The work of more than 130 Foster Grandparents who help mentor children will be honored at a special luncheon on Friday, May 24. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Olmsted, 3701 Frankfort Ave.

Participants in the Louisville Metro Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) are individuals 55 years or older who tutor and assist children with special or exceptional learning needs in essential skills such as reading, writing and math, while offering the basic guidance of a mentor, advocate and friend. Currently, more than 130 Foster “Grannies” and “Grandpas” share their compassion and caring at over 32 sites including Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), Boys & Girls Clubs and several faith-based community centers and after school programs.

Now in its 54th year nationwide, the Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) was initiated in 1965 under the Economic Opportunity Act and is federally sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). Locally, FGP has been operating in our community for 47 years and is part of Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS). FGP volunteers served more than 500 children and youth and logged over 135,000 hours of services.

At this year’s celebration, Foster Grandparents and their guests will be joined by volunteer station representatives, Senior Corps Advisory Council members, RCS staff and other guests. One special feature will be the presentation of milestone achievement awards to individuals serving 5,10,15,20 and 25 years as a Foster Grandparent. 

Stephon Dingle, anchor with WLKY Morning News will serve as the master of ceremonies and Janice Cates, director of Compassion Initiatives and Development with Mayor Greg Fischer’s Office, will deliver the welcome.

 “Our Foster Grannies and Grandpas are wonderful individuals who not only contribute to children’s learning but also bring warmth and caring to the classroom”, said Eric Friedlander, acting director of the Office of Resilience and Community Services. “The FGP volunteers make a positive difference and lasting impact in the lives of hundreds of Louisville youth each year.”

Foster Grandparent volunteers provide a minimum of 15 to a maximum of 40 hours of service per week and income eligibility may qualify for a minimal tax-free, hourly stipend, meal and transportation reimbursement as well as free supplemental accident and liability insurance while serving. For more information on how you can become a Louisville Metro Foster Grandparent, please call (502) 574-5050 or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services/foster-grandparent-program-fgp.

Thousands of cyclists, paddlers and walkers will be in motion at the Mayor’s Subway Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle Monday, May 27th as it returns for a 15th consecutive Memorial Day at Waterfront Park.

“One of our goals is to make Louisville a healthier city, and one way to do that is to ensure we are a more active and accessible city for people of all ages,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “I look forward to seeing thousands of people gathering for this traditional start of summer in our city and starting or recommitting to a personal fitness goal.”

Subway Restaurants is again the title sponsor of Hike, Bike & Paddle, with presenting sponsors, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, Norton Healthcare and Neil Huffman Subaru. Academy Sports + Outdoors is a contributing sponsor.

“Subway Restaurants is proud to again be the title sponsor of the Mayor’s SUBWAY Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle, celebrating its 15th year. The events happening today give people an opportunity to be outside in the fresh air and lead healthy, active lifestyles,” said Umang Patel, Louisville SUBWAY Board Chair.

“Coca-Cola Consolidated is passionate about serving the Louisville community,” said Brian Outland, Vice President of Retail Sales at Coke Consolidated. “That’s why it’s an honor to support wonderful events like the Hike, Bike, and Paddle, that bring so many people together in the community for family fun during the holiday weekend.”

“Norton Healthcare is pleased to support events and activities that promote good health for our community,” said Russell F. Cox, President and Chief Executive Officer, Norton Healthcare. “We encourage everyone to come out and participate in the Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle, a fun, family-friendly event.”

“Neil Huffman Subaru is proud to again be a partner with Mayor Greg Fischer and the Office of Special Events for the Memorial Day edition of the Hike, Bike and Paddle,” said Dow Huffman, Managing Partner, Neil Huffman Auto Group. “Throughout the Neil Huffman Auto Group’s 50-year history, community involvement has been one of our core values and we salute this signature healthy city initiative and applaud the thousands of members of our community who participate each year.”

