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Strings of Community Louisville Dulcimer Society Builds Friendship Through Music

Artful Lives

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Rescuing Hope The Arrow Fund Helps Heal Animals Hurt by Cruelty

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ARTFUL LIVES

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RESCUING HOPE

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STRINGS OF COMMUNITY

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Louisville Dulcimer Society Builds Friendship Through Music

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Artful Lives

LOCAL COUPLE BUILDS A LEGACY OF CREATIVITY & COMMUNITY Writer / Melissa Gibson

In 1975, Larry Shapin went on a date with a young lady who suggested they go to an art show. At the time, he wasn’t really sure what he was getting into, however, that evening launched a lifelong passion for art, artists and a future where local artists were recognized and appreciated for what they brought to Louisville. “I saw a piece that I really liked at the show. It was $500, and I didn’t have $20 to spend on art at the time, but after thinking about it for a week or so, I called the artist,” Shapin says. “We became friends, and I ended up paying her $20 every month for years to purchase that piece. She became one of the most famous artists in Kentucky – Mary Anne Currier.” Shapin says he’s tried all different mediums of art but sees himself as a collector more than an artist. Still, he had found his passion, and every few months, he continued to add to his collection. When he 6 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

met artist Ladonna Nicolas and brought her to his home, she immediately recognized the bronze sculpture he had purchased nearly 10 years prior. Nicolas was the model for the piece. The two quickly became the go-to for local artists. They were calling Shapin and Nicolas to visit their studio in hopes there would be a piece they’d want to add to their collection. “I bought this house in 1975, and it was 3,000 square feet,” Shapin says. “Since then, I’ve added on nine times, and it’s now 20,000 square feet with more than 1,400 works of art displayed in the house.” Not only is their home full of unique artwork and their own personal artistic style, but there is also a two-story art gallery built on from the main house with large windows for natural light. Another large, open addition to the home features a bar,

ping-pong table, pool table and fireplace, making the space perfect for hosting large community groups. When it comes to collecting artwork, they don’t discriminate. Shapin says they have artwork from artists as young as 3 years old to 90 years old. Most are from contemporary (living) artists, but a few are deceased, such as Harvey Joiner and Pablo Picasso. Most are artists who have yet to hit their prime, however, many of the works in Shapin and Nicolas’ home are consistently increasing in value. “It’s neat to have known them when they first started out and to see how they progressed,” Shapin says “There’s a number of artists we’ve worked with over the years, and now, they are teaching students in schools.” Artwork is often subjective. How do they determine “good” work for their collection?

Shapin says for starters, they almost always come with a good story. “Good art causes you to think,” he says. “These are not landscapes or portraits. Some might even call them weird. It causes you to think, and it’s interesting, and it moves you in some way.” It was important to Shapin and Nicolas that the artwork was displayed and it was enjoyed by not only them but by the community too. Shapin says most museums keep 97% of their inventory in storage and are only rarely shown. At Shapin and Nicolas’ home, they want the work to be seen. “We like to live with the art,” Nicolas says. “We like having groups over because so many people don’t know it’s back here.” The pair get phone calls from local artists nearly every day of the week. They spend a day or two per week on what they call an “artist adventure,” seeking out the next budding artist and unique work they’re producing. “We enjoy going to studio visits and inviting friends to come with us, and we like to partner with our local art galleries and the schools,” Nicolas adds. In 2020, Shapin and Nicolas formed a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, the Shapin-Nicolas Art Project (S.N.A.P.) Foundation. They want to be sure their life’s work is protected and the artists continue to receive support.

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“We don’t have children, and we wanted to be able to keep these 12 acres of property, the house and the galleries the same so the community was able to enjoy it. We want this experience to be here for future generations,” Nicolas says. “The foundation was also created to help local artists. We want to give them a platform to showcase their work.”

“Most artists are poor promoters. They are shy about their work and don’t know the value of their work,” Shapin says. “We have more than 800 different Louisville artists in this house, and other than 20 or so, the rest all have second jobs to make ends meet. They need support. We have a guest house on the property and have talked about an artist-in-residence program and raising funds for an artist development grant. It’s a work in progress.”

As the nonprofit develops, Shapin and Nicolas says they intend to host art shows, fundraisers and events such as Cocktails and Shapin and Nicolas are also supportive of Conversations to bring the community and many different art forms: hosting events for the local orchestra or theatre production artists together.

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and plan to open their art galleries to the public in the future. “We’re open to the public by appointment right now,” Nicolas says. “We often have groups of people come in, but hopefully, in the future, we’ll be able to offer public hours.” Visit shapinnicolasartproject.com for more information.

