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Photo: Louisville Metro Council
With great fall weather underway, another great Old Louisville tradition takes place this weekend highlighting some of the best blues music to hear in Metro Louisville. And no one can argue with the price for admission: it’s FREE.
President David James (D-6) and Four Roses Bourbon invite the community to the 2018 Garvin Gate Blues Festival to be held on Friday and Saturday, October 12th and 13th at The Gate on Garvin Place at Oak Street in historic Old Louisville.
“The Garvin Gate Blues Festival is yet another reason why Old Louisville is the place to be during the fall season. It began as a simple idea to bring a little music to a neighborhood and then grew into a wonderful community event,” says James. “I can think of no better place where you can sit back and enjoy some great music from some of the best in our area and across the country.”
Among the headliners for this year are the Andy T Band, Danielle Nicole, The Keeshea Pratt Band, L. C. Williams and The Driver, Jamiah “BluesSuperMan” Rogers Band, and Laurie Jane & the 45s and Friends.
The Festival grew from what began in the parking lot of the Rudyard Kipling in 1988; a simple jam session that became popular to the people of the area. Over the years, the Garvin Place Association experienced growth with new expanded boundaries and before long became the Garvin Place Neighborhood Association.
The Association extended an invitation to those in the jam session to be an accommodating host and create a new neighborhood event. Since then, legendary blues musicians that have performed at the festival through the years.
“The Garvin Gate Neighborhood invites you join us for this free annual two-day arts and music event featuring local and national performers, a celebration of the blues and the arts, this festival attracts a multiracial, intergenerational audience,” says Howard Rosenberg, Director of The Garvin Gate Blues Festival. “In addition to continuous live entertainment from two stages the festival has an array of food and drink vendors and over 50 crafts booths. The event now in its 23rd year is one of the most prestigious blues events between Chicago and Mississippi.”
Garvin Gate Blues Festival Schedule
Friday, October 12
Four Roses Stage
- 6:30-7:15 Jamiah “BluesSuperMan” Rogers Band
- 8:15-9:00 L. C. Williams and The Driver
- 10:00-11:15 Andy T Band featuring Alabama Mike and Anson Funderburgh
Info+ Kentucky Blues Stage
- 7:20-8:00 One Shot Johnny
- 9:10-9:55 Ladies Sing the Blues featuring LaToye Montgomery, Lainey Brown, and Jennifer Lauletta
Saturday, October 13
Four Roses Stage
- 2:00-2:45 The Pearls
- 3:15-4:00 King Bee & The Stingers
- 4:30-5:15 Django Knight
- 5:45-6:30 Mississippi Adam Riggle Band
- 7:15-8:15 Laurie Jane & the 45s and Friends
- 8:45-9:45 Danielle Nicole
- 10:00-11:15 Keeshea Pratt Band
Info+ Kentucky Blues Stage
- 4:05-4:25, 5:20-5:40 da Mudcats
- 6:40-7:10, 8:20-8:40 The Dirty Church Revival
In continuous live entertainment from two stages, the festival has an array of food and drink vendors and over 50 craft booths.
This free blues music festival is presented by Four Roses Bourbon and Garvin Gate Neighborhood, Metro Council President David James, Genscape, FMS Commercial Cleaning, and Down In The Alley Records
“This Festival is also one way we can help preserve the historic nature of the Garvin Gate Neighborhood in Old Louisville,” says James. “I want to thank Four Roses Bourbon for partnering with us as we keep Old Louisville unique. Help yourself to some great blues this weekend,”
Proceeds benefit the Garvin Gate and Old Louisville neighborhoods.
For more details, contact Councilman James’ Office at 574-1106 or Howard Rosenberg at 502-445-4193 or visit the website at www.garvingatebluesfestival.com.
In what has become the must-see event of the Halloween season, the Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is returning for the sixth consecutive year to south Louisville’s Iroquois Park, where 5,000 artistically carved pumpkins will greet visitors from October 9 through November 4.
The pumpkins will illuminate a 1/3-mile trail adjacent to the Iroquois Amphitheater, and event officials estimate up to 85,000 people will visit.
