By SOPHIE HOTTINGER

Notwithstanding a few lingering snowfalls, spring has arrived – and if you haven’t felt it just yet, rest assured that, very soon, you or someone in your household will succumb to an instinctive desire to turn the place inside out in a fit of scrubbing, dusting and reorganizing.

If this sounds more like your partner than you, all you can do is watch for the warning signs – a frenzied gleam in the eyes, restless indoor pacing and the arrival of strange new chemicals – and either make yourself scarce or prepare to receive your orders.

But if you’re the resident spring cleaner, there’s plenty more you can do to prepare yourself and ensure that the seasonal ritual goes smoothly, perhaps even while enjoying yourself in the process.

The first step is to take stock of how many hands you have at your disposal. As far as rallying the troops goes, it’s best to opt for all or nothing – either assign everyone in the household a few mandatory tasks or kick them all out and do it yourself the “right” way – you know your family well enough to decide what you can reasonably expect. Assign everyone age-appropriate chores and make sure they follow through. Just try to remember, the “cleaning high” you’re feeling – whether the result of lemony-fresh fumes or the thrill of the challenge – isn’t contagious, so you can’t reasonably expect the same level of commitment to the job from others.

Map out your plan of attack. This can involve a master to-do list that includes every task, or simply an order of priority for the rooms in your home. Consider the time frame you have available to dedicate to each task. If you only have two hours today, select a few small-scale chores to complete, rather than beginning a major project you’d have to finish at a later date. Nothing derails the motivation train quicker than taking on more than you can accomplish.

Dress the part. A fireman doesn’t enter a burning building in his jeans and a T-shirt – he dons protective full-body gear. Your uniform should include comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, an apron that forms a barrier against both cleaning agents and messes, comfortable footwear and rubber gloves to save your hands. I like to tie a handkerchief around my head for an intimidating “Rosie the Riveter” look; wear whatever helps you get into character.

Use what you already have to save on expenses as well as protect the environment, both in your home and on a larger scale. My mother has taught me that leftover newspaper pages work well for cleaning windows and mirrors – they’re less wasteful than paper towels and don’t leave a residue. She also imparted the wisdom of saving old toothbrushes once they’ve outlived their original purpose – the tiny, bristled surface is perfect for cleaning all sorts of cracks and crevices. Search online to find recipes for chemical-free, homemade cleaning solutions. An equal parts white vinegar and warm water solution can be safely used on everything from windows to the inner workings of your coffeemaker.

Take advantage of this time – while you’re up close and personal with your home – as an opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of your regular cleaning habits. Scott Braun, manager of Max Care Carpet Cleaning, points out that the battle for a tidy home should be year-round, not limited to seasonal efforts. “For keeping the carpet clean, homeowners need to vacuum regularly (and) watch for spotting carpets … do not use a soap based cleaning agent that will leave a residue after spot cleaning, most spots can be removed with just hot water. We recommend to professionally clean your carpets once a year to help the carpet last longer,” he explained, adding, “The dirtier the carpet gets, the shorter the life.”

While you’re fervently ticking items off your to-do list, try to remember that this isn’t the office – multitasking won’t earn you extra points. Although it’s perfectly fine to start a second task while waiting for something to emerge from the dryer, it’s generally best to focus on one chore at a time. Otherwise you may reach the end of the day with 10 messes of projects begun, and very little actually accomplished.

And keep in mind that there’s no rule that says you have to be miserable while you clean. Treat yourself to a glass of wine while you scrub the baseboards. Why not? Turn up the radio and practice your dancing and singing skills while you reorganize the closets. Treat spring cleaning as an opportunity to enjoy some quality alone time – don’t let it go to waste.

Photo by ROBERT BURGE | Contributing Photographer.

By SOPHIE HOTTINGER
Staff Writer
The Voice-Tribune

Living in the Derby City has many charms in the springtime, one of which is that there’s simply no excuse not to take advantage of the various festivities leading up to the thrilling main event – The Kentucky Derby (or at least an equestrian-themed party on the big day). After all, you’re already here, so why not take part in the fun?

The flip side of that equation, however, is that one’s out-of-town friends and family are often just as aware of Louisville’s appeal during this time of the year, meaning there’s a good chance that you may find yourself not simply participating in the Derby fun, but rather inadvertently hosting it – whether or not you feel prepared to do so. Fortunately, even the most inexperienced host or hostess can take a few basic steps to ensure not only that houseguests feel welcomed and well-taken-care-of, but also that the act of unexpected entertaining doesn’t damper his or her own spirit of celebration.

The best way to keep yourself sane when facing the prospect of overnight guests is to set clear boundaries. Thanks to Judith Martin, also known as Miss Manners, there are three simple rules already established to help with this. First, recognize that you’re not obligated to extend an invite if you truly do not wish to take in whomever might call from a different area code and say they’d like to visit for Derby weekend. Martin recommends a reply along the lines of, “Oh, let me make a hotel reservation for you, and be sure to keep an evening open for dinner,” or “Oh, dear, that’s a bad time for us.” Practice your refusal ahead of time if necessary. Second, if you do issue an invitation, don’t allow them to be vague about the amount of time they expect to stay. Name specific days of arrival and departure, so you aren’t stuck trying to figure out how to entertain a guest who didn’t realize that you didn’t take off a five-day weekend, too. And third, stick to your guns once the visit reaches its end and it’s time to send them on their way. Miss Manners’ line of choice, “We’ve had such a marvelous time having you. I’m afraid we’re going to need the room by Tuesday,” can be borrowed whether your future plans for the room involve other houseguests, or simply laundry storage.

Photo by ROBERT BURGE | Contributing Photographer.

Once you’ve accounted for your own peace of mind, there are plenty of simple ways you can also make your guests feel relaxed, comfortable and even indulged while they’re staying in your home. As you’re preparing the guest room, consider the last time you stayed in a nice hotel. What extra touches stood out to you? Personalize those ideas with a local or Derby twist – for example, leave a box of Bourbon balls on the bedside table rather than placing chocolates on their pillows. Would your guest enjoy a hotel room’s mini bar? Stop by your local liquor store and pick up a few of your favorite Kentucky Bourbon miniatures or a tiny bottle of mint julep mix and leave them in a small basket on the dresser. And, as with a hotel room, your guests might appreciate a house key so  they can feel free to come and go as they please. Dress it up with a whimsical horse-related keychain.

Think about how your guests might keep themselves entertained if they wake before you, or retire to their room in the evening for some privacy. Lay out a favorite book or two, a movie (extra points for titles that fit the theme, like “Seabiscuit”) or even just a note with your Netflix password. If you’ll be escorting your guests to parties or other special events, also take the extra few minutes to write out a brief itinerary so they have plenty of warning about when they should be ready and what kind of event (Black-tie? Casual outdoor?) they’ll be attending. If they simply need a place to stay for the weekend and have made their own plans, set out a city guide or calendar of upcoming local events, just in case they find themselves with free time and you aren’t around to offer suggestions.

As far as sustenance, meals can be as elaborate or effortless as you’d like. Lay out fresh fruit, bagels and cereal for a no-fuss, self-serve, continental-style breakfast, or prepare a time-consuming dish before your guests are in town for a dinner that can be popped in the oven the second they walk in the door. Leave self-sufficient visitors a list of favorite restaurants that deliver, or even a “menu” of different kinds of snacks available in your refrigerator or pantry. Cover the bases with a few sweet, salty and healthy options. If it’s likely your houseguests will partake in Derby libations, bottled water or a covered bedside carafe along with a sample-sized package of mild pain relievers may be a welcome addition to the nightstand.

By taking these small extra steps to welcome your guests into your home, you can ensure their stay in Louisville feels as memorable – and pleasurable – as a visit to the Derby City during this incredible time of year should. And if you happen to do your job a little too well, and a much-too-soon return visit seems imminent, don’t panic – just remember your lines and get the phone number for a great hotel.

Stepping into Mike Linnig’s Place – a welcoming building filled with inviting smells and friendly faces – felt, for me, like going to see family.

This may be because the last time I set foot in the restaurant was with my Mom, Dad, older brother and baby sister as an excitable kid who thrilled at the prospect of chomping fried frog legs. We enjoyed loud, playful summertime dinners at the picnic tables in the Mike Linnig’s courtyard each time we traveled to Louisville in the early 1990s to visit relatives, and many times after we moved here as well.

Or it may be because it would be difficult for anyone not to notice – and appreciate – the atmosphere of warmth and community cultivated inside the family-owned seafood restaurant, a local institution since it first opened in 1925 on Cane Run Road.

Beginning simply as a small farm and roadside stand selling fresh fruits, vegetables and sandwiches, Mike Linnig’s has evolved considerably over the years, changing buildings, adding rooms and even branching out into catering operations, car shows and fundraising events. What hasn’t changed, however, is the value its owners – now in the third generation – place on honoring the family legacy and continuing to run a business the community loves to frequent. The old-fashioned, mouthwatering recipes haven’t been altered much, either.

As we waited for our lunchtime selections, photographer Chris Humphreys and I toured the restaurant with Nancy Weurth, a granddaughter of the eponymous Mike Linnig who runs the restaurant along with her cousin, John; sister, Theresa; and brother, Bill Linnig. Pointing out familiar faces in the black and white photos that grace nearly every wall, Weurth stopped along the way to chat with customers and share a little family history with whomever was interested. When asked about the various species of stuffed wildlife on display, she shared that her grandfather had loved to hunt – and that over the years several customers had donated their trophies to the restaurant for everyone to enjoy. A giant tortoise shell, blackened by the 1966 fire that destroyed the original restaurant, was salvaged and painted, and continues to hang on the walls of the establishment, as do Native American artifacts such as arrowheads as old as 10,000 years, collected from the nearby Ohio riverbank.

Once our meal arrived, however, Chris and I turned our attention at once to the generous plates of seafood before us. We were barely able to make a dent in the two dishes: the Fish Plate, consisting of two enormous pieces of fried white cod, French fries and coleslaw for $13.25; and the Seafood Plate, which included a whopping two pieces of white fish, four scallops, two hush puppies, four spicy fish nuggets, one crab cake, one frog leg, one shrimp, four fish nuggets, one pan-fried oyster, one piece of salmon, French fries and coleslaw, priced at $23.20. A bargain, considering how much food we had left over to take home!

The fish was savory and just the right consistency, leaving little question as to why the restaurant continues to draw crowds, especially during the Lenten season. The scallops, according to Chris, were perfectly cooked, and the crab cake deliciously seasoned. The hush puppies, my personal favorite seafood side, were incredible, and the coleslaw proved a pleasantly light counterbalance to the breaded and fried fare. I’ll freely admit that I also consumed far more than my fair share of the slightly sweet Mike Linnig’s tartar sauce, which can be purchased by the jar at the restaurant, as well as in several local grocery stores.

