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SubscribeDisney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart is bringing Disney•Pixar’s record-breaking animated feature Finding Dory to the ice for the first time in this live production produced by Feld Entertainment. The ice skating extravaganza featuring Disney
Photo: KFC Yum! Center
Pixar’s Inside Out, Disney’s Frozen and other beloved Disney stories visits Louisville from April 5 to 8 for five performances at KFC Yum! Center. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, February 13.
Just keep swimming with Dory, Nemo, Marlin and new pal Hank from Disney Pixar’s Finding Dory as they embark on a life-changing excursion to find her parents and discover the true meaning of family.
Cheer with the Emotions from Disney Pixar’s Inside Out –Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust– as they help Riley find the confidence to win the hockey championship and experience the emotional rollercoaster of growing up.
Venture to wintery world of Arendelle where Olaf and Kristoff help reunite royal sisters Anna and Elsa from Disney’s Frozen and learn love is the most powerful magic of all.
See Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana and the Disney Princesses make their dreams come true through their virtues of bravery, kindness and perseverance. And celebrate true friendship with Buzz Lightyear, Woody and The Toy Story gang. Make unforgettable memories with Mickey, Minnie and all your Disney friends when Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart skates into your hometown!
Tickets for Disney On Ice presents Follow Your Heart start at $18. All seats are reserved, and tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster, (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Date and Time of Performances at KFC Yum! Center:
- Thursday, April 5 – 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, April 6 – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 7 – 1:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 7 – 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, April 8 – 1:00 p.m.
Ten Metro Council members have signed on as co-sponsors of a resolution urging the Kentucky General Assembly to enact legislation that would legalize medical cannabis in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, primary sponsor Bill Hollander (D-9) reported.
“Medical cannabis can help many of our constituents”, Hollander said. “I am pleased that so many of my colleagues agree that we should ask the Kentucky General Assembly to take action to help them,” said Hollander.
Many medical professionals believe that medical cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder suffered by military veterans, and it is legally used to ease pain in the majority of states in the nation. Many residents in those states are replacing other drugs, including highly addictive narcotic pain relievers, because they and their physicians have found cannabis to be the most effective drug to provide relief.
Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), one of the ten co-sponsors, says she is wholeheartedly in favor of legalizing medical marijuana.
“I have done some research on the use of medical marijuana and found it to be very effective with little or no side effects. I personally know of an elderly person with head and neck cancer that required surgery, radiation and use of morphine post-operatively at home which made her drowsy with loss of appetite,” said Welch. “After using medical marijuana in place of the morphine, she was alert and back to eating normally.”
The resolution urges the Kentucky General Assembly to pass House Bill 166 or any other legislation that would legalize medical cannabis in Kentucky and provide for the care, comfort and relief of any Kentuckian who may benefit. Another bill legalizing medical marijuana, SB 118, was filed in the Kentucky Senate last week.
In addition to Councilmembers Hollander and Welch, the resolution is sponsored by President David James (D-6) and Councilmembers Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4), Angela Leet (R-7), Brandon Coan (D-8), Pat Mulvihill (D-10), Cindi Fowler ((D-14), Marianne Butler (D-15) and Scott Reed (R-16).
The resolution is attached.
The General Assembly’s 2018 session is more than one-third complete, with all action other than concurrences and potential veto overrides currently scheduled to conclude on March 22.
Photo: Thoroughbred Retirement Fund
Beloved TRF retiree Phantom on Tour, who for eight years, starred as a living exhibit at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, was euthanized on January 29 at the age of 24. He had suffered from complications caused by Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM), a neurological disease that he was first diagnosed with in 2006.
“Phantom was always liked by every inmate that came into the Second Chances program; everyone always wanted to see the horse that had run in the Kentucky Derby,” said Linda Dyer, farm manager.
“I would show them his race with everybody commenting on what a good race horse he was. It helped show them what these retired race horses are capable of as athletes.”
“We kept him down at the barn in his own paddock and stall, so he led a very spoiled life. He loved to be groomed every day. His favorite thing to do was to rub his head on you. The inmates would sneak him so many mints I had to warn them about giving him too many.” Phantom on Tour’s bloodlines included Triple Crown winner Secretariat (1973), as well as Kentucky Derby winners Northern Dancer (1964) and Reigh Count (1928). He finished sixth to Silver Charm in the 1997 Kentucky Derby, and he earned $724,065 in a career that included victories in the Rebel Stakes, the Florida Stallion Stakes and the New Orleans Handicap.
Sent to stud in 1998, Phantom on Tour proved to be infertile, he was then gelded and returned to racing. After three starts, a group of caring fans purchased him in 2001. The TRF was honored to provide a safe haven at TRF’s Second Chances Farm at Blackburn Correctional Facility in Lexington, KY.
