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The Croghan and Clark families and their friends welcome guests from near and far to Locust Grove for a special one-day only celebration of Christmastide, 1816.
On Saturday, December 2, from 12pm to 7pm, Locust Grove will come alive with the sights, sounds, and smells of the season as Locust Grove’s corps of First Person Interpreters bring to life the residents of the historic house, as well as their friends and neighbors.
Visitors will have the opportunity to converse with the Croghans about the news of the day—the recent election of James Monroe as the fifth president, the admission of Indiana to the union as the nineteenth state—and learn about life in the 19th century. Guests can join in the dancing and period games, and will have the opportunity to stop in the hearth kitchen to watch meal preparations for the festive occasion.
“Christmastide is a great opportunity to experience Locust Grove as it was alive with friends and family celebrating the season and being together,” says Program Director Brian Cushing. “The craftspeople we have pulled in to show you how the world around them worked in those days really rounds out the experience!”
The Holiday Crafts Market in the Visitors’ Center will feature vendors selling period wares, including soap, leather goods, textiles, stoneware, wax portraits and more 19th century gifts for a 21st century life. A penman will also be on hand to demonstrate18th and 19th century letter-writing techniques as guests enjoy live music, shop in the museum store, and find gift-quality books for a special holiday edition of Locust Grove’s Used Book Sale. Children will have the opportunity to make period holiday cards and orange and clove pomanders.
Christmastide, 1816 will take place on Saturday, December 2 from 12 pm – 7pm. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for children, and free for children 6 and under.
Locust Grove is located at 561 Blankenbaker Lane (between Brownsboro Road and River Road), Louisville, KY 40207. For more information about these events, please contact Hannah Zimmerman, Marketing Coordinator at marketing@locustgrove.org or call 502.897.9845 x108.
Mayor Greg Fischer joined Metro Council members to announce that construction is scheduled to begin on the $5 million redevelopment of historic Colonial Gardens in south Louisville.
The adaptive reuse project includes renovating the 7,000-square-foot historic Colonial Gardens building, as well as adding three new, one-story buildings for a total of 18,000-square-feet that will share a common patio and garden area.
“Giving new life to historic structures like Colonial Gardens helps give Louisville an authentic quality of place like no other city, and our unique character is one of the things that helps draw millions of tourists to our city every year. And that’s a huge boost to our economy,” said the Mayor. “I would like to thank Underhill Associates, our south Louisville Metro Council members and the Iroquois neighborhood for making this project a go.”
Citizens sought successfully to designate the iconic Colonial Gardens building, located across from Iroquois Park, as a local landmark in 2008. The city purchased the property in 2013 to help foster its commercial redevelopment.
The site’s developer, Underhill Associates, is in talks with local restaurant groups to occupy the four corner spaces of the building, located on the corner of Kenwood Avenue and New Cut Road, and a common beer garden area.
“Underhill Associates is excited to create a venue where the past is honored and new events will be celebrated. We are pleased to partner with the city on the gateway to Iroquois Park where people can meet, eat, have a drink, and play,” said Jeff Underhill, Underhill Associates. “Architect Jeff Rawlins has designed an attractive plan clustering four restaurants welcoming visitors with great views of the park and a beer garden.”
Underhill noted that the venue will be decorated with memorabilia celebrating south Louisville.
Post Construction Company is expected to begin construction on the property in early 2018, with a completion date of spring 2019.
Metro Council comments:
Metro Council President David Yates, District 25: “The decaying building of Colonial Gardens has epitomized south Louisville’s unrequited demand for economic investment for far too long. In the shadow of the majestic Iroquois Amphitheater, the two buildings illustrate the dichotomy of who our community has been and who our community can be. Today, we take another step toward restoring our vibrant, unique South end neighborhood. This public-private partnership will turn a dilapidated eyesore into the gateway of the south. I stand with my colleagues in championing this development and am eager for its success to catalyze further investment into both our economy and people. I thank my colleagues, the Mayor and Louisville Forward who have all stood with me fight after fight to ensure this project’s success. Once complete, Colonial Gardens will be a win-win for our city and the good people of South Louisville.”
Councilwoman Marianne Butler, District 15: “This is one of the largest economic development projects that south Louisville has seen in some time. I thank the Underhills and the administration for coming together to find a partnership that works for all involved. This is a development that will transform this tired corner into a vibrant community spot and show other developers that investing in south Louisville is a win.”
Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch, District 13: “This is a most exciting project for me and my family. We have three generations that danced at the old Colonial Gardens. My hope is that the new Colonial Gardens will provide dining and entertainment for generations to come in the future. Persistence has finally paid off after many years of planning this awesome public-private partnership.”
Councilman Rick Blackwell, District 12: “This public-private partnership will beautify a corner that has been an eyesore far too long. While great for residents of south and southwest Louisville, it will also significantly improve the experiences of those who visit Iroquois Park for the many races, Jack-o-lantern spectacular or shows at the amphitheater.”
