The BeautyFirst Glam Squad and National City Bank have come together to honor those women who share their loved ones in service with the United States Armed Forces by hosting a “Hero’s Homecoming” contest. The winner will receive a $500 shopping spree and a full makeover by the BeautyFirst Glam Squad.

 This contest will capture the essence of a soldier’s return home – the anticipation, the preparation, of seeing someone you love who you haven’t seen in a long time. Now through November 12, the BeautyFirst Glam Squad is accepting submissions for a woman who wants to surprise their loved one returning home from duty with a new and improved look. The winner will be notified by November 19, 2008. If you know of a deserving lady or are one yourself, please send us a photo and a few details about yourself, including when your hero is coming home. Submissions can be emailed to beauty_first1@yahoo.com or call (502) 327-0881 with questions.

Abbey Road on the River is pleased to present Not So Long of a Winding Road to Abbey Road on the River, its first annual Fall benefit concert, with net proceeds benefiting St. Joe’s Children’s Home. The concert will take place on Friday, November 7th from 4:00pm-Midnight at the Executive Inn Hotel in Louisville. The event marks the halfway point to the world’s largest Beatles tribute festival (Abbey Road on the River) and will include an encore performance of The Abbey Road Album by Athens, GA’s Abbey Road Live!, with additional concerts from The Steve Sizemore Group, Peter Conrad, plus Louisville’s own Nervous Melvin and the Mistakes, Johnny Doughnut Experience, and The Vinyl Kings. Several items will be raffled off throughout the event, including unique Beatles memorabilia and an all-inclusive weekend package for two to Abbey Road on the River 2009. Tickets are $12 in advance or $20 at the door and can be purchased at www.abbeyroadontheriver.com.

 “We are introducing this ‘halfway’ concert to give our fans another chance to come together and experience the excitement of Abbey Road on the River,” says event producer Gary Jacob. “We also wanted to use the concert as a platform to raise money for a charity during the gift-giving season, and St. Joe’s was selected because of its mission and reputation within the community.”

 “Without the thoughtfulness and generous support of sponsors such as Abbey Road on the River, we would be unable to provide services to the neediest children in Kentucky,” says Barry Walker, Executive Director of St. Joe’s.

 The Courier-Journal’s Abbey Road on the River 2009, featuring over 60 of the world’s most accomplished Beatles and 60’s era bands, will be held in Louisville for its fifth consecutive year, May 21 – 25, 2009, at the Belvedere Festival Park and Galt House Hotel & Suites. The festival is the largest event of its kind in the world, and last year it attracted the largest crowd to date with over 25,000 attendees.

The Louisville Orchestra will present Video Games Live™ , a Brown-Forman WOW! event at Kentucky Center’s Whitney Hall on Friday, July 18 at 8pm with a pre-show festival starting at 5pm. Tickets range from $28 – $75 and can be purchased by calling 502.584.7777 or logging on to www.louisvilleorchestra.org.  

Whether it’s the power and passion of the recent blockbusters or the excitement of remembering the sentimental classics you played growing up, Video Games Live™ will be a night to remember.  For one night only hear the music of America’s most ground-breaking video games from classics like and Pong and Frogger to hot new games like Halo 3 and yet to be released StarCraft II (coming in 2009)! The music comes to life with video game footage on three giant screens, handheld cameras shooting the orchestra and character close-ups all while selected audience members actually play games live onstage.  This ultimate gamer’s concert has sold out in 34 other cities!  Seats are going fast so order your tickets today for the best seats to this phenomenon hailed as “a night that couldn’t have been imagined five years ago” by the L.A. Daily News! 

Pre-Show Festival

Arrive early (5pm) to pay homage to your favorite gaming heroes in a costume contest, video game contests, demonstrations and more!  After the concert stick around to get up close with the creators of Video Games Live who will be answering questions, signing autographs and more! Unlike other concerts, the entire pre and post show festival is completely FREE OF CHARGE and open to ANY ticket holder.  

Ghosts and writing and teaching…oh my!

Ghosts and writing and teaching…oh my!

Welcome to the world of David Domine, one of Louisville’s best kept secr…actually, there’s nothing secret about this guy!

