In anticipation of a weekend of extreme heat, Louisville Metro Government is urging residents to take steps to ensure they are prepared to stay safe, cool and hydrated.

“The weather this weekend looks to be brutal, but there are steps we can all take to ensure we’re safe,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “So be smart. If you don’t have air conditioning, remember that spray-pads at our city’s parks, libraries, and shopping malls are all great places to stay cool and beat the heat. And please, check on your neighbors, especially the elderly.”

Emergency Services and Public Health officials also offer these tips for staying safe in the extreme heat:

• Prepare NOW
  • Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.
  • Keep your home cool by doing the following:
    • Cover windows with drapes or shades.
    • Weather-strip doors and windows.
    • Use window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
    • Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
  • Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness (heat cramps, excessive sweating, weakness, dizzines, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting).
• Be Safe DURING
  • Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.
  • Find places with air conditioning or cool conditions. Libraries, spray-pads, shopping malls, and community centers can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat.
  • If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor how best to accommodate it.
  • Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as this could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
  • Avoid high-energy activities.

Among all weather-related hazards, extreme heat historically results in the highest number of annual deaths. Extreme heat is defined as a long period (2 to 3 days) of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees. In extreme heat, the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to death by overworking the human body.

Metro Councilman Stuart Benson (District 20) encourages everyone to come out this week for Friday at Floyds. The event which is presented by the Parklands includes a FREE outdoor concert by Hot Brown Smackdown and is open to the entire family, including your four-legged friends.

In addition to live music, there are kid’s activities, food trucks and drinks for purchase. Activities begin at 5 p.m. Working with the Louisville Zoo in celebration of their 50th Anniversary, Councilman Benson in conjunction with the Louisville Zoo is proud to bring a pop-up zoo to Beckley Creek Park.  Games, the new Louisville Zoo mascots and opportunities enter to win Zoo ticket packs will be available to those attending. The Pop-Up-Zoo will be open from 5-7pm and will operate during the Parklands Friday at Floyd festivities.

For more information on Friday at Floyds please visit https://www.theparklands.org/Events/4615/Friday-at-Floyds. For more information on the Louisville Pop-Up-Zoo please visit https://louisvillezoo.org/50years/popup/.

Councilman Bill Hollander is inviting District 9 residents to come out to the next “Meet with Bill” on Tuesday, July 23, 2019.      

“We are always happy to hear from constituents.  To make those meetings more convenient, we hold office hours at various places around the district in addition to our regular, evening D9 Community Conversations,” says Hollander.

“Meet with Bill” is set for the St. Matthews Library, 3940 Grandview Avenue from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

“Please stop by with any questions or concerns. It is an informal way of telling me what’s on your mind,” says Hollander.

For more information about “Meet with Bill” or any other issue in the district, call 574-1109 or email kyle.ethridge@louisvilleky.gov

Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing is excited to announce that the detached kitchen behind the historic Farnsley-Moremen House is getting some much-needed maintenance this summer thanks to HistoriCorps. Headquartered in Denver, CO, HistoriCorps engages volunteers from all over the country to save and sustain historic resources for the public’s benefit. Expert historic preservation staff will oversee volunteers who will replace the roof on the detached kitchen and perform other needed repairs between July 15 – July 26. Volunteers and HistoriCorps staff will camp onsite at Riverside for the duration of the project.

“We welcome every opportunity to work with stewards of special places accessible to the general public,” said Towny Anderson, CEO/Executive Director of HistoriCorps.  “We are especially pleased to be invited to work on the Riverside Kitchen at the Farnsley-Moremen Landing because it aligns so well with our mission:  to save and sustain historic places for public benefit through partnerships that foster community involvement, volunteer engagement, and public education and training.  This is our third visit to KY.  Our volunteers are our heart and soul, and based upon the response to our KY projects, I think they would like to come every year!”

Riverside’s Board Chair Reba Doutrick said, “We are thrilled to be able to take good care of the detached kitchen at Riverside. It’s an important part of the historic interpretation of the site. This project aligns with so much of what we do at Riverside; it involves public education, historic preservation, and working with volunteers!”

“Riverside is a true treasure in this community, and we’re so thankful that HistoriCorps has stepped up with this project, which will ensure that the kitchen can be enjoyed for generations to come,” Parks and Recreation Director Dana Kasler said. “We really appreciate the work HistoriCorps is doing!”

Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing exists to promote, preserve, restore and interpret historic farm life on the Ohio River. Riverside is located at 7410 Moorman Road, Louisville, KY  40272.

Riverside is one of the City of Louisville’s historic park properties and it is managed in partnership with a nonprofit organization called Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing, Inc.

Metro Council members Stuart Benson (District 20), Robin Engel  (District 22) and Kevin Kramer (District 11) as well as representatives from the Louisville Metro Parks Department will break ground on a major renovation and relocation project at Charlie Vettiner Park. The project will invest more than $800,000 into the construction of new parking facilities as well as the relocation of four tennis courts and the installation of two new pickleball courts.

Groundbreaking of Tennis and Pickleball Courts as well as new Parking at Charlie Vettiner Park in Southeastern Louisville Metro takes place Tuesday, July 16, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.

