On March 5th prepare to be blown away: The Glass Menagerie will open at St. Marks United Church of Christ in New Albany, Indiana. General admission tickets are $10 per person and it is required that you call ahead in advance to reserve your spot, which can be done by calling or texting J.R. Stuart at (502) 380-6569. All proceeds from this production will directly benefit the soup kitchen and Clothes Closet Missions of St. Marks United Church of Christ, where they feed and clothe over 100 people every Saturday.
The Glass Menagerie is a play created by Tennessee Williams in 1944, when it premiered in Chicago. The plot summary (via The Glass Menagerie Broad) is as follows:
Amanda Wingfield is a Southern belle past her prime, living with two grown children in a small apartment in St. Louis. Amanda dreams of a better life for her shy and crippled daughter Laura, and so she pushes her son, Tom, to find a “gentleman caller” for the girl. However, the arrival of the gentleman caller sends shockwaves through the family and causes cracks to form in the delicate fantasies that have kept them going.
The production was recently featured on Broadway and played its final performance on February 23. It received rave reviews from The New York Times, USA Today, Vogue, and many more media outlets.
The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams opens this Wednesday March 5th at 7:30pm. Additional dates are:
Thursday, March 6 – 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Friday, March 7 – 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Saturday, March 8 – 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Sunday, March 9 – 7:30pm – 10:00pm
For more information on the event visit the website of the ...
What do you get when you combine Read Across America Day with Dr. Seuss’ birthday? A big celebration of course! On March 2nd Carmichael’s Bookstore will be hosting a special party celebrating both Dr. Seuss’ birthday and Read Across America day. This is a great event for young children from ages 3-7 but all are welcome. The celebration will run from 4:00pm to 5:30pm and admission is FREE!
A party wouldn’t be complete without cake, right? There will be plenty of cake to go around in addition to fun crafts, games and a big sing-along. Carmichael’s Bookstore will ensure that their shelves are stocked with plenty of Dr. Seuss classics, including ‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go!’, ‘Dr. Seuss’s ABC: An Amazing Alphabet Book!’, and ‘The Cat in the Hat’.
The Read Across America initiative was created by the National Education Association to help increase literacy among children through strengthening the bond between children and parents. Here is a description of the program via Carmichael’s Bookstore website:
The National Education Association is building a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA’s Read Across America. Now in its 16th year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources. "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read with a child."
If you are interested in learning more about the Read Across America program or about this event on March 2nd visit the website of Carmichael’s Bookstore.
To learn about other exciting events please visit our River Valley Group website. Also, be sure to follow the River Valley...

Temperatures are expected to drop again next week but will peak at 60 degrees this weekend…that means you should take advantage of the beautiful weather here in Louisville! Luckily there are several events below that you can enjoy with family and friends. In between reading the River Valley Group neighborhood guides and checking to see how much your home is worth be sure to get out this weekend and bask in the (somewhat) warm weather. The River Valley Group has compiled the events below for this week’s River Valley Weekend Report. No matter where your house in Louisville is located be sure to take time out of your day to get out and have fun with family and friends!
Events for the Weekend of 2/21/2014:
Carl Casper Custom Cars and the Louisville New Car Show | February 21st – 23rd | KY Fair & Expo Center
http://www.kyexpo.org/
Sesame Street Live: Can’t Stop Singing | February 21st – 23rd | The Kentucky Center
http://kentuckycenter.org/
La Sylphide (Louisville Ballet) | February 21st – 22nd | Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center
http://kentuckycenter.org/
The Glorious Adventures of the Mighty Robin Hood | February 21st | The Kentucky Center
http://www.kentuckycenter.org/Stage-One/13-14/The-Glorious-Adventures-of-the-Mighty-Robin-Hood/10737#tab-show-information-link
The Jungle Book...

I assure you it’s not what you’re thinking. I own no yacht, not even a boat. I do, however, as it was explained to me by one who shall remain nameless, have a lovely sunroom, in lieu of a boat. Bamboozled again.
It’s the coldest winter I can remember in Louisville. Period. Five degrees this morning, and I find myself outside, huddled in a duck blind, with relatives from the sunshine state. Boy did they pick the wrong weekend. The ducks remain safe this day, and, as all Fore family outings do, the purpose shifts from something miserable and manly, to gastronomically centered. “What’s for breakfast?” cousin Mike mentions barely an hour into the hunt.
