Friday November 14, 2025
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Gov. Matt Bevin yesterday met with more than 400 faith leaders and concerned citizens at Louisville’s Western Middle School to address the epidemic of violence that is gripping the heart of Kentucky’s largest city.
He invited churches and other community groups to commit to “adopt” an inner-city neighborhood block to visit 2-3 times per week over the course of the next year—respectfully walking the perimeter in teams of 3-10 individuals to pray for and get to know local residents.
“I truly believe we’re going to see a difference in this city,” said Gov. Bevin. “I personally believe in the power of prayer. I’ve seen it evidenced in our community and across others.”
“Don’t lose sight of this: these are the sons and daughters of Louisville and Kentucky,” he said. “We owe it to each other to have each other’s back on this.”
Please click the following links to access pertinent resources:
- Presentation from Gov. Bevin’s “Reclaiming Our Communities” message
- Maps of Louisville-Jefferson County homicides: 2015 | 2016 | 2015-17
- Listing of potential Louisville-Jefferson County neighborhood blocks to “adopt”
“Do we still need economic, political and law enforcement solutions? Of course we do,” noted Gov. Bevin. “This will not take their place but we feel it will make a real difference.”
For more information or to commit to “adopt” a block, please contact Adrienne Southworth at reclaim@ky.gov.
Louisville Native David Fenley has underwritten fundamental operational assistance to the LO and the KAF by making it possible for both organizations to secure a professional and functional office. While businesses and corporations often give in-kind donations, Fenley has stepped forward as an individual with an innovative and practical gift.
“The Louisville Orchestra and the Kentucky Author Forum are vital parts of our community and I felt it was incumbent upon me to help bring their goals and dreams to fruition by doing what I could to help,” said David Fenley, prominent entrepreneur and businessman. “What the LO is doing is changing the orchestral environment, and I want to do what I can to support them.”
The LO and KAF have moved administrative offices into the sixth floor of the Doe Anderson Building at 620 West Main Street. The 8,500 square foot office space is a benefit to the administrative operations of both groups because of the proximity to the Kentucky Center for the Arts (KCA). The new space also allows a consolidation of the LO production department by bringing the orchestra’s music library and librarian from a basement location in the KCA.
“We wish to thank David Fenley for his vision and generous sponsorship which allowed the Louisville Orchestra to move and operate on Main Street.” said Andrew Kipe, Executive Director of the Louisville Orchestra. “When David heard that we desired to be on Main Street, he immediately became involved in making it financially possible for us. Our relocation would not have been possible without his help and we are truly grateful for his patronage.”
The LO had been working from ArtSpace at 323 West Broadway since 2008. That office was subsidized and controlled by the Fund for the Arts and enabled collaboration with
other arts groups like Kentucky Shakespeare and Kentucky Opera. As the LO staff has grown and the organization has developed, proximity to the performance venue on Main Street became a greater imperative for the LO.
Mary Moss Greenebaum, founder and producer of the University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum states: “Finding our new home with the Louisville Orchestra seemed a natural liaison. The music of composers and the words of authors should cohabit amicably. Further, the Orchestra and the Kentucky Author Forum are linked by two other commonalities: overflow audiences in our own community and a presence in the national cultural conversation.”
The LO Box Office is open to patrons Monday through Friday from 9AM – 5PM. The University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum 2017-2018 season will be announced in the Fall. Open houses will be announced throughout the summer.
The new address of the Louisville Orchestra and the University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum is:
620 West Main Street Suite 600 Louisville, KY 40202
The Orchestra’s main phone number is the same 502.587.8681. The University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum phone number is also the same 502.589.2884. Websites, individual email addresses, and social media outlets have not changed.
David Fenley is a businessman and entrepreneur that has amassed the largest investment grade portfolio of Class A properties in the state of Kentucky. He is a philanthropist who founded UpstartU program to bring advanced sciences, technology and the arts to children in foster care. Fenley is committed to preserving, protecting and promoting Louisville’s rich arts heritage and the fields of emerging sciences and technology in Louisville. He is a proud father to an exceptional son, Truman.
