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Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services announced today that the popular Fifth Third Bank Financial Empowerment Mobile, the eBus, will be visiting Louisville Feb. 20 through Feb. 26 and will be open to the public.
The eBus is a 40-foot retrofitted city bus equipped with onboard computer workstations and internet connectivity. It is staffed by professionals who provide free one-on-one personalized counseling, credit scores, financial coaching, budgeting, job search and other services.
The scheduled stops for the eBus are as follows:
- Tues., Feb. 20, Charmoli Neighborhood Place, 200 Juneau Drive, 40243, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Wed., Feb. 21, Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place, 1411 Algonquin Parkway, 40210, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Thurs., Feb. 22, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 West Market Street, 40212, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Fri., Feb. 23, Facilities Management Services, 1500 Lytle Street, 40203, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Mon., Feb. 26, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Avenue, 40211, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
“We strongly value our partnership with Fifth Third Bank and their commitment to helping all of our Louisville residents gain opportunity and access to financial services”, stated Erin Waddell who leads several financial empowerment initiatives for the Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services. “We believe all Louisvillians deserve safe and affordable financial services – the eBus is a great way to explore some of those services.”
Once onboard the eBus, visitors will be able to:
- Request a credit report and review it with a professional
- Receive personalized evaluation of finances
- Gain information about fraud awareness and prevention
- Receive internet banking and bill payment demonstrations
- Participate in home ownership seminars and foreclosure prevention sessions
- Conduct online job searches and learn how to create an effective resume
“We are committed to empowering our community through financial education, says Mike Ash, Kentucky Regional President, Fifth Third Bank. “The eBus allows us to serve people where they live and work, and provide the knowledge and tools to help take control of their financial futures.”
For more information about the eBus schedule and features, contact Adam Hall, Community and Economic Development Manager with Fifth Third Bank, at 502-562-5584 or adam.hall@53.com.
This evening the Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE) announced the selection of Dr. Martin “Marty” Pollio to serve as the next superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS).
“Dr. Pollio stepped in to lead our district on an interim basis during a very difficult time,” said JCBE Board Chair Diane Porter. “During the past eight months, he’s brought stability, reenergized our district and focused our priorities on what our schools and staff need to make all students successful. I know his leadership at JCPS will be student-centered, student-focused and student-driven, which is just what our district needs.”
Dr. Pollio began his career with JCPS in 1997 as a social studies teacher at Shawnee High School. He went on to serve as a teacher and assistant principal at Waggener High School before taking the helm as principal of Jeffersontown High School from 2007-2015. Before taking the role of acting superintendent, Dr. Pollio was the principal of Doss High School. He took a leave of absence from that position while he served the district as acting superintendent.
“The board made a bold decision when it chose me for this position eight months ago,” Dr. Pollio said. “I plan to bring the same passion, energy and focus to work every day to create positive learning environments at all of our schools where teachers can teach and students can learn. This job is not just professional, it’s personal. For more than 20 years, I’ve dedicated my career to serving the students of JCPS and my daughter is a student in this district. Now is the time for our employees, our staff and this community to stand up and support JCPS and bring about positive change for students by working together.”
Dr. Pollio received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and his master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University. He earned his doctorate from the University of Louisville in 2012.
During his time as acting superintendent, Dr. Pollio has focused on improving climate and culture, improving organizational coherence and increasing student achievement. He’s returned budget cuts to schools, funded deeper learning priorities, opened the JCPS West Louisville Satellite Office, created an initiative to track K-12 student learning and implemented corrective action plans for issues found during previous administrations.
Dr. Pollio will serve as the sixth superintendent of JCPS since merger. The terms of Dr. Pollio’s contract are still being negotiated.
Superintendent Search Process
The Jefferson County Board of Education launched a search for superintendent after the resignation of Dr. Donna Hargens, which was effective June 30, 2017.
Dr. Marty Pollio was named acting superintendent while the board searched for a permanent replacement. The board advertised the search nationally and engaged a local firm to receive community feedback and input. There were nine applications for the position, and the board named two finalists in January. The two finalists participated in four community forums.
More information about the search is available here.
