LEO Weekly June 9, 2021

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ENGORGED:

RED RIVER GORGE IS ALREADY GROWING — WILL A LUXURY RESORT PUSH IT OVER THE EDGE? THE DOWNTOWN ‘ACTION PLAN’ LACKS VISION| PAGE 3

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN LOUISVILLE THIS SUMMER | PAGE 12

LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

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VIEWS

EDITOR’S NOTE

THE DOWNTOWN ‘ACTION PLAN’ LACKS VISION

By Aaron Yarmuth | leo@leoweekly.com

LOUISVILLE ECCENTRIC OBSERVER

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ON THE COVER ENGORGED:

PHOTO BY KATHRYN HARRINGTON

RED RIVER GORGE IS ALREADY GROWING — WILL A LUXURY RESORT PUSH IT OVER THE EDGE? THE DOWNTOWN ‘ACTION PLAN’ LACKS VISION| PAGE 3

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO IN LOUISVILLE THIS SUMMER | PAGE 12

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Robin Garr, Dan Canon, James Wilkerson, Syd Bishop, Dan Savage Writer Illustrations by Yoko Molotov ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

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IN THE LATEST INSTALLMENT of the series, “Louisville Leaders Plan City’s Future,” the results are the same: Louisville has no idea what it wants to be, much less how it’s going to get there. But we sure do talk a good game.

The Louisville Downtown Revitalization Team released its “Action Plan” last week, and someone needs to explain to me what just happened. Was this SCALA 2.0? Did Vision Louisville and Plan 2040 get together and spawn a new leadership group?

After reading the plan’s recommendations and hearing the abundance of platitudes underscoring the team’s conclusions, the only clear conclusion is that Louisville lacks a vision. This document should serve as a challenge to all mayoral candidates: What is your vision for the city in 10, 20, 30 years?

Because I sure couldn’t tell you.

So, what’s wrong with the Revitalization plan?

Nothing within the plan is specifically objectionable or “wrong.” However, the details largely don’t match the soaring rhetoric surrounding the plan.

When Mayor Greg Fischer announced the formation of the group during his State of the City address in January, he said, “We’re putting together a downtown revitalization team to identify and prioritize actions to speed the recovery of downtown once we’re out of this pandemic.” Seems fairly clear and targeted.

The team produced short-term (30 days), mid-term (60 to 90 days) and long-term (120+ days) goals. The goals are a combination of things that are already being done — or should be done — by the city, as well as other public and private organizations.

Take short-term goals, for example, which include promoting downtown events and businesses, repairing sidewalks, replacing streetlamps and adding wastebaskets. Critical projects, sure, but they are basic city government operations. Why weren’t they already being done as part of normal city operations?

Another short-term goal is to better coordinate and sequence roadwork on major thoroughfares. Again… that’s great! But this isn’t a new problem since the pandemic.

Where was this a decade ago?

Upon the release of the plan, Fischer said, “The Downtown Revitalization Team’s work isn’t about bringing downtown back to what it was; it’s about making it better by ensuring that our downtown is vibrant, clean, safe, equitable and inclusive, so that everyone

feels like an essential part of, and is welcome in, downtown.”

Sounds great… but what’s with the lofty rhetoric? Why is Fischer upselling this? It shouldn’t take 60 local leaders to explain to city officials what the job of local government is.

Then, some of the suggestions include events and projects that have already been done, or planned, for years. For instance, “Nulu Fest (June 25)” is considered a midterm recommendation in the plan. NuLu Fest is awesome. We’ve promoted it in years past and are excited the NuLu Business Association is bringing it back this year. Likewise, Waterfront Park Phase IV development. This is a tremendous project for the city, but it was announced as far back as 2018.

Including these projects and events, along with others, as recommendations make it feel as though Fischer and city officials are trying to take credit for work that others have been doing for years. At the very least, it muddles the message about this “Action Plan.” Are these supposed to be new ideas? Or are we focusing on specific things that need to be promoted?

I don’t mean to be cynical about this effort; I just don’t understand what it became.

Is this a pep rally or a going-out-of-business sale? It has the feeling of Kevin Bacon’s character at the end of “Animal House,” screaming amid a riot, “All is well!”

And there’s nothing wrong with the group chosen to lead this effort — all are stakeholders with personal and/or professional interests in a thriving downtown. The Revitalization Team’s efforts might be suffering from bad messaging or poorly-defined expectations, but it’s not lacking in passion, intelligence, experience or creative bandwidth. They don’t lack courage, either; after all, they took on post-pandemic economic recovery, racial justice and improving homelessness — all through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion — in just a few months.

It just feels as though Louisville’s been here before: We’ve seen the flashy group name, watched a quasi-public engagement process and, ultimately, been given a roadmap of things the city could do. We’ve heard the great pitches, key phrases and buzzwordsdu jour. What we’ve yet to see is a vision for what the city needs to be great.

Maybe the next mayor can provide that great vision. • LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

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VIEWS

TITLE IX GUY

SEX CRIMES AND VIDEOTAPE

By James Wilkerson | leo@leoweekly.com

IMAGINE having one of the most traumatizing moments of your life recorded, distributed and viewed across the internet. This is a reality that survivors of sexual assault experience regularly. While the bystander effect (the diffusion of responsibility and acting in socially acceptable ways) has long been cited when discussing why bystanders don’t intervene, cellphone video technology creates yet another voyeuristic barrier. In a digitally-powered, clout-driven world, many bystanders have become more comfortable recording (and then posting) acts of sexual assault rather that intervening, turning these crimes into exhibitions.

that showed them restraining and sodomizing another student with an object was circulated via Snapchat. The students faced a litany of charges including sexual battery, second degree kidnapping, and, for filming the incident, pornography involving juveniles.

Students at our very own St. Xavier High School are the latest to make headlines for this type of behavior. Several weeks ago, news outlets reported the existence of a “disturbing off-campus video” involving several St. X students. The video A VOYEURISTIC CULTURE While the act of sexual assault is dreadful depicted several students holding a classmate down as he was enough on its own, giving everyone a prosodomized with what appeared fessional grade recording device and a varito be a lacrosse stick. The assault ety of distribution platforms creates another was taped, layer of trauma for then widely victims. And it is a At the subseshared with layer that bystandquent trial, most other students ers participate in. in Jefferson County by On Aug. 12, of the evidence way of Snapchat.

2012, two football As the videos keep players from presented was circulating, the question Ohio’s Steubenville hundreds of cell- rarely asked is whether High School footthose filming understand ball team raped a phone pictures the gravity of what their 16-year-old female after she became taken by dozens smartphones are capturing. intoxicated and of students at the THE ultimately passed out after attending NORMALIZATION parties and ultitwo house parties OF SEXUAL that evening. At mately shared on ASSAULT the subsequent The Kentucky Revised social media. The Statutes trial, most of the are quite clear evidence presented on what a sex crime is. judge described was hundreds of The terms rape, sodomy, cellphone pictures this distribution sexual abuse and sexual taken by dozens of are all clearly of these pictures misconduct students at the pardefined in chapter 510 of ties and ultimately our state’s laws. There as “profane and shared on social are other terms we use media. The judge ugly.” however, that serve to described this normalize these crimes. distribution of these pictures as “profane and Elizabeth Meyer, an associate professor ugly.” for the University of Colorado, Boulder’s More recently on Feb. 14, 2020, eight School of Education highlights the use of basketball players at Many High School in phrases such as “boys being boys,” as an Many, Louisiana were arrested when a video “attempt to explain away aggressive behav-

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LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

James J. Wilkerson.

iors by linking them to natural or biological impulses, without examining other reasons for the actions.”

Elsewhere, the violent acts of sodomy happening annually in athletic locker rooms get minimized as they are referred to as “acts of hazing.” Gary Phillips of New York’s Journal News states that “calling sexual abuse hazing downplays the brutality of the incident and passes off a serious crime as a ‘rite of passage’ ritual that went too far.”

If the question is “why would someone film and post a sexual assault rather than attempt to intervene,” then normalization and downplaying sexual assault is the answer. Instead of seeing a teenage girl who is intoxicated beyond the point of consent being assaulted by classmates, partygoers see a party girl who just had a little too much. Instead of seeing a violent gang rape at an off-campus party, teammates see “team traditions.” It is through this normalized lens, onlookers reach for their devices; not to phone authorities, but to roll film.

CALL IT BY ITS NAME

In my book “The Title IX Guy: Several Short Essays on Rape Culture, Masculinity (the good kind & the bad kind), & Other

Things We Should Be Talking About,” I cover how discussions about sexual assault are still considered taboo. Parents shy away from having conversations with their kids.

Teachers have cited a lack of knowledge on the issue as reasoning for not educating their students. Even law schools have begun sidestepping the teaching of sex crimes due to students voicing concerns about how these crimes are taught.

To break the point and shoot reaction to sexual assault however, these conversations mustn’t be avoided. Rather, we must make it a point to start conversations about sexual assault during one’s formative years.

The seriousness and long-lasting effects of these crimes must be stressed. A great way to begin is highlighting the fact that sexual assault is in fact a crime. Having sex with someone passed out at a party is rape. Violating a classmate anally with an object is not an initiation ritual. It is sodomy.

Sneaking up behind a woman and groping her breasts at a fraternity is not “playing around.” It is sexual abuse. Perhaps if we call sexual assault by its name, people will see it for the crime that it is. •

VIEWS

THE MIDWESTERNIST

NO, HISTORY WILL NOT REMEMBER

By Dan Canon | leo@leoweekly.com

NO ONE told me about Tulsa until I was in my 30s. I suspect tion, constantly shifting and giving way beneath your feet, making it impossible to stand in one place for very long. You I’m not the only one. Most Gen-Xers and older millennican only grab a few branches to pull yourself out, and those als, even those of us who went to college, didn’t have the become the reality you cling to. Either way, without the right story of how “Black Wall Street” was razed to the ground person there to put up signs and hand out branches, you end by white supremacists in our curricula. I had an advanced up with a head full of information that’s irrelevant, false, degree and a civil rights law practice before I heard about it even dangerous. for the first time.

Wilmington and Tulsa are both Now, on its 100th anniversary, slivers of a much larger history of the Tulsa Massacre is finally part of post-Reconstruction era; one that our popular national narrative — for The fact that no one the shows a very different picture of now, anyway. That is to say: White what life should be like in the South folks who happen to be floating in told us about Tulsa today. I think most white people certain media bubbles know about might reasonably would be surprised to know that, it. It gets coverage on NPR. A few absent aggressive voter suppresdocumentaries are available for lead conscientious sion and violent temper tantrums by streaming. People write about it for white mobs, many parts of the South publications that are still printed white people to would likely be governed in toto by on slick paper. How long we retain ask: What else are Black people. All Black legislatures. this information in our collective All Black city halls. All Black juries. databanks, and what we choose to we missing?

The success of 2020’s organizing do with it, remains to be seen. campaign focused on marginalized The fact that no one told us about people in Georgia gives us a glimpse Tulsa might reasonably lead consciof the sleeping dragons that lie entious white people to ask: What beneath the earth. You can see why racist curators of else are we missing? history might have wished to keep that information to For example, I didn’t know that white supremacists themselves. overthrew Wilmington, North Carolina’s elected, multiIn recent years, academics are finally getting to racial government in 1898 until shamefully late in life. I the question of whose responsibility it is to teach learned about the coup after I started my teaching career, America’s racist history. There are students who from a textbook on constitutional litigation I require my law still do not believe in systemic racism, and who do students to buy. not want to accept our past, atone for it, or allow The story of Wilmington is so appalling that it’s hard to for the possibility that it could happen again. justify its omission from any history of the late 19th century.

