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As a way to help Metro Police and keep homes and families safe, Councilman Brandon Coan (D-8) and Councilman Bill Hollander (D-9) are partnering with officers of the LMPD Fifth Division to sponsor a Neighborhood Watch Workshop and Drug Toss on Wednesday, May 24th.
This workshop is a focused effort to increase the number of Neighborhood Watch Programs in both districts.
“We are offering citizens the tools and training to help the police keep District 8 safe. My goal is for fifty percent of all the blocks in District 8 to have registered, effective block watches by the end of 2020, and we will host these workshops quarterly until we get there,” says Councilman Coan.
The workshop will be held at the Douglass Community Center Gymnasium beginning at 6:00pm.
“Fighting crime takes everyone – police officers but also engaged residents. Getting involved in a Neighborhood Watch program is a great way to get to know your neighbors, make everyone aware of their surroundings and help our officers prevent and solve crimes,” say Councilman Hollander.
The event will teach individuals how to organize effective block watches and mobilize neighborhoods to work with police to keep everyone safe. Residents and business owners will get a chance to meet some of the officers who patrol their area while they train on how to form a good neighborhood watch program.
The workshop will also provide an opportunity for citizens to drop off old and unneeded prescription drugs to LMPD at the event for safe disposal.
For more information about the Neighborhood Block Watch and Drug Toss, contact Councilman Coan’s office at 574-1108 or Councilman Hollander’s officer at 574-1109.
Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps congratulates Anna-Maria Beck, 17 (center) and Andrew Dunn, 14 (right), both of Louisville, on being named Kentucky’s top two youth volunteers for 2017 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Anna-Maria and Andrew were honored at a ceremony on Sunday, May 7 at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, where they each received a $1,000 award. (PRNewsfoto/Prudential Insurance)
Barret Traditional Middle School student Andrew Dunn was recently honored in the nation’s capital for his outstanding volunteer service during the 22nd annual presentation of The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Dunn – along with 100 other top youth volunteers from across the country – received a $1,000 award and personal congratulations from Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps at a ceremony and gala dinner reception held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), named Dunn Kentucky’s top middle level youth volunteer in February. In addition to his cash award, he received an engraved silver medallion and an all-expense-paid trip with a parent to Washington, D.C., for four days of recognition events.
Dunn started a citywide campaign to mobilize students and other community members to perform random acts of kindness throughout the year. He got the idea four years ago when his parents set up an Advent calendar that challenged him to do something nice for someone every day in December. He came up with ideas such as anonymously leaving donuts for neighbors. “This got me thinking about the impact we could have if I could get all my friends involved,” he said.
Calling his campaign RAK Louisville (“Random Acts of Kindness”), he set up a website, app and social media offering ideas on how to make a positive difference in someone’s day, and talked to friends, classmates, neighbors and his soccer team about his project. Dunn worked with the mayor’s office to have December 23 proclaimed as Random Acts of Kindness Louisville Day, and two TV stations interviewed him. Today, he and the RAK Club at his school identify student-friendly service opportunities throughout the year and mobilize individuals and teams to work on a variety of projects, many of which benefit organizations serving homeless and other people in need. One of their bigger projects was organizing a Thanksgiving dinner for 168 homeless people. Dunn said he hopes RAK will expand beyond Louisville’s borders. “People want to serve but they just don’t know how to start,” he said.
“These honorees have done exemplary work to contribute to the health and vitality of their communities, and we look forward to seeing the great things they achieve in the future,” said John Strangfeld, chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, Inc. “Congratulations to each of these extraordinary young volunteers.”
“It’s a privilege to celebrate these students not only for outstanding volunteer service, but for the example they’ve set for their peers,” said Jayne Ellspermann, president of NASSP. “These honorees prove that one person truly can make a difference.”
Youth volunteers in grades 5-12 were invited to apply for 2017 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards last fall through schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of the HandsOn Network. More than 31,000 middle level and high school students nationwide participated in this year’s program.
The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program was created in 1995 to identify and recognize young people for outstanding volunteer service – and, in so doing, inspire others to volunteer, too. In the past 22 years, the program has honored more than 120,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.
The Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE) announced the selection of Dr. Martin “Marty” Pollio to serve as acting superintendent of the Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District. Dr. Pollio will officially assume the post on July 2.
