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Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that the city’s largest and most beloved holiday event, Light Up Louisville, returns for the 38th year on Nov. 23, outside of Metro Hall in Jefferson Square.
Light Up Louisville is the official starting point for the holiday season in Louisville. This event has become a holiday tradition for scores of residents and their visiting friends and family. It is a day full of excitement, entertainment and community.
“Light Up Louisville is the perfect way for our city to usher in the holidays,” said Mayor Fischer. “After a big Thanksgiving meal the day before, grab your kids and relatives and join us outside for some fresh air, fun and fireworks!”
Light Up Louisville, always held the Friday after Thanksgiving, begins at 4 p.m., with children and families invited to take part in Santa’s Workshop, located this year in decorated chalets on Fifth and Jefferson streets. There, children can decorate cookies, write letters to Santa and send holiday cards to our troops, courtesy of Ford/UAW 862.
There will be a vendor village at Sixth and Jefferson streets, with holiday crafts, treats and gifts for sale. And the Louisville Visitor Center on Fourth and Jefferson will be open during Light Up Louisville, offering giveaways, treats and activities.
There will not be an outdoor ice rink this year, but Light Up has added a 15-passenger train that children can ride around the block from Fifth and Jefferson to Market at no cost.
The main Light Up Louisville stage on the west lawn of Metro Hall will feature live entertainment beginning at 4 p.m. until the start of the Lots of Lights parade at 6:30 p.m. Performances include some of Louisville’s most talented groups, including Six Steps to Heaven, Envy Dance Team, Classic Melodies “Top Note” and Motown Christmas. Stephen Gould will headline the stage before the start of the parade.
The Lots of Lights Parade starts at Fourth and Liberty streets and turns onto Jefferson Street and disperses at Seventh and Jefferson streets. Jesse and MJ from 106.9 Play!, Louisville’s official Christmas radio station, will emcee the parade announcements. Various units, including floats, bands, carolers, car clubs, children’s groups and civic organizations, will march through downtown and disperse at Seventh and Jefferson streets. The parade will end with the arrival of a special guest from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
Around 8 p.m., Mayor Fischer and Santa will gather on stage to illuminate the city Christmas tree located in Jefferson Square. The tree was donated by Christ Church United Methodist. The official Light Up moment will feature Zambelli fireworks, lasers and thousands of Christmas lights throughout downtown.
Following the Light Up moment, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., entertainment on the main stage will resume with a performance from Eight Inch Elvis. Children and families are invited to get a free picture with Santa Claus inside Santa’s House on Fifth and Jefferson streets.
For over 14 years, Light Up Louisville has been made possible through the support of Louisville’s largest utility company, LG&E.
“Light Up Louisville is a wonderful holiday tradition. We are proud and excited to help bring this free family event to our community,” said Paul W. Thompson, chairman, CEO and president of LG&E and KU Energy. “Light Up Louisville is a memory-maker for everyone, and it is another terrific opportunity to showcase all Louisville has to offer.”
“Louisville is known across the world for its unique festivals and events. As the city continues to grow its offerings as a regional destination for the holidays, Light Up Louisville is a great kickoff to the season,” says Karen Williams, President & CEO of Louisville Tourism, silver sponsor of this year’s Light Up Louisville. “This one-of-a-kind, free, family-friendly celebration serves as a great anchor for families to plan a visit around the arts, museums and other local attractions featuring holiday events.”
The holidays are a perfect time to spread a little more compassion. Mayor Fischer asks residents to get involved in this year’s community-wide Toys for Tots drive a week after Light Up, on Friday, November 30. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day, a special drive-thru lane will be set up in front of Metro Hall for an easy drop-off. Marines will be on site to assist.
Light Up Louisville sponsors include: LG&E, Louisville Tourism, Amazon, AT&T, Ford/UAW 862, Hyatt Regency, MetroPCS, Papa Murphy’s, 106.9 Play!, Louisville Magazine, Outfront Media, and WLKY.