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RESCUING HOPE THE ARROW FUND HELPS HEAL ANIMALS HURT BY CRUELTY Writer / Carrie Vittitoe

Few of us are immune to the distracting pull of cute animal videos. We can watch with unabashed delight kittens swatting at dust motes floating through the air, and who can resist a playful pup scampering toward a ball or a butterfly or whatever it is that catches the canine’s attention in the moment? But for all the funny and cute dog and cat videos on social media, there are at least as many videos of animals that have been harmed by humans in some way. Some have been chained up in the heat, while others have been abandoned to fend for themselves, and these may be the lucky ones. Other dogs and cats have been severely and cruelly abused and neglected. It is because of these gravely mistreated animals that The Arrow Fund began in 2013. Carrie Shoaf, who handles communications for the organization, says it got its start when a Black Labrador was found in Eastern Kentucky wandering through fields. The animal had been intentionally shot and still had an arrow 10 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

in its body. “At the time, no organization in the state specialized in rehabilitating severe cruelty cases, especially those needing specialty veterinary care,” Shoaf says. The dog, who was later named Aiden, spurred a group of animal lovers to find and fund his medical treatment. Fortunately, Aiden was not only able to survive his injuries but found a loving home where he lived a healthy and happy life until he passed away in 2024. “Aiden’s rescue, rehabilitation, and success led to the formation of The Arrow Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit specializing in rehabilitating animal victims of abuse, torture, and extreme neglect,” she says. Animals that have been horribly abused come with a unique set of needs. Many of them require extensive and complicated surgeries, which then often leads to longer-term physical rehabilitation and

recuperation. There are also the emotional and behavioral needs of the animals who, having been harmed by humans, are rightly scared of them and need to learn to trust people again. Unlike some other animal rescue organizations, The Arrow Fund does not have a facility, which means it relies on volunteers to care for animals in their homes. Typically, animal rescuers or shelters in the state will contact The Arrow Fund to let them know there is an animal in need. Members then create a plan of action that involves locating a foster, which is the first and most important step. “We cannot take responsibility for a new case until a foster has been secured for that particular pet,” Shoaf adds. “Once a foster has been confirmed, we arrange immediate transport of the injured animal for evaluation by one of our animal hospital partners here in Louisville.”

Shoaf notes that because of the nature of the abuse that The Arrow Fund animals experience, it can be emotionally draining to witness the ones that come to the organization. “Front-line rescuers bear witness to some of the worst devastation from animal abuse at the hands of unimaginable human cruelty,” she says. “Burnout among those who work many hours and expend much energy to save innocent victims of abuse is always a challenge for rescue organizations.” Unfortunately, these rescuers know there are too many abused and neglected animals in need of assistance. In fact, the state of Kentucky ranks among the worst for animal welfare. A 2023 report by the Animal Legal Defense Fund shows that Kentucky ranks fifth worst for laws that protect animals, with only North Dakota, Alabama, Idaho and South Carolina having higher rankings. While animal abuse is obviously horrible, it

also has a financial cost, which people may not realize. Shoaf says “the cycle of abuse costs Kentucky taxpayers $150,000 or more annually.” People who abuse animals often don’t face charges or experience any consequences, and so their behavior continues. To make matters even worse, there is a strong correlation between animal abuse and child abuse. According to the Child Maltreatment 2023 report from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Kentucky’s child abuse rates are double the national average. The abuse of the small and weak, it seems, goes hand-in-hand. The Arrow Fund is a small outfit, so it is always in need of volunteers, especially people willing to foster animals. While fostering may seem like a big ask, there are certain benefits to fostering that people may not have considered. The Arrow Fund provides everything that the rescued animal

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needs. Carrie says all medical expenses, supplies, food, bedding, toys, litter and treats are covered by the organization so that fosters can focus their energy on providing stability and care to the animal. Another benefit to fostering is it gives people who love animals an opportunity to love on them but without the lifetime commitment. Adults who have retired and want to travel may find that fostering allows

them the best parts of being a pet parent, they can foster for a time while an animal is recuperating and then take a break. There is always a need for “more compassionate people to provide a safe and loving home while an animal recovers until the pet is cleared by a vet for adoption into its new, forever family,” Shoaf says. Because the medical expenses for grievously

abused animals are high, The Arrow Fund has four fundraising events each year to help save as many animals as possible. In the late winter months, The Arrow Fund participates in Kentucky Animal Action Day in Frankfort, while April is when they host their Furry Derby Paw-tay at Noble Funk Brewing Company. During the months of May through September, volunteers with The Arrow Fund can be found at the St. Matthews Farmers Market every Saturday from 8 a.m.-

