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Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilwoman Barbara Shanklin is encouraging residents of District 2 and the surrounding area to come out and enjoy a free event in Petersburg Park on Saturday, May 12th.
In partnership with Kentucky Shakespeare, the Councilwoman is sponsoring the “Shakespeare in the Parks” production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It is one of the Bard’s most enduring comedies involving love, marriage and magical misadventures. The play is one of Shakespeare’s most popular works for the stage and is widely performed across the world.
“We have enjoyed bringing these productions to our area for the last few years and this is a free weekend event for everyone,” says Shanklin. “Petersburg Park is a great place for this event, so bring a lawn chair and come join us.”
Shanklin and other Metro Council members are sponsoring this year’s free production tour of Kentucky Shakespeare in various parks throughout Metro Louisville. The tour is now in its fifth year.
Kentucky Shakespeare, a not-for-profit charitable organization, professional theatre company, and the oldest free Shakespeare Festival in the United States has been offering free Shakespeare in Central Park in Old Louisville during the summer.
Their 6-actor, 80-minute production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been touring 25 Kentuckiana locations this spring, bringing free Shakespeare to local neighborhoods until May 19th.
The event begins at 6:30pm. Petersburg Park is located at 5008 East Indian Trail.
For more information about Saturday’s “Shakespeare in the Parks” at Petersburg Park, contact Councilwoman Shanklin’s office at 574-1102.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Free music on a nice spring evening is one way one of Metro Louisville’s oldest neighborhoods relaxes when the 2018 edition of Old Louisville LIVE returns on Friday, May 11th.
“Old Louisville is once again the place to kick off the weekend with live music and fun for everyone,” says President David James (D-6). “It is also another great way to get out and enjoy one of the best places in our city: Old Louisville. So bring family and friends and joins us for a nice relaxing Friday night.”
Highlight this Friday’s Old Louisville LIVE is Brutally Handsome – the Eagles Tribute Band from 8:00pm until 11:00pm. Best of all, admission to the concert is FREE.
“Free concerts in Central Park are one of the great things we do in the community. We hope everyone will come out have fun and enjoy Old Louisville,” says Brent Logsdon, Chairman of the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council.
The 2018 Old Louisville LIVE series has the following entertainment lineup through September:
- Sat. May 19th 7-9 pm JCPS Trio of Bands with Jecorey Arthur
- Fri. Aug 31st 8-11 pm In Lightning
- Fri. Sept 7th 8-11 pm Junior J and Shania Robinson – R& B artists
- Sat. Sept 15th 5-10 pm Hal & Ben’s Bike-In (Ben Sollee and Hal Riedling bring music and a movie to the park)
- Sat. Sept 22nd 7-10 pm Monarchs
- Fri. Sept 28th 7-9 pm John LaBarbera Big Band (Tentative)
All Old Louisville LIVE shows will take place at the C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheater in Central Park, are free, and open to public. Food trucks will be onsite and concessions will of Old Louisville products will be offered for purchase.
Joining President James and the OLNC as sponsors are Louisville Metro Government, The 1300 Association, South Third Street Association, South Fourth Street Association, Garvin Gate Neighborhood Association, Belgravia Association, St. James Court Association, Treyton Oak Towers, Genscape, Paradise Tomato Kitchens and BC Plumbing.
For the latest updates about Old Louisville LIVE, visit Old Louisville Neighborhood Council’s website http://oldlouisville.org/ and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/oldlouisvilleneighborhood.
Council Members David Yates (D-25) and Rick Blackwell (D-12) invite the community to the first-ever Family Movie Night at the Southwest YMCA this coming Friday, May 11th. It’s a free event for the entire family.
“The Southwest YMCA is a wonderful amenity for our community. Councilman Blackwell and I sponsor these great events to ensure every family in our community can have some fun in a safe and comfortable atmosphere,” said Yates. “Family Movie Night is a new event this year. I am sure we will have a great turnout just like our Back to School Bash and Fall Family Festival!”