But Mike Linnig’s is about far more than simply delicious fare (of which you’ll find plenty). Chances are, you’ve felt the presence of the nationally-recognized restaurant in Louisville even if you’ve never stepped foot inside their building. In addition to an enormous tented dining area at the Kentucky State Fair – a popular fixture on the fairgrounds for what will be 23 years this August – the restaurant proudly hosts regular fundraising events for local charities such as Down Syndrome and Alzheimer’s Disease research and awareness groups. Setting up an expansive outdoor tent that will seat up to 500 people in the parking lot across the street, they also host an annual 6-week outdoor concert event, MusicFest, held from Mother’s Day weekend to Father’s Day.

“The Musicfest started about seven years ago,” shared Weurth. “It was an idea for the firemen to raise money for the Crusade for Children … it’s going to be a big tent across the street where we have bands and dance studios, (and) the firemen come and wait on the tables for Mother’s Day weekend.”

Mike Linnig’s is also known for its car shows, the largest of which – Hot Rod Cruise Night – is held each October and features five- to six hundred show cars, Weurth explained. “They all vie for the top awards, which are pictures in our Hot Rod Calendar, and trophies and things like that.” The calendar, sold year-round at the family restaurant, also benefits the Crusade for Children.

Despite these large-scale events and its extensive grounds, the warm, welcoming local business has still managed to retain its homey feel. Outside, picnic tables, swing sets and even carved wooden sculptures – a fisherman holding a lit lantern and a totem-style portrayal of wildlife – invite passers-by to stop and have a bite to eat. “We’ve been here a long time, we do a lot of things with the community,” Weurth proudly exclaimed. “But we’re still family oriented, a family business that’s still operating that way.”

Mike Linnig’s Place, 9308 Cane Run Road, is open Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m. For more information call 502.937.9888 or 502.937.1235, or visit www.mikelinnigsrestaurant.com.

Photos by CHRIS HUMPHREYS | The Voice-Tribune

The updated lobby has been expanded and features new paint and flooring.

The notion of owner-surrendered pets may evoke a mental image of a place not unlike the lonely Island of Misfit Toys in the children’s tale, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” But, fortunately, thanks to a nonprofit organization known as the Animal Care Society, the reality is something vastly different – and far more pleasant – for hundreds of Louisville area cats and dogs each year who have found themselves in need of a family.

Founded in 1983, The Animal Care Society was created with the purpose of providing responsible and humane care for abandoned and surrendered cats and dogs until safe and loving permanent homes could be found. The private adoption center carries the distinction of being Louisville’s first no-kill shelter, meaning no animal under their care will face the threat of euthanasia as a result of not being adopted. Instead, in the rare instance that a cat or dog is not eventually taken home with someone, he or she will continue to live comfortably inside the shelter located on Westport Road, and be cared for – and loved – by employees and the many volunteers of the organization.

Now, after more than half a year of extensive construction, the Animal Care Society has revealed a host of updates to their original facility that will mean an even more safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for resident pets and their prospective owners. The renovation began with a re-imagined space known as the intake area. Making possible an entirely different, streamlined process of admitting new pets, an attached building that was once a garage has been transformed into a second entrance for animals whose health history is unknown. It’s also a vehicle-accessible door for dropped-off donations of any size, with convenient storage shelving to save volunteers from excessive heavy lifting.

Dogs in the shelter each have their own kennels, marked with a pink or green chart designating gender and outlining the animal’s life story. Most also have their own articles of clothing for walking outdoors in cold weather.

“The intake area … allows us to evaluate (incoming pets), do things like heartworm tests on them. That takes time. It also gives the  dogs a little bit of an area where they’re not feeling so frantic because so many people are walking through the door, whereas before, there were people walking past and we’re trying to look at a dog and evaluate it,” explained Bunny Zeller, executive director of Animal Care Society. “That’s the advantage of our intake area, that it allows us to have alone time with the dogs and the people so we can kind of assess whether we can bring the animals in or not.”

Another major update took place in the main lobby, which saw a significant expansion thanks to the incorporation of what was formerly office space. “The lobby is so much different than the way it was before,” enthused Zeller. “We had a very small area where you walked in and then you bumped into a counter, and then you kind of had to go around to go to the other areas. We now have a much more open area which allows more people to come through, the flow is a little bit better. … I think it’s much warmer, more inviting to people.”

Throughout the building, new flooring and a fresh coat of paint brighten up every room, including all of the spaces where dogs and cats are housed. Crates have been replaced with more permanent, roomier kennels for every dog, Zeller proudly pointed out. “We can actually house every animal in a kennel now – in a nice kennel. It has more space, it feels a little bit more like a motel room versus a crammed cave or something.” Another room that was once an office has been converted into a cordoned-off “Meet and Greet” space for prospective owners to interact with their favorite pets, away from the noise and distractions of the rooms where the animals are housed. “One of our policies is that everybody in the family has to come out and meet an animal, including, if it’s a dog, any other dogs in the family,” revealed Adoptions Counselor Colleen Morton. “So we like to give them a room where everybody can feel comfortable.”

Light streams in the new window installed in one of the shelter’s two cat rooms.

One of the most significant updates, however, is the introduction of an entirely separate isolation ward in order to house pets that are, or may become, ill, a feature which protects the larger population of animals. The building’s original isolation ward, described Zeller, had its own ventilation system but was connected to the main building, meaning airborne illnesses still had the potential to flow through an open door to the rest of the animals. Now, however, two doorways and a storage space in between them serve as barriers to prevent the spread of any germs or bacteria. “So now it truly is a separate heating and air conditioning system,” smiled Zeller.

Inside the Alice Chiles Cat Room and the Jim and Sherry McKinney Kitten Room, brand new windows have replaced old, foggy, double-paned glass. A garden window extends from the outside wall, inside which several content cats can be found at any given time, relaxing in the sunlight. Other updates throughout the shelter include a larger, handicap-accessible restroom and the eagerly anticipated arrival of commercial-grade washer and dryer units, obtained through individual donations and a grant from a District Neighborhood Development Fund and the Metro Council.

It’s thanks to the generosity of donors, in fact, that the entire renovation of the nonprofit adoption center was even possible, Zeller noted, sharing that an individual  bequeath allowed them the security to borrow against existing designated funds and complete the renovation. “You can’t generate enough adoption money to cover all the costs of everything in the building,” she stated, adding, “but we make sure our babies are warm, we make sure that they’re not hot. It’s definitely comfortable for everybody, and mostly the animals, because they’re the ones who have to live here most of the time.”

Out back, a new shed houses donated items.

Between donated supplies, bequests and funds raised through efforts such as the Animal Care Society’s annual yard sale, Bow Wow Meow Boutique and Bark in the Park, the shelter manages to continue providing the best – and most loving – care possible for all of its animal residents. They also actively take in owner-surrendered animals, so long as they meet certain criteria, so pet owners who aren’t able to keep their cats or dogs are invited to reach out to the shelter to determine their options. And, assured Morton as she pointed out a cat who’s patiently waited for a home for at least five years, they truly live up to their no-kill mission, a value at the heart of all that the organization does.

“If they don’t get a home, they’re safe here until they do.”

The Animal Care Society, 12207 Westport Road, is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. The shelter is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and major holidays. For information call 502.426.6303 or visit www.animalcaresociety.org.

Photos by TONY BENNETT | Contributing Photographer

]]> http://www.voice-tribune.com/life-style-2/home-of-the-week/a-safe-place-to-call-home/feed/ 0 http://www.voice-tribune.com/life-style-2/home-of-the-week/a-taste-of-old-louisvilles-charm/ http://www.voice-tribune.com/life-style-2/home-of-the-week/a-taste-of-old-louisvilles-charm/#comments Fri, 08 Mar 2013 20:08:39 +0000 Sophie Hottinger http://www.voice-tribune.com/?p=86137 By SOPHIE HOTTINGER
Staff Writer
The Voice-Tribune

There’s no shortage of delicious dinner options in the River City. Whether you plan to indulge in a world-class meal at one of the city’s fine culinary institutions or are in the mood to try an authentically-prepared international dish at the latest hot spot, there are enough appealing restaurants in town to keep any foodie on his or her toes.

But one local feasting event offers far more than just the promise of a satisfying meal. On Sunday, March 10, the Old Louisville Chamber of Commerce will present the fourth annual Dining at the Mansions, a progressive dinner held in some of the neighborhood’s most well-known, spectacular historic mansions.

The concept for the festive feté, held to raise funds and support for the Old Louisville Visitors Center, was inspired by “A Feast for the Eyes,” a cookbook by David Dominé that features prominent Victorian houses of Louisville, alongside recipes connected to their notable inhabitants. Each year, guests dress in their finest for an elegant meal that begins with wine and hors d’oeuvres in the ballroom of  the Frazier House, a Richardsonian Romanesque-style mansion built in 1887 and now owned and managed by The Woman’s Club of Louisville. Sumptuous fabrics and stunning antiques accent the house’s elegant interior, decorated by Bittners, which diners can
explore at their leisure.

After being welcomed to the Frazier House by Robert Wessels, president of the Old Louisville Chamber of Commerce, this year those attending can peruse tempting silent auction items that include dinner at Buck’s Restaurant in Louisville and on My Old Kentucky Dinner Train in Bardstown, Ky., as well as baskets filled with treats from Knob Hill Bourbon, Work the Metal, Why Louisville, J. Shepherd Cigars and other local businesses. After enjoying their fill of hors d’oeuvres by Jarfi’s Catering, guests will then step outside to board executive busses that will carry them to their next destination: one of 14 spectacular mansions where a specially-prepared, themed dinner awaits them.

“These homes are such treasures,” enthused Earlene Bisig Zimmlich, executive director of the Old Louisville Chamber of Commerce. “And the homeowners share everything about the homes – some of them will even get out their albums and show you how the house looked when they purchased it, and what they’ve done. The hospitality is just true southern hospitality.”

As long as tickets still remain, those who plan to attend can select a unique, three-course dining experience from a list that includes a 1924 dinner enjoyed by President Calvin Coolidge at the Waldorf-Astoria, served at Inn at the Park; a French meal comprised of recipes by Julia Child, served at the Carson House; a Kentucky Bourbon-inspired meal at the Coleman home; and several others. “There’s something for everyone,” Bisig Zimlich commented. “There’s an Indian vegetarian (dinner), a Mardi Gras meal that’s going to be flown in from Louisiana and even an authentic Chinese New Year.”

After dinner, everyone will be transported back to the Frazier House to enjoy sweet frozen treats by Comfy Cow as they mingle and make their final bids on silent auction items. “It’s so festive! People come back and they’ve had a wonderful meal, they’ve left in good spirits and they come back and have dessert,” shared Bisig Zimlich. And, she added, each guest receives a special token when they leave – a wine glass emblazoned with a fleur de lis design to commemorate the special evening.