Photo: JCPS
Ballard High School’s The Collage was named the best student-produced literary magazine in Kentucky, earning a ‘Superior’ rating and a nomination for the Highest Award by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). The recognition is the second time in three years that the publication has taken the top ranking by NCTE’s Program to Recognize Excellence in Student Literary Magazines (PRESLM), and makes The Collage the highest awarded literary magazine in Jefferson County Public Schools.
Nationally, only 26 student publications, out of 372 entries, were named Highest Award recipients.
PRESLM recognizes students, teachers and schools for producing excellent literary magazines. The program aims to encourage all schools to develop literary magazines and seek excellence in writing and schoolwide participation in production.
Ballard’s in-house literary magazine has been produced and published by students, for students, since 1970, and showcases student written and artistic work in all genres, themes and grades. The magazine is a project-based learning collaboration between the creative writing classes of Michelle Livesay and the digital publishing classes of Gary Crume with student fine art submissions from Ballard art teachers Patty Bradford, Lindsey Dobson, Emily Forrester, Marcia Hageman and Sarah Kaiman.
A limited number of copies of the award-winning 2017 edition are available by contacting michelle.livesay@jefferson.kyschools.us or gary.crume@jefferson.kyshools.us.
Portland Elementary School has received a $1,300 award from VSA Kentucky to support students’ social-emotional development through the arts.
Under the award, Letita Usher, a VSA teaching artist, will visit Portland as an artist-in-residence, teaching students drama techniques and storytelling skills. In addition, she will collaborate with the school’s art and ECE teachers to create visual art pieces, connect students to literature, and create a drama that encompasses the work.
“We are inspired by the opportunity to engage our highest-need students in this deeper learning experience that allows them to explore literacy and the arts through multiple modalities,” said Portland Principal Angela Hosch.
VSA Kentucky is a non-profit organization that provides opportunities in the arts for children and adults with disabilities.
Holly Hawkins, a fifth-grade teacher at Tully Elementary School, has been presented with the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E and KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher on Feb. 6 during a ceremony at the school.
“Throughout her tenure at Tully, Holly has designed an exemplary classroom that has met with great success,” said Principal Linda Dauenhauer. “You cannot walk into her classroom without instantly becoming motivated yourself. She motivates students because of her high energy and belief that all students can learn.”
“Mrs. Hawkins encourages her students to work to their highest potential and to always put forth their best effort,” said Missy Schutte, a fellow teacher at Tully. “I witness her on a regular basis trying to pull out the very best in every student. She inspires them to become better by persevering and not giving up – valuable life skills.”
Hawkins dedicates time to her students and school community outside the classroom as well, serving on the School-Based Decision Making Council as well as numerous other committees, and organizes many of the school’s instructional nights, student council activities and extracurricular events. She also serves as assistant coach for both the cross country and track teams.
As part of LG&E and KU’s commitment to supporting education across the communities it serves, Hawkins and other ExCEL Award-winning teachers each receive a $1,000 instructional grant from the company.
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners offer services and workshops in February that will benefit the entire family including a prom dress drive to help make prom more affordable for families in need; the launch of a Weekly Resource School with an array of topics; two foster parent recruitment meetings and much more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Feb. 1 – Mar. 16, The Butterfly Effect Prom Dress Drive at NorthWest Neighborhood Place
Call 485-7230 for more information. Donations of prom dresses, shoes, accessories, as well as tuxedo rental vouchers are all requested to assist with the “Butterfly Effect Prom Event” on March 27. Drop off donations to NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St. weekdays between 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. by March 16. Sponsored in collaboration with Destinee Germany, Miss Black Kentucky, in addition to Academy at Shawnee Youth Services and Jefferson County Public Schools.
Feb. 2, Energy Management Workshop at the Fairdale Branch Library
Located at the Fairdale Branch Library, 10620 West Manslick Rd. Call 363-1483 for registration. Project Warm’s free workshops help families take control of their energy usage and learn “do-it-yourself” energy-saving tips. Free supplies will be distributed at the end of the workshop such as clear plastic/tape for windows, caulk to seal openings around windows and sealing foam. Sponsored by Project Warm in collaboration with South Jefferson Neighborhood Place and Fairdale Branch Library.
