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Laughter is the best medicine, or so the saying goes! We’re thrilled to offer so many top-notch comics on stage at the historic Brown Theatre on Broadway. Tickets are on sale now. Follow the links below or call The Kentucky Center Ticket Service at (502) 584-7777.
- NICK SWARDSON: Too Many Smells Tour Friday, June 15 *Mature Content
- Eddie Griffin – Undeniable Tour Saturday, July 21 *Mature Content
- Miranda Sings Live…No Offense Starring Colleen Ballinger Saturday, July 28 *Rated PG-13 due to mild profanity
- David Cross: Oh Come On Thursday, August 9 *Mature Content
- The wellRED Comedy Tour: From Dixie with Love Saturday, September 8 *Mature Content
- Brian Regan Saturday, September 29 *All Ages
The Military Vehicle Preservation Association International Convention brings together historic military vehicle enthusiasts from around the world. Many of the best vehicles of all types and eras including hundreds of restored and original vehicles, parts vendors, seminars and more.
The Convention is in the South Wing at the Kentucky Exposition Center. It starts this Thursday, June 14th, and continues through Saturday. The show opens at 8 AM each day and closes at 5 PM.
Tickets are $35 for all three days, or $10 for Saturday only. Children under the age of 12 and active duty military are free. Parking at the Exposition Center is $8 per vehicle or $20 per bus.
More information can be found online at: www.mvpa.org/convention
Mayor Greg Fischer joined local officials, students and residents from the Russell neighborhood to celebrate the completion of renovations and the addition of a sprayground at Sheppard Park. The sprayground is part of a number of changes within the park that includes the addition of a Conga drum play area, new restrooms, walking path markers, picnic tables and park benches. These changes come just days after thousands of area students began their summer break.
“The enhancements at Sheppard Park will provide Russell residents with access to a variety of recreational and educational activities, along with countless hours of entertainment and continued learning opportunities,” said Fischer. “As we enter the first full week of summer vacation for many students, I cannot think of a better time to open this newly enhanced play area.”
The renovations at Sheppard Park are one of four action activities that are designed to catalyze further investment in the historic Russell neighborhood and provide immediate improvements to the area. Other action activities include the addition of SmArt Stop bus shelters at five locations throughout the neighborhood that blend functionality with an artistic flair that reflects a characteristic or institution unique to the Russell area; the creation of large-scale murals on four railroad overpasses that will create signature gateways into the community and creative reuses of four vacant lots. Each of the activities are expected to be completed by yearend and were identified as priorities by Russell residents through community meetings, neighborhood polling and other outreach efforts.
“Russell residents and other stakeholders are leading the way by connecting for change and transformation,” said Metro Council member Barbara Sexton Smith. “Their hard work and dedication is beginning to take shape and become the new reality in the beautiful Russell Neighborhood where dreams really do come true.”
The total cost for the Sheppard Park improvements project was $600,000, which was paid for in part through a $1 million Choice Neighborhood Initiative Planning grant from the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) awarded to the Louisville Metro Housing Authority (LMHA) in June 2016. In addition to the grant, Louisville Metro Government provided $375,000 to help fund these efforts.
Th action activities support initiatives and recommendations outlined in the Vision Russell Transformation Plan (VRTP). A key component of VRTP is the razing and redevelopment of the Beecher Terrace Housing complex. This work is being funded by a $29.5 million grant that was awarded to Louisville by HUD in December 2016. The grant will be leveraged with over $200 million in additional funding sources to redevelop the Beecher site into a mixed-income community with a variety of housing options and updated amenities, and to create additional off-site replacement housing. Funds will also be used to relocate Beecher Terrace households and to provide them with case management and other supportive services.
Manfred Reid, a long time Russell resident and chair of LMHA’s Board of Commissioners, believes as Russell residents begin to see more changes taking place within the neighborhood, like the renovation of Sheppard Park, the level of engagement and support for the VRTP will continue to grow.
“This is an exciting time to be a resident of Russell and a pivotal period in the history of this community,” said Reid. “I am, along with other residents, excited and committed to remaining engaged throughout this process and believe these changes will boost the pride we have in calling the Russell neighborhood our home.”
