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Photo: JCPS
Ballard High School junior Nicholas Wright will spend most of his summer break learning about and creating awareness for global issues. Wright, the son of Marcus and Portia Wright, has been awarded an internship at the United Nations (UN) in its Temple of Understanding Program.
As part of the program, high school and college students from across the United States, as well as the world, will spend five weeks learning about the UN and what it’s like to be an intern for a non-governmental organization (NGO). Wright was one of only 20 applicants selected to participate in the highly competitive program.
“Nicholas desires to be a global citizen,” his mother, Portia, said. “He began his love of learning about other countries and cultures while attending Meyzeek Middle School. He joined the Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA) and got completely wrapped up in the economic, educational and social problem solving for disparaging countries. This is a perfect example of the possible impact the activities and experiences of school clubs and effective classroom instruction can have on a student. Nicholas has gone from the model UN to the actual UN!”
During his internship, Wright will complete a research project addressing the topic of the human right to water. For more information about the program, click here.
Louisville Metro Government is completing a planning study for the future route of the Louisville Loop route between the City of Prospect and the Big Four Bridge – the Ohio River Valley Northeast (ORVNE) master plan.
This section of the Loop is the last remaining section without a master plan.
Louisville Metro Parks & Recreation will be hosting a third and final public meeting for the project on Monday, May 22, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Locust Grove, 561 Blankenbaker Lane, 40207.
The meeting will be an open house format with an overview presentation of the plan at 6:00 p.m. Residents are invited to view exhibits about the project and provide feedback on the plan’s recommendations.
For more information, you can view the project website at www.linkingtheloop.wordpress.com/.
Councilman David James (D-6), the Toonerville Trolley Neighborhood Association and the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council are getting ready for a big weekend with the return of the 6th Annual Old Louisville Springfest.
The traditional weekend festival that has brought anywhere from 7,000 to 10,000 visitors to the area in the month of May has some important news; it’s expanding this year to Sunday.
“It is the time of year where Old Louisville welcomes everyone to come out and enjoy springtime and warmer weather, this is a chance for everyone to come to Old Louisville and enjoy the uniqueness of this area and at the same time have a little springtime fun,” says James.”
The 6th Annual old Louisville Springfest will be held this year on Friday, May 19th through Sunday May 21st. The 1200 to 1330 block of First Street and East and West block of Ormsby Avenue are the center point of Springfest’s music and entertainment.
“The purpose of Springfest is to celebrate all things “Old Louisville” and “local”…. and to raise much needed funds for neighborhood projects (e.g. the private sidewalk cleaning service, beautification projects, neighborhood banners, maintenance of Fort George, restoration of Toonerville Trolley Park, etc). This year, we welcome an exciting mix of 100+ vendors and artists, food trucks, live music and… new to Springfest… classic and hot rod cars on Saturday and Sunday! A HUGE “thank you” to our amazing sponsors, planning committee and volunteers!” says Dan Mason, Toonerville Trolley Neighborhood Association President and Co-Chair of the Old Louisville Springfest.
“Another great opportunity to showcase what’s great about Old Louisville, It’s a fun time. Thanks to Dan Mason and the Committee. Thanks Councilman James for his continued support,” says Howard Rosenburg, Chair of the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council.
Springfest’s Hours for 2017:
- Friday, May 19th (4pm-9pm)
- Saturday, May 20th (10am-9pm)
- SpringFest kicks off at 10 am and rocks / eats / shops until 9:00 pm!
- The Kosair KidZone will be open from noon until 6:00 pm.
- Sunday, May 21st (Noon-6pm)
In Lightening, one of the hottest and most creative bands on the local scene will perform on Saturday night from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
“Old Louisville is the perfect place to enjoy the weekend and a great setting to enjoy Springfest,” says James. “And if it has been awhile since you have come down to this area, this is the perfect time to come visit us.”
For more information about Springfest 2017, contact Councilman James’ office at 574-1106.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Donna Hargens announced last week that the district is launching a powerful new summer conference led by educators and focused on innovative ideas in JCPS.
The inaugural JCPS Deeper Learning Symposium, which will be held June 7–9 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, will feature nationally prominent keynote speakers and presenters as well as a number of JCPS educators. More than 2,000 people are expected to attend the symposium, which will include teams of educators from each school and department in JCPS. Additionally, student performances and displays will help highlight the incredible talent throughout the district.
“The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Learning Redesigned,’” Dr. Hargens said. “This event will be an important opportunity to highlight the innovation around the concept of deeper learning that’s already happening in our district and in our schools. Simply put, this conference will help fuel other educators and leaders with ideas that can be used in classrooms to continue making learning relatable and fun for our students.”
The symposium will focus on the district’s vision to create personalized, deeper learning for every student and professional—a key goal of the Vision 2020 strategic plan. Deeper learning is grounded in helping students develop the social, emotional, and intellectual knowledge, skills, capacities, and dispositions to thrive in school and beyond by cultivating:
- Caring, constructive learning relationships
- Meaningful, personalized, real-world learning experiences.
- Supportive, equity-focused learning environments.
Several organizations and partners are supporting the JCPS Deeper Learning Symposium with donations or financial support. If an organization would like to help support the symposium, contact Sam Corbett with the Jefferson County Public Education Foundation at samc@cflouisville.org or call (502) 599-8650.
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Metro Parks & Recreation is offering an affordable family golfing package at its nine golf courses during the Memorial Day Weekend.
For only $25, a family of up to four members can play nine holes at any Metro Parks course. The $25 includes greens and cart fees, and families can take advantage of the deal after 4:30 p.m. on three days: Saturday, May 27, Sunday, May 28 and Monday, May 29.
Families are encouraged to call in advance to book a tee time at the golf course of their choice.
“Our courses are in great shape this spring, and we’re hoping for a lot of play from families this summer,” said Metro Parks and Recreation Director Seve Ghose. “Come out and enjoy a round of golf with the family on a great course at an affordable price!”
Metro Parks golf courses are open from daylight to dark seven days a week.
The Kentucky Derby Museum invites both professionals and amateurs to enter their hats for inclusion in the 2017 It’s My Derby fashion exhibit. The hat contest is a signature element of the exhibition which strives to capture the spirit associated with the landmark sport and cultural event that is the Kentucky Derby.
All hat entries will be judged by an expert panel where 20-25 hats will be selected for display in the Museum exhibit for one year. There will be a ‘Judges’ Choice’ Award for best overall entry and a ‘Most Representative of Derby’ Award, presented to the hat that best captures the essence of the Kentucky Derby, and an ‘Employees’ Choice’ Award.
- Entries will be accepted through May 31, 2017 during Museum hours only
- Hats must be delivered or shipped and postmarked May 31, 2017
- No international entries
- Museum is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items
For all rules and entry form, visit https://www.derbymuseum.org/hatcontest.html
For questions, deliveries and shipments contact: Emma Bryan, Curatorial Intern, 704 Central Avenue, Louisville, KY 40208; 502-637-1111, ext. 259, EBryan@DerbyMuseum.org
Monday (5/15/2017) and Tuesday (5/16/2017) are Air Quality Alert Days for ozone in Louisville/Southern Indiana. Forecasters believe ozone will be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (orange) range. Sensitive groups include seniors, children, and people with breathing ailments like asthma and COPD. The general public is not likely to be affected.
Check the air quality at louisvilleky.gov/airquality.
Find tips on reducing air pollution at helptheair.org.