An accomplished author, a Bellarmine instructor and a local entreprenuer, David is on a one man mission to keep Louisville’s “haunted past” on the historic map.

Originally from Wisconsin, David moved to the ‘Ville in 1993 to continue his education as a courtroom interpreter. However, he absolutely fell in love with our town, and the rest is history.

“I have no plans of moving anywhere soon,” he told me during our interview.

David became intrigued with the past of Louisville…the haunted past, that is! He started to study about the different characters and historic figures that graced Derby City, and 5 years ago began giving Ghost Tours thru Old Louisville which take you through the beautiful, romantic…and eerie…spots of an era gone-by.  He also conducts tours through the other historic sections of town, as well.

“We do tours all over Louisville, but the highlight is definitely Old Louisville,” he informs me.

His company also hosts several major events that will throw participants into the rolls of the characters in his books, including “The Spirit Ball” and “The Holiday Home Tour.” 

The Spirit Ball takes place in the Conrad-Caldwell House, Louisville’s most famous Victorian mansion, and the price of the ticket includes dinner, dancing, costume contests and an all around amazing evening. The Holiday House Tour will give you an up close look at the beautiful architecture and lifestyles of 1800’s L’Ville. Nothing will give you the true taste of Louisville’s amazing history as attending these two events.

He has written three books on the subject, with a total of five planned. “Ghosts of Old Louisville” and “Phantoms of Old Louisville” can be found on bookshelves and Amazon.com, and “Specters of Old Louisville” will be out by Halloween.

David’s amazing talents don’t stop with ghosts…he is also an accomplished cook, and has written “Adventures in New Kentucky Cooking“, a cookbook which gives a great twist on local flavors. It’s written under his moniker “The Bluegrass Peasant.”  His next cookbook, “Bourbon Cookbook,” should hit the shelves by the end of the year.

You can also catch his blog posts on “The ‘Ville Voice.”

As if writing and running a successful Tour business doesn’t keep him busy enough, David has also been teaching foreign languages at Bellarmine for the past 9 years.

In a time when folks are busy trying to further themselves, it’s refreshing to find someone that can be successful…and promote their local community…at the same time.  Sometimes the phrase is worn and overused, but David Domine is truly a “Rennaisance Man.”

To find out more about the Spirit Ball, October 25, go to www.thespiritball.com.  For info on the Holiday House Tour, December 6 & 7, go to www.holidayhousetour.com.  The 5th annual Victorian Ghost Tour is Oct. 24, 25 & 26.

The Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind, located at 1839 Frankfort Avenue, will host a free one-of-a-kind craft workshop entitled “Make a Picture for Your Fingertips” for children ages 6 to 10 on Saturday, July 19, from 10:30 a.m. until noon. Children will learn the basics about why and how pictures are made to be read by touch, use special paper and materials to create an instant touch picture that they can take home, and explore the museum’s collection of maps, globes, books, and other educational aids developed for blind and visually impaired persons. This event is free to the public, but space is limited so registration by July 17 is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call (502) 899-2364, or e-mail arich@aph.org, to register. Visit www.aph.org/musuem for more information.

Discover Louisville’s most extraordinary shopping, dining and entertainment venues along the historic Frankfort Avenue corridor, during the festive all-American F.A.T. Friday “Freedom Hop” on Friday, June 27, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
 
Celebrating the 4th of July holiday a week early, more than 30 participating businesses along the Frankfort, Mellwood and Story Avenue corridor will be embellished with balloons, garland and miniature American flags. As trolley hoppers stroll along the corridor they can also enjoy all-American favorites such as ice cream and popcorn from various street vendors.

