Jeffersonville Public Art is Celebrating American Painters Day by honoring artist and community muralist, Damon Thompson.

Jeffersonville Public Art is thrilled to announce an upcoming event to celebrate the exceptional talents and contributions of a community muralist, Damon Thompson. The event will take place on February 3rd at the Art Center in the NoCo Arts and Cultural District.

Damon Thompson, a dedicated artist in and around the community, has transformed public spaces with his vibrant murals that tell stories, evoke emotions, and reflect the unique spirit of local neighborhoods. Known for his expansive murals, his art has become integral to fostering a sense of pride and connection among residents.

The event will showcase Damon Thompson’s work, allowing attendees to explore the rich stories woven into several of his pieces. Damon will also share insights into his creative process, the inspiration behind his murals, and his book “Outside Society – the Art of Damon Thompson.”

The celebration is open to the public, welcoming community members, art enthusiasts, and businesses to come together to recognize and appreciate Damon Thompson’s artistic contributions in and around the area. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the artist, ask questions, and hear stories behind his work.

Event Details: Celebrating American Painters Day – Featuring Local Artist Damon Thompson
Date: February 3, 2024
Time:  1:00 PM till 4:00 PM
Venue:  Art Center at NoCo, 628 Michigan Ave, Jeffersonville, IN 47130

For more information about Jeffersonville Public Art: visit www.jeffersonvilleart.com

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/jeffersonvilleart

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About the City of Jeffersonville NoCo Arts and Cultural District

The NoCo Arts and Cultural District – aptly named for its location North of Court Avenue – is Jeffersonville’s newest and most colorful point of interest. Intimate, whimsical, full of color and completely walkable, NoCo is home to artists, makers, historians and inventors who are all working together to transform the area into an inspiring and intriguing place to live, work, and visit. The district epitomizes what Jeffersonville champions as a city on the move: Creativity, community, innovation, and progress. Visit www.jeffersonvilleart.com for more information

River Ridge Announces Key Organizational Leadership Positions

Board elects new leadership and talented professionals assume key positions

 Jeffersonville, IN (January 22, 2024) – The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) is positioned to have yet another successful year in 2024 with its team of talented professionals. 

At the January board meeting, Dr. Treva Hodges, Mayor of Charlestown, was unanimously voted in as the new President of the Board of Directors.  That position had been previously held by J. Mark Robinson since 2006.  Mayor Hodges has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2020.

“It is an honor to have been chosen to serve as President of the Board of Directors for the River Ridge Development Authority.  Southern Indiana has an amazing future, and the success of the River Ridge Commerce Center is key to realizing our region’s potential.  I look forward to supporting the opportunities 2024 brings,” said Mayor Hodges.

Additionally, M. Edward Meyer was elected as Vice Chairman, and Phillip J. McCauley was voted in as Secretary/Treasurer. 

Since 2008, the professional staff at River Ridge has been led by Executive Director, Jerry Acy, CEcD, and he is setting the foundation for the future with the positioning of two new executive team members.

Marc Hildenbrand, P.E. is the organization’s Chief Director, Engineering and Operations.
Marc worked for the RRDA for nine years before joining HWC Engineering in 2018.  His return in June of 2022 brings valuable experience overseeing commercial and industrial site development, design, and construction.  In this role, Hildenbrand manages the day-to-day oversight for the River Ridge water system, and engineering, construction, and maintenance projects.

Wendy Dant Chesser, CEcD is the Chief Director, Corporate Strategy and External Affairs, a newly created position at RRDA.  Prior to joining RRDA in late October 2023, Wendy served as the President and CEO of One Southern Indiana (1si) for nearly 11 years.  In her new role at RRDA, Wendy is responsible for developing and implementing both short- and long-term strategies for sustainability of the RRDA and continuing to build external partnerships.

Mr. Acy enthusiastically noted, “We are excited about the economic opportunities on the horizon at River Ridge, and positioning this talented duo with our existing team gives us added capacity to maximize the growth we see ahead for our businesses and communities.”

About River Ridge Development Authority

The River Ridge Development Authority manages the River Ridge Commerce Center, a 6,000-acre business and office park established in 1998 to replace lost economic activity from the closure of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant. The Authority has invested more than $175 million to redevelop about 45 percent of the Center. River Ridge is home to more than 70 companies, such as Amazon, Bose, Collins Aerospace, Medline, Optum and PharmaCord. Onsite employment totaled more than 11,800 in 2022, and the Center produced a total of over $2.7 billion in economic output and supported an additional 6,300 regional jobs. The investments and growth at River Ridge earned the RRDA the International Economic Development Council’s 2020 Gold Award for Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse.

Contact: 
Wendy Dant Chesser
Chief Director, Corporate Strategy & External Affairs
Wendy@RiverRidgeCC.com
812-825-8979

Jeffersonville Public Art will be Rolling with Art This Year!

We are celebrating  the Launch of our Art Mobile for the 2024 season. 

 “Art on Wheels: Nurturing Creativity Wherever We Roll”

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

 

Jeffersonville Public Art is thrilled to introduce the Art Mobile, a dynamic art initiative bringing free art education across our local community. The inaugural public art class event is scheduled for January 27, 2024 – marking the beginning of a year-long journey of art exploration.

The Art Mobile is a traveling art program funded by Jeffersonville Public Art, aiming to make art education and exploration accessible to all ages and skill levels. From painting to sketching to mixed media, the program offers classes to the public in local spaces across the city. The goal is to teach fundamental art concepts through engaging activities and bring art to public areas for all to enjoy. Each class is supported by a staff of experienced art educators, who are trained to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment for all.

Each class will have limited seating to ensure an optimal experience. Classes will be dedicated to specified age groups – parent & child or adult & teen. All abilities are welcome, and anyone can sign up for a class online at www.jeffersonville.com/letsrollwithart/

The Art Mobile will also be parked at the Jeffersonville Farmers’ Market every second Saturday of the month all year round, offering more casual walk-up art activities and promoting upcoming classes. These art encounters will still be taught by our wonderful instructors and no RSVP needed. Hope to see you there!

Upcoming Schedule:

1/27

1:00p – 2:30p

Ken Ellis Center

Public Formal

Adult & Teen

2/10

9:30a – 12:00p

Indoor Farmers Market

Informal

All Ages

2/24

1:00p – 2:30p

Spring Hill EnVision Ctr

Public Formal

Parent & Child

3/9

9:30a – 12:00p

Indoor Farmers Market

Informal

All Ages

 

Visit www.jeffersonvilleart.com/letsrollwithart/ for detailed schedules, class descriptions, and RSVP information.

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/jeffersonvilleart

Family Ark, Inc. Receives Grant of $10,000

Family Ark, Inc. has received a grant of $10,000 from The Gheens Foundation, Inc. to help strengthen families and create a healthier community in Southern Indiana.  This funding from the Gheens Foundation will also help provide operational support for Family Ark’s growth and core programming over the next 12 months.

Jeanean Jacobs, President/ CEO of Family Ark, said, “We are thankful to the Gheens Foundation for this generous grant.  We depend on community donors such as the Gheens Foundation, to help us provide hope and the necessary treatment services that are critical to keeping children safe and families together and strong”.

Family Ark’s programs include foster care, community-based services, transitional living, and behavioral health care. Family Ark has served Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott and Washington counties in Southern Indiana for over 50 years.

 

CONTACT:
Jeanean Jacobs, President / CEO, Family Ark, Inc. jjacobs@thefamilyark.org, 812-288-6800, Ext. 202   www.thefamilyark.org

Ribbon Cutting Set for New TEN20 Craft Brewery in Southern Indiana

TEN20 Craft Brewery bringing people together for good in South Clarksville.

CLARKSVILLE, IN (January 9, 2023) – TEN20 Craft Brewery is thrilled to announce the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for its highly anticipated new location in Clarksville, Indiana. The celebration will take place on Friday, January 26th, at 2:00 pm, at the Brewery nestled inside the Bolt + Tie building at 1400 Main Street, just a stone’s throw away from the scenic Ohio Riverfront.

