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Olmsted Parks Conservancy offers in-depth training for individuals who want to exercise their mind and body while helping the Frederick Law Olmsted Parks. Those interested will learn how to identify a variety of plants, best practices for invasive plant removal, proper planting techniques, the history of the Frederick Law Olmsted Parks and more!
Once trained these “Park Stewards” are volunteers who extend an extra hand to help in the Olmsted-design parks, restoring natural areas; improving general park landscapes; helping to lead other volunteers in projects; and helping with community outreach.
Volunteers looking for a way to get involved with their community need only be over 18 years old and be ready to enjoy learning more about their city’s Olmsted Parks.
Louisvillian Jane Tyler has been a Park Steward since 2012. Tyler said, “Volunteering in the Olmsted Parks allows me the opportunity to learn, be involved, make new friends and stay in close contact with Louisville’s beautiful natural surroundings.”
An information session to learn about the Park Steward training will be Tuesday, August 15, 2017 6:30pm-7:30pm. The three Saturday training sessions will begin August 19, 2017. The first two sessions will be held at the Conservancy’s office located on 1299 Trevilian Way. The third will be a hands-on park tour. For more information and to register, contact Sarah Wolff at sarah.wolff@olmstedparks.org or (502) 456-1623.
Is your student ready to have a great school year? Here are a few helpful reminders to get your child ready for Wednesday, August 16:
Have you registered your child or verified his or her school assignment? Call 485-6250 if you need to find out which school your child will attend or what documents you will need in order to register.
- Do you know what time school starts for your child? At most JCPS elementary schools, the hours are 9:05 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. At most middle and high schools, hours are 7:40 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.
- Have you confirmed your child’s transportation arrangements? If your child is walking or biking, have you discussed safety precautions regarding traffic and strangers? If your child is riding a bus, have you talked about safety issues and behavior expectations?
- Have you checked with the school about the supplies your child will need?
- Do you know if your child’s school has a dress code? Will your child need different clothes for physical education or art classes?
- Have you filled out health, emergency contact, and other forms that have been sent home?
- Has your child developed any health problems during the summer that will affect his or her school day? If so, have you notified school staff? If your child needs to take medication at school, have you made arrangements?
- Have you established an earlier bedtime to help your child get back on a school schedule?
- Have you talked to your child about starting the new school year with a positive outlook and a commitment to doing his or her best?
For more information visit our back to school page.
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners offer resources to help expectant parents and enhance fathers’ roles as well as an information session about becoming a foster parent. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Also six back to school events remain in early August featuring free school supplies, sponsored by Neighborhood Place and numerous community partners.
Two Opportunities for “4 Your Child – Dads Making the Difference” workshop series
For more information and to register, contact Dr. Cheri Langley at (502) 709-9323. “4 Your Child” is an eight-week fatherhood program that aims to improve the quantity and quality of fathers’ involvement by integrating responsible parenting, economic stability, and relationship education services. Participants may be compensated for their time up to $220 but registration is required.
- Sat., Aug. 5 – Sept 19, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Sat., Aug. 5 – Sept. 23, Charmoli Neighborhood Place, 200 Juneau Dr., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Aug. 2 and 16, Legal Aid Office Hours at South Central Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 485-7130 for more information. A Legal Aid Society staff member will be on hand to answer questions, talk about cases that Legal Aid handles and provide referrals.
Aug. 8, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. 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.
Aug. 9 and 10, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower
For more information and to RSVP, contact Mendy Mason at 502-341-5400. 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.
- Aug. 9, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 1 – 3 p.m.
- Aug. 10, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 1 – 3 p.m.
Aug. 10, Becoming Weight Wise at South Central Neighborhood Place, 12 – 1 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 313-4089 for more information. It’s not easy to manage body weight. This course will allow self-discovery, skill building and support can help you learn about weight control. This program is based on approaches that are promising ways to achieve better health. Sponsored by Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness.
