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The Muhammad Ali Center’s fifth annual international photography contest and exhibition, Shining a Light, opens to the public on March 8th, International Women’s Day. The theme of this year’s exhibition, Experiences of Refugee Women, illustrates the innumerable issues of rights and justice that these women face every day through a prolific look at their lives before and after resettlement. The exhibit features images of women from ten refugee groups: Rohingya, Syrian, Kurdish, Sarhawi, Ahmadiyyan, Afghan, Bhutanese, Iraqi, Congolese, and Somali.
Informed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Women’s Refugee Commission, the photographic submissions were asked to depict one or more of the following issues as they pertain to Refugee Women’s lived experiences:
- Gender-Based Violence
- Livelihoods
- Education
- Rights and Justice
- Sexual and Reproductive Health
The Center corroborated with Kentucky Refugee Ministries (KRM) on the text for this exhibit to ensure that the information disseminated is accurate and effective. Inspired by Muhammad Ali’s core principles, Respect & Giving, the Center’s programming related to Global Citizenship aims to inspire to act locally and to think and behave globally. Visitors will learn how they can support refugee women, like those featured in the exhibit, in Louisville and on a global scale.
Shining a Light, featuring 35 photos, will be on display at the Ali Center from March 8 to June 24, 2018. The cost of the exhibit is included in regular admission pricing.
The Center received 75 entries from 14 countries. The photos were judged by a panel entirely made up of women in order to create a unique perspective for the exhibit.
Top entries include: “Rohingya Refugee Exodus” by KM Asad, Bangladesh; “She Never Cry” by Afriadi Hikmal, Indonesia; “An Innocent Smile of Rohingya Girl” by Sohel Parvez Hague, Bangladesh.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilman Brandon Coan (D-8) has proposed the creation of a business improvement district along the Bardstown Road/Baxter Avenue corridor and announced a series of public meetings to discuss the plan with property owners and the public.
“If you are familiar with the Louisville Downtown Management District – the dedicated team of service professionals working seven days a week to beautify and keep downtown clean – then you can imagine what the Highlands Management District (HMD) might look like,” said Coan. “In addition, the proposed HMD would also assist LMPD, PARC and social service providers working along the corridor, from Broadway to the Douglass Loop.”
Management districts are funded by special assessments against properties located within service area boundaries, and they are managed by a board comprised primarily of district property owners. The proposed Highlands Management District special assessment is $0.1745 per $100.
The public meetings will discuss the management district proposal in greater detail, including how the petition process works, the scope of services to be provided, budget information and more. The meetings will be held at the following times and locations:
- Monday, March 26, 1 pm, at HopCat
- Thursday, March 29, 6 pm, at the Highlands-Shelby Park Library (inside the Mid City Mall)
- Monday, April 2, 6 pm, at the Douglass Community Center Gymnasium
Coan’s proposal is the result of more than six months of studies, reports and recommendations by an exploratory committee comprised of property owners and other stakeholders in the corridor, in consultation with the Louisville Downtown Partnership. If the proposal is accepted the Highlands Management District is scheduled to begin service in January 2019.
For more information about the proposed Highlands Management District, contact Councilman Coan’s office at 574-1108 or visit www.tinyurl.com/BardstownRdBID for more information.
This month, people who travel Dixie Highway had the chance to see detailed plans for the $35 million New Dixie Highway Project and offer their feedback.
Dozens attended an open house at Shively Community Center on Feb. 15, 2018, to talk with project leaders about construction plans, bus design, ramp improvements and more. In addition to the open house, project leaders continue to gather input with an online feedback form.
New Dixie Highway Project is designed to create transportation and safety improvements along the busy roadway. The project will concentrate on three major areas of improvement:
- Roadway safety and design improvements, including raised medians and left-hand-only turn lanes, along the most congested and dangerous section (Crums Lane to Greenwood Road). Project Map (PDF)
- The region’s first bus rapid transit route, with eight priority buses and three dozen highly visible stations that will improve travel times for both transit riders and motorists. Bus Route Details (PDF)
- A new Intelligent Transportation System that will improve and coordinate traffic signal timing along the entire corridor.
Construction on the project began in December, and is expected to conclude in December 2019. It’s the first major project under Mayor Greg Fischer’s MOVE Louisville initiative, which seeks to modernize and improve transportation across the metro area. The project is fueled by a combination of federal, state and local funds.
For more information:
There’s a full line-up of events open to the public at the Kentucky Exposition Center the first weekend in March. From remodeling your dream home to watching a demolition derby, there’s something for everyone March 2-4.
