St. James Court Art Show Gala

The first annual St. James Court Art Show Gala presented by Park Community Credit Union was held on Saturday, September 27. The event took place at St. James Court from 7:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. Over $10,000 was raised from this blacktie event for Kosair Charities. 

For 85 years, Kosair Charities has been helping kids and their families. Kosair does everything possible to bring the best health care to sick and injured children. They support over 90 agencies and are the largest private supporter of Kosair Children’s Hospital. 

This years St. James Court Art Show poster was officially unveiled at the Gala. The 2008 poster was designed by Jeff Gaither. Jeff is a self-taught ‘old school’ mixed media artist from Louisville who has designed art for LEO, Velocity, Louisville Music News and Wired. He has also created many designs for bands such as Guns-N-Roses, Van Halen and the Misfits. Jeff was awarded $1,000 for his design at the Gala.

The St James Court Gala Committee awarded Louisville artist, Ed Hamilton the first annual Gala
Award in recognition of a Louisville artist that has contributed to furthering the arts in our community.

A 1965 graduate of Shawnee High School and a member of the class of 1969 of The Louisville School of Art, Ed and his wife, Bernadette, have spent their entire lives in our (and their) hometown. As Ed worked toward his accreditation as an educator, he served as an apprentice to renowned Louisville sculptor, Barney Bright.

Ed Hamilton is an artist who not only creates through his beautiful sculptures, but also leads others to a deeper appreciation of the medium through his workshops and lectures.

Ed has served our community in various ways over the years, giving leadership to a variety of panels and commissions.

His most lasting impact, however, will always be his art. His unique ability to capture the human experience through the expressiveness of his subjects, is reflected through many of his works, most notably his statue honoring York, the slave of William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, unveiled here in Louisville in 2003.

Among Ed’s other nationally recognized works are the “Spirit of Freedom” in Washington, D.C. and the Amistad Memorial in New Haven, Connecticut.

When it came time to select an artist to create the new Abraham Lincoln Memorial to be unveiled in Waterfront Park next year in honor of the bicentennial anniversary of our 16th president’s birth, there was no one deemed more qualified than Ed Hamilton. Both President Lincoln and Ed Hamilton are two of our commonwealth’s greatest gifts to the nation!

The St. James Court Association also presented a special award to Connie Light who has given unselfishly in promoting and enriching the St. James Court Art Show and the quality of life for residents of St. James Court and Old Louisville.

Connie Light has been a resident of Belgravia Court since the early 1960’s. In those days, the art show was not nearly as profitable as it is today. Residents were even paying dues to keep things going, as well as mowing and planting the grounds. The idea of open houses was conceived as a source of revenue.

In 1978, Connie took over the Belgravia portion of the art show and changes soon followed. Connie was strongly of the conviction that the art show could be better and more prestigious, not just to better the neighborhood, but the community as a whole. She decided that Belgravia Court needed to give the artists more space, so she reduced the number of available spaces from 120 to 100. In the 1980’s, Belgravia began the whole process of presenting awards, thus began the process of a juried art show.

Another significant contribution Connie started was the Artists’ Breakfast. Over the years, she has worked closely with the residents to help them better appreciate the artists who are stationed in front of their residences and how they can offer hospitality to them.

The Art Show Consortium was established under Connie. Sponsors are another concept she embraced.

Connie has been instrumental in expanding the art show into the community. She works tirelessly every year to improve and support the show. She is always on the lookout for new artists, scouting out many other shows and encouraging new artists to participate in ours.

Elegant cuisine was served from 610 Magnolia and a live jazz band headed by local jazz musician Michael Ferracio played for guests.