Aug. 14, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at South Central Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 574-4516 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
Neighborhood Place and numerous community partners will offer seven back to school events in July and early August. These events will provide free school supplies while supplies last as well as a wide range of services and resources to help local youth and families be better prepared for the start of school year.
The bulk of the supplies and funding for these events comes from area businesses, churches, schools and individual donors. To learn more about specific activities, eligibility and other requirements, please refer to list below:
July 27, Back to School Festival at Valley High School, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 10200 Dixie Highway. For more information call 363-1483. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. School supplies and backpacks will be provided while supplies last to families that participate in three, ten-minute ‘mini-trainings’. Over twenty presenters and more than forty vendors will be at the event plus mascots and lots of hands on fun to help everyone “Unlock Your Superhero Powers”. Sponsored by South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, Cane Run Neighborhood Place, Louisville Metro Department of Resilience and Community Services, South Jefferson Community Partnership, Drug-Free Communities Grant, area JCPS schools, Kidz Club, Kosair Charities, Fairdale Christian Church, Fairdale First Baptist Church and Valley View Church.
Aug. 3, Back To School Festival at the Academy at Shawnee, 1 – 4 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St. For more information call 485-7230. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. School supplies and backpacks will be provided while supplies last. JCPS Family Youth Resource Center Coordinators will complete CAP referrals for families needing clothing and uniform assistance. This event is sponsored in collaboration with the ESL Newcomer Academy, The Kidz Club, Service for Peace, Jefferson County Public Schools Family Youth Service Centers, KentuckyOne Health, Northwest Neighborhood Place and Louisville Metro Department of Resilience and Community Services.
August 4, Back to School Festival at Cochran Elementary School, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located at 500 West Gaulbert Ave. For more information call 634-6050. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. School supplies and backpacks will be provided while supplies last to families that visit at least 10 vendor booths. The Smile Academy of Kentucky will provide cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants for children 2-18 years of age. Walgreens will be administering flu shots for children 9 years and older and limited immunizations for children 14 and over. Also Quality Care for Kids will provide on-site vision and hearing exams. Sponsored by Bridges of Hope, Neighborhood Place, Louisville Metro Department of Resilience and Community Services, JCPS, and Bridges of Hope Community Council.
Aug 5, Back to School Event at Meyzeek Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 828 S. Jackson St. Call 574-6638 for more information. Open to students kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks with essential school supplies for the coming year will be distributed while supplies last. Your child must be present to receive school supplies. Smile Academy will provide free dental screenings. Many other local community venders and agencies will be in the gym to provide information for families. Families may complete a CAP referral during the event as well for clothing and uniform assistance. Sponsored by Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services and area JCPS schools.
August 5, Back to School Distribution at Southwick Community Center, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located at 3621 Southern Ave. Call 485-6710 for more information. The annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. JCPS Family Youth Resource Center Coordinators will complete CAP referrals for families needing clothing and uniform assistance. School supplies will be distributed (while supplies last) and other helpful resources will be available. Sponsored in part by Ujima Neighborhood Place and Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, JCPS’ Family Youth Service Centers and several community collaborative partners.
Aug. 10, Back to School Festival at Olmsted Academy North, 1 – 7 p.m.
Located at 4530 Bellevue Ave. Call 313-4089 for more information. Open to all students in grades Kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks, school supplies and health and hygiene products will be provided while supplies last. Educational and community resources will be available to help offer a strong start to the new school year. The festival will also include vision and hearing screenings, blood pressure and diabetes checks, clothing assistance referrals and more. Lunch will be provided for children and adults. Sponsored by South Central Neighborhood Place, Diamond Cluster MC, Olmsted Academy North and South YSC, Kenwood Elementary FRC, Hazelwood Elementary FRC, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, and Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital.
Aug 12, Back to School Festival at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1501 Rangeland Rd. Call 313-4498 or 313-4700 for more information. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks and grade-appropriate school supplies (while supplies last) will be provided. Free lunches will be served to kids by JCPS Nutrition Services. Your child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A Community Resource Fair will include diabetes and blood pressure checks, YMCA program, voter registration, library services and lots of fun and music. Event sponsored in part by First Neighborhood Place, area JCPS schools, and Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services.
