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| Power Style Wellness Connections |
The POWER of Neighborhoods
Does where you live affect the way you live and what you do?
By Cheryl Stuck • Photos by Ewa Wojtkowska
LOUISVILLE IS MADE UP OF A VARIETY OF LIVING EXPERIENCES WITH an
assortment of lifestyles and neighborhoods to fit any person’s comfort level.
Each area has a flavor of its own, from a developing trend for urban downtown
living, to a neighborhood where people can walk to convenient destinations, to
the suburban atmosphere that circles the city, offering subdivisions to suit any
price range.
Just the mention of the name of certain areas conjures up a visual image and
an idea of the sort of person that lives there, which may not be a true reflection
of all residents. However, where you live can provide unique opportunities.
Sandra Leonard
Lives in Sutherland, in Prospect. Former attorney, now
retired. Serves on the Prospect Mayor’s Advisory
Committee, the Prospect Reads committee, is a liaison for
the Ohio River bridges project, and a Prospect City
Council member. “Prospect is more diverse than the
perception. In addition to upscale housing, there are moderate priced homes,
apartments, townhomes, and condos. It’s true that if you want to sell, living in
the 40059 zip code is a benefit.”
Ten years ago, Sandra Leonard and her husband, John, moved to Kentucky
from Los Angeles when her husband was transferred. The couple lived in a
small, rental home in St. Matthews and spent several months learning about
the area, searching from Brandenburg to Oldham County before purchasing
their house in Prospect.
Within a short time of moving in, Sandra knew they had made a good decision.
As in many Louisville subdivisions, Sutherland has beautiful, elaborate houses,
but in addition, the social atmosphere offered the new-comers many
opportunities to settle in. Sandra and John took advantage by attending the
activities offered, like the supper clubs — one for the whole subdivision, and
one for people over 50 — and the Leonards started a pot-luck for the street
they lived on. A lunch group takes diners to different restaurants, and Sandra
also joined a Bunco club. “I did it all and it was a wonderful way to get to meet
everyone,” she said.
Sandra also discovered the Lawrence C. Falk reading center in Prospect City
Hall. “I have a love of books, so I volunteered to help with shelving books and
used book sales.” There, she met more people and was invited to join the
Prospect Mayor’s Ordinance Review committee. While serving on that
committee, she was asked to be liaison for the Prospect Ohio River bridges
project. Her involvement prompted her to run for office and she is now a
Prospect City Council member.
“Prospect is a lovely city to live in and after coming from L.A., people are much
friendlier here, and have more interaction with neighbors. It’s more
comfortable.”
Laurel Anderson
Lives in the West end of Louisville. Chairman of the board of Chalmers
Products, Inc. “I live in the hood and I wouldn’t want to live anyplace else. That’
s the thing that’s so bizarre,” said Laurel Anderson.
After four years of living in a beautiful condominium in Lexington, Laurel
Anderson and her husband, Harold, moved into an apartment above a factory
they bought in the west end of downtown Louisville eight years ago. The
couple had been in business since 1968 manufacturing metal parts, and had
sold four of their five operations, trying retirement, but retained one operation
in Georgetown, Ky.
“We didn’t like being retired, and this factory came up for sale so we bought
the building and moved the Georgetown operation over here. We had
absolutely no intention of living here. But when we got it, it was just too handy.
It’s wonderful just to walk across the roof to work.”
Plus, condo living wasn’t what they expected after moving from a large home.
“We were too independent to live where you have to vote when you need a
repair, or you have to plant the kind of flowers that were approved for
everyone. It just wasn’t our cup of tea,” Laurel said.
The factory consists of two buildings next door to each other, so while
manufacturing goes on below, Laurel and Harold live in an expansive
apartment above. The apartment connects via a deck that leads from the
kitchen of a 1,200 square foot apartment above one building to a 3,300 square
foot space above the other building which houses two guest rooms, a dining
room, an exercise room and two offices — and plenty of room to entertain their
13 grandchildren.
The buildings are situated on an acre which is enclosed by a fence with an
electric gate, leading into a large garage for their automobiles.
Laurel loves the convenience of being able to go downtown or across the
bridge into Indiana in 10 minutes or to their church in the Highlands in 15
minutes.
But the low-income and transient area also has disadvantages. In addition to
crime, “We don’t get the same kind of services that others get who live in other
neighborhoods,” Laurel said. Despite that, Laurel values her neighbors and
together they have made a difference, which Laurel modestly acknowledges.
“When we moved here, you couldn’t drive thru the alley — it wasn’t safe. It was
full of trash and junk. Now people drive thru the alley all the time because a
couple of neighbors and I keep it as spotless as we can. People in this
neighborhood don’t have garbage disposals, so keeping the alley clean
eliminates rats — we don’t have those anymore. But I didn’t do it single-
handedly…it’s kind of contagious. I know it makes a difference in people’s lives
around here, because they were afraid to walk down the alley eight years ago,
and now they walk freely. I really think a lot of very nice people live here. One
sad thing is that when you live in a place where the culture is totally different,
there’s really not a lot of difference you can make. You make a difference in
little ways, like one neighbor — we saved her money because of the
knowledge we had that she didn’t, so people wouldn’t scam her.”