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noon selling fresh treats and bringing people’s attention to the plight of abused animals. Finally, in September, the organization has a booth at the Jeffersontown Gaslight Festival where they sell treats, logo gear, magnets and various other goodies to raise funds. Since its inception, around 600 animals have been rescued and helped by The Arrow Fund but, of course, not every animal can be saved. Shoaf notes that those animals that are too injured to recover are given a humane passing. Despite these losses, volunteers know that these animals, in their last moments, were cared for, and that provides them some solace. These losses sometimes motivate volunteers to work even harder to find and help animals. If you would like to be part of making a difference in the lives of abused and neglected animals, whether it is through donations, fostering or adopting, please visit thearrowfund.org to learn more.

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Strings of Community LOUISVILLE DULCIMER SOCIETY BUILDS FRIENDSHIP THROUGH MUSIC Writer / Melissa Gibson

Betty Hansel, a member of the Louisville Dulcimer Society, took piano lessons as a child, played guitar in college and participated in choir most of her life. Years later, she went through a divorce and had a daughter to raise.

this group and my daughter could go and enjoy it with me,” Hansel says. “She grew up going to our gatherings and it was a good family thing to do.”

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in existence for approximately five decades. The musicians meet weekly, practice together and often perform together at various events across Louisville and beyond. “It all started with Nancy Barker and her lessons at the Doo Wop Shop,” Hansel says. “Several of our members took lessons from her around 50 years ago. People had so much fun, they wanted to play more often and to perform, and that’s how the society was born.”

A dulcimer is a stringed folk instrument with two different varieties. The hammered dulcimer has strings over a trapezoidal shape, and the musician strikes the strings with two small hammers. The second variety is the Appalachian dulcimer, a narrower version with three to five strings and played similar to the guitar. Hansel says it’s an American instrument, created by immigrants from Europe, Scotland, Ireland and other countries in search of the sound they were accustomed to. When musicians such as Jean Ritchie, dubbed the “Mother of Folk” in the 1930s and ’40s, brought the dulcimer into their recorded music, it cemented the instrument into folk music culture. “A dulcimer could be made out of a shed in the backyard if you wanted,” Hansel adds. “Of course, the ones we have today are beautiful, handcrafted workmanship, but back then, they could easily make and sell dulcimers and the family had something

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One might think this is an exclusive group, however, you don’t have to play the dulcimer to join the society. “Anything that doesn’t plug in is welcome,” Hansel says. “We have lap dulcimers, hand dulcimers, banjos, guitars, penny whistles and other instruments. You might be surprised at how good it sounds. If I walk away and come back, I’m always amazed at how all of these instruments complement each other.” At the weekly Louisville Dulcimer Society session, all are invited to come and play, sit down and listen to the music, or bring your own instrument and they’ll teach you too. they could sing along with. Sort of a backporch instrument.” The Louisville Dulcimer Society created a place for musicians to practice their skills and share music with others. When Hansel joined, they were hosting

“A lot of people have a dulcimer that hangs potluck dinners. Everyone brought their children, and entire families joined in on the over their mantle and they don’t know what to do with it,” Hansel says. “If you’ve never jam sessions. played and you walk in with one, we’ll show you how.” Over time, things changed. Now, they get together once per week, and a few times per Over the years, the society has met at year they schedule those popular potluck local churches but has settled at the community gatherings.

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Jeffersontown Senior Center Ballroom for the past several. “We sit in a circle and play music,” Hansel says. “There’s a list of songs selected each week so we can know them ahead of time, and when we finish the list, we start picking tunes like a jam session.” Approximately 20 to 40 people attend, depending on the time of year, and the group continues to grow. “I think it’s getting more and more popular,” Hansel adds. “I play with other jam sessions in the city and they are all growing. A lot of young people are really getting into the folk music and bluegrass.” More than 25 years ago, several members of the club suggested taking a weekend to get away and play their music. They formed the Ohio Valley Gathering and rented rooms in areas across Kentucky,

Indiana and Illinois. “The first time, I think 500 people came out,” Hansel says. “It was our group and similar clubs that wanted to participate. We will play together and then often break into groups for a beginner class or to teach new songs. I’m doing a dulcimer finger-picking class at our next one. We’ll also have guest speakers: someone to come in and show how to string your instrument or how to care for them.” They spread their love of music through the community by playing a few times per month at nursing homes, churches and other community gatherings. “We don’t charge for performances, we are all volunteer, but we do accept donations,” Hansel says. “We have a membership fee of $20 per year per family and it’s just so we can pay for the insurance and rent the space for practices.”