Mayor Greg Fischer and Louisville Free Public Library officials welcomed the public today to the new $14.5 million South Central Regional Library located at 7300 Jefferson Boulevard near Jefferson Mall in Okolona.
The 40,000-square-foot facility, which replaces the much-smaller Okolona branch, enhances service for more than 160,000 people in south central Jefferson County, with new books and cutting-edge technology that encourages learning at all stages of life.
The library the second of three regional libraries included in the Louisville Free Public Library’s Updated Master Facilities Plan; the Southwest Regional Library opened in 2014, and construction on the third regional library in Northeast Jefferson County will begin this year.
“Lifelong learning is one of our core city values,” Mayor Greg Fischer said during today’s ribbon cutting. “And the gorgeous new South Central Regional Library is another example of how we’re bringing that value to life for the people of Louisville.”
The new eco-friendly library features more than 120,000 books and other materials – including more bestsellers, DVDs, large type, materials in multiple languages, books for youth, and graphic novels – as well as two large community meeting rooms; several smaller rooms for studying, reading, and collaborating; and dedicated spaces for teens and children. New technologies at South Central include plenty of computers and free internet access, plus, for the first time, a laptop kiosk for patrons to checkout laptops for use within the library.
“Our new South Central Regional Library provides the community with a world-class resource that will energize and expand opportunities for learning, growth, and engagement,” said Library Director Jim Blanton. “I challenge everyone in Louisville to take advantage of these new opportunities and seize them with excitement. I know I will.”
Overall, the South Central Regional Library project utilizes green building construction methods and materials and has been designed to save energy, improve quality of life, and reduce operating costs through such elements as geothermal heating and daylight harvesting interior lighting.
Walls of glass and clerestory windows fill the space with abundant natural light and offer incredible views of more than an acre of preserved woodland. The Library was committed to keeping as many trees as possible in order to preserve the beauty of the site and to minimize environmental impact, and while some of the hardwood trees had to be removed, many were milled and reused on the interior of the new library. The design team for the South Central Regional included JRA Architects of Louisville, Meyer Scherer & Rockcastle Ltd. of Minneapolis, and library staff, in consultation with neighborhood residents and leaders.
“District 24 is honored to have been chosen to host the Regional Library for this area of Metro Louisville,” said Councilwoman Madonna Flood. “For years we have dreamed of what the building would look like, what kind of technology would fill the space, and what kind of programs would be presented here. We can now see it, work in it and learn in it; our dreams have become reality. We are very excited for the Grand Opening of this grand Regional Library in Okolona.”
The South Central Regional also offers another LFPL first: the COLLIDER artist-in-residence program. The COLLIDER will host an array of artists and craftspeople from across the community – rotating monthly – including those working in visual arts, traditional crafts, music, dance, and digital art. Generous funding from Councilwoman Flood enabled the creation of the necessary space, artist equipment and materials, as well as a stipend for participating artists. The special studio space within the Library allows the artists to create on-site, while encouraging patrons to drop in, interact, and learn about a given artistic process. The program also features scheduled workshops for the public during each artist’s month in residence. To learn more about the COLLIDER’s artists-in-residence, visit LFPL.org/Collider.
Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch, whose District 13 is near the library said she was thrilled about its opening. “This location is about a mile from the border of District 13, so I anticipate great usage from my constituents in the Okolona, Hillview, and Yorktown areas,” she said. “The unique features such as lap top check out and artist in residence provided by Councilwoman Flood are expected to be a huge asset for our people!”
James Peden of District 23 agreed the new library is a tremendous asset to the community. “It will serve as the perfect place for checking out a book, holding meetings, and gaining knowledge,” he said. “We encourage everyone to stop by and check it out as soon as they can.”