The trail is open from dusk until 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets range from $10 to $17, with discounts for seniors and children 12 and under. Proceeds from the event benefit the Louisville Parks Foundation.
The wooded trail begins just outside of Iroquois Amphitheater (1080 Amphitheater Road, Louisville, KY 40214) and weaves its way through the trees with themed vignettes set to music. The carved, lit pumpkins rotate on a weekly basis, creating a different experience each weekend. This year’s show, “A Night at the Library”, is a celebration of the Smithsonian’s 50th anniversary with skits highlighting imagery from literature, pop culture, history, arts and cinema.
Concessions will be available nightly, including the sale of Parkside Coffee, a specialty blend created and roasted locally by Fante’s Coffee, with proceeds benefiting the Louisville Parks Foundation. Merchandise such as t-shirts and hats will also be available for sale, marking the first-time commemorative items are being offered.
The event is held rain or shine. Coach drop-off and on-site parking is available.
Jack O’ Lantern Spectacular is produced by the Louisville Parks Foundation and The Iroquois Amphitheater in conjunction with Passion for Pumpkins, a multimedia production company with more than 30 years’ experience in redefining fall by transforming any landscape into an illuminated organic gallery.
This year’s sponsors include Louisville Tourism, Papa John’s, Republic Bank, LG&E and KU, Louisville Metro Council, Speed Art Museum, Porta Kleen, Waste Management, Metro Fence, Wendy’s, Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, Louisville Eye Center, WeatherCheck, Frazier History Museum, Wendy’s, Yellowstone Select Bourbon, Old 502 Winery, and Bristol Catering.
TICKET INFORMATION
Sunday – Thursday
Adults $13
Seniors (62+) $11
Children (3-12) $10
Friday – Saturday
Adults $17
Seniors (62+) $14
Children (3-12) $13
Individual tickets may be purchased in advance for specific nights at the Iroquois Amphitheater Box Office or online at www.jackolanternlouisville.com. Visitors are also encouraged to use the hashtag #502Pumpkins on social media to share images or experiences they enjoy while touring the show.
Tickets for groups of 20 or more can be purchased in advance by calling 502/368-5063, or in person at the Iroquois Amphitheater Box Office at 6 p.m. beginning October 9.
Group tickets are discounted at $10 Sunday through Thursday.
The event is held rain or shine. No refunds will be given, but advanced purchased tickets may be exchanged for another day.
In honor of Digital Inclusion Week, a nationwide event to share efforts in local communities to promote digital inclusion and equity, Louisville Metro Government is highlighting efforts to expand access to the internet, technology devices and digital literacy training.
Digital Inclusion Week is celebrated nationwide to share efforts in local communities that promote digital inclusion and equity. Metro agencies will join with community partners in hosting events throughout the city, including two low-cost internet signup opportunities, the Verizon Innovative Initiative launch, free computer trainings, a digital inclusion workshop, a door-to-door outreach, and a computer donation drive.
“Internet access and literacy are essential for citizens to reach their full potential — to apply for jobs, to do their work and school assignments, complete entire college degree programs and more,” Mayor Greg Fischer said.
“The commitment of our city to expand digital inclusion shows in the efforts of our Office for Civic Innovation, our work to bring Google Fiber and to launch it in Portland and Newburg, and our collaborations with civic hackers to use technology to help citizens.”
Grace Simrall, the city’s Chief of Civic Innovation and Technology, added: “Our goal during Digital Inclusion Week is to highlight our city’s Digital Inclusion Strategy and the resources, knowledge and expertise that address the challenges we face.”
About 29 percent of Louisville households do not have a wired internet connection at home, and about 19 percent do not have a laptop or desktop at home, according to a 2016 American Community Survey data.
Learn more about Louisville Metro’s Digital Inclusion Plan
Louisville Digital Inclusion Week events
- Monday, Oct 8 – Launch of Digital Inclusion Week on social media. Join the conversation on social media by using #DIW2018 or “#Digital4AllLou” to call attention to the importance of digital inclusion.
