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Photo: Louisville Metro Council
Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) is inviting everyone to come out and share their thoughts and ideas on the proposed Fairdale Village Center Planning Project at a special community workshop on Tuesday, July 31.
“The Fairdale Village Center is a unique, vibrant, and attractive neighborhood center proposal that is both a gateway to the Jefferson Memorial Forest and a destination unto itself,” says Welch. “This workshop is a way to learn more about the project and at the same time gives the community the chance to offer their thoughts on what Fairdale should like in the future.”
The community workshop will be held at the Fairdale Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library at 10620 W. Manslick Rd. from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. This will be an open house forum with presentations on the Fairdale Village Center at 4:00pm and 6:00pm.
With the construction of the Fairdale Roundabout, Welch says this project will seek to build on the area’s momentum. It will further develop Fairdale’s unique sense of place, enhance the village center’s green space and green infrastructure, explore opportunities for economic development, and plan for upgrades to the area’s streets and sidewalks.
“The future development of Fairdale is one of my top priorities because this is home to generations of families. This project will build upon the recommendations of the 2006 Fairdale Neighborhood Plan,” says Welch. “I want the community to get involved and express their thoughts on what makes Fairdale special and how we can continue to improve the quality of life for everyone.”
This process is being managed by Louisville Metro’s Office of Advanced Planning and a team of local consultants from Taylor, Siefker, Williams Design Group. The focus area is primarily composed of the Fairdale Village Center Form District with further attention being given to the major roads leading up to the new roundabout. The project is anticipated to take about six months.
For more information about the Community Workshop, contact Councilwoman Welch’s office at 574-1113.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
In the days before YouTube, Netflix and Pay per View, there was one special place in Louisville’s South End to take the family out for a movie and you didn’t have to get out of the car.
On Tuesday, July 31st Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), the Kentucky Historical Society and representatives of the Iroquois Neighborhood Association will dedicate the Commonwealth’s newest Historical Marker at the Kenwood Drive In.
“Sixty nine years ago, the Kenwood Drive In held its Grand Opening and for those of us who grew up in South Louisville and the surrounding area, the Kenwood was the place to go for a fun time with friends and family,” says Welch. “So many people have great memories of the movies shown here and the fun it was to just get in the car, place a speaker on your window, grab some popcorn and watch movies under the stars. From my own family, four generations have enjoyed movies at the Kenwood Drive In.”
The official dedication ceremony will begin at 12:00 noon.
When the Kenwood opened on July 31st, 1949, “El Paso” starring John Payne, Sterling Hayden and Gail Russell was the featured movie of the night.
The Kenwood Drive In Ceremony will be held at 7001 Southside Drive at the entry to the old location which is now Kenwood Business Park.
Afternoon Lecture Series
Sandy Staebell: Faces and Places in Kentucky Quilts
Wednesday, August 1, 1:15 pm
Quilts and other textiles frequently use faces and places that are tied to memory and provide a sense of identity, family, or place. In some, these images were based on real-life individuals such as President George Washington and Kentuckians Henry Clay, George Rogers Clark, and Robert Penn Warren, while in others they were inspired by fictional characters such as Don Quixote or children, real or imagined. Examples of “places” found in textiles include state quilts, governmental buildings, churches, and honeymoon cottages.
Sandy Staebell is the Registrar and Collections Curator at the Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University. This program was funded in part by the Kentucky Humanities Council, Inc. and the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The Locust Grove Afternoon Lecture Series is held the first Wednesday of each month. Dessert and coffee are served at 1:00 pm with the lecture immediately following at 1:15 pm. Admission is $6, $4 for Locust Grove members. Reservations are not required.