Construction of the South Central Regional Library began in September 2015. The total cost for construction, books, computers, and furnishings was estimated at $14.5 million, with $6 million coming from the state, $6 million in capital funds allocated by Mayor Fischer and approved by the Metro Council, and an additional $2.5 million raised from private donors through the Library Foundation.
Mayor Fischer, Blanton, and Metro Council members were joined at today’s event by Congressman John Yarmuth, Library Foundation Vice Chair Bill Dunbar, and Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives representative Paige Davidson.
The opening weekend celebration continues on Saturday, July 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with artist-in-residence demonstrations, a family scavenger hunt, storytimes, and refreshments. For more information on the new South Central Regional Library, please visit LFPL.org/SouthCentral, or call (502) 964-3515.
If you visit the South Central Regional Library
The hours of operation are: Sunday: 1–5 p.m., Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. The library hosts a variety of free programs, classes, and events every month for adults and youth including weekly storytimes, computer classes, and multi-cultural programs. Search the library’s online calendar at LFPL.org for upcoming program dates and times.
In addition, the South Central Regional’s meeting rooms are available for use by community groups and organizations; it’s free but reservations are required. For more information call (502) 964-3515 or visit LFPL.org/meeting-rooms.htm.
Photo: Keenan Charitable Trust
William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust announced more than $5 million in new funding over the next three years to improve the life outcomes of young Black men and boys aged 16-25.
The grant will support creation of two civic leadership fellowships for young men in Lexington and Louisville, KY, in partnership with local city leaders and advocates, along with national partners coordinated by Cities United. The fellowships will be directed toward young men impacted by community violence.
“We must work more collaboratively if we are going to make sure all of us can live in communities that are safe, healthy and hopeful,” said Anthony Smith, Executive Director of Cities United. “Investing directly in our youth, their families and the communities they call home is part of our new vision for real public safety—one that lights a path to real hope and opportunity for all. The data and our experience show that real public safety requires investments in prevention and community building, not simply increased law enforcement or incarceration.”
These fellowships will encourage young Black men and boys aged 16-25 to invest in their futures, and offer opportunities for education, jobs and careers combined with leadership development and mentoring support. Young people in the two cities will be selected based on their potential and need.
The fellowships are rooted in the belief that young Black men are assets to our communities and cities. They are creative, resourceful and whole, and if given the right support system and opportunities, they will thrive.
Cities United recently received a planning grant for the fellowship from the James Graham Brown Foundation. The fellowships will be a collaborative initiative, with the cities of Louisville and Lexington partnering with their local workforce, education, criminal justice housing and social service partners to prepare up to 120 young Black men to be the next generation of civic leaders. The fellowships will invest directly in young people to shape their leadership and skill building, while learning directly from their lived experience with broken systems that produce community violence, and applying those learnings across city policies and programs.
“When we invest in young people, we invest in a brighter future for our city. In Lexington we are making significant investments to identify and stamp out root causes of violence. This program, working at the individual level, will expand and support our efforts. Thanks to everyone involved for this unique opportunity,” said Lexington Mayor Jim Gray.
“We believe in our young people and are excited about this opportunity to build on our existing youth and community building efforts through Zones of Hope and the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods,” said Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer. “We look forward to working with Mayor Gray of Lexington to cultivate community-led efforts to reduce violence and ensure that all citizens, no matter race or ZIP code, have the opportunity to reach their full human potential. We will not succeed unless we all work together, including local and national funders who can direct much-needed resources to our communities.”
Lexington and Louisville were chosen because of the commitment from their mayors and their partnerships with Cities United, the Campaign for Black Male Achievement and other local and national organizations focused on creating better outcomes for young Black men and boys, their families and the neighborhoods they call home.
The partners will capture lessons from Lexington and Louisville, to use the fellowships as a model for investing in young leaders in other parts of the nation, where mayors and city leaders are also directing efforts to advance 21st century public safety, provide pathways to opportunity and reduce violence against young Black men and boys.
“We have been locking away and warehousing our most talented young people for far too long,” said Dr. Dorian Burton, William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust Assistant Executive Director. “Young Black men are assets to our communities, and when provided with the right support and resources, they will thrive. Leaders in Lexington and Louisville have created a real opportunity to show how cities can build equitable pathways for success for Black males, and drive systems-level reform in their communities. I am hopeful that other national investors, the private sector and the state will embrace these initiatives and invest additional dollars to scale their work to other cities and states.”
Both Louisville and Lexington will be identifying and resourcing a group of grassroots, “on-the-ground” service providers who have specialized skills and relationships needed to effectively engage these young men of promise.
Other local partners include Louisville Urban League, Metro United Way, New Legacy Reentry, KentuckianaWorks, Legal Aid Society, Simmons College, Bluegrass Community & Technical College, Jefferson Community & Technical College, Bluegrass Workforce Investment Board, Fayette County Public Schools, Fayette Circuit and District Court, Urban League of Lexington – Fayette County and Lexington Leadership Foundation. National partners include #Cut50, Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Cities United, JustLeadership USA, Essie Justice Group and BMe Community.
Attorney General Andy Beshear and 20 other state attorneys general have submitted public comments to Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, calling a move by the U.S. Department of Education to replace existing student protections a “waste of resources and a betrayal of students.”
The July 12 comments are in response to the department’s June 14 announcement of intentions to delay large portions of the Borrower Defense Rule, which was designed to hold abusive higher education institutions accountable for cheating students and taxpayers out of billions of dollars in federal loans.
According to the attorneys general, the Borrower Defense Rule was created in large part by state and federal investigations into for-profit schools like the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges, and was finalized after robust and thorough negotiated rulemaking with input from numerous stakeholders.
Beshear said the department announced it would withdraw the Rule without soliciting, receiving or responding to any comment from the public, and without engaging in the required process.
“It is my hope that the department will not cast aside all the hard work and progress achieved during its previous rulemakings and turn its back on the critical protections it promised to borrowers,” Beshear said. “Attorneys general and all the stakeholders must continue to pressure the department to protect students from abuse at the hands of predatory schools.”
Under the Borrower Defense Rule, a successful enforcement action against a school by a state attorney general entitles borrowers to obtain loan forgiveness, and enables the Department of Education to seek repayment of any amounts forgiven from the school.
The attorneys general also oppose the department’s efforts to replace the Gainful Employment Rule, which empowers students to make informed decisions about their education and protects students from programs that will leave them with burdensome debt and poor job prospects.
For-profit colleges AGs have investigated and taken enforcement actions against include: American Career Institute; Ashford University/Bridgepoint Education Inc.; Corinthian Colleges Inc.; Career Education Corporation; Education Management Corporation; Daymar College; DeVry University; ITT Tech; National College of Kentucky and Westwood Colleges.
Beshear’s office is committed to holding for-profit colleges accountable in Kentucky and is working to help defrauded students.
- In December 2016, Beshear announced nearly 3,500 former students of Daymar College’s Kentucky campuses and online programs will receive restitution checks totaling $1.2 million. The payments are pursuant to a settlement agreement the Office of the Attorney General entered into with Daymar in 2015 resolving a consumer protection lawsuit.
- In August 2016, Beshear announced that the Kentucky Court of Appeals had affirmed a previous order by Franklin Circuit Court requiring National College of Kentucky Inc. and its attorneys to pay the state a combined $157,000 in civil monetary sanctions. The Kentucky Supreme Court declined in April to take up National College’s request to overturn the appeals’ court decision.
- In March 2016, Beshear joined seven other state attorneys general in asking the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to restore educational and vocational benefits to thousands of veterans victimized by Corinthian Colleges Inc. for predatory practices. Kentucky veterans are among the 2,000 students who received letters from Beshear regarding their federal loans.
Beshear said students who have been a victim of a for-profit college may contact his office by phone, 502-696-5300, or by completing a complaint form.