Community Calendar - December

 

PEARL CLEAGE

Cressman Center for the Visual Arts, 100 E. Main St., Noon, $10. Playwright and novelist Pearl Cleage will speak at two events sponsored by the University of Louisville College of Arts and Sciences. Her first novel, “What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day,” was featured by Oprah’s Book Club as well as the New York Times best-seller list. On Thursday, Cleage will speak during a luncheon series on diversity and social justice issues at U of L’s Cressman Center for Visual Arts. Reservations are required for the $10 lunch event. On Friday, Cleage will give a free presentation about her work and sign books beginning at 2 p.m. at The Playhouse, 1911 S. Third St.  For more information, contact Marian Vasser at (502) 852-2252 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . (Downtown)

 

IRISH CHRISTMAS

Molly Malone’s, 931 Baxter Ave., 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Free. The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and Molly Malone’s Irish Pub will host the 6th Annual Irish Christmas Celebration. The event features live Irish music, special menu items, Irish Christmas shopping and a visit from Santa Claus himself. The event is free, with a small donation requested. A percentage of all sales at Molly Malone’s that night will benefit Father Maloney’s Boys’ and Girls’ Haven. For more information, visit www.louisvilleirish.com. (Highlands)

 

WINTERFEST

DePaul School, 1925 Duker Ave., 6:30 p.m., Free. WINTERFEST is an annual holiday event sponsored by the Deer Park Neighborhood Association. It features refreshments, craft-making, entertainment and Santa! Enter the DePaul School near the Fernwood end of Duker Avenue at the large glass doors where the snowman stands. Dry/canned foods or an unwrapped child’s gift for the school’s donation to needy families are appreciated. For more information, contact Estelle Benner at (502) 459-9689. (Highlands)

 

WOMEN WHO WRITE

Highlands/Shelby Park Library, 1250 Bardstown Rd., 6:30 p.m., Free. All women who write or aspire to write are invited to the monthly meetings of Women Who Write. These meetings offer women writers the opportunity to meet, read and critique, share ideas, and create new work. For more information, (502) 574-1672. (Highlands)

 

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Schmidlin Studio & Gallery, 104 Cannons Lane, 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Free. Schmidlin Studio & Gallery will host a Holiday Open House and artists’ reception on Friday for a show that officially opens on Saturday, December 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Featured artists include Chad Balster (glass), Ann Klem (jewelry), Joe Schmidlin (custom silver jewelry), Tena Wenta (pottery) and Elaine Wood (mixed media paintings). (Crescent Hill)

 

FIRST FRIDAY TROLLEY HOP

Downtown Art Zone, Main and Market streets, 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Free. This monthly event showcases the art galleries on East Market and other parts of downtown. Park the car and ride the trolley to various locations to enjoy the exhibits. This month the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, located at 715 West Main St., will host “Redefining Normal: A Photo Documentary of Children Fighting Cancer.” The opening reception will be held during the trolley hop from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission during the December 2 and January 6 trolley hops is free; admission to the exhibit during regular museum hours is $12 for families (2 adults and all children), $6 for adults, and $5 for seniors. For more information, visit www.kentuckyarts.org or call (502) 589-0102. For more information about the trolley hop in general, call (502) 583-1671 or visit www.firstfridaytrolleyhop.com. (Nulu/Downtown)

 

OLDE TYME CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ON FRANKFORT AVENUE

Frankfort Avenue, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Free. The Olde Tyme Christmas Celebration on Frankfort Avenue includes annual events such as the Santa Sprint and Stroll and the festive Dog Walk. Attendees will also enjoy retail sales, live music, refreshments, and photos with Santa Claus at Margaret’s Consignment. Free trolley and horse-and-carriage rides along Frankfort Avenue (from Mellwood to Stiltz avenues) will be available from Noon-5 p.m. Details at www.frankfortave.com. (Clifton/Crescent Hill)

 

UCHM FUNDRAISER

Third Lutheran Church, 1864 Frankfort Ave., 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Free. The Third Lutheran Church is hosting a fundraiser for the United Crescent Hill Ministries (UCHM) as part of the Olde Tyme Christmas festivities. It will feature a bake sale, model train show, a Christmas Carol presentation, and more. Clifton residents will also be selling homemade goods to benefit the UCHM. For more information, www.uchmlouky.org. (Clifton)

 

OLMSTED PARK CHAMPION VOLUNTEER PROJECT

Cherokee Park, 9 a.m.-Noon, Free. Individuals, families and groups can join the Olmsted Conservancy as it roots out invasive plants, rebuilds trails, restores native plants and renews structures in our Frederick Law Olmsted Parks. Gloves, tools, refreshments and guidance are provided. Dress for the weather and for working outdoors. Volunteers may also participate on Dec. 17. For more information, call (502) 456-1623 or visit www.olmstedparks.org. (Highlands)

 

SHAMROCK’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY SHOPPE

The American Legion Post, 2919 Bardstown Rd., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Free. Puss & Boots Old Time Holiday Shoppe, an annual tradition benefitting The Shamrock Pet Foundation and the Shamrock Arrow Fund is happening once again. Featured items include themed gift baskets, crafts, jewelry, sports memorabilia, holiday decorations and hundreds of animal-related gifts such as gourmet dog treats, pet beds and homemade catnip toys. The event takes place Saturday, Dec. 3, and Sunday, Dec. 4. In addition to gifts, a variety of food is available to eat onsite or carry out, including hearty soups, homemade breads, sandwiches and more. Everything is donated so ALL the money raised from the event goes directly to spay and neuter programs and emergency medical care. For more information, visit www.shamrockpets.com. (Highlands)

 

MEUBLE OPEN HOUSE

Meuble, Etc., 976 Barret Ave., 11.a.m.-9 p.m., Free. Meuble, Etc. is hosting a Christmas open house on the same night as Bardstown Road Aglow, so the trolley will be stopping by the antique store and gift shop. Gift items include several new product lines, some produced by local small businesses. There will also be a jewelry trunk show during the open house, and refreshments will be offered. For more information, call (502) 589-5515. (Germantown)

 

OLD LOUISVILLE HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR

Old Louisville neighborhood, Noon-6 p.m., $20 (advance)-$25 (on-site). The 35th Annual Old Louisville Holiday House Tour is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3-4. Presented by the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council/Old Louisville Information Center, this year’s tour features eight mansions, including the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum and the Woman’s Club of Louisville. The tour begins with complimentary parking at Cochran Elementary School, 5th and Lee streets, where a shuttle is available to the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum, 1402 St. James Court, where all tickets are picked up in the basement Gift Boutique. Tickets can be purchased at the Old Louisville Information Center, Old Louisville Visitor Center, online at www.holidayhousetour.com, or by calling (502) 635-5244. (Old Louisville)

 

BIKE SHOP OPEN HOUSE

Wayside Shelter, 432 E. Jefferson St., Noon-4 p.m., Free. Calling all bike enthusiasts and others interested in learning more about Wayside Wheels! The primary purpose of the bike shop is to repair bikes for people who may not be able to afford traditional repairs. People can also learn how to do minor repairs from one of the volunteer mechanics. The shop is open at various times throughout the week. At times, affordable/dependable bikes are offered for ownership for clients of the shelter, and bikes may be purchased or acquired through a work therapy program. Rules of the road/safe bike riding is reviewed for everyone using the shop’s services. Helmets are also available. For more information, call (502) 296-6605. (Downtown)

 

LIGHT UP THE TOWER

Presentation Academy’s Arts & Athletic Center, 900 S. 4th St., 3 p.m.-7 p.m., Free. Join Presentation Academy for the annual Light Up the Tower celebration sponsored by the Presentation Academy Alumnae Association. Bring the whole family and enjoy children’s activities, pictures with Santa, a sweet shop, a silent auction, arts and craft vendors, holiday entertainment, and visits with some of Louisville’s favorite mascots. New this year is an activity room for Future Pres Girls (and boys, too!), complete with Wii Dance and corn hole. The festivities will culminate with the official holiday lighting of the Pres Tower taking place after dark. More information at (502) 583-5935 or www.presentationacademy.org. (Downtown)