The Summer Used Book Sale
Friday, August 17, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 18 and Sunday, August 19, 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
The region’s best book sale! 25,000+ used, antiquarian, and new books in all categories will be offered for sale. All categories-history, biography, mysteries, reference, science fiction, travel, cookbooks, children’s, Kentucky, romance, crafts, gardening, and much, much, more! Prices begin at $1 for paperbacks, and $2 for most hardcover books, with a large selection of illustrated books, rare books, and sets, priced individually. A special selection of remainders will be on sale, selected by the former Hawley-Cooke remainders buyer. All books are sorted by category and are in good condition. Because of the volume of donations, books may be added to the display during the sale. Special discounts on Sunday.
Members’ Preview: Thursday, August 16, 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Locust Grove members get the first look at the Summer Used Book Sale. Memberships can be purchased at the door at the preview, or in advance online at our membership page or by calling Locust Grove at 502-897-9845.
Summer Thursday Concert Series with Kentucky Opera
Locust Grove and Opera: A Musical Timeline
Thursday, August 30, 6:30 pm
Enjoy your opera favorites as explored through the history of Locust Grove. Settler William Croghan was calling Louisville home by 1784. That same year, Mozart became a Freemason in Austria, personally adapting ideals that not only influenced the American Founding Fathers, but would later embed themselves in his acclaimed opera, The Magic Flute. When The Magic Flute premiered a few years later in 1792, Italian opera legend Gioacchino Rossini was born in Italy, and back in Kentucky, William and Lucy Clark Croghan were building their home, Locust Grove. The Croghan family sold the land to riverboat captain James Paul in 1878, when productions of Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S Pinafore premiered in the states, inspiring great interest in light opera throughout the country. When the site was purchased by Jefferson County and the Commonwealth of Kentucky and subsequently restored and opened to the public in 1964, Kentucky Opera was producing Bizet’s Carmen, Mozart’s Cosi fan Tutte and Verdi’s Rigoletto.
Admission: $16/$14 for members. Doors open at 6:00 pm; performance begins at 6:30 pm. Bring your own blankets and chairs. Against the Grain Brewery and Sweet ‘N Savory Food Truck will sell concessions.
Young African American men who are committed to self-improvement and building new skills will have the opportunity to prepare for careers in public service through the THRIVE Fellowship, a new program being offered through the Louisville Metro Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods.
The THRIVE Fellowship is a privately funded community leadership/civic engagement initiative designed in partnership with Cities United, an organization created by mayors across the U.S. to stop the loss of life due to violence. It is funded by the William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust, a private foundation that awards grants to educational and social justice initiatives in communities throughout North Carolina, New York, Florida, Kentucky, and beyond.
“This is another example of our city developing compassionate public safety initiatives that support individuals in achieving their full human potential,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “The THRIVE Fellowship will unleash the capacity and ability of these young men to become the next generation of leaders.”
THRIVE Fellowships will be offered to men between the ages of 22 and 26 with misdemeanor convictions resulting from current or previous involvement with the criminal justice system. The Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods is leading the program in cooperation with partners such as New Legacy, HEAT Time, the Louisville Urban League, and 15,000 Degrees.
“No one should be forever defined by their worst mistake,” said Rashaad Abdur-Rahman, director of the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods. “Great things can happen when we create space for leadership, civic engagement, and the desire for public service to flourish.”
Up to 30 THRIVE Fellows will be selected over the next three years. Beginning in September, the first group will start a two-year training and development program. Training topics include civic engagement, leadership development, case management, and workforce training. Fellows will follow a 32-hour schedule, Monday through Friday. Each fellow will receive a stipend to cover housing, food, clothing, daily living expenses, and education/training expenses.
“These fellows will transform the narrative around justice-involved people and help to eliminate harmful stereotypes that hold back far too many,” Abdur-Rahman said.
Applications must be received by 5 p.m., Friday, August 24, 2018.
Applications are available online at https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/4470557/Civic-Engagement-Fellowship-Appli…, or by calling the Office for Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods at (502) 381-9671. Hard copy applications must either be mailed or hand-delivered to Office of Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods, 517 Court Place, Louisville, KY, 40202.