The University of Louisville Kentucky Author Forum is a non-profit, nationally-recognized literary event. Author Forum programs carefully match an author and interviewer; their hour-long candid conversation takes place before a live audience at The Kentucky Center in Louisville. The event is taped and distributed by KET, airing as the series “Great Conversations” on PBS member stations across the country. Learn More about KAF here: http://www.kentuckyauthorforum.com/
The Louisville Orchestra, under the galvanizing leadership of Music Director Teddy Abrams, performs more than 60 concerts annually throughout the greater Louisville metro. With a primary performance venue of the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts (501 W. Main, downtown Louisville), the LO offers a variety of orchestral concerts including music from the classical tradition, symphony pops, family concerts and a wide range of “cross-over” and non-traditional music of our time. Learn more about the LO here: http://www.louisvilleorchestra.org
Credit: KY State Parks
The grand opening for a new splash pad at E.P. “Tom” State Park will be Saturday, June 3, at 11:30 a.m.
State and local officials will be on hand to open the splash pad. Admission to the pool area will be free from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday. There will be refreshments, music and prizes.
The celebration is being organized by the Tom Sawyer State Park Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the park. The foundation played a critical role in raising the funds that paid for the splash pad.
The youth pool at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park has not been able to open for several years because of federal swimming pool regulations that could not be met. A fund-raising campaign to pay for installation of a splash pad where the youth pool was located was initiated by the park’s foundation board. The funds were raised with the support of Mr. Sawyer’s family and members of the Louisville Metro Council. Construction ensued in summer 2016.
The park is named for Erbon Powers Sawyer, who was a Jefferson County Judge/Executive and local attorney. Daughters Diane Sawyer and Linda Sawyer Frankel are longtime supporters of the park as was their late mother, Jean Sawyer Hayes.
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is a 580-acre park within the urban landscape of the city of Louisville and serves as the only state park within Jefferson County. Recreational facilities include an Olympic-size outdoor pool; fully functional gymnasium with basketball, badminton and pickleball courts; athletic fields for soccer, lacrosse and flag football; a three-field softball complex; tennis courts; archery range; radio controlled airfield; and BMX bicycle track.
Meeting space is available with small classrooms in the administrative building or the large reception hall and conference room found at the Sawyer Hayes Community Center. The park also has three picnic shelters.
Gov. Matt Bevin today made the following appointments to Kentucky Boards and Commissions:
Bari Ann Lewis and Brett Bachmann have been appointed to the Institute for Aging. Dr. William Michael Mansfield has been reappointed.
- Bari Ann Lewis, of Louisville, is director of education and advocacy at the Alzheimer’s Association. She shall serve for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2019.
- Brett Bachmann, of Louisville, is CEO of the Heuser Hearing Institute. He shall serve for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2019.
- Dr. William Michael Mansfield, of Louisville, is a dentist and educator. He shall serve for a term expiring Sept. 1, 2019.
The Institute for Aging advises the Secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and other officials on policy matters relating to the development and delivery of services for the aged.
As school wraps up for the summer, Mayor Greg Fischer is reminding parents and caregivers that there are plenty of learning opportunities for Louisville students of all ages over the next three months.
During a news conference at the Newburg Library, the Mayor and others outlined a number of programs designed to keep kids engaged and prevent summer learning loss, including the Louisville Free Public Library’s Summer Reading program, and the 2017 Cultural Pass — presented by Churchill Downs in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, the library, the Arts and Culture Alliance and the Fund for the Arts.
“As parents, we all know that a week or so after classes end, the kids complain, ‘I’m bored!’ Well, there is no reason for any young person in Louisville to be bored this summer,” the Mayor said. “Thanks to partners like Churchill Downs, there is a long list of activities and learning opportunities to keep kids engaged.”
And in celebration of both the Library’s Summer Reading Program and the Cultural Pass, the Mayor announced, the Main Library will host the Super Summer Reading Kickoff and Cultural Pass Showcase on Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. This free, family-friendly event will offer a plethora of activities, performances, and crafts featuring more than two dozen members of the Arts and Culture Alliance. Participating groups will include the Louisville Zoo, Kentucky Science Center, Frazier History Museum, Kentucky Shakespeare, and more. For more information, please visit LFPL.org/Kids or call (502) 574-1620.
The Cultural Pass supports and encourages lifelong learning by providing free access to 38 of Greater Louisville’s arts and cultural institutions for children and young adults to age 21. The Pass is valid from June 3 to Aug. 12 for one-time general admission at each of the participating institutions.
“The Cultural Pass is an incredible asset for our city,” said Churchill Downs Inc. CEO Bill Carstanjen. “Churchill Downs is proud to sponsor such an important endeavor that enriches our great city.”
“The Cultural Pass turns our world-class arts and cultural institutions into summer classrooms for our community’s children and families,” said Christen Boone, Fund for the Arts President and CEO. “Churchill Downs’ support has been remarkable as we work together to reduce barriers to the arts for every child, parent and citizen of our community.”