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer will be honored in Boston on Sunday with the Antonio Villaraigosa Leadership Award from the Latino Leaders Network, a national organization that each year recognizes a mayor who has exhibited an outstanding commitment to bringing diverse communities together.
The Latino Leaders Network (LLN), which works to highlight individuals who make a positive impact for Latinos in the United States, cited Mayor Fischer’s strong track record of making Louisville a city that embraces diversity and provides resources to help immigrant communities prosper.
“We are proud to honor Mayor Fischer for his commitment to making a positive impact on Louisville’s growing immigrant and refugee population,” said Mickey Ibarra, Founder and Chairman of the Latino Leaders Network. “He is a leader who celebrates diversity and inclusiveness, while recognizing the cultural and economic contributions of our community.”
Mayor Fischer, who will be in Boston attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ 86th annual meeting, will receive the honor at the 29th Tribute to Mayors hosted at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 10 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. The event will be attended by mayors, local elected officials, policy-makers, corporate executives, community leaders and industry experts.
“I am so appreciative of this great honor, which reflects the diligent work that people throughout Metro Government and in our community do each day to make Louisville a welcoming city full of opportunity for all,” Mayor Fischer said.
Past honorees set to attend the event Sunday include former mayors Doug Palmer of Trenton, N.J. and Wellington Webb of Denver, along with Mayor Jorge Elorza of Providence, R.I., Mayor Michael Hancock of Denver, Mayor Ken Miyagishima of Las Cruces, N.M. and Mayor Juan Carlos Bermudez of Doral, Fla.
The award is named for former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a past president of the mayors’ conference.
While Louisville’s international community is still relatively small when compared to the 50 largest metros in the United States (4.9 percent vs. 18.4 percent of the total population), such residents have played a significant role in Louisville’s overall growth, accounting for nearly 20 percent of the metro’s population increase between 2010 and 2016, according to a 2016 study by the Partnership for a New American Economy.
Foreign-born residents also bring a significant economic impact to the local economy, with $1.2 billion in spending power, the study found.
Latino communities have remained one of the fastest growing demographics in Louisville at a rate of 183% since 1990, according to census data. This includes a surge of Cuban population that has been assisted by local resettlement agencies in the city, through the Cuban Haitian Entrant Program.
The LLN noted the Mayor’s goals of making Louisville a city of lifelong learning, a much healthier city and an even more compassionate community.
Mayor Fischer created the Office for Globalization in 2011 to help make Louisville an even more welcoming and inclusive city and to better engage with the global marketplace. He meets regularly with international community leaders to support education, health and employment initiatives such as Latin job fairs and scholarship fundraisers.
He has publicly supported Dreamers and signed an ordinance defining the role of local government in relation to federal immigration enforcement. The Mayor also sponsors such events as the annual World Fest showcase and last year’s rally to support immigrants, which drew more than 7,000 people.
Louisville was chosen to host the 2018 Welcoming Interactive and Welcoming Economies Convening later this month, the largest national conference focused on immigrant integration through community-based and economic strategies.
“Now more than ever, we need to recognize and celebrate that we are one community, with one future,” Mayor Fischer said.
Mayor Greg Fischer, Councilman James Peden and officials with Louisville Parks and Recreation and the First Tee of Louisville convened today at Quail Chase Golf Club to celebrate recent improvements to the course and grounds, which Metro Government assumed responsibility of in February.
“We’re pleased to add Quail Chase to the city’s portfolio of municipally-owned courses,” Mayor Fischer said. “It’s long been one of the must-visit sites for golfers within the Louisville area, and its proximity to beautiful McNeely Lake Park makes it a destination.”
“It’s my expectation we will maintain the quality golf that patrons of Quail Chase have come to expect and improve on the clubhouse amenities,” said Councilman Peden, who represents District 23 on the Metro Council. “I want this course to be a focal point and gathering place for our community similar to Seneca and Charlie Vernier golf courses.”
Quail Chase Golf Club is a 27-hole championship-level course located on the Jefferson/Bullitt county line 20 minutes south of downtown Louisville.
The addition brings the number of municipally-owned golf courses to 10. Metro acquired the facility and improvements Feb. 1 from Golf Development Company Inc. for $850,000.