They also have an instrument sale each year. Not only does it raise funds for the society, but it supports budding musicians. It’s popular among dulcimer club members in the area. They can purchase instruments at a discounted price and those looking to learn a new instrument can get a great deal. Most importantly, the men and women of the Louisville Dulcimer Society simply enjoy sharing their love of music. “It’s always a fun time and the whole thing is about enjoying music together and playing together,” Hansel says. The Louisville Dulcimer Society meets every Sunday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Jeffersontown Senior Center Ballroom. For more information, visit louisvilledulcimersociety.org.

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Serving Tradition

RESTAURATEUR SHARES CULTURE, FLAVOR & COMMUNITY Writer / Gavin LaPaille

Gustavo Reyes has always loved to serve. As the owner and operator of Gustavo’s Mexican Grill, he brings that passion to his customers every day. “I love to serve,” Reyes says. “I enjoy helping people. I’m passionate about what I do and I love what I do.” Offering authentic Mexican cuisine that echoes the culinary traditions of his homeland, Reyes is determined to offer great dishes in a fun environment to all his guests. Reyes has upheld a core value through his commitment to using only fresh, high-quality ingredients. These values and his special homemade recipes have made Gustavo’s Mexican Grill a hit. Gustavo’s offers lunch and dinner entrees along with appetizers and special dishes that anyone in the family can enjoy. Meals can be started with choriqueso, grilled elote and Gustavo’s cheese fries or wings while perusing a variety of different options for the main course. Customers can choose the

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a la carte option for burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, tacos and homemade tamales or look through many chicken, steak, seafood, salads and torta selections. Twenty-six different set combinations give a taste of different Gustavo’s offerings, while signature dishes offer a one-of-a-kind experience and are popular with guests. Carne En Su Jugo is a popular dish in Jalisco, Mexico, and consists of hand-cut steak in salsa verde mixed with beans and bacon, and is served with cambray, banana peppers, and garnished with radish, cilantro and onions in a warm tortilla.

Quesa Birria Tacos are a traditional family recipe where Gustavo’s takes certified Angus beef and slowly roasts it with guajillo chiles and herbs until it is tender, before gently pulling it apart by hand and serving it as tacos with red onions, cilantro, broth and a side of charro beans.

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first arrived in Kentucky in 1999 and worked as a dishwasher, developing a love of serving others. He always had a dream to do more that would bring the vibrant flavors of his hometown to the area he now called home. Reyes embraced every role in The vibrant interiors, adorned with the restaurant business over the years, from exquisite Mexican art and crafts, reflect the line cook to server, giving him a unique Reyes says it’s important to him that guests deep-rooted love for his heritage. From perspective on all his employees and the get the best meals at an affordable price and the first restaurant to the most recent one, Reyes remains unchanged in his dream to be jobs they do daily. takes pride in how the team comes up with nurtured by hard work and family. many of the selections. “It really helps,” Reyes says. “I understand the process of everything. I started as a “They’re family recipes,” Reyes says. “We get Reyes says all the locations have proven to dishwasher and I like the environment. I fit his mission and feels very lucky to have the best ingredients and use really highlearned how to cook working in the kitchen. quality meat. We always are working on new them be successful. Everyone is like a family on my team. It’s recipes at home that are good traditional good to have the experience all the way.” “They’re great areas,” Reyes says. “They dishes from Mexico.” were the best places for my company. That happened over time. I expected to just have Gustavo’s offers a full bar with special First opening its doors in 2010, Gustavo’s cocktails and signature drinks, featuring one location, but I’ve had the opportunity has grown from one restaurant in margaritas, tequilas, bourbons, wine and to do more, and we’ve taken it. We are very Crestwood to five unique locations spread out across the Louisville area, now including blessed and grateful to have the community whiskey. Many draft beers are also available, as are homemade sangrias and mojitos. Hurstbourne, La Grange, Norton Commons support we do.” and Prospect Village. Coming from a large family himself, Reyes recognizes the warmth Reyes, who hails from Guadalajara, Mexico, One special draft beer was introduced to the burrito options, chimichangas and cazuelons. A wide variety of sides are available along with smaller children’s plates and vegetarian selections. Deals run frequently, including Taco Tuesdays, discounted kids menus and happy hours.

that big gatherings bring. His restaurants aim to be more than just eateries but places where families come together, creating memories over delicious food.