For hikers, this year features three routes, including a 5K route, that will all travel along Waterfront Park to the Big Four Bridge, all ending back at the Great Lawn. All routes are dog friendly, except for the route across the Big Four Bridge. The dog friendly route will take hikers with animals on a path leading to the Louisville Community Boathouse and back to the Great Lawn. All dogs must be leashed, and their owners must pick up waste during the walk. For those needing a shortened route, a third route will travel along Waterfront Park and circle back at the Big Four Bridge. All routes are wheelchair and stroller accessible.

The first 500 hikers will receive a 4-person or family free day pass to Abbey Road on the River, the world’s largest Beatles-inspired music festival, good for entrance on Monday.

For cyclists, this year’s 13.5-mile route will start near the Flock of Finns on Witherspoon Street, travel east on River Road to Witherspoon Street, circle back toward Waterfront Park and then travel west through the Portland and Shawnee neighborhoods to Shawnee Park and back to the Great Lawn. Bikers may elect to turn around at any point along the route, keeping in mind their safety and those of other cyclists.

All of the cycling and walking routes will be marked with signage and will have water stops at the halfway points to refill water bottles. The Louisville Bicycle Club and Scheller’s Fitness and Cycle are providing “bike captains” to help cyclists obey the rules of the road.

“Bike doctors” will be stationed in Waterfront Park before the ride and along the route to assist cyclists with any equipment problems. Louisville Metro Police will provide traffic assistance at key intersections, and the Louisville Metro EMS bicycle team will patrol the route. All cyclists are asked to remain behind the lead Police vehicles.

The paddling activity will begin at the Harbor Lawn in Waterfront Park and go upstream to Towhead Island. The Ohio River will be otherwise closed to traffic, giving paddlers the ability to cross the river to Southern Indiana and then continue downstream to the 2nd Street Bridge and paddle back across the Ohio River to the Louisville side, ending at the Harbor Lawn. Paddle participants also can take a short excursion in a large Voyager Canoe at Harbor Point.

Paddlers can enter from the University of Louisville Rowing dock located at the east end of Waterfront Park near the Community Boat House, where paddlers will proceed downstream to the Harbor Lawn to await the start of the event. Free parking is available at this location. Volunteers will be on-site to assist paddlers at both locations.

Back by popular demand again this year, the Louisville Kayak Company will be offering kayak rental services at the event. You can reserve your kayak at the event or before you go by visiting www.hikebikeandpaddle.org.

Police and safety boats will be nearby during the paddling activity, and participants can get assistance if needed in launching their canoe or kayak. Safe paddling instruction and demonstrations will take place in the harbor area of the Great Lawn.
More than 50 vendors and information booths will open at 8:30 a.m. at Waterfront Park. Yoga, Tai Chi, Zumba and Pickleball demonstrations will be offered starting at 8 a.m., along with group participation.

2,500 free t-shirts will be available for those arriving early and completing a brief survey. Thanks to sponsor support, this year’s t-shirt is an upgraded performance sport material.

Subway will be handing out free cash gift cards to be used at any Subway location, while supplies last. The Brain Injury Association will distribute 500 helmets to riders who don’t have one. Neil Huffman Subaru will be giving away a free bicycle and kayak at the event. Participants are encouraged to be “green” and bring their own water bottles, which they will be able to fill at Waterfront Park and at various water stations along the routes, as part of Louisville Water’s Pure Tap To Go.

In honor of Memorial Day, Flags 4 Vets will be setting up 15,000 flags at Waterfront Park on Saturday of that weekend, and they will still be in place during the Hike Bike & Paddle event. As a special tribute, the Metro Corrections Honor Guard will take to the stage at 9:25 a.m. before the cyclists, paddlers and walkers leave Waterfront Park.

This is the 15th year for the Hike, Bike & Paddle events, which are held each Memorial Day and Labor Day. The events are part of the city’s Healthy Hometown Movement, created to encourage Louisville residents to be more active and make healthier lifestyle choices.