But whose problem is that? Does a civil A white mob gathered for a reading of a “White Declaraprocedure or torts professor have to talk tion of Independence,” which asserted that white people history? Must we teach about racism in “will no longer be ruled, and will never again be ruled by a class on, say, tax or real estate law? men of African origin.” The next day, 2,000 armed terrorists Who hands out the branches that destroyed the town’s newspaper, forced the mayor and the students must cling to? entire police department to resign, and put the city’s integraThe fact that Tulsa, Wilmington tionist leaders on trains, with instructions never to return. and countless other gruesome An Atlantic article from 2017 describes how the history stories on history’s backburner of Wilmington was “nearly lost.” For the majority of us, were “nearly lost” gives us the it was lost, and is still. Where were we supposed to learn only possible answer: It’s everyabout Wilmington? Or Tulsa? Or Clinton, Mississippi? Or one’s responsibility. If you are Nat Turner, or George Boxley, or Denmark Vesey? Sure, the a teacher in any capacity, you information is out there now, but you have to know what have an obligation to keep you’re looking for. Must someone go to law school, sign these stories alive. If you are up for a constitutional litigation class and buy a $200 book before a teacher explains the history of how an entire Ameri- a weekend math tutor, and your students aren’t hearing can city was taken over by white terrorists? it from any other source, When I was in school, history was an empty desert in you’ve got to talk race. If all directions, with only a few recognizable landmarks. you run a Sunday school, Signposts were carefully curated to ensure that students only your flock needs to know went to certain places. The rest was forgotten. For students about the history of sheep now, it’s more like quicksand; there’s too much informa-

and wolves. If you’ve got your own kids, they need to hear about Jim Crow at the dinner table. We buried these bones for years. It’s our collective duty to unearth them.

We like to believe the childish notion that “history will remember such-and-such injustice,” as though history itself were a great elephant god or an omniscient super-Santa, taking notes on all human wrongdoing for future reference.

History, left to its own devices, will assuredly not remember.

History is slippery, forgetful and notoriously unreliable. History only remembers if you constantly stoke the embers of its ever-dying brain, if you shake it out of its haze, if you pry its eyelids open and make it remember. •

Dan Canon is a civil rights lawyer and law professor.

“Midwesticism”is his short-documentary series about Midwesterners who are making the world a better place.

Watch it at: patreon.com/dancanon.

LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

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NEWS & ANALYSIS

JCPS STUDENTS PUSHING NATURAL HAIR PROTECTIONS ON LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL LEVEL

THORNS & ROSES

By Danielle Grady | dgrady@leoweekly.com

THE WORST, BEST & MOST ABSURD

A GROUP of JCPS students is using hip-hop to push legislation banning race-based hair discrimination — and their efforts have resulted in the introduction of a Louisville Metro Council ordinance.

The Real Young Prodigys, led by teacher NyRee Clayton-Taylor, make music to further social justice issues, and they were working on their latest song — an ode to natural hair — when they learned about the CROWN Act. The CROWN Act is legislation that bans race-based hair discrimination by schools and employers, protecting styles including braids, locs, twists, afros and bantu knots.

The bill resonated with the Young Prodigys, whose members know what it was like to be singled out because of their hair.

Davonn Pitney is 14 and has already had the experience of worrying that her hair will affect how society views her. It first started when she cut her hair off in sixth grade and started nurturing her natural hair.

“If I would wear my hair in an afro like this — because that’s when I started wearing my afro — like there was this, it always felt like this constant expectation for Black women to have their hair in a presentable way,” said the duPont Manual student.

The Young Prodigys, who will be working on their CROWN Act efforts throughout the summer, are pushing to get the legislation passed on the local, state and federal levels. In March, they held a rally in Frankfort to promote state Rep. Attica Scott’s CROWN Act bill, which did not pass. Last week, they met with U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (and LEO’s founder) to discuss national CROWN Act legislation, which was introduced in March. And, they started a TikTok dancing trend with the help of viral influencers the NaeNae twins, using their natural hair anthem, “Crown.”

But the Young Prodigys might get legislation passed locally first.

District 4 Councilmember Jecorey Arthur was watching as the Young Prodigys presented at Justice Fest on May 22. Justice Fest was a showcase of what students in JCPS’ Justice Now Learning Hub have been working on throughout the year. Young Prodigys member Renee Robinson, 10, asked why an ordinance hadn’t passed in

ROSE: THE FINAL UPDATE On Friday, Gov. Andy Beshear is giving his final COVID-19 update. For more than a year, Beshear has delivered sad and scary news with poise and empathy that provided about as much calm as possible in a time of turmoil. His daily updates even produced a bunch of memes and jokes that let people have a little bit of fun.

But, more importantly, there was a virus that we knew almost nothing about at the beginning out there floating around, and his updates gave us a little bit of clarity, insight and hope. Beshear showed leadership in a time of uncertainty, and we have to give him credit for that.

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Louisville yet.

That day, Arthur tweeted that he had contacted a county attorney to draft one.

“What I’m trying to get our young people and especially our young Black people to realize is A screenshot from The Real Young Prodigys “Crown” music video. that you are a policymaker just like I am,” Arthur told LEO. “I’m just one of 26 people who attends Kerrick Elementary School, said that the CROWN Act failing in the that can vote on that policy. But you can Kentucky legislature this year was actually help write policy, you can help advocate for motivating. it, you can help get it passed, and this is a “It was pushing us forward instead of fine example of that.” backwards,” she said.

On Monday, Arthur introduced the ordiThe Young Prodigys help could be nance. If passed, Louisvillians could not be important to getting the CROWN Act discriminated against in employment, houspassed statewide, Scott said. ing and public accommodation for wearing “You know, young people are contheir natural hair. nected to one another in new and different Clayton-Taylor said it would be meanways,” she said. “And so they are going to ingful to the Prodigys if they could get an be talking to their, you know, counterparts ordinance passed in Louisville. at other schools across Kentucky — and “They’re seeing like, ‘Oh, OK, so their faculty advisors with Justice Now are there’s three ways that we can do this,’” she going to be doing the same thing. So yes, said. “So if they do it federally, then they they definitely have the opportunity to have don’t really have to worry about it state and an impact.” locally. But it’s also good to do something When Scott’s daughter, Ashanti Scott, like this. Going through the process is and her peers challenged a racist hair policy the best understanding how government at JCPS’ Butler Traditional High School in works.”

2016, it was quickly overturned. Male High In a statement, U.S. Rep. Yarmuth said School reversed a similar policy soon after. he would also be co-sponsoring this year’s “Schools only exist for the students,” CROWN Act on the national level.

Attica Scott said. “And so they put them“It’s common sense legislation to selves in positions where they were using address a deeply engrained form of racism their social platforms. They were, you and discrimination that is prevalent in our know, organizing and talking to one another society today. I’m hopeful that the new on Instagram and they were talking to their Senate majority will join us in approving teachers.” this important measure,” he said.

The Young Prodigys have studied Getting the CROWN Act passed locally Ashanti Scott’s success. And they have could help Rep. Scott’s state efforts, she learned about how other students across said. Rep. Scott has introduced a CROWN the country have faced discrimination in Act bill two times already. It hasn’t passed, schools for their natural hair. Members but the city of Covington, Kentucky, did of the group said that their CROWN Act pass its own ordinance last year. efforts are for those students — and all “I feel like it’s part of this movement to students, even those who wear hairstyles not make it happen across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, so that we build up momentum covered in the CROWN Act, like mullets.

“That’s also very tragic because, like I for it to pass at the state level,” Scott said. said, you should have your hair the way that “It’s difficult to ignore movements.” you want it,” said Robinson. • Robinson, one of the Young Prodigys

ROSE: VACCINE HELP This week, Kentucky Sports Radio is holding in-person broadcasts that are being paired with vaccine pop-up clinics. Slightly less than 50% of Kentucky’s population has taken one dose of the vaccine, and the popular show is trying to combat hesitancy. As we enter the summer months, the COVID numbers are dropping, and events are coming back, but some experts are worried that there could be a bump in cases in the fall if the vaccinations numbers don’t go up. The state needs all the help it can get with promotion.

ABSURD: THE LMPD PR PARADE LMPD can’t stop its reign of terrible. From shooting its citizens to the super cringeworthy Facebook posts written by what smells like some dejected, AXE Body Spray-wearing dude bro with tribal tats and no actual tribe — they are just a system of failure after failure.

Their latest PR stunt, the LMPD’s “On the Record” podcast — on YouTube (the playground for its ardent, conspiracy-juiced fanbase) — is an attempt to pretty up their public image. So, instead of doing substantive things that could improve public safety, as well as their image, they try this new circus act. How many clowns will fit in this car? Chief Erika Shields hasn’t been a presence of any merit and the LMPD seems to be another police force destined to continue their unabated and deadly uselessness until the whole system gets the real reboot it needs.

THORN: PRIME EXAMPLE The FBI is currently investigating two LMPD officers who allegedly threw snow cones at homeless people in The West End. The cruelty here is astounding. Maybe they can explain their actions on Shields’ new pod?

A rendering of the planned luxury resort in Red River Gorge. | ART COURTESY OF RED RIVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ENGORGED:

RED RIVER GORGE IS ALREADY GROWING — WILL A LUXURY RESORT PUSH IT OVER THE EDGE?

By Danielle Grady | dgrady@leoweekly.com

CHRISTIE ABRAMS had a problem. And like many of the climbers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who live in the Red River Gorge area, she works out her issues in the wilderness.

The cause of her consternation was a $135 million luxury resort with 170 rooms planned for the Gorge: a climbing and outdoor mecca currently served mostly by small, “mom and pop”style businesses located in Eastern Kentucky, a little over two hours away from Louisville. At the beginning of the pandemic, to grapple with the idea of a large development in her tree-lined sanctuary, Abrams would drive to the site of the proposed resort: 891 acres of undeveloped land directly off a state highway, with cliffs and more than 20 natural arches.

Abrams typically leads tours on the property through her ecotourism business, Leave No Trace Adventures. But, in these moments, she’d go alone.

There, in a meadow deep into the property, where a lodge, distillery, spa and more are planned, Abrams would walk through the grass and commune with the land. As she listened to the crickets and searched for the heartbeat of the land with her bare

feet, she found its voice, she said, and how she thinks it feels about the development.

“It says ‘Yes, we definitely want [people] to be here. That’s why I’m so beautiful,’” said Abrams. “‘But at the same time, I don’t want to be destroyed because of my beauty. I don’t want to be loved to death.’ The same thing that the Gorge is screaming, you know? ‘I don’t want to be loved to death.’”

The Red River Gorge is a geological gem in Eastern Kentucky, with over 100 natural arches and world-famous rock climbing. In more recent years, zip lining and underground kayaking have popped up as options for visitors.

The area used to be a hidden wonder, say longtime residents and business owners. They started ventures anyway, like the famous Miguel’s Pizza, valuing the land for its natural beauty and small town atmosphere. In the past seven or so years, the Gorge has been discovered by the masses, leading to new businesses and success for existing ones. An estimated 750,000 people per year now visit the area. But, the Gorge is straining in some ways under the weight of its own growth: roads are

congested with tourist traffic, water systems are almost at capacity and a cabin-building boom has led to some being constructed along ecologically precious cliff line.

Some residents worry that the extra 75,000 to 85,000 people a year that the resort hotel is projected to attract will push the area to its limit. It started as an economic development project by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. When it went public, a group of concerned citizens organized to oppose it, Red River Gorge United. But as the resort plan solidifies, the collective is now focused on monitoring the project — making sure it looks like the released plan and managing the growth that will follow it.

It’s a task with significant challenges, given that its home county does not have its own zoning or building code and the future developer is unknown. But, the minds behind the resort say that their project has kicked off a much-needed discussion about how to shape the economic future of the already blossoming Gorge.

