gavin LaPaille

Karen Taylor always loved visiting A Taste of Kentucky and seeing all the beautiful products. That passion ran so strong, she and her husband, Rob, decided to purchase the store known for connecting its customers to the heart and soul of Kentucky. The Taylors bought A Taste of Kentucky from John and Sherry Hassman in 2023, with Karen now managing day-to-day operations.

“We knew the previous owners and I felt like we could do it,” Karen says. “I had worked for a company that kind of had the same structure. I’ve always loved the store. It has beautiful products and has always been great. They wanted someone who would take it and move it forward. It felt right, so we bought it.”

With more than 40 years of history, A Taste of Kentucky has built a reputation for sharing the best its home state has to offer. From handcrafted treasures made by local artisans to gourmet foods that capture the essence of Southern hospitality, each item in stock is carefully chosen to reflect the spirit of the community.

Products fall into a variety of categories and themes, including all things bourbon, home decor, gift baskets, Kentucky Derby, food, souvenirs, apparel and books. Since the Taylors have taken over, they have strived to give A Taste of Kentucky a more modern look without disrupting what it does best.

“I never wanted to change the core of who

we are, but wanted to give it a little bit of a cleaner look, more like a boutique,” Karen says. “We have expanded the offerings. In addition to our local and online customers, we have a lot of companies across the United States that contact us for high-end corporate gifts. Featuring items with price points that meet everyone’s needs is really important to us.”

The physical store location is at 11800 Shelbyville Road in the heart of Middletown. Visitors come from all over the country, shopping for items to take back home, and Karen says locals also frequently stop in before traveling abroad to pick up special gifts so they can share “A Taste of Kentucky”.

“To my knowledge, the store has been in this location at least 30+ years,” Karen says. “It’s a fixture here in Middletown. When they walk in, they talk about how beautiful the store is. We hear that a lot. You can find something for everyone here, at any price point.

A Taste of Kentucky also has a thriving e-commerce business. While there is a lot of overlap with the items physically sold in the store, Karen says the website stands out on its own with a unique marketing strategy.

“On the website, you never know what someone is going to buy,” Karen says. “Our strategy has really grown. We do weekly and biweekly email blasts. We advertise and do a lot with Google. We’re strategizing our marketing dollars. Almost every product that leaves here has our tag on it that says A Taste of Kentucky. When we ship something out, we put a card inside with a thank you that has our information on it. If someone

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sends a gift, when the recipient gets it they know exactly where it came from. That has increased our e-commerce presence.”

The store works with many local and national companies that often want gift baskets or other items. A Taste of Kentucky coordinates with these groups to fit individual needs, including many requests during the holiday season and around the Kentucky Derby. These baskets are also popular for special events, such as weddings and other celebrations.

“Local and national companies will call and say they want to send gifts to their employees or partners,” Karen says. “Our gift baskets are a large part of who we are for Derby and Christmas. People will send gift baskets to friends and family. Businesses will send them to clients and suppliers. We work with places in all industries. It’s what really made A Taste of Kentucky grow over the years. That and our focus on customer service.”

Wednesday, May 20th 8:30am - 3:30pm

While it’s helpful to have multiple avenues of revenue, Karen says it’s important for all phases of the business to be thriving for A Taste of Kentucky to continue having success.

“I didn’t realize how multidimensional the company is,” Karen says. “Each revenue segment is different but kind of the same. They each make up a third of the business and they’re all growing. All things have to be going the same direction to make it work. You can have the best product in the world, but if it accidently gets tagged with the wrong price, it’ll never move.”

No matter how a customer interacts with A Taste of Kentucky, Karen stresses customer service at every opportunity.

“They have always gone over and above with customer service and we have continued that,” Karen says. “We love happy customers, building personal connections and relationships. When we

build that connection, they remember and will become a returning customer. Building that repeat business is big. Making a customer happy is our priority. We are so centric on customer service that it is second nature. If you take care of the customer, they will take care of you.”

While the store is at its busiest near Christmas and Derby, Karen’s goal is to keep the store relevant all year long with additional product offerings and customer service.

“We have grown the business in the months between,” Karen says. “The peaks are still the peaks. That’s the goal, to be self-sustaining all months and have two nice peaks. You are constantly looking for new products and new ideas for what is out there and what people are looking for. You have to listen to what people want. We never carried a lot of jewelry previously, but we had a lot of people ask for it. Little by little we started bringing more in, and it

sold like crazy.”