 
Many of the participating shops, restaurants and galleries will feature special sales, menus, family fun events, entertainment and exhibits during this year’s Freedom Hop. For example:

• Businesses at the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center, located at 1860 Mellwood Avenue, are offering special prices during a sidewalk sale. Gallery Janjobe, located in the Mellwood Center, will host tai chi and yoga demonstrations from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• The Wine Rack, located at 2716 Frankfort Avenue, will sample out American wines from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Live Bluegrass music will be playing from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and cheese samplings from local producers, including Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese & Luna Mercato, will be served from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Pottery Rowe, located at 2048 Frankfort Avenue, will feature Louisville potter Melvin D. Rowe demonstrating Raku Firing, a 16th century Japanese firing technique, at his shop and studio. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., Rowe will be firing two raku kilns at one time, so the activity will be constant.
• Margaret’s Consignment, located at 2700 Frankfort Avenue, is giving a free gift to the first 50 customers starting at 5:00 p.m. and will also offer a 10% discount on cash purchases after 5:00 p.m., live entertainment by Michael Roy and refreshments.
• Rayluma Gallery, located at 2214 Frankfort Avenue, will feature “Capturing Light,” an exhibit that covers a wide spectrum of modern photographic images from nationally renowned and local photographers. 
• Kaviar Forge & Gallery, located at 1718 Frankfort Avenue, will offer wine, cheese, and hors d’oeuvres during the final days of “Free Spirit,” an exhibition of paintings by artist Crystal Carol.

First Capital Bank of Kentucky, located at 2862 Frankfort Avenue, will host a preview showing of the Crescent Hill Old Fashioned 4th of July celebration by hosting many of the exhibiting artists who will be selling their works inside the bank and on the sidewalk.
 
The F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hop, on the last Friday of each month, provides FREE parking and transportation to participating shops, restaurants and galleries along the Frankfort, Mellwood and Story Avenue corridor. Trolley hoppers can enjoy a unique shopping experience by visiting the wide variety of independently owned boutiques and shops offering many items visitors won’t likely find elsewhere – from vintage and consignment clothing to outdoor gear, imported crafts, fine art, antiques, home furnishings and accents, wine, books, coffee, and so much more.
                          
Trolley hoppers are also invited to indulge their palate at one of Frankfort Avenue’s locally owned bistros, pubs or cafés. Visitors can choose from Filipino, Irish, Japanese or Mediterranean cuisine, as well as authentic Italian and classic Southern comfort food, in a wide range of atmospheres, including al fresco, to suit any taste.
 
F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hops are sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, Maker’s Mark, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards and the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center, along with 30 local sponsoring businesses on Frankfort, Mellwood and Story Avenues. Transportation is provided by TARC. For more information about specific F.A.T. Friday “Freedom Hop” events, the trolley schedule, and the participating businesses, please visit www.fatfridayhop.org.

Hard work plus dedication equals success.

That is the formula Susan Priest lives by. And, it works.

Susan is an Account Executive with Time Warner Telecom, which is a fiber-based provider of data and voice services to businesses.

“If you work hard and believe in yourself, you will succeed,” she tells us.

Susan was born in Michigan, but her family moved to Louisville when she was young and has been here ever since. She has always been in sales, and entered the telecom business in 1999. For the past four years, Susan has been with Time Warner, and sees a great future with them.

Time Warner Telecom works with businesses in 75 markets spanning 30 states. They deliver dedicated services (including voice services, internet and data) to all types of businesses, including government entities and carriers.

“My secret? I’m open and honest with customers. If I can find a better solution for them, a better fit, I will.”

And that attitude is the basis of her success. She has helped a large portfolio of customers which includes local universities, law firms, and other mid-to-large sized businesses.

If your company is in need of data or voice services, you couldn’t talk to anyone who is more passionate about their business than Susan.

She can be reached at (502) 719-2275, or susan.priest@twtelecom.com.

Visit Time Warner Telecom at www.twtelecom.com

Claude and Chas Stephens, the founders of Generation 14, are 7th generation Louisvillians, and the current heirs to land held by their family since 1790. They can clearly see how past decisions affect the present, a concept which served as the inspiration to form Generation 14, an environmental consulting company with a mission to help businesses make strategic decisions that will support a healthy and prosperous community.

By providing a comprehensive set of consulting, education and marketing services, Generation 14 guides each client to identify, develop, implement, monitor and profit from its unique sustainability opportunity. Carbon reduction management, conference and event greening, LEED™ consulting, identification of tax incentives and employee training seminars are just a sample of the specific services Generation 14 provides for businesses who want to create and implement sustainable strategies that are based in sound science and business principles.
 
