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SubscribeThousands of cyclists, paddlers and walkers will be in motion Memorial Day at the 23rd Subway Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle May 30 at Waterfront Park.
“This has become a true signature event for Louisville – a demonstration of how much our residents love being outdoors and participating in family-oriented healthy exercise and recreation,” Mayor Greg Fischer said.
SUBWAY Restaurants is the title sponsor of Hike, Bike & Paddle, with presenting sponsors, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, Norton Healthcare and Neil Huffman Automotive Group.
“SUBWAY Restaurants are proud to once again be the title sponsor of the SUBWAY Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle events. The events give people an opportunity to be outside in the fresh air and lead healthy, active lifestyles,” said Doug Messmore, local board chairman for Kentuckiana Subway Restaurants.
“Coca-Cola Consolidated is proud to be a Presenting Sponsor of the Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle activity on Memorial Day,” said Brian Outland, vice president of Retail Sales for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated. “This activity supports our most recent initiative, ‘Fit Family Challenge,’ which challenges people in Louisville and Lexington to be more active. We recognize the uniqueness of consumers’ lifestyles and dietary choices. All of our products can be part of an active, healthy lifestyle that includes a sensible, balanced diet, proper hydration and regular, physical exercise.”
“We at Norton Healthcare are not only repeat supporters of the Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle event, we look forward to participating,” said Allison Ledford, director of Employee Wellness at Norton Healthcare. “Norton has been recognized both locally and nationally as a leading healthy employer, so we embrace opportunities like this to promote health-oriented activities among our 13,000 employees. By taking part in the various Hike, Bike & Paddle events, we all can be proactive in adopting healthy lifestyles, and have fun while we do it.” Continue reading
Ordinance Will Take Effect June 1, 2016 After Signed By Mayor
By a vote of 20 to 6, The Louisville Metro Council has approved a new set of regulations to permit the growing online industry of short-term rentals within Metro Louisville. Hosting platforms such as Airbnb, HomeAway, VRBO and FlipKey are used by a growing number of homeowners seeking to rent out anything from an extra room to an entire house.
The short-term rental ordinance passed after the work of the Council’s Public Safety Committee. Members began to review the need for regulation after Metro Codes and Regulations cited residents for renting their homes. At the time, there were no regulations to enforce.
The new ordinance will regulate this growing internet industry and offer a level playing field and fairness to other businesses that are established rental facilities and hotels in the city.
“As Chair of the Public Safety Committee I am proud we took our time and due diligence to ensure transparency and consideration of both the public’s and businesses’ views on this issue. We have a good piece of legislation that seeks to balance both interests while promoting safety and ensuring accountability,” says Councilman David Yates (D-25).
Council Members Bill Hollander (D-9), Tom Owen (D-8), and David James (D-6) sponsored the Ordinance
“The ordinance allows this growing industry to operate in Louisville, levels the playing field with hotels and motels on transient occupancy taxes and protects neighborhoods by limiting the number of occupants and other provisions,” said Hollander,
The new ordinance will not take effect until June 1, 2016 to allow those who participate in short-term rentals to register with the city and educate themselves on the responsibilities of both hosts and transient users. Another ordinance currently being drafted by the Planning Commission will address which zoning districts Short Term Rentals will be permitted to operate.
Both ordinances are required to permit Short Term Rental operation. The Planning Commission will forward their drafted ordinance to the Metro Council’s Ad Hoc Land Development Code Committee to be further discussed. The Metro Council is seeking action on the companion ordinance before theJune 1, 2016 enactment date.
“This ordinance represents a good first step in the right direction. Short term rentals are an industry that will only continue to grow and we need to embrace it as a mechanism to show off some of our fantastic neighborhoods,” says Councilman James Peden (R-23), Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee..
“We’ve passed a reasonable regulation of a brand new industry which until now was not recognized as a full participant in the hospitality industry,” said Owen.
“It is important that we understand the trends in this new internet economy and at the same time we have to maintain protection of those industries that have been a productive part of our local economy. I believe this ordinance is a step in the right direction,” said James
Here are highlights of the ordinance:
- $25 Annual Registration Fee.
- Online Registration will be made available by June 1, 2016.
- Enforcement of Ordinance will occur 90 days following June 1, 2016.
- Registered host or host’s “manager” must be located within 25 miles of the Short Term Rental.
- Clearly marked evacuation plan on all premises.
- No more than one contract on a short-term rