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Class Act Federal Credit Union and the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation will host dozens of talented kids at the Academic Challenge this weekend. The quick-recall tournament is set for this Saturday, March 24, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel Downtown. The tournament is coordinated by Jefferson County Public Schools is scheduled for 8 AM to 3 PM.

“The Academic Challenge event is a great way to showcase the academic achievements of not only our local students, but also our public schools,” said Jeff English, President of the KDF Foundation. “The competition continues to grow each year with more teams participating.”

The Class Act Federal Credit Union Academic Challenge is an opportunity for elementary students from all over the county to test their acumen by answering questions pertaining to math, science, social studies, language arts and humanities. This year’s competition will feature 12 teams from local elementary schools and 150 students.

“Class Act Federal Credit Union is a not for profit education-based financial cooperative, founded by a group of JCPS teachers in 1954,” said Pat Curran, SVP Marketing and Business Development, Class Act Federal Credit Union. “As part of our support for education in Kentucky, we are happy to support the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Academic Challenge.

The top three schools will be awarded trophies, with first through third also receiving monetary awards. It’s free for spectators. For more information contact Doug Wilham at douglas.wilham@jefferson.kyschools.us or (502) 485-3702.

The event is sponsored by Class Act Federal Credit Union and coordinated by Jefferson County Public Schools. It is a Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation event

Six Marion C. Moore School students recently earned top honors at the third annual Kentucky ProStart Invitational, a high school competition focused on restaurant management and culinary arts.

Teams representing high schools and educational centers from across the state traveled to Shepherdsville on March 10 to compete in the event, hosted by the Kentucky Restaurant Association Education Foundation.

Moore students Ambur Crawford and Jaylan Taylor finished first in the management portion of the competition for their concept called “On the Fly,” an airport restaurant that serves soul food. The management competition challenges students to demonstrate their knowledge of the industry by developing a restaurant proposal, delivering a verbal presentation and applying critical thinking skills to challenges that restaurant managers face in day-to-day operations.

Students Viviana Hernandez, Zulmara Suarez, Jose Fonseca and Jonathon Soeder earned a second-place finish in the culinary portion of the competition, which challenges students to execute perfect knife cuts, develop a three-course meal in one hour (using only two butane burners), and cost-out the meal for menu pricing. Students are evaluated by industry professional on their sanitation, teamwork, organization and taste.

“The competition is an outstanding opportunity for high school students to demonstrate the skills they’ve learned through the ProStart program,” said Stacy Roof, Kentucky Restaurant Association president and CEO. “ProStart students are learning to form a career path from their passion for the culinary arts. This competition represents the culmination of countless hours of preparation throughout the school year.”

Moore is one of 12 high schools participating in the Academies of Louisville initiative, which shifts away from traditional techniques and allows students to connect what they’re learning in the classroom to the real world through a subject that interests them. Academies at Moore include the Freshman Academy; Health Sciences Academy; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Academy; and Community Academy, which includes culinary and food services.

ProStart is a nationwide, two-year high school program that unites the classroom and industry to develop the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice leaders.

More than 75,000 trucking professionals and representatives will park in Louisville March 22-24 for the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), the largest annual heavy-duty trucking industry event in the world.

The Kentucky Exposition Center has hosted MATS every year since 1972, and the show brings $26 million in economic impact to the Louisville region.

This industry-only event accommodates the entire trucking industry in one venue, so professionals can see new products and services; test drive new trucks and technology; connect with suppliers, distributors and customers; and stay up-to-date with changes in the industry.

More than 1,000 exhibitors will showcase everything from engines to electronics, tools to tires and sealants to sleeper cabs – plus a large number of recruiters will be in attendance. Numerous seminars offer educational opportunities for companies, fleets and trucking professionals.

For more information, visit www.truckingshow.com.

After a successful inaugural event last year that saw more than 1,000 children attend, Louisville Parks and Recreation is hosting an Easter Egg Hunt at Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing on Saturday, March 24.

The event will begin at 10 a.m., and five age groups will participate in this year’s hunt:

  • Ages 10-12: 10:30 – 11 a.m.
  • Ages 8-10: 11-11:30 a.m.
  • Ages 7-9: 11:30 a.m. – noon
  • Ages 4-6: Noon-12:30 p.m.
  • Ages 1-3: 1:30 – 2 p.m.

The cost to participate in the event is $2 per child. Music, crafts and food trucks will all be on site at Riverside on March 24 for additional entertainment options.

“There’s no prettier area during the spring to have an event than Riverside,” said Seve Ghose, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We had a successful first year. The children had fun, and we’re looking forward to seeing their smiling faces back at Riverside again on March 24.”

For more information, visit www.riverside-landing.org.

Churchill Downs announced Champions Day presented by Twinspires.com, a new Derby Week event that will take place at the racetrack on Tuesday, May 1, 2018. Champions Day will delight Kentucky Derby fans by celebrating the greatest moments in the sport’s history and honoring its legendary jockeys and trainers. Gates open at 11:00 a.m., first post at 12:45 p.m. Tickets start at $10 at www.KentuckyDerbyWeek.com.

In addition to a full day of live Thoroughbred races, this must-see event for any racing fan will offer guests the opportunity to meet famed Derby and Oaks-winning jockeys and trainers. These horse racing legends will be in the Plaza and Paddock from 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Guests can purchase a collectible poster for the jockeys and trainers to sign. Proceeds from the poster sales will benefit the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.

Featured jockeys include Pat Day, winner of the Kentucky Oaks in 1988 and 2000 and the Kentucky Derby in 1992; Gary Stevens, winner of the Kentucky Oaks in 1986 and 1999 and the Kentucky Derby in 1988, 1995, and 1997; and Craig Perret who won the 1990 Kentucky Derby. Hall of Famers D. Wayne Lukas, a four-time Kentucky Derby winner in 1988, 1995, 1996 and 1999, and Carl Nafzger, who trained the 1990 and 2007 Kentucky Derby winners, will be two of several featured trainers.