Karen loves what she does at A Taste of Kentucky and hopes to continue giving that joy to all of her customers.

“The company is great,” Karen says. “We have great products and wonderful customers. We have a great staff of people who have been here for many years. We have a solid employee base that cares and loves it. It’s hard to work here and not love what we do. We are so grateful for our customers, our employees and our community.”

A Taste of Kentucky is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. For more information on how to place an order, check out the website at atasteofkentucky. com or call (502) 244-3355.

BEYOND THE SECRET

ZOOM GROUP EMPOWERS INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO THRIVE THROUGH INCLUSIVE OPPORTUNITIES

Writer / Grace Schaefer

Kentucky has a well-kept secret — and it’s called Zoom Group.

For 40 years now, Zoom Group has served members of the community with intellectual or developmental disabilities, allowing them to grow their careers while engaging with their passions, too.

“Zoom Group is a health and human services organization that provides support and services. We’ve been in existence since 1986, so we are embarking on our 40th year,” says Melissa Marvel, president and CEO of the nonprofit. “We provide a wide array of services from behavioral support to housing, to transportation, to employment, to transitional programs that work with students and families in school to help them transition not only into careers, [but] try to provide a wraparound service to help them be successful. Our mission is to assist them, to help them explore, create and realize their journey, because every individual is different.”

Originally started by parents of children graduating high school, and partnering with the local Council on Developmental Disabilities, Louisville Diversified Services was established. In 2013, the organization became Zoom Group. Since its inception, it has partnered with the federal government, as well as large logistics companies such as UPS, and has provided vocational training. Now, the group has expanded to include a host of programs: a life skills program (LifeWorkZ); a transportation service (RideWorkZ); a Level 2 family home provider service (LifeStyleZ); and a Positive Behavior Support service to provide behavioral therapy (SupportWorkZ).

They even host StudioWorkZ, “our flagship art program. Individuals with disabilities who want to learn a variety of mediums in art are in that program; we have an art gallery, so their work is available in our gallery that’s open daily, Monday through Friday, for sale. It’s basically selfemployment for the artist.”

While located in Louisville, many of Zoom Group’s services range statewide and are incorporating online programming and satellite partners so that families who cannot come to one of the two Louisville campuses can still have access.

“If there are families that are interested in our services in their area, I would encourage them to reach out to us,” Marvel says.

Even those who do not use Zoom Group’s collection of services can still be involved.

“We would love volunteers to help us with our nonprofit fundraising events, to help us out with job fairs. We have volunteer days where we’ll have groups and individuals come in. We’ll have artists come in and teach classes to our artists in our programming,” Marvel says.

The group also looks for business partners to expand vocational training and partnership opportunities, including

hosting field trips so that participants can learn more about career options.

“We also do offer community workforce training,” Marvel adds. “Oftentimes, you have a person with a disability going into a workplace, and people there have never

be impactful,” Marvel says. “This 40th anniversary, it is my hope that we’ll no longer be a well-kept secret, [but] that we’ll be a known, successful entity. Because 40 years of success in this environment — we should be very proud. I would like to not be such a secret.”

As it is, Zoom Group already has around 500 individual program enrollments and an active waiting list. As they prepare for another decade of service, they look ahead to more growth and more one-on-one connection. One of the biggest changes will be serving children from a younger age.

“Typically before, it was 18 and above,” she says. “Post-pandemic, we started working with students and families at age 14, and now we’re going to go to as soon as the child’s been diagnosed. My passion is [to change] the dynamics for those in the future so that they readily know what those resources are, that we meet those families

when their children are younger, because it’s no different than preschool for children — the more you can get them started on a good, strong foundation when they’re young, the more likely they’re going to have greater success as they get older. And it’s no different for any child, regardless of their abilities.”

Ultimately, supporting Zoom Group is all about supporting the reach and accessibility of its services.

“I’m so passionate about making sure that families [with] a child that has the need for these resources have the ability to reach out to an organization that will help support them, providing those resources and making them feel like they’re not walking alone,” Marvel says. “Everybody’s disability is different. That’s really what I find Zoom Group trying to be — you walk into our array of services, and you feel supported in many different ways and feel successful, and

obtain the goals that you desire, to the best of your ability.