- Louisville Home, Garden and Remodeling Show – March 2-4 The Home, Garden & Remodeling Show presented by Champion Windows is the largest home show in the state and one of the largest in the nation. More than 350 vendors participate each year and the show includes entertaining features and informative seminars. For more information, visit www.louisvillehomeshow.com.
- Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo – March 2-4 The Kentucky Farm Bureau Beef Expo includes 12 different breed shows and sales as well as junior competition, judging competition and a trade show. For more information, visit http://kybeefexpo.com/index.htm.
- Kentucky Crafted: The Market – March 2-4 The Kentucky Crafted Market is the Kentucky Arts Council’s premier event of Kentucky artistry produced each year. The show features the highest quality art, craft, literature, music, film and food found in the state. For more information, visit http://artscouncil.ky.gov/KAC/Showcasing/Event_Market.htm.
- NDDA Presents the 3rd Annual Bluegrass Bash – March 3 Bluegrass Bash is bringing the car-crunching action of the demolition derby to Freedom Hall. More than 160 drivers will compete car-against-car until the last four cars still running are declared the winners. For more information, visit http://www.nationaldemoderby.com.
- Cheer Derby – March 3-4 Cheer Derby is a family fun and high energy all-star cheerleading competition. For more information, visit https://www.cheerderby.com.
Parking at the Kentucky Exposition Center is $8 per vehicle and $20 per bus. For more information about the Kentucky Exposition, visit www.kyexpo.org.
With flood waters receding across Louisville, attention turns now to the cleanup effort. Metro Public Works today announced the following services are available for disposing of flood-damaged household items.
Jefferson County residents may drop off residential flood debris at any of seven sites Thursday March 1 through Saturday March 24. Six of the drop-off locations will be open Thursday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Waste Reduction Center will be open for debris drop-off Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The free service is available for residents of Jefferson County only and it does not include commercial haulers. No yard waste or construction debris other than flood-damaged drywall and insulation will be accepted. Electronics must be separated from other items. To qualify for the free drop-off residents must present the attendant with two forms of identification verifying Louisville residency.
If a citizen hires an individual or business to remove debris, the citizen must accompany the hauler to the drop-off center or provide the hauler with the same two forms of identification to present at the facility.
Drop-off sites Thursday March 1 thru Saturday March 24 as follows:
- Thursday – Saturday 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
- 10500 Lower River Road at Bethany Lane
- Newburg Community Center 4810 Exeter Ave 40218
- Outer Loop Recycling Center 7201 Outer Loop 40228
- Dixie Recycling Center 7219 Dixie Hwy 40258
- Charlie Vettiner Park 5550 Charlie Vettiner Park Rd 40299
- Hubbards Lane Recycling Center 595 Hubbards Ln. 40207
- Monday – Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Waste Reduction Center 636 Meriwether Avenue
Pickup service in Metro Council districts
Residents who cannot drop off debris may request pickup service. Pickup requests must be made by telephone or email no later than 5 p.m. on March 9 to 574-3571 ext. 0 or swmd@louisvilleky.gov.
This service is for flood-damaged items only. Any other items set out will not be collected. Electronics must be separated from other items set out for collection. Requested pickups will be performed according to the following Metro Council district based schedule:
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners offer healthy workshops and services in March to benefit the entire family including car seat and blood pressure checks, a healthy living club and cooking classes, an educational baby shower, a child abuse awareness workshop and so much more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
March 1, 8, 15, 16, 22 and 29, 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.
- March 1, “Everyone Plays a Part”, presented by ECHO (Exploited Children’s Help Organization) to learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect, 4 – 5 p.m.
- March 8 and 22, “Choices”, presented by Center for Women and Families providing an educational and support program for people affected by sexual violence, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- March 15, “Trauma 101”, presented by Resilience and Community Services which focuses on Trauma Informed Care, 4 – 5 p.m.
- March 16, HIV/AIDS education and testing, 4 presented by the Volunteers of America, 4 – 6 p.m.
- March 29, “Wake Up”, presented by Resilience and Community Services to provide education on opioid addiction, 4 – 6 p.m.
Beginning March 1, Cooking Matters Class at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 772-8588 to register for this class. Join this six-week cooking class to learn about healthy eating, cook in class, and take home a bag of groceries each week. Free for individuals meeting income eligibility requirements. Sponsored by Family Health Center and Dare to Care.
March 1 and March 12, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities
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.