Special thanks to ABCO Bramer Crane Services, Bob Ray Tree Company, Costco, Electrical Maintenance, Heine Brothers Metro Parks and Recreation and Sunbelt Rentals.
Mayor Fischer urges people to share their photos from Light Up Louisville on social media using the hashtag #AroundLou.
For more information, go to: www.lightuplouisville.org.
Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that TARC Executive Director J. Barry Barker is retiring after nearly 25 years leading the city’s public transportation agency. His last day is Nov. 30.
TARC Assistant Executive Director Ferdinand L. Risco Jr., who joined TARC in February 2017, will begin serving as Interim Executive Director after Barker retires.
“I am so grateful to Barry Barker for all he has accomplished at TARC and in leadership roles with non-profit and professional organizations at the local, state and federal levels,” Mayor Fischer said. “In true Barry style, of course, he’s already said that he plans to continue helping our city through volunteer work, and I look forward to continuing to work with him as he transitions to that new role.”
“It’s been a great ride, and I know the TARC team, along with an outstanding Board of Directors, will do great things. I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to have served TARC and our city,” Barker said. “After nearly 25 years with this great organization, I’m now looking forward to staying engaged in volunteer organizations, traveling and enjoying family and friends more.”
TARC Board Chair Cedric Merlin Powell said Barker’s “indelible imprint on Louisville’s transportation system has provided access, opportunity and enhanced quality of life to all citizens of Louisville Metro.”
“He is a national leader in public transportation and a true public servant, the rare public official whose heart is even bigger than his service,” Powell said. “I, and the Board, wish to express our sincere gratitude in recognition of all he has done for TARC and the community.”
Risco, a U.S. Army veteran with more than 20 years of experience relating to transportation with private, public and non-profit organizations, said, “This is an exciting time at TARC with improvements underway. I’m honored to serve as Interim Executive Director and to work with Barry Barker and everyone on the TARC team.”
Before joining TARC, Risco was Executive Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Association.
Early next year, TARC will launch a “tap and go” electronic fare payment system on all buses and a new mobility website with start-to-finish trip planning options linking TARC, ride sharing and biking. The region’s first Bus Rapid Transit route will begin operating in late 2019 along Dixie Highway for faster service linking downtown and southwest Jefferson County.
And in May, TARC will host the American Public Transportation Association’s 2019 Bus and Paratransit Conference, which will bring 5,000 transit industry representatives to Louisville.
Under Barker, TARC was designated in 2006 as the nation’s Urban System of the Year by the Community Transportation Association of American. The next year, Barker was recognized as the Outstanding Public Transportation Manager of the Year by the American Public Transportation Association. In 2012, the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies honored Barker with the Sharon D. Banks Award for Humanitarian Leadership in Transportation.
Locally, Barker has served on more than a dozen non-profit agency boards, including in leadership positions, and in 2010 headed Metro United Way’s annual fundraising campaign.
TARC provides 12 million passenger trips a year, with 63 percent of riders traveling to and from work, and another 20 percent on school trips.
“TARC moves the workforce of today and tomorrow, and we’re critical for people to access opportunity and all life has to offer,” Barker said. “I have always been motivated by the belief that the quality of life in our communities is only as good as it is for the least advantaged members of our communities. Access to life’s opportunities is a must if communities and individuals are to thrive. I’ve been fortunate to champion these beliefs at TARC and in the community.”
The Mayor will work with the TARC board on next steps.
For the fourth year in a row, the Louisville Orchestra, led by Dr. Kent E. Hatteberg, will present Handel’s Messiah in several locations throughout the community this holiday season. On Thursday, November 29 at 7:30PM, the traditional Christmas selections of the work will be performed at the Cathedral of the Assumption in the heart of the city on South Fifth Street. A second performance will be held at Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church in St. Matthews on Friday, November 30 at 7:30PM. The final presentation will be in Harrods Creek at St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 1 at 7:30PM.
