Thursday March 28, 2024
News Sections

Neighborhood Place partners will host several events in January including several Census Bureau hiring events for positions with the National Processing Center and Census Takers; a Women’s Empowerment session covering eight modules; an Energy Management workshop; a Foster Parent/Adoption Information meeting, and more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.

Jan. 6, 13 and 27 – Kentucky Health Career Center Outreach at two locations

Call 502/595-4003 for more information.  A KentuckianaWorks Health Career Center professional will provide valuable information to help increase your occupation potential including training funds for in-demand occupations; resources for individuals seeking advance healthcare careers; resume writing, career assessments; interview planning; computer essentials, work-based learning opportunities and more.

  • Jan. 6 and 27, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
  • Jan. 13, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4635 for more information.

Jan. 7, 8, 14, 16, 21 and 28National Processing Center (NPC) Hiring Events at multiple locations
National Processing Center (NPC) is the U.S. Census Bureau’s primary center for mail processing, survey processing, data capture, imaging/scanning and warehouse operations. A U.S. Census Bureau’s representative will be available to share information about the hundreds of entry-level office and warehouse clerks employment opportunities for the Jeffersonville location. NPC recently increased the starting hourly pay rate for entry level clerks to $14.54 per hour.

  • Jan. 7, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
  • Jan. 8, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
  • Jan. 14, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 485-7310 for more information.
  • Jan. 16 and 28, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.. Call 485-7130 for more information.
  • Jan. 21, Neighborhood Place satellite site at Valley High School, 10200 Dixie Hwy., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 485-7310.

Jan. 9 and 14, 2020 Census Employment Recruitment at two locations
Become a 2020 Census Taker and support your community. The position entails collection of important data that will determine the state’s representation in Congress as well as how funds are spent in your community on things like roads, schools or hospitals.

  • Jan. 9 and 14, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information.
  • Jan. 14, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call 313-4635 for more information.

Jan. 9, Sodexo Hiring Opportunity at First Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. (T.J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24). Call 313-4700 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.

Jan. 9, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at First Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. 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.

Jan. 13, Foster Parent/Adoption Information Meeting at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Details will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.

Jan. 15, Passport Health Care Informational Table at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave.  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.

Jan. 15, Louisville Forward – Office of Community Development/Office of Housing Outreach at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St.  Representatives from Louisville Forward will be onsite monthly to provide valuable information to assist median to low-income residents such as Down Payment Assistance, Home Repair and Lead Safe Louisville programs as well as current efforts to reduce vacant and abandon properties in our community. For more information, visit Develop Louisville website at www.Louisvilleky.gov/DevelopLouisville.

Mondays, Jan. 27 – March 16, Bridges of Hope Women’s Empowerment Group, 5 – 7 p.m.
Located at 1411 Algonquin Pkwy. Call 634-6050 for more information.  The Bridges of Hope Women’s Empowerment Group was created by women to serve women to provide a safe and welcoming space to speak openly and candidly about topics such as relationships, parenting, addressing vicarious trauma, mental and physical health, grief and self-care. Each of the sessions is free and snacks will be provided.

Jan. 28, Energy Management Workshop at Ujima Neighborhod Place, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 to register. This workshop will provide all the information and tools you need to help weatherize your home.  Energy saving tips and weatherization demonstrations will prepare all attending to keep drafts away.  Materials are free to all that attend.  Sponsored in collaboration with Project Warm.

Mayor Greg Fischer and the Veterans Community Alliance of Louisville today announced the sixth annual Mayor’s Week of Valor — a series of events to honor and celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of active-duty military, veterans and their families.

Coinciding with Veterans Day, the 2019 Week of Valor will feature 27 educational, patriotic, community or civic events from Nov. 2 through Nov. 13.  Residents are encouraged to participate and recognize, support and honor veterans.

Events include a 22 Push-Up Challenge on Nov. 2, a Women Veterans Town Hall on Nov. 7, and a Veterans Wellness Expo + Run/Walk on Nov. 9.

Also on Monday, Nov. 11, the city’s Veterans Day Parade will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in downtown Louisville this year on Jefferson Street, between Fourth and Seventh streets. The parade welcomes all military personnel and veterans, either in groups or as individuals, to participate. (There is no cost to enter; participants are asked to contact ltbrockman@gmail.com or call 502-552-1131.)