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menu in 2020. Vida de Reyes is a labor of love inspired by the popularity of Mexican macro lagers in the United States. Crafted to capture the essence of Mexican beer, Vida de Reyes strikes the perfect balance between American tastes and Mexican authenticity. With its clean and refreshing profile, this Mexican lager boasts a slight sweetness and body derived from the addition of flaked maize, a secret ingredient that lends a unique character to Mexican beers. Infused with a hint of jalapeño, Vida de Reyes delivers a touch of spice and complexity, elevating the beer experience to new heights.

a number of different tasting options before landing on the current selection. Vida de Reyes is personal to Reyes, who created the beverage in honor of his father. “I did the beer when I lost my father and named it after him,” Reyes says. “When he died, I wanted to do something for my father.”

Reyes also believes in giving back to the community that has helped make him successful. He is part of numerous initiatives, including regular donations to churches, schools and nonprofits, ensuring his impact goes beyond the walls of The drink is a collaboration with Goodwood Gustavo’s restaurants. Career development Brewing Company and is available in bottles is also important to Reyes, and he takes time to nurture the skill sets of each of his and drafts in all Gustavo’s and Goodwood employees while providing them further locations. Cans can also be purchased in opportunities for advancement, like he was local Kroger and Total Wine stores and are given early in his career. popular with all Goodwood and Gustavo’s customers. The idea for the drink came after frequent visits from Goodwood employees “We love to give back to the community because they always support us,” Reyes says. into Gustavo’s, and the team went through

“We are happy to be here. We do a lot of scholarships for schools to support students. I want kids to have the opportunity to advance and have a career.” Reyes’ entrepreneurial vision has proven to be successful and continues to evolve as the industry and standards change. Alongside his thriving business, Reyes finds joy in the company of his wife and three children, who inspire him every day. “I enjoy my work and my business every day,” Reyes says. “There’s always something to learn. I’m still happy as I was 26 years ago.”

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TEMPORAL LANDMARKS & THE POWER OF FRESH STARTS Writer / Amanda Spalding

The American poet Breton Braley once wrote, “Start where you stand and never mind the past.” It’s a reminder that the present moment offers an opportunity to begin again, regardless of past stumbles or regrets. For many of us, that feeling intensifies at the turn of the year. New Year’s Day carries with it a curious power: it feels like a reset button, a chance to rewrite habits, revisit dreams, and set intentions for the coming year. Psychologists have a name for this phenomenon — temporal landmarks. These are meaningful points in time that allow us to draw a mental line between our past selves and the person we want to become. New Year’s Day is the most famous, but birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and even the first day of a new month can work the same magic. Why do these dates matter so much, and how can we harness them to profoundly change our lives rather than simply drafting resolutions that fade by February? The answers lie in psychology, self-awareness and deliberate planning.

26 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

WHAT ARE TEMPORAL LANDMARKS? In a widely cited paper published in Psychological Science, researchers Hengchen Dai, Katherine Milkman and Jason Riis (2015) found that temporal landmarks serve as psychological “fresh starts.” They mark boundaries in time that separate our past failures from our future potential. By mentally turning the page, we feel less tethered to previous disappointments and more motivated to pursue new goals. These landmarks don’t need to be major holidays. They can be public events (the start of spring), cultural milestones (a religious festival) or personal turning points (your first day at a new job). As Wharton professor Katy Milkman explained, temporal landmarks “strongly associated with the beginning of a new period cause people (a) to engage in activities designed to facilitate goal initiation and (b) to predict that their own and other people’s motivation to tackle goals will be higher.” In other words, these markers trick our brains into seeing life as a series of chapters. Just as

we expect a new chapter in a novel to bring change, we instinctively believe we, too, can begin again.

THE FRESH START EFFECT The “fresh start effect” is powerful because it addresses two deep human needs: the desire to grow and the desire to forgive ourselves. Too often, people abandon goals because they feel overwhelmed by past missteps. Temporal landmarks offer a clean break. Think of the difference between saying, “I failed at exercising last week,” and “This Monday marks the start of my new workout plan.” The second statement detaches you from the old you — the one who skipped the gym — and redefines you as the type of person who begins anew. Psychologists suggest this separation helps explain why New Year’s resolutions, while often short-lived, are so appealing. They represent a symbolic rebirth. But the good news is, we don’t have to wait until January 1. We can create our own mini fresh starts throughout the year.

TAKING INVENTORY: TURNING REFLECTION INTO RENEWAL

markers that provide regular resets. Coach Harper agrees with this, saying, “We need clear ways to track our progress. What gets measured gets managed.”