Diners will walk away from the experience having enjoyed not only an exceptional meal in a beautiful mansion, but also a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Louisville history while getting to know other members of their community.

“It’s the neighborhood residents working together with the chamber members,” Bisig Zimlich smiled. “Old Louisville is so special because everyone works together – it’s a great partnership, beyond words.”

The  fourth annual Dining at the Mansions will be held March 10 from 4 to 9 p.m., beginning and ending at the Frazier House. To view houses and menus visit www.facebook.com/DiningAtTheMansions. Tickets are $175 per couple or $90 per person, and can be obtained by calling 502.637.2922 or emailing earlene@oldlouisvillechamber.com.

]]> http://www.voice-tribune.com/life-style-2/home-of-the-week/a-taste-of-old-louisvilles-charm/feed/ 1 http://www.voice-tribune.com/life-style-2/home-of-the-week/scaling-down-home-decor/ http://www.voice-tribune.com/life-style-2/home-of-the-week/scaling-down-home-decor/#comments Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:00:31 +0000 Sophie Hottinger http://www.voice-tribune.com/?p=85192 By SOPHIE HOTTINGER
Staff Writer
The Voice-Tribune

Nancye Johnson will go to great lengths to hunt down the perfect dining table or upholstered chair to complete her latest home decorating project. Whether she’s headed to Owensboro, Ky. to visit a specialty store or traveling to Chicago to scour vendor booths at a show, she shops with purpose for furniture and accessories that fit her vision.

But while dedication to the craft is something many home decorators can boast, Johnson’s results are anything but commonplace – mainly because the houses she works so tirelessly to furnish rarely stand more than a couple feet tall!

As president of the Louisville Miniature Club, Johnson meets twice a month with fellow club members to explore new techniques for their shared hobby and spend time working on unfinished miniature projects. The organization, part of the larger National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts, consists of both men and women who enjoy the art of constructing to-scale miniature scenes, rooms and houses, and are dedicated to the preservation of historic miniature collections. “We have a really good-sized club, probably one of the bigger ones in the country. We have about 25 to 30 members, close to 20 really active members. It’s been around since ’72 – the founding member, she’s still living, she still comes occasionally,” Johnson shared.

The club recently hosted a special display of members’ latest projects at Locust Grove, a National Historic Landmark that is also home to its very own to-scale miniature replica of the 223-year-old house. Built in 1979 by an architecture student and then raffled off to a private owner, the Locust Grove dollhouse was reacquired by the historic estate just last year, and has since seen much-needed maintenance as well as a few updates at the hands of Louisville Miniature Club members. But, for the most part, very little has changed about the replica, despite major changes in the life-sized home’s interior in recent years as new information became available about its original décor.

“They found out a few years ago that what they thought (when the dollhouse was built) were the colors of paint in the house (in the early 1800s) were really just the primer colors,” Johnson revealed. “They found out that they did have wallpaper, and so now most of the (actual) house has wallpaper in it. … But we wanted to keep (the dollhouse) just as the house was renovated in the ’60s. Compared to what (Locust Grove) is now, it’s totally different.”

Standing much taller than a typical dollhouse, the impressive Locust Grove replica opens on several sides to allow multiple perspectives into its interior, and is protected from dust – and handsy visitors – by a custom-made glass display case. Inside, viewers can see exact miniature copies of furniture pieces still found in the historic home, placed where they would have been in the actual house – after it had already been preserved as a museum – in 1979. A tiny silver tea service sits on a small, round table surrounded by intricately-carved wooden chairs with real fabric cushions. Portraits of William and Lucy Croghan, the original owners of Locust Grove, hang on walls illuminated by updated LED candlelights. There are even realistic doll inhabitants, including a maid who, in the early 1800s, would have been a slave, as well as a true-to-life one-legged George Rogers Clark, Locust Grove’s most famous resident, resting in an elegant rocking chair beside his desk.

The contents of the dollhouse are quite valuable, explained Johnson, having been carved, molded and sewn with incredibly detailed craftsmanship and historical accuracy. Pointing out a couple of brightly-patterned, plush rugs, she commented, “The two rugs here, back in the ’80s, cost $1,000 apiece. It took an hour for every square inch, and it’s actually punch-needle.” And, while the price tag may sound hefty, she noted, it is not uncommon in the world of miniatures to find pieces priced in the hundreds and even thousands of dollars at specialty shops and shows, because of the level of skill and amount of time required to construct them.

“Three Shaker Rooms” made by Greg Claypool.

Perhaps because of financial limitations, the hobby as a whole has seen a decline in the Louisville area, Johnson lamented, pointing out that the city was, at one time, home to four miniature shops, but now has none. “People – women – are working all the time now, or maybe the money is not there. When my kids were growing up, I never had the money or the time to do this,” she commented. “I loved it, but I just never had that ability to get into the hobby.”

But she’s hopeful that things will change. Despite the lack of local shops, the internet allows access to materials that hobbyists once had to travel to acquire. There are also several miniature shops just a short drive away, in towns such as Dansville, Owensboro and Maysville, Ky., as well as Morgantown, Ind. And the Louisville Miniature Club will gladly welcome new members, providing resources and tutorials for those interested in learning more about a craft that extends far beyond simply furnishing dollhouses. Members can play out their home-decor fantasies as they create 1-, 1/2- or 1/4-inch scale, stand-alone rooms or scenes, even building their own furniture or accessories if they wish.