- March 1, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
- March 12, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 485-7130 for more information.
March 2, 5, 6 and 15, ElderCare 4 Families Employment Recruitment
Call 244-8446 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.
- March 2, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- March 5, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- March 6, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- March 15, Northwest Neighborhood Place, 4001 Herman St., 9 – 11 a.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.
Tuesdays through April 17, Free Tax Preparation Services at First Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 502-305-0005 or visit louisvillekyvita.cascheduler.com to make an appointment or t check out IRS documentation needed. Sponsored by VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) with support from First Neighborhood Place.
March 6, Car Seat Safety Check at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9 – 11 a.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Car seat fitting by appointment only Norton’s Children’s Hospital Car Seat check fitting station 9:00 a.m. -11:00a.m call 629-7358. Learn how to install your child’s car seat or booster seat. Find out if it’s time for a change.
Beginning March 7, Freedom from Smoking Classes at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 10 – 11:30 a.m.
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.
March 10, SOAR (Summer Opportunities Resource Fair) at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave in the DuValle Education Center/Carter Traditional School Gym. Call 313-4635 for more information. SOAR provid an opportunity for families to prepare for the summer by exploring and comparing various summer programs all at one location.
March 12 and 27, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower
To RSVP or for more information, 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.
- March 12, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 1 – 3 p.m.
- March 27, Northwest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
March 13, Free 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.
March 13 and 29, Foster Parent/Adoption Recruitment Meeting
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 Special Needs Adoption Program.
- March 13, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 6 – 8 p.m.
- March 29, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 6 – 8 p.m.
March 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 features diabetes education on caring for yourself through a healthy diet and exercise. Come and join the fun and fellowship.
March 13, 14, and 28, Community Dental Care Information Sessions
Call 502-366-4442 for more information. Community Dental Care is a full-service dental 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.
- March 13, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- March 14, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
- March 28, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Fairdale location, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- March 28, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Valley Location, 10200 Dixie Hwy; 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
March 20 and 22, Conversation on How We Can Make Insurance Easier
For more information or to register, call 852-1119. The University of Louisville, School of Public Health and Information Sciences is hosting a number of focus groups to discuss how people who live in the South Louisville area can get better information about how health insurance works. Each participant will receive a free meal at the meeting and a $20 gift card for their time. In order to participate, you must: live in the South Louisville area; be at least 18 years of age; be able to communicate in English; attend one of the following meetings for 90 minutes; and complete a short survey at the meeting.
- March 20, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Fairdale location, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 6. – 7:30 p.m.
- March 22, Southwest Branch Library, 9725 Dixie Highway, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
March 20, James Graham Brown Cancer Center Mammogram Screening at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place, Call 852-6318 for more information. Mammogram screenings are provided at no cost to women without insurance and who are 40 years and over. Any persons with insurance will be billed by the U of L Hospital. Sponsored by Family Health Centers and James Graham Brown Cancer Center at U of L Hospital.
March 20, 22, 27 and 30, Passport Health Care Informational Table
Call 313-4635 for more information. A community engagement representative is onsite to answer any questions that Passport members have regarding their plan, benefits and updates on the upcoming waiver.
- March 20, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m – 12 p.m.
- March 22, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 2 – 4 p.m.
- March 27, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- March 30, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 2– 4 p.m.
March 20, Everyone Has a Role workshop at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 6 – 7 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave Call 313-4635 to RSVP and for more information. To kick off Child Abuse Awareness Month in April, this workshop will cover child abuse recognition and reporting and how to recognize signs and symptoms of abuse and neglect. Sponsored by ECHO (Exploited Children’s Help Organization).
March 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 Centers.
March 27, The Butterfly Effect Prom Event at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 3:30 – 6 p.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market St. Call 313-4892 for more information. Prom is an exciting yet expensive time for many community families. The Butterfly Effect Prom Event will help match donated dresses, shoes and accessories with students in need of assistance. Dress donations and tuxedo rental vouchers are begin collected through March 23. Sponsored in collaboration with Destinee Germany – Miss Black Kentucky, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, Academy at Shawnee Youth Services and Jefferson County Public Schools.
The Beargrass Creek Greenway trail, in its entirety, is closed indefinitely due to the recent flooding event in Louisville.
Floodwaters and flash flooding have damaged – and even washed away – major portions of the paved bicycle path.
A major section of the trail has already been closed since last summer due to an MSD basin project and is scheduled to be closed through 2019. A map of the previous closure can be found here.
There is no timetable currently available on repairs or when the path will re-open.
