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Louisville Parks and Recreation is accepting team registrations for its adult men’s winter basketball leagues. Games will be played Sunday afternoons at the Cyril Allgeier Community Center, 4101 Cadillac Court, beginning January 6, with game times of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 p.m.
The fee is $500 per team, and participants must be 18 or older. Deadline to register is December 15, or until leagues are filled.
For more information on how to register, please click here. Payments can be made by credit card over the phone at 502/574-4515. You may also pay by cash or check at the Parks and Recreation athletics office located at the Cyril Allgeier Center, 4101 Cadillac Ct., 40213.
Payment must be made in full at the time of registration in order to reserve your place for the season. Registrations received after deadline will be subject to $35 processing late fee.
All information concerning league offerings, rules, and team roster sheets can be found here. For more information, e-mail athletics at athletics@louisvilleky.gov or call 502/574-4515.
The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum (SAWF) welcomed more than 150 middle school girls from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and Clark County, Indiana, on November 13 to its All Girls Auto Know program at the Kentucky Science Center. All Girls Auto Know is a one-day event where SAWF invites middle school girls, along with educator chaperones, to explore the many opportunities that are available to each of them through STEM education and in the automotive industry.
During the event, girls from Knight Middle School and Thomas Jefferson Middle School worked on a hands-on STEM activity and had the opportunity to speak to representatives from automotive manufacturers, automotive suppliers and college training programs. Nearly 2,000 girls from South Carolina and Alabama have participated in this program since its inception in 2011. This is the first time the program has been brought to Kentucky.
“We are excited to bring this program to Kentucky,” said Tami Hatfield, Labor Relations Supervisor for Ford Motor Company at the Louisville Assembly Plant. “There are many opportunities for careers in automotive and it is important that we introduce girls to them.”
Ford Motor Company is the principal sponsor of the All Girls Auto Know event in Kentucky with additional support by the Kentucky Girls STEM Collaborative, Ivy Tech Community College Southern Indiana and Frost Brown Todd LLC.
The Southern Automotive Women’s Forum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the personal and professional advancement of women in the auto industry.
Mayor Greg Fischer announced today that the city’s largest and most beloved holiday event, Light Up Louisville, returns for the 38th year on Nov. 23, outside of Metro Hall in Jefferson Square.
Light Up Louisville is the official starting point for the holiday season in Louisville. This event has become a holiday tradition for scores of residents and their visiting friends and family. It is a day full of excitement, entertainment and community.
“Light Up Louisville is the perfect way for our city to usher in the holidays,” said Mayor Fischer. “After a big Thanksgiving meal the day before, grab your kids and relatives and join us outside for some fresh air, fun and fireworks!”
Light Up Louisville, always held the Friday after Thanksgiving, begins at 4 p.m., with children and families invited to take part in Santa’s Workshop, located this year in decorated chalets on Fifth and Jefferson streets. There, children can decorate cookies, write letters to Santa and send holiday cards to our troops, courtesy of Ford/UAW 862.
There will be a vendor village at Sixth and Jefferson streets, with holiday crafts, treats and gifts for sale. And the Louisville Visitor Center on Fourth and Jefferson will be open during Light Up Louisville, offering giveaways, treats and activities.
There will not be an outdoor ice rink this year, but Light Up has added a 15-passenger train that children can ride around the block from Fifth and Jefferson to Market at no cost.
The main Light Up Louisville stage on the west lawn of Metro Hall will feature live entertainment beginning at 4 p.m. until the start of the Lots of Lights parade at 6:30 p.m. Performances include some of Louisville’s most talented groups, including Six Steps to Heaven, Envy Dance Team, Classic Melodies “Top Note” and Motown Christmas. Stephen Gould will headline the stage before the start of the parade.
The Lots of Lights Parade starts at Fourth and Liberty streets and turns onto Jefferson Street and disperses at Seventh and Jefferson streets. Jesse and MJ from 106.9 Play!, Louisville’s official Christmas radio station, will emcee the parade announcements. Various units, including floats, bands, carolers, car clubs, children’s groups and civic organizations, will march through downtown and disperse at Seventh and Jefferson streets. The parade will end with the arrival of a special guest from the North Pole, Santa Claus.
Around 8 p.m., Mayor Fischer and Santa will gather on stage to illuminate the city Christmas tree located in Jefferson Square. The tree was donated by Christ Church United Methodist. The official Light Up moment will feature Zambelli fireworks, lasers and thousands of Christmas lights throughout downtown.