According to Lindsey Kane, director of nutrition and habit-hacking for Sunbasket, THESE TEMPORAL LANDMARKS one of the best ways to use a temporal COULD INCLUDE: landmark is to perform a self-inventory. This • The first day of each month: treat it as a means stepping back to honestly assess your mini-New Year. progress, your values and your challenges. • Seasonal shifts: spring cleaning, autumn resets or summer challenges. Louisville health and wellness coach Ryan Harper of Results by Design Fitness agrees with the importance of reflection. “It’s vital to meet yourself exactly where you are now, then create a roadmap to get to your destination.” ASK YOURSELF:

• What went well over the past year, season or month? • Where did I fall short — and why? • What habits, routines or relationships no longer serve me? • What do I want my future self to thank me for? This process isn’t about judgment — it’s about clarity. Once you’ve reflected, the landmark becomes more than a date on a calendar. It transforms into a launchpad.

• Birthdays: instead of dreading the number, use it as a chance to chart a year of growth. • Milestones in projects: the completion of one phase can be the perfect cue to start a new habit. By layering these micro-landmarks into your routine, you create multiple opportunities for fresh starts instead of relying on just one big annual push.

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DESIGNING YOUR OWN LANDMARKS Not all landmarks have to be fixed by culture or tradition. You can design your own. Psychologists call these “microlandmarks” — smaller, more frequent

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THE ROLE OF ACCOUNTABILITY

2. Pair Landmarks with Habits Decide in advance what action each • The Salt Cave (Louisville) or the landmark will trigger. For example, the Salt Room (Crestwood), which offer Temporal landmarks are most effective first Monday of each month could be halotherapy in warm, comfortable when paired with accountability. A date your “progress review day.” environments — perfect for reflection. may spark motivation — but sustaining 3. Celebrate Progress • The Parklands of Floyds Fork — 62 it requires structure. That’s where an Use landmarks not just for resets but miles of trails, meadows and wooded accountability partner — a friend, coach, for celebrations. Acknowledging wins areas offering quiet spots to reflect. therapist or mentor — can make all the reinforces momentum. • The grounds or gallery spaces of the Speed difference. 4. Start Small Art Museum, where art and quiet spaces Break goals into micro-steps. Landmarks might inspire clarity and new ideas. Checking in with someone at each landmark are natural checkpoints for these smaller can reinforce progress and soften setbacks. victories. FROM RESOLUTION The key is kindness. 5. Stay Flexible TO ACTION: MAKING If one goal falls flat, use the next Accountability should not feel like LANDMARKS WORK landmark to pivot rather than abandon punishment, but like support. After all, SO HOW CAN WE TURN the effort altogether. the whole point of a fresh start is to move forward without being chained to past mistakes.

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Communities often provide resources that align naturally with temporal landmarks. In 1. Mark Your Calendar Louisville, for instance, organizations such Choose a mix of major and microlandmarks throughout the year. Program as The Knowledge Academy and Create Your Life host workshops on goal setting. reminders into your phone or planner. HERE ARE FIVE STRATEGIES:

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Colleges and adult education centers also offer personal-development programs timed around semesters — built-in landmarks that encourage renewal. On a global scale, digital platforms provide courses, habit-trackers and wellness challenges designed to align with monthly or seasonal resets. These tools extend the power of landmarks by giving them structure and support. Also, check with your physician or local fitness center if your goals are health and wellness related. Some fitness centers, like Results by Design, will help you set your goals, break them down into manageable chunks and check in with you at your temporal landmarks to provide accountability.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW In an age of constant distraction and information overload, many of us feel untethered, drifting from task to task

without clear boundaries. Temporal landmarks provide those boundaries. They remind us that life isn’t an endless blur of days, but a story with chapters. Each landmark is an invitation to pause, reflect and redirect. And while New Year’s Day may hold the cultural spotlight — it’s just one of many opportunities. Every week, every month, every birthday and even every Monday morning offers a fresh start. By embracing these moments, we can transform our relationship with time — not as something to endure, but as something to design.

By consciously using these landmarks, we can craft a life punctuated by renewal rather than regret. We can forgive our past selves, honor our present efforts and invest in our future potential. So don’t wait until next January to take inventory or set goals. Look at your calendar, choose your next landmark tomorrow morning or at the start of the next season — and declare it a fresh start. As Braley urged: start where you stand. The rest of your story is waiting to be written.

CONCLUSION: START WHERE YOU STAND The brilliance of temporal landmarks is not in the dates themselves but in the meaning we assign to them. A sunrise on Jan. 1 is no different, physically, from a sunrise on July 1. What makes it special is the story we tell ourselves — that today, we begin again.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JANUARY

AROUND THE COMMUNITY, 2026

LOUISVILLE AREA EVENTS

1 BEYOND ROSE ISLAND FIRST DAY HIKE

Charlestown State Park 12500 State Road 62. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Meet at the Trail’s 3 and 4 parking lot for this special tour of Rose Island.