“Our freedoms are here for us because of the service and sacrifice of our veterans,” Fischer said. “We’re asking residents from across the community to come out and show support during the Week of Valor to honor the people who’ve helped keep our country free.”

A full schedule of events is attached or can be found at http://louisvilleky.gov/weekofvalor.

 

2019 Week of Valor Events

  • Saturday, Nov. 2, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — 22 Push-up Challenge. Waterfront Park, North Lawn, 129 River Road. Contact: Sarah Jemison at (502) 589-8600 or sarah.jemison@centerstone.org.
  • Saturday, Nov. 2, 3 p.m.-5 p.m — Veterans Appreciation Day at BeeHive Memory Care Home. 8800 Smyrna Pkwy. Contact: Bob DeVore Jr. at (502) 619-8877, (502) 966-6129 or superdevore7@yahoo.com
  • Monday, Nov. 4, 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. — 2019 Kentucky Veteran of the Year Banquet. The Jeffersonian, 10617 Taylorsville Road.  Tickets are free but registration is required.  Contact: Donald Bow at (502) 907-1536 or dbow@efky.org. or visit www.kentuckyveteransoftheyear.org
  • November 5-6, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free Business Ownership Workshop. Fort Knox, Kentucky, Building 1378, Graham Hall.  For eligibility information and to register visit https://sbavets.force.com/s/login/SelfRegister.  Contact: Tommie Causey at (502) 582-5588, ext. 237 or tommie.causey@sba.gov.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Military Veteran Housing Certification (MVHC). Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, 295 North Hubbards Lane. The MVHC offered by the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals (VAREP), is designed for a comprehensive understanding of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Guarantee Program. Contact: John Miller at (502) 779-0944 or louisville@varep.nethttps://www.varep.net/mvhc/index.php/about1 Thursday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. — Veterans Day Celebration. Engelhard Elementary, 1004 South First St. All veterans and service members are invited to celebrate in a schoolwide assembly and reception. RSVP at (502) 485-8246.
  • Thursday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — WWII Army Veterans’ Inaugural Art Exhibit. Robley Rex VA Medical Center, 800 Zorn Ave. This event showcases the artistic works of 94-year-old WWII Veteran Robert Enders and his collection of more than 100 pencil sketches. Contact: Judy Williams at (502) 287-5502 or judy.williams@va.gov
  • Thursday, Nov. 7 6 p.m.-9 p.m. — Dogs Helping Heroes, Be at Ease. Mellwood Arts Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave.  $30 ticket must be purchased in advance. Contact: Adressa Collard at (812) 329-0244 or adressa@dogshelpingheroes.org.
  • Thursday, Nov. 7, 6:30-8 p.m. — Women Veterans Town Hall. Bellarmine University, Centro Building, 2001 Newburg Road. The Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs will host a Women Veterans Town Hall with a women veterans’ panel.  Contact: April Brown at 502-782-5735 or april.brown@ky.gov
  • Friday, Nov. 8, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. — Fall Clean-Up with the Volunteers of America Mid-State. Unity Home, 1321 S. Preston St. Contact: Michelle West at 502/815-2907 or michellew@voamid.org.
  • Friday, Nov. 8, 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Kentucky Opera presents Glory Denied. The Brown Theatre, 315 W. Broadway. One of the most important new works of present-day opera follows the saga of Jim Thompson, America’s longest-held prisoner of war. For ticket information and show times, contact Aubrey Baker at (502) 584-7938 or aubrey_baker@kyopera.org|http://www.kentuckycenter.org/all-shows/glory-denied
  • Saturday, Nov. 9, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. — Honor Flight Bluegrass, Humana Top-Flight Stair Climb. Humana Tower, 500 W. Main St. Individuals and teams may climb the 25 stories or participate as a relay team. There is no charge to sign-up; team members are encouraged/expected to donate to Honor Flight Bluegrass via its web site at http://honorflightbluegrass.org. Contact: Jeff Thoke at (502) 645-5421 or jthoke@yahoo.com
  • Saturday, Nov. 9, 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Take the Hill 5K. Hogan Fountain, Cherokee Park. This race is inspired by the gallant efforts of our U.S. Armed Forces. All donations will be provided to The Order of the Purple Heart: For sign-up information and fees, contact Justin Edell at (504) 301-5673 or https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Louisville/TaketheHill5K.
  • Saturday, Nov. 9, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. — USA Cares March of Valor. Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park. Walk, ruck or roll with your family, friends or unit as we raise awareness for veterans and military families struggling at home, and abroad. Minimum $5 donation to participate. Contact Cory Speicher at (270) 872-4422 or cory@usacares.org|http://www.usacares.org