Abrams, meanwhile, has changed her mind about the resort after her conversations with nature. At first, she was angered by the idea, but now, she’s found herself in the middle, with one LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

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An aerial view of the 891 acres intended for a Red River Gorge destination resort, outlined in black. | PHOTO COURTESY OF RED RIVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

part of her (the director of Wolfe County Tourism) praising the prospect of increased visitorship and the other (the eco-friendly tour guide) worrying about keeping the Gorge pristine. “When I actually got to see the meat and bones of where the project was and the people behind the project and what they have in play and getting to know them the way that I do, it’s moved me to that 50/50 slot, because I can see where it can be beneficial. But at the same time, I see how business plans can fail,” she said.

A LUXURY RESORT AND A PLAN TO SAVE EASTERN KENTUCKY

A master plan for the Red River Gorge resort, revealed last fall, describes it as the ideal destination for “the modern adventurer who enjoys a little bit of luxury.” Think of it as what The Greenbrier is to West Virginia or French Lick Resort to Indiana.

The plans include the lodge with its 170 rooms, as well as 10 resort cottages, a “destination spa,” conference facility, two restaurants, retail space, a fitness center, a distillery and/or microbrewery, an indoor/outdoor pool, a wedding venue, an outdoor event space, parking below the lodge and a “Founder’s Lane” with vacation home lots for sale. It suggests other amenities that aren’t included in the “current program,” such as a permaculture garden and orchard, glamping, an equestrian center and another remote event center for larger gatherings.

While large, the master plan only calls for the resort to take up less than 10% of the 891 acre property. In the unused reaches of the property, a nature preserve and public hiking trails are proposed. The resort itself will be nestled deep into the property — not visible from the outside. To address ecological concerns from a local advisory board, the plan calls for no development within 20-feet of the property’s cliff line and complying with International Dark-Sky Association lighting guidelines to minimize light pollution. And, resort planners claim that the lodge’s offerings are so comprehensive that visitors will stay on the property for the majority of their trip — easing the strain on the Gorge.

The resort is part of a broader tourism strategy for the fourcounty Gorge area: Lee, Menifee, Wolfe and Powell County (where it is actually located) and promotes other projects, including a shuttle system for visitors to explore the area with.

The resort plan has been crafted to cater to a clientele that can afford to spend $350 a night on a hotel room, but the idea itself started with the intention of helping an Eastern Kentucky hurting

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economically from the decline of coal. In 2013, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce first started studying a solution by creating a task force.

“We were in 2013, we were still coming out of a major recession … And so a lot of people were leaving Eastern Kentucky, jobs were not available, and the economy was suffering,” said Dave Adkisson, the former president of the Kentucky Chamber who is now retired and a member of the holding group that bought One of the more than 20 natural arches on the resort property. | PHOTO COURTESY OF the resort property.

CHRISTIE ABRAMS. The task force quickly focused on bringing a tourism write Teal a check for the property. The group has three years to lodestar to the region. Ideas included casinos, outlet malls, water find a resort developer. If not, they’ll try and sell the property to parks and entertainment venues. With the help of a study, it narsomeone else. rowed its scope to a resort concept in the Red River Gorge, with Local business owners in the heart of the Gorge have an eye on the property that the holding company now owns. accepted that the resort is likely coming, but there are still some The Gorge was chosen for its proximity to major metro areas, concerns about whether it’s the best fit for the area and questions its positive brand as a hub for young adventurers and because as to why they weren’t informed earlier. it’s a “natural gateway” to the rest of Eastern Kentucky, said Dario Ventura’s family started Miguel’s Pizza, which began Adkisson. as an ice cream shop in 1983. He said he sees pros and cons to It wasn’t until 2019, however, after securing an option on the the resort, but he wishes developers had gone with a different land and receiving a federal grant of $500,000 with state matchidea. Ventura joined a board made up of locals that gave input ing funds to commission a final study, that the Chamber – now on the project. The local advisory board was created in 2020. through a nonprofit arm called Red River Economic DevelopVentura hoped to help guide the project in a new direction that ment — held its first public forum on the project. The group is would be good for the area. made up of bankers and businesspeople from Eastern Kentucky “I don’t think that really happened,” he said. and four county judge executives that were added in 2018 when The luxury resort doesn’t cater to the type of person who is the nonprofit was created. naturally drawn to the Gorge — people who spend their time out“…until we had the federal grant approved, we didn’t know doors, he said. Ventura thinks a music venue, like the Red Rocks whether we had a project or just a pipedream,” wrote Adkisson Amphitheatre near Denver, would have been a better fit — somein an email. “If we had gone public before that meeting, it could thing that didn’t attract traffic daily and that followed the Eastern have easily cost us the grant and therefore, killed the idea of a Kentucky tradition of country and folk music. But, RRED didn’t destination resort before it ever became a project.” waver from its original resort concept.

A firm called Stantec completed the final study for the resort, The resort plan doesn’t fit in with the other small, Gorge busiresulting in the master plan and a recommendation that the projnesses either, said Nancy Hamann, a member of Red River Gorge ect be located on the 891 acres, now owned by local entrepreneur United and the local advisory board.

Ian Teal.

“That’s what RRGU supports,” she said. “Natural, organic, This April, a holding company, Red River Property Holding small business growth helps people that can make a living, Group LLC — made up of at least two bankers who resigned versus a big resort is going to be owned by out-of-state investors. from RRED and Adkisson — bought the resort property for $2.9 Investor-owned, corporate-owned — a few are going to make a million. Teal is also a member of the holding group. Accordton of money.” ing to Adkisson, Teal will write a check to the LLC for his own Ventura also questioned why the Chamber would focus on share, making him a minority partner, and then the LLC will economic development in the Gorge area, which is already grow-

Miguel’s Pizza. | PHOTOS BY KATHRYN HARRINGTON

ing, rather than in other parts of Eastern Kentucky that might need more help. Hamann, who also owns the Daniel Boone Coffee Shop in Slade, as well as Scenic Cabin Rentals, pointed out that Powell County isn’t historically a coal industry area. But, the Gorge does have its economic struggles.

Powell County, where the resort will be located, had an unemployment rate of 3.9% in April — lower than the state’s 4.7%.

But, 56% to 70% of Powell County residents commute outside of the area for work, said Powell County Judge Executive James Anderson.

“Every kid that graduates high school here should have the opportunity if they choose to be able to come back home and work,” said Anderson. “That historically has not been the case.”

The resort is expected to generate 325 jobs on site at an average annual salary of $33,620, with some higher paying positions such as managers and distillery employees. And, it’s expected to generate 177 more jobs in the area as a whole to support the growth.

Anderson said that he thinks most of the “true residents” of the area, those whose kids go to school there and work there, are “very open” to the resort. Like Bobby Lowe, who said he’s lived in Stanton, Kentucky — a town 15 minutes away from the proposed resort — for 35 to 40 years.

“I’d love for it to happen. Any income in this area would help,” he said. “The town has died a lot in a lot of ways. And all the kids that have graduated in the last 40 years, I don’t know where they’re at. What I’m saying is, there’s no jobs here at home.”

Anderson, who was elected in 2011, said, overall, Red River Economic Development’s business members have placated the majority of the concerns he’s had about the resort.

“Negativity is what people want, you know, like some conspiracy, and I really don’t view it that way,” he said. “I think everybody wants to see the devil, and that’s not the case. I think it’s a genuine effort from these people. Or, their reasons truly were for the betterment of Eastern Kentucky.”

SMALL BEGINNINGS, THEN A BOOM

While Ventura doesn’t think the resort is necessarily the best fit for the Gorge, growth for the area is something that his family has always hoped for.

When his father and mother, Miguel and Susan Ventura, bought their property just up the road from the Natural Bridge State Park, it was “a pretty desolate zone,” he said. But, it was inexpensive land — the Venturas and a few of their “hippie friends” were able to purchase 60 acres for around

Dario Ventura, whose family started Miguel’s Pizza.

$50,000, he continued.

At the time, the state park attracted some tourism to the Gorge, but not much. The Venturas started the ice cream shop and a $2 a night climbing campsite. The ice cream shop became a pizzeria and the campsite has stayed.

Dario Ventura remembers being the same age his daughter Cedar is now, running around the property and talking to the climbers who were camping for the night. Dan Dourson, a retired U.S. Forest Service ranger who moved to the area in the ‘70s, said he and a few other residents and climbers were often the only customers who ate at Miguel’s in the beginning.

Dan and his wife Judy Dourson came to the Gorge from Ohio; Hamann arrived from Cincinnati 11 years ago; and the Venturas relocated from Connecticut — all persuaded to stay by untamed, beautiful land. It’s a familiar story for long-time transplants, including Abrams. She came from Rock Castle, Kentucky 11 years ago and decided to stay after her first hike in Daniel Boone Forest. “It’s just like sitting in church,” she said.

Judy Dourson, a retired school teacher, and Dan Dourson, watched as Miguel’s attracted more climbers to the area. Over the years, other tourists drawn to the outdoors followed.

Entrepreneurs responded to the growth, but mostly independent ones, according to Ventura.

“Everything that’s kind of opened has filled like a new avenue, and it’s original and brings, like, a different aspect to the area,” he said. “And that’s what makes this place cool. You’re not going to the same chain restaurant everything, you know what I’m saying?”

What started as a steady trickle of new visitors has turned into a flood.

The Doursons moved to Belize 12 years ago. When they returned five years ago, the Gorge was totally transformed.

Powell County Judge Executive James Anderson.

“Now, I mean, it’s insane to go there on the weekends; we never go there on the weekends,” said Dan Dourson.

Ventura said the Gorge’s growth spurt started around seven years ago, he thinks, because of an increased focus on Kentucky tourism and other publicity. For a time, he said, he was participating in some sort of interview every weekend. The rise of social media has played a role, too. He often sees people pull up to Miguel’s to take a picture in front of it rather than eat.

“It’s, like, cool to go be outside now,” he said.

The Doursons said they’ve seen hiking grow in popularity and gas prices lower so people from nearby cities are more willing to take a trip to the Gorge.

The pandemic brought even more visitors, including people who decided to work remotely at the Gorge instead of staying chained to their computers at home.

Miguel’s has swelled with the new business. Ten years ago, the Venturas added a shelter house for outdoor dining and another building that functions as a meditation room and bathhouse for campers. The family used to expand their main, signature yellowfaced building as needed, essentially nailing storage sheds together, said Dario Ventura. Three years ago, during their annual winter-months closure, the Venturas tore the additions down and built a more open upper floor area in its place and renovated the basement. They’ve started to move beyond Miguel’s, too. Dario Ventura is now working on a totally new restaurant: a sit-down barbecue concept on 100 acres of land, which will also include areas for hiking and fishing.

“I mean, on our end, it’s great for business,” said Ventura about the Gorge’s growth. “We’re always expanding and keeping up.”

LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

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There are downfalls, however.

“I feel like a lot of people felt like this was, like, their little secret, the Red River Gorge, you know. It’s definitely not the case anymore,” he said.

And, there is a “wear and tear” on the natural environment that needs to be figured out, he said.

WEAR AND TEAR

Dan Dourson’s time in the Forest Service in the Gorge was devoted to protecting and cultivating its diverse wildlife.

He retired in the ‘90s amid budget cuts, but today his life is still devoted to honoring the ecological sanctity of the Gorge by writing guidebooks with Judy Dourson, who was also a member of the local advisory board.

From his vantage point, the Gorge is at capacity. Any more people, and the precious plants and animals that live hardly anywhere else in the world but the Gorge could start to disappear. Powell County is home to eight endangered species of animals, including the Virginia big-eared bat. Around 95% of the bat’s world population is split between the Gorge and an area of West Virginia, Dourson said.

During the summer, the bats raise their young in the sandstone shelters that dot the Gorge. One curious hiker intruding on their home can cause a colony to relocate, often to a less suitable location.

In the Gorge’s river, there were 29 different species of rare freshwater mussels. Already, canoeing during dryer seasons has contributed to the disappearance of 14 of those species, said Dourson.