Laurel and Harold also participate in the Christmas party for Portland area
children, sponsored by the first division police auxiliary at the Neighborhood
House. “For many of these children, it’s the only Christmas they have. We
probably would never have done that if we didn’t live in the neighborhood,”
Laurel said. They also participate in the Citizens Police Academy. “Now, we
have a lot of friends in the auxiliary and these are people we never would have
had an opportunity to know. And many of the people are disadvantaged but
they are very interested in keeping their neighborhood safe.” Elaine Flynn
Lives in the Cherokee Triangle Preservation District Former social worker and
office manager Volunteer for Women for Habitat and the American Red Cross“I
lived on Cherokee Road and it just happens that my husband lived on
Bardstown Road when we were in college, and [moving here] was like coming
home. We like the architecture and the woodsy old growth — the trees, the
park, being close to Bardstown Road, being able to walk to the post office,
Walgreens, Starbucks, to a variety of restaurants, and we’re close to
downtown.”
After living for five years on a farm with a 3,800 square foot house on over 600
acres in Lebanon Junction, Elaine Flynn appreciates the convenience of her
condominium in the Highlands. Now, she enjoys the best of both worlds,
because she and her husband, Jesse, still own the farm and can visit to get
away from it all.
After living in the Highlands since 2004, the couple moved last November into
the Inverness Condominiums, a renovated building that was formerly the
Charles P. Moorman Home for Women, built in 1929. “One of the attractions is
the history of the neighborhood and the beauty of the home,” Elaine said.
Living in historic houses is “in our bones,” she said, since both she and her
husband grew up in old farmhouses outside of Louisville.
“Now we’re closer to folks we enjoy getting together with. We have a great
entertainment space and can walk people to a restaurant. After living on a farm
for five years where you had to cook or starve, I love the access to
restaurants.”
Elaine said the area doesn’t make any difference in her activities or
connections. “I get involved with what groups do, not where they are,” she said.
She got involved with the American Red Cross while living on the farm and
drove to Louisville to answer phones after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Now that she lives in Louisville, she still participates in fundraising events for
the Bullitt County American Red Cross. Additionally, she serves on the
committee for Women for Habitat, helps raise funds and takes charge of the
hospitality when the group builds houses for underprivileged women in
Louisville.
Does where you live affect the way you live and what you do?
By Cheryl Stuck • Photos by Ewa Wojtkowska
LOUISVILLE IS MADE UP OF A VARIETY OF LIVING EXPERIENCES WITH an
assortment of lifestyles and neighborhoods to fit any person’s comfort level.
Each area has a flavor of its own, from a developing trend for urban downtown
living, to a neighborhood where people can walk to convenient destinations, to
the suburban atmosphere that circles the city, offering subdivisions to suit any
price range.
Just the mention of the name of certain areas conjures up a visual image and
an idea of the sort of person that lives there, which may not be a true reflection
of all residents. However, where you live can provide unique opportunities.
Sandra Leonard
Lives in Sutherland, in Prospect. Former attorney, now
retired. Serves on the Prospect Mayor’s Advisory
Committee, the Prospect Reads committee, is a liaison for
the Ohio River bridges project, and a Prospect City
Council member. “Prospect is more diverse than the
perception. In addition to upscale housing, there are moderate priced homes,
apartments, townhomes, and condos. It’s true that if you want to sell, living in
the 40059 zip code is a benefit.”
Ten years ago, Sandra Leonard and her husband, John, moved to Kentucky
from Los Angeles when her husband was transferred. The couple lived in a
small, rental home in St. Matthews and spent several months learning about
the area, searching from Brandenburg to Oldham County before purchasing
their house in Prospect.
Within a short time of moving in, Sandra knew they had made a good decision.
As in many Louisville subdivisions, Sutherland has beautiful, elaborate houses,
but in addition, the social atmosphere offered the new-comers many
opportunities to settle in. Sandra and John took advantage by attending the
activities offered, like the supper clubs — one for the whole subdivision, and
one for people over 50 — and the Leonards started a pot-luck for the street
they lived on. A lunch group takes diners to different restaurants, and Sandra
also joined a Bunco club. “I did it all and it was a wonderful way to get to meet
everyone,” she said.
Sandra also discovered the Lawrence C. Falk reading center in Prospect City
Hall. “I have a love of books, so I volunteered to help with shelving books and
used book sales.” There, she met more people and was invited to join the
Prospect Mayor’s Ordinance Review committee. While serving on that
committee, she was asked to be liaison for the Prospect Ohio River bridges
project. Her involvement prompted her to run for office and she is now a
Prospect City Council member.
“Prospect is a lovely city to live in and after coming from L.A., people are much
friendlier here, and have more interaction with neighbors. It’s more
comfortable.”