“The House” made by Cheryl Brady.

Even the demographics have shifted, noted Johnson. Historically, women have made up a majority of the club’s membership, but current members like Greg Claypool, who builds life-sized furniture in addition to miniature pieces, illustrate that the group has much to offer male craftsmen. People of many ages and from all areas of town comprise the enthusiastic, inclusive group that makes up the Louisville Miniature Club. “We just have a lot of fun!” Johnson smiled. “We share ideas and that’s the whole point of this – to keep this hobby going.”

The Louisville Miniature Club plans to host the First Annual Louisville Miniature Club Miniatures & Dollhouse Show later on this year. For more on the organization and their upcoming activities visit www.louisvilleminiatureclub.org.

Photos by CHRIS HUMPHREYS | The Voice-Tribune

]]> http://www.voice-tribune.com/life-style-2/home-of-the-week/scaling-down-home-decor/feed/ 0 http://www.voice-tribune.com/life-style-2/tastes/the-speed-ball-a-spread-to-savor/ http://www.voice-tribune.com/life-style-2/tastes/the-speed-ball-a-spread-to-savor/#comments Thu, 21 Feb 2013 05:00:51 +0000 Sophie Hottinger http://www.voice-tribune.com/?p=84461

Flaky, savory country ham puffs are just one of the many delicious appetizers Speed Ball guests can expect to enjoy.

BY SOPHIE HOTTINGER
Staff Writer
The Voice-Tribune

Chef Dean Corbett.

To pull off the kind of culinary experience guests have come to expect from an incredible annual gala like The Speed Ball – one that consistently sets the bar higher, year after year – a delicate balance of skill, creativity and planning is absolutely essential. This year, award-winning Chef Dean Corbett will take on the challenge, for the third time in his career putting together a mouthwatering menu that promises to both surprise and delight those attending the elegant affair, set to take place March 9 at The Gillespie.

Months in advance, the owner of Jack’s Lounge, Equus and Corbett’s: An American Place was reaching out to local suppliers like Grateful Greens to determine the ideal varieties of fresh ingredients to craft an original menu for an event of The Speed Ball’s magnitude. “I thought, what will be coming into season, and what will be plentiful enough to be able to take care of 400-plus people?” Corbett recalled. Building his bill of fare from a catalogue of seasonal produce, choice cuts of meat and carefully-composed sauces, the chef created a list of delicacies sure to satisfy the most sophisticated palate.

The noshing will begin with a selection of passed appetizers including savory country ham puffs; crab cakes with Chestnut Hill tartar; and roasted duck confit in barclay cups. Not forgetting vegetarian guests, the chef will concoct an excellent crostini appetizer with mushroom, potato and truffle oil. Three or four additional hors d’oeuvres are rumored to make an appearance at the ball – “just some fun things to surprise them,” Corbett teased. For the most part the chef is keeping his lips sealed about what these secret tastes might include, although he did suggest the possibility of a light salmon parfait, invitingly presented in miniature sesame cones.

A Rhazes Romaine salad with Stilton cheese, avocado and corn, topped with a rich Green Goddess dressing.

Following the small bites, Speed Ball guests will take their seats to enjoy a refreshing salad comprised of crisp, seasonal Rhazes Romaine lettuce, rich avocado, fresh corn and Stilton cheese – the “granddaddy of the blues,” quipped Corbett. The raw blend will be topped with Green Goddess dressing, a creamy concoction favored by the culinary talent.

For the main course, diners will be treated to a decadent dish featuring thinly-sliced, Parmesan- and Panko-dusted chicken breast with lemon caper Beurre Blanc; paired with Chef Dean’s signature short rib in a red wine, shallot and marrow butter reduction. The slow-cooked short ribs, a wildly popular appetizer found on the menu at Corbett’s, stand out among the rest of the delicious fare as the chef’s personal favorite dish. “It’s fabulous, it’s just wonderful,” he exclaimed. “Each tray of short ribs will be cooked for 14 to 16 hours (until they’re) falling apart – so that they’re completely done and tender. I don’t want anybody to have to use a knife, basically – I want them to be able to cut everything with a fork.” Flavorful acorn squash and barley will be available as a vegetarian entrée, and both dishes will come with a delightful side of voulevant pastry and a selection of colorful vegetables including green beans, mushrooms, peas and tomatoes.

A Panko-dusted chicken breast with lemon caper Beurre Blanc paired with a short rib in red wine, shallot and marrow butter will serve as the elegant evening’s entrée.

The evening’s gastronomic experience will conclude with a dessert of white chocolate Meyer lemon Gateau with fresh, seasonal spring berry jam, an inspired creation by Corbett’s Pastry Chef Sarah Leopold. This delightful combination of subtly sweet cake, velvety white chocolate and ripe berries is well worth the effort made to save a little extra space.

Guests are sure to harbor high expectations for the upcoming Speed Ball, and Chef Dean Corbett is poised to deliver an unforgettable dining experience to match them. From thoughtful menu-planning to prep-work for the meal beginning a full five days in advance, to courses expertly prepared and timed to arrive at the ideal moment, Corbett and his staff will do whatever it takes to ‘wow’ the Speed Ball crowd, the chef assured. “I just want it to be perfect. I literally want everybody coming out of it going, ‘That was just the best (meal) ever.’ That’s my goal, lofty as it may be.”