Mayor Greg Fischer has named Jeff O’Brien as the new director of Develop Louisville, the city’s real estate and community development arm. O’Brien has been with the city since 2013, first as project manager for Vision Louisville then as Deputy Director of the Office of Advanced Planning. O’Brien was named to the position after Director Deborah Bilitski accepted a position as Deputy Director/Vice President of the Waterfront Development Corporation. Bilitski is succeeding Mike Kimmel, who has served in this role for 28 years and will retire at the end of the year.
Bilitski will remain in her role with Develop Louisville through the end of the year. Jeff O’Brien begins as Director on January 1.
As Deputy Director of the Office of Advanced Planning, O’Brien, who has a background in urban planning, has been integrally involved in the city’s ongoing Comprehensive Plan update, played a leadership role in the production of the MOVE Louisville transportation plan and serves as a Metro representative with the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency’s (KIPDA) transportation planning activities.
Dave Marchal will continue in his role as Develop Louisville Deputy Director with an enhanced portfolio of responsibilities around urban design and historic preservation initiatives.
Brightside and its Director Gina O’Brien will now report directly to the Chief of Louisville Forward, Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, instead of the Director of Develop Louisville.
Develop Louisville is a department within Louisville Forward and includes the Office of Sustainability, Office of Advanced Planning, Vacant & Public Property Administration, Office of Housing & Community Development and Planning & Design Services. Louisville Forward serves as the city’s economic and community development arm, housing the departments of Economic Development, Develop Louisville and Codes & Regulations.
For more information on Develop Louisville, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/develop-louisville
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Acting Superintendent Marty Pollio and Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer cut the ribbon today on a new JCPS satellite office that will better serve students and families in west Louisville communities.
“Creating an office that would provide equitable access to district services and resources for our families in west Louisville was a top priority for me when I became acting superintendent,” Dr. Pollio said. “By taking our services directly to the community, as this new office will do, we can engage with families and promote family involvement in a much greater way.”
The new office, located inside the California Community Center on West Saint Catherine Street, officially opens on January 4, 2018. The office will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The community center is operated by the city of Louisville, which is allowing JCPS to use the space free of charge.
“This is another example of JCPS bringing services directly to its customers – students and their parents – in the neighborhoods where they live,” said Mayor Fischer. “The city is honored to partner with JCPS by offering space in one of our community centers.”
JCPS will provide services to families at the new office through a variety of departments:
- Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Programs—Staff will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays to connect parents with resources that strengthen educational access and student achievement, which will include out-of-school-time learning opportunities, volunteer recruitment, Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) groups, homeless education, and foster care services. The department will also facilitate meetings with families, community stakeholders, and organizations at the satellite office with the purpose of improving student learning.
- Exceptional Child Education (ECE)—Staff will be available on Thursdays to focus on the individual needs of students who are eligible for special education and related services according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The department will help with assessments that determine special education eligibility. ECE staff will schedule student Admissions and Release Committee (ARC) meetings at the satellite office to review progress and develop a new Individual Education Program (IEP). The ECE Service Delivery staff includes one placement specialist as well as a parent liaison assigned on a rotating schedule.
- Student Assignment—Staff will be at the satellite office each Thursday to assist families with applications for students who are entering kindergarten or who have a change of address. They will also help families who wish to submit a student transfer request or learn more about optional and magnet programs in the district.
- Student Relations—Staff will be available on Tuesdays to meet with students and families on Tuesdays who are recommended for choice and alternative school placement. They will work with the case manager, school staff, parents, and students to make appropriate decisions regarding student placement in choice and alternative behavior support schools.
- Title I—Parents will find information provided by the Title I Office on topics that include getting involved at their child’s school and how to find counselling, tutoring or other related services. Parents will also be able to learn more about the topics presented at the monthly Parent Advisory Council meetings. Title 1 will hold some parent meetings at the site.
“Being able to build a bridge from school to home is integral when talking about the success of our students,” Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE) Member Diane Porter said. “I appreciate Dr. Pollio and all of the JCPS staff for making this investment of time and resources in west Louisville—our students and their families are worth it.”
The Metro Council’s appointed Triumvirate has reviewed the complaints against Louisville Metro Councilman Dan Johnson and has removed him from office thus creating a vacancy within the 21 District Office of the Metro Council.
“The Council Court Triumvirate has rendered its decision, I want to thank the members and I join them in saying the Louisville Metro Council is sending a strong message that we will not tolerate sexual harassment or a hostile work environment at City Hall,” said Metro Council President David Yates (D-25). “It is now time to move forward. I want to assure the residents of District 21 their issues and concerns will be listened to and the Metro Council will help them as we move through this transition.”
Now that the Triumvirate has made its decision, and in accordance with the requirements of state law, the Metro Council Clerk is required to announce the vacancy and process for persons seeking to be appointed District 21 Council member. The following notice is posted in City Hall (601 W Jefferson Street) and available on the Metro Council Website:
From the Office of the Metro Council Clerk
NOTICE OF VACANCY OF THE 21st DISTRICT METRO COUNCIL
KRS 67C.103(12) states that in the event of a vacancy, “council shall elect a qualified resident of the council district not later than thirty (30) days after the date the vacancy occurs.” KRS 67C.103(6) defines a qualified person as “at least eighteen (18) years old, a qualified voter, and a resident within the territory of the consolidated local government and the district that he or she seeks to represent for at least one (1) year immediately prior to the person’s election.”
