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The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum (SAWF) welcomed more than 150 middle school girls from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and Clark County, Indiana, on November 13 to its All Girls Auto Know program at the Kentucky Science Center. All Girls Auto Know is a one-day event where SAWF invites middle school girls, along with educator chaperones, to explore the many opportunities that are available to each of them through STEM education and in the automotive industry.
During the event, girls from Knight Middle School and Thomas Jefferson Middle School worked on a hands-on STEM activity and had the opportunity to speak to representatives from automotive manufacturers, automotive suppliers and college training programs. Nearly 2,000 girls from South Carolina and Alabama have participated in this program since its inception in 2011. This is the first time the program has been brought to Kentucky.
“We are excited to bring this program to Kentucky,” said Tami Hatfield, Labor Relations Supervisor for Ford Motor Company at the Louisville Assembly Plant. “There are many opportunities for careers in automotive and it is important that we introduce girls to them.”
Ford Motor Company is the principal sponsor of the All Girls Auto Know event in Kentucky with additional support by the Kentucky Girls STEM Collaborative, Ivy Tech Community College Southern Indiana and Frost Brown Todd LLC.
The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the personal and professional advancement of women in the auto industry.
Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that the city’s largest and most beloved holiday event, Light Up Louisville, returns for the 38th year on Nov. 23, outside of Metro Hall in Jefferson Square.
Light Up Louisville is the official starting point for the holiday season in Louisville. This event has become a holiday tradition for scores of residents and their visiting friends and family. It is a day full of excitement, entertainment and community.
“Light Up Louisville is the perfect way for our city to usher in the holidays,” said Mayor Fischer. “After a big Thanksgiving meal the day before, grab your kids and relatives and join us outside for some fresh air, fun and fireworks!”
Light Up Louisville, always held the Friday after Thanksgiving, begins at 4 p.m., with children and families invited to take part in Santa’s Workshop, located this year in decorated chalets on Fifth and Jefferson streets. There, children can decorate cookies, write letters to Santa and send holiday cards to our troops, courtesy of Ford/UAW 862.
There will be a vendor village at Sixth and Jefferson streets, with holiday crafts, treats and gifts for sale. And the Louisville Visitor Center on Fourth and Jefferson will be open during Light Up Louisville, offering giveaways, treats and activities.
There will not be an outdoor ice rink this year, but Light Up has added a 15-passenger train that children can ride around the block from Fifth and Jefferson to Market at no cost.
The main Light Up Louisville stage on the west lawn of Metro Hall will feature live entertainment beginning at 4 p.m. until the start of the Lots of Lights parade at 6:30 p.m. Performances include some of Louisville’s most talented groups, including Six Steps to Heaven, Envy Dance Team, Classic Melodies “Top Note” and Motown Christmas. Stephen Gould will headline the stage before the start of the parade.
The Lots of Lights Parade starts at Fourth and Liberty streets and turns onto Jefferson Street and disperses at Seventh and Jefferson streets. Jesse and MJ from 106.9 Play!, Louisville’s official Christmas radio station, will emcee the parade announcements. Various units, including floats, bands, carolers, car clubs, children’s groups and civic organizations, will march through downtown and disperse at Seventh and Jefferson streets. The parade will end with the arrival of a special guest from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
Around 8 p.m., Mayor Fischer and Santa will gather on stage to illuminate the city Christmas tree located in Jefferson Square. The tree was donated by Christ Church United Methodist. The official Light Up moment will feature Zambelli fireworks, lasers and thousands of Christmas lights throughout downtown.
Following the Light Up moment, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., entertainment on the main stage will resume with a performance from Eight Inch Elvis. Children and families are invited to get a free picture with Santa Claus inside Santa’s House on Fifth and Jefferson streets.
For over 14 years, Light Up Louisville has been made possible through the support of Louisville’s largest utility company, LG&E.