Through the agreement, Golf Development Inc. will make an annual $25,000 donation to the First Tee of Louisville for youth golf programming at Quail Chase each year over the next 10 years. The First Tee also operates at Shawnee and Seneca golf courses.
Quail Chase is overseen by PGA Professional Craig Heibert. Heibert is the Kentucky Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2017.
He is currently the Vice President of the PGA of Kentucky and serves on the organization’s board of directors. He is the current pro at Shawnee Golf Course and has overseen the First Tee’s growth at that course and others, building the program to six program locations, 34 elementary schools and nurturing numerous community and business partnerships.
As improvements continue at the course, operations will continue as normal. Greens fees, passes and membership rates will not change this season.
To view the course layout, greens fees and other information, visit quailchase.com.
Photo: Louisville Free Public Library
School is out for the summer, and Mayor Greg Fischer is reminding parents and caregivers that there are plenty of fun, low-cost or free learning opportunities available for Louisville area students of all ages over the next three months.
During a news conference at the South Central Regional Library in Okolona, the Mayor and partner organizations outlined a number of programs designed to keep kids engaged and prevent summer learning loss, including the Louisville Free Public Library’s Summer Reading program and the 2018 Cultural Pass presented by Churchill Downs in partnership with Metro Louisville, the Free Public Library, the Arts and Culture Alliance, and Fund for the Arts.
“Lifelong learning means year-round learning. And with our Summer Reading Program, Cultural Pass, and other programs, parents and children have plenty of fun options this summer to keep kids’ minds active so they’re prepared for success in school and beyond,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I’m grateful to so many important partners in this effort, from Churchill Downs to the Fund for the Arts.”
In celebration of both the Library’s Summer Reading Program and the Cultural Pass, the Mayor announced the Main Library will host the Summer Reading Kickoff and Cultural Pass Showcase on Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will offer a host of activities, performances, and crafts featuring more than a dozen members of the Arts and Culture Alliance. Participating groups will include the Louisville Zoo, Kentucky Science Center, Frazier History Museum, Kentucky Shakespeare, and more. For more information, please visit http://LFPL.org/Kids or call (502) 574-1620.
The Cultural Pass supports and encourages lifelong learning by providing free access to 50 Greater Louisville’s arts and cultural institutions for children and young adults to age 21.
New this year, residents in three surrounding counties—New Albany/Floyd County, Jeffersonville Township, and Bullitt County—will also be eligible to participate in the 2018 Cultural Pass through their public libraries. Southern Indiana residents are eligible for the Cultural Pass for the first time thanks to support from Bales Foundation, Duke Energy, and Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County.
The Pass is valid from June 1 to August 11 for one-time general admission at each of the 46 participating institutions. Also new this year, the Office of Advanced Planning developed an interactive map for enhanced user experience that can be found:https://fundforthearts.org/venues-cultural-pass.
“Our community is fortunate to have one of the most unique initiatives across the country to fight summer learning loss,” said Tonya Abeln, Director of Community Relations for Churchill Downs Inc. “Churchill Downs is proud to continue supporting arts & cultural experiences that make our city stronger.”
“This Cultural Pass is a passport for Greater Louisville kids and families to unlock boundless creativity at our world-class arts & cultural institutions,” said Christen Boone, Fund for the Arts President and CEO. “We are deeply grateful to our donors and partners who make this one-of-a-kind initiative possible. This is a critical investment for our region that allows kids to learn, play, and grow all summer long.”
The 2018 Cultural Pass and Summer Reading Program materials are available now at any Louisville Free Public Library branch. Pass holders can register and track the progress of their Cultural Pass online at LFPL.org/culturalpass and are encouraged to visit as many venues as they are able during the summer. Children with 5 or more documented visits are entered into a drawing for prizes, including a free stay at 21C Museum Hotel, tickets to area performances like The Christmas Carol at Actors Theatre or Louisville Ballet’s Nutcracker, family memberships to Bernheim Forest, the Frazier History Museum, Gheens Science Hall and Planetarium, and more.
“The Arts and Culture Alliance is proud to be the part of the Cultural Pass that provides access to arts and culture,” said Kim Baker, Chair of the Arts and Culture Alliance. “We invite our community and the new surrounding counties participating, to experience all our amazing arts and cultural organizations have to offer!”