“Families can enjoy a free night together in a fun and safe environment with this event,” says Blackwell. “The Southwest YMCA does a tremendous job of offering family-friendly events for our community and we are excited to offer something different this year.”
Family Movie Night at the Southwest YMCA will be held from 6:00pm to 9:30pm. Families can enjoy activities from 6 – 8 pm including:
- Hot dogs, ice cream and popcorn
- Inflatables, family games and face painting
- Membership and Healthy Living Information
Bring your blankets and chairs to enjoy the feature film “Zootopia” beginning at 8 pm. This Disney animated film released in 2016 tells the story of a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox working together to uncover a conspiracy. The Southwest YMCA is located at 2800 Fordhaven Road.
For more information, contact Councilman Yates office at 574-1125 or Councilman Blackwell’s Office at 574-1112.
Historic Locust Grove will hold the 23rd Annual Gardeners’ Fair Friday, May 11, Saturday, May 12, and Sunday, May 13, 2018 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily. This hallmark event will feature over 40 vendors and demonstrators showcasing annuals, perennials, herbs, native plants, garden art, and garden tools.
The Gardeners’ Fair connects Locust Grove’s history as a farm with 21st century gardens, providing an opportunity for guests to learn more about caring for their own green spaces. Gardeners’ Fair celebrates sustainable gardening, green living, heirloom plants, organic gardening, and the good earth that creates beautiful outdoor environments. Vendors will be available to offer gardening tips and tricks for experienced green thumbs or those who are just starting their own gardens. Plants will be available for all garden and budget sizes. In addition to plants and flowers, demonstrators including a basket maker, fiber artist, and blacksmith will demonstrate historic trades that would have been part of daily life on an early 19th century farm like Locust Grove. The ever-popular alpacas will be returning, and they will be joined by a flock of sheep for a shearing and spinning demonstration. Area food trucks including Red’s Comfort Foods, Sweet ‘N Savory, Bellissimo and Chef on Wheels will rotate daily, and Monnik Beer Company will serve beer on Friday and Saturday. The Louisville Dulcimer Society and The Big Four will provide music throughout the fair. In an effort to be more sustainable, guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles to fill at water stations provided by the Louisville Water Company. Inside the visitors’ center, guests will have the opportunity to bid on items in the Silent Auction. All proceeds benefit the educational programs at Locust Grove.
The 23rd Annual Gardeners’ Fair and Silent Auction will be held Friday, May 11 through Sunday, May 13, 2018 from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm daily. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12, free for children under 6. For more information on the Gardeners’ Fair and a complete list of vendors, visit www.locustgrove.org/gardeners-fair.
Locust Grove is located at 561 Blankenbaker Lane (between Brownsboro Road and River Road), Louisville, KY 40207. For more information call (502) 897-9845 or visit www.locustgrove.org.
For more information about these events, please contact Hannah Zimmerman, Marketing and Communications Director at marketing@locustgrove.org or call (502) 897-9845 ext. 108.
Mayor Greg Fischer and Ocala (Florida) Mayor Kent Guinn today made their annual wager on the Kentucky Derby, placing a bottle of Woodford Reserve bourbon and Ocala brandy on the line.
This is the fifth year of the friendly wager between the mayors of the two cities, both of which are steeped in thoroughbred tradition and consider themselves spirited rivals for the status of Horse Capital of the World.
Mayor Fischer this year picked Mendelssohn to win the 144th Kentucky Derby and make the time-honored walk to the infield Winner’s Circle. Mendelssohn was bred in Kentucky and is trained by Irish-based trainer Aidan O’Brien at Ballyldoyle Stables.
“It would be trainer Aidan O’Brien’s first Derby win, and he’s overdue because he’s one of the greats. And my grandmother was Irish, so it’s a sentimental favorite for me as well,” Mayor Fischer said.
Mayor Guinn chose Magnum Moon because he was trained in Florida under Todd Pletcher, who won last year’s Derby. Mayor Guinn said he vowed a year ago to bet on a Pletcher horse and predicted Magnum Moon would emerge victorious.
