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Credit: KY State Parks
Barren River Lake State Resort Park will host its Sandhill Cranes tours on two weekends in late January, 2018.
Thousands of sandhill cranes make Barren River Lake a winter stop as they congregate in huge numbers to migrate. The lake’s exposed mud flats in winter provide the birds with a perfect spot to rest and socialize as they settle in for the night. Area farmlands and wet meadows offer plenty of food.
Sandhill cranes are tall, gray birds reaching heights up to 4 feet, weighing up to 12 pounds with a wingspan of 6-7 feet. They have two distinct features about them: one is their appearance of a crimson, red-crowned forehead, white cheeks, and fluffy rear end; the other is when in flight, the long dark legs trail behind and the long neck is kept straight out rather than tucked in towards the body.
Barren River offers van tours for guests to learn more about these intriguing birds with a unique sound. The tours will be Jan. 20-21 and Jan. 27, 2018. Registration is required due to limited seating.
Each weekend also includes an educational session conducted by a wildlife biologist with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources on Friday evening at 7 p.m. Registration is $45 per adult and $30 per child 8-12 years old (must be at least 8 years old to go on van tours). The fee includes all educational sessions, a box lunch, and a T-shirt. Free guided nature hikes are also available at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Jan. 20 and 27.
Discounted senior tours for guests ages 55 and older will be on Wednesdays, Jan. 17 and Jan. 24, at $40 per person.
Families and individuals can enjoy other entertainment and lodging opportunities at the park. Barren River Lake State Resort Park features a lodge, cottages, the Driftwood Restaurant, a seasonal campground, 18-hole golf course, marina, fishing, tennis courts, hiking trails, and gift shop. For more information about Barren River Lake and other Kentucky State Parks, visit www.parks.ky.gov
The park is located at 1149 State Park Road in Lucas. From the Louis B. Nunn Parkway, take the Highway 31E exit south toward Scottsville.
For more information contact Kody Thompson at kody.thompson@ky.gov or call 270-646-2151.
Louisville printmaker Elizabeth Foley’s work titled “Mandala.” Foley is one of eight Kentucky artists recently adjudicated into the Kentucky Arts Council’s Kentucky Crafted program.
Earlier this year, printmaker Elizabeth Foley retired from a 20-year art teaching career to focus more on her craft. Her new full-time career got a recent boost when she was named among the eight artists added to the Kentucky Arts Council’s Kentucky Crafted program.
Kentucky Crafted is an adjudicated arts marketing assistance program that provides opportunities to Kentucky visual and craft artists through arts business training, networking, sales, exhibit, and promotional opportunities. Adjudicated visual and craft artists are the only eligible Kentucky artists to exhibit at The Kentucky Crafted Market.
Foley, who owns FoleyPrints Studio, worked as a printmaker for about 20 years while she taught and said making the transition from teacher to full-time artist was an adjustment.
“Being associated with Kentucky Crafted will allow me to figure out how to create a business and reach a bigger audience,” said Foley. “I’m looking for this experience to raise my standards and give me a sense of community with other artists.”
Foley said she will also take advantage of the professional development and networking opportunities that come with the Kentucky Crafted brand.
“I’m hoping my work will get seen by communities that might not otherwise see it, and being with this program will push me to the next level to get out there,” Foley said.
The new Kentucky Crafted program artists are:
- John Dixon (Dixon Design), Danville, mixed media
- Elizabeth Foley (FoleyPrints Studio), Louisville, printmaking
- Patricia Grenier (HeartFelt Fleece & Fiber), Cynthiana, fiber
- Brad Holman (Rocky Woodland Forge), Beattyville, metal
- Chao Ma (Three Land Studio), Lexington, painting and graphics
- Gena Mark, Lexington, fiber
- Justine Riley, Mayfield, fiber
- Ted Tarquinio (TLT Photography), Louisville, photography
Applicants to the program must be visual or craft artists who have a well-developed body of work in any medium, full-time residents of Kentucky, and over the age of 18. For more information on the Kentucky Crafted program, contact Dave Blevins at david.blevins@ky.gov or 502-892-3120.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) has declared an outbreak of acute hepatitis A with cases in multiple counties in Kentucky.
In total, 31 cases of acute (rapid onset with symptoms of illness) Hepatitis A have been reported throughout Kentucky in 2017, a 50 percent increase above the average of 20 cases per year reported over the past 10 years. Jefferson County has had 19 confirmed cases, most of which have occurred since August. Cases have been reported in Jefferson, Shelby, Bullitt, Hardin, Henry, Anderson, Mason, Christian, Madison, Fayette, McCracken, Hopkins, and Leslie counties.
DPH, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW), and other health departments have been working to stop the spread of Hepatitis A in the region. Common risk factors of homelessness or drug use have been identified among 12 of the cases in Jefferson County. No deaths have been attributed to this outbreak.
“Acute hepatitis A is a serious and potentially life-threatening infectious disease,” said Dr. Jonathan Ballard, State Epidemiologist for KDPH. “We are working to identify anyone who has been exposed to cases associated with this outbreak and urging those experiencing symptoms of the illness to contact their healthcare provider for appropriate evaluation and medical treatment, if necessary.”