The three most sensitive areas in the Gorge, said Dourson, are its cliff lines, limestone caves and its river, according to Dourson. And the cliff lines have been endangered by the area’s cabin building boom. In Powell County, there are no local planning and zoning or building laws, and with that — no way to keep property owners from building along the cliffs.

The Doursons have also noticed the infrastructure issues that have arrived with more visitors. When they moved back from Belize, they returned to their home near the Nada Tunnel. But soon after, they had to find a different place to live because of new, loud traffic noises and long lines to get into the one-way tunnel road that serves two-way traffic. Local business owners have identified other congested areas, as well as a lack of parking within the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Meanwhile, basic services in the area are seeing signs of strain, and there are worries that more visitors could cause greater problems.

Hamann said garbage from visitors has increased at her coffee shop with more tourists.

Fees have gone up and she’s had to buy another dumpster. In Wolfe County, there is no public

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trash pickup, said April Reefer, the owner of a restaurant in the area called Hop’s.

Water access is strained, as well.

An infrastructure report from Stantec says that the waste and wastewater plants within the four-county Gorge region “are mostly depleted of excess The Gorge’s natural beauty is the reason many Powell County transplants have available capacity” moved there. Now, they fear a resort might change it. and “many are to help pay for pump, water tank and waste either nearing or water treatment plant upgrades. The total already beyond the permitted design capacity.”

Reefer said that the local government refused to cost would be $3.2 million, some of it paid for through a one-time tap fee. expand a water line to the rest of her propBecause of Powell County’s current erty, citing low water pressure. She had to run lack of zoning, however, there are fewer her own water line and set up her own sewer options for making sure a future developer system. follows the resort master plan. Adkisson “That’s a challenge for running a business said that the holding group will look for a when you can’t have — I mean those are pretty developer who buys into the plan. But, there basic things: water, septic and trash,” she said. is at least one way to give the plan teeth, he There are concerns that resort visitors will said: the creation of a TIF district. That would make these problems worse, but Adkisson also argues that the project could attract more invest- require the cooperation of county government, which could ask for the future resort developer ment in public infrastructure — and promote to meet certain requirements in order to ensure local growth management. the creation of the TIF. The TIF would generate money to reimburse the developer for project MEETING AND MOLDING THE costs. Anderson said that he supports the TIF. GROWTH The final part of Adkisson’s pitch to Powell County residents have traditionally concerned residents is, essentially, it could be resisted the idea of zoning laws, said County worse. Another consequence of the county’s Judge Executive Anderson. As Ventura put it, lack of zoning laws is that anything could be “Kentucky people, they want to do what they built on the 891-acre property without input want to do.” from the public — an auto salvage yard, or But, the Gorge’s recent growth has caused perhaps an industrial farm, he said. some residents to realize the value in regulating On the ecological side, the U.S. Forest some types of development, said Anderson.

Service has launched its own initiative to Now, there is growing support for creating manage growth in the Gorge, said staff officer zoning laws, which could also help the area Tim Eling. dictate what kind of development follows the The Service is currently putting together a resort. proposal, which includes designated camping A primary concern from current business spots (currently, backpackers can pitch a campowners is that future growth is not corporate or site wherever); a rightsizing of the trail system Gatlinburg-esque. (making unofficial trails official); and more Red River Gorge United and other locals parking areas and shuttle stops. coming together to talk about their vision for There is a possibility that more attention on the Gorge is one of the main positives to come from the resort planning process, said Adkisson. the Gorge could lead to more funding for the Daniel Boone National Forest, as well, Eling “If, by elevating the public’s attention to said — from partnerships and advocacy groups. growth, there can be local involvement in what There have been more solutions proposed kind of growth takes place, that’s a very posito mitigate the impacts of the resort. Unlike tive thing,” he said. the TIF district or zoning changes, these don’t If the Red River Holding Group finds a have the full support of Anderson. But some developer, Adkisson thinks that the federal and state government will be more inclined to invest members of Red River Gorge United and the local advisory board want them. in the area’s roads.

The Doursons’ main priority is the establishAnd, the resort plan calls for the developer

Christie Abrams and her tattoo of Chimney Rock, a famous spot in the Gorge.

ment of a fund that could be used to buy land for preservation purposes.

There is also talk of lobbying legislators to make the Daniel Boone National Forest a national park, which is focused on preservation.

National forests are more lenient with non-preservation uses, such as hunting and canoeing.

And Hamann said that RRGU has discussed incorporating Slade, Kentucky, so it has its own government instead of relying on the county.

Whatever happens, the Gorge of Ventura’s childhood — and the Gorge that many Kentuckians have come to love — is already gone in some respects.

“I feel like a stranger,” Ventura said.

The area has started to lose its small-town feeling, he said, and has seemed to twist away from its past as a natural area to enjoy nature, conserve and preserve.

But, Miguel’s has also been a part of that change, Ventura said — just as other members of the local advisory board have. The Doursons’ family members started one of the first cabin rental companies in the area with their help.

Hamann’s store was the area’s first coffee shop.

If the resort really ends up fulfilling the Chamber’s original goal of helping people by giving locals jobs, Ventura said it will be a win at the end of the day.

“I think the Gorge will probably just go through, you know, just almost a learning curve, or, you know, 10 years of just figuring it out and molding itself to what is the new norm,” he said. •

Lucy Dacus at Waterfront Wednesday. | PHOTO BY NIK VECHERY.

SUMMER GUIDE ROUNDUP

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS SUMMER IN LOUISVILLE LAST SUMMER, Louisville, like the rest of the world, was basically shut down, with all of our favorite places and events in hibernation due to a deadly virus. This summer, we’re slowly starting to see things normalize, with more action throughout the city. Gatherings still aren’t quite like they used to be, but there are currently places to go and events to enjoy. Here is what we’ll be doing this summer.

OUTDOOR MARKETS

Last year took a lot of our joy. The summer came and went as we saw COVID numbers tick up and people around us get sick. This coming summer already feels a lot less heavy. People have grown used to masking, and now that many have gotten vaccinated and feel safer, the tentative smiles of humanity emerging from its extended cocooning are encouraging. I’m ready to reclaim my place in the outdoor world in a big way. From road trips and plane rides, to simple hometown pleasures, but the thing I’m most looking forward to in my Louisville summer are the weekend outdoor markets. I love the fresh flowers, produce, vintage randomness, jewelry, food, people, pets, kids dripping sticky ice

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cream… I love everything about the summer market season, and I cannot wait to strap on my Teva knock-offs and hit every one. I’ve already managed to catch a Flea Off Market and scored a lovely silver, turquoise ring. I don’t need more houseplants, but when I see them at the markets, you’ll find me looking — trying to figure out where I can wedge another one in the jungle I grew last year. If 2020 taught me one thing, it’s that street food tastes better on the street, and I’m definitely happy that the food trucks will have a hot, fly-infested line for me to wait in. If I am grinning goofily in your direction, grin back. We survived and the summer markets are a time to celebrate! —Erica Rucker

there were plenty of concerts. Then, in a matter of a couple days in March 2020, they all went away. Currently, outdoor concerts are trickling out all over the city, with a few stages on the river (see the music section for more details) and at places like Headliners Music Hall. Indoor concerts aren’t back to normal, but you’ll find some scattered around, and touring bands are starting to warm up to the idea of getting back on the road. Right now, I’ll take what I can get. I saw my first show last month, and seeing the energy of live music again — and how bands and crowds feed off of each other — was a much needed experience. I won’t take it for granted again. —Scott Recker

CONCERTS

THE KENTUCKY STATE FAIR

The pandemic made me realize how spoiled this city was with live music. Before COVID, probably about five days a week, there was a quality concert somewhere, oftentimes several stacked on the same night. Sometimes that was a megastar in an arena, sometimes it was a nationally-touring band in a midsize room, sometimes it was one of the dozens of talented local bands at a beloved small space. Point is,

I’m looking forward to the return of the Kentucky State Fair. Nowhere is eating corndogs and cotton candy so accepted — rather, expected — and I look forward to enjoying two years’ worth. On the other hand, I’m not looking forward to consuming any Krispy Kreme doughnut burgers, fried Twinkies or other remorse-filled delicacies, but I’m excited to see what they’ve come up with this year. There’s

a chance I’d even get frisky enough to check out one of the Texas Roadhouse Concert Series shows… thinking Ginuwine (Friday, Aug. 20) or, perhaps, Louisville’s own White Reaper (Friday, Aug. 27). Mostly, I’m looking forward to all the animals — the cows, goats, pigs, sheep, even the rabbits. I really hope the little ducklings are back on their slide-swim-climb-slide thing. I know… I know… “That will be the closest any Yarmuth ever gets to farm animals.” And you’re probably correct. But this will be the first Kentucky State Fair that my 2-year-old son will be able to attend, and he will FREAK OUT at all these critters. In fact, one of his favorite books is just “Farm Animals.” So, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to take him to meet all his animal buddies, and get into some junk food — including the leftovers from his Krispy Kreme doughnut burger and fried Twinkies. —Aaron Yarmuth

BLOCKBUSTER MOVIE SEASON

Every summer, I anxiously await every tentpole franchise movie. While I enjoy arthouse movies, by and large I gravitate toward anything where punching a villain square in the face is the ideal solution to any problem. I could wax poetic about superhero movies or anything where Vin Diesel needs a car to fight terrorism, but the long and the short of it is that these are the worlds I want to live in. It’s not the sensationalistic violence or CGI that pull me in, but the idea that there are bad people out there who get their proper comeuppance, a luxury that we rarely get to experience in the real world. And there are few places better to accommodate my fantasies than Baxter Avenue Theatres. While Baxter is a

smaller venue, the seats are cozy and the bar is usually staffed and stocked with the kinds of things I like to drink. The lines are seldom long, so I can run in, snag a drink, and go straight to the restrooms during the slower bits, as needed. I usually say that I don’t want any food but then eat handfuls of my wife’s popcorn. Did I mention that their concessions are excellent? Because they are. On top of that, Baxter is located in the Highlands, my all-time favorite neighborhood, which hosts some of the best restaurants in the city. Baxter is a solid date night and one that was sorely Racing Louisville FC players Nealy Martin, Shelby Money and Jorian Baucom. | PHOTO BY missed, stuck in the house with two young, KATHRYN HARRINGTON. but lovely kids for a year, and I’m excited to get especially in a crowd, was a huge step for me; it made me back to it. —Syd Bishop feel connected both to the team community and the larger community of sports fans. No kidding, it made me feel more LOCAL SPORTS like a person. Going to so many different kinds of games When I was a kid, I thought that sports were for other and sporting events over the last few months has always people — definitely not for me. I was very much a capitalmade me feel the same way. Being together with thousands N Nerd, a judgy bookworm who read voraciously and of people, shouting, waving signs — all those things force eschewed almost any type of competitive fun other than you to be present in the moment. They’re a fantastic cure Quick Recall. Physical sports, I thought, were silly, not intel- for the solipsism that quarantine forced us into in 2020. This lectual. Thankfully, I’ve wised up since then, and I’ve come summer, I’m most looking forward to sports coming back to realize something important: I fucking love sports. I love in a big way, as long as it’s safe to do so. I want to bring the photographing them, I love watching them up close, and I city back to that amazing feeling, the sense of conquering love cheering for my home teams, even from thousands of something together, even if it’s just another team. We’ve all miles away. In fact, in my now-favorite sport, hockey, what been spending our last 15 months trying to cure COVID. We I love most isn’t even the gameplay –– it’s the fights. Allowdeserve the chance to cure our sense of isolation, one goal ing myself to enjoy something so raw and so spontaneous, and home run at a time. — Carolyn Brown •

LEO WEEKLY - A LITTLE OFF CENTER

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the PTO Comedy tour

OCTOBER 24 THE KENTUCKY CENTER KENTUCKYPERFORMINGARTS.ORG

ON SALE FRIDAY 10AM! LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

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FOCUSING ON FINANCIAL HEALTH

SPONSORED CONTENT

CHART THE PATH TOWARD YOUR NEXT MILESTONE SPONSORED BY

When was the last time you looked at your bank account balance? According to a recent study, over 60 percent of Americans check their balance at least once week.1 This is a habit, if practiced the right way, can you put on the path to achieving your financial goals.