Tickets for The Speed Ball, which will take place March 2 at The Gillespie, can be obtained by calling 502.637.6363.

]]> http://www.voice-tribune.com/life-style-2/tastes/the-speed-ball-a-spread-to-savor/feed/ 0 http://www.voice-tribune.com/life-style-2/baby-of-the-week-johnathan-young/ http://www.voice-tribune.com/life-style-2/baby-of-the-week-johnathan-young/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2013 19:29:17 +0000 Sophie Hottinger http://www.voice-tribune.com/?p=84392

Johnathan Young.

Johnathan Young is the son of Jill and Greg Young, and he was born on Dec. 28, 2010. He has two sisters, Emily and Anna.

Johnathan was born with one of the most severe congenital heart defects, called Hypo-plastic Left Heart Syndrome. Babies born with this condition only have half of a heart. He had his first open-heart surgery at Kosair Children’s Hospital at six days old, and he had seven other surgeries before his parents were able to take him home for the first time – on Feb. 14, 2011 – or as his family now calls it, “Heart Day.”

Johnathan will have his third heart surgery this summer. Without surgical intervention, his condition is 100 percent fatal. The surgeries don’t “fix” his heart, but do allow him to have a chance at life.

This week, Feb. 10 through 16, is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. Kosair Children’s Hospital, home to the region’s only congenital heart center, is currently developing plans for a new cardiac intensive care unit featuring a dedicated, expanded area with technology and experts focused solely on heart care, including physicians, nurses and ancillary staff. While the plans are still being designed, construction is slated to begin in 2014.

Financial support from the community through the Children’s Hospital Foundation will be critical in bringing this project to reality. If you would like to make a donation to the Children’s Hospital Foundation, visit www.kosairchildrens.com or call 502.629.8060.

The bedroom should be an inviting space, free from household distractions. Pieces available at Carriage House Furniture.

At the beginning of a relationship, an atmosphere of romance can seem easy to create. An elegant dinner at a fine restaurant, an unexpected gift or simply the novelty of your date’s company can be enough to make an evening feel special.

But for seasoned couples who share a home – and often a busy family – it can be difficult to find the time, energy or inspiration to set the right mood, even for romantic occasions like Valentine’s Day.

Fortunately, there’s a solution to this dilemma much simpler than planning an elaborate date or over-the-top  getaway. Rather, by reevaluating one’s everyday environment – the interior of the home – it’s possible to create an atmosphere that will bring any cohabitating couple closer together.

Says Chad Gilpin, marketing director of Merridian Home Furnishings, “The most romantic thing you can do in your home is pay attention to the design and make sure you don’t ruin the opportunity for a little romance. If you center your couch on your monster television, you’ve already killed countless opportunities. Whether you’re buying a whole new room setting or working with what you’ve got,” he explains, the goal should be “to create intimate settings where romance can happen naturally.”

Chad Gilpin, marketing director of Merridian Home Furnishings.

Furniture arrangements such as breakfast nooks and small tables for two are a great way to set yourselves apart from the chaos of everyday life and enjoy a meal together. Situate your table by windows or dine by candlelight to create an inviting ambience. “Even if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a house full of children,” Gilpin notes, “you can put them at the dining table while you and your partner have a romantic, candle-lit dinner for two.”

Placing a loveseat in a nontraditional space is another great way to encourage romance. Side-by-side seating for two in the bedroom or by a fireplace, for example, helps keep a couple’s focus off distractions like the television and household tasks. Accent pillows and light blankets can soften up a sofa, bed or rug by the hearth to make the space feel cozier than usual.

Pay special attention to your bedroom as you reevaluate the atmosphere of your home, Designer Mickey Schwartz of Carriage House Furniture encourages. “Your bedroom should be a soothing, relaxing environment that evokes serenity and romance.” This can be accomplished by relocating diversions like computers to a less intimate space, such as the family room or office. Create a corner of the room where you can comfortably sit and talk, so that it becomes a natural retreat for you both even if you aren’t turning in for the night. Adds Schwartz, “With the right furnishings and lighting you can create an environment that carries you away to a place of bliss.”

High back settee with old, reclaimed trunk coffee table and old Chinese folding screen in background. Available at Merridian Home Furnishings.

Use a dimmer switch or turn off the overhead lights, then use lamps to create pools of soft lighting where you sit. By shrinking your space this will automatically create a more intimate feeling. “The same can be said for the mood created by open flame,” suggests Merridian’s Merry Dougherty. “Whether low burning embers in a fireplace or delicate votive candles that send the light dancing, the warm glow of fire can create mystery and spark all kinds of positive emotions.”

The goal of reigniting romance can even be accomplished just by adding certain kinds of accessories to your living space. Nothing says “Be mine” like a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, and a beautiful vase to display them on the dining table or by your bedside will keep the sweet gesture front-of-mind. Picture frames featuring special moments together make meaningful gifts that can seamlessly integrate into your home decor. They’ll serve as constant reminders of your love, assures Gilpin. “You’ll be finding year-round excuses to give a little hug or kiss when you pass your favorite memories in the hallway.”

Merridian Home Furnishings’ Merry Dougherty.

While taking a little extra time to make your space more inviting on occasions like Valentine’s Day is a wonderful way to bring you and your partner closer together, it’s also important to remember that expressions of love in the home needn’t be confined to a holiday. “Your home should be your sanctuary; your vacation destination without having to leave town,” insists Schwartz. “By making thoughtful choices, you can turn your home into a place that helps you relax and enriches your life.”