Public Health staff have conducted enhanced surveillance for acute hepatitis A cases, investigated each new case in a county to identify risk factors and close contacts, and recommended postexposure prophylaxis for susceptible close contacts. In addition, laboratory specimens from recently diagnosed cases have been sent for specialized genetic testing of the hepatitis A virus at the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.
Thus far test results match the genotype associated with an acute Hepatitis A outbreaks in California.
“Hepatitis A is a vaccine-preventable illness. All children, aged 1 year through 18 years, are recommended to get the Hepatitis A vaccine as well as adults with increased risk factors or certain medical conditions,” said Dr. Ballard. “DPH is working with the LMPHW and other local health departments to develop an emergency vaccine distribution plan for the area most impacted by the outbreak.”
Increased risk factors include homelessness; all forms of substance use disorder; people with direct contact with someone who has Hepatitis A; travelers to countries where hepatitis A is common; men who have sexual contact with men; household members or caregivers of a recent adoptee from countries where hepatitis A is common; people with clotting factor disorders, such as hemophilia.
In addition, DPH is activating the State Health Operations Center (SHOC) to Level 3 to help coordinate the public health response.
Other than age-appropriate vaccinations, the best way to keep from getting Hepatitis A is to wash your hands using warm water and soap, to handle uncooked food appropriately and to fully cook food. Always wash your hands before touching or eating food, after using the toilet and after changing a diaper. When soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers.
Signs and symptoms of Hepatitis A include jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark-colored urine, fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea and fever. The virus is found in the stool of people infected with Hepatitis A and is usually spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth (even though it might look clean) that has been contaminated with the stool of a person infected with Hepatitis A. It is often transmitted when people do not wash their hands properly or by eating uncooked or undercooked food.
Not everyone with the acute Hepatitis A virus infection will develop symptoms, however, if symptoms do develop, they may include fever, jaundice or yellowing of the skin, vomiting, fatigue, and grey-colored stools. Persons with symptoms should seek medical care for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Additional information about Hepatitis A is available from the CDC.
Credit: KY State Parks
The Kentucky State Parks are open for the Christmas holidays with decorations, candlelight tours, special meals, entertainment and other unique events.
The historic homes, Waveland, White Hall, and My Old Kentucky Home, all have special Christmas tours planned. Resort parks are planning special meals and events for the children. See a list of events at: http://parks.ky.gov/holiday-events/
State parks are a great place for Christmas and holiday gatherings. The resort parks have restaurants, meeting areas and gift shops that offer unique gift ideas. That includes Kentucky Unbridled Spirit gift cards, which are valid at Kentucky State Parks, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea.
All resort parks will be open for lodging seven days a week this winter and make for a wonderful weekend getaway or a holiday party.
Many state resort parks will also hold New Year’s Eve parties and dinners Dec. 31. To get more information, buy a gift card or to make a reservation, visit www.parks.ky.gov.
Credit: Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives – Kentucky Public Libraries
The Kentucky Talking Book Library (KTBL) received the James Carl Dotson award for providing long-standing service to blind and visually impaired Kentuckians during the Kentucky Council of the Blind’s recent 2017 convention in Louisville.
KTBL provides free library service to people who are unable to read traditional print due to a visual or physical disability. Braille and/or digital audio books are delivered by mail, downloaded from the Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) website, or accessed via the BARD Mobile app for smartphone or tablet. A special digital talking book player is provided on loan as part of the service.
The award was presented Nov. 18 to KTBL Branch Manager Barbara Penegor on behalf of KTBL for providing access to literacy, information, recreation and community to blind and visually impaired patrons.
“I think I speak for my entire staff when I say we all enjoy our jobs because what we do means so much to our patrons. Not a day goes by when we don’t hear someone tell us they don’t know what they would do without their talking books or Braille books. We hear many touching stories from family members after patron passes on how much this service meant to them. It is like icing on the cake to be publically thanked for our work and to know that the community at-large recognizes and appreciates us,” said Penegor.
Dotson was a 1943 graduate of the Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB) who worked tirelessly for the Kentucky Council of the Blind. He also served as scoutmaster at KSB, actively supported the KSB alumni, and served the Louisville community as a Shriner and master of his Masonic Lodge.
KTBL is a branch within the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA) in Frankfort that began operating in 1968. It is part of a nationwide network of similar libraries administered by the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, a branch of the Library of Congress that began in 1931.
The Kentucky Council of the Blind is a nonprofit organization composed of members who are blind, visually impaired, or are sighted volunteers dedicated to helping others with low vision lead fuller, more independent lives. It is the state affiliate of the American Council of the Blind, whose mission is to increase the independence, security, equality of opportunity, and quality of life, for all blind and visually impaired people.
For more information or to apply for service, contact the KTBL at 1-800-372-2968 or 1-502-564-5791 or email KTBL.Mail@ky.gov.