Whether you’re looking to becoming financially independent, planning for a long awaited vacation, or saving for a down payment to buy your first home, we want you to be aware of some of the tools and skills right now to help make your financial journey as smooth as possible.

But let’s talk about the basics first. Managing your money can be overwhelming but it doesn’t need to be.

Understanding things like budgeting, saving, paying your bills, and even building your credit score are skills that can help you at any stage of your life. Even in these difficult times with the pandemic when so many of us are facing greater uncertainty around our finances and job security, it is these types of moments where understanding core financial skills can be the difference maker.

The past year has impacted families, friends, colleagues and our community. Since the start of the pandemic, 44% of Black Americans have said that either they or someone in their family has experienced a job or wage loss due to COVID.2 In these situations, especially, it is critical to know how to manage your finances to stay or get back on track.

If you’re unsure of where to begin, how to start making progress, or simply looking to refresh your knowledge, consider the following as you chart a successful path forward and take control of your financial future.

1

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LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

ADVICE AND TOOLS

Our financial goals hub is a great place to start. Start by picking a goal – save, budget, or build credit – and explore advice, offerings and tools that more simply allow you to control your financial future. Our Grow Your Savings page, for example, offers an interactive calculator that maps out a timeline to reach savings goals and highlights how the Autosave tool can help you manage a regular savings schedule to stay on track and meet your goals. Other resources are also available, such as budget worksheets to monitor and track monthly spending, guidance on using the Credit Journey tool to build and protect credit, as well as background on low-cost checking accounts designed to provide access for anyone who has had trouble getting or keeping an account in the past.

RESERVED CAPITAL FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

Education, reliable support and resources are fundamental first steps to financial literacy, but equal access to capital is just as critical. With 41% of Blackowned businesses shuttering since this time last year3, COVID-19 has only worsened the disparities and inequities that demand an intentional reprioritization of capital. Through our Entrepreneurs of Color Fund, we’re working to provide more access to capital to future entrepreneurs, existing business owners and communities who have historically and unfairly struggled to secure it. JPMorgan Chase also recently announced it is setting aside funds specifically for Black and Latinx business owners – stop into your local branch and talk with a Chase For Business representative to see if you qualify.

EQUITABLE HOME LENDING

ownership among Black communities. One way we hope to do this is through our Chase DreaMaker mortgage, which makes applying for your first mortgage or refinancing a current one more attainable with a smaller down payment, and by offering reduced mortgage insurance, more flexibility around your credit score, potential assistance grants and homebuyer education courses.

LOCAL ADVOCATES

In Louisville, we’ve also hired a community manager – a new role created by the bank – who will work with the community and small businesses to increase awareness of available resources, and help connect you with financial health tools, products and services. Look for more free interactive programs on topics such as budget building, home buying tips, interview and job search skills, how to fund a small business, and others coming soon.

No matter where you are financially, budgeting and saving are two key habits that can help all of us bounce back from life’s unexpected moments or keep on track to ensure you meet your goals. That is why we are here to help everyone have open conversations about what it means to become financially healthy and provide support, tools and advice to get there. Financial health is a journey, and we can help you think about a plan for now and the future.

For more resources, information and access to tools that can help you achieve your financial goals and milestones, visit chase.com/personal/financial-goals

Home equity is also a major contributor to families’ wealth, making it imperative that we increase property

https://www.theladders.com/career-advice/survey-36-of-americans-look-at-their-bank-account-daily

2

https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/05/05/financial-and-health-impacts-of-covid-19-vary-widely-by-race-and-ethnicity/

3

https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w27309/w27309.pdf

STAFF PICKS

SATURDAY, JUNE 12

Connecting For A Cause — StageOne Family Theatre + Louisville Academy of Music

THURSDAY, JUNE 10

Thirsty Thursday: Cross-Dressing at the Turn of the Twentieth Century The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum | Zoom | conrad-caldwell.org/thirsty-thursday | Free ($5 suggested donation) | 7– 9 p.m.

Long before the days of binge-watching RuPaul and taking your parents to drag brunch, cross-dressing flourished in its own way — underground. Learn about the HISTORY Victorians’ fascination with and complex relationship to cross-dressing at a virtual talk sponsored by a Louisville historical house. — Carolyn Brown

Christy’s Garden | 720 Brent St. | kentuckyperformingarts.org | Donation-based | 11 a.m.

Storytime just got bigger. StageOne Family Theatre and the Louisville Academy of Music will bring to life three children’s books in this outdoor performance. Prime CONNECT the kiddos’ ears for “Giraffes Can’t Dance”“Secret Rhino Society” and “Not Quit Narwhal” with sing-alongs in between. There are three Connecting for a Cause events this weekend. A reprise of Hannah L. Drake’s “Fix It, Black Girl” is booked up, but there are still tickets available for Sunday’s panel discussion and immersive music experience about how nature benefits human health — starting at 8 p.m.. Each event is donation-based, but you must reserve your tickets online beforehand. —Danielle Grady

FRIDAY, JUNE 11

Bicentennial Park Concert Series

SATURDAY, JUNE 12

Bicentennial Park | 118 E. Spring St., New Albany | newalbanycityhall.com/bicentennialpark | Free | 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Louisville’s Rosé Partay

Outdoor summer concerts and festivals are near — if not at the very — top of our list of things we missed most during the pandemic… but they’re coming back. New MUSIC Albany’s free, family-friendly Bicentennial Park Summer Series continues this Friday with Louisville rock-and-rollers Mary Mary. You might recognize the group rocking Fleetwood Mac, Alice In Chains and more at hundreds of area clubs and music festivals.

Opening for Mary Mary is Anemic Royalty, who’s played Louder Than Life, Poorcastle and WFPK’s Live Lunch.

—LEO

Run for the rosé at this event, where $40 gets you 17 different drink tastings, which include rosés, rum, and cider, plus free swag and free entry into a raffle. Of course that includes frosé and jello HAVE A DRINK shots –– what kind of party would it be without them? There’s also food, merch and music, naturally, which makes this the perfect opportunity to buy one of those “Rosé all day” shirts you’ve been eyeing. Then, dance off the drinks at Shopbar’s after-partay from 6 p.m. to midnight. Masks are required inside Logan Street Market, but not outdoors.

Please drink responsibly. —LEO

The Breeze Wine Bar | 1001 Logan St. | thebreezewinebar.com | $40 | 2-6 p.m.

Anemic Royalty.

LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

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GUNDA A SPEED CINEMA PRESENTATION

Master filmmaker Viktor Kossakovsky movingly

SPEED CINEMA REOPENS JUNE 11

Tickets at speedmuseum.org/cinema

recalibrates our moral universe, reminding us of the inherent value of life and the mystery of all animal consciousness, including our own.

SHOWTIMES: June 11, 6 pm June 12, 1, 3, and 6 pm June 13, 1 and 3 pm

2035 South Third Street Louisville, Kentucky 40208 (502) 634-2700

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LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

SPEED CINEMA

STAFF PICKS

SATURDAY, JUNE 12

Back In Time Car Show!

Joe Huber’s Family Farm & Restaurant | 2421 Engle Road, Starlight, Indiana | joehubers.com/events | $10 donation | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

If you want to go cruisin’ this weekend, try the 2021 Cruise-In, hosted by the Back In Time Car Club. Head up to Joe Huber’s Restaurant to check out a lineup of classic CRUISE and collector’s cars, and grab some good home cookin’ while you’re there.

There will also be a 50/50 raffle, door prizes and a $100 cash drawing every hour, with live music provided by Terry Langford. The $10 per car donation goes to support the Cops for Kids program in New Albany.

—LEO

Are you struggling with CPAP? SATURDAY, JUNE 12

Cherchez La Femme

Prophecy Ink | 907 Baxter Avenue | Search Facebook | Free | Opens at 1 p.m If you want to “Look for the woman,” as this art show’s name implores you to do, start at Prophecy Ink. The tattoo shop is hosting a female-focused art exhibition where Louisville women will show off about a dozen different kinds of works — painting, jewelry, ART sculpture and more. A representative of Prophecy Ink told LEO that the art will stay up for a few months, so make sure you add this to your summer to-do list. You don’t have to get a tattoo afterward, but hey, if the art inspires you…—Carolyn Brown

Hear from doctors in your area about Inspire, a sleep apnea treatment that works inside your body.

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Inspire is not for everyone. Talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you, and review important safety information at InspireSleep.com.

LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

17

STAFF PICKS

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SATURDAY, JUNE 12-13

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Artists continues to show that COVID-19 may have damaged productivity but did not eliminate it. The annual Arts on the Green, sponsored by the Arts Association of FESTIVAL Oldham County, is back for its 21st year. The juried show features over 100 artists working in many media, including photography, ceramics and jewelry. This year, the festival is located in the newly opened The Maples Park in Crestwood. The festival will be, of course, compliant with all current pandemic guidelines. —Jo Anne Triplett

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700.500 night during Pride month, Play Louisville is hosting two events in one: a fun hour-long game for guests, then the Queerdo drag show and open stage. This Sunday, it’s an hour of Jackbox –– competitive group games you play from your phone.

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STAFF PICKS

SUNDAY, JUNE 13-19

4th Annual 502 Black Business Week

Online or in-store | Various locations | 502blackbusinessweek.com | Times vary The long journey to equality in America depends on Black Americans having the same opportunities to thrive economically. Anyone can contribute to a more EMPOWER just, equitable society by frequenting Black-owned businesses. And what better reminder to join in this effort than the week of Juneteenth, the date marking the end of slavery in America? All week, Blackowned businesses will be offering great deals in shops, restaurants, services and experiences. For a full list of participating businesses and specials visit the website above. —LEO

THROUGH AUG. 1

’Re�lect, Reframe, Remake, Remodel: 40 Years Of Recra�ting KMAC’ KMAC Museum | 715 W. Main St. | kmacmuseum.org | Prices vary

This exhibition is a visual story of how a museum constructed itself by way of crafts. The 40 artists reflect the 40-year history of KMAC. In its early days, it was known GALLERY as the Kentucky Art and Craft Foundation, and later, the Kentucky Art and Craft Gallery, and eventually represented over 500 folk and craft artists. Its present incarnation is a museum with a permanent collection. The museum is also featuring “MAKING IT” in the KMAC Shop with handmade objects by local artists including Chad Balster, Cynthia Norton and J-D Schall. —Jo Anne Triplett

‘Now Let Me See’ by William M. Duffy. Carved stone on marble. | PHOTO BY TED WATHEN.

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MUSIC

YOUR GUIDE TO LOUISVILLE’S OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERTS

By Carolyn Brown | leo@leoweekly.com IF YOU’RE like us, you’re probably trying to make your way back to regular concertgoing after a long year without shows. Still, going back to crowded indoor venues might be an uncomfortable transition, even if you’re vaxxed.

The happy medium: outdoor concerts.

Even though Louisville doesn’t have as many this year as we normally do, there are still plenty of good choices to keep you dancing throughout the summer.

This is your guide to Louisville’s best outdoor shows.

oasis in downtown New Albany, but it can fit around 200 people with plenty of room for young kids (and college kids) to dance.

The concerts in this series end before sunset, which leaves plenty of time to mingle with the band members and fellow music fans.

If you get there early enough, you can snag a first-come, first-served table with an umbrella, but most people bring their own blankets and chairs. Skyline Chili serves food and drinks on-site, or you can bring a picnic basket. Avoid the hassle of street parking by using the public lot on Black Avenue instead.