For a `Phantom,’ he proved to be incredibly visible. In March of 2002, Phantom on Tour, on loan from the TRF, arrived at the Kentucky Derby Museum where he spent the next nine years. While there he served as an ambassador where he met thousands of fans and was a consummate educator on the life of a racehorse and Museum’s history.
“Phantom was super personable and super cool,” said Alison Knight, Equine Manager at the Kentucky Derby Museum. “I used to walk him down the sidewalk and right up to the Kentucky Derby Museum’s front doors. He was a great ambassador for retired Thoroughbreds. Our guests loved getting to see him up close and to interact with such a great horse. He was one of my favorite resident Thoroughbreds here at the Museum.”
Pantom on Tour shared his time at the Derby Museum with a full-sized size miniature horse, Winston, and vacationed annually at Upson Downs Farm. While on vacation, Phantom on Tour was replaced by Perfect Drift, who finished third in the 2002 Kentucky Derby. Currently, the resident Thoroughbred at the Derby Museum is 10-year-old Populist Politics. Winston, who was foaled May 4, 1993, still resides and works at the Museum.
Phantom on Tour retired from the Derby Museum on October 21, 2010 and returned to TRF’s Blackburn farm, where he helped teach inmates equine care as part of TRF’s Second Chances vocational program.
“He was really an icon for our farm here,” Dyer said. “He was quite a character and sweet as pie when a visitor came into the barn because he knew they usually had carrots or mints.”
“He was a classy guy and a really good race horse. He helped make many a horseman here at our Second Chances Program. The 18 men have already commented on how empty the barn feels without him.”
This is a racehorse who had many careers and touched the lives of so many people along the way.
He will be missed.
Louisville Parks and Recreation has assumed responsibility for the operation of Quail Chase Golf Club, a 27-hole championship-level course located on the Jefferson/Bullitt county line 20 minutes south of downtown Louisville.
The addition brings a marquee golf destination to Parks and Recreation’s portfolio of courses, including nine municipally run tracks located within the Louisville Metro area. 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.
Quail Chase, located within McNeely Lake Park – one of 120 Metro-owned parks – will be 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.
The course will continue to operate as normal, and greens fees, passes and membership rates will not change this season. In addition, Parks and Recreation is evaluating the grounds and facilities for maintenance needs and possible upgrades. A grand opening celebration is anticipated this spring.
To view the course layout, greens fees and other information, visit quailchase.com.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Following the end of her third term this December and after careful deliberation, Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15) has decided not to seek re-election to the Louisville Metro Council.
“I am honored to have served the residents of District 15 and Metro Louisville for the past eleven plus years. I have taken my responsibility seriously and worked tirelessly to help make this community stronger, more resilient and provide opportunity for growth to its residents, non-profits and businesses,” Butler said. “I thoroughly enjoy helping people – some even say that public service is in my DNA. This decision was not made lightly and my hope is for the people to elect someone who will carry their torch as enthusiastically as I have.”
Butler learned public service from her father, Denver Butler who was a former Alderman and State Representative. She began her public service career as Administrative Assistant to then-Jefferson County Commissioner Darryl T. Owens.
During her tenure on Metro Council, Butler has chaired the committees on Budget, Labor and Economic Development, and Contracts. She has been active with the National League of Cities (NLC) and, and for several years, served on its Federal Advisory Committee for Community and Economic Development.
Notable ordinances Councilwoman Butler sponsored include:
- Updating the code allowing Metro Louisville to impound a vehicle used in the act of illegal dumping and to prosecute those responsible with photographic evidence.
- Created a new section of code developing Rental Registry for rental properties. This free registry requires a contact name and phone number for the property as well as a physical address for the owner no longer allowing owners to hide behind a LLC name and a PO Box.
- Required posting an application for a liquor license on the property where liquor is to be sold or served. This ordinance allowed neighbors to be aware of the license request and actively take part in the process.
Notable community/neighborhood initiatives Councilwoman Butler spearheaded:
- Completed three corridor studies, two neighborhood plans and one park master plan
- Lead the effort for the redevelopment of the Old Jacob School into 68 senior apartments – a $12 million project
- Began free movie nights at Iroquois Amphitheater
- First to offer curbside pickup of debris after the 2009 rain deluge left nearly 75% of District 15 under water
- Helped Saints Mary & Elizabeth Hospital obtain a grant to expand their Emergency Department
- Helped Saints Mary & Elizabeth Hospital obtain a grant to build a mechanical building
- Held Narcan training classes, offering not only instructions on how to administer it, but educating family members on the signs of drug use and offering pamphlets with resources
- Led the charge for funding the Healing Place capital program to increase the number of open beds for detox
- Installed splash pads at Wyandotte and Huston Quin parks
- Redevelopment of the Northern Overlook at Iroquois Park
“While we have accomplished much, there is much yet to accomplish,” Butler added. “Whether I am a member of the Metro Council or a resident of District 15 – I want what is best for our community so our future residents and children can reach their full potential.”
