Gold Standard of Optimal Aging Award Honorees
Conrad Bachmann, 93
Conrad is an actor, veteran and civic leader. He has appeared in hundreds of productions, including memorable roles in Tremors and Rules of Engagement. He also served in the U.S. Air Force Special Services, performing for troops. Today, Conrad is the co-founder and executive director of the Louisville International Festival of Film and the Louisville Film Arts Institute. He is also a devoted family man, proudly driving his grandchildren to their sporting and academic events.
Kate Bachmann, 84
Kate is a source of strength and a guiding presence to her loved ones. Giving generously of herself, she has always been a dedicated mother and is now an active, loving grandmother. A testament of her strength, she overcame, at 81, a broken leg with determination and grace. Through every chapter of her life, she has worked to be a positive influence, modeling perseverance, kindness and purpose.
Miguel Barroso, 92
Born in Cuba, Miguel moved to the US in 2022 to be near his daughter. He has a real passion for music, loves playing dominoes and always sports a warm, welcoming smile, sharing his kindness generously with everyone he meets. He carries his life experiences with pride and dignity and makes the most of each day with his loving extended family at the adult day center.
Don Bayer, 93
Don enjoyed a 41-year career with the Chicago Board of Education and was honored as Outstanding Principal of the City of Chicago. In retirement, he and his wife have embraced a life of family and travel with many memorable trips, including one to Antarctica at the age of 83. Today, Don finds joy and purpose in his garden, often sharing that “gardening gives you a wholesome spirit—it’s uplifting to plant a seed and watch it grow.”
Wilhelmina Berry, 85
Wilhelmina has lived a life of purpose and faith. For 26 years, she served as Sunday school teacher at St. Stephen Baptist Church, becoming a spiritual pillar within the church. She created new traditions and encouraged her classes to give back to those in need, instilling compassion by leading through example. She is also a model of strength as a lung cancer survivor who continues to embrace life fully, even recently going on her very first cruise.
Yelizaveta Blinchevskaya, MD, 93
Despite growing up through hardships during World War II in Russia, Yelizaveta became a physician specializing in gynecology and radiology in 1956, and, after immigrating to Louisville in 1994 for new opportunities, she worked in the radiology department at Jewish Hospital until 2002. These days, she enjoys socializing, staying active at Access Care and feeling most proud of her loving family.
Mary Broecker, 85
Mary is a self-described lifelong “farm girl.” She graduated from UK and later moved to Oldham County, where she lived on and ran a farm with her late husband, whom she was married to for 55 years. She always participates in the Kentucky State Fair, and this year her duck won a red ribbon. Mary has also been involved in the community her entire adult life, taking part in organizations including the Fillies, the Women’s Club of Louisville, Oldham County Republican Woman’s Club and more.
Bill Hinton, 87
Bill served in the Navy for four years and had a long career at Xerox before becoming a developer of subdivisions, hospitals and office buildings. Bill is also an avid fisherman and hunter, and he tends to 40 head of cattle on the farm he shares with Mary, whom he met after being married to his late wife for 57 years. Though they had many places and people in common, the two didn’t meet until 2022 when they were both widowed. They have enjoyed being each other’s second love ever since.
Nemesio (Nemy) Bucayu, Jr., MD, 89
Hailing from the Philippines, Dr. Nemy Bucayu earned his medical degree in 1962 and, shortly after, continued his education in the US, where he practiced anesthesiology for 28 years. From 2000–2019, he participated in medical missions across the Philippines and Lourdes, France, impacting the lives of many. He maintains strong connections with family and friends and enjoys traveling, cooking, golfing and gardening.
Ron Chilton, 90
Ron has lived a lively and varied life. He spent many years as an actor, married the love his life, Mary Lee, was a radio DJ for 45 years, raised a wonderful family, and was a TV analyst for UK basketball with Matt Jones. He also prioritizes staying in shape, having run marathons and 5Ks and won over 200 medals in the Senior Olympics. He can be found hiking and running through Louisville parks while spreading joy with his sparkling personality.
Ken Clay, 87
Ken’s contributions to the Louisville arts and culture community cannot be overstated. He opened the Corner of Jazz, the first African American culture shop in Louisville, in the 60s, led many local arts organizations throughout the decades, and served as the Vice President of Programming for the Kentucky Center for the Arts for 21 years. He also contributed to the book Soulful Sounds of Derbytown. Recognized for his impact, he will receive his very own Hometown Heroes banner later this year.
Wilma Clayborn, 86
Wilma is a central figure in the Louisville gospel scene—as the pianist and director of The Gospel Motivators, a group that toured and recorded music in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and as the co-owner, along with her late husband, John, of the Grace Gospel store, which helped share gospel records that were difficult to find in Louisville. She’s helped tell the story of local gospel music as a co-author of I’m Glad About It and The Soulful Sounds of Derbytown.