“Dr. Pollio is the right person at the right time to steer this district—providing stability and direction while giving the board time to name a superintendent,” said Board Chair Chris Brady. “Dr. Pollio has a proven track record of turning around struggling schools, increasing student achievement and helping create and implement career pathways. He’s a proven leader who is respected by his peers and has the skills needed to continue moving our district forward.”
Dr. Pollio began his career with JCPS in 1997 as a social studies teacher at Shawnee High School. He went on to serve as a teacher and assistant principal at Waggener High School before taking the helm as principal of Jeffersontown High School from 2007–2015. Dr. Pollio is currently the principal of Doss High School and is taking a leave of absence from that position while he serves the district as acting superintendent.
“For 20 years, I’ve dedicated my career to serving the students of JCPS,” Dr. Pollio said. “It is an honor to serve as the acting superintendent, and I appreciate the work of the district’s 15,000 employees who make learning possible every day. I will work to build a positive culture and climate by creating healthy learning environments in each school that empower teachers to keep our focus on the most important people we serve—our students.”
Dr. Pollio received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and his master’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University. He earned his doctorate from the University of Louisville in 2012.
The board will continue its search for a permanent superintendent. The process is expected to take at least six months.
The sounds of summer return to Freedom Hall in August for the star-studded Kentucky State Fair Main Stage concert series. Three nights of music, ranging from country to hip-hop, offers something for everyone at the annual summer festival.
“The Main Stage concert series starts off with fun music from the 90s, and closes with a unique country rock tour right on the dirt in Freedom Hall,” said Jason Rittenberry, President & CEO of Kentucky Venues. “With the tradition of Alabama and newcomer Tucker Beathard in between, we believe this is one of our strongest lineups for the Fair.”
Thursday, August 17 – I Love the 90s Tour featuring Vanilla Ice Featuring some of the most iconic names in rap, hip hop and R&B, this show brings the best acts of the 90s together for what Entertainment Weekly dubbed an “arena-sized dance party.” “I Love the 90s” features Vanilla Ice, Salt N Pepa, Color Me Badd, Coolio, Tone Loc and Young MC.
Dance to favorite songs including “Ice Ice Baby,” “All 4 Love” and “Gangsta’s Paradise.” The awardwinning artists have collected numerous accolades including honors from the American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Grammys. The celebration of 90s nostalgia begins at 7 p.m. and ticket prices start at $37.
Friday, August 18 – Alabama with special Guest Tucker Beathard Alabama, one of the most successful bands in country music, blends traditional country music with a Southern rock sound. With more than 40 No. 1 hits, counting a 21 song streak on the top of the charts, Alabama is known for popular songs including “Tennessee River,” “Love in the First Degree,” “Song of the South” and “Mountain Man.” Alabama has amassed more than 200 awards, making them the most awarded band in country music history. Up-and-coming country music singer Tucker Beathard is currently working on his debut album. Beathard has charted two singles, “Momma and Jesus” and “Rock On” and is gaining a following for his honest songwriting. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and ticket prices start at $32.
Sunday, August 27 – Southern Uprising Tour The Southern Uprising Tour features several defining stars of country music, including Travis Tritt, The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band and Lee Roy Parnell.
Between them, the artists have charted more than 50 songs and are known for recognizable hits such as “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” “Here’s A Quarter,” “Long Haired Country Boy” and “Can’t You See.” Set on the dirt of Freedom Hall, the boot stomping music begins at 6 p.m. and ticket prices start at $32.
Tickets for all three headline concerts go on sale Monday, April 10 at 10 a.m. at the Kentucky Exposition Center Ticket Office and Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices do not include Kentucky State Fair gate admission.
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation is seeking to fill open lifeguard positions at its four outdoor pools; Norton, Algonquin, Sun Valley and at Nelson Hornbeck Park in Fairdale.
In addition to current staff, the Metro Parks and Recreation aquatics division says there’s room for approximately 15 more lifeguards to be hired over the summer.
Metro Parks and Recreation lifeguards start out at $10 per hour. For more information or how to apply, visit here or call the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center at 502/897-9949.
Metro Parks and Recreation lifeguards must:
- Possess and maintain lifeguard certification, CPR and First Aid
- Able to observe swimmers for safety and sit for prolonged periods of time
- Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergency situations
- Able to exercise tact and diplomacy when interacting with the public
Lifeguards who do not meet those qualifications have the opportunity to attend a lifeguard training class from 4-9 p.m. at the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center from Monday, May 22nd to Friday May 26. The cost of the class is $200 – but that fee is waived if upon completion the candidate pledges to work for Metro Parks and Recreation during the 2017 summer outdoor pool season.
