La Grange Faces 2012

How many faces does La Grange, Kentucky, hold? At last count — according to the 2010 census — 8,082. Since there are only 52 weeks in the year, you’ll see 52 of those faces here on our web site and in a photo album on our Facebook page in 2012. Why? Because we want to share some of the talents, skills, and love for this town behind some of the faces you may see in your neighborhoods. Plus, you’ll learn more about our local settings, as we challenged this project’s photographers to select 52 different venues to showcase La Grange as well.

This idea came about thanks to the 365 Project (specifically the 2011 365 Memphians idea) in Memphis, TN. We talked with Kerry Crawford, the woman who runs the “I Love Memphis” blog, and she was happy to share her ideas with us. Since we’re not as large as Memphis, we decided to scale it back to one person per week, rather than one per day.

Many thanks to the photographers who stepped up to offer their time and services to begin this Discover Downtown La Grange project. If you are an Oldham County photographer and you’d like to share your talents, too, please contact us!

La Grange Faces 2012

1. Sandra Graves, PhD: Sandra is a psychotherapist, artist, and President of the Arts Association of Oldham County. She’s lived in La Grange since 1995. The photo features the track that goes down Main Street. Kathryn Cohan Photography. More information available when you click on the link for Sandra or on her photo to the right.
2. LeeAnn Sheperson: LeeAnn was born and raised in La Grange, and she plans to raise her son here, too. Tiffany Reed, from Tiffany Reed Photography, shoots a portrait of LeeAnn in one of La Grange’s favorite book stores…(oops — we mean, La Grange’s ONLY book store!)…Karen’s Book Barn & Java Stop. More information available when you click on the link for LeeAnn or on her photo to the right.
3. Pete Finch: Walter “B” Finch, otherwise known as “Pete,” retired in La Grange with his wife, Edith…but that doesn’t mean he went to the great rocker on the porch. You can find him at the La Grange Community Center, where he works as an ever-friendly and funny activities director. Thomas Finch, from My Way Photography, shoots a portrait of his father at his place of work. More information available when you click on the link for Pete or on his photo to the right.
4. Faith Brush: Faith works with the city, and she truly enjoys everything that La Grange offers. Although Faith doesn’t lay claim to her involvement with the city, her actions speak louder than words. You can find her attending special events, meetings, and visiting local restaurants and businesses. Tom Kinney, from Kinney Art Studios at 208 E. Main, shoots a portrait of Faith at her office. More information available when you click on the link for Faith or on her photo to the right.
5. Lee Phillips: Lee is a jailer, martial arts instructor, volunteer firefighter, and immigrant from Louisville. In fact, he  moved to La Grange with his parents, Meryl and Bud, his brothers Brian and Don, and his uncles John and Henry in 1988, and was later joined by his sisters Carol and Meryl, who migrated with their families. He’s a great asset to La Grange! Billy Markham of One Thousand Words Photography, shot this image of Lee in front of the current fire station at the corner of Main and Second Ave. More information available when you click on the link for Lee or on his photo to the right.
6. Kathy Calderon: Kathy is an immigrant from Peru, a senior at Oldham County High School, and a big La Grange fan. Sam and Elaine Stringer of Stringer Photography shot this image of Kathy at The Flying Duchess, a new addition to La Grange as well. The Stringers made a name for themselves when Sam climbed onto the 105′ La Grange Fire and Rescue ladder to capture La Grange during the Light Up La Grange event in 2011. More information available when you click on the link for Kathy or on her photo to the right.
7. Linda Foster: Linda is a Discover Downtown La Grange board member and the town’s premier volunteer. Tom Kinney of Kinney Art Studios shot this image of Linda sitting in her kilt skirt on the new “Little Colonel” steam engine at the northeast corner of Main and Walnut. When the steam engine arrived, it inspired Tom to contact Linda for this photo shoot — her kilt and the little engine seemed to fit quite nicely! More information available about Linda, Tom, and the steam engine when you click on the link for Linda or on her photo to the right.
8. Gary Perkinson: Was born in La Grange, graduated high school in Henry County, went away to college, then returned to serve the Oldham County school system as a teacher and administrator. Susan Perkinson, of Photography by Susan, snapped this image of Gary at the Oldham County History Complex in front of the Peyton Samuel Head Family Museum on Second Avenue. More information is available about Gary, Susan, and the history center when you click on the link for Gary or on his photo to the right.
9. Linda Goin: A newcomer of almost five years, Linda has made herself at home — mostly because she writes for a living from home. But, she also owns a Main Street business, and is the part-time director for DDL.  Kathryn Cohan of Kathryn Cohan Photography shot this image of Linda wearing many hats at Soiree, the perfect place in La Grange to learn ballroom dancing — Linda’s latest obsession.
10. Carol Good Payne has lived in Oldham County all her life, starting in Peewee Valley, and currently living in La Grange. She’s fond of Oldham County Day and Light Up La Grange, but she also has a love affair with the new Oldham County Public Library. Judy Savage, local photographer, shot this image of Carol at the La Grange branch of that library on 308 Yager Avenue. More information is available about Carol, Judy and the library when you click on the link for Carol or on her photograph.
11. Andrea Mancini Essenpreis: Billy Markham of One Thousand Words Photography shot this image of Andrea in her new kitchen at Q&A Sweet Treats. Andrea is one of three La Grange Farmers’ Market members who opened a bricks-and-mortar shop in “uptown” La Grange in 2011. She’s known as the “cookie mama,” but she also offers cupcakes, cakes, breads and other treats at her shop on Highway 53, next to Big R’s & Shannon’s BBQ. More information about Andrea is available when you click on her link or on her photo to the right.
12. Sarah Pendergest: Thomas Finch of My Way Photography snapped this image of Sarah on a massage table at her business on 310 East Jefferson, called Greater Louisville Massage. Sarah has lived in Kentucky all her life, married a Kentucky boy, and has three Kentucky dogs! She wants to cook with homegrown foods, is training to be a Tri-athlete, and can chill out on occasion with a glass of wine in her back yard. More information about Sarah is available when you click on her link or on her photo to the right.
13. Doug Bell: Thomas Finch of My Way Photography snapped this image of Doug Bell at one of his jobs — that of working for La Grange Public Works. Doug was born in La Grange, went to school here, married and raised a family here…and is, for all intents and purposes…a La Grange “lifer.” More information about Doug is available when you click on his link or on his photo to the right.
14. Beverly McCombs has lived in Oldham County all her life, starting in Peewee Valley, and currently living in La Grange. Judy Savage, local photographer, shot this image of Bev at the La Grange Animal Hospital on Hwy 53, where she posed with the newest member of her family, Chloe. More information is available about Bev when you click on her link or on her photograph.
15. James E. Sitzler: James, or “Jim,” is the La Grange Fire District Chief, and a long-time resident of Oldham County. He has a romantic story about how he met his wife, and he has a wish that may or may not come true — but we hope it does! Thomas Finch, from My Way Photography, shot this photograph of Jim at his place of work. More information available when you click on the link for Jim or on his photo to the right.
16. Jamie Best: This woman is constantly on the go, but mostly in and around La Grange. She homeschools her boys, is a ghost tour guide, she teaches dance, constructs websites, and calms locals down with her Reiki. Drew Cook from Old Saw Photo offers his first contribution to our La Grange Faces 2012 project with this shot. Learn more about Drew (and nationally-recognized photographer) and Jamie when you click on Jamie’s name or on her photo to the right.