Last year, Mayor Fischer’s choice, J Boys Echo, trained by Louisvillian Dale Romans, finished 15th, and Mayor Guinn’s pick, Classic Empire, finished fourth.
“The road to the Kentucky Derby begins in Ocala, FL, Horse Capital of the World. This year is no different with 17 of the 19 horses having ties to our city,” Mayor Guinn said. “This annual bet with Mayor Fischer has become a tradition I look forward to, and it’s a fun way for us to unite the equine industry. We hope this will finally be the year that one of our horses is victorious!”
Mayor Fischer bet a bottle of Louisville Brown-Forman Corp.’s Woodford Reserve, the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. Mayor Guinn again bet Marion Black 106 —the Spirit of Florida Tangerine Brandy, distilled by Fishhawk Spirits of Ocala.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Mayor Guinn and his return to Louisville for the Derby,” Mayor Fischer said. “Ocala likes to think of themselves as the horse capital of the country. Of course, everybody knows that’s not true. But we’re compassionate here in Louisville, so we’re playing along with it.”
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Each Month Neighborhood Place partners come together to offer a wide variety of workshops, events and resources to benefit the entire family. Highlights in May include a Giant Yard Sale in south Louisville; the Fifth Third Empowerment Bus at NorthWest Neighborhood Place; a community meeting focused on the ripple effects of heroin addiction; three employment recruitment opportunities and much more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
May 1, Car Seat Safety Check at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9 – 11 a.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Celebrate Safe Kid’s Safety month by calling 629-7358 for a car seat fitting appointment with Norton’s Children’s Hospital. Learn how to install your child’s car seat or booster seat and find out if it’s time for a change.
May 3, FedEx Ground Employment Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. Call 313-4700 for more information. A FedEx human resources recruiter will talk one-on-one with individuals interested in a career as a package handler with FedEx Ground.
May 3, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24). Call 313-4700 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
Mondays and Thursdays, YMCA’s “Caring and Learning with Me” program at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call Keyonna Humphrey at 974-8457 for more information and to register. This free program provides a wonderful learning environment for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers focusing on play and exploration. The adult caregiver is required to attend with the child/ren and you may also bring other children ages (0-2). Sponsored by the YMCA with support from First Neighborhood Place.
May 8, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
May 8, Blood Pressure Checks at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. Louisville Metro Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure checks.
May 8, 22 and 23, Passport Health Care Community Engagement
Representatives from Passport Health Care will be onsite to provide one-on-one consultations and discuss plan benefits and options. This is a great opportunity as Passport aims to raise awareness and educate the community about the Passport Health Plan mission.
- May 8 and 22 – NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St. at the Academy of Shawnee, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4892 for more information.
- May 8 and 23 – Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 2 – 4 p.m. Call 313-4635 for more information.
May 10, Kitchen Table Conversations: Grandparents Support Group at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market Street at the Academy at Shawnee. Call Margaret Murphy at 313-4909 for more information. This popular resource support group for relatives raising grandchildren meets the second Thursday of each month. A monthly guest speaker help this group focus on the unique issues that caregivers may have raising younger children. Aunts, uncles or anyone raising their grandchildren are welcome to attend. Lunch is provided free of charge. This Grandparent Support Group is sponsored by Dr. Helen Dienes.
May 11 and 12, South Jefferson Gigantic Yard Sale and Bake Sale at Bethany United Church of Christ, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located at 10400 Old Preston Highway. Call 363-1483 for more information or to inquire about dropping of donations. The Annual Yard Sale and Bake Sale proceeds benefit the South Jefferson Neighborhood Place’s Summer Back to School Event to help purchase supplies. Items for sale will include collectibles, household items, small furnishings, baby items, clothing of all sizes, books, etc. Delicious baked goods will also be available. Donations for the yard sale can be dropped off at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place in Fairdale, 1000 Neighborhood Place, between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
May 12, Addiction 101 – The Ripple Effect of Heroin and Other Drugs at Dismas Charities, Inc. at St Ann’s Center
Located at 1515 Algonquin Pkwy. The event will included presentations on how addiction ripples through a community from the individual to the entire country as well as resources on prevention, treatment, counseling, harm reduction, social services and family support. Hosted by Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place, Centerstone, the Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, and Dismas Charities
May 15, ElderCare 4 Families Employment Recruitment at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 244-8446 for more information. An employment recruiter will be on-hand for ElderCare 4 Families, a non-medical in homecare service for seniors provide help with cooking, cleaning, laundry and personal care.