Following the Light Up moment, from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., entertainment on the main stage will resume with a performance from Eight Inch Elvis. Children and families are invited to get a free picture with Santa Claus inside Santa’s House on Fifth and Jefferson streets.
For over 14 years, Light Up Louisville has been made possible through the support of Louisville’s largest utility company, LG&E.
“Light Up Louisville is a wonderful holiday tradition. We are proud and excited to help bring this free family event to our community,” said Paul W. Thompson, chairman, CEO and president of LG&E and KU Energy. “Light Up Louisville is a memory-maker for everyone, and it is another terrific opportunity to showcase all Louisville has to offer.”
“Louisville is known across the world for its unique festivals and events. As the city continues to grow its offerings as a regional destination for the holidays, Light Up Louisville is a great kickoff to the season,” says Karen Williams, President & CEO of Louisville Tourism, silver sponsor of this year’s Light Up Louisville. “This one-of-a-kind, free, family-friendly celebration serves as a great anchor for families to plan a visit around the arts, museums and other local attractions featuring holiday events.”
The holidays are a perfect time to spread a little more compassion. Mayor Fischer asks residents to get involved in this year’s community-wide Toys for Tots drive a week after Light Up, on Friday, November 30. From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day, a special drive-thru lane will be set up in front of Metro Hall for an easy drop-off. Marines will be on site to assist.
Light Up Louisville sponsors include: LG&E, Louisville Tourism, Amazon, AT&T, Ford/UAW 862, Hyatt Regency, MetroPCS, Papa Murphy’s, 106.9 Play!, Louisville Magazine, Outfront Media, and WLKY.
Special thanks to ABCO Bramer Crane Services, Bob Ray Tree Company, Costco, Electrical Maintenance, Heine Brothers Metro Parks and Recreation and Sunbelt Rentals.
Mayor Fischer urges people to share their photos from Light Up Louisville on social media using the hashtag #AroundLou.
For more information, go to: www.lightuplouisville.org.
For the fourth year in a row, the Louisville Orchestra, led by Dr. Kent E. Hatteberg, will present Handel’s Messiah in several locations throughout the community this holiday season. On Thursday, November 29 at 7:30PM, the traditional Christmas selections of the work will be performed at the Cathedral of the Assumption in the heart of the city on South Fifth Street. A second performance will be held at Harvey Browne Presbyterian Church in St. Matthews on Friday, November 30 at 7:30PM. The final presentation will be in Harrods Creek at St. Francis in the Fields Episcopal Church on Saturday, December 1 at 7:30PM.
The University of Louisville’s Kent Hatteberg leads the LO, the Louisville Chamber Choir, and a quartet of talented soloists in the seasonal classic that has inspired music lovers around the world.
General Admission tickets are $35 + tax in advance and are available by calling 502.584.7777 or online at LouisvilleOrchestra.org. Tickets will also be available at the door for $40 one-hour prior to each performance where cash or check will be preferred.
Mayor Greg Fischer and officials with the University of Louisville and Centerstone Kentucky announced today that the city has been awarded a $5 million, five-year federal grant to launch an initiative to promote resilience and equity for Louisville families and young people most affected by trauma, inequity and violence.
The Mayor’s Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods will manage the Trauma Resilient Community Initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in partnership with U of L’s Kent School of Social Work and Centerstone Kentucky.
The initiative will use a community-based approach to build a “trauma-informed” system of care and services to children and families exposed to violence. The effort is meant to increase the knowledge and skills of people who respond to, make referrals and provide services to youth and families affected by violence, trauma and racial inequity.
“Louisville is a compassionate city, and compassion requires that we work to remove barriers and create opportunities so that every citizen has the ability to reach their full human potential,” Mayor Fischer said. “This initiative is another tool we can use to dismantle the very real barriers of violence, trauma and racial inequity.”
The partners aim to provide trauma treatment to 400 children and their families in west and south Louisville, where data shows that youth and families are disproportionately affected by trauma, violence and systematic inequities. The initiative also involves training 200 clinicians in trauma interventions, and 200 first responders, volunteers and community service providers in a special first-aid approach to youth mental health.
Another 40 service providers, public school officials and leaders will be trained in a trauma-resilient approach through the initiative, which will also share the trauma-care information to 50 community agencies serving youth and families and develop a leadership advisory board to increase awareness of trauma and its effects. The initiative includes evaluation of its consumer impact.
“Our city has made significant gains towards deepening our understanding and ability to make progress against complex challenges like violence and racial inequity. This opportunity allows us to elevate a system that does not just focus on the individual, but organizations, systems, and community as part of the healing process,” said Rashaad Abdur-Rahman, Director of the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods.