LIVE ON THE LAWN AT WATERFRONT PARK 231 Witherspoon Road | Doors open at 6 p.m.; shows start at 7 p.m. | Prices vary, purchase on TicketMaster | Days vary This is the big space for the big names.

If you miss the Real Festival Experience — partying with your friends on the waterfront as you listen to hitmakers like ZZ Top, Styx, Nelly, and Shinedown –– this one’s for you.

Some caveats, though –– most audiences at these shows are seated in sociallydistanced pods of 4-6 people, so you can’t just jam right in front of the stage like you normally would. The cheapest non-pod tickets are limited and vary from $25-49.50, and you can’t bring chairs, just blankets. (That said, you can get free admission in exchange for some cleanup work after a show. Google “Clean Vibes Louisville” for more info.)

They require guests to wear masks outside of their pods, and there will be hand sanitizing stations everywhere.

UPCOMING JUNE SHOWS: June 11 - Mary Mary w/Anemic Royalty June 18 - Wolfpen Branch w/The Song Sparrows June 25: Rockstead w/Billingsley July and August shows will be announced soon.

FIVE UPCOMING SHOWS: June 22: Styx w/Collective Soul July 2 and 3: Greensky Bluegrass July 16 and 17: Dark Star Orchestra July 18: ZZ Top Aug. 6: Nelly BICENTENNIAL PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 118 E Spring Street, New Albany | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Free | Fridays Before you hit the big venues, swing by Bicentennial Park for a cozier, more intimate groove with a chill neighborhood-festival feel. The park is a fairly small space, a green

JAMMIN IN JEFF AT THE RIVERSTAGE 100 W. Riverside Drive, Jeffersonville | Lawn opens at 6 p.m.; shows at 7 p.m. | Free | Fridays A 15 minute drive away from Bicentennial Park is the RiverStage, a concert venue with a unique twist: it floats on the river!

You won’t, though –– the audience members watch each show from rows of chairs on the nearby lawn. The space does get very packed, so make sure to arrive with plenty of time to claim your spot. Bring a small cooler to enjoy a picnic in the summer air while you wait for the shows to start.

FIVE UPCOMING SHOWS: June 11: From Paris w/ The Mad Taxpayers June 18: Sheryl Rouse as Tina Turner w/ The Jesse Lees June 25: 100% Poly w/ The Roux July 2: Thunderstruck w/ Stolen Prayer & Super Bee July 9: Fan Fave Friday: Eight Inch Elvis, Top Shelf & The Les Masters Band FRIDAYFEST AT HIGHVIEW PARK 7122 Briscoe Lane | Gates open at 5 p.m.; shows from 6-10 p.m. | Free | Every

New Albany’s Bicentennial Park Summer Concert Series has a chill, neighborhood-festival feel.

other Friday This concert series is sponsored by three Metro Councilmembers. We do like to critique our city’s elected officials at LEO, but this is one thing they’ve definitely done right!

Enjoy concerts and food trucks every other Friday between now and early August.

Upcoming shows include a Beatles tribute band, a few country artists, and a “phonque” trio.

FIVE UPCOMING SHOWS: June 11: Dave Wilbert w/ Hank Rose June 25: Magnolia Boulevard w/ Britton Morgan Trio July 9: Alex Williams w/ Dave Ernst and the Early Favorites July 23: Sheryl Rouse and The Unlimited Show Band w/Bleu Phonque Aug. 6: The Rigbys Beatle Tribute w/ Strung Out Loud BOURBON & BOTANICALS MUSIC SERIES 6220 Old Lagrange Road, Crestwood | Gates open at 5 p.m.; shows from 7-8:45 p.m. | Prices vary; non-member adults $15, purchase on EventBrite | Thursdays in July and August If your appreciation for live music has grown in the last year, bring that love to a place that knows all about growing. The Yew Dell Botanical Garden is hosting local musicians in July and August at very affordable ticket prices.

Drinks will be available (including bourbon, of course), but bring your own

blankets, chairs and food. Make sure you don’t miss the free drop-in tours of the garden space starting at 6 p.m. each night.

FIVE UPCOMING SHOWS: July 1: The Ron Jones Quartet July 8: Rosie and The Rockabillies July 15: Da Mudcats July 22: Allen Lane Band July 29: Ida Clare WFPK WATERFRONT WEDNESDAYS 1101 E. River Road | Gates open at 5 p.m.; shows start at 6 | Free | Every other Wednesday, July through September Who says you have to save the fun for the weekend? This popular concert series on the Big Four Lawn will be your antidote to the mid-week blahs.

WFPK hasn’t announced yet which artists are going to be performing, so we can’t give you specific info about the shows. We can tell you, though, that there’ll be food trucks and a cash bar, and that all of the concerts will follow the most updated COVID protocols.

Still, we know this: it’ll be fun, it’ll be free, and it’ll be fully worth a trip (or six.)

FIVE UPCOMING SHOWS: July 14, July 28, Aug. 11, Aug. 25, Sept. 8 (all artists TBD)

LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

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MUSIC

MAKE ROOM FOR MARZZ

By Erica Rucker | erucker@leoweekly.com

LOUISVILLE is prime ground for talent.

From churches to schools to the raw, selftaught dreamers, there is a deep well of artistry ripening in the protective boundaries of the city. One such talent, Marzz, born Laria McCormick, has been singing since she was four, honing her skills in the choir of her South End area church where her mother and grandmother were ministers.

As Marzz matured, she realized that her love for music and her sexuality played against the teachings of the church. She decided that a secular music career was the avenue for her, though she did not abandon her love for gospel music. After coming out in high school, Marzz would perform at school for rallies and began to share her work through Instagram. It wasn’t long before her smooth, rich vocals were noticed.

“I would always post freestyles and stuff, but this one day particular, you know, I posted this freestyle and it got up to like 4,000 views. To me, that was huge,” said Marzz. “ I only got like 70, you know, to a hundred, maybe 400 views. And it started really picking up attraction. And I was like, yo, this is crazy. Then, the guy, basically I got seen by him and he reached out to me, was like, ‘yo, your pen game is crazy.’ And I was like, oh, wait a minute. You already know, I gotta go into investigative mode.”

The ‘him’ was none other than Timbaland, legendary hitmaker and record producer whose list of credits includes working with Missy Elliott, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Drake and Justin Timberlake.

“He said he wanted to work with me.

And he was like, ‘I’ll fly you out.’ And I was like, ‘What?’ Say less,” Marzz said mimicking her disbelief and enthusiasm.

Timbaland, whose real name is Tim Mosley, flew Marzz to Los Angeles where they worked on four tracks together. He also shared her talents on his Instagram page.

“Being in the studio with him was just crazy. It was literally like my big brother and anything that I was babbling when he was like, ‘Oh yeah, that’s it,” she said.

“Like anything that he pulled up, it was just like, I connected with it. It was crazy. It was an amazing experience.”

Two of those tracks will be featured on Marzz’s upcoming EP, Love Letterz. In her music, Marzz hopes to explore herself but

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LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

also to help her fans discover more about their own lives. As we chat, she is polite and candid. She speaks with honorifics and with humility about her recent successes.

At 21 years old, she is beginning to grow comfortable in her own skin.

Part of the process of growing more comfortable with herself was being able to come out to an accepting community at Fairdale High School where she played basketball and ran track.

“Fairdale, four years ago, was crazy. It was definitely a new opening as far as the LGBT community, ‘cause it wasn’t a lot of us there, but it was very welcoming,” she said. “It was never an issue. You know what I’m saying? So I really do appreciate everybody that was there that was loving and stuff. Cause that really, when we went, when we had different games or different track meets, we didn’t feel apart from anybody.”

“I appreciate all the teachers that was helping me get through life situations, at that time, they helped me get through a lot.”

She speaks kindly about her days at Fairdale, and “Coach James,” who she said helped her during a difficult time after losing her brother, and living in the South End. “I grew up in the South. I grew up like in the Iroquois area, so I’m not going to say I had it too rough. I was fed at night. I had decent clothes every day. It wasn’t really so much of a struggle. It’s just basically building a foundation around my family. I was really family oriented.”

Her past and who she sees herself becoming are central to the work that she’s putting out.

“I feel like I want people to know that I’m definitely a loving person,” she said. “I want people to understand that it’s okay to have self love, to find yourself again. That’s the main focus of the Love Letterz, EP. It’s basically about self love, finding yourself and taking the time to be selfish and being able to sit there and fight your demons.”

She has bigger dreams, too, like many young artists. She is looking forward to big things for her career, and while music is her first love, her ultimate goal is a bit of a plot twist.

“I want to sell out arenas. I want to

travel the world,” Marzz said. “I wanna go back to college, get my doctor’s degree.

That’s something that I’m planning on doing at some point. I want to be a neurologist — a surgeon, actually. So hopefully that gets, that goes in my plan.”

“I’m a huge Jhené Aiko fan. So, if she was to even just hear anything of mine that would just bless my heart. But the goal that I have set is really to just connect with my audience. I cannot wait to just be in a live audience and just singing and connecting with my audience, to be

honest.

That’s one of my biggest goals right — to just fill myself with... surround myself with the love and hopefully bring people out of their shell, give them something to remember and just keep being me, being a loving person.”

It is refreshing speaking to a young artist on the verge of potentially becoming a star. It is nicer even to speak to one whose perspectives, dreams and outlook feel solid and grounded.

When success comes looking, it won’t find a better candidate than Louisville’s Marzz.

“With my music, I’m really just hoping to speak, to

empower the young girls that’s dealing with not really knowing who they are, and just helping them find themselves through being comfortable in their own skin.” • Look for Marzz’s Love Letterz EP, out on June 17.

Marzz turned her Instagram platform into opportunity, recording tracks on her new EP, “Love Letterz” with famous producer Timbaland.

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FOOD & DRINK

RECOMMENDED

LA SUERTE SERVES A GREAT LATIN-STYLE BRUNCH

By Robin Garr | LouisvilleHotBytes.com IN THE JOY of this almost post-pandemic summer, diners are rushing back to local restaurants. But servers, line cooks and other restaurant workers aren’t in such a hurry, so if you’re dining out in Louisville these days, you may encounter a wait.

You’ve heard the stories: A three-hour delay at a popular riverside fried-fish eatery. Two hours for seating at a popular watering hole, with many open tables in sight. Kitchens so backed up that you can’t even place an order. Harried staffers pulling multiple duty as greeter, server, cook and cashier.

Indeed, a host warned of a “15-minute hold” at La Suerte recently, when the brunch crowd was apparently slamming the kitchen and slowing the pace of orders coming out.

Should we wait? Of course! If the eye-catching decor of bold red-chile, guacamole-green and Santa Fe sky blue didn’t hold our attention, the passing scene on Bardstown Road from our window seat surely would. Not to mention the eclectic playlist that cycled from the early Beatles to reggae to Motown and back.

As it turned out, our cordial server was quick to deliver plates, napkins, tall glasses of ice water

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LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

and delicious black coffee ($2.99) in sturdy white mugs. By the time we got a good look at Executive Chef Adrian (“Jojo”) Jimarez Neri’s menu, she was back to take our brunch order, and everything went smoothly thereafter.

If you don’t know Chef Jojo’s name, there’s a good chance that you know his work. He was in the kitchen at North End Cafe for most of its 17-year run in Clifton before it closed last year. The shorter-lived North End branch on Bardstown Road gave way to La Suerte, which he opened in April 2019.

Now it’s all Mexican and South American, all the time, with a full menu daily, plus Sunday brunch.

The brunch menu offers a tasty range of egg dishes and other Latin-style breakfast dishes. If you go, take note that the current house menu is not as extensive as the menu on La Suerte’s website, a shift that I assume is pandemic-related.

Don’t set your heart on a dish featured on the website until you confirm that it’s currently available.

The names of dishes are given in Spanish, mostly, but descriptions are in English. Thirteen

Home fries, two cheeses, guacamole and salsa make Le Suerte’s potato melt a filling brunch plate, with a pair of breakfast sausages on the side.