Feb. 5, 7, 13 and 20, Community Dental Care Information Sessions
Call 502-366-4442 for more information. Community Dental Care is a full-sedental organization designed to increase access to health care in communities with the goal of improving the overall health of the population. Representatives will be on site to provide information about services offered, to assist in scheduling appointments for dental needs as well as offer no cost dental screenings.
- Feb. 5, First Neighborhood Place, Rangeland Road (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- Feb. 7, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Feb. 13, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Valley Location, 10200 Dixie Hwy; 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- Feb. 13, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Fairdale location, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 1– 3 p.m.
- Feb. 20, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Feb. 6, 7, 8 and 22, Weekly Resource School at Bridges Neighborhood Place
Located at 1411 Algonquin Pkwy. Contact Nannette Bertram Dix at 634-6057 to RSVP and for more information. The Bridges of Hope staff is teaming up with an array of service providers to provide weekly programming and resources focusing on substance prevention, self-sufficiency, health, safety and resiliency. All workshops are free and open to the public.
- Feb. 6, Cyber Safety, 4 – 5 p.m. ECHO (Exploited Children’s Help Organization) presents internet safety tips and tricks and how to keep information safe and secure.
- Feb. 7, FASFA, 10 – 11 a.m. Learn more about FAFSA, the Free Applications for Federal Student Aid, which is prepared by current and prospective college students. Presented by Wright, Financial Coach with the Armed Forces Services Corporation.
- Feb. 8 and 22, CHOICES, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Center for Women and Families presents “CHOICES”, an educational and support program for people affected by intimate partner and/or sexual violence
Feb 6 and Feb. 12, ElderCare 4 Families Employment Recruitment
Call 244 -8446 for more information. Located at 1503 Rangeland Road (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24). Call 313-4700 for more information. An employment recruiter will be on-hand for ElderCare 4 Families, a non-medical in homecare service for seniors provide help with cooking, cleaning, laundry and personal care.
- Feb. 6, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Feb. 12, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Feb. 15, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 1 – 3 p.m.
Mondays and Thursdays, YMCA’s “Caring and Learning with Me” program at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call Keyonna Humphrey at 974-8457 for more information and to register. This free program provides a wonderful learning environment for children ages 3-5 years old and their caregivers focusing on play and exploration. The adult caregiver is required to attend with the children and you may also bring other children ages (0-2). Sponsored by the YMCA with support from First Neighborhood Place.
Feb. 8, 15 and 22 , Work and Learn Program for K-TAP Recipients Info Session at South Central Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 502-213-2284 for more information. Individuals who are receiving K-TAP can come learn about campus and community resources for students, as well as work-study jobs. Students can work on-campus or off-campus, even in your field study.
Feb. 8, 20 and 28, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower
Contact Mendy Mason at 341-5400 to RSVP or for more information. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered.
- Feb. 8, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. 1 – 3 p.m.
- Feb. 20, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 1 – 3 p.m.
- Feb. 28, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 1- 3 p.m.
Feb 13, Blood Pressure Checks at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. Louisville Metro Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure checks.
Feb. 13 and 22, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting
Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
- Feb. 13, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Feb. 22, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 6 – 8 p.m.
Feb. 13, Healthy Living Club at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place, Call 363-1483 for more information. Classes are open to anyone interested in gaining more knowledge to live a better and more fulfilling life. Monthly meetings are on the second Tuesday of every month to discuss healthy living and to get the support you need to eat better, get active, and lose weight. This month, a representative from Community Dental will be on hand to provide free dental screenings and also to discuss positive dental hygiene at any age. Free dental supplies for those that attend. Come and join the fun and fellowship.
Feb. 15, African American Read-In U at Southwick Community Center 6:30 -7:30 p.m.
Located at 3621 Southern Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. In honor of Black History Month, join in this celebration of black authors via readings, dancing, and music. Sponsored by Ujima Neighborhood Place.
Beginning Feb. 22, Cooking Matters Class at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 772-8588 to register for this class. Join this free, six-week cooking class to learn about healthy eating, cook in class, and take home a bag of groceries each week. All participants must meet income eligibility requirements. Sponsored by Family Health Center and Dare to Care.