- Tuesday, Oct. 9 – Verizon Innovative Learning Initiative launch. Mayor Fischer joins with JCPS to announce Verizon’s $5.1 million investment in technology, which will provide free tablets and data plans to students and teachers at five JCPS middle schools. Located at Newburg Middle School, 4901 Exeter Ave., 10:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 10 –
- Free Internet Basics training at Jeffersontown and Iroquois libraries, Microsoft Word 2 at the Main Library, andExcel (2016) Formulas & Functions 2 at the South Central Regional Library. All Louisville Free Public Library locations provide free computer and internet access, along with computer training classes, open to the public throughout the year. See full schedule.
- Low-cost internet outreach and sign-up event at the Main Library, 301 York St., 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Learn about and receive help signing up for low-cost internet plans in our community for qualifying households. Read more for eligibility.
- Thursday, Oct. 11 –
- Digital Inclusion Workshop at Neighborhood Place Annual Day, a day of training and team-building for more than 300 social services staff attendees. Held at the Crowne Plaza, 830 Phillips Lane, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
- Grow with Google train the trainer event for existing partners to build capacity to offer digital trainings to clients they serve.
- Friday, Oct. 12 – Door-to-door outreach in the Russell neighborhood as part of the city’s Building Our Blocks to inform residents about low-cost broadband options.
- Saturday, Oct. 13 –
- Laptop Donation Drive at Bon Air Library, 2816 Del Rio Place, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. to collect donations of used laptops (with power cords) which can be refurbished and distributed to residents in need.
- Low cost internet outreach and sign-up event for qualifying households at the Bon Air Library, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Read morefor eligibility.
To learn more about Digital Inclusion Week and Louisville Metro’s Digital Inclusion Strategy, visit http://digitalinclusion.louisvilleky.gov/
Halloween fun for kids of all ages is available during the month of October through Louisville Parks and Recreation and its associated facilities, including community centers, its two historic homes, the Iroquois Amphitheater and the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center.
“Whether you’re eight years old – or eighty – there are parties, movies and family fun throughout the month of October through Louisville Parks and Recreation,” Director Seve Ghose said. “Most of these events are free or very affordable for the family, and we’re looking forward to a great Halloween season.”
The unofficial start to this listing of events is this Saturday, October 6, when Louisville Parks and Recreation hosts its annual Trunk or Treat at the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center, 201 Reservoir Avenue, from 4-6 p.m.
It kicks off a month-long series of activities that includes movies at the Amphitheater, a Zombie Park at Camp Taylor Park, senior activities at the Sun Valley and Beechmont community centers and more. For the full schedule of Halloween-related events offered through Louisville Parks and Recreation, please reference the attached flier or click here.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) and Emergency Alert System (EAS) on October 3, 2018. The WEA portion of the test commences at 2:18 p.m. EDT, and the EAS portion follows at 2:20 p.m. EDT. The test will assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure for distribution of a national message and determine whether technological improvements are needed. The test was postponed from September 20 due to hurricane Florence recovery efforts.
This is the fourth EAS nationwide test and the first national WEA test. The WEA test message will be sent to cell phones. Previous EAS national tests were conducted in September 2011, 2016 and 2017 in collaboration with the FCC, broadcasters, and emergency management officials in recognition of FEMA’s National Preparedness Month.
The WEA system is used to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations through alerts on cell phones. It allows customers whose wireless provider participates in WEA and who own a WEA compatible wireless phone to receive geo-targeted alerts of imminent threats to safety in their area through unique tones and vibration. The national WEA test will use the same special tone and vibration. The WEA test message will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Wireless phones will display the test message under the header “Presidential Alert.”
The WEA test will be sent through FEMA’s IPAWS, as part of the nation’s modern alert and warning infrastructure that automatically authenticates alerts. Cell towers will broadcast the WEA test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, cell phones that are switched on and within range of an active cell tower should be capable of receiving the test message. Cell phones should receive the message once.
The EAS test is made available to EAS participants (i.e., radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers) and is scheduled to last approximately one minute. The test message will be similar to regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. The EAS message will include a reference to the WEA test: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert you heard at the start of this message. A similar wireless emergency alert test message has been sent to all cell phones nationwide. Some cell phones will receive the message; others will not. No action is required.