Garden Buddies! Need some help in the garden? We’ll do the work for you! Weeding, planting, mulching, deadheading, light pruning, etc. Call Joan or Linda  634-3813 • 635-1251

Editorial Policy: Letters and articles submitted to The Old Louisville Journal may be edited with regard to space and/or content. Letters to the Editor must be signed with a verifiable signature and address

Why Central Park Matters
Part II
By Dick Callaway

Editor’s Note: Dick Callaway is a former Chair of the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council and current chair of the Friends of Central Park. This is the second article in a series on why it is vital to restore, preserve, and maintain the Park through implementation of the Central Park Master Plan.

Last month we looked at the contribution trees make to keeping the Park a vital force in our lives. To picture Central Park without trees is to picture a place we most likely would not recognize. I had said I intended to begin at the beginning, but the September 14th storm had changed my mind. Actually, without realizing it, I had begun at the beginning. Of all the Park’s contributing elements, only the ground itself is more fundamental than the trees.

Before I stray too far, however, I need to remind myself that we are talking about an urban park, not a nature preserve. The two may overlap, but they are not the same. An urban park is first and foremost a center of activity, a people place. And by that, I mean all sorts of people, not only the young, the swift, and the hale, but the old, the halt, the still, and the very young. A potpourri of elements-natural and man made combine to fit a variety of users. The natural elements are the reigning ones, but a host of man-made ones are subject to their rule. Among these are several that make Central Park unique: the buildings, the pergola, the rotunda, and the amphitheater fit in so well, they are taken almost for granted.

It’s of particular interest that the amphitheater is the only non-original and non-Olmstedian element among these, yet its absence also would confer an odd unfamiliarity on the Park. More to the point, perhaps, what it has given us over the years would confer an unthinkable unfamiliarity.

All of this brings me, the long way around to a serendipity I alluded to last month - one which fell into my lap when I opened the Courier-Journal on Sunday, September 14th, several hours before the Storm. On my way to ferreting out the always securely hidden Forum section, my eye fell on the phrases “worthy cause” and “Free Shakespeare”. Andrew Adler’s column on the front page of the Arts & Travel section was traversing familiar ground.

Adler commented that recent thoughts about the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival had reminded him “how vital KSF is to our cultural landscape”. I believe that for those of us who love the Park, the last word of that quote can easily assume both a figurative and literal meaning. Adler pointed out that not only is Shakespeare in Central Park free; it is “a genuine community institution” that “connects (emphasis added) to its surrounding community”. Think for a moment how much bleaker indeed the Park’s landscape and the community’s would be without Shakespeare in the park.

It’s no secret that KSF has struggled in recent years to “Keep Will Free” just as the neighborhood and Metro Parks have struggled to keep the Park viable. If the struggle is to be rewarded Will must be free; the Park must be whole.

It struck me that while we beyond doubt have a vital stake in Shakespeare in the Park, its future also was deemed a relevant topic for several hundred thousand more readers.

In fact Adler quotes Curt Tofteland, KSF’s longtime producing director as saying Shakespeare’s demographic is among the community’s most encompassing, a judgement with which Adler concurs.

We need to realize, if we don’t already, that Shakespeare draws more people and more attention to the park than any other feature or event, and that hosting it is a privilege, not a right. Because it is our privilege, the Master Plan’s most expensive recommendation (one million dollars+) is a new state-of-the-art amphitheater, designed in the Olmsted tradition.

This would be an all but unique feature - one which doubtless would draw national attention. KSF’s future health is closely tied to this undertaking and the Park’s future is closely tied to KSF. One without the other is simply unimaginable.

So, why does Central Park matter? To review:
      1. Forested city parks provide a unique and irreplaceable urban refuge. New trees and better tree management are needed to keep this viable. This is both an aesthetic and a recreational consideration.
      2. Central Park is home to Kentucky Shakespeare Festival. KSF is also a unique resource - one that has drawn national attention, but still has not realized its full potential. A new amphitheater can serve KSF and a wide variety of other events as well. This is a cultural, recreational, and educational consideration.

Next month, we’ll look at history and historical considerations, as well as specific ways you can be involved with the Park and its future.