Feb. 22, Passport Health Care Community Engagement, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St. Call 313.4892 for more information. Representatives from Passport Health Care will be onsite to provide one-on-one consultations and discuss plan benefits and options. This is a great opportunity as Passport aims to raise awareness and educate the community about the Passport Health Plan mission.
Feb. 26, Diabetes Education Classes at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 502-772-8588 to sign up. This information session is provided monthly to assist in learning the latest information on managing diabetes including healthy eating, developing an active lifestyle, taking medications and reducing health risks. Sponsored by Family Health Center.
Beginning Feb. 28, Freedom from Smoking Classes at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 772-8588 to register or for more information. Join this weekly group on Wednesdays for seven weeks to get the support you need to be free from smoking, Support will be provided on stress management, creating a personal plan and avoiding weight gain. All classes are free. Sponsored by the Family Health Centers.
The Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Frazier History Museum, and the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts – all partners in downtown Louisville’s Museum Row on Main — are teaming up to offer $5 deals for Kentucky and Indiana residents throughout February. The Ali Center, Slugger, and Frazier museums will be offering $5 admission rates to locals throughout the month, and patrons of the Kentucky Center’s SCENE at the Center will receive a $5 off restaurant orders of $50 or more.
The annual promotion encourages locals to explore attractions close to home at a time when the long winter is just about over, but yet the temperatures are still not conductive for most outdoor activities. To take advantage of the museum offer, guests must show proof of residency in Kentucky or Indiana, such as a driver’s license or alternate I.D. while purchasing tickets. Others in the party will also receive the $5 admission, a substantial savings over $12 – $15 regular ticket prices. The offer cannot be combined with other discounts, and does not apply to special tours or events.
Here are special offerings or activities by the Frazier History Museum, Muhammad Ali Center, The Kentucky Center for the Arts, and Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory described below:
Frazier History Museum: The Frazier History Museum is where the world meets Kentucky and in February it’s through outstanding exhibits and exciting programs. Family Gathering: Linda Bruckheimer’s Kentucky celebrates the beautiful, heartbreaking, sometimes funny and always authentic photography of acclaimed photographer and native Kentuckian, Linda Bruckheimer. The Lewis & Clark Experience takes guests on an immersive and educational journey with the Corp of Discovery. A Valentine’s Day themed Second Saturday program on February 10th tackles candy, cards and other crazy Feb’ 14 traditions and on February 23rd our 25,000 Toy Soldiers come alive with a curated conversation and cocktail event celebrating W.Britain’s 125 years in the Toy Soldier business.
Muhammad Ali Center: In January, the Ali Center began major renovations on its Lobby and Retail Store, both of which will provide the Center the opportunity to deliver a better overall visitor experience and more contemporary private event space. Additionally, the much needed upgrades will offer a fresh and modern appearance to its retail store, while also supplying better functionality. A major part of the overall improvements will be a custom designed terrazzo floor in the Main Lobby, which will present a striking and welcoming impression upon entering the Center, and providing better durability for this high traffic area. During this estimated 3-month renovation period, guests must enter and exit the Center at the street-level Group Entrance. Visitors will still have access to the Center’s award-winning exhibits and can still expect an excellent museum experience during Black History Month and beyond.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory: February marks the final month of Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory’s exhibit, Ali & Aaron: United in The Fight. Muhammad Ali and Hank Aaron were both titans of the American sports scene, and have much in common as heroes who endured racism and faced down challenges with conviction. The original art installation explores the historic role both played in the fight for civil rights, and inspires guests to examine their own convictions and beliefs.
All three attractions are also members of Museum Row on Main, which offers seven exciting attractions within four blocks of Downtown Louisville’s historic Main Street. In addition to the $5 February promotion, Museum Row on Main partners offer $1 off admission to guests who show a ticket stub from another member museum that charges admission. A deeply discounted combo admission called The Main Ticket is also available. For more information about the Main Ticket, click here or to purchase your package, click here.
The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts: Before enjoying a performance at The Kentucky Center, celebrate the culinary arts at SCENE at the Center! The Kentucky Center’s small plates eatery offers bar and food service two hours prior to most performances in Whitney Hall and the Bomhard Theater. Throughout February, just mention “Museum Row on Main” and receive $5 off orders of $50 or more. Take a look at SCENE’s menu here.