“At the end of the day, we are all human. And we all need to be included and respected and appreciated for who we are.”

Ultimately, Zoom Group is more than a collection of services; it’s a bridge to bring the Kentucky community together in ways we never have before. The Zoom Group family has been thriving for 40 years, and they only plan to continue. And no matter the background or ability, Kentuckians are a part of that family — and that journey — too.

For more information about Zoom Group, including a list of all available programs, enrollment and ways to get involved, please visit zoomgroup.org.

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Our sales team: Steve Combs, Mark Cain, Rodney Kistner, Mary Kay Head and Kristen Lyons

RANGES & COOKTOPS

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH

WHAT GIVING BACK REALLY LOOKS LIKE IN LOUISVILLE

Writer / Heather Cregger

Every day, while most of us are going about our business — meeting deadlines, tidying our homes, chasing children, enjoying time with friends — boxes are being filled. Canned goods are stacked, floors are swept and modest but honest work is being done.

For one Louisville resident of more than 50 years, Sue Shewmaker, these small, steady tasks have been part of her routine for decades. From packing food at a local pantry to helping residents gather for weekly activities at an adult care home, volunteering has followed her through different seasons of life — from her teenage years to raising a family and now into retirement.

April is National Volunteer Month, a time set aside to recognize the many ways people

give back to their communities. Across Louisville, volunteers show up in quiet, practical ways every day — often without fanfare — helping neighbors meet basic needs, feel included and stay connected. Their stories offer a clearer picture of what volunteering really looks like and how accessible it can be.

A LIFE SHAPED BY SHOWING UP

As a teenager, Sue first began volunteering with her local children’s choir. Noticing the sense of joy and purpose she felt in giving back, she continued to serve throughout her life. Volunteering later became a way to bond with her daughter, adding depth to her parenting by teaching the satisfaction that comes from helping others.

As life moved forward and retirement came, Sue continued to find meaning through volunteering at a local food pantry and an adult care facility. She describes volunteering at Louisville East as “part of my DNA.” Her involvement there began when a friend’s brother became a resident but was too shy to participate in activities. Sue made him a simple deal: She would come once a week and go with him to try something new.

Over time, she watched him blossom. And even after his passing, she continued to show up each week — now helping other residents feel included and supported in their daily lives.

WHAT VOLUNTEERING ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE

Many of us talk about wanting to volunteer. We say things like, “I would like to volunteer,” or “I should take my kids to volunteer.” But busy schedules can make it feel daunting to add one more commitment. So what does volunteering actually look like?

At the food pantry, Sue commits about an hour and a half one day a week. Boxes are packed for morning distribution, with everyone assigned a specific task. Once packing is finished, the area is cleaned and left ready for the next shift. It’s structured, efficient and manageable.

many discover an unexpected return. Joy, fulfillment, usefulness and purpose are often part of the experience.

Sue says what surprised her most was “how happy it makes me feel,” adding that she receives as much — if not more — than she gives. Over time, relationships form naturally and small moments of connection become something to look forward to each week.

HOW SMALL EFFORTS HELP OTHERS

Volunteering supports not only the people being served but also those working alongside volunteers. At the food pantry, volunteers work side by side to ensure a smooth flow from station to station. In adult care settings, volunteers assist staff by helping residents gather for activities and return to their rooms afterward.

Once a week, Sue also spends time at an adult care facility, helping two or three residents play bingo. This is the type of interaction many people can expect when volunteering in an adult or senior care setting — simple, relational and centered on inclusion.

GOUT

INGROWN NAILS

SURGERY

CUSTOM ORTHOTICS

FUNGAL TOENAILS

DIABETIC SHOES

ORTHOPEDIC SHOES

GAIT ANALYSIS

3D RUN ANALYSIS

3D WALK ANALYSIS

FALL PREVENTION

While Sue chooses to volunteer weekly, she notes that there is flexibility if another commitment arises. She has even brought teens with her at times to help, showing that volunteering can span generations and life stages.

THE UNEXPECTED RETURN

Most people don’t begin volunteering asking what they’ll get out of it. Yet

In areas like health care, where staffing is often stretched thin, this kind of consistent support is welcomed. Reliable volunteer help allows daily operations to run more smoothly and gives staff the ability to focus attention where it’s most needed.