We all run for the trucks. A vote is taken, and Adriaan’s is the far and away winner. It’s across the street. As far as I’m concerned, this place could be serving cardboard, and as long as it’s warm inside, I’ll politely gnaw on whatever fare is offered, and ask, no, beg, for a second helping.
These guys know what they’re doing. Coffees are kept full. Orders are taken quickly. Shots, of bourbon, are fired. It’s barely nine AM, and I can almost feel our Irish ancestors smiling as we “warm up”. The food orders come out quickly. Delicious. A spinach omelet never tasted so good. Perfectly browned egg, spinach wilted before being thrown into the amalgam of egg and other vegetables, exactly the way I would do it. Fluffy, light, yet hearty, and downright American. The service is ridiculously good. Our waiter is seldom...
Today's blog post comes from George Peterson on behalf of Squires Estates, the independent estate agent in London. George is an avid blogger who loves to blog about property!
To Rent or Buy?
When you're looking to fly the nest and set up in your own home, the main decision you will have to make is whether you want to buy a property and get your foot on the housing ladder, or to rent for the foreseeable future.
Each Situation is Different
Each potential homeowners situation will be different, and there are a number of things to consider before you make that decision, you need to look at your own finances, the state of the housing market and the availability of properties in your chosen area.
Before you decide on whether you want to rent or buy, it's worth keeping a few things in mind:
- Your current finances and situation
- The opportunities in your chosen area
- What mortgage deals are currently available
Finance is seen by many as the biggest hurdle to clear when it comes to owning a property of your own. Indeed, many potential homeowners may find themselves renting for many years before taking the plunge into getting a mortgage, but this may not necessarily be the best option for you at the time.
Renting offers flexibility
Renting does offer the advantage of flexibility when looking in certain areas, as looking for houses will be a long process with much more to consider going forward. By renting first you can give yourself an insight into the area and whether it would be suitable for yourself and your family in the future, so don't feel afraid to test the waters in a new neighbourhood with a short-term rental first.
Another aspect to consider when looking is employment opportunities,...

At the risk of, once again, forefitting my man card to Mr. Timothy Mattingly, I choose to let ‘yall in on a little secret. I’m not that into sports I don’t play. Sure I love going to a U of L game as much as the next guy, and the outcome of the aforementioned game has no long lasting effect on my life. There, I said it. I feel better. I like watching golf. I’ve spent many a sweat soaked hour watching triathalon, or marathon coverage. Still, the outcome doesn’t affect me in the slightest. I suppose I can hold on to my man card a little while longer.
Last Saturday night, I ended up at a place that was once old, and finds itself new again. Through the all seeing all knowing eye of Mayor for life Jerry Abramson, a grand vision of a renaissance of downtown Louisville was put into motion some years ago, with the renovation of the shopping mall once known as the Galleria, into a mecca for newly “of age” youngsters, with some nice, safe, predictable restaurants, aimed at drawing the more readily available cash of the more aged consumer. Fourth Street live was born, and, as they say, the rest is history. Fourth Street Live was the turning point. The domino that forced the other, much larger dominos into motion is credited to the little known Cordish Company, and Mayor for Life. We now know him as Lieutenant Governor, Jerry. I hope he runs for governor, and Giuliani style, sweeps the term limit thing under the rug. This guy is serious talent. Governor for life. I’ll bet Terry Meiners has a field day with that one. Anyhoo, downtown Louisville was reborn, and our city is greater because of Fourth Street...
On Saturday February 15th the Mellwood Art Center will be hosting the 13th annual Paws for a Cold Wet Nose event starting at 7pm. The night will be filled with delicious food, cash bar, great music, and much more! Tickets are $45 each and all proceeds will directly benefit the Animal Protection Association.
Dinner will be served buffet style and is being provided by Upper Crust Catering from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. In addition to the delicious food there will be a cash bar available all night with beer, wine and mixed drinks. Music will be provided by two different bands, the ‘Doo Wop All Stars” and “Old School”; cheaper tickets for the event may be purchased for $20 if you would only like to see “Old School” perform from 11pm to 1am.
There will be many silent auction items available including UofL, IU and UK items! There will also be a cake raffle, 50/50, and many more fun activities for those in attendance. Finally since it is Valentine’s weekend you will have the opportunity to get your picture taken for Valentine’s Day with your loved ones.