Known for its commitment to excellence and a passion for community, TEN20 Craft Brewery vows to uphold the highest standards of quality, service, and community citizenship, aiming to create a space where patrons and craft beer enthusiasts can come together to enjoy exceptional TEN20 beer and good times.

“From the start of TEN20, we have been focused on our mission of ‘bringing people together for good’, serving world-class beer, providing a one-of-a-kind atmosphere, and outstanding customer service, and we are excited to bring all of that to Southern Indiana,” said Jim McGuire, co-founder of TEN20. “Each of our locations has its own feel that fits within its neighborhood, and we think we’ve created a welcoming and fun place to complement the exciting development underway in downtown Clarksville.”

TEN20 is also proud to announce a collaboration with MozzaPi to make their signature artisan pizzas and fresh salads available for customers to enjoy. MozzaPi uses only the highest quality ingredients, and every recipe is stripped down to the most essential.  MozzaPi’s goal is for all its food to create a memorable, consistent, and unique experience.

Although TEN20 will be open for business beginning January 19th, the ribbon-cutting symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter for TEN20 Craft Brewery in Clarksville. Local officials, community members, and craft beer enthusiasts are invited to join the celebration.

WHAT:         TEN20 Craft Brewery Ribbon Cutting

WHEN:         Friday, January 26th @ 2:00pm

WHERE:       TEN20 Craft Brewery – 1400 Main Street, Clarksville, IN

 

About TEN20 Craft Brewery

The Founding Team of Jim McGuire, John Flodder, Luke Scoggin and Dean Holland came together with a goal of building an independent craft brewery that is deeply active and engaged in the Louisville community. Motivated by the mission to bring people together for good, they opened a 22,000-square-foot craft brewery production facility, taproom and communal space in Louisville’s Butchertown neighborhood in October 2020. The company opened their first satellite taproom in Anchorage, Kentucky, in December 2021 and another taproom in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood in October 2022. Visit www.ten20brewery.com for more information and follow @TEN20Beer on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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New Hope’s New VP/CFO

Jeffersonville, Ind. – January 11, 2024 – With the new year, New Hope is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffery Fortwengler as its new Vice President/Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Mr. Fortwengler brings a wealth of experience to his role, previously serving as the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for the Waterfront Botanical Gardens. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has demonstrated expertise in financial management, planning and analysis, business leadership, and corporate strategy.

In addition to his extensive professional experience, Fortwengler is well-educated, holding an Advanced Accounting certification from Bellarmine University, where he achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA in 1998. He also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with High Honors, specializing in Finance & Accounting, in 1990.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to the New Hope team as our Chief Financial Officer,” said Jody Heazlitt, President/CEO at New Hope. “His wealth of experience, strategic financial acumen, and commitment to our mission make him an invaluable addition to our leadership. We look forward to achieving new heights under his guidance.”

About New Hope Services:

New Hope is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities through accessible and supportive services. With a mission to enhance the well-being of individuals and families, New Hope’s focus is based on three primary divisions: Ability Services, Family Services, and Affordable Housing. With about 150 employees, the organization serves more than 16,000 individuals and families each year. To learn more, visit newhopeservices.org.

Media contact:
Elizabeth Boyd | COO New Hope
elizabeth_boyd@newhopeservices.org
812-288-8248

Goodbounce to Host Ribbon-Cutting for New Clarksville Pickleball Location

Louisville-based company bringing premium indoor pickleball facilities to Southern Indiana.

CLARKSVILLE, IN (November 30, 2023) – Goodbounce is pleased to announce the opening of the company’s newest premium indoor pickleball facility in Southern Indiana.  Located in the heart of Clarksville’s new booming downtown area, Goodbounce will create a one-of-a-kind destination for pickleball enthusiasts.