May 16, Second Annual Faith-based Community Partnership Gathering at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 8:30 – 10 a.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market Street at the Academy at Shawnee. For more information and to make a reservation, please call Katherine Easley, Recruitment Coordinator 595-3248 ext. 5708. Come and enjoy the morning with community leadership that will highlight the mission and objectives of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services Foster Care and Adoption Division. This breakfast presentation will focus on the need for African American homes for older children in our community and the opportunities the community has to impact the lives of children and their families. This event is sponsored by the Kentucky State Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
May 17, The Fifth Third Financial Empowerment Mobile at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market Street. Meet one-on-one with banking professionals aboard a 40-foot retrofitted city bus equipped with computer workstations and internet connectivity. A wide array of services are availability including the ability to request a credit report and review it with a professional; receive a personalized evaluation of finances; gain information about fraud awareness and prevention; receive internet banking and bill payment demonstrations; participate in home ownership seminars and foreclosure prevention session; and conduct online job searches and learn how to create an effective resume
May 21, 20th Anniversary Celebration at Neighborhood Place of the Greater Cane Run Area, 2– 4 p.m.
Located at 3410 Lees Lane. All public members are invited to come celebrate Cane Run’s 20 years of service in the Shively/PRP area. Past and present Cane Run staff and Council members are invited and encouraged to join the celebration to reconnect, reminisce, and revel in the good work that has been done. Cake and punch will be served. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will occur on May 22, rain or shine.
May 23 and 24, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower
A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. For more information, contact Mendy Mason at 341-5400. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered.
- May 23, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave, 1 – 3 p.m.
- May 24, at First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. 1 – 3 p.m.
May 31, Foster Parent/Adoption Informational Meeting at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market Street at the Academy at Shawnee. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
Credit: KY State Parks
Guests have the unique opportunity to experience a “Zip and Drop” adventure at Carter Caves State Resort Park on May 5.
The “zip” is a 200-foot zipline trip on the Smoky Bridge Highline, 50 feet above the ground. The “drop” is a 50-foot rappel from Smoky Bridge, a 120-foot long natural rock bridge at the park. Experience Smoky Bridge in a way few visitors get to see. No previous experience is necessary to participate.
“The reward is not only the adrenaline rush from being suspended by rope above the forest floor, but the scenery from this perspective is a large reason to try this,” said Paul Tierney, a naturalist at Carter Caves. “Imagine being perched on a wooden platform, looking down into Smoky Valley at the lush spring greenery peaking up from the forest floor as you’re clipped into the rigging and taking that first step off, and gliding down the rope through the valley.”
Each trip is $5 a person. Participants must be ages 6 and older and weigh 250 pounds or less. Make a reservation by calling the park at 606-286-4411. The zip and drop will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“There’s not another place in the state you can experience this kind of adventure for only $5,” Tierney said. “It’s really a one-of-a-kind event at a beautiful location. A family of four can do something that perhaps they’ve never done before for only $20 as a family.”
Besides the zipline and rappel, Carter Caves offers cave tours and more than 30 miles of hiking trails. Early May is prime wildflower season at the park.
Carter Caves State Resort Park is located at 344 Caveland Drive in Olive Hill. The park has a lodge with a restaurant, cottages and campground. Besides cave tours, activities include hiking, boating and fishing. During summer months, swimming and horseback riding are also offered. For more information about the park, call 606-286-4411 or visit www.parks.ky.gov.