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners offer services and workshops in February that will benefit the entire family including a prom dress drive to help make prom more affordable for families in need; the launch of a Weekly Resource School with an array of topics; two foster parent recruitment meetings and much more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Feb. 1 – Mar. 16, The Butterfly Effect Prom Dress Drive at NorthWest Neighborhood Place
Call 485-7230 for more information. Donations of prom dresses, shoes, accessories, as well as tuxedo rental vouchers are all requested to assist with the “Butterfly Effect Prom Event” on March 27. Drop off donations to NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St. weekdays between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by March 16. Sponsored in collaboration with Destinee Germany, Miss Black Kentucky, in addition to Academy at Shawnee Youth Services and Jefferson County Public Schools.
Feb. 2, Energy Management Workshop at the Fairdale Branch Library
Located at the Fairdale Branch Library, 10620 West Manslick Rd. Call 363-1483 for registration. Project Warm’s free workshops help families take control of their energy usage and learn “do-it-yourself” energy-saving tips. Free supplies will be distributed at the end of the workshop such as clear plastic/tape for windows, caulk to seal openings around windows and sealing foam. Sponsored by Project Warm in collaboration with South Jefferson Neighborhood Place and Fairdale Branch Library.
Feb. 5, 7, 13 and 20, Community Dental Care Information Sessions
Call 502-366-4442 for more information. Community Dental Care is a full-sedental organization designed to increase access to health care in communities with the goal of improving the overall health of the population. Representatives will be on site to provide information about services offered, to assist in scheduling appointments for dental needs as well as offer no cost dental screenings.
- Feb. 5, First Neighborhood Place, Rangeland Road (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- Feb. 7, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Feb. 13, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Valley Location, 10200 Dixie Hwy; 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- Feb. 13, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Fairdale location, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 1– 3 p.m.
- Feb. 20, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 6, 7, 8 and 22, Weekly Resource School at Bridges Neighborhood Place
Located at 1411 Algonquin Pkwy. Contact Nannette Bertram Dix at 634-6057 to RSVP and for more information. The Bridges of Hope staff is teaming up with an array of service providers to provide weekly programming and resources focusing on substance prevention, self-sufficiency, health, safety and resiliency. All workshops are free and open to the public.
- Feb. 6, Cyber Safety, 4 – 5 p.m. ECHO (Exploited Children’s Help Organization) presents internet safety tips and tricks and how to keep information safe and secure.
- Feb. 7, FASFA, 10 – 11 a.m. Learn more about FAFSA, the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid, which is prepared by current and prospective college students. Presented by Wright, Financial Coach with the Armed Forces Services Corporation.
- Feb. 8 and 22, CHOICES, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Center for Women and Families presents “CHOICES”, an educational and support program for people affected by intimate partner and/or sexual violence
Feb 6 and Feb. 12, ElderCare 4 Families Employment Recruitment
Call 244 -8446 for more information. Located at 1503 Rangeland Road (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24). Call 313-4700 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.
- Feb. 6, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Feb. 12, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Feb. 15, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 1 – 3 p.m.
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 children and you may also bring other children ages (0-2). Sponsored by the YMCA with support from First Neighborhood Place.
Feb. 8, 15 and 22 , Work and Learn Program for K-TAP Recipients Info Session at South Central Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 502-213-2284 for more information. Individuals who are receiving K-TAP can come learn about campus and community resources for students, as well as work-study jobs. Students can work on-campus or off-campus, even in your field study.
Feb. 8, 20 and 28, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower
Contact Mendy Mason at 341-5400 to RSVP or for more information. 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.
- Feb. 8, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. 1 – 3 p.m.
- Feb. 20, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 1 – 3 p.m.
- Feb. 28, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 1- 3 p.m.
Feb 13, 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.
Feb. 13 and 22, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting
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.
- Feb. 13, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Feb. 22, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 6 – 8 p.m.
Feb. 13, 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 Community Dental will be on hand to provide free dental screenings and also to discuss positive dental hygiene at any age. Free dental supplies for those that attend. Come and join the fun and fellowship.
Feb. 15, African American Read-In U at Southwick Community Center 6:30 -7:30 p.m.
Located at 3621 Southern Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. In honor of Black History Month, join in this celebration of black authors via readings, dancing, and music. Sponsored by Ujima Neighborhood Place.