Laurel Anderson
Lives in the West end of Louisville. Chairman of the board of Chalmers
Products, Inc. “I live in the hood and I wouldn’t want to live anyplace else. That’
s the thing that’s so bizarre,” said Laurel Anderson.
After four years of living in a beautiful condominium in Lexington, Laurel
Anderson and her husband, Harold, moved into an apartment above a factory
they bought in the west end of downtown Louisville eight years ago. The
couple had been in business since 1968 manufacturing metal parts, and had
sold four of their five operations, trying retirement, but retained one operation
in Georgetown, Ky.
“We didn’t like being retired, and this factory came up for sale so we bought
the building and moved the Georgetown operation over here. We had
absolutely no intention of living here. But when we got it, it was just too handy.
It’s wonderful just to walk across the roof to work.”
Plus, condo living wasn’t what they expected after moving from a large home.
“We were too independent to live where you have to vote when you need a
repair, or you have to plant the kind of flowers that were approved for
everyone. It just wasn’t our cup of tea,” Laurel said.
The factory consists of two buildings next door to each other, so while
manufacturing goes on below, Laurel and Harold live in an expansive
apartment above. The apartment connects via a deck that leads from the
kitchen of a 1,200 square foot apartment above one building to a 3,300 square
foot space above the other building which houses two guest rooms, a dining
room, an exercise room and two offices — and plenty of room to entertain their
13 grandchildren.
The buildings are situated on an acre which is enclosed by a fence with an
electric gate, leading into a large garage for their automobiles.
Laurel loves the convenience of being able to go downtown or across the
bridge into Indiana in 10 minutes or to their church in the Highlands in 15
minutes.
But the low-income and transient area also has disadvantages. In addition to
crime, “We don’t get the same kind of services that others get who live in other
neighborhoods,” Laurel said. Despite that, Laurel values her neighbors and
together they have made a difference, which Laurel modestly acknowledges.
“When we moved here, you couldn’t drive thru the alley — it wasn’t safe. It was
full of trash and junk. Now people drive thru the alley all the time because a
couple of neighbors and I keep it as spotless as we can. People in this
neighborhood don’t have garbage disposals, so keeping the alley clean
eliminates rats — we don’t have those anymore. But I didn’t do it single-
handedly…it’s kind of contagious. I know it makes a difference in people’s lives
around here, because they were afraid to walk down the alley eight years ago,
and now they walk freely. I really think a lot of very nice people live here. One
sad thing is that when you live in a place where the culture is totally different,
there’s really not a lot of difference you can make. You make a difference in
little ways, like one neighbor — we saved her money because of the
knowledge we had that she didn’t, so people wouldn’t scam her.”
Laurel and Harold also participate in the Christmas party for Portland area
children, sponsored by the first division police auxiliary at the Neighborhood
House. “For many of these children, it’s the only Christmas they have. We
probably would never have done that if we didn’t live in the neighborhood,”
Laurel said. They also participate in the Citizens Police Academy. “Now, we
have a lot of friends in the auxiliary and these are people we never would have
had an opportunity to know. And many of the people are disadvantaged but
they are very interested in keeping their neighborhood safe.” Elaine Flynn
Lives in the Cherokee Triangle Preservation District Former social worker and
office manager Volunteer for Women for Habitat and the American Red Cross“I
lived on Cherokee Road and it just happens that my husband lived on
Bardstown Road when we were in college, and [moving here] was like coming
home. We like the architecture and the woodsy old growth — the trees, the
park, being close to Bardstown Road, being able to walk to the post office,
Walgreens, Starbucks, to a variety of restaurants, and we’re close to
downtown.”
After living for five years on a farm with a 3,800 square foot house on over 600
acres in Lebanon Junction, Elaine Flynn appreciates the convenience of her
condominium in the Highlands. Now, she enjoys the best of both worlds,
because she and her husband, Jesse, still own the farm and can visit to get
away from it all.
After living in the Highlands since 2004, the couple moved last November into
the Inverness Condominiums, a renovated building that was formerly the
Charles P. Moorman Home for Women, built in 1929. “One of the attractions is
the history of the neighborhood and the beauty of the home,” Elaine said.
Living in historic houses is “in our bones,” she said, since both she and her
husband grew up in old farmhouses outside of Louisville.
“Now we’re closer to folks we enjoy getting together with. We have a great
entertainment space and can walk people to a restaurant. After living on a farm
for five years where you had to cook or starve, I love the access to
restaurants.”
Elaine said the area doesn’t make any difference in her activities or
connections. “I get involved with what groups do, not where they are,” she said.
She got involved with the American Red Cross while living on the farm and
drove to Louisville to answer phones after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Now that she lives in Louisville, she still participates in fundraising events for
the Bullitt County American Red Cross. Additionally, she serves on the
committee for Women for Habitat, helps raise funds and takes charge of the
hospitality when the group builds houses for underprivileged women in
Louisville.