“Light Up Louisville is a wonderful holiday tradition. We are proud and excited to help bring this free family event to our community,” said Paul W. Thompson, chairman, CEO and president of LG&E and KU Energy. “Light Up Louisville is a memory-maker for everyone, and it is another terrific opportunity to showcase all Louisville has to offer.”
“Louisville is known across the world for its unique festivals and events. As the city continues to grow its offerings as a regional destination for the holidays, Light Up Louisville is a great kickoff to the season,” says Karen Williams, President & CEO of Louisville Tourism, silver sponsor of this year’s Light Up Louisville. “This one-of-a-kind, free, family-friendly celebration serves as a great anchor for families to plan a visit around the arts, museums and other local attractions featuring holiday events.”
The holidays are a perfect time to spread a little more compassion. Mayor Fischer asks residents to get involved in this year’s community-wide Toys for Tots drive a week after Light Up, on Friday, November 30. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day, a special drive-thru lane will be set up in front of Metro Hall for an easy drop-off. Marines will be on site to assist.
Light Up Louisville sponsors include: LG&E, Louisville Tourism, Amazon, AT&T, Ford/UAW 862, Hyatt Regency, MetroPCS, Papa Murphy’s, 106.9 Play!, Louisville Magazine, Outfront Media, and WLKY.
Special thanks to ABCO Bramer Crane Services, Bob Ray Tree Company, Costco, Electrical Maintenance, Heine Brothers Metro Parks and Recreation and Sunbelt Rentals.
Mayor Fischer urges people to share their photos from Light Up Louisville on social media using the hashtag #AroundLou.
For more information, go to: www.lightuplouisville.org.
For the fourth year in a row, the Louisville Orchestra, led by Dr. Kent E. Hatteberg, will present Handel’s Messiah in several locations throughout the community this holiday season. On Thursday, November 29 at 7:30PM, the traditional Christmas selections of the work will be performed at the Cathedral of the Assumption in the heart of the city on South Fifth Street. A second performance will be held at Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church in St. Matthews on Friday, November 30 at 7:30PM. The final presentation will be in Harrods Creek at St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 1 at 7:30PM.
The University of Louisville’s Kent Hatteberg leads the LO, the Louisville Chamber Choir, and a quartet of talented soloists in the seasonal classic that has inspired music lovers around the world.
General Admission tickets are $35 + tax in advance and are available by calling 502.584.7777 or online at LouisvilleOrchestra.org. Tickets will also be available at the door for $40 one-hour prior to each performance where cash or check will be preferred.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
An African American pioneer for civil rights in Louisville will be honored with an honorary sign to commemorate her life and legacy.
On Monday November 12th Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) will join the family and friends of the Alberta Odell Jones and unveil an honorary sign at the corner of Dr. W.J. Hodge Street and West Broadway for her work toward fairness and equality for all in Metro Louisville.
“Alberta Jones was a true champion of civil rights and her legacy is showcased by the many people she helped through the legal system and working to ensure they were defended and counted in our democracy,” says Sexton Smith.
She was born in Louisville to Sadie and Odell Jones and graduated from Central High School. She later attended the Louisville Municipal College for Negroes, which later merged with the University of Louisville during desegregation. After graduating third in her class, she was accepted into the University of Louisville Law School but transferred to Howard University’s School of Law after her first year and while there graduated fourth in her class.
Ms. Jones was also Cassius Clay’s first attorney, and was responsible for having him train in California under Archie Moore.
Her work in the civil rights movement led her to not only participate in the March on Washington and the marches in Louisville, but she also rented voting machines and held classes to teach African Americans how to vote for the candidates of their choice, and later established the Independent Voters Association.
Sadly her dedication to others was cut short when she was murdered in August 1965 and the case remains unsolved to this day.
“We on the Metro Council and as a city are grateful to Ms. Jones for her service and the changes she fought for,” says Sexton Smith. “She left her mark on this city and it is our hope this sign will serve as a reminder that one person can make the world a better place for all.”
Councilwoman Sexton Smith sponsored the Resolution which called for the placement of an honorary street sign on the corner of South Dr. W.J. Hodge Street and West Broadway in Louisville, Kentucky to be designated “Honorary Alberta Jones Esq. Boulevard.”