For more information on the Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center, Metro Parks and Recreation’s outdoor pools and the city’s spraygrounds and playgrounds, please click here.
The Kentucky State Fair announces the lineup for its Turf Concert Series, which runs throughout the fair, Aug. 17-27. The series features a wide range of musical artists and there’s a different concert every night, for a total of 24 bands. All shows are free with paid admission to the Kentucky State Fair.
Thursday, Aug. 17, 8 p.m.
- “Elvis Extravaganza” recreates the magic and music of the King’s live performances. Recognized as the country’s best Elvis tribute artists, these singers cover his entire career – from the hip-shakin’ 50s to the rhinestone-studded Vegas years. www.elviscontest.com
- Brian, Dale, Mike, Scott and Jamie fly their fan flag in Tribute to “The Statler Brothers.” This heartfelt performance honors the country giants whose careers spanned 47 years, 38 albums and countless music awards. www.therivercityboys.com
Friday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m.
- At 12 years old, Ginuwine was already performing with a local hip-hop group. Skip forward, and it wasn’t long before he had signed a deal with Sony Music. That’s all it took to launch a career filed with multiple double-platinum LPs and hit singles on R&B and pop charts. www.ginuwine.com
- Tony! Toni! Toné! helped define the R&B genre – and their classic songs continue to make rotation on radio stations more than 25 years later. Today the group can be found on the road, performing their hits across the U.S. and around the world. www.tonytonitonemusic.com
Saturday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m.
- Grammy-award winning Blues Traveler covers a lot of ground with their music – blues rock, psychedelic rock, folk rock, soul and Southern rock. After selling millions of records and logging thousands of miles on the road, the band continues to deliver energetic, eclectic live performances. www.bluestraveler.com
Sunday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m.
- A country and gospel quartet, The Oak Ridge Boys have been entertaining Kentucky State Fair audiences for 42 years. The group has scored 12 gold, three platinum and one double platinum album; earned Grammy, Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Awards; and were recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. www.oakridgeboys.com
- Alaska and Madi, a country western duo from Tulsa, have been singing together since they were 11 and 12 years old. Members of “Team Blake” on season 6 of “The Voice,” they can now be found playing stages throughout the U.S. www.alaskaandmadi.com
Monday, Aug. 21, 8 p.m.
- Australian brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone hit the music scene in 2012 as For King & Country, winning fans and Billboard’s New Artists to Watch. If the duo looks familiar, they have performed on “The View,” “The Today Show,” “The Tonight Show” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” www.forkingandcountry.com
- A Christian singer and songwriter, Zach Williams was a member of Zach Williams & The Reformation before going solo in 2016. That same year he released his first single, which reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs Chart. His first full-length album quickly followed. www.zachwilliamsmusic.com
Tuesday, Aug. 22, 8 p.m.
- Hit after hit from the ’60s and ’70s, the Happy Together Tour unites some of the era’s top artists: The Association; Ron Dante of the Archies; The Turtles, featuring Flo and Eddie; The Box Tops; Chuck Negron, formerly of Three Dog Night; The Cowsills and more.
Wednesday, Aug. 23, 8 p.m.
- Raised in Orange Grove, Texas, population 1,200, Chase Bryant has said there were 20 guitars in his town, and he owned all of them. The young guitar player, songwriter and recording artist produces his own music, including a single that landed in the Top 20 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart. www.chasebryant.com
- One of Spotify’s Spotlight on 2016 Country Artists, Dylan Scott’s respect for traditional country, embrace of modern genres, unique voice and warm personality have made him a favorite with fans. His singles rank high on Billboard Charts, with millions of plays via social media and streaming. www.dylanscottcountry.com
- Chris Shrader rocks audiences with a contemporary style that has strong roots in traditional country. His wide range of influences can be heard in his songs and include: Jimi Hendrix and Johnny Cash; Smashing Pumpkins and Hank Williams; and Foo Fighters and Travis Tritt. www.chrisshrader.com
Thursday, Aug. 24, 8 p.m.