To view interactive route maps, a full schedule and for more information, visit hikebikeandpaddle.org. RSVP on the Hike, Bike and Paddle Facebook event page. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram @AroundLou!

The season features 7 different productions – a comedy, history, and tragedy in our main stage series plus productions from guest companies and our Globe Players high school student troupe. Food trucks open at 6:30pm, bar opens at 7:00pm, pre-show at 7:15pm, and show starts at 8:00pm. Perfect for the whole family – including adults, children, and pets. As always, performances are free and no tickets are required for entry.

2019 SEASON DATES

AS YOU LIKE IT

• May 29 – 31
• June 1, 2, 4 – 9
• July 9, 11, 13, 17, 20

HENRY IV, PART TWO

• June 13 – 16, 18 – 23
• July 14, 16, 19

THE TRAGEDY OF KING LEAR

• June 27 – 30
• July 2 – 7, 10, 12, 18, 21

The Kentucky Shakespeare Globe Players High School Theatre Training Program
presents TWELFTH NIGHT

• July 24 – 27

Cincinnati Shakespeare presents ROMEO AND JULIET

• July 28, 30

Louisville Ballet presents CLEOPATRA: QUEEN OF KINGS

• July 31 – August 4

LATE NIGHT SHAKES with the Louisville Improvisors

• June 8, 22
• July 6, 20

President David James (D-6) will join the congregation of First Gethsemane Baptist Church this Sunday, May 19th for a special event in honor of the late Rev. T. Vaughn Walker.

The Church will officially rename its Center for Family Development Building, the Dr. T. Vaughn Walker, Center for Family Development, in his honor during an official ribbon cutting which will begin at 12:00pm.

“Pastor Walker was a great inspiration to not only his church but the people of the community,” says James. “I am honored to join his family and friends in paying tribute to a man whose quiet nature and determination touched the lives of many and now his presence will be a reminder to all on how we should treat everyone who seeks help and guidance.”

“Dr. T. Vaughn Walker served as a Champion for the underserved in this community. As an educator, he was committed to leveling the playing field by providing opportunities that would open the doors to a better future for low income families. His humanitarian legacy will forever be engraved in the hearts and minds of those who have and will benefit from the numerous programs/activities offered at the Dr. T. Vaughn Walker Center for Family Development,” says Rev. Keith A. Bush, Sr., Interim Pastor. “As a church, we deem it an honor to rename our center after the man who birthed this vision.”         

Pastor Walker came to First Gethsemane Baptist Church in 1984.

During his tenure at First Gethsemane, he had a major impact on the community and future ministers. He also held the community’s needs as a high priority, especially the needs of children.  Under his leadership, the church not only grew its membership but its outreach in the Louisville area as well.

In January of this year, Dr. Walker went on to the place he preached to so many thousands about and met the heavenly father he so loved.

The Church will officially dedicate the Dr. T. Vaughn Walker, Center for Family Development Building at 1221 First Gethsemane Avenue.

Created in 1996, the mission of the Center for Family Development is to “reduce the barriers of success” by providing quality facilities, services, and programs to individuals and families in our communities through economic empowerment, and educational, social, and recreational activities. The CFD serves the overwhelming needs of the surrounding communities, which include Arcadia, Park Hill, Iroquois, Algonquin, and Old Louisville.

There are few places in Metro Louisville where you will find scenic beauty and hear great Bluegrass Music. In the springtime, the best place to find both is at the Jefferson Memorial Forest.

 On Saturday, May 18th Council members Mark Fox (D-13) and Cindi Fowler (D-14) proudly present the 15th Annual Forest Fest.

 “District 13 is proud to host this one of a kind event in the largest municipal forest in the United States, our own Jefferson Memorial Forest,” says Fox.  “I encourage everyone to come out and join us for this unique music festival while enjoying the spectacular views.”

The 15th Annual Forest Fest will feature: Michael Cleveland, Becky Buller, Amythyst Kiah, Relic, Grizzly Goat and Ida Clare

“This a great opportunity for families to come out to the beautiful JMF setting and enjoy the talented artist’s line up in store for the day!” says Fowler.