The 2017 Cultural Pass and Summer Reading materials are available now at any Louisville Free Public Library branch and any Metro Louisville Community Center.
Pass holders can register and track the progress of their Cultural Pass online at www.lfpl.org/culturalpass and are encouraged to visit as many venues as they are able during the summer. Children with 5 or more documented visits receive a Cultural Pass giveaway prize and will be entered into a drawing to win additional prizes, including a free stay at 21C Museum Hotel, tickets to area performances like The Christmas Carol at Actors Theatre or Louisville Ballet’s Nutcracker, family memberships to Bernheim Forest, the Frazier History Museum, Gheens Science Hall and Planetarium, and more.
“The Arts and Culture Alliance is delighted to once again participate in this program, providing access to our arts and cultural organizations for thousands of youth in our area,” said Kim Baker, President and CEO of the Kentucky Center, and Chair of the ACA Executive Committee. “Our participating members look forward to providing memorable experiences this summer as we work together to make our community a vibrant place to live, learn, work and play. We’re grateful to Churchill Downs, Fund for the Arts and Louisville Metro for this unique opportunity.”
To learn more about the Cultural Pass, please visit www.fundforthearts.org/2017culturalpass.
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Major improvements to A.B. Sawyer Park, including the installation of a new playground, picnic shelter and a newly configured parking area, will begin this week. The work, which will significantly improve the park, especially the areas used by Lyndon Recreation will last through late summer.
The project, which is expected to begin Tuesday, May 30, is the first of several phases of work recommended by Metro Parks and Recreation through its master plan for A.B. Sawyer Park completed in 2012. The A. B. Sawyer Greenway, another project proposed by the park master plan, is currently in design.
The project was also advocated and funded by Metro Council members Marilyn Parker (District 18), Angela Leet (District 7) and Glen Stuckel (District 17). Since 2014, the Metro Council has allocated $1.3 million towards this project, with additional funding for other adjacent projects planned in the coming months. Council members Parker, Leet and Stuckel have been tremendous supporters of Lyndon Recreation and making these needed improvements to A.B. Sawyer Park.
“A.B. Sawyer Park serves so many of our families throughout the year. The park is adjacent to the NE YMCA, the future site of our newest Regional Library and an ideal location for persons wishing to get a little exercise during a lunch break. The planning for this project has included all users of the park and will transform this into a much more safe and user friendly jewel for the community.” – Metro Councilwoman Marilyn Parker.
The project is overseen by the Metro Parks Planning, Design and Construction Division with Element Design collaborating as the Landscape Architectural consultant.
Work occurring within the Lyndon Recreation use area includes the construction of a new playground, picnic shelter, pedestrian entry and walkway, walking path to the Northeast YMCA and a newly configured parking lot. The park entry drive from Whipps Mill Road will also be relocated.
“It’s exciting to see the work at A.B. Sawyer commence, and know this initial work is the start of bigger and better things to come,” said Seve Ghose, Metro Parks and Recreation Director. “We hope those who use the park enjoy the improvements and thank Councilwoman Parker and Lyndon Recreation for their partnership.”
Construction is expected to be completed in late summer or early fall of this year. The Lyndon Recreation parking area will be closed intermittently during the construction period. Park visitors are encouraged to allow extra time to park and enter the site.
“As with any project of this size, there will be inconveniences. We apologize in advance for any disruption or distraction,” said Nathan Moore, Lyndon Recreation Board President, “You may have to walk slightly further from your parking spot or park in a different lot for a couple months, but we assure you, once completed, you will agree that the improvements were worth a couple months of changed behavior.”
Additional parking will be available after 5 p.m. at the Plaza III parking area at 9520 Ormsby Station Rd. as well as the YMCA lot next to the football field. All other A.B. Sawyer Park and Lyndon Recreation facilities will remain open during construction.
The construction area will be fenced, and parking spaces and sidewalk areas will occasionally close to accommodate equipment and delivery during the construction hours of Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 4;30 p.m. and some Saturday hours. Lyndon Recreation encourages parents to ensure children are not playing in or around the construction site while work is underway.
For more information about the Lyndon Recreation A.B. Sawyer Park construction project, call 502-648-6534. For more information about the A.B. Sawyer Park Master Plan, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/ab-sawyer-master-plan.