Champions Day guests are invited to learn from the best in the business at the Advanced Insider Handicapping Seminar presented by Twinspires.com in the Aristides Lounge from 12:00 p.m. – 12:40 p.m. “At the Races” host Steve Byk and clocker and bloodstock agent, Gary Young, will share their expertise on Derby Week handicapping. Two of the most respected handicappers in the game, Byk’s “At the Races” is Thoroughbred racing’s longest running and best known daily radio news magazine, while horses recommended by Young have accounted for three Breeders Cup and 17 Grade I races.

Derby history enthusiasts will especially enjoy the Big Board on Champions Day as it brings Kentucky Derby history to life. The Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs have curated captivating oral history, fascinating trivia and archived footage of the sport’s most sensational moments to share throughout the day.

Fans who want to take advantage of everything that Champions Day and Tuesday of Derby Week have to offer can purchase the “Ultimate Champions Experience.” This $250 special ticket package includes:

  • “Inside The Vault” tour at the Kentucky Derby Museum with its curators to visit rare racing artifacts not currently on display to the public
  • A seat in the Stakes Room Veranda during Champions Day
  • An exclusive meet and greet with legendary jockeys and trainers·
  • All day access to the Kentucky Derby Museum

The First 20 guests to purchase Ultimate Champions Experience tickets will receive one admission pass to the Derby Post Draw at 11:00 a.m. on Champions Day. www.KentuckyDerbyWeek.com.

“Stories of Ali,” a brand new lecture program of the Muhammad Ali Center will bring its Oral History Project to life through a series of live recorded programs.  Each event will focus on a specific topic of Muhammad’s life, featuring two or three persons knowledgeable about the Muhammad Ali-specific theme to participate in a public oral history forum facilitated by the Center’s Collections Department.

The inaugural program, “Ali and the Nation”, will be on Friday, March 30th from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Ali Center. It is free and open to the public.

“Stories of Ali: Ali and the Nation” will present two approaches and understandings of the Nation of Islam: to explore Ali’s early religious conversion and his choice to devote much of his life to his new faith. The two interviewees are:

Dr. Brandon McCormack, professor of Pan-African Studies at the University of Louisville, will offer an educational and historical perspective.

Donald Lassere, president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, grew up on the South Side of Chicago and has memories of the Nation of Islam selling bean pies and serving as protectors. Through his role at the Center, Donald will offer a unique perspective of the Louisville Lip. His stories will be of a personal nature, based on memories, and professional knowledge.

The Muhammad Ali Center’s Oral History Project is an ongoing initiative created to utilize the practice of oral history to document the life and legacy of Muhammad Ali. More information about the Project is available here.

Photo: Louisville Metro Council

Dixie Highway is experiencing a renovation and renaissance as work continues on updating this important transportation corridor in Metro Louisville.

As part of that movement forward, this Saturday, more than 60 businesses will gather at the Discover Dixie Expo to showcase everything from education, financial services, healthcare and fitness to home improvement, computer and technical needs.

“The Southwest has many wonderful businesses serving our Dixie Highway community. The Discover Dixie Expo is a great way to bring together our local businesses under one roof.  Please come out to meet and support our Dixie Area Businesses!” Councilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14).

The Dixie Area Business Association created the Expo, to highlight the benefits of the Dixie Highway Corridor, as well as other businesses in the marketplace. It is a great way to showcase these companies

“Southwest Louisville’s economy is built upon honest, reputable local businesses that serve our entire city. The Discover Dixie Expo is a showcase of these great entrepreneurs,” says Councilman David Yates (D-25). “I hope you will join me in keeping our dollars local by coming out and learning what each of these businesses can do for you!”

“Our Southwest Metro Council Team will be part of the DABA Expo to bring local government to the business community at this special event.,” says Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13). “I look forward to learning more about the many businesses that attend.”

Discover Dixie Expo is set for this Saturday, March 10th at Valley High School, 10200 Dixie Highway starting at 10:00am. Admission is free with a can good (non expired) with all going to Southwest Community Ministries.

2018 DABA BUSINESS EXPO EXHIBITOR LIST

Shop Local, Buy Local, Be Local, Discover the Power of Dixie!

  • JenCare Senior Medical Center
  • L&N Federal Credit Union
  • Leanhart Plumbing, Inc.
  • Ink Publishing & Design
  • Senior Helpers
  • Southwest YMCA
  • Valley High School
  • Metro Council District 12
  • Metro Council District 13
  • Metro Council District 14
  • Metro Council District 25
  • Signarama
  • CareSource
  • Newcomer Funeral Home
  • LG&E
  • 20/20 Eye Care
  • Better Business Bureau
  • Park Community Credit Union
  • Humana
  • Michael Walker Advertising
  • Stephenson Nursery & Garden Center
  • Cardinal Chiropractic Center
  • Beacon Community Credit Union
  • Harbor House of Louisville
  • Southwest Community Ministries
  • Owen Funeral Home
  • Karing Kleaners
  • Signature
  • Ken Thieneman Builder
  • LMPD Advisory Board
  • Advantage Funeral Home
  • Jefferson County Federal Credit Union
  • Altitude Trampoline Park
  • Berkshire Hathaway
  • Cervices, LLC
  • BNI Alliance for Business
  • Waky RadioGeorgetown Manor
  • The Riverside Farnsley Moreman
  • Heartsong Memory Care
  • Timmy’s Auto Wash
  • Edward Jones
  • G&S General Contracting LLC
  • Triology
  • SW Festival
  • Sun Vally Community Center
  • Maryhurst
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