While Bluegrass Music is the main attraction of Forest Fest, it is also an opportunity to take a walk around the forest and see fine arts and crafts, food and other refreshments presented by vendors.

Forest Fest Band Schedule

• 11:00 a.m. Ida Clare                       
• 12:05 p.m. Grizzly Goat                          
• 1:15 p.m. Relic                       
• 2:30 p.m. Amythyst Kiah       
• 4:00 p.m. Becky Buller
• 5:30 p.m. Michael Cleveland  

Forest Fest Schedule of Activities

• 10:30 a.m.             Booths open to the public; food areas open; Forest Nature booth opens for children
• 11:00 a.m.             Music begins; Children’s activities begin (until 5 p.m.)
• 12:15-12:45 p.m. Band Workshop: Relic
• 1:00-1:45 p.m.      Band Workshop: Ida Clare
• 2:00-5:00 p.m.      Drum Circles with Jocorey Arthur
• 2:35 -3:00 p.m.     Band Workshop: Grizzly Goat
• 3:00-3:30 p.m.      Band Workshop: Becky Buller
• 3:45-4:15             Band Workshop: Michael Cleveland
• 7 p.m.                            Forest Fest concludes

The Jefferson Memorial Forest staff will have nature presentations and information about educational programs and a children’s area.  If you like, you can check out the trails and all the beauty the forest has to offer.

The 15th Annual Forest Fest is made possible through the financial support of Council members Fox and Fowler whose districts represent the Jefferson Memorial Forest.

Joining them as co-sponsors this year: as well as assistance from Councilpersons Rick Blackwell (D-12), Kevin Triplett (D-15), James Peden (R-23), Barbara Shanklin (D-2), Markus Winkler (D-17), Nicole George (D-21), Brandon Coan (D-8), and David Yates (D-25)

Also sponsoring the event are: West Sixth, WFPK Radio Louisville, Central Bank, and LeafFilter.

The concert is free, but parking is $10 per car.  Bring a blanket or a folding chair as well as picnic food, but no alcoholic beverages are allowed to be brought in but they can be purchased on site.

“Great Bluegrass Music, beautiful scenery, and plenty of activities for everyone, what a great way to spend the day,” says Fox.

To find out more about the 15th Annual Forest Fest, contact the Jefferson Memorial Forest at 368-6856. To learn more about the Jefferson Memorial Forest and all the upcoming programs available to the public go to: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/jefferson-memorial-forest/forest-fest.

Mayor Greg Fischer today joined community partners for two arts announcements: the awarding of a $75,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the completion of the “Love in the Street” public art installation.

“Today, we are excited to celebrate the completion of a public art project, Love in the Street, and a grant award that will support more public art in Louisville through the generous support of the National Endowment for the Arts. Public art plays an important role in the vibrancy of a city. It is art and artists that encourage us to reflect on and continue a dialogue about our culture and who we want to be as a city,” said Mayor Greg Fischer.

National Endowment for the Arts grant

With the grant funds, Louisville Metro Government’s Office of Advanced Planning and Fund for the Arts will collaborate with the Transit Authority of River City (TARC), the Center for Neighborhoods, Louisville Public Media, and other local organizations and artists to infuse community-based arts experiences into the TARC public bus system and primary service locations.

The project, called New Routes for Arts Access and Engagement, includes enhancing TARC buses with artworks, activating public spaces along primary TARC routes through pop-up arts events, and creating neighborhood art installations.

“We’re extremely grateful to work alongside Louisville Metro Government, Center for Neighborhoods, Louisville Public Media, and TARC to fuel this creative, vibrant community we love with arts and culture experiences,” said Christen Boone, President and CEO of Fund for the Arts. “Thanks to these unique partnerships and the NEA’s support, we’re able to provide access to the arts through innovative and creative means.”