The University of Louisville’s Kent Hatteberg leads the LO, the Louisville Chamber Choir, and a quartet of talented soloists in the seasonal classic that has inspired music lovers around the world.
General Admission tickets are $35 + tax in advance and are available by calling 502.584.7777 or online at LouisvilleOrchestra.org. Tickets will also be available at the door for $40 one-hour prior to each performance where cash or check will be preferred.
Mayor Greg Fischer and officials with the University of Louisville and Centerstone Kentucky announced today that the city has been awarded a $5 million, five-year federal grant to launch an initiative to promote resilience and equity for Louisville families and young people most affected by trauma, inequity and violence.
The Mayor’s Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods will manage the Trauma Resilient Community Initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in partnership with U of L’s Kent School of Social Work and Centerstone Kentucky.
The initiative will use a community-based approach to build a “trauma-informed” system of care and services to children and families exposed to violence. The effort is meant to increase the knowledge and skills of people who respond to, make referrals and provide services to youth and families affected by violence, trauma and racial inequity.
“Louisville is a compassionate city, and compassion requires that we work to remove barriers and create opportunities so that every citizen has the ability to reach their full human potential,” Mayor Fischer said. “This initiative is another tool we can use to dismantle the very real barriers of violence, trauma and racial inequity.”
The partners aim to provide trauma treatment to 400 children and their families in west and south Louisville, where data shows that youth and families are disproportionately affected by trauma, violence and systematic inequities. The initiative also involves training 200 clinicians in trauma interventions, and 200 first responders, volunteers and community service providers in a special first-aid approach to youth mental health.
Another 40 service providers, public school officials and leaders will be trained in a trauma-resilient approach through the initiative, which will also share the trauma-care information to 50 community agencies serving youth and families and develop a leadership advisory board to increase awareness of trauma and its effects. The initiative includes evaluation of its consumer impact.
“Our city has made significant gains towards deepening our understanding and ability to make progress against complex challenges like violence and racial inequity. This opportunity allows us to elevate a system that does not just focus on the individual, but organizations, systems, and community as part of the healing process,” said Rashaad Abdur-Rahman, Director of the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods.
“At Centerstone Kentucky, we are proud to partner with SAMSHA, The Mayor’s Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods and the U of L Kent School of Social Work to provide evidence-based trauma-informed care, creating stronger neighborhoods across our community”, said Dr. Anthony Zipple, President & CEO, Centerstone Kentucky.
“To help people traumatized by violence, it’s so important to use an approach that fully takes into account their circumstances,” said Dr. Jennifer Middleton, associate professor of social work at the Kent School. “The Kent School of Social Work’s researchers are pleased to be partners in this federally funded effort to aid people in ways that are sensitive to their needs and based on proven methods – and to help train members of our community to continue that care.”
For more information, contact Rashaad Abdur-Rahman, Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, 502-574-2029, or Jennifer Middleton, Kent School of Social Work, 502-852-3651.
The Metro Council’s Public Works, Facilities, Transportation and Accessibility Committee will hold the last of two public hearings on the proposed Itinerant Vendors, Peddlers and Solicitors Ordinance this Tuesday, November 13th at its regularly scheduled meeting beginning at 3:00pm.
“At the first hearing, we heard from those vendors who are currently regulated by Metro Louisville to give us their input on what has been proposed,” says Councilman Pat Mulvihill (D-10), who chairs the Committee. “We are ready to hear and receive input from anyone else who has an interest regarding the regulation of these types of vendors.”
The second hearing will be held in the Council Chambers, 601 West Jefferson Street, 3rd floor.
“The Committee welcomes all viewpoints on this legislation. As we have said before we are taking the time necessary to make sure we have a good ordinance. After these two hearings we will begin to move forward with a final product,” says Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4).
Mulvihill and Sexton Smith are cosponsors of the Ordinances along with Council members Brandon Coan (D-8) and Scott Reed (R-16).