Beginning Feb. 22, Cooking Matters Class at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 772-8588 to register for this class. Join this free, six-week cooking class to learn about healthy eating, cook in class, and take home a bag of groceries each week. All participants must meet income eligibility requirements. Sponsored by Family Health Center and Dare to Care.
Feb. 22, Passport Health Care Community Engagement, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St. Call 313.4892 for more information. 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.
Feb. 26, 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 Center.
Beginning Feb. 28, 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 support you need 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.
EY, one of the world’s largest business-services organizations, opened its new center for executive assistants and other professional functions within its expanded and remodeled downtown Louisville office, Gov. Matt Bevin and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced today.
“We are excited to see a global icon like EY finalize plans to make Kentucky an integral part of its operations,” Gov. Bevin said. “EY’s new professional service center is further evidence that the commonwealth is an ideal destination for companies seeking a skilled, professional workforce, outstanding quality of life and low operating costs. Their innovative office concept is a prime example of why the company has been a leader in its industry for generations. We are grateful for their continued confidence and investment in Kentucky.”
The 20,109-square-foot office at 400 W. Market St. serves as EY’s Kentucky and southern Indiana market headquarters and houses members of the firm’s expanding National Executive Assistant Team (NEAT) along with the rest of EY’s practice. The center supports EY executives across the country. The firm operates similar centers in Dallas, Cleveland and Tucson. The company invested $4.3 million to remodel and outfit the Central Business District location as an expansion of its professional practice office, which has been part of Kentucky for nearly a century.
The Louisville NEAT center showcases the company’s EY@Work office design, which includes a mix of individual and collaborative spaces and robust technology resources to support teamwork and productivity. EY also announced Louisville native Greg Pope will lead the NEAT center as office managing partner for Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
“The opening of our modern, engaging office space and the ever-evolving business climate makes for an exciting time to join the Louisville office. This space will allow our people to grow as professionals and do their best work at EY, with innovation and teaming at the forefront. This collaborative environment will lead to us asking better questions and providing better answers for our clients,” Pope said. “We’ve built an amazing practice and culture here in Louisville. As a Louisville native, I could not be more excited and proud to carry them forward and work closely with our people to advance EY’s purpose of building a better working world.”
EY’s market position and brand in Louisville led in large part to the firm selecting Louisville for the NEAT center. Specialty branding in the office also celebrates EY’s 95-year legacy in the Louisville area, with unique visual nods to Muhammad Ali, the Kentucky Derby and more.
Pope succeeds David Calzi, who assumes the lead role for EY’s central region government and public sector.
“I could not be happier for Greg and for our entire practice. He is an amazing professional and more importantly a great guy who cares very deeply about the community we all live in. He along with our dedicated and passionate professionals will take the EY brand in the market to even greater heights.” Calzi said. “I am heartened by this successful transition as well as the addition of the National Executive Assistant Team being an impetus for the expansion of our local footprint. EY has been a proud local citizen for close to a century and will continue to be so for many years to come.”
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said EY’s new space helps it continue growing as an integral part of the city’s flourishing professional services sector.
“Thanks to EY’s continued investment in our city, Louisville’s business services cluster is leading the way in innovative back office support,” said Mayor Fischer. “We congratulate EY on officially opening their forward-thinking and efficient center for doing business on a global level, and we look forward to supporting EY’s team.”
Sen. Gerald Neal, of Louisville, welcomed the new jobs to the state’s 33rd District.
“This investment and commitment in our community will provide much-needed jobs and a boost to our local economy,” Sen. Neal said. “We look forward to a long and prosperous partnership.”
Rep. Darryl Owens, of Louisville, said the company’s new office was the product of a group effort and proof the city is a major driver of commerce.
“This opening is great news for our community, especially those who will benefit from these new jobs and the businesses that EY serves,” Rep. Owens said. “I want to thank its leaders for making this investment, and I appreciate the local and state cooperative spirit that made this announcement, and others like it, possible. This further solidifies our well-earned reputation as the commonwealth’s economic engine.”
EY traces its roots to the early 1900s with the founding of two accounting firms; Ernst & Ernst in Cleveland, and Arthur Young & Co. in Chicago. Their 1989 merger created Ernst & Young, which then became Ernst & Young LLP.
The firm is a member firm of the global EY organization whose members provide assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services to many of the world’s largest companies. EY operates in 152 countries and employs 231,000 people globally.
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority in February 2017 preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $1 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
In addition, the firm can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. In fiscal year 2017, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for nearly 95,000 Kentuckians and 5,000 companies from a variety of industry sectors.
For more information on EY, visit www.ey.com.