  • Saturday, Nov. 9, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — Veterans Wellness Expo + Run/Walk. Robley Rex VA Medical Center, 800 Zorn Ave., Room E005 (inside West Entrance).  Contact: Patricia Weiter at (502) 419- 4912. or patricia.weiter@va.gov | http://www.louisville.va.gov/hpdp
  • Saturday, Nov. 9, 1 p.m.-4 p.m. — Rock Painting for Veterans. American Legion G.I. Joe Post #244, 3408 College Dr., Jeffersontown, KY  40299.  Contact:  Linette Hatfield at 502/500-7310 or linette.hatfield@teamrwb.org.
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. — All Veterans Breakfast. Churchill Downs VFW Post 2921 at 2902 Seventh Street Road.  Come and enjoy a breakfast for all veterans and military personnel. Free for Marine Corps veterans, $2 for all other veterans and $5 for non-veterans. Contact: John Wingfield at (502) 381-1612 or cbt91e@yahoo.com.
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. — Clean Sweep Ruck. Kentucky Highway 10913 KY-1447. Assemble at the Adopt-A-Highway sign at the bottom of the ramp on Westport Road on the north side in front of the Bob Evans restaurant. Groups will ruck/walk one side of the road approximately two miles picking up trash and debris. Contact: Richard Rush at (812) 987-7874 or Richard.rush@teamrwb.org
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, 11:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. — Churchill Downs Military and Veterans Appreciation Day at the Races. Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave.  General admission is free or discounted tickets for Millionaires Row with military ID. Contact: Patty Frazier at (502) 636-4400 or patty.frazier@kyderby.com.
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. — Meet the Therapy Horses at the Veteran’s Club. 375 Normandy Heights Road, Taylorsville, KY 40071. Veteran’s Club would like to welcome the public to meet the therapy horses used for their nationally recognized Equine Therapy Program. Contact: Jeremy Harrell at (502) 310-2303 or Louisville.veterans@gmail.com.
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, 2 p.m.-3 p.m. — Yoga with Team Red, White and Blue Louisville. Infinite Bliss Yoga, 1507 Bardstown Road. Team RWB Louisville is hosting a free beginner-friendly yoga class. Contact: Linette Hatfield at (502) 500-7310 or linette.hatfield@teamrwb.org.
  • Sunday, Nov. 10, 4 p.m.  — Veterans Day Observed with American Legion G.I. Joe Post #244. Jeffersontown Veterans Memorial Park, 10707 Taylorsville Road. The American Legion G.I. Joe Post #244 and the City of Jeffersontown will host veterans, active duty military and the general public for the 24th Annual Veterans Day Program at Veterans Plaza, Veterans Memorial Park.  Contact John Wright at (502) 548-3143.
  • Monday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. — Veterans Day Observance Program with Churchill Downs VFW Post 2921. 2902 Seventh Street Rd. This program will celebrate and commemorate our military veterans and the sacrifices they made in the defense of this great nation. Contact: Past Post Commander John Wingfield at (502) 381-1612 or cbt91e@yahoo.com.
  • Monday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. — 9th Annual Veterans Day Parade. Jefferson St., from Fourth to Seventh streets. Contact: Treva Brockman at (502) 552-1131 or tpbrockman@gmail.com or visit www.louvetparade.com.
  • Monday, Nov. 11, 1:30-3 p.m. — Veterans Day Salute. Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, 1701 West Muhammad Ali Blvd. This event honors the accomplishments of Colonel Charles Young including a tour of the new Colonel Charles Young Media Arts Center. Sponsored by The Kentucky Center for African American Heritage, the National Coalition for Black Veteran Organizations and National Association of Black Veterans.  Waving the Flags activities continue through 6 p.m. Contact Region VI NABVET Commander Shedrick Jones at (502) 592-1475 or sjjsr@aol.com.
  • Monday, Nov. 11, 12-2 p.m. — Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), Veterans Day In-Service. Edison Center, 701 West Ormsby Ave., Edison Room 1st Floor.  This event will honor RSVP volunteers who are veterans and give information about VA benefits and services. Contact: Bill Clark at (502) 574-7305 or william.clark2@louisvilleky.gov
  • Wednesday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. — Veterans Appreciation Basketball Game. Bellarmine University.  Bellarmine military and veteran students and alumni are invited to attend a free pregame reception with food and drinks and cheer on the Knights as they face Kentucky Wesleyan University.  To RSVP, contact: Lindsay Gargotto at (502) 272-7027 or lgargotto@bellarmine.edu or RSVP at alumni.bellarmine.edu/veteran.