“I DON’T HAVE TIME” — LOWERING THE BARRIER

One of the biggest barriers to volunteering is the belief that it requires a major life commitment. While Sue chooses to show up every week, many organizations are grateful for whatever time people are able to offer.

Thirty minutes matters. Flexibility exists. Volunteering doesn’t have to be permanent or perfect — it can begin with a one-time event or a short commitment. Often, it starts simply by reaching out and asking what help is needed.

Volunteering can be meaningful at every stage of life. For Sue, retirement has brought

the opportunity to stay active and focused on others rather than turning inward. For those experiencing loneliness or a lack of purpose, volunteering can offer connection, routine and a sense of belonging.

DIFFERENT WAYS TO VOLUNTEER IN LOUISVILLE

Volunteering doesn’t look the same for everyone. Across Louisville, there are many ways to get involved that fit different schedules, personalities and seasons of life. Knowing what kinds of places to look for can make getting started feel far less overwhelming.

SHORT, STRUCTURED COMMITMENTS

For those who prefer clarity and defined roles, many volunteer opportunities are built around short, predictable shifts. These roles are often found at food pantries, community ministries, donation centers and distribution hubs, where volunteers help pack food boxes, sort donated items, assemble care kits or

prepare spaces for daily operations. Shifts are commonly one to two hours long and have a clear beginning and end.

RELATIONAL VOLUNTEERING

Some opportunities focus less on tasks and more on presence. These roles are commonly available at adult care homes, senior living facilities, assisted living centers and memory care units, where volunteers help residents participate in group activities such as games, crafts or music programs, or simply spend time in conversation. In these settings, consistency often matters more than the length of each visit.

ONE-TIME OR SEASONAL OPPORTUNITIES

For those with limited availability, onetime or seasonal roles can be a meaningful way to help. These opportunities are often coordinated through neighborhood associations, parks departments, community centers or local nonprofits

hosting cleanups, beautification projects, food drives or special events. These roles allow people to contribute without an ongoing commitment.

FAMILY- OR TEEN-FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERING

Many volunteer opportunities are appropriate for families or teens when supervision and structure are in place. These roles are often found through food pantries, community outreach programs, faith-based organizations and youth-serving nonprofits and may include packing meals, organizing donations or assisting with group service projects. These opportunities allow families to volunteer together while keeping expectations realistic and age-appropriate.

SKILL-BASED OR BEHINDTHE-SCENES SUPPORT

Not all volunteering happens face to face. Many organizations rely on behind-the-

scenes help to function well. These roles are often available at nonprofit offices, community organizations and service agencies and can include administrative support, organizing supplies, data entry, event setup and cleanup or basic communications assistance. These quieter roles are often flexible and just as essential as more visible forms of service.

EXPLORING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ACROSS LOUISVILLE

For those ready to explore volunteer opportunities more broadly, citywide volunteer portals make it easier to search by interest, location and time commitment. These platforms connect volunteers with organizations throughout Louisville, including Jeffersontown, Middletown and St. Matthews.

METRO UNITED WAY VOLUNTEER CONNECTION volunteer.metrounitedway.org

JUSTSERVE justserve.org

VOLUNTEERMATCH idealist.org/en/volunteer

After years of volunteering, what stays with Sue isn’t any single moment, but the simple signs that things went well — boxes filled, a space left tidy, a resident who had a good time.

She’s quick to point out that volunteering doesn’t require endless free time or special skills. Sometimes it starts with a phone call. Sometimes it’s just 30 minutes. What matters is showing up.

“Helping your neighbor is a good thing,” she says. And across Louisville, that belief continues to take shape in food pantries, senior homes, community centers and countless other places where small acts of service quietly make a difference.

AROUND THE COMMUNITY,

LOUISVILLE AREA EVENTS

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BOB DYLAN: ROUGH AND ROWDY WAYS TOUR

Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th Street.

8 p.m.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. This event will be a phonefree experience. Use of phones or recording devices will not be permitted in the performance space.

7

THE PARKLANDS WALKING CLUB (MOSS GIBBS WOODLAND GARDEN TRAIL)

Ogle Foundation Woodland Pavilion in Broad Run Park, 10801 Lasater Rd.