Yard Service Mowing, Trimming, Blowing, Raking, Tilling, and Small Tree Service. Call Joe at 635-1251 or 377-6600

 

Sixth Annual Mayor’s Neighborhood Summit
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Kentucky International Convention Center,
221 S. Fourth Street, Cascade Ballroom

The Mayor’s Neighborhood Summit is a full day neighborhood leadership training conference with workshops led by neighborhood leaders for peer-to-peer learning. Highlights include workshops on variety of topics such as: tips for going green, best practices for suburban cities, crime prevention, vacant properties – turning a neighborhood liability into an asset, community building, planning, transportation and more.

7:30 am. to 8:30 a.m. - Registration
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m - Breakfast
9:15 a.m. Begin Summit
12:20 p.m. to 1:30 p.. - Lunch & Key Note Speaker

All invited

The 2008 Mayor’s Good Neighbor Award recipients also will be honored, plus an information fair and networking opportunities are available. Register online: www.louisvilleky.gov/neighborhoods  or contact Department of Neighborhoods at 574-2315, email: neighborhoods@louisvilleky.gov.

 

Good Neighbor Award

Immediately after the Mayor’s Neighborhood Summit the Good Neighbors Award Program will be held in the Cascade Ballroom of the Convention Center on Saturday, November 15, 2008 as follows:

1:30 p.m. - Dessert Buffet

2:00 p.m to 3:00 p.m. - Good Neighbor Awards Program

Residents of District 6 have honored Herb Fink as a recipient of the 2008 Mayor’s Good Neighbor Award as an outstanding neighbor in our community.

The Good Neighbor Award program was to be held on National Neighborhood Day in September. However, with the onslaught of Hurricane Ike the Awards program was rescheduled to Saturday, November 15, 2008 beginning at 1:30 p.m. All invited.

 

Another Good Neighbor!

BC PLUMBING NAMED #ONE PLUMBER BY LEO READERS
AND CELEBRATES 35 YEARS IN BUSINESS

BC PLUMBING COMPANY, located at the corner of 7th & Oak, was voted by Leo readers the number one plumber in Louisville. Coincidentally the company is celebrating its 35th year in business.

Owner Bruce Cohen took many part time jobs, including becoming a plumber’s apprentice while a student at the UofL . Even though Bruce is originally from Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, Louisville won his heart with its warm, friendly people, real neighborhoods with charm, character and spectacular architecture, great sports and cultural activities.

When Bruce graduated from college in the early ‘70’s the U.S. was in a recession. As a math major finding a job presented difficulties. Plus a strong independent and creative streak made Bruce a ripe candidate for entrepreneurship. He specifically liked the finite aspect of plumbing, projects with a beginning and an ending.

In 1973 he opened BC PLUMBING COMPANY. The years have flown by but BC Plumbing has thrived, in spite of many challenges. Today BC PLUMBING COMPANY IS A FIXTURE IN THE LOUISVILLE COMMUNITY. And Old Louisville is far the richer for having Bruce Cohen and BC Plumbing. Both have been great contributors, in time and in money, to the many ongoing festivals, fund raisers, home tours—you name it, you can count on both. Old Louisville says, “Congratulations and may the next 35-years be prosperous ones for BC Plumbing!”

Old Louisville Traffic &Transportation Issues
By Herb Fink

Recent Property Improvement Committee (PIC) meetings have related to two-way streets, through truck traffic, and Park Hill Corridor Planning as relates to transportation concerns for the Old Louisville neighborhood.  In summary, the present status of the transportation concerns are as follows:

* Signage (Interstate Shields) directing truck traffic destined for I-64, I-65, and I-71 to proceed north on 9th St. have been installed along Oak Street. The request to place additional such directional signs along Kentucky St., Magnolia Ave. and Hill St. is being pursued by the Metro Works Department.

* Banning thru-trucks from Magnolia Ave. is presently being studied by the Metro Works Department.

* Hauling of hazardous materials over Old Louisville neighborhood streets is being reviewed related to identifying such hauling, review of Federal and State guidelines which apply and enforcement issues.

* Signage issues related to the Cardinal Blvd. truck route have been reviewed and resolved.

* Turning radii issues at 7th & St. Catherine and 7th & Oak St. are to be adjusted.

* Traffic signal timing in regard to Brook St., Oak St., and St. Catherine St. have been completed to tame speeds to 23-24 miles/hour.

* Sidewalk/ramps at corners in Central Park to be corrected by November 15, 2008.

* 7th & Magnolia ramp/sidewalk work has been completed, graffiti and maintenance issues resolved, and under pass lighting corrected. Public Works is pursuing help to maintain the embankment plant bed and plantings.

* MapQuest, Google, truck routes and other on-line web mapping services have been contacted by Public Works staff to recognize 9th and the Oak St. interchange and update their maps and software accordingly.

* Public Works has requested traffic studies be conducted in regard to two-way streets. Councilman Unseld has agreed to underwrite such traffic studies. At this writing, Public Works is about to contract with engineering consultants to undergo traffic studies. It appears that the traffic study would be completed prior to Derby Day 2009 and that implementation (if approved) would occur after Derby Day 2009 according to Public Works staff.

* PIC members have been in contact and held meetings with Councilman Unseld’s office, the Louisville Metro Economic Development staff and attended meetings with the Park Hill Advisory Committee as related to the planning of traffic and transportation issues which would relate to the Old Louisville neighborhood.

Central Park Clean-Up after Hurricane Ike
By Herb Fink

As you will remember, Hurricane Ike visited Louisville on Sunday, September 14, 2008.

The week after the hurricane city forces were busy clearing debris from streets and properties and the utility companies were busy restoring services.

On Monday after, September 22, (first day of Autumn) Metro Parks forestry crews arrived in Central Park to deal with the downed trees and destruction.

Mesude Duyar, Metro Parks manager for Forestry and Landscape directed three crews to tackle the  problems.

One crew, with a lift bucket, dealt with removing dangerous tree limbs still hanging in the existing trees. A second crew, with a crane, started removing the massive trees which were down and on the ground. The third crew, with chipper, started cutting up limbs and running the limbs through the chipping machine.

By Thursday afternoon, Metro Parks forestry crews had the major work well completed. However, Central Park was still littered with hundreds of smaller limbs, dead wood, walnuts, debris and miscellaneous other items which had been blown into the park.

In that the St. James Court Art Show was to start set-up on Monday, September 29, the need to call for an emergency clean-up became obvious. Councilman George Unseld endorsed a clean-up to occur on Saturday, September 27. Although there was only a matter of days until the beginning of the Art Show, Old Louisville neighbors, friends and Metro Parks staff turned out to make Central Park presentable.

The volunteer workers dragged and carried the downed tree limbs from all over the park to a central chipper which blew the chips into the Shakespeare sitting area for distribution.

Other volunteers raked leaves , sticks, walnuts, and debris for bagging. By noon the park was very much improved. Councilman Unseld provide a delicious barbeque lunch with all the trimmings catered by Mastersons Restaurant for all the workers. A f t e r lunch, some hearty volunteers and Metro Parks staff continued to work in the park.

Approximately 65 folks worked in the park including the following: Cory Cooksey, Mike Slaton, Christina Graney, John H. Graney, Joe Graney, Justin Elliot, Ron Harris, Khotso Libe, DeAndre Burnett, Andre Graham, Sheelah Anderson, William Fostor, John Taylor, Wanda Trotter, Zane Lockhart, john paul, Tanya Price, Alyssa Samuels, Ontavia Nelson, Tryton Nelson, E r i c k a S a m u e l s , B r i a n Andrews, D e b o r ah  C u n i g a n , Lee Jones,  P e d r o G a r c i a , Hugh Williams, Dick Irby, John Vick, Bill K e s s l e r , T h o m a s  R u c k e r , Herb Fink, Daryl Cleary, Andrew Crocker, Councilman George Unseld, John Huguley, Donnie Berry, Jodi Bessinger, Lenlee Cot, Kelly Nottos, John H. Roach, John Sistarenik, Amy Gasson, Oscar Gasson, Maleva Chamberlain, Bob Ehrler, Chris Graney, Joe Graney, Shawn Smyser, John Swan, Deslase Smyser, Andy Perry, Angela Elliot, Martha Schroeder, Mary Schroeder, Kristin Furnish, JoAnn Lockhart, Claudette Rego, Candace Milligan, Bob Bajandas, Andy Dickerson, Marc Riggs, Rose Grenough Nett, Brian Haag.

We in Old Louisville say “Thank You” to the Metro Parks staff for all their efforts and work to bring Central park back to usability. There was a real dead-line (art show) and the Metro Parks forestry staff completed the heavy work well ahead of schedule. We also “Thank All” the neighborhood v o l u n t e e r s , friends, Councilman Unseld and Metro Parks staff.

(L-R) Andew Crocker, Metro Parks, Mary Schroeder, Lee Jones, Martha Schroeder.

Dick Irby gathering limbs.

Ron Harris dragging a tree limb.

Madonna Wilson cleaning- up.

 

Come Celebrate With Us At Our New Location!!!

Commonwealth Computer Recycling, LLC

Computer Recycling Event

Saturday, November 8

From 9 - 3

1361 S. 15th Street

• Join the community-wide eWaste Recycling Event

• Businesses and households are invited to bring old and obsolete computer equipment for recycling

• Recycling fee only $2 per carload for this event only!!

***Businesses, this is a great deal for one day only***

FREE HOT DOGS TO ANYONE RECYCLING AN ELECTRONIC ITEM Items recycled include:

Computers, monitors, printers, copiers, scanners, fax machines, keyboards and mice, cables, UPS, rechargeable batteries, telephones, cell phones, PDA’s, chargers, and much more

No limits to how much you can recycle. As always, your information is safe with Commonwealth Computer Recycling

Check us out at www.recyclelouisville.com

Call (502) 415-2740 or 742-7719 for questions

PLEASE, NO TELEVISIONS!

Arrangements can be made at another time for TV’s

 

BJB Restoration & Remediation Masonry Historic Painting Mold remediation Tuck pointing Cornice repair Detecting, cleaning Waterproofing & caulking wood repair Removal & Stucco Plaster treatment Dennis Bolton 502-582-2833 office 502-648-7682 cell bjbbolton@aol.com 785 S. Shelby St. Louisville, Kentucky 40203

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Central Park Plantings

A splash of color arrived in Central Park with plantings of 50 yellow and white Chrysanthemums and 20 trays (220 plants) of pansies of mixed colors. Beds of the plantings are at the entrance to LMPD-4th Division offices, the park entrance at 6th and Park Ave., the park entrance at 4th & Park. Ave. and in park urns. The plantings were provided through the Flower Shower program of Louisville Metro BrightSide and installed by Friends of Central Park.

 

 

2008 Landmarks Rehab-ARama

Metro Louisville Individual Landmarks and Preservation Districts Commission with sponsorship support from Kleier and Associates Architects and Sherwin-Williams Co. presents: Bob Yapp, “The House Doctor” Featured on National Public Radio and TV When: Saturday, November 8, 2008

What: 10 am – 4pm
Where: The Clifton Center 2117 Payne Street

This event is free and open to the public. No advance registration is required. Bob will be presenting three programs to help homeowners rehab their historic houses. Come for one or all of the programs.