Mosquitos Still Pose A Threat

The Department of Public Health and Wellness is reminding people that despite cooler weather, mosquitoes are still active and continue to pose a threat for transmitting diseases such as West Nile virus. People should continue to guard themselves by wearing insect repellant and long sleeves and pants when going outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

This year there has been one death reported from West Nile in ZIP code 40211 and one other non-fatal case in ZIP code 40215. Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile in ZIP codes 40204, 40205, 40206, 40211, 40213, 40214 and 40215. It is also important to note that we have had no mosquitoes test positive for any diseases other than West Nile virus.

The Department of Public Health and Wellness is continuing countywide mosquito control actions, including treating catch basins, monitoring mosquito traps and testing mosquitoes for diseases, and fogging when necessary.

“Even though we can expect mosquito populations to begin to decrease as the weather gets cooler, West Nile positive mosquitoes may continue to be present throughout the entire community until the first hard frost,” said Dr. Sarah Moyer, director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness. “If you go outdoors during dusk and dawn, you should wear long sleeves and pants and insect repellant to protect yourself. We advise everyone to take the appropriate precautions no matter what ZIP code you live in.”

The Department of Public Health and Wellness advises people to take the following precautions:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

  • Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection. To optimize safety and effectiveness, repellents should be used according to the label instructions.
  • Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors. Mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing, so spraying clothes with repellent containing permethrin will give extra protection. Don’t apply repellents containing permethrin directly to skin. Do not spray repellent on the skin under your clothing.
  • Take extra care during peak mosquito biting hours. Take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing at dusk and dawn or consider avoiding outdoor activities during these times.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

  • Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside. Use your air conditioning, if you have it.
  • Help reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home by emptying standing water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths on a regular basis.

Last year there were four human West Nile cases in Louisville and no deaths.  In 2017 there was one non-fatal human case.  In 2016 there were two human cases and one death.  In 2015, there were three human cases with no deaths.

In most instances, people infected with West Nile virus either show no symptoms or relatively mild symptoms.  However, less than one percent of infected people develop a serious neurologic illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.  Serious illness can occur in people of any age. However, people over 60 years of age are at the greatest risk for severe disease. People with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk for serious illness.

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness has operated a mosquito control program for more than 60 years. The department does surveillance of mosquito populations with traps strategically located throughout the community, and tests mosquitos for such diseases as West Nile, La Crosse, Eastern Equine and St. Louis Encephalitis.

In the spring the department pre-treats potential mosquito breeding sites with larvicide to prevent hatch offs.  In the summer it treats catch basins and performs mosquito fogging in response to West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.

For more information on mosquito control and prevention, visit https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html or www.louisvilleky.gov/health. If mosquitoes are bad in your neighborhood, file a complaint by calling MetroCall 311 or 502.574.5000.

October is usually a month associated with orange and black. However, the Louisville Metro Council is focusing its attention on pink to let everyone know it’s time to do something to fight a killer.

For the rest of the month of October, the Historic City Hall Clock Tower at Sixth and Jefferson Streets will glow pink as a reminder that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

“The Metro Council stands with the American Cancer Society to encourage Louisville to screen, self-examine and test for early detection of breast cancer,” says Councilwoman Keisha Dorsey (D-3) who chairs the Metro Council’s Health and Education Committee. “Too many lives and families have been devastated by this disease and we encourage everyone to follow through with a checkup. Early detection can help defeat this killer.”