8:30 - 11 a.m.

This walking club will meet almost twice a month, for a morning and an evening session, to trek all over The Parklands, exploring different trails each time.

8

CERAMIC WORKSHOP: WALL HANGING PLANTER

Waterfront Botanical Gardens, 1435 Frankfort Ave.

6 - 8 p.m.

Wednesday, April 8· 6:00 to 8:00pm

Graeser Family Education Center

$65 | $52 WBG members

Create your own functional wall art!

10

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.

UNIVERSITY

OF LOUISVILLE BASEBALL VS STANFORD

Ky., Jim Patterson Stadium, 6 - 9 p.m.

University of Louisville Baseball vs Stanford TV: ACC Network

11

BRUCE HORNSBY AND THE NOISEMAKERS

Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St.

8 p.m.

TREEFEST 2026

Thurman-Hutchins Park, 3227 River Rd.

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

TreeFest is Louisville’s Arbor Day celebration, bringing the community together to explore the essential role trees play in our lives.

12

BEETHOVEN’S FIFTH W/ THE CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF LOUISVILLE

St. Francis in the Fields, Harrods Creek, 6710 Wolf Pen Branch Road. 3 - 4:30 p.m.

An all-Beethoven program featuring the most famous four notes ever written.

JOHN LEGEND

Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St. 8 p.m.

17

STEWART COPELAND: POLICE DERANGED

Kentucky Center for the Arts, 501 W Main St.

7:30 p.m.

Stewart Copeland’s Police Deranged for Orchestra is a high energy orchestral evening celebrating the work of legendary rock star and composer.

WORLD BALLET COMPANY: SWAN LAKE

Louisville Palace, 625 S. 4th Street.

7 p.m.

The World’s MOST Iconic Ballet - Live on Stage!

18-19

LOUISVILLE HOME SHOW

Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The Home Show! It’s For Everything In And Around Your Home!

BLUEGRASS WORLD OF WHEELS CUSTOM CAR SHOW

Kentucky Expo Center, 937 Phillips Lane.

10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday

10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday

Classic cars from all over the country will compete for the coveted Bluegrass Cup and the Bourbon Select trophies. There will be hundreds of cars, trucks, motorcycles, go-carts, and just about anything with wheels on display for the public to enjoy. Discount tickets available at O’Reilly Auto Parts.

18

THUNDER OVER LOUISVILLE

Waterfront Park, 129 River Road. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Thunder Over Louisville

To some, it’s the official kick-off to the Kentucky Derby Festival. To others, it’s the unofficial beginning of spring.

21

UNIVERSITY

OF LOUISVILLE BASEBALL VS KENTUCKY

Ky., Jim Patterson Stadium, 7 - 10 p.m.

University of Louisville Baseball vs Kentucky TV: ACC Network

24

ABRA CADABRA - CELEBRATING THE MUSIC & MAGIC OF ABBA

The Brown Theatre, 315 W Broadway. 7:30 p.m.

Welcome to Gustavo’s Mexican Grill—more than a dining venue, it’s a heartwarming community. Our unique edge? Personal touch. Often, you’ll find Gustavo himself welcoming you. At Gustavo’s, we’re a family-oriented environment where you’re not just a customer but a valued part of our extended family. Join us for an authentic, delicious and fun dining experience.

“I’m a family person and we want everyone to feel like they’re part of our family.”

—Gustavo Reyes

5 LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

In the 1989 film “Dead Poets Society,” actor Robin Williams, as English teacher Mr. Keating, urges his students to “carpe diem” as they examine photographs of the young men who preceded them at a New England boarding school. Seizing the day is of the utmost importance since one day these boys, like the ones in the pictures, will become food for worms. It is a sentiment we should all be reminded of periodically.

The ability to be present in the moment is something Peter Tremain, 82, has tried to do throughout his life. That task can feel pretty easy when he is adventuring across continents and seeing awe-inspiring beauty, which he has done as a solo traveler for the past 15 or so years. But being present has also been heartbreaking when he worked 70 hours a week as a Lutheran pastor while his late wife, Mary Ann, struggled with Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.