Signups for those wishing to address the Public Works, Facilities, Transportation and Accessibility Committee begin one hour prior to the start of the hearing on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
Speakers are called in order of signup and have up to three minutes to make comments. Written testimony can be turned in during the meeting and occasionally, speakers are asked questions by the Committee members.
Speakers may use the Sixth Street entrance to Historic City Hall.
All meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99. All meetings of the Metro Council are streamed live. Go to the Metro Council Home page at www.Louisvilleky.gov/metrocouncil and click on the Metro Council Agendas link.
To access the new page that explains the proposed changes in the Itinerate Vendors, Peddlers and Solicitors Ordinance, go to: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/proposed-changes-itine…
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
An African American pioneer for civil rights in Louisville will be honored with an honorary sign to commemorate her life and legacy.
On Monday November 12th Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) will join the family and friends of the Alberta Odell Jones and unveil an honorary sign at the corner of Dr. W.J. Hodge Street and West Broadway for her work toward fairness and equality for all in Metro Louisville.
“Alberta Jones was a true champion of civil rights and her legacy is showcased by the many people she helped through the legal system and working to ensure they were defended and counted in our democracy,” says Sexton Smith.
She was born in Louisville to Sadie and Odell Jones and graduated from Central High School. She later attended the Louisville Municipal College for Negroes, which later merged with the University of Louisville during desegregation. After graduating third in her class, she was accepted into the University of Louisville Law School but transferred to Howard University’s School of Law after her first year and while there graduated fourth in her class.
Ms. Jones was also Cassius Clay’s first attorney, and was responsible for having him train in California under Archie Moore.
Her work in the civil rights movement led her to not only participate in the March on Washington and the marches in Louisville, but she also rented voting machines and held classes to teach African Americans how to vote for the candidates of their choice, and later established the Independent Voters Association.
Sadly her dedication to others was cut short when she was murdered in August 1965 and the case remains unsolved to this day.
“We on the Metro Council and as a city are grateful to Ms. Jones for her service and the changes she fought for,” says Sexton Smith. “She left her mark on this city and it is our hope this sign will serve as a reminder that one person can make the world a better place for all.”
Councilwoman Sexton Smith sponsored the Resolution which called for the placement of an honorary street sign on the corner of South Dr. W.J. Hodge Street and West Broadway in Louisville, Kentucky to be designated “Honorary Alberta Jones Esq. Boulevard.”
The unveiling ceremony will take place at 1:00pm at the corner of South Dr. W.J. Hodge Street and West Broadway.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
On Tuesday, November 13th a special ceremony will pay tribute to Officer Bertha Par Whedbee, who in 1922 became the first African American female to join the Louisville Police Department.
“Officer Whedbee served the citizens of Louisville with dignity and honor,” says Councilwoman Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5). “Until now, she has rested in an unmarked grave in the Louisville Cemetery and on Tuesday she will receive recognition that is long overdue.”
Councilwoman Hamilton is encouraging everyone to attend a special ceremony paying tribute to Officer Whedbee beginning at 10:00am. The ceremony will feature the Louisville Metro Police Honor Guard and the Louisville Police Pipe and Drums.
Officer Whedbee was married to Dr. Ellis Whedbee who was one of the founders of the old Red Cross Hospital. Since 1960, she and her husband have rested in an unmarked grave. Active and retired officers of the Louisville Police Community have joined other officers and citizens to erect a monument to their service.
“We owe a special thanks to all men and women who walk our streets to keep us safe. Officer Whedbee, like all the officers who have followed her, is someone to be honored for their duty and service to our community. She was a trailblazer leading the way for others,” says Hamilton.
The Louisville Cemetery is located at 1339 Poplar Level road.
For more information about the tribute to Officer Bertha Par Whedbee, contact Chuck Cooper at 502-744-1704. Cooper is a former 2nd Police Division, now retired, spearheaded the memorial tribute to the late Officer Whedbee.