4 UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS VIRGINIA TECH KFC YUM! Center 1 Arena Plaza. 4 - 6 p.m.

6 UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE

MEN’S BASKETBALL VS DUKE

KFC YUM! Center 1 Arena Plaza. 7 - 9 p.m. University of Louisville Men’s Basketball vs DukeStripe Out TV: ESPN

9-11 LOUISVILLE HOME + Kentucky Exposition Center 937 Phillips Ln. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Shop home products and services, explore 300 booths, and see feature displays that inspire your next project.

30 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

Joe’s Older Than Dirt, 8131 New La Grange Rd. 9 p.m. JD Shelburne will return to perform at Joe’s Older Than Dirt at 9pm on Fri Jan 10th. Acoustic duo!

NOT PETTY: A TOM PETTY TRIBUTE 2100 S Preston St. 8 p.m. Not Petty A Tom Petty Tribute Saturday, January 10th 18+ Doors 7:00 PM | Show 8:00 PM Zanzabar Louisville, KY

TEN - A TRIBUTE TO PEARL JAM 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.

MOZART & HAYDN

Kentucky Center for the Arts 501 W Main St. 7:30 p.m. Celebrate the elegance, wit, and invention of two classical masters.

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10 JD SHELBURNE

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16 THE HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS 100 YEAR TOUR

KFC YUM! Center 1 Arena Plaza. 7 p.m. By purchasing this ticket, you give permission to use your likeness Sale Dates and Times: Public Onsale : Mon, 22 Sep 2025 at 10:00 AM BENCH OFFER : Tue, 9 Sep 2025 at 10:00 AM Citi® Cardmember

16 23-25 THE PRINCE EXPERIENCE AT RIVERCITYCON BOARD

24-25, 31 THE LIGHTNING THIEF : THE

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.

Kentucky Center for the Arts 501 W Main St. Jan 24: 2–4 p.m., 7:30–9:30 p.m.; Jan 25: 2–4 p.m.; Jan 31: 2–4 p.m., 7:30–9:30 p.m. When 16-year-old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have

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16-17 TEDDY CONDUCTS MAHLER’S NINTH

Kentucky Center for the Arts 501 W Main St. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Teddy Abrams, conductor Mahler, Symphony No. 9 Mahler’s Symphony No.

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Old Forester’s Paristown Hall 724 Brent St. 8 p.m.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

30 THE DAVE MATTHEWS TRIBUTE BAND -

HEADLINERS MUSIC HALL (LOUISVILLE, KY) Headliners Music Hall 1386 Lexington Rd. 8 p.m. The Dave Matthews Tribute Band Friday, January 30 8:00 PM (7:00 PM Doors) All Ages Headliners Music Hall Louisville, KY

31 DOLLY PARTON’S THREADS: MY SONGS IN SYMPHONY

Kentucky Center for the Arts 501 W Main St. 7:30–9 p.m. Bob Bernhardt, conductor Dolly Parton brings her music to orchestras worldwide!

INDIA FEST 2026

Kentucky Exposition Center 937 Phillips Ln. 10 a.m.–12 p.m.

30-31 KOSAIR SHRINE CIRCUS Broadbent Arena 937 Phillips LN. Times Vary

LOUISVILLE CHOCOLATE, WINE & WHISKEY FESTIVAL Mellwood Art Center 11:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

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THE BENJAMIN HEAD HOUSE MYTHS & LEGENDS SURROUND 200-YEAR-OLD MIDDLETOWN LANDMARK Writers / Steve Wiser & Jack Koppel

Such are the tales once associated with this humble edifice, now known as the Benjamin Head House (11601 Main St., Middletown, Kentucky). The former plaque described Benjamin Head as a “Revolutionary War veteran captain.” Yet, verified genealogical records show the Benjamin Head who built this house was born in 1782 — one Before delving into the distinctive year before the Revolutionary War ended. background of this charming structure, the myths surrounding it must first be dispelled. However, there was another Captain Benjamin Head elsewhere in Kentucky who did serve A former historic marker once stood at this in the Revolutionary War. The confusion location that contained several inaccuracies. between the two Benjamin Heads evidently stems from their shared death year of 1837. While now removed, this plaque remains in cyberspace and continues to generate The second misinformation on the plaque misunderstanding. noted that the “fact” was based on a Accurate documentation of historic sites and “legend.” But this “legend” was inscribed and therefore became accepted as truth. individuals has greatly improved over the past 30-plus years due to online sources such The claim was that the Head House “once as genealogy and research databases. Prior to changed hands as the result of a poker the advent of these vetted computer-accessed game.” This assertion was even repeated in a 2012 Courier Journal article. resources, stories of people and places typically were based on family recollections However, descendants of John Hansbrough, conveyed over decades via verbal and who obtained the house from Head in handwritten accounts, which were not the 1821, deny this ever happened, citing most reliable for verifiable facts. Hansbrough’s strict religious beliefs, which At the northeast corner of Main Street and Harrison Avenue in the Middletown Historic District sits a quaint building which, if its stone walls could talk, would reveal more than 200 years of the fascinating past of this eastern Jefferson County community.