Spring and summer are great times to focus on health and fitness and Neighborhood Place partners have lined up events that do just that including a Fruit and Boot Camp, a Healthy Living Club and a Diabetes Self-Management Series. To learn more about these offerings and other valuable workshops, please refer to the list below.
June 1, 8 and 20, Work and Learn Program for K-TAP Recipients Info Session
Call 502-213-2149 for more information. Individuals who are receiving K-TAP who are interested in completing their GED or upgrading their skills in preparation for college enrollment are invited to stop by and talk with case managers from the Work and Learn program. Find out how to earn an hourly wage at an approved job site and upon completion of your GED, and receive a cash bonus.
- June 1, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- June 8, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- June 20, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 12 – 2 p.m.
June 5 and 12, Couponing Support Group at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 to register or for more information. Learn tips and money saving ideas to help build extra financial wealth in using coupons while grocery shopping.
June 1, 5, 7, 8, 13 and 14, LG&E WeCare Energy Efficiency Overview
Call 1-800-356-5467 for more information. Representatives from the WeCare Program at LG&E will be on hand to talk with interested persons about energy efficiency, energy usage and tips to reduce utility bills. WeCare staff can also help determine if households are eligible for a variety of free services including air duct sealing and insulation, attic and wall insulation, programmable thermostats and much more.
- June 1, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, Valley Site, 10200 Dixie Hwy., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- June 5, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- June 7 and 14, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- June 8 and 13, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
June 6 and 13, Fruit and Boot Camp at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 629-5437 (KIDS) for registration or more information. Join us for this fun two-week series designed to teach you and your school-age children how to eat right and stay active together. Each week adults and kids will practice making a healthy food item and participate in an exercise activity that can be done anywhere. All physical fitness levels are welcome. Children must be age 5 or older and one parent or guardian must be present and participate with every two children registered.
June 6, Car Seat Fitting at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9 – 11 a.m. (by appointment only)
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 629-7358 to schedule an appointment. Norton’s Children’s Hospital will provide a car seat check fitting station to teach how to properly install your child’s car seat or booster seat or to find out if it’s time for a change.
June 7 and 21, Legal Aid Office Hours at South Central Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 485-7130 for more information. A Legal Aid Society staff member will be on hand to answer questions, talk about cases that Legal Aid handles and provide referrals.
June 7, 8, 14, and 22, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower
RSVP is required to Mendy Mason at 502-341-5400 or mmason@sevencounties.org. 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.
- June 7, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. 1 – 3 p.m.
- June 8, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 1 – 3 p.m.
- June 14, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 1 – 3 p.m.
- June 22, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
June 7, 14, & 21, Diabetes Self-Management Class Series Cane Run Neighborhood Place, 2 – 4:30 p.m.
Located at 3410 Lees Lane next to Farnsley Middle School. Registration is required by calling 574-6663. Whether you are recently diagnosed or have had diabetes for years and need a refresher, this three-part series is for you. Topics include what diabetes is and is not, glucose monitoring, problem solving, healthy eating, medication management, sick day management, healthy exercise, goal setting, and more. Sponsored by Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness.
June 12, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at South Central Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 574-4516 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. .
June 12, Diabetes Awareness and Basic Nutrition at First Neighborhood Pace, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. Call 313-4700 for more information. This class is designed to raise awareness of diabetes, help inform those who have been recently diagnosed or who are at risk, as well as provide a refresher course on how to manage your condition for those who or have been diabetic for years. Sponsored by Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness.
June 13, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. 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 training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
June 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.
June 13, Healthy Living Club at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 363-1483 for more information. Join the support group 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.
June 14, 20, 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 and to assist in scheduling appointments for dental needs or for pediatric health needs.
- June 14, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Road (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 1 – 3 p.m.
- June 20, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- June 28, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- June 28, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, Valley Site, 10200 Dixie Hwy., 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
June 15, Choices Domestic Violence Educational Workshop located at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 12 – 3:30 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 to register. The workshop is facilitated by the Center for Women and Families’ domestic violence advocates, a psycho-educational group for women, men, and teens who have experienced abuse in their intimate relationships. The objectives of the group are to raise awareness about intimate partner violence and the supportive services that are available; support and encourage participants’ healing and reconciliation of their experiences; and to prepare the participants to practice self-care and engage in healthy relationships going forward.
June 23, American Red Cross Blood Drive at Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Located at the East Government Center, 200 Juneau Drive, Ste 200. Csll 574-8147 with any questions. Giving blood is a simple thing to do, but it can make a big difference in the lives of others. Help us exceed our goal of 25 participants by spreading the word to friends and family members.