The funding award is part of the NEA’s Our Town program, which funds projects that integrate arts, culture, and design activities to strengthen communities by advancing local economic, physical, and/or social outcomes. The National Endowment for the Arts announced the awarding of 57 grants, totaling $4.1 million, as part of the program.

“These awards made to organizations across the United States are a testament to the artistic richness and diversity in our country,” said Mary Anne Carter, acting chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “Organizations such as Louisville Metro Government and Fund for the Arts are giving people in their community the opportunity to learn, create, and be inspired.”

“Love in the Street” public art installation

“Love in the Street” is a public art project that features 21 original poems with the theme of love and admiration for the city of Louisville that were etched into the sidewalk along South Fourth Street, between Chestnut Street and Broadway.

The streetscape project was proposed by local poet Lance Newman and commissioned by Louisville Metro Government and the Commission on Public Art. It has been in development since 2017.

“Love in the Street” features poets from neighborhoods city-wide, ranging in age from 3 to 80, and includes published writers as well as aspiring artists.

The following poets’ work is featured as part of “Love in the Street:”

• Andy Aliaga-Mendoza
• Mackenzie Berry
• Dominique Brown
• Lashell Carter
• Charmae Cuff
• Christopher deRome
• Ann V. DeVilbiss
• Robin Garner
• Juliana Hermann
• Virginia Johnson
• Matthew Thomas Keith
• Sharon P.S. Marx
• Andy McLeroy
• Alazhia Mobley
• Lance Newman
• Lucy Plappert
• Samantha Plappert
• Rukya Sayidali
• Rachel Spivey
• Dan Trabue
• Shane Wood

Dr. Sarah Moyer, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health & Wellness (LMPHW) and the city’s Chief Health Strategist, was recognized today by the de Beaumont Foundationas one of its inaugural 40 Under 40 in Public Health. The 40 rising stars of public health were chosen by a panel of judges for their fresh perspectives, creative problem-solving, and innovative health solutions in communities across the country.

“We launched 40 Under 40 to humanize the public health field and show the diversity of the individuals who commit to strengthening the health of our nation’s communities,” said Brian C. Castrucci, DrPH, president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation. “Public health is different from healthcare, and by elevating the work and voices of these inspiring leaders, we hope to attract and motivate other professionals to bring creativity and innovation to the future of public health.”

Nominations for 40 Under 40 in Public Health were submitted between November 2018 and February 2019. The nomination pool included job titles ranges from health commissioner and director of health equity to doula and epidemiologist. Each chosen honoree has made significant contributions to their community and the field of public health in their respective areas.

“I am incredibly honored,” said Dr. Moyer. “I accept this award on behalf of our 200 LMPHW employees who work day in and day out to help us achieve our vision of creating a healthy Louisville where everyone and every community thrives.”

“Dr. Moyer is a bold, innovative leader and problem solver,” said Mayor Greg Fisher. “Under her leadership we’ve adopted a health-in-all-policies approach for all of Louisville Metro Government, provided racial healing training to hundreds of employees, launched a syringe exchange program that provides harm reduction services to 19,000 participants, and implemented ‘Hope, Healing and Recovery’, our citywide plan to address substance use disorder. She is truly our city’s Health Strategist.”

Dr. Moyer also holds a faculty position at the University of Louisville School of Public Health and Information Sciences.

“Under Dr. Moyer’s leadership, our collaboration with the health department is stronger than it’s ever been,” said Dr. Craig Blakely, dean. “We work together on research and grant opportunities, but most importantly, we work together to give public health students relevant, practical skills that help them become our future public health professionals.This award for Dr. Moyer is well-deserved.”

Nominees were evaluated by a distinguished panel of professionals from the nonprofit, business, and higher education sectors on their demonstrated leadership, their contributions to their community’s health, and their collaboration with other organizations in public health and other sectors.

For more information about 40 Under 40 in Public Health, including detailed eligibility and selection criteria, visit debeaumont.org/40Under40.