“At Centerstone Kentucky, we are proud to partner with SAMSHA, The Mayor’s Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods and the U of L Kent School of Social Work to provide evidence-based trauma-informed care, creating stronger neighborhoods across our community”, said Dr. Anthony Zipple, President & CEO, Centerstone Kentucky.
“To help people traumatized by violence, it’s so important to use an approach that fully takes into account their circumstances,” said Dr. Jennifer Middleton, associate professor of social work at the Kent School. “The Kent School of Social Work’s researchers are pleased to be partners in this federally funded effort to aid people in ways that are sensitive to their needs and based on proven methods – and to help train members of our community to continue that care.”
For more information, contact Rashaad Abdur-Rahman, Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, 502-574-2029, or Jennifer Middleton, Kent School of Social Work, 502-852-3651.
The Metro Council’s Public Works, Facilities, Transportation and Accessibility Committee will hold the last of two public hearings on the proposed Itinerant Vendors, Peddlers and Solicitors Ordinance this Tuesday, November 13th at its regularly scheduled meeting beginning at 3:00pm.
“At the first hearing, we heard from those vendors who are currently regulated by Metro Louisville to give us their input on what has been proposed,” says Councilman Pat Mulvihill (D-10), who chairs the Committee. “We are ready to hear and receive input from anyone else who has an interest regarding the regulation of these types of vendors.”
The second hearing will be held in the Council Chambers, 601 West Jefferson Street, 3rd floor.
“The Committee welcomes all viewpoints on this legislation. As we have said before we are taking the time necessary to make sure we have a good ordinance. After these two hearings we will begin to move forward with a final product,” says Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4).
Mulvihill and Sexton Smith are cosponsors of the Ordinances along with Council members Brandon Coan (D-8) and Scott Reed (R-16).
Signups for those wishing to address the Public Works, Facilities, Transportation and Accessibility Committee begin one hour prior to the start of the hearing on the 3rd floor of City Hall.
Speakers are called in order of signup and have up to three minutes to make comments. Written testimony can be turned in during the meeting and occasionally, speakers are asked questions by the Committee members.
Speakers may use the Sixth Street entrance to Historic City Hall.
All meetings are carried live on Metro TV, Spectrum Cable Channel 184 or on UVERSE at Channel 99. All meetings of the Metro Council are streamed live. Go to the Metro Council Home page at www.Louisvilleky.gov/metrocouncil and click on the Metro Council Agendas link.
To access the new page that explains the proposed changes in the Itinerate Vendors, Peddlers and Solicitors Ordinance, go to: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/metro-council/proposed-changes-itine…
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
An African American pioneer for civil rights in Louisville will be honored with an honorary sign to commemorate her life and legacy.
On Monday November 12th Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) will join the family and friends of the Alberta Odell Jones and unveil an honorary sign at the corner of Dr. W.J. Hodge Street and West Broadway for her work toward fairness and equality for all in Metro Louisville.
“Alberta Jones was a true champion of civil rights and her legacy is showcased by the many people she helped through the legal system and working to ensure they were defended and counted in our democracy,” says Sexton Smith.
She was born in Louisville to Sadie and Odell Jones and graduated from Central High School. She later attended the Louisville Municipal College for Negroes, which later merged with the University of Louisville during desegregation. After graduating third in her class, she was accepted into the University of Louisville Law School but transferred to Howard University’s School of Law after her first year and while there graduated fourth in her class.
Ms. Jones was also Cassius Clay’s first attorney, and was responsible for having him train in California under Archie Moore.
Her work in the civil rights movement led her to not only participate in the March on Washington and the marches in Louisville, but she also rented voting machines and held classes to teach African Americans how to vote for the candidates of their choice, and later established the Independent Voters Association.
Sadly her dedication to others was cut short when she was murdered in August 1965 and the case remains unsolved to this day.
“We on the Metro Council and as a city are grateful to Ms. Jones for her service and the changes she fought for,” says Sexton Smith. “She left her mark on this city and it is our hope this sign will serve as a reminder that one person can make the world a better place for all.”
Councilwoman Sexton Smith sponsored the Resolution which called for the placement of an honorary street sign on the corner of South Dr. W.J. Hodge Street and West Broadway in Louisville, Kentucky to be designated “Honorary Alberta Jones Esq. Boulevard.”
The unveiling ceremony will take place at 1:00pm at the corner of South Dr. W.J. Hodge Street and West Broadway.