Aside from the Clock tower, The Metro Council chambers are adorned in pink ribbons at each Council members desk and pink flowers of every type in bowed vases are on either side of the President’s Desk.

“We hope pink will serve as a reminder that lives from all over Metro Louisville have been touched by breast cancer,” says Council President David James (D-6). “Anything we can do to bring awareness to prevention of this disease is a priority for many of us on this Council.”

“We truly appreciate Metro Council’s support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. By encouraging women – and men – to learn more about the disease, early detection and screening, Council is taking the lead toward a healthier Metro,” says Erica Kellem Beasley, executive director for the American Cancer Society in Kentucky.

Breast cancer information and statistics:

  • 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
  • After skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among U.S. women, and the second leading cause of cancer death among women after lung cancer.
  • In 2019, approximately 268,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed among U.S. women, and 41,760 women will die from the disease.
  • The overall breast cancer death rate has decreased consistently since 1989, attributed both to improvements in early detection (through screening as well as increased awareness of symptoms) and treatment, for a total decline of 40% through 2017. As a result of this decline, 375,900 breast cancer deaths have been averted in U.S. women through 2017.
  • In 2019, there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors (women).
  • In 2019, about 2,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in men. About 500 men will die from breast cancer.

The Metro Council is also encouraging the community to get involved with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. It will take place on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 27, at a new location, Cardinal Stadium. Registration opens at 12:30 p.m.; walk begins at 1:30. The event is free and open to the public and raises funds for breast cancer research, patient support programs, and early detection and prevention programs.

For more information and to register, go to http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=77432

To learn more about breast cancer and services, go to http://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/cancer/breast-cancer.html .

There will be music and fun on a Friday night, and it is all for a good cause when “Rock Out Cancer 2019” gets underway at the Iroquois Amphitheater for a very good cause.

Councilman David Yates (D-25) is encouraging the community to come out and support the event because it will help Shirley’s Way continue to do the good work it does for those who are dealing with cancer.

SKID ROW will headline “Rock Out Cancer 2019.” Very special guests and Louisville rockers, Fire Dept, will reunite to open the show. The event is a benefit for Shirley’s Way, Inc.

“Join us for an amazing night! Skid Row and Fire Dept. are going to help us “Rock Out Cancer 2019” and raise money so we can continue to help those fighting cancer. Shirley’s Way helps cancer patients with everyday living expenses while they are fighting for their lives,” says Mike Mulroney of Shirley’s Way.

“Mike and Shirley’s Way have found yet another way to help families through some of the hardest times as they fight for their lives. You can support them and help members of our community truly in need by joining us at “Rock Out Cancer 2019!” Get tickets now!” says Councilman Yates.

The Mission of Shirley’s Way, Inc. is to provide financial support to individuals under medical care for cancer and other diseases. Payment of expenses including, but not limited to, medical, medications, rent and/or mortgage, utilities, groceries, everyday living, and other expenses as may be determined from time to time by the Corporation.

Fans may purchase tickets online at: https://rockoutcancer.org/ or at the Iroquois Amphitheater box office.

Mayor Greg Fischer today proclaimed September to be Optimal Aging Month in Louisville as part of a national observation of Healthy Aging Month.

The Mayor presented the Optimal Aging Month proclamation to Anna Faul, Ph.D., executive director of the University of Louisville’s Trager Institute for Optimal Aging, at the institute’s annual Gold Standard of Optimal Aging Recognition Luncheon, which recognizes adults who are 85 years or older and lead engaged lives in the areas of physical, spiritual, social, civic, and creative.

“As the home to one of the largest collections of aging care innovation headquarters in the nation, Louisville is at the center of breakthrough technologies and cutting-edge therapies around improving quality of life as we age,” said the Mayor. “We are a compassionate city, and it is our responsibility to ensure every resident can meet their full human potential no matter their age, income or zip code.”