Downloaded applications can be electronically submitted to Amber Burns-Jones, THRIVE Fellowship Coordinator, at Amber.Burns@louisvilleky.gov. Contact Burns-Jones at 502-381-9671
A special guest will be in attendance at this Wednesday’s evening service at First Gethsemane Baptist Church. Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear will be joined by Metro Council President David James (D-6) and Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4).
The Attorney General will be on hand to announce the Church is joining Kentucky’s Opioid Disposal Program.
“We hope the people in the community will come out and learn more about how we can make an impact to keep opioids out of the hands of the unsuspecting,” says James. “General Beshear is taking this program out to the people so they can learn how to protect others from these dangerous drugs.”
Beshear launched the program in August of 2017, and so far it has eliminated more than 2.2 million opioids across Kentucky.
“As we honor and celebrate our seasoned saints this week at First Gethsemane we are delighted to partner with our Attorney General to address the growing problem of drugs, prescription and illegal, getting into the hands of our most vulnerable in our community,” says Dr. T. Vaughn Walker, Senior Pastor. “We as part of the faith community see the absolute necessity of dedicated partnerships from government, the medical community, business and faith families working collaboratively to stop what has become the epidemic cross of racial, cultural, and economic communities.”
With First Gethsemane becoming a partner, the church will distribute 100 safe drug deactivation pouches for use in the community.
“We have seen intense efforts by local, state and federal law enforcement to take drugs off our streets. Now it become our responsibility to make sure the medicine chest in our homes are safe. This program is an effective way to accomplish that goal,” says Sexton Smith.
The Attorney General will be at First Gethsemane tonight, Wednesday July 25th at 6:00pm. The Church is located at 1159 Algonquin Parkway.
Photo: Louisville Metro Council
President David James (D-6) is calling for volunteers to join with the Olmsted Parks Conservancy to help do some community cleanup work at Victory Park on Saturday, July 28th.
“Over the last few years, we have seen a wonderful transformation of Victory Park into a great park for the neighborhood. My office is encouraging everyone to come out and help us maintain the beauty of this nice community park,” says James.
The President and the Olmstead Parks Conservancy will host a volunteer clean up event on Saturday beginning at 10:00am.
Volunteers will do some beautification efforts with landscaping and clean up including painting around the Lodge of the park. Gloves and tools will be provided and volunteers will also be treated to lunch after the cleanup.
“This is a fun event and I would call on everyone who has seen the changes we have made in Victory Park to come and join to keep this park a nice place for everyone to enjoy,” says President James.
If there are volunteers who would like to learn more about this effort, they can go online to www.Olmstedparks.org to register. You can also contact, President James office at 574-1106 for more information.
Neighborhood Place and numerous community partners will offer eight back to school events in late July and early August 2018. These events will provide free school supplies while supplies last as well as a wide range of services and resources to help local youth and families be better prepared for the start of school year.
The bulk of the supplies and funding for these events comes from area businesses, churches, schools and individual donors. To learn more about specific activities, eligibility and other requirements, please refer to list below:
July 26, Back to School Festival at Valley High School, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 10200 Dixie Highway. For more information call 363-1483. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. School supplies and backpacks will be provided while supplies last to families that participate in three, ten-minute “mini-trainings”. Over twenty presenters and more than forty vendors will be at the event plus mascots and lots of hands on fun to help everyone “Unlock Your Superhero Powers”. Sponsored by South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, Cane Run Neighborhood Place, area JCPS Family Resource and Youth Services Centers, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, South Jefferson Community Partnership, Drug-Free Communities Grant, Kidz Club, Kosair Charities, Fairdale Christian Church, Fairdale First Baptist Church and Valley View Church.
Aug. 2, Back To School Festival at the Academy at Shawnee, 1 – 4 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St. For more information call 485-7230. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks and essential grade-appropriate school supplies will be provided while supplies last. Over twenty vendors will be at this event providing essential health, education, and community resources. JCPS Family Resource and Youth Services Centers Coordinators will complete CAP referrals for families needing clothing and uniform assistance. Free lunches will be served to kids by JCPS Nutrition Services. Your child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This event is sponsored in collaboration with the NorthWest Neighborhood Place, Jefferson County Public Schools/The Academy at Shawnee Family Resource Youth Service Center, The Kidz Club, Service for Peace and Louisville Metro Department of Resilience and Community Services.
Aug. 3, Back To School Festival at Mcferran Preparatory Academy, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located at 1900 South 7th Street. For more information call 634-6057. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks and essential grade-appropriate school supplies will be provided while supplies last. Vendors will be at this event providing essential health, education, and employment and community resources. JCPS Family Resource and Youth Resource Centers Coordinators will complete CAP referrals for families needing clothing and uniform assistance. Free lunches will be served to kids by JCPS Nutrition Services. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This event is sponsored in collaboration with Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place, Jefferson County Public Schools and Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services.
Aug. 4, Back to School Festival at Westport Middle School, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 8100 Westport Rd. For more information call 574-6638. This event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks with essential school supplies will be distributed while supplies last. Presenters and vendors will be at the event to provide information to families plus mascots and other fun for kids. The JCPS Lunch Bus will provide lunch for kids present and Sparkle and Shine Family Dental will provide dental screenings for up to 50 students. Families may complete a CAP referral during the event as well for clothing and uniform assistance. Sponsored by Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, Eastern Area Community Ministry, area JCPS schools, and All 4 Kids Charity.
Aug. 4, Back to School Festival at Olmsted Academy North, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 4530 Bellevue Ave. Call 313-4089 for more information. Open to all students in grades kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks, school supplies and health and hygiene products will be provided while supplies last. Children must be present to receive school supplies. Educational and community resources will be available to help offer a strong start to the new school year. The festival will also include vision and hearing screenings, blood pressure and diabetes checks, clothing assistance referrals and more. Lunch will be provided for children and adults. Sponsored by South Central Neighborhood Place, Diamond Cluster MC, Olmsted Academy North and South YSC, Kenwood Elementary FRC, Hazelwood Elementary FRC, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, and Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital.
Aug. 7, Back to School Fun Resource Fair at Southwick Community Center, 4 – 7 p.m.
Located at 3621 Southern Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. The annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. JCPS Family Resource and Youth Resource Centers Coordinators will complete CAP referrals for families needing clothing and uniform assistance. School supplies will be distributed (while supplies last). Several vendors will be available to provide essential health, education, and community resources. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. JCPS Nutrition Services will provide lunch to youth 18 and under. This event is sponsored in part by Ujima Neighborhood Place, Jefferson County Public Schools/The Carter/DuValle Education Center, Kennedy Montessori/Brandies, Maupin, Johnson and Foster Family Youth Service Centers, Southwick Community Center, Councilwoman Jessica Green, Passport Health Plan, Villages of Park DuValle and Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services.
Aug 11, Back to School Event at Meyzeek Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 828 S. Jackson St. Call 574-6638 for more information. Open to students kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks with essential school supplies for the coming year will be distributed while supplies last. Your child must be present to receive school supplies. Smile Academy will provide free dental screenings. Many other local community venders and agencies will be in the gym to provide information for families. Families may complete a CAP referral during the event as well for clothing and uniform assistance. Sponsored by Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services and area JCPS schools.
Aug 11, Back to School Festival at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1501 Rangeland Rd. Call 313-4498 or 313-4700 for more information. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks and grade-appropriate school supplies (while supplies last) will be provided. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Free lunches will be served to kids by JCPS Nutrition Services and families may complete a CAP referral during the event as well for clothing and uniform assistance. A Community Resource Fair will include over twenty presenters including diabetes and blood pressure checks, the YMCA program, voter registration, library services and lots of fun and music. Event sponsored in part by First Neighborhood Place, area JCPS schools and Family Resource and Youth Services Centers, and Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services.