Rita Combs-Sterrett, 85
Rita has been an enthusiastic AARP volunteer for 17 years and, through the Louisville Community Team, has contributed to many programs, including Louisville’s Leading Ladies, Age‑Friendly Louisville, veterans appreciation events and much more. Even during the 2020 lockdown, Rita continued volunteering via Zoom, grateful for the connection and inspiration the team provided. She also enjoys being a member of the Derby City Bridge Club and serving on the board of directors at the Bluegrass State Skills Corporation.
Judith Damico, 91
Judy received an education degree specializing in mathematics and social studies from the University of Cincinnati and taught high school for many years before retiring at 60. She has been a member of her church, St. James the Greater, since 1969, serving on the Pastoral Council and as a eucharistic minister. In her spare time, she enjoys playing bridge and being part of the Glee Club, a book club and bible study.
Aida Darnell, 91
Aida’s attitude, kindness and service make her ageless. She stays busy with her involvement with the Kentucky Center for the Arts, Bunbury Theater and her church. She also regularly meets for card games of samba, hand and foot and mahjong and is an avid traveler. When she’s not out-and-about, she’s spending time with her great-grandchildren who call her GiGi and welcome her loving company.
Virginia Douglas, 87
Virginia shines as an example of strength and care. She spent many years as an admin in a medical office, working alongside the doctors and nurses to ensure compassionate care for the community. Though she has experienced many health challenges, including cancer, and the loss of her husband and children, she has walked with grace through it all and still manages to be an encouragement to those around her.
Frankye Gordon, 93
A born leader, Frankye made history as the first woman president of the Jewish Community Center and later served as president of Adath Jeshurun Congregation and Hadassah. She continues her leadership as president of her condominium board. She is also dedicated to community fundraising—helping to generate significant funds for the JCC—and volunteering. Above all, she is a devoted and beloved wife, mother and community pillar.
Earl Grigsby, 86
Earl worked as a cabinet maker for many years but now enjoys gardening, antiquing and spending time with his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He has also shown great strength as a survivor of prostate cancer and melanoma and has given back by helping raise over $100,000 for cancer research for the Relay for Life Cancer Program.
Margie Huber, 87
Margie has given back to others as a registered nurse and educator. Certified in gerontology, she was a clinical nurse specialist and a clinical instructor at Booth Hospital, Northern Kentucky University and Breckfield College. Even now, she accepts invitations to be a guest speaker on health discussions. She also keeps busy being a member of Friends of Northern KY, Erlanger Baptist Church and the National Nurses Honor Society.
Donald Kissling, 96
Don is an avid golfer who brings the same passion and dedication to all aspects of his life. He remains actively engaged by spending time with friends and staying connected to his community. Committed to his well-being, Don exercises daily, maintaining a healthy and energetic lifestyle that reflects his positive outlook and active spirit.
Bob Lockhart, 85
Bob is an award-winning sculptor whose work is shown in the Whitney Museum of Art in New York, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Speed Art Museum and more. He has also taught at Bellarmine for over 40 years, teaching students art and opening their eyes to social justice issues with annual trips to Guatemala and Appalachia. He remains active today at art shows and his church. He also loves to travel, recently visiting Turkey and Africa.
Ana Lopez Viera, 86
Ana was born in Cuba and moved to the U.S. in 2020. She truly treasures her family, especially her two children. She enjoys meeting new people and spending quality time with others. Always cheerful, she loves gathering at her day center. She faces life with a positive attitude and loves sharing her happiness with everyone she meets.
Joyce Louden, 88
Joyce earned a bachelor’s degree in education from UofL and started her career at the Transportation Department before becoming a teacher and director at Suburban Christian Preschool for 20 years. She has also been a council member and mayor of the city of Beechmont Village in St. Matthews. She remains engaged with community as a volunteer for St. Matthews Area Ministries and St. Andrews Episcopal Church and as a performer for Silver Notes, a choir for older adults.
Martha Llovet Tellez
Martha dedicated her professional life to early childhood education as a certified preschool teacher nurturing the love of learning and, later, as director, guiding both staff and students with care and professionalism. Now, in her personal time, she enjoys reading, watching TV and spending meaningful moments with her family and the friends she’s made at Access Care.
Fr. Joseph Merkt, 86
Since becoming ordained as a priest in 1966, Fr. Merkt has served in many roles in the Archdiocese of Louisville—teacher at Trinity, director of Spalding University’s Russell Institute for Religion and Ministry and Brescia University’s Lay Institute, priest at multiple parishes, chaplain, director of pastoral care at Marin House and sacramental minister at Jewish Hospital. Though retired since 2011, he has remained actively involved in the community.
Br. Ward O'Connell, 90
Br. O’Connell, a Xaverian Brother for 74 years, models joyful purpose and gratitude. A former high school teacher and director of Ryken House, he later served as a missionary in Kenya. After retirement, he continued teaching ESL and supporting fellow brothers. Br. Ward embraces the aging journey by exercising, staying connected with family and friends across the globe and being engaged with the community at Treyton Oak Towers.