34 | January 2026 | TownePost.com

forbade gambling. Another myth claimed treasure was hidden inside during the Civil War to protect it from thieves. No loot was ever found. Lastly, even digital resources can be flawed. The website FindAGrave.com lists Benjamin Head’s birth year as 1780, but his headstone clearly states 1782. The discrepancy stemmed from a misreading of his obituary, which noted he died “in his 56th year.” That phrase means he was between 55 and 56 years old at his death. With the myths addressed, here is the verified history of the landmark. Benjamin Head was born in January 1782 to Hadley and Mildred Head in Virginia, according to Ancestry.com. He settled in Middletown around 1804 and by 1815 was a town trustee. (Middletown was chartered in 1797 and named because it was the midpoint between Shelbyville and Louisville on the old turnpike road, now Shelbyville Road.) Head partnered with Basil Nicholas Hobbs (1786-1837) and Benjamin Lawrence in the

the Anchorage community.

Head, Hobbs & Lawrence General Store. Head traveled by horseback to Philadelphia and Baltimore to purchase supplies, while Hobbs kept the books.

In 1808, Head married Harriot Hobbs (1787-1824), sister of his business partner Basil. Their father, Nicholas Hobbs (17471793), was the grandfather of Edward Dorsey Hobbs, who later helped establish

As for Head’s other partner, Benjamin Lawrence, his history remains unclear. He is often confused with another Benjamin Lawrence who fought in the Revolutionary War. According to Middletown historian

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Edith Wood, construction of the Head House began in 1813—not 1812, as other sources and the former plaque state. Head completed it in 1815, but sold it just six years later to John Hansbrough. The reason for the quick sale remains unknown. William Chambers purchased it after Hansbrough but abandoned it during the Civil War. The next long-term occupants were William H. and Catherine Abel, married in 1858, who lived there until 1877 when Dr. Silas O. Witherbee bought the home. Four of the Abels’ six children were born in the house. The Witherbee family owned it into the 1960s. They were related to the Wetherbys of Middletown, including Kentucky Gov. Lawrence Wetherby. In 1974, Chris Matthews purchased and restored the house. Byron and Freda Chapman bought the home in 1996. Byron became Middletown mayor in 2001 and remains in office. Over the years, the Head House has been both a residence

and the site of businesses and a restaurant. Capstone Realty purchased it in 2020 and conducted an extensive renovation for its headquarters, including re-supporting structural beams, refinishing the original ash wood floors, and other improvements. The Head House is now on the National Register of Historic Places. After selling the house, Benjamin Head bought a farm several miles west that was later owned by his great-grandson Robert Chester Tway, who developed a dairy there. In 1923, Tway built a large home designed by the noted firm of Nevin, Morgan & Wischmeyer. Today, that house at 10235 Timberwood Circle in the Plainview neighborhood is owned by the City of Jeffersontown and serves as a civic center.

and the aunt of Catherine R. White, who with her husband, James Goslee, built “The Anchorage” estate in the mid-1800s. Their property gave its name to the Anchorage community, connecting Head in a roundabout way not only to Middletown but also to the development of Plainview and Anchorage. After Head’s death in 1837, Nora remarried Henry L. Garr. Head is buried in Middletown Cemetery, but his exact gravesite is unknown. His headstone, once damaged, is now displayed at the Middletown Museum at 11700 Main St. Basil N. Hobbs is buried in Hobbs Cemetery in Anchorage. The gravesites of Harriot Hobbs Head, Margaret Nora Garr, and Benjamin Lawrence are unknown.

Following the death of his first wife, Harriot, Steve Wiser, FAIA, is a local historian, author and architect. Jack Koppel is a local historian Head married Margaret Nora Brengman and docent at Middletown Museum. (1805-1891) in 1824. Known as Nora, she was the daughter of Martin Brengman

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