Divorced eggs? The two eggs had irreconcilable differences over red or green salsa.

FOOD & DRINK

Winning LEO Readers’ Choice Best Thai Restaurant since 2009.

A single, plate-size cornmeal buttermilk pancake with maple syrup made a tasty brunch dessert.

egg dishes range in price from $7.99 (for molletes, which you might describe as an open-face breakfast sandwich with refried beans, chorizo sausage, scrambled eggs, salsa and cheese) to $16.99 (for carne con huevos, an 8-ounce steak topped by two eggs). Save for that one outlier, every other egg dish is under $10.

A half-dozen breakfast specialties are $2 (for a cornmeal buttermilk pancake) to $9.99 (for a breakfast burrito stuffed with beans, rice and chorizo). Twenty sides offer just about anything you’d find on a breakfast buffet, such as bacon or sausage ($3.25), plus beans, rice, fries, even your choice of a half-dozen salsas.

If you come back for dinner, the daily menu features salads, taco plates, a half-dozen seviches, tapa-style appetizers, and 14 entrees priced from $11.99 (for a cheeseburger, torta al pastor, or a vegetarian torta).

Huevos divorciados ($8.99) are named after a Mexican joke that you may have heard before: Two fried eggs are placed angrily facing away from each other atop a pile of home-fried potatoes, scrupulously not touching; one topped with green salsa, the other with contrasting red. If you’ve ever talked to a friend in the midst of an angry divorce — or been there yourself — you’ll understand this image right away.

La Suerte’s rendition of this dish will leave you anything but bitter and angry, though.

The skin-on home-fries are tender and just as deliciously greasy as this breakfast tradition should be; they’re topped with thick refried black beans and crumbled queso blanco. The eggs were

served over easy, with yolks still runny enough to melt into the dish when you break them with your fork. The green salsa is piquant and herbal; the red is more fiery and redolent of chile peppers.

The snipped fresh cilantro adds grace notes to a flavor symphony. Don’t want runny eggs? They’ll make them as you like them.

A hearty potato melt ($7.99) started with a pile of the home fries slathered with a mix of Monterey jack and cheddar, run under the broiler until the edges of the potatoes charred and the cheese cloaked the potatoes. It was topped with generous dollops of creamy guacamole, sour cream and fresh-tomato pico de gallo.

A side order of breakfast sausage ($2.50) consisted of two hefty pork patties, juicy and seared with char marks from the grill.

Also ordered a la carte, a cornmeal buttermilk pancake, ($2) was big enough to fill a plate, and cornmeal added a pleasant crunch and corn flavor to the tangy buttermilk batter. A dab of melted butter on top and a splash of maple syrup made it a splendid brunch dessert.

Brunch for two came to $29.11, plus a $7 tip. •

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | ART

CREATIVITY OUTDOORS

By Erica Rucker | erucker@leoweekly.com

The Highlands. Now with even more trees to hug.

Trees Louisville thanks all the individuals and organizations involved in our Bardstown Road projects, which have resulted in more than 100 trees planted in this vital part of our city.

This includes 39 new sidewalk plantings funded in part by Metro Council District 8 Councilwoman Cassie Chambers Armstrong and 72 private property trees between the 900 block of Baxter Avenue and Murray Avenue. Special thanks to MSD for funding 100 trees, to Nugent Sand for donating topsoil, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the City of Louisville Public Works Department for help with permitting and inspections. Also thanks to the many community members and business owners who organized the tree “adoptions” for this effort and to the monetary donors who defrayed other project costs. All involved are helping the Bardstown Road area stay healthy, vibrant and cool for generations to come.

SUMMER is almost here and the best thing about the season is being outdoors. Taking in art is something we usually think of as an indoor pursuit at museums and galleries, but Louisville has a large collection of art in public view.

If you’re not feeling the crowds of summer concerts or are still a little skittish about being indoors with others and yet, really want the experience of art, take a few suggestions from this list and enjoy both the outdoors and a little creativity as well.

LOUISVILLE PUBLIC ART COLLECTION

“While we have all been staying safe at home, new art has arrived in our public spaces, and now is a great time to get out and see it,” said Louisville Public Art Administrator Sarah Lindgren. “Art in public spaces tells us about the identity of a city, its people and its individual neighborhoods. It also livens up our streets and starts conversations.”

For this “tour” you don’t need reservations, just a trip to the city public art website: louisvilleky.gov/government/arts-culture/explorepublic-art. Here you will find a list of public works. You won’t be able to walk the entirety of Louisville’s public art collection, but many pieces are within walking distance downtown and others are a short car ride away. It is worth it to explore.

There is no time limit for most of the art in the public sphere unless it is located in one of the metro government buildings. Most outdoor works are available to be viewed at any time.

BERNHEIM ARBORETUM AND RESEARCH FOREST

Cindi Sullivan, Executive Director 502.208.8746 TreesLouisville.org

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LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

Bernheim is a place that has come to be synonymous with finding ways to blend creativity with nature. Each year they host several artists-in-residence and public programming to coincide. This summer, there are three events that highlight the work of Bernheim with the creative community. Two of the events highlight work from last year’s artists-in-residence, Gabriella Boros and Lee Emma Running.

FEMMEnomenal Bluegrass Botanicals and Sycamore Hatch/Sycamore Haven are open daily. FEMMEnomenal has two locations, one at Bernheim and the other at the Harmony Building at 425 W. Muhammed Ali Boulevard.

FEMMEnomenal takes the portraits Boros did of 10 notable Kentucky women and reimagines them on canvas which is then suspended along the Lake Nevin loop. The other, Sycamore Hatch/Sycamore Haven is both an

installation indoors and one that incorporates an old hollow Sycamore near the visitors center.

Other events at Bernheim include the Spirit Nest opening on June 12 with artist Jayson Fann. Visitors to the park will hear the artist speak and be able to listen to live music.

Bernheim is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information and directions: bernheim.org

HERMITAGE FARM

Located just 20 miles northeast of Louisville in Goshen, Kentucky, Hermitage Farm is another project by Steve Wilson and Laura Lee Brown. Known for their 21c art museum hotels, the pair uses Hermitage as an opportunity to engage their extensive art collection and the public in a different way. Originally a project to rescue the farm from development, Hermitage Farm does have overnight stay opportunities in the main house, but the attraction of Hermitage is a full Kentucky heritage experience that also incorporates the couples’ love for contemporary art. Hermitage is a working farm. There is a lot to experience in a visit so make careful reservations. Hermitage offers bourbon tastings, horse tours, a farm-to-fork restaurant with Barn8 that also offers picnic lunches, and at night, an art walk with 1,500 feet of trail that comes alive when the sun sets.

For more information and directions: hermitagefarm.com Hermitage Farm hours vary, reservations are necessary.

JOSEPHINE SCULPTURE PARK

Just a few miles down the road in Frankfort, Kentucky, Melanie VanHouten decided to honor her grandmother and the land where she spent her childhood. She opened Josephine Sculpture Park. It is a place for the whole family including the dog. Pets must be leashed and owners are responsible for picking up after their pooches.

VanHouten opened the park with the mission that art is for everyone. The park encourages and supports work of artists from diverse backgrounds. Like Bernheim, they also host an artist-in-residence program.

Josephine Sculpture Park is filled with over 70 works of art. Many are quite large and add to the scenic landscape of the farm. Definitely a “grammable” experience.

“We don’t charge admission, we removed that barrier, and it’s open from sunup to sunset.

It’s meant to bring all kinds of people - artists and visitors - together to experience something meaningful,” said Marketing and Communica-

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | ART

an

it

s ee ls,

@leoweekly

Gabriella Boros’ “FEMMEnomenal Bluegrass Botanicals” at Bernheim.

to e tions Manager Jill Malusky. in Be aware that there are a ge few private residences within so the park. For more informaary tion and directions: josephiot nesculpturepark.org vase WATERFRONT at

BOTANICAL GARDENS

Though the site for the Waterfront Botanical Gardens didn’t open until a few years ago, the dream has been in are the works since 1993. At one time, the site of large From the Hadley Creatives, “I am the Art” Main Street Project, part of industrial dumping, a lot of Louisville’s public art collection. work went into preparing the rt, now know as Yew Dell Gardens was almost lost site for its current use. nor The Waterfront Botanical Gardens is a pretty to industrial building. Instead a committee of t community volunteers got together to preserve traditional botanical gardens experience, but at re and restore the gardens. On the grounds of Yew different times in the year there are events that ing Dell Gardens, the plantings and the architecture certainly fit the “arts” category. This summer, serve as an inviting backdrop during a visit. they will be hosting outdoor music events .

The grounds include a stone castle, a couple and other happenings including yoga events, of stone homes and a log cabin. There are also planting classes and wine nights called “Sunset barns, greenhouses and other pavilion and event Sips.” e spaces.

During the holiday season, the grounds are an Yew Dell routinely hosts camps and other lit with colorful lights that take visitors on a events throughout the season. This year it is tour. er hosting an outdoor music series called Bourbon For more information and directions: water& Botanicals throughout the months of July and frontgardens.org. The Waterfront Botanical ya August.

Gardens are open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday, For more information and directions: yewdFriday and Saturday; 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Thursellgardens.org. days; and Noon – 4 p.m. on Sundays. et.

Yew Dell is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and Noon – 4 p.m. on YEW DELL GARDENS g Sundays. • Another save from developers, what we a-

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bellewoodandbrooklawn.org LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

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68 First line of a Seuss classic 69 Parts of cars and stoves 70 High-profile interviewer of Harry and Meghan 71 Style of ‘‘Roxanne’’ in ‘‘Moulin Rouge!’’

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DOWN Grow faint Coffee-order specification Garment whose name sounds like an apology Sign of distress Like many wildflower seeds Boutros Boutros-Ghali’s home city Nearly 5,000 square yards Comparative word Matched up What has interest in a car?

Sound of disdain Long, loose robe Leave momentarily Brief evocative account Diarist Nin ‘‘Hello ____’’ (old cellphone ad line) Subatomic particle Some nice cameras, for short Wife of Albert Einstein Wipe out, slangily ‘‘____ deal’’ Has a tête-à-tête Pale pinkish purple Light-footed Muhammad’s father-in-law Cause of a smudge First work read in Columbia’s literature humanities course Like some news coverage Squeeze ‘‘Nice going!’’

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20 Feeling tender 21 Apartment, in real estate lingo 22 How spring rolls are cooked 23 Oscar-winning actress born Mary Louise 24 One side of a 2015 nuclear agreement 25 It’s irreversible 26 University of Florida athlete 27 ‘‘That was great!’’ — ‘‘No, it stank!’’

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101 Hamilton, to Burr 102 Green cards, informally 103 Offering to a houseguest 105 Hardly any 106 Car in {plane, car, train, horse, car, car, train} 113 Pong company 114 Shakespeare character who inquires, ‘‘Are your doors lock’d?’’

115 Greet grandly 116 Provide funding for 118 Was accepted 119 ____ mess, English dessert of berries, meringue and whipped cream 120 Its merchandise often comes with pictorial instructions 121 ‘‘Set Fire to the Rain’’ singer 122 Part of a golf club 123 Mathematician Descartes 124 Credit-application figs.

125 PC platform popular in the 1980s

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LEOWEEKLY.COM // JUNE 9, 2021

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SAVAGE LOVE

By Dan Savage | mail@savagelove.net @fakedansavage

DUMPLINGS

Q: I’ve been living with my boyfriend for a year.

We met on FetLife and I was honest about being in an open relationship (at the time) and seeking a sexual connection over a relationship. But one nut after another and pretty soon we were professing our love for each other and he shared that he wanted to be the father of my children. However, right before he moved in I found out he was still texting other women despite asking me not to text, sext, or have sex with any other men. He also regularly “yucks my yum” and makes fun of the types of porn I watch and calls it “gross” (my thing for cuckolding being his main target) and he also tells insists men can’t be friends with women yet he’s still friends with women he’s had sex with.