The unveiling ceremony will take place at 1:00pm at the corner of South Dr. W.J. Hodge Street and West Broadway.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
On Tuesday, November 13th a special ceremony will pay tribute to Officer Bertha Par Whedbee, who in 1922 became the first African American female to join the Louisville Police Department.
“Officer Whedbee served the citizens of Louisville with dignity and honor,” says Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5). “Until now, she has rested in an unmarked grave in the Louisville Cemetery and on Tuesday she will receive recognition that is long overdue.”
Councilwoman Hamilton is encouraging everyone to attend a special ceremony paying tribute to Officer Whedbee beginning at 10:00am. The ceremony will feature the Louisville Metro Police Honor Guard and the Louisville Police Pipe and Drums.
Officer Whedbee was married to Dr. Ellis Whedbee who was one of the founders of the old Red Cross Hospital. Since 1960, she and her husband have rested in an unmarked grave. Active and retired officers of the Louisville Police Community have joined other officers and citizens to erect a monument to their service.
“We owe a special thanks to all men and women who walk our streets to keep us safe. Officer Whedbee, like all the officers who have followed her, is someone to be honored for their duty and service to our community. She was a trailblazer leading the way for others,” says Hamilton.
The Louisville Cemetery is located at 1339 Poplar Level road.
For more information about the tribute to Officer Bertha Par Whedbee, contact Chuck Cooper at 502-744-1704. Cooper is a former 2nd Police Division, now retired, spearheaded the memorial tribute to the late Officer Whedbee.
Tonight, rodeo fans converge on Freedom Hall for the final night of the North American Championship Rodeo. The top ropers and riders in the Great Lakes Circuit Rodeo will be competing for a chance to be named the Regional Champion in each event and a spot in the Nationals Circuit Finals in Kissimmee, FL next spring.
The rodeo kicked off Thursday night with the participants competing over three grueling nights of rodeo action in seven events. Tonight is the final night for the participants to improve their average to be named the Regional Champion and take home their share of the purse. Attendees can watch cowboys ride broncos and bulls, wrestle steer and rope steer and calves, while cowgirls race around the arena for the fastest time in the barrel racing event. Attendees will also be treated to the guest appearance of a couple of beautiful and iconic American animals during John “The One-Armed Bandit” Payne’s 15-time PRCA Rodeo Act of the Year.
The rodeo bucks out of the chute at 7:30 PM and tickets are available, starting at $10. With tonight being the final competition, it will be packed house. Admission does not include parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center, which is $10 per vehicle.
The rodeo occurs in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Expo. The Expo started October 31 and will continue until November 15. Livestock being featured today are sheep and beef cattle. The marketplace will be open extended hours tonight to allow attendees to shop before the rodeo begins. Continue reading
On Saturday, November 24 Bob Bernhardt and the Louisville Orchestra will celebrate the holiday season with two concerts filled with Christmas cheer and the phenomenal talent of LaKisha Jones from American Idol! The festivities begin at 11AM with a one-hour concert for the whole family. Bring the kids early to meet Santa in The Kentucky Center lobby and participate in the pre-concert activities! At 8PM, the twohour LO Pops concert brings more music and magic of the holidays!
Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt continues to bring his unique combination of easy style, infectious enthusiasm and wonderful musicianship to the city and orchestra he loves. He has been a constant presence with the Louisville Orchestra for the past 37 years.
LaKisha Jones makes her Louisville Orchestra debut with her favorite holiday tunes like Mariah Carey’s, “All I Want for Christmas is You” and “O Holy Night!”
The Louisville Youth Choir joins in for musical highlights from popular holiday films like Home Alone and The Polar Express!
Tickets to Home for the Holidays range from $15-$85* and are available by calling 502.584.7777 or visiting LouisvilleOrchestra.org. Pro-rated subscription packages are still available by calling 502.587.8681 or by visiting LouisvilleOrchestra.org.