The ribbon-cutting for the new 1,600 square-foot facility will be held on Friday, December 8th at 10:00am.  Following a short program, media and members of the public will be invited to tour the facility or pick up a paddle and try out the new courts.  Goodbounce will also be hosting an open house Saturday, December 9th from 10:00am-4:00pm for members of the public interested in touring the new facility and playing for free!

WHAT:            Ribbon-Cutting for New Goodbounce location in Downtown Clarksville

WHERE:          Goodbounce – 1220 Main Street, Clarksville, IN

WHEN:            Friday, December 8th at 10:00am

About Goodbounce:
Goodbounce, Louisville’s first pickleball “eatertainment” concept and hangout spot, opened its first location in April 2023 on River Shore Drive off River Road in Louisville. The 45,000-square-foot facility offers pickle ball, corn hole as well as drinks and food. Following the tremendous success of its flagship venue in Louisville, Goodbounce is expanding its presence to Southern Indiana to cater to the growing demand for pickleball. Learn more at
www.goodbounce.com.  

Louisville Zoo Announces a “Pawsome” New Winter Holiday Event

Adventure through the Louisville Zoo as it launches a new winter holiday event — “Qannik’s Beary Happy Holiday.” Areas of the Zoo will be transformed into a winter wonderland throughout the month of December, providing a unique opportunity to experience the holidays alongside the community’s beloved animal residents.

Families are invited to create memories and celebrate with polar bear Qannik and her animal companions as they enjoy special holiday-themed enrichment activities during the first three weekends of December (2 – 3, 9 – 10, and 16 – 17). Guests can stop by the Zoo’s Gift Shop, December 1 – 17, to write and send a letter to Santa at the North Pole.

The power couple of the season — Santa and Mrs. Claus — will visit with guests when they celebrate the season at the Zoo on December 16 – 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Additionally, holiday elves will have special sweet treats available for purchase this weekend,  including fresh roasted s’mores, hot chocolate and cookie decorating.

To add an extra layer of festive fun, guests can embark on a monthlong scavenger hunt that promises adventure for all ages. Participants who successfully complete at least half of the scavenger hunt will be entered into a drawing for zoo-themed prizes. Guests can join the app-based game by scanning the QR code upon arrival to the Zoo.

For a detailed schedule of animal enrichment activities planned for our beloved animals and more, visit louisvillezoo.org/bearyhappy. Activities are subject to change without notice due to weather or the needs of the animals.

Qannik’s Beary Happy Holiday is included with Louisville Zoo admission or membership. The Zoo is also celebrating Wild Winter Days presented by Kroger through Feb. 29, 2024. Wild Winter Days offers Zoo guests discounted Zoo admission and incorporates a food drive for Dare to Care Food Bank.

Guests who bring at least one non-perishable food item per person may purchase discounted tickets at the Zoo ticket windows for $10 per adult and $7 per child/senior ticket. Twenty-five cents of every admission will also support conservation efforts of the Louisville Zoo.

Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Fall/winter hours are 10 a.m. ─ 4 p.m. (stay until 5 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info.

 

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The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

 

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Stites & Harbison Welcomes Seven Attorneys to Multiple Offices

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Nov. 17, 2023)—Stites & Harbison, PLLC announces the addition of seven attorneys to the firm. Four attorneys join the Lexington, Ky., office: Harlee Havens, Brandon Lira, John Paul Stilz and Conner Wehrle. Alexandra Dunn, Lucy McIntire and Haley Duncan join the firm in Jeffersonville, Ind., Louisville, Ky. and Nashville, Tenn., respectively.

Harlee P. Havens is a member of the Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group. She earned her J.D. from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, summa cum laude and Order of the Coif, in 2022. In law school, Havens was the managing editor for the Kentucky Law Journal, Volume 110, and published a Note in that volume. For Volume 109, she was a staff editor. Havens also served as class representative of the Election Law Society (2019-22). Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, she was a judicial law clerk to the Hon. Chief Judge Gregory N. Stivers, U.S. District Court, Western District of Kentucky (2022-23). She also participated in Stites & Harbison’s summer associate program in 2020 and 2021. She is admitted to practice in Kentucky.