Dougherty agrees. “If home is really where the heart is, then home should be a place where romance is kindled.”

Merridian Home Furnishings is located at 4660 Shelbyville Road. For more information call 502.895.3151 or visit www.merridian.com.

Carriage House Furniture is located at 9801 Linn Station Road. For more information call 502.426.4594 or visit www.carriagehouseint.com.

Kris, Elizabeth and Tim Mattingly.

Wrap-Up Louisville

University of Louisville students filled the gymnasium at The Salvation Army’s Male Campus on Jan. 26, for a special outreach event aimed at raising supplies and awareness for the River City’s homeless population.

Students who participated were members of the Greek community and volunteers for a homeless advocacy group called Wrap-Up America, whose goal is to raise awareness and donate blankets they’ve collected throughout the year. The group has collected more than 2,000 blankets for the homeless population in past events.

A highlight of the evening’s festivities was an elaborate blanket fort building contest.

Photos By TIM VALENTINO | Contributing Photographer
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Maggy Keith, Leah Carey and Courtney McClure.

The Gravy Cup

Louisville’s first annual Gravy Cup – a biscuit and gravy competition hosted by Zach Fry – was held Jan. 27 at the Monkey Wrench.

Those willing to put their recipes to the test entered their gravy dishes into the categories of traditional, non-traditional and vegetarian, also competing for the title of Best Homemade Biscuit and Best Overall.

The competition was judged by Christopher Seckman, North End Cafe owner and chef; Summer Auerbach, CEO of Rainbow Blossom Foods Inc.; Ashley Dunn Shadburne, Traveling Tuesday Supper club founder and local food blogger; Bart Whitehouse, Louisville food critic and world traveler; and Dennie Humphrey, owner of the Monkey Wrench.

Grand prize winner Erika Figge was rewarded with bragging rights and a $100 gift certificate.

Photos By LIAM SPRADLIN | Contributing Photographer
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Dan and Sara Cimba.

The Swashbucklers Ball

Pirates and Parrot Heads stole the show at the eighth annual Swashbucklers Ball, which took place Jan. 19 at The Seelbach Hotel.

Karen Roby, former news anchor at WLKY-TV, emceed the lively party, which included Caribbean cuisine, live music, dancing and both silent and live auctions. Prizes were given out for the best pirate and Jimmy Buffett-themed costumes.

The event benefited St. Mary’s Center, a non-profit, non-denominational organization serving teens and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Photos By TIM VALENTINO | Contributing Photographer
Click here to see the full gallery.

Artist Jacque Parsley and her daughter, Jessica Parsley, with Jacque’s mixed media assemblage, “I Can Do The Splits.”

ENID: 15 Women Sculptors

The ENID Group, 15 women artists inspired by Louisville sculptor Enid Yandell (1870 – 1934), held a reception to open an exhibit of their work on Jan. 11 at the Cressman Center. The exhibit runs through Feb. 9.
With The Voice-Tribune’s Veteran Photographer JOHN HARRALSON
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Dwight Haygood and Robert Brown.

The Louisville Bar Association’s Bench & Bar Dinner

The Louisville Bar Association recognized its newly-elected 2013 officers at their annual Bench & Bar Dinner, held Jan. 24 at The Henry Clay.

The officers honored were President Bradley R. Hume, Thompson Miller & Simpson PLC; President-Elect Susan D. Phillips, Phillips Parker Orberson & Arnett PLC; Vice-President/Treasurer Angela Logan Edwards, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP; and Secretary Charles J. (Mike) Cronan, Stites & Harbison PLLC.

The Bench & Bar Dinner is the local legal community’s biggest event of the year, attended by more than 400 attorneys and guests.

Photos By TONY BENNETT | Contributing Photographer
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Cammie Jones, Chelsea Diamond, Rip Hatfield, Alli Grant, Dominique Luster and Katie Gardner.

The Kentucky Derby Festival’s Poster Premiere

The Kentucky Derby Festival unveiled its 2013 Official Poster and Merchandise line Jan. 23 at the 33rd annual Poster Premiere at The Henry Clay building. Several hundred guests attended the festival’s first official event of the New Year.

The 2013 a Poster was created by local artist Lonnie Walker, an award-winning illustrator and graphic artist. Walker’s 2013 artwork features vibrant colors in a starry night sky, showcasing the festival’s symbolic Pegasus in flight.

The Poster Premiere featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary gift for the first 1,000 guests. There was a silent auction of framed 2013 Official Posters, as well as a silent auction of several gift and VIP packages.

For the seventh year in a row, the awards ceremony for the festival’s Student Art Contest was held in conjunction with the Poster Premiere, and students with winning entries in the Student Art Contest had the opportunity to attend the event.

Photos By Bill Wine | Contributing Photographer
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Heather Panariello, Natalie Warren, Tonya Aleln and Sarah Mitchell.

Mardi Gras Gala

The Cerebral Palsy School of Louisville Foundation held its eighth annual Mardi Gras Gala, benefiting the Mattingly Center, Inc., Jan. 26 at the Mellwood Arts & Entertainment Center.

Festivities at the black-tie soiree included cocktails, dinner, dancing, raffles, a photo booth and both silent and live auctions. Live music by long-time Louisville favorite Thumper and the Plaid Rabbits, the Bourbon Street Lounge After Party and gaming tables made this year’s event even more spectacular than the last.

Photos By BILL WINE | Contributing Photographer
Click here to see the full gallery.