Neighborhood Place and numerous community partners will offer eight back to school events in late July and early August 2019.  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 20, Back to School Festival at Westport Middle School, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 8100 Westport Rd.  For more information call 574-8147.  This event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school.  Free backpacks with essential school supplies will be distributed while supplies last. Presenters and vendors will be at the event to provide information to families plus mascots and other fun for kids.  The JCPS Lunch Bus will provide lunch for kids present and Sparkle and Shine Family Dental will provide dental screenings.  Families may complete a CAP referral during the event as well for clothing and uniform assistance. Sponsored by Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, area JCPS schools, and Eastern Area Community Ministry.

July 25, 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, 22 area JCPS Family Resource and Youth Services Centers, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, South Jefferson Community Partnership, Drug-Free Communities Grant, Kidz Club, Kosair Charities, and Fairdale Christian Church.

Aug. 1, 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.  Free backpacks and essential grade-appropriate school supplies will be provided while supplies last.  Over twenty vendors will be at this event providing essential health, education, and community resources.  JCPS Family Resource and Youth Services Centers Coordinators will complete CAP referrals for families needing clothing and uniform assistance. Free lunches will be served to kids by JCPS Nutrition Services. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Dare to Care will be onsite to provide food provisions to households.  This event is sponsored in collaboration with the NorthWest Neighborhood Place Collaborative and Community Council, The Academy at Shawnee Youth Service Center, JCPS – Shawnee Satellite Office, Greenwood Elementary Family Resource Center and Crosby Middle Youth Service Center.

Aug. 2, Back to School Festival at Cochran Elementary School, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located at 500 W. Gaulbert Ave. For more information call 634-6057.  This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school.  Free backpacks and essential grade-appropriate school supplies will be provided while supplies last.  Vendors will be at this event providing essential health, education, and employment and community resources.  JCPS Family Youth Resource Center coordinators will complete CAP referrals for families needing clothing and uniform assistance. Free lunches will be served to kids by JCPS Nutrition Services. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  This event is sponsored in collaboration with Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place, Jefferson County Public Schools and Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services.

Aug. 3, Back to School Festival at Olmsted Academy North, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Located at 4530 Bellevue Ave. Call 313-4514 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. Children must be present to receive school supplies. 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, 10 area JCPS Family Resource and Youth Service Centers, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, and Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital. 

Aug. 3, Back to School Event at Meyzeek Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 
Located at 828 S. Jackson St.  Call 313-4503 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.  Children 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.

Aug. 8, Back to School Fun Resource Fair at Southwick Community Center, 4 – 7 p.m.
Located at 3621 Southern Ave.  Call 313-4635 for more information.  The annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. JCPS Family Resource and Youth Resource Centers Coordinators will complete CAP referrals for families needing clothing and uniform assistance.  School supplies will be distributed (while supplies last). Several vendors will be available to provide essential health, education, and community resources.  Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. JCPS Nutrition Services will provide lunch to youth 18 and under. This event is sponsored in part by Ujima Neighborhood Place, Jefferson County Public Schools/The Carter/DuValle Education Center, Kennedy Montessori/Brandies, Youth Service Centers, Southwick Community Center, Villages of Park DuValle and Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services.

Aug 10, 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. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  Free lunches will be served to kids by JCPS Nutrition Services and families may complete a CAP referral during the event as well for clothing and uniform assistance. A Community Resource Fair will include over twenty presenters including diabetes and blood pressure checks, the YMCA program, voter registration, library services and lots of fun and music.  Event sponsored in part by First Neighborhood Place, area JCPS schools and Family Resource and Youth Services Centers, Louisville Metro Council Members, Louisville Metro Police and Office of Resilience and Community Services, and Okolona Fire Department, and local churches.

Councilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14) will officially host a Kick Off Party for the community as a way of formally opening the Sun Valley Pool on Monday, July 15th.

“I want to tell the community, we did it! Through hard work, dedication, and community pride we have come together and in a very short time have brought new life to the Sun Valley Pool,” said the Councilwoman. “I will never be able to thank enough, the businesses and groups who worked with me to make this happen.”

The official Kick Off Party is set for 12:00pm at the Sun Valley Pool, 6505 Bethany Lane. It will include free food from local businesses, gifts of sunglasses and refillable water bottles, and of course loads of summer pool fun!

The pool will then be open for swimming at 1:00pm. Admission will be $2 for children and $3 for adults.

The Councilwoman was able to get the pool reopened through revised budget funding and using her Neighborhood Development Funds to pay for lifeguards and their training. She wants to specifically thank Louisville Metro Parks for coordinating the lifeguard training and working with volunteers to get the pool ready.

She added this huge accomplishment would not have been possible without amazing community sponsors: Valley Dairy Freeze, Recreonics, Louisville Water Company, French Contracting, Zoeller Pump Company, Louisville Parks Foundation, Chick-fil-a, Meijer, LG&E, Khalil’s, Lowe’s, Foster Hydraulics, and all of the fantastic members of the community who stepped up to donate their time and resources to the cause.

“If nothing else, this effort shows people care about the quality of life things offered in our council districts and community,” says Fowler. “Far too often, we take the easy way to find a financial solution instead of asking for help when needed. The people of our community are ready to help us if we will let them know what is needed.”