He hides the fact he is masturbating from me but expects to participate in all my masturbation sessions. He claims we have no sexual secrets but I snooped and learned he was looking at porn with titles like “TS,” “sissy,” “gay,” and “BBW Black.” It makes me feel small because of the nagging feeling I may not be his cup of tea since he hides these other interests from me while not allowing me to hide nothing from him. I also worry that his “affection” for my black BBW ass may be no different than his objectification of trans women. He says he doesn’t want to “burden” me with “rapey” sex play but I am open to sex of all kinds of sex, not just the softcore-porn-type kind—so long as he doesn’t start by rubbing my boobs like they’re doorknobs. I am at my wits end.

I already e-mailed an LGBTQIA+ friendly couples counselor because we are both scared the relationship will end. But I can’t keep turning a blind eye to his half-truths, double standards, and hypocrisy.

Feeling Extremely Tense

A: BREAK UP. This guy sounds like equal parts asshole and mess. And he needs to work on that—he needs to clean up his mess—on his own. You can’t do the work for him, FET, and I would urge you to resist the urge to use the relationship as leverage.

Because by staying in this relationship despite his half-truths, his double standards, and his hypocrisies—by sticking around to be shamed and manipulated—you’re sending him a message that says, “It’s fine, you’re fine, we’re fine.” Perhaps I shouldn’t say, “You’re sending him a message,” because this shit isn’t your fault, FET. But he will self-servingly interpret your willingness to stay and work on the relationship—as if the relationship is the problem here—as proof that he doesn’t need to do something about his own shit. He will assume he can continue to get away with being a controlling, manipulative, and sex-shaming asshole… because he’s getting away with it.

When your current boyfriend “yucks your yum,” when he says the porn you like is gross, he’s projecting the shame he feels about all the non-

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normative (but perfectly wonderful) stuff that turns him on. When someone vomits their shame all over you, FET, getting yourself out of vomitrange is your best option. And for the record: I don’t think your boyfriend is mess because he’s interested in more kinds of sex than he admits or more types of women than just your type of woman or dudes or power games that touch on gender roles and/or taboos. And the fact that he’s hiding his attraction to trans women from you isn’t by itself proof that he objectifies trans women, FET, or that he’s objectifying you. You don’t know how he would interact (or how he has interacted) with a trans partner. What you do know is he treats you like shit and makes you feel bad about yourself and demands transparency from you without being transparent in return.

DTMFA. P.S. Please don’t let his shitty comments about your turn-ons lead you to doubt your desirability—just the fact that you’re into cuckolding makes you something of a prize, FET, as there are easily a hundred times as many men into cuckolding as there are women. It wouldn’t take you long to replace a guy who shames you for being into cuckolding with a guy who absolutely worship you for it.

P.P.S. I don’t think you had grounds to snoop, FET, or a need to snoop. You knew everything you needed to know about this guy before you found his secret undeleted browser history. Insisting you cut your male friends and exes out of your life was reason enough to end this relationship.

Q: I’m an out 26-year-old gay man with a 30-yearold boyfriend who is not out. That’s fine. Everyone gets to come out at their own pace. We have been together three years and lived together for two.

Which is also fine. I like living with him. But he “jokingly” calls me his “faggy roommate” and sometimes puts me down about being gay when we are around mutual friends so people won’t think he’s gay.

Just Over Keeping Everything Secret

A: NO. Everyone gets to come out at their own pace— sure, okay, I guess, whatever. But closeted adult gay men don’t get to heap insults on their out gay sex partners in order to throw mutuals off the scent. (The scent of cock on their breath.) Unless you get off on this treatment and wrote in to brag (not a single question mark detected in your email), JOKES, you need to DTMFCCA. (“Dump the motherfucking closet case already.”)

Q: I’m a fit and healthy 66-year-old woman.

(Vegan 53 years and have never been sick a day in my life!) I’ve been told I look 40ish—so not too bad! I was married for twenty years and then

sat on the bench without so much as one date for eighteen years because I was a hardworking single mom of three kids. So I meet a guy about six years ago. I was dating around a bit at the time and figured he was too. Well, I later found out he had me “checked out and followed” and even hacked my computer, where he found a couple of sexy emails to another guy. We were not exclusive at the time and years later—six years later—he throws the details of one particular email I sent to another in my face every chance he gets. He has actually told me he was dating other women when we first met. Of course he was! No big deal at all but it irks me that he hired someone to follow my every move! (He even accused me of getting paid for sex and said he had proof! Totally false!) We have been engaged and I am holding back from marrying him. Otherwise he is good to me. What’s the deal here?

Engaged Dame Grows Edgy

A: RUN. This is emotional abuse—hurling that none-ofhis-business email in your face every chance he gets—and it’s gonna get worse if you marry him. This kind of shit always gets worse after the wedding, e.g. it gets worse once getting away from someone like this requires lawyers and court dates. DTMFA. There’s a huge difference between the kind of lapse in judgement that might prompt someone to snoop and hiring a private investigator to track someone’s movements. Someone who would do that—someone who would essentially outsource stalking you—isn’t a person you’re obligated to break up with face-to-face or sit down with to give them “closure.” Prioritize your safety, EDGE. A text message and a block are all the closure he needs and far more consideration than he deserves.

P.S. Veganism is healthy and an all-plant diet is good for the planet. And it’s wonderful that you haven’t been sick a day in your life! But we’re all going to die—it’s just that some of us are going to die with a slice of cheese pizza in our greasy hands. mail@savagelove.net Follow Dan on Twitter @FakeDanSavage. www.savagelovecast.com

CLASSIFIED LISTINGS LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION TO OWNERS OF THE WITHIN DESCRIBED ESTATE AND ALL INTERESTED PARTIES: SSK Communities / Barrington Pointe Will expose at public sale to the highest bidder on June 10th 2021. At 10:00 am.

Location of the sale will be 1321 Glengarry Drive. Mobile home only, 1983 Liberty, VIN: LL14602BFKDU, Located At: 1477 Glengarry Drive Fairdale.

KY 40118.

Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) proposes to build a 38-foot utility pole Communications Tower at the approx. vicinity of 1686 Harold Ave, Louisville, Jefferson County, KY 40210. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Alison, a.cusack@trileaf.com, 1515 Des Peres Rd, Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63131, 314-997-6111.

MULTIPLE FACILITIES – MULTIPLE UNITS

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction at the location indicated: Facility 1: 5807 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY 40291: June 16, 2021 – 1PM Units: E014 Facility 2: 7900 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40258: June 16, 2021 – 1PM Units: 322; 712 Facility 3: 6708 Preston Highway, Louisville, KY 40219: June 16, 2021 – 1PM Units: 002; 317; 366; 412 Facility 4 (ANNEX): 4010 Oaklawn Drive, Louisville, KY 40219: June 16, 2021 – 1PM Units: 9173; 9280 Facility 5: 5420 Valley Station Rd, Louisville, KY 40272: June 16, 2021 – 1PM Units: 254; 528 Facility 6: 8002 Warwick Ave, Louisville, KY 40222: June 16, 2021 – 1PM Units: 2173; 819 Facility 7: 4605 Wattbourne Lane, Louisville KY 40299: June 16, 2021 – 1PM Units: 120 Facility 8: 6456 Outer Loop, Louisville, KY 40228: June 16, 2021 – 1PM Units: 9026; 9050 Facility 9: 3415 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, KY 40218: June 16, 2021– 1PM Units: 1015 Facility 10: 2801 N Hurstbourne Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40223: June 16, 2021 – 1PM Units: 1096 The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property Rockford Automotive d/b/a Rockford Collision Center 4757 Rockford Plaza, Louisville, KY 40216 502.448.8003 has intent to obtain titles to the following vehicles: 2008 Mercury 4M3CU81148KJ14407 owner of title Ashley Herdon & Sandra Fulton with secured party being Eagle Financial Serv; 2001 Toyota JTEGF21AX10022052 owner of title James Daniel Jones unless the owner(s) or lien holder(s) objects in writing within 14 days after publication.

Yanfeng US Automotive Interior Systems I LLC: Louisville, Kentucky: Advanced Manufacturing Engineer. Plan, direct and coordinate implementation of automotive manufacturing program launches and processes into industrial plant, utilizing PLM. Need M.S. in Industrial Engineering plus 2 yrs. of Process Engineer experience with responsibility for launching manufacturing programs utilizing PLM. Need proof of legal auth. to work indefinitely in U.S. Send resumes: YFAI, Attn: C. Reichart, 41935 W. 12 Mile Rd., Novi, MI 48377.

Notice is hereby given that pursuant to KRS 359.200-359.250 Morningstar Storage, 646 West Hill St, Louisville, KY 40208 502-434-7537 will sell the contents of the storage units listed below at a public auction at storageauctions.com at 1pm on 6-22-2021. This will not be public; this will only be done digitally at storageauctions.com: Larante Ivory – Unit 127 Tiffany Forbes – Unit 135 Marshall Hanah – Unit 189 Larry Stayrook – Unit 204 Miranda Jones – Unit 231 David Burnett – Unit 243 Gordon Jackson – Unit 348 Chester Sutton – Unit 351 Cynthia Smock – Unit 375 Lauren Henley – Unit 414 Willie Foster – unit 508 Nashae Bryant – Unit 619 Altease Williams – Unit 714 Diamond Collins – Unit 724 Robin Waterbury – Unit 755 Diona Hayden – Unit 760 Walter Willis – Unit 800 Ronald Dressler – Unit 826

Buford: Meet our big chonky Hound boy, Buford! Buford is a four-yearold Redbone Coonhound mix who came to the Kentucky Humane Society looking for a second chance at life. This big dork weighs 90 lbs (peep that neck waddle) and enjoys sunbathing, sniffing through the great outdoors, eating (obviously) and howling in song. After all, he is a true hound dog at heart! Buford is an active guy who could use someone to help him shed some of those unwanted pounds so he can live a happier, healthy life. Buford has met other dogs here at KHS and seems to be more interested in the smells in the air rather than the sights. However, in the previous home he had been way too excited about the other dog so he will be going home as an only dog. True to that hound dog nature of his, Buford will bay and fixate at felines.

A cat-free home would be ideal for this hefty man. Buford’s big body and opportunistic attitude don’t mix well with small children so he is approved to go home with people age 15 and up. Could you be the one Buford has been dreaming of? If so, schedule an appointment to meet him at our Main Campus, 241 Steedly Drive, by visiting kyhumane.org/dogs today! Buford is neutered, micro-chipped and up-to-date on all vaccinations.

DISTILLERY

VOTED

BEST LOUISVILLE DISTILLERY

Juanita: Please give a warm welcome to our sweet lady Juanita!

This five-year-old tabby came to the Kentucky Humane Society when a rural shelter ran out of room. Now she’s looking for a forever home!

When Juanita arrived at KHS, our veterinary team discovered she is in the stages of renal failure. This seems to be managed with a specialized food, but her new owners will need to have a relationship with their vet to monitor Juanita’s health as time goes on. We decided to send Juanita into a foster home so we could learn all about this special lady! In her foster home, Juanita lived with 3 dogs and 2 cats and did fine. It was a lot to take in for her at first and she did spend a few days hiding under a bed but would come out for love when called to. Juanita is a very laidback, low energy cat who just wants someone to give her affection and attention. She’s a total love bug who has such a soft and sweet personality. Juanita just wants to live life to the fullest, to love and be loved in return. The veterinary team at KHS can answer questions potential adopters have. Juanita just needs a special home to give her a second chance.

Could that be with you? She is spayed, microchipped and up-to-date on her shots. Go to kyhumane.org/cats to schedule an adoption appointment at our Main Campus, 241 Steedly Drive, to meet Juanita!

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