 

ROCKIN’ THE CLUBHOUSE

Gilda’s Club Louisville, 633 Baxter Ave., 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Free. Musicians Ted Stevens, Jordan Bales, and kRi and Hettie present a special program for young adults, ages 16 and older. Talents range from pop to country to original music. For more information, call (502) 583-0075. (Highlands)

 

LINE DANCING CLASSES

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2000 Douglass Blvd., Noon-2 p.m., $2 (under 60). The Highlands Community Ministries Senior Services offers free line dancing classes every Monday for those 60 and over. For more information, call (502) 459-0132. (Highlands)

 

LOUISVILLE LAUGHTER YOGA WELLNESS CLUB

Rainbow Spiritual Education Center, 2701 Lindsay Ave., 7 p.m.-8 p.m., $10 donation. On the first Tuesday of every month, the Rainbow Spiritual Education Center offers the Louisville Laughter Yoga Wellness Club with Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher Melanie Rudolph. Laughter Yoga combines laughter exercises and yoga breathing to give you the health benefits of laughter. It’s practiced around the world and anyone can laugh without reason. For more information, visit www.rseci.org or call (502) 386-9680. (Clifton)

 

HOW TO SELF PUBLISH YOUR BOOK

Crescent Hill Library, 2762 Frankfort Ave., 7 p.m., Free. Writers self publish for three reasons: money, creative control and timing. This brief overview leads you through the process of self publishing from manuscript to marketing your finished book. For more information, visit www.lfpl.org or call (502) 574-1793. (Crescent Hill)

 

DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR ALLIANCE LOUISVILLE MEETING

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2000 Douglass Blvd., 7:30 p.m., Free. Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Louisville meets every Tuesday and Thursday nights in Room 110. They also have a Family and Friends group that meets at St. Paul on Tuesday nights at the same time. For more information, call Mike Kuhl at (502) 635-6142, Carl Brown at (502) 493-9183, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or visit dbsalouisville.org. (Highlands)

 

ZUMBA CLASSES

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2000 Douglass Blvd., 9 a.m.-10 a.m., $2 (under 60). The Highlands Community Ministries Senior Services offers free Zumba classes every Wednesday for those age 60 and over. For more information, call (502) 459-0132. (Highlands)

 

GROWING UP WILD: HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

Louisville Nature Center, 3745 Illinois Ave., 10 a.m.-11 a.m., $10 (members)-$15 (non-members). “Growing Up Wild” is being offered to preschool children ages 3-4.  The enrollment is limited to 12 children per session and registration is required.  These programs will run throughout the school year.  Payment is due at registration. The classes in the “Growing Up Wild” series are an hour of entertaining and educational fun with nature. The December Series will be held on December 7, 14 and 21, and the topic will be “Hiding in Plain Sight.” Parents are welcome at the programs.  A different topic is covered each month, so sign up for all of them and keep your child learning throughout the whole school year! For more information, call (502) 458-1328 or visit www.louisvillenaturecenter.org. (Audubon Park)

 

10TH ANNUAL MARTINIS AND MISTLETOE

The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, 715 West Main St., 5 p.m.-8 p.m., Free for members ($20 non-members). The Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft will host the 10th Annual Martinis & Mistletoe party. This popular holiday event will include Finlandia martinis, appetizers, music, a trunk show by Kea Carpets and Kilims, and a huge selection of holiday gifts for sale from the Gallery Shop and the Holidazzle exhibit. Members will also receive a 20 percent discount on all purchases made that night. Museum memberships start at $40. For more information, call (502) 589-0102 or visit www.kentuckyarts.org. (Downtown)

 

 

TEAM GILDA MINI-MARATHON TRAINING KICK-OFF

Gilda’s Club Louisville, 633 Baxter Ave., 9 a.m.-10 a.m., Free. Team Gilda kicks off its 2012 Mini-Marathon training with an informational meeting and a light, healthy breakfast for participants. Actual hit-the-street training begins in January. All ages and athletic abilities are welcome. For more information, call (502) 583-0075. (Highlands)

 