The Rules of the Louisville Metro Council sections 10.01, 10.02, 10.08, 10.09, 10.10 & 10.11 set forth the rules and procedures when a vacancy occurs on Metro Council. Pursuant to Rule 10.02, the 21th District Metro Council Seat is declared vacant as of November 17, 2017.
Rule 10.08 states: “Within seven (7) days after a vacancy shall have occurred on the Council, qualified persons interested in being appointed pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statutes to the vacant seat shall submit a resume to the Clerk of the Council.”
All persons interested in filing for the 21st District Metro Council seat, who meet the criteria stated above in KRS 67C.103(5-6), should submit a resume via US Postal Service or email to the Clerk of the Louisville Metro Council no later than close of business day on November 28, 2017 at 5:00PM. The post mark date will be the date stamp for USPS mail. Resumes sent via email will receive confirmation from the Clerk. Please include all contact information on submitted resumes.
Pursuant to Rule 10.09: “The members of the Council shall review any resumes so submitted and shall indicate in writing to the Clerk the name of any applicant who that member wishes to be personally interviewed at a special meeting of the Council, which shall be duly called pursuant to these rules and held not less than seven (7) days nor more than thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the vacancy.”
Metro Council will then assemble during a regular or special meeting of the council to hold a vote “not less than (7) days nor more than thirty (30) days after the occurrence of the vacancy” to “fill the vacancy from among the qualified persons interviewed, or as provided by state statute.” See KRS 67C.103(12), Rules 10.10 & 10.11.
The person chosen by Metro Council to hold the District 21 Metro Council seat will serve until the end of 2018, pursuant to Section 152 of the Kentucky Constitution. The District 21 Metro Council seat will be on the election ballot on Election Day, November 6, 2018, for the registered voters of District 21 to elect a candidate. The prevailing candidate will serve a full, four year term.
H. Stephen Ott
Clerk of the Louisville Metro Council
First Floor, Room 101
601 West Jefferson Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Stephen.ott@louisvilleky.gov
(502)574-3902
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Louisville Parks and Recreation, Councilman David James, and volunteers and park neighbors will celebrate completion of phase one of the Victory Park revitalization project on Saturday, November 18, 2017.
Phase one of a $1 million revitalization to Victory Park included relocation of the basketball court to create a larger open area for activities; a new walking path; installation of additional lighting, benches and 35 new trees.
Phase two of the revitalization project is expected to start in early 2018 and will include a new playground and sprayground.
Financial support came from Olmsted Parks Conservancy’s recent Campaign for Extraordinary Parks, including Humana Foundation, James Graham Brown Foundation, PNC Foundation, Kosair Charities along with support from Louisville Metro Government, Mayor Greg Fischer and Louisville Parks and Recreation.
“Olmsted Parks Conservancy is thrilled to preserve this historic park and see the neighborhood enjoy the new features, especially since they have been part of the whole revitalization process,” said Earl Jones, Board Chair, Olmsted Parks Conservancy.
“The improvements to Victory Park have the opportunity to transform the surrounding neighborhood and bring nearby residents together,” said Seve Ghose, Director, Louisville Parks and Recreation. “I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds and cherish the partnership between Louisville Metro and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy.”
Victory Park is a four-acre parcel of land that was set aside as a park space by the Board of Park Commissioners in 1919 with a design drawn in 1923 by the Olmsted brothers. The area was noted for its magnificent trees, including gum, oak, osage orange and elm. It was originally called Greenwood Park, but its name was changed to Victory Park in commemoration of World War I.
Victory Park has historically been the site for band concerts, plays, and gathering space for choral groups, as well as a place for active and passive play. Since its inception, this greenspace has been a focal point and a source of community pride for the surrounding neighborhood.
The Muhammad Ali Center, which opened twelve years ago this month, will be undergoing major renovations that include a complete redesign of its Main Lobby, the Ali Center Store, and Group Entrance. Beyond the normal wear & tear from an approximate 1.2 million visitors over the past dozen years, these enhancements will provide the Center the opportunity to deliver a better overall visitor experience and more contemporary private event space. Additionally, the much needed upgrades will offer a fresh and modern appearance to its retail store, while also supplying better functionality. A major part of the overall improvements will be a custom designed terrazzo floor in the Main Lobby, which will present a striking and welcoming impression upon entering the Center, and provide better durability for this high traffic area.
The renovations, expected to begin in mid-January 2018, will take about three months to complete. While public access to the Ali Center will be affected during this time, visitors will still have access to most areas of the Center, including its 2-1/2 levels of award-winning exhibits and most private event spaces. The Ali Center Store, now located next to the Main Lobby, will be temporarily moved to the Ina B. Bond Gallery on the Center’s Fourth Floor. It is expected that the Ali Center will be closed to visitors from January 8-14, and will re-open on January 15 for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
The firm responsible for the project is Patrick D. Murphy Architects.
“These improvements will create a more vibrant and impactful experience for our visitors,” said Donald Lassere, president and CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, “and we are grateful to our donors and other supporters who are making this possible.”