- Kentucky-born cellist and composer Ben Sollee has performed at Carnegie Hall, and his music can be heard on TV shows such as “Parenthood” and “Weeds.” He also uses his music to raise awareness and has performed and spoken on sustainability at South by Southwest Music and TEDx San Diego. www.bensollee.com
- Capturing the smooth soul of the ’70s and the hot Miami sound from the early ’80s, Tony and the Tan Lines knows how to get the party started. From Hall and Oates to Huey Lewis and Gloria Estefan to Steely Dan, this group keeps the energy going till the last note is played. www.tonyandthetanlines.com
- 64West began as a duo when University of Kentucky students Aaron Weaver and Bill Yackey played rock, country and R&B shows in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Ohio. The two later added a bassist, guitarist and drummer; and moved from Lexington to Louisville, which is how the band got its name. www.64westband.com
Friday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m.
- Having spent last year on one of country music’s biggest tours – Carrie Underwood’s “The Storyteller” – Easton Corbin is back in the studio working on a new album. The Florida native is known for his traditional country sound, authentic lyrics and mastery of understatement. www.eastoncorbin.com
- A Kentucky native, JD Shelburne grew up on country, gospel and pop rock music. The young musician started playing small bars in Louisville and Lexington before taking the stage at events such as the CMA Music Festival, Quaker State 400 NASCAR Race and NCAA Women’s Final Four. www.jdshelburne.com
Saturday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m.
- Canadian rock band Theory of a Deadman incorporates the musical styles of country and acoustic, postgrunge and alternative rock. The group has racked up eight Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Chart, with two singles reaching number one. www.theoryofadeadman.com
- Each member of Goldy lockS brings their own style to the group, for a fusion of rock, pop, jazz, R&B and heavy metal. They’ve shared the stage with a wide range of artists, including Nickelback, Ted Nugent, Collective Soul, Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, Maroon 5 and Grand Funk Railroad. www.goldylocks.net
Sunday, Aug. 27, 4 p.m.
- Matthew West is an award-winning Christian artist – Dove Award, American Music Award, Billboard Music Award and Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year – plus an Emmy and four-time Grammy nominee. His music has sold more than 1.6 million albums. www.matthewwest.com
- A gospel performer from Tennessee, Colton Dixon started singing when he was 13 years old and placed seventh on the 11th season of “American Idol.” www.coltondixon.com
- Hawk Nelson is a Christian rock and pop punk band. The Canadian group has released seven albums and won multiple GMA Awards. Their songs have also been used in promotions for “American Idol,” the NFL, Nike, JCPenny and the Olympics. www.hawknelson.com
- A Christian performer, Sarah Reeves plays pop and worship style music and has released a number of albums with chart-topping hits. Her popularity is boosted by her YouTube channel which, at last count, had over 13 million views from around the world. www.sarahreevesmusic.com
The Turf Concert Series is held in Cardinal Stadium with seating on the field, which is first-come first-served. Gates open approximately an hour-and-a-half before the music begins.
Develop Louisville will hold nine open house forums for the public to view the work completed to date on the Comprehensive Plan update and provide feedback. Develop Louisville encourages all residents to attend the forums, particularly those who have not yet participated in the Comprehensive Plan update process
“The Comprehensive Plan will shape our city’s growth for the next 20 years, therefore we are soliciting broad and diverse input to help create the plan,” Mayor Greg Fischer said. “I encourage residents from all neighborhoods of our city to attend a forum and share your thoughts on the future of our community.”
Forum locations, dates and times are as follows:
- Monday, May 22: Main Library (301 York Street) from 4-8 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 24: Southwest Library (9725 Dixie Highway) from 6-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 30: Bowman Field (2815 Taylorsville Road) from 6-8 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 31: Sawyer Hayes Community Center (2201 Lakeland Road) from 6-8 p.m.
- Saturday, June 3: The Table (1800 Portland Avenue) from 9-11 a.m.
- Monday, June 5: Fern Creek High School (9115 Fern Creek Road) from 6-8 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 6: The Jeffersonian (10617 Taylorsville Road) from 6-8 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 7: Shively Community Center (1902 Park Rd) from 6-8 p.m.
- Saturday, June 17: Sir Friendly C Community Center (822 S 15th Street) from 1-4 p.m.
The Comprehensive Plan will guide the growth of the community for the next 20 years and serves as the basis for land use and transportation policies. This update will build upon the success of Cornerstone 2020, the current comprehensive plan, and will be informed by recent planning initiatives, including Vision Louisville, Move Louisville, Healthy Louisville 2020, and Sustain Louisville.
To date, the Comprehensive Plan team has held or been a part of over 100 meetings and events to gather input from the community. Examples of outreach include meetings with an Advisory Committee, work groups, suburban communities, neighborhood groups and business organizations.
For information on the Comprehensive Plan, please visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/planning-design/comprehensive-plan