Lifelong Wellness and Aging is one of Louisville’s five key clusters that drive the economy forward. With its critical mass of aging and health care companies, Louisville has a collaborative innovation ecosystem focused on improving health outcomes at all ages. Its momentum is apparent with the strength of the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council, Health Enterprise Network, and UofL’s state-of-the-art research facilities.

The UofL Trager Institute strives to give more individuals the opportunity for aging optimally as part of its mission to innovate the aging experience through leading-edge clinical practice, collaborative research and inter-professional education.

The Republic Bank Foundation Optimal Aging Clinic at the UofL Trager Institute opens this week in its renovated space on Market Street.

“We are so excited to invite patients to our new clinic that focuses on a research-based approach, promoting lifestyle changes and preventative medicine that will help people flourish and optimally age,” Faul said.

The clinical services include executive wellness exams, medication management, chronic disease management, optimal aging life planning and mental health.

In recognition of Optimal Aging Month, community partners are hosting the following events:

Saturday, Sept. 7

8:30 a.m., 231 Witherspoon St. – Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s on the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park.

Wednesday, Sept. 11

7 to 8 p.m., 8023 Catherine Lane – Beer with Scientist Sam Cotton, program manager in Trager Institute’s Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program at Holsopple Brewery.

Tuesday, Sept. 17

All day, 10617 Taylorsville Road – Trauma-informed Care and Older Adult Symposium. Registration required on Eventbrite.com.

Wednesday, Sept. 18

All day, 2100 S. Floyd St. – Health Enterprises Network’s annual CONVERGE conference. Registration required at www.healthentreprisesnetwork.com/events/converge-louisville-2019/.

Friday, Sept. 20

Noon to 1 p.m., 204 E. Market St. – Project ECHO: Care of Older Adults, presentation and discussion about providing patient-centered care, improving chronic health conditions, improving care around Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia, and increasing collaborative care.

Tuesday, Sept. 24

Louisville Business First Aging Innovation breakfast presented in partnership with the Louisville Healthcare CEO Council. Registration required at https://www.bizjournals.com/louisville/event/164433/2019/aging-innovation-breakfast.

Thursday, Sept. 26

8:30 to 10:30 a.m., 1020 E. Burnett Ave – Age-Friendly Louisville Community Progress Report Breakfast with guest speaker Bill Armbruster from AARP National AARP Livable Cities Team at MUSCL Senior Wellness Center.

For more information on aging information and events, subscribe to the Aging & Disabled Citizens’ monthly newsletter or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services/of….

Mayor Greg Fischer joined Metro Council members, the Commission on Public Art, artist Todd C. Smith, and community partners at the base of the Big Four Bridge to unveil Bike Sense Louisville, a public art project that will promote healthy lifestyle habits and provide new data on the city’s air quality and temperature.

Using sensor units that fit into cyclists’ water bottle holders, data is collected about the cyclists’ speed and location, as well as the temperature and air quality outside. The data is then translated into sound that is streamed in both real-time on the Bike Sense website and broadcast over the Big Four Bridge speakers.

“Bike Sense encompasses our city’s core values of lifelong learning and health by incorporating science and exercise into public art,” said the Mayor. “This project will get people moving, either as volunteer cyclists collecting environmental data or as pedestrians crossing the Big Four Bridge to listen to the sounds created.”

The data will be publicly available and support the work of University of Louisville’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute.

“The Center for Healthy Air Water and Soil and the Superfund Research Center in the UofL Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute are partnering with the innovative Bike Sense project to raise awareness of the health risks posed by many volatile organic compounds,” said Dr. Ted Smith, Deputy Director of the Envirome Institute. “We look forward to providing technical assistance and health risk information to the project and its many cycling participants.”

The project was selected by the Commission on Public Art through a call for artists and is funded through a mix of private donations, public dollars, and an ArtsMatch grant from Fund for the Arts.

“By collecting volunteer cycling data that considers location as well as environmental factors, like temperature and air quality, we could learn a lot about where people are biking and how healthy it is to bike here. The sound part of the project was my creative way of sharing this data with the public,” said artist Todd C. Smith. “The bridge is a public space that sees thousands of pedestrians and cyclists and is the symbol of connection for the Kentuckiana region. I look forward to seeing how this year-long project progresses.”

For more information, visit BikeSense.net.

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