William Oliver, PhD, 85
Bill had a long, distinguished career as a professor and chair of the chemistry department at Northern Kentucky University. He has also pursued the arts, performing with Cincinnati’s May Festival Chorus. He is an advocate for equality for women, people of color and the LGBTQ community. Today, he continues making music, reading and connecting—embodying his lifelong message: never limit yourself, stand your ground and dare to do what’s right.
Tom Owen, PhD, 86
Tom commutes to his full-time job at UofL every day he can. As a public historian, he conducts about 50 historic walks, talks and tours each year and has recently begun an online history series called “Remnants,” jointly sponsored by the Frazier History Museum and UofL’s Archives and Special Collections. He also serves on the Board of the Kentucky Humanities Council and Trager Institute’s Ambassador Board.
Edith Pope, 86
Edith is always on the go. She serves as secretary of the Sunday school at Summit Heights Methodist Church and is a member of the Ladies Oriental Club of the Shrine Temple. At 85, she became a Worthy Matron of Purity Chapter 116 of the Order of the Eastern Star, a role in which she led monthly meetings and traveled across the state to attend fundraising events for charities. Despite staying busy, she still finds time to check in with friends she’s met along the way.
Virginia Rauh, 98
Virginia is an example of a life well lived and loved. She is the matriarch of her family as a loving sister, mother and grandmother. She started and continues to run the Creekside Landing Marina, has been involved in her church for over 60 years, holding every leadership position there, and has also been a longtime member of the League of Women Voters. She also finds time to work out with a trainer twice a week.
Tom Schiffer, 91
Tom is man of many talents as a former engineer, author, gunsmith, steamboater and historian. He worked at General Electric, O.G. Loomis and Emery Industries before retiring. He has served as president of the National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association and the KY Corps of Longriflemen and as chairman of the Annie Oakley Center Foundation. He has also written extensively about the history of rifles, gunpowder, steamboats and more, publishing three books with a fourth on the way.
Gerrit Schroeder, 88
Gerrit has a true gusto for life. Entrepreneurial in nature, he is the CEO of his own international sales business. He loves spending time with family and adventuring with Beverly, his lifelong “partner-in-crime”—traveling abroad and through Kentucky backroads on a motorcycle, now exchanged for a VW convertible, hosting dinner parties with ingredients they picked from the farmer’s market together and walking their beloved golden doodle.
Marcia Segal, 86
Marcia is a retired educator with a lifelong passion for learning and cultural exploration. Having traveled extensively, she brings a global perspective to her work and community engagement. Marcia continues to inspire others by leading a dynamic program that addresses challenging topics through thoughtful dialogue and guest speakers.
Martha Shaw, 90
Martha grew up in a family committed to service, a quality she’d carry throughout her life—as a mother of four and as a home health nurse providing compassionate care for older adults. In this role, she offered dignity and comfort to those in their most vulnerable moments. Now at 90, she stands as a powerful example of optimal aging in action with her continued engagement, emotional resilience and moral clarity.
Harvey Sloane, MD, 90
Harvey is a respected physician and former politician. He served as the mayor of Louisville for two terms, Jefferson County judge executive for one, and the public health commissioner for the District of Columbia in the ‘90s. He also ran in the Democratic primaries for Kentucky governor and for the US Senate. Besides his political career, he is most noted for his dedication to underserved areas in Appalachia and west Louisville.
Harland Smith, 89
Harland is a lifelong educator and advocate who remains active and passionate about both as he ages. For many years, he worked as a teacher and administrator focused on vocational training, opening and running Job Corps programs across the country. Harland is also an avid expert gardener and continues to enjoy carpentry, raising chickens, spending time traveling with his wife and advocating for causes he believes in.
Sr. Mary Martha Staarman, 89
Sr. Mary Martha, an Ursuline Sister, has spent her life committed to global health and compassionate service. She was a Spanish interpreter for more than 50 years, and she continues to volunteer at Family Community Clinic, helping improve health care access for underserved communities. She’s also led a medical clinic in Peru, and, in the U.S., spent 28 years at Westchester County Hospital in prenatal and labor and delivery services. Her empathy and service have impacted countless lives.
Ed Staats, 87
Ed had a 41-year career with the Associated Press and, since retiring, he has spent much of his time giving back—to his church, the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana and the Kentucky Foster Care Review. He also spent 56 years with his wife Charlene before her passing and found love again with Barbara, both having lost their spouse to Alzheimer’s. Together they helped raised $9,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association last year.
Barbara Sutherland, 85
Barbara has rebuilt a joyful life after losing her husband of 51 years. She rediscovered purpose as an active volunteer of the AARP Louisville Community Team, working part time, performing with the Young Hearts Theatre, singing in her church choir and participating in a sorority. She also enjoys playing and teaching bridge—even earning the title of Life Master of Bridge. Through community, creativity and service, Barbara embraces each day fully.
Bob White, 89
Bob has spent a lifetime working in senior living and health care administration in Kentucky. He has served as the executive director of the Kentucky Senior Living Association and has had leadership roles at Presbyterian Homes of Kentucky and Christian Care Communities. He is an expert witness for defense in nursing home and assisted living litigation and has also been directly involved in fundraising and building endowment funds for several organizations.