Covington native Haven Gillespie composed enduring classics including “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Kentucky Life host Doug Flynn visits the Pasta Garage in Lexington. Meet fan favorites and go behind the scenes at Lexington’s Comic Con. Two bloodhounds, Magic and Chloe, assist Smokey Bear by tracking arsonists in southeastern Kentucky.
Haven Gillespie
The son of a laborer and a domestic worker, songwriter Haven Gillespie (1888-1975) grew up in Covington but left school in fourth grade. He followed his sister to Chicago when he was 14, and started in the printing business, which exposed him to the popular sheet music of the day.
Gillespie discovered he had a talent for writing lyrics, and his sheet music became popular. He moved back to his hometown before heading out again, this time for Tin Pan Alley, the nickname of the Manhattan street that was home to the popular music publishers. James Claypool, professor emeritus at Northern Kentucky University, told the story of how the district got its name.
Continue reading about Haven Gillespie and watch the video.
Pasta Garage
Lexington Pasta was founded in 2009 by Lesme Romero and Reinaldo Gonzalez. The restaurant uses pasta made in-house by Lexington Pasta.
“Two and a half, three years ago, they came up with the concept of not just of production but a restaurant as well,” said executive chef Jake Gaunce.
Find out more about Lexington Pasta Garage and watch the video.
Lexington Comic Con
In downtown Lexington, fans turn out in force, and often in costume, for the annual Lexington Comic and Toy Convention, known, of course, as Comic Con.
Jarrod Greer, event promoter, said he and his wife decided to put on the first Lexington Comic Con in 2011. “My youngest son and I had kind of been messing around with Power Ranger toys, and he was an avid Power Ranger and Transformer collector at the time, so comics and toys are something I’ve been into for a while,” he said.
Learn more about Lexington Comic Con and watch the video.
Arson Dogs
Arson is the leading cause of wildland fires in the state, according to forestry officials, and the state averages 1,447 such fires each year. To track down arsonists in southeastern Kentucky, officials have enlisted the help of bloodhounds.
Michael Harp, assistant fire chief of the Kentucky Division of Forestry, said Kentucky ranks high nationally for the number of fires intentionally set. “If we’re not number one, we’re really close to the top,” he said.