Originally, Peter thought he might want to be a farmer when he was a boy in Illinois, but eventually he decided ministry was his path, in part because his oldest brother — 14 years his senior — was a minister in Wisconsin. Peter had a feel for what the profession entailed. He recognized there

SEIZE THE NOW

AN 82-YEAR-OLD FORMER PASTOR FINDS PURPOSE THROUGH PRESENCE & TRAVEL

Writer / Carrie Vittitoe

were some drawbacks to the career.

“I was terrified of talking in front of people, and I knew that pastors didn’t make any money,” he says.

But he saw some positives, too. In addition to having a flexible schedule and having music be part of his life, he thought, “If I become a pastor, God has got to like me.”

After his first year of college, he met and began dating Mary Ann Mizel, and they married in 1965. Together they started a family, and Peter began his long career as a pastor, largely in various Kansas cities, but also in Oklahoma. When their children were in high school, Mary Ann began experiencing symptoms that were eventually diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease. Her condition worsened, but Peter still had almost a decade until he could retire. For eight years, female members of their church congregation volunteered in twoto three-hour shifts, seven days a week, to provide caregiving for Mary Ann so Peter could continue his pastoral caregiving for the church.

When Peter retired from ministry in 2008,

he began two new journeys: one as primary caregiver for his wife and the other as a writer. Every evening, once he got Mary Ann settled in bed, he wrote a blog post on his site, thecaregivercalling.com, an effort that was therapeutic for him as well as comforting for other caregivers who read his words.

Two years later, when Mary Ann died, Peter was left largely unmoored. They had been married for nearly 45 years, and he had been completely immersed in his caregiving role. What would he do with himself now?

What he did was venture to Australia and New Zealand. Peter had been inspired by a congregation member who had posted photos of a visit to the region, but he was going mostly to escape.

“I couldn’t imagine my life without Mary Ann,” he says.

A big adventure gave his mind something to do besides wallow in grief, which is really all he felt like doing. A trip across the world would give him a sense of purpose he had lost when Mary Ann died.

“It was my attempt at finding an identity,” he says.

Since that time, travel has continued to be a life-sustaining part of who Peter is, as well as an inspiration for others who follow his journeys and consider what their post-retirement lives could be. Since 2011, he says, “I have traveled to 30 different countries and have visited 16 of them more than once.”

When he leaves the U.S. to travel, he is gone anywhere from two to five months at a time. His home base in the U.S. is now with his daughter and son-in-law in Middletown.

Peter’s experience as a pastor has come in

handy in his travels.

“I spent my career tuning in to the nonverbals — body language, facial expressions and tone of voice — so that I could understand what people were feeling,” he says. “I learned how to help people feel safe and secure talking with me. As a result, I was able to make connections quickly.”

Peter has met countless people during his travels and has become close enough friends with some of them to stay in their homes when he visits.

Many people travel in retirement, but not everyone is a solo traveler who isn’t part of a group. Being literally “on his own” has been

an important learning experience. He says he has learned to be less apprehensive. If he goes the wrong way on a train or gets off at the wrong bus stop, he has learned that he will figure it out.

His idea to write a book about his travels — the first of which was published in 2025 and is titled “The Destination Is Now: New Zealand and Australia” — began shortly after that initial trip, but it took many years to come to fruition. He connected with Walt Wangerin, a professor at Valparaiso University and prolific writer, who mentored him briefly, but it wasn’t until Peter joined a writer’s workshop while living in Missouri that the bug to write for publication truly bit him.

“From the moment I walked in and was greeted warmly by the leader, poet Jen Harris, also known as Frances Story, I felt as if I had found my people,” he says.

Harris later became his writing coach and editor.

As a pastor, Peter did his fair share of sermon writing, but the content shifted when he began composing his caregiver blogs. It changed again as he began writing his memoir. Peter continues sharing his

writing on his Substack, also called “The Destination Is Now,” and another book is likely in the future.

While the topics Peter writes about change depending on where he is in the world, who he is with and what he is doing, some themes have remained constant throughout his life.

“I wrote in a way that intended to bring people with me into each moment I was writing about,” he says. “The moment we are

in — the present — is the essence of life.”

He reflects on the trajectories of his life and says, “I was fully present in the moment as a kid playing in the swamp, fully present in the moment when singing in choirs, fully present when interacting with parishioners immersed in their lives at important times, fully present each moment of each day when taking care of Mary Ann, and now I try to be 100% engaged with the people I meet in my travels.”

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