The Animal Protection Association (APA) was founded in 1999 and strives to rescue and secure good homes for stray and abandoned animals. From the Paws for a Cold Wet Nose website:
“In the past 12 years APA has rescued and adopted over 3,400 cats, dogs, birds and rabbits to loving homes. Before placing these animals all were spayed or neutered, vaccinated and tested for heartworms and leukemia. Since we are a no-kill shelter, no healthy animals are ever euthanized. We have an outreach program at Feeder's Supply and PetSmart in Clarksville for adoptions. Feeders Supply also sponsors APA in one of our biggest fund raising projects "Picture Your Pet with Santa". APA's biggest asset is its body of volunteers. There are over 60 dedicated and giving people who give our animals so much more than basic...
Today's blog post comes from our very own Sean Fore, listing specialist for the River Valley Group. Sean enjoys great food and living a healthy lifestyle and often writes and reviews about products, restaurants, and much more. He recently visited Eiderdown in Louisville and wanted to share his experience!
Duck fat popcorn. Yup, that’s right, duck fat popcorn is on the menu. I like duck, I like popcorn, what the hey, let’s give it a shot. Duck fat has a flavor that’s somewhere between pork and beef, and the popcorn really pairs nicely with it. Already I’m digging this chef’s conceptualization, and we’ve been here barely five minutes. I think to myself, “The force is strong with this one.”
For the unfamiliar, Eiderdown is in the area between the highlands and downtown Louisville. It’s an area that’s enjoying a renaissance, of late, as it continues offer an increasing number of hangouts and new and exciting gastropubs. While Eiderdown is not new, it never gets old. Trust me.
The main dining room is a spacious, accommodating space, complete with high ceilings, exposed brick, and furniture made of reclaimed wood. The bar is beer and wine. And we’re not talking Miller Light and Boone’s Farm. Ales, Lagers, Stouts, Chards, Merlot, Cab, Sav, pretty much whatever you could want, and not pay through the nose for it, is at your fingertips.
“Diverse”...

Last week Trulia published a blog titled, ‘5 Ways to Pick the Perfect Time to Sell.’ It was a great article that highlighted important times of the year to consider, such as the holiday calendar and tax season. It also begged the question: is there REALLY a perfect time to sell your home? The short answer to that question is yes, and that perfect time is always.
While it may sound cliché you shouldn’t let the time of the year stop you from putting your home on the market. The aforementioned factors give your home a better chance, sure…but it all starts with having the right agent on your side. If your home is reasonably priced and staged correctly you will find that it doesn’t matter if you list in January or July. The Tax Calendar factor says you will find a flood of motivated buyers in mid-April while the Academic Calendar says you will do well listing in the summer when parents make it their goal to get settled before school starts in the Fall. Furthermore, an article published on the FOX Business website stated that November, December and January are the best months to sell due to supply and demand. The different calendars will attract different buyers at various times of the year but the buyers will always be there.
Another aspect of the process that makes it harder to peg a certain month as the best time to sell is your geographic location. Not in the sense of weather but in terms of the city or state’s culture. Here in Louisville...
Today's blog post comes from our very own Sean Fore, listing specialist for the River Valley Group. Sean enjoys great food and living a healthy lifestyle and often writes and reviews about products, restaurants, and much more. He recently visited Ruth's Chris Steak House in Louisville and wanted to share his experience!
Few things in this world interest me less than eating at chain restaurants. You know the type of establishment I’m referring to.. If I witness one more reluctantly belted out happy birthday, and this is a line from a movie, not a euphemism, and not to be taken literally, “I’m gonna’ club this baby seal!” Annoying. Corporate. Milk Toast. The food is consistent, and has as much character as the “actress” serving it to me. They’re pretty much the antithesis of the Bohemian, “hipster while out of the office” food snob I find myself rapidly becoming. If wifey-poo would allow me a ‘stache, I’m sure it would be waxed after hours. Alas. Clean shorn. #trophyhusband
There are exceptions. When I’m feeling yuppie, we like to play dress up, and patronize restaurants I should normally be thrown out of. One of these is Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. It sits atop a landmark art deco Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. The rooftop terrace is open air, and the panoramas are worth the price of admission. The decor is what a high end steakhouse usually is. Polished. Clean. Thought out. Predictable. Yawn.
There are very few things in this world I do better than anyone else. One of which is, making the Heidi Fore special ‘tini. Mix vodka, ahem, only Titos will do,...