Brandon Lira is a member of the Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy Service Group. He earned his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2017. While in law school, Lira interned for a bankruptcy judge in St. Paul and the Standing Chapter 13 Trustee in Minneapolis. He also served as a student attorney and later the student director for the University of Minnesota Law School Bankruptcy Clinic. Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, Lira worked for the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois as a law clerk for Judge Thomas M. Lynch and Judge Donald R. Cassling. In between these clerkships, he also served the Northern District as a staff attorney. He is admitted to practice in Illinois and Texas, and his application for admission in Kentucky is pending.

John Paul Stilz (JP) is a member of the Construction Service Group. He earned his J.D. from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, summa cum laude and Order of the Coif, in 2022. In law school, he was a staff editor and an articles editor of the Kentucky Law Journal, Volumes 109 and 110, respectively. He also served as a teaching assistant to Professor Blanche Bong Cook for Criminal Law (Fall 2020). Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, he was a judicial clerk for Hon. Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky (2022-23). Stilz was a summer associate for Stites & Harbison in 2020 and 2021. He is admitted to practice in Kentucky.

Conner R. Wehrle is a member of the Trusts & Estate Planning Group. He earned his J.D. from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law in 2023. Prior to joining the firm, he participated in Stites & Harbison’s summer associate program in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, he currently serves as the primary advisor to the Carolyn K. Wehrle Endowment. He partnered with the Blue Grass Community Foundation to set up the endowed fund in 2018 and delegates money each year to various community projects in Central Kentucky. Wehrle is also an active member of the Blue Grass Community Foundation’s 365 program (2021-present). He is admitted to practice in Kentucky.

Lucy F. McIntire is a member of the Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group. She earned her J.D. from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, summa cum laude, in 2023. In law school, McIntire was a first year staff member of the Journal of Animal and Environmental Law, Volume 13. She served as class representative for the Women’s Law Caucus and was a member of the Business Law Society and the Entrepreneurship Clinic. She also was a teacher’s assistant for Professor Marcia Ziegler’s Lawyering Skills II class (Fall 2021). Prior to joining the firm, McIntire participated in Stites & Harbison’s summer associate program in 2021 and 2022. She is admitted to practice in Kentucky.

Alexandra N. Dunn is a member of the Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group. She earned her J.D. from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law in 2022. In law school, she served as a member of Volumes 59-60 of the University of Louisville Law Review. Her publications include an article in the University of Louisville Law Review, Volume 60, and an article in the Louisville Bar Association’s Bar Briefs in 2021. Dunn was a Writing Skills Law School Mentor for the Central High School Partnership (Fall 2020). Her honors include being a Brandeis Scholar, an Ordered Liberty Fellow and a recipient of the Samuel L. Greenebaum Award for Achievement in Legal Writing. Prior to joining the firm, Dunn was a judicial clerk for the Hon. Charles R. Simpson, III, Senior U.S. District Judge, Western District of Kentucky (2022-23). Dunn is a registered nurse, and before her admission to the bar, she practiced as a military and civilian nurse for 14 years. She is admitted to practice in Indiana.

Haley Duncan is a member of the Real Estate & Banking Service Group. She earned her J.D. from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, magna cum laude, in 2023. While in law school, Duncan was a member of the University of Louisville Law Review, Volumes 60-61. She served as vice president of the Business Law Group and was a member of the Women’s Law Caucus, the International Law Society and the Entrepreneurship Clinic. Additionally she is a recipient of the Samuel L. Greenebaum Public Service Fellowship. Before joining Stites & Harbison, Duncan participated in the firm’s summer associate program in 2022, was a judicial intern for Hon. Judge Irv Maze of the Kentucky Court of Appeals in the summer of 2021 and was a legal research intern for MothersEsquire in 2023. She is admitted to practice in Tennessee.

About Stites & Harbison

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With 11 offices across six states — Kentucky, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia — the firm represents clients across the United States and internationally. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is known as a preeminent firm managing sophisticated transactions, challenging litigation and complex regulatory matters on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.stites.com.