The Generation 14 Team

Claude Stephens has 24 years of experience in education, ecological research, and environmentally sustainable project management. Claude spent 10 years as the Education Director at the Tallahassee Museum of History and Natural Science before assuming the Director of Education position at Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in 1999. He has been published in several scientific journals and in Orion Magazine, and he is a seasoned presenter on environmental issues and sustainable business practices, having spoken to groups such as the American Association of Museums and American Institute of Architects. He served on the start-up board for the U.S. Green Building Council, Kentucky Chapter for two years and has assisted in the design process of private homes, public buildings and sustainability plans for non-profit organizations.
Chas Stephens has over 20 years of successful operations, management and ownership experience in consumable product distribution. His expertise in distribution efficiencies and knowledge of manufacturing processes lend an invaluable insight into sustainable business practices. Chas clearly understands that in order for a business to be sustainable it must also be profitable, and his unique ability to conceptualize the long range consequences of business behavior makes him an invaluable member of any team dealing with sustainability issues. Working to promote environmental sustainability and stewardship of our natural resources with his brother Claude is a career dream come true.

For more information about Generation 14, visit www.generation14.com.

When Christiane (Chris) Benson was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, she thought her story might be coming to an end.

But one year later, her story seems to be only beginning.

While in the hospital, and during her treatments for the cancer, she would receive gifts from well-meaning friends and family members. The gifts were nice thoughts, she tells us, but for a cancer patient some of them were not useful.

“I would get gifts I couldn’t use. I received seven throws, and I only needed a couple. I would get flowers and scented candles, but the smell would make me nauseous because of the treatment I was receiving.”

As her treatments began to work, and she went into remission, Christiane decided to use her knowledge of this horrible disease and make the lives of cancer patients a bit better.

That is when the idea for Better Days Designs was born. It is a company that creates gift bags (called Blessing Bags) full of items that those patients can actually use, such as soaps and other grooming items, and reading material that will inspire as well as educate. You’ll even find thoughtful items such as dental floss, because chemo-patients can’t use toothpicks.

And each item is personally labeled so that the patient knows why they need it and how to use it.

Every little detail is thought of…even the container the gifts come in. There are different types of bags for people going through different treatments. For instance, if a person has breast cancer, they can’t carry a bag with a strap over their shoulder, so she has a gift bag on wheels!

Christiane is preparing to retire after 30 years from Yum Brands, but sees this as her journey from now on.

“I learned a lot about what cancer patients need because I went through it.”

She is planning to have the business in full operation by September of this year, but has already prepared about 50 Blessing Bags for patients…all of whom are extremely grateful.

And the best part…a portion of all proceeds goes to help cancer research.

If you would like to contact Christiane about her Blessing Bags, please email her at cbenson@insightbb.com, or phone at (502) 552-1373

photos by Natalie Nolan

Chuck Wilson may have been born an Air Force brat in Okinawa, but a his family moved to Kentucky a year and a half later and he’s been a Louisville resident ever since.

Today, Chuck is the District Sales Coordinator for Aflac, the company best known for it’s duck that yells “Aaaffflaaac!” whenever someone on the commercial inquires about affordable disability insurance.

He spends his days recruiting, organizing and training agents for the insurance company.  Chuck says he loves the job because they’re able to take a real consultive approach to the insurance business, instead of forcing plans on people. And the agents love it, too, because it’s a bit different than your average 9 to 5 grind.

“It’s your own business, but you’re supported by a Fortune 200 company,” Chuck let’s us know.

He’s been with Aflac for 5 years, and has been the sales coordinator for 3. His agents deal mainly with business accounts, so Chuck spends a lot of time in local businesses shaking hands and answering questions.

Recruiting is a heavy part of his job. “I’m always looking for people with great customer-service exerience,” he says.

Chuck said the perfect candidates aren’t necessarily salespeople. Waiters/waitresses, retail salespeople, greeters…anyone with a good history of customer service is a great candidate for Chuck.

If you’re looking for a change in jobs, and want to have some control in your future, then you may just want to contact Chuck Wilson at Aflac.

He can be contacted at chuck_wilson@us.aflac.com