Significant coordination has been conducted with EAS Participants, wireless providers, and emergency managers in preparation for this WEA-EAS national test. The test is intended to ensure public safety officials have the methods and systems that will deliver urgent alerts and warnings to the public in times of an emergency or disaster. Periodic testing of public alert and warning systems is also a way to assess the operational readiness of the infrastructure required for the distribution of a national message and determine whether technological improvements are needed.
The EAS is based upon the War Powers Act provision of the Communications Act of 1934, which provides for Presidential access to commercial communications during “a state of public peril or disaster or other national emergency.” For WEA, the Warning, Alert, and Response Network (WARN) Act of 2006 provides that subscribers may opt out of receiving any wireless alerts “other than an alert issued by the President,” and that wireless alerting service should allow wireless subscribers the capability of opting out of receiving WEA alerts, other than an alert issued at the direction of the President and/or his/her designee.
In the event of a national emergency, a Presidential WEA alert would be issued at the direction of the President and/or his/her designee, and activated by FEMA.
More information on the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System and Wireless Emergency Alerts is available at www.ready.gov/alerts.
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners have organized three family-friendly events for Halloween as well as several valuable services and resources in October including a “Freedom from Smoking” series, an outreach by Medicare/Medicaid plan representatives, the next edition in the “Addiction 101” series and much more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Beginning Oct. 3, Freedom from Smoking Classes at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 772-8588 to register or for more information. Join this weekly group on Wednesdays for seven weeks to get the guidance needed to be free from smoking. Support will be provided on stress management, creating a personal plan and avoiding weight gain. All classes are free. Sponsored by the Family Health Centers.
Oct 4 and 8, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities
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 if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
- Oct. 4 at First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more info.
- Oct. 8 at South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 313-4089 for more info.
Oct. 4, 10 and 18, Passport Health Care Community Engagement
Passport members are invited to join with representatives from Passport Health Care for one-on-one consultations to 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. Passport members will receive a $10 retail gift card for attending.
- Oct. 4, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 12 – 1 p.m. Call 313-4089 for more info. Oct. 10 at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 485-6710 for more info.
- Oct. 18, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m. Call 1-800-578-0603, ext. 8428 to sign up.
Mondays and Thursdays, YMCA’s “Caring and Learning with Me” 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.
Oct 9, 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 Special Needs Adoption Program.
Oct. 9, Healthy Living Club at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place, Call 363-1483 for more information. Classes are open to anyone interested in gaining more knowledge to live a better and more fulfilling life. Monthly meetings are on the second Tuesday of every month to discuss healthy living and to get the support you need to eat better, get active, and lose weight. This month a representative from the Fairdale Branch Library will be on hand to highlight various experiences the library has to offer.
Oct. 10, “Addiction 101: Family Focused – A Path to Healing” at St. Ann’s Center, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Located at 1515 Alonquin Pkwy. Call Nannette Dix at 634-6057 for more information. Part of the “Addiction 101” series, this day-long forum will explore the effect that drug and alcohol abuse and addictions have on families. This event is designed to help loved ones understand the behaviors of their family member dealing with addiction in a way that allows them to support the individual in recovery and learn about their own need for change. The event is free and open to the public and will feature an opening by Mayor Fischer.
Oct. 11 – Nov. 15, Living Well Workshop at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 772-8588 to register. If you or someone you know has diabetes, high blood pressure, pain, asthma, arthritis, depression or other ongoing health problems, this program offers free support and manage your health. Earn an 8-week YMCA membership just for attending. Sponsored by Family Health Centers and the YMCA.
Oct 11, 23 and 24, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower
For more information, contact Mendy Mason at 341-5400. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. 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.
- Oct 11, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. 1 – 3pm
- Oct. 23, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 1 – 3 p.m.
- Oct. 24, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 1 – 3 p. m.