To learn more about the Cultural Pass, please visit http://fundforthearts.org/culturalpass.
Since March 2018, nine businesses have been approved for loans totaling nearly $1 million by the Louisville Metro Departments of Economic Development and Resilience and Community Services. The loans will leverage a total investment of more than $9 million and will assist the businesses to open, expand services or rehabilitate properties.
METCO business loans, administered through Department of Economic Development, have been awarded to the following businesses:
- $600,000 Go Green loan has been approved for Steve Smith on behalf of Two Stone Inc., the holding company for Stoneware & Co., for properties located at 711 and 731 Brent Street in the Paristown neighborhood. The loan will allow Smith to go green by replacing the current HVAC units and windows with new energy efficient systems and windows. This project is part of the $28 million Paristown development that will feature a total renovation and expansion of iconic Louisville Stoneware & Co., which traces its roots back to 1815. The project also will be home to a new $12 million satellite location of The Kentucky Center for the Arts, which will be the anchor for the neighborhood development.
- $108,270 façade loan has been approved for MMCS Properties, LLC for the property located at 1003 Logan Street. The loan will allow the owners Mike and Medora Safai to install windows, cedar siding and specialty barn doors to the exterior of the existing warehouse in the Shelby Park neighborhood. Once complete, the warehouse will be transformed into a public market featuring locally-grown vegetables, fruits and dairy, a micro-brewery, and event space.
- $184,000 gap loan and $16,000 accessibility loan were approved for LOP Properties, the property holding company for the facilities leased and inhabited by the Ladies of Promise, for its buildings at 2131 – 2133 W. Market Street in the Russell neighborhood. The gap loan will allow business partners Kristie Eliason and Aileen Wales to renovate the building, and will supply working capital as the Ladies of Promise convert their organization to a Behavioral Health Service Organization (BHSO). The accessibility loan will allow them to bring the building into ADA compliance. Currently, the Ladies of Promise has capacity for fifty women in a safe, clean and sober environment including sleeping, food, clothes storage and shower capacity. Once the renovations and conversion to a BHSO are complete, the facility will add a variety of medical services and will serve food, which they currently do not do.
- $30,000 business loan has been approved for BBHPS, LLC dba Flavour, a restaurant which will operate at 1767 Bardstown Road in the heart of the Highlands neighborhood. The loan will allow the partner group (Doug Bibby, Eliott Horne, Clarence Benboe and William Pennington) to finance upfront costs of new signage, purchase additional equipment and electronics and supply working capital for the first three months. The restaurant opened in May and features ethnic cuisines and cocktails in an upscale setting.
- In addition, the METCO Board approved amending the Business Accelerator Loan which is available for small business owners in the nine neighborhoods of west Louisville (Algonquin, California, Chickasaw, Park DuValle, Park Hill, Parkland, Portland, Russell, Shawnee). Changes include:
- Extending the repayment period to seven years instead of five years
- Lowering the interest rate to 8% from 12%
- Adding six hours of requisite training to be completed through courses offered through Louisville Free Public Library’s Lynda.com
Microbusiness Development Program loans, administered through the Office of Resilience and Community Services, have been awarded to the following businesses:
- $5,000 loan to Baskets & More, located in downtown at 609 W. Main Street, to assist owner Kimberly Starks with rent, insurance and supplies.
- $7,500 loan to Manslick Learning Academy, LLC to assist owner Aquanette Knox with equipment, supplies, rent and insurance. Knox is a certified Child Development Associate who located her business at 4441 Manslick Road.
- $15,000 loan to People Power Personal Training, LLC to assist owner Angela Carter-Lanon with rent, insurance and supplies. Located at 909 Barret Avenue, People Power Personal Training offers individual and group wellness and health training. Carter-Lanon is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach who has a Master’s of Science Degree in Exercise Physiology and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, both from the University of Louisville.
- $15,000 loan to The Kentucky TACO Company to assist owners Carl Steve Higdon and Charles Leon Neal with rent, business insurance and inventory supplies. This expansion will include delivery and store front service. They will be located at 502 Warnock Street.
- $15,000 loan to Tristaca Loves Cooking, LLC to assist owner Tristaca Brown with new equipment, insurance and food supplies. The loan will assist Brown in catering as well as working to expand the food truck business.