HOLLY AND IVY

Louisville Nature Center, 3745 Illinois Ave., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., $15 (members)-$20 (non-members). Visit the Louisville Nature Center and make this old-fashioned holiday event a tradition with your friends and family.  Enjoy hot chocolate and snacks while making your own wreaths, swags and table decorations from live greenery. Ribbons, gloves and wire cutters are provided, but bring your own tools if you have them. While you’re there, visit the gift shop where you can buy locally produced items – another way to support the Louisville Nature Center! More information at (502) 458-1328 or www.louisvillenaturecenter.org. (Audubon Park)

 

HOLIDAY CARD FACTORY

The Museum of the American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Ave., 10 a.m.-Noon, Free. The American Printing House for the Blind will host a Holiday Card Factory workshop for the whole family. Come learn about the various ways people who are blind and visually impaired “see” with their fingers through tactile illustrations. Then join in a tactile holiday card-making workshop to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanza, and add a message in braille. The event is free to the public, but registration is required. Call (502) 899-2213 to register. (Clifton)

 

SANTA’S SAFARI

Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way, 10 a.m. (also Noon and 2 p.m.), $5-$17.50. Santa is making a special stop at the Louisville Zoo and he’s bringing his North Pole friends along too. Join the holiday cheer with Frosty the Snowman as he leads children of all ages in a Christmas carol sing-a-long. Be a part of Santa’s workshop where elves help families create a holiday craft. And, of course, no visit would be complete without Mrs. Claus serving her famously delicious milk and freshly baked cookies (and coffee, too, for the grown-ups.) A complimentary photo with Santa will be provided to each child. Then chill out with the animals as you begin your journey through the zoo’s heated buildings where you can experience one-on-one interaction with zoo animals and zoo educators. For more information, visit www.louisvillezoo.org or call (502) 459-2181. (Audubon Park)

 

SCHNITZELBURG AREA CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING

Texas and Burnett streets, 3 p.m., Free. Neighbors come together to decorate a tree donated by Parkway Produce with slightly used decorations donated by the community. For more information, www.neighborhoodlink.com/linc/home. (Germantown/Schnitzelburg)

 

ROCKIN’ RAMP BENEFIT FOR APPALACHIA                                        

The Green Building, 732 East Market St., 7:30 p.m., $125 per person. A taste of Appalachia is coming to Louisville at the first annual Rockin’ RAMP Benefit for Appalachia, held at the Green Building.  Whole Foods Market, one of RAMP’s corporate partners, along with Brown-Forman and Maker’s Mark, are the sponsors of the evening.  Whole Foods Market will provide the food at the event, which includes Appalachian-styled hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Also on the menu are wine, beer and Kentucky Bourbon tastings. Silent and live auctions will be held and guests will be greeted with an authentic bluegrass jug band. For more information, visit www.RAMPAmerica.org. (Nulu/Downtown)

            

HOLIDAY RIVERSIDE DINNER

Belle of Louisville, 8 p.m.-11 p.m., $390 (table of six)-$520 (table of eight or more). The Belle of Louisville is offering a holiday dinner that is ideal for small companies, corporate departments, or a special group of family and friends. Tickets are available by calling the Belle of Louisville box office at (502) 574-2992. (Downtown)

 

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S MEMORIAL DAY WORLDWIDE CANDLE LIGHTING

First Unitarian Church, 809 S. 4th St., 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Free. This global event celebrates the light children bring to our lives. Create a luminary in memory of a child (of any age) who has died. Bring special mementos to create a small memorial in the Healing Space. Stay for a candle-lighting vigil at 6:30 p.m. that happens in tandem with similar events around the globe. If you can’t attend but want a luminary created in memory of a child you know, call (502) 583-0075. (Highlands)

 

TAI CHI DEMONSTRATION

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2000 Douglass Blvd., 10:30 a.m.-Noon, Free. Join Highlands Community Ministries Senior Services for an open house and Tai Chi demonstration. Refreshments will be served. For more information, call (502) 459-4887. (Highlands)

 