Oct. 16 and 30, Passport Health Plan Informational Sessions at Cane Run Neighborhood Place, 12 – 1:30 p.m. or 2 – 3:30 p.m. both days (4 sessions total)
Located at 3410 Lees Ln. Call Leesa Mitchell at 502-212-6677 to RSVP or for more information. These informational sessions will introduce changes to Passport Health Plan’s 2019 Medicaid coverage and provide current information on the roll-out of Kentucky HEALTH.
Oct. 18, Free Blood Pressure Screenings at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 12 – 2 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 screenings and health information.
Oct. 18, Low-cost internet outreach and sign-up event at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3 – 5 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. Louisville Metro’s Digital Inclusion team will be on hand to share information about low-cost internet plans in our community and to help sign-up qualifying households.
Oct. 22, Diabetes Education Classes at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 502-772-8588 to sign up. This information session is provided monthly to assist in learning the latest information on managing diabetes including healthy eating, developing an active lifestyle, taking medications and reducing health risks. Sponsored by Family Health Centers.
Oct. 25, Medicare/Medicaid Community Special Needs and Advantage Plans at Charmoli Neighborhood Place, 9 – 10 a.m.
Located at 200 Juneau Drive, Ste 200. Call 574-6638 for more information. Licensed Sales Agent for Medicare/Medicaid Community Special Needs and Advantage Plans will be available to provide resources and answer questions in our lobby. Contact info for representative present at the event is Mary Catlett, 850-624-9040 or mhih76@yahoo.com.
Oct 25, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market Street; on the Market Street side of 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 Special Needs Adoption Program.
Oct. 25, Trunk or Treat located at the DuValle Education Center, 5:30 -7 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. This annual Halloween event provides a safe and fun environment for the entire family with trick or treating in a line-up of vehicles with trunks full of goodies for children up to 12 years old. Family-friendly costumes and trunk decorations are encouraged.
Oct. 29, Medicare Hub/United HealthCare at Cane Run Neighborhood Place, 2 – 3 p.m.
Located at 3410 Lees Ln. Call 485-6810 for more information. Representatives for Medicare Hub and United HealthCare will be available to provide resources and answer questions about Medicare enrollment for 2019. Note that Medicare is for seniors 65+ and permanently disabled persons only.
Oct. 29, Trunk or Treat Halloween Health and Safety Fair at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 363-1483 for more information. Join the Second Annual Trunk or Treat and Health Fair guaranteed to surprise and delight kids of all ages. Free health related items, candy, movies, treats and games. Dress in your favorite costume and join the fun.
Oct. 31, Monsters, Inc. Movie Night at New Birth Church, starts at 6 p.m.
Located at 3301 Linda Ln. Call 775-5388 for more information. Cane Run Neighborhood Place’s Community Council is teaming up with New Birth Church for a night of food, fun, information, and Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. on a giant inflatable screen. All activities are free. Feel free to wear a costume. In event of rain or cold, all activities will move indoors.
Louisville Parks and Recreation’s Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation (AIR) program will host a day full of sports programming for the visually impaired on Saturday, Oct. 6 at the program’s headquarters at 1300 Heafer Road, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Archery, kickball, beep baseball and goalball will be available for those who are interested.
Occupational, recreational and/or physical therapists are also encouraged to attend, along with participants with low or no vision. Call 502/456-8148 for more information or to register. Registration is appreciated but not required.
The United States Association of Blind Athletes has established a day dedicated to providing Americans who are blind and visually impaired with opportunities to participate in a variety of sports and physical activities, and to raise awareness of blind sports in our society.
National Blind Sports Day (October 6, 2018) is a day in which people across the U.S., visually impaired and sighted, can engage in sports and fitness in their local communities.
“The goal of National Blind Sports Day aligns with the vision of our organization,” said Mark Lucas, Executive Director at U.S. Association of Blind Athletes. “That every American who is blind or visually impaired will lead a healthy lifestyle by actively participating in sports, recreation and physical activity.”
The date coincides with Blindness Awareness Month which also includes World Sight Day (October 11) and White Cane Day (October 15). At the time of this release, 24 cities across 15 states are hosting events in celebration of National Blind Sports Day. Visit www.usaba.org/blindsportsday for a current list of participating organizations and agencies.