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Paint It Right

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Old Windows aren’t a Pane-

They’re a Goldmine

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

How to Hire & Work with a Contractor

A FREE Preservation Trade Show will be held from 10 am - 4 pm to put you in touch with local contractors, crafts people, preservation professionals and architects that are skilled in repair and rehabilitation of historic buildings. It’s a great opportunity to get your questions answered one-on-one and gather information and resources about your preservation project, using the right materials, or finding trained professionals. Contact Cynthia Johnson of the Landmarks Commission at (502) 574-2868 or cynthia.johnson@louisvilleky.gov for more information. The Landmarks Commission does not imply endorsement or recommendation for any of the exhibitors.

HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR 2008

It is that time of year . . . a nip in the air . . . the smell of delicious food  . . . and THE OLD LOUISVILLE HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR!!!!!.

The Old Louisville Holiday House Tour Committees’ working all year to plan and put together a fabulous tour comes to fruition the first weekend in December each year. This year the committee has been meeting, working, designing and planning a wonderful, wonderful Tour. Don Driskell Catalyst Realty once again is the Platinum Sponsor. THANK YOU, DON!!!!!!!!! This is the fifth year Don has so graciously Platinum Sponsored the Event.

There is time for you to become a  $100.00 Sponsor for the Tour . . . call 635-5244, if interested.

In case you would like to know…the OLHHT is the sole fundraiser for the Old Louisville Information Center. All the materials, programs, and information provided at the Center must be paid for . . . this Tour provides the funds. Also, the OLIC is open for meetings and many other events for the betterment of Old Louisville . . . this Tour provides the funds. Also, the OLIC Board has programs and is open for new ideas . . . this Tour provides the funds. And that is not all the OLIC does . . . come find out for yourself . . . get involved.

So, during the weekend of  December 6 and 7, 2008, hope to see you touring the magnificent homes and the Carrigan House, which make up this years Tour. Speaking of homes . . .THANK YOU to the home  owners . . . without the gracious opening of your homes, there would be no Tour. Thank you for your commitment to Old Louisville…for your belief in the Neighborhood . . . for being the wonderful people you are…we again say THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Old Louisville Holiday House Tour Tickets on sell NOW on line at olnc@bellsouth.net  or by calling the INFO Center 635- 244. The cost of the ticket is $20 in advance or $25 day of the Tour. OR . . . you may choose to VOLUNTEER to help during the Tour . . . one 3 hour stint gets you a free ticket to the TOUR . . . call 635-5244 for more info. Diane Kleier and Joan Stewart are co-chairs of the Old Louisville Holiday House Tour.

 

Reincarnation
By Herb Fink

The October 2008 issue of the Old Louisville Journal included a photo of Eugene Thomas, 1028 S. 6th St., cleaning-up adjacent to their home. The photo include a 1 foot diameter Locust Avenue tree.

The photo was taken prior to Hurricane Ike.

Ike took the tree, but left an 8 foot high stump.

Eugene and his wife Caroline are both artists. So rather than have the workers remove the stump, Eugene proceeded to create public community art which he has entitled “Reincarnation”.

First Eugene reduced the stump height to approximately 6 feet (human scale). Then he removed the bark and began his sculpture with his chain saw. Then he used wood chisels and rasps to introduce details. Depressions were filled with wood filler and he is has now completed three coats of the 10 anticipated coats of sealer.

The sculpture can be viewed from all vantage points (having no front or back). It is of human scale and symbolically depicts transition from destruction to forward movement of progress and organization.

The sculpture has created enormous curiosity from neighbors, pedestrians and those driving on the streets. Some drivers use 6th St. so as to view the progress of the sculpture. Those who view the sculpture have their own interpretation of the sculpture.

Eugene invites all to come visit his tree-stumps sculpture at the southwest corner of 6th and Zane Streets.

Submit Journal contributions to the Editor:
Old Louisville Information Center
1340 S. Fourth St., Louisville, KY 40208.
Phone: (502) 635-5244
E-mail: olnc@bellsouth.net
Advertising rates available upon request.
Please submit “Letters to the Editor” to the above address.
The 15th of each month is deadline for submission of all ads and articles.

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