WOMEN’S DRUM CIRCLE

Rainbow Spiritual Education Center, 2701 Lindsay Ave., 7 p.m.-8:45 p.m., $10 donation. Join the energy of the Rainbow Women of the Drum on the second Tuesday of every month! Bring a drum and/or rattles. No experience required. For more information, visit www.rseci.org or call (502) 386-9680. (Clifton)

 

THE FLEA OFF MARKET

Located in the lot next to the Salvo Collective, 216 South Shelby St. (between Market and Nanny Goat Strut Alley), Noon-6 p.m., Free. On the second Saturday of each month, the Flea Off Market offers the Louisville community an opportunity to interface with dozens of vendors and collectors offering a wide range of goods and wares for “re-purposing.” The market provides an opportunity to those who may have marketable items but no budget for shop space. The monthly bazaar features fresh-cut flowers, farm-fresh goods, live music, food trucks, cocktails and seasonal beers, and entertainment for all ages. For details, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (502) 693-2657. (Nulu/Downtown)

 

VOICES OF HOLIDAYS PAST

Ursuline Arts Center, 3114 Lexington Road, 7:30 p.m., $15 (seniors/students)-$20. The VOICES of Kentuckiana Winter Concert “VOICES of Holidays Past” celebrates the season with holiday favorites. There will also be a performance on Dec. 18 at 3 p.m. Matthew Butterfield is conducting. For more information, visit www.voicesky.org. (Highlands)

 

HCM DERBY DINNER PLAYHOUSE TRIP

Highlands Court Apartments, 1720 Richmond Drive, 11:15 a.m., $32. Highlands Community Ministries is sponsoring a trip to Derby Dinner Playhouse to see “The Sanders Family Christmas.” The TARC bus leaves from Highlands Court Apartments. The cost includes the buffet, play, and TARC transportation. Register at (502) 451-3695. (Highlands)

 

KLS HOLIDAY CONCERT

Ballard High School, 6000 Brownsboro Road, 7 p.m., Donation encouraged. KLS (Keep Louisville Symphonic) will perform seasonal favorites at the Ballard High School fine arts center. For more information, call (502) 418-7210. (Brownsboro)

WINTER WISDOM WORKSHOP

Gilda’s Club Louisville, 933 Baxter Ave., 6 p.m.-8 p.m., Free. The mandala, Sanskrit for “circle” or “container” of essence, has been used throughout history to aid meditation, prayer and journeying within. Through breathing, simple yoga positioning and guided meditation, participants will intuitively receive their own sacred symbols for healing and transformation. Then, participants will create mandalas using colored pencils and/or pastels. All skill levels are welcome. For more information, call (502)583-0075. (Highlands)

 

LOUISVILLE BOAR’S HEAD AND YULE LOG FESTIVAL

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2000 Douglas Blvd., 5 p.m.-8 p.m. (6:30 p.m. dinner), Free, but dinner tickets are $19.75. St. Paul UMC’s annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival transports Christmas into a medieval landscape with elaborate costumes, festive music by choir, organ and brass, and elegant candlelight dinners. The festival was first presented at least as early as 1340 at Queen’s college, Oxford. St. Paul’s version takes place Dec. 29-31. Over 3,000 guests are expected. For more information, visit www.stpaulchurch.net. To reserve your free tickets to the show, call (502) 459-1595. (Highlands)

 

F.A.T. FRIDAY TROLLEY HOP

Frankfort, Mellwood and Story avenues, 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m., Free. Businesses in the Crescent Hill and Clifton neighborhoods open their doors at the end of each month for the F.A.T. Friday Trolley Hop. This month’s event rolls toward the New Year, so stores have some special things planned. Ride the trolley to see art exhibits, sales and entertainment. For more information, 

call (502) 550-2024 or visit www.fatfridayhop.org. (Clifton/Crescent Hill)

 

IRISH NEW YEAR’S EVE

Flanagan’s Ale House, 934 Baxter Ave., 5 p.m.-9 p.m., Free. Get a jump start on the New Year and do things the Irish way. Auld Lang Syne will ring in the New Year at 7 p.m., which is midnight in Dublin. Hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the event helps support area charities and the annual St. Patrick’s Parade. For more information, visit www.louisvilleirish.com. (Highlands)