Newport-based Kentucky Symphony Orchestra has been selected as the Kentucky Arts Council’s Featured Artist for November and December.
The ensemble, begun in 1992 as the Northern Kentucky Symphony Orchestra, is a member of the arts council’s Performing Artists Directory.
According to its artist statement, the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra believes live performance is key to keeping music vital, fresh and engaging for new generations. Using technology to enhance the educational and entertainment aspect of each performance remains an evolving component to KSO performances.
Throughout its 25 years, the symphony has gained national acclaim for its thematic programming. Programs include visual elements such as video, dancers, distinctive lighting and staging, and a wide range of musical genres.
To learn more about the orchestra, visit the arts council’s website. The featured artist’s page includes a story about the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra and contact information for the ensemble.
Original Santa sculpture by Lindy Evans
The Kentucky Artisan Center celebrates the holidays with a wide array of arts’ events and music. Come watch artists demonstrate, meet Kentucky authors, listen to artists perform Christmas music, and enjoy your holiday shopping. At the Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea you can find special gifts by over 750 Kentucky artists!
Lindy Evans of Berea will sculpt Santas from polymer clay in her demonstration on Dec. 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Center.
Evans creates one-of-a-kind, limited edition Santas and dolls developed from studies of real people. She sculpts the faces from polymer clay, paints the features, and uses vintage fabrics to sew the clothing she designs.
There will also be live music and a book signing on Dec. 2. Musician Gary Bertram, of Georgetown, will sing and perform holiday favorites on the guitar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center.
Jim Shields of Lexington will also sign copies of his children’s book “Starbird’s Special Gift” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. that day at the Kentucky Artisan Center. Shields’ story is about a young boy who cares for a bird that he finds struggling in the snow. The story offers readers numerous life lessons with illustrations that bring the story to life for all ages.
Kathy Conroy of Pleasureville will demonstrate her intricate scratchboard techniques on Dec. 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Center. Conroy creates realistic images from her drawings and photographs on scratchboard. Scratchboard is a form of direct engraving where the artist starts with a Masonite panel coated with white clay. This clay layer is covered with a thin layer of black India ink leaving the artist a solid black panel as a starting point. Lines are then cut or scratched through the ink to the clay surface and color is added with a brush onto the exposed clay areas.
Photographer, geographer, and writer David Zurick of Berea will also be at the Kentucky Artisan Center on Dec. 9. He will sign copies of his new book, “Morning Coffee at the Goldfish Pond” as well as his book “Southern Crossings” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Zurick, winner of the 2006 National Outdoor Book Award, recounts an event in his life that seems exceedingly uncomplicated: he builds a goldfish pond in his backyard yet there is more to a goldfish pond than meets the eye. Zurick’s compelling story travels the world, encompassing places of extraordinary beauty and rich cultural traditions. “Southern Crossings” is a photographic journey to places and people of the southern United States.
Live music on Dec. 9 will be performed by the trio Na Skylark made up of Lorinda Jones on Celtic harp, Cathy Wilde on Irish Uilleann Pipes, and Janelle Canerday on fiddle. They will perform holiday favorites and selections from their new CD “Old Ceol” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Three members of the Berea Welcome Center Carvers will demonstrate a variety of woodcarving styles and techniques on Dec. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Center.
Lexington musician Jan Hill will also play a selection of holiday music on her harp on Dec. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center.
Born in Nebraska and raised in Oklahoma, Hill dreamed of playing the harp after hearing it played when she was a child. Hill purchased a harp, taught herself to play, and then took harp classes in Singapore and the U.S. Hill will be playing a selection of holiday favorites from her CD “Christmas Harp Carols from the Hills” available at the Center.
Artists Donna & Donnie Smith will demonstrate their painted gourds and ornaments on Dec. 23 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Center.
When Donnie and Donna Smith planted gourds by their back porch, their journey as craftspeople began. First, a design is drawn on the gourd with pencil and then the design is burnt into the gourd surface with a wood burning tool. After that, they paint the designs with watercolors, inks, dyes, and water-based stains with each gourd being sealed with a clear acrylic.
The trio Raison D’Etre will be performing holiday music with clean harmonies accompanied with guitars, drums, mandolin, and keyboards on Dec 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Center.
The Kentucky Artisan Center will be closed Christmas Day.
Carl Von Fischer of Mount Vernon will demonstrate his oil painting techniques on Dec. 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Center.
Von Fischer attended the Central Art Academy, studying commercial art and graduated with top honors. He then worked for advertising agencies in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Denver, and Greenville before moving out west to Missoula, MT where in the open spaces of the west, he began to teach himself to paint. In 2003, Von Fischer moved to Kentucky to be near his son and grandchildren where he now paints full-time. Von Fischer paints rural landscapes and animals.
The Kentucky Artisan Center at Berea is located at 200 Artisan Way, just off Interstate 75 at Berea Exit 77. The center’s exhibits, shopping and travel information areas are open daily, year-round, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and the cafe is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information about center events call 859-985-5448, go to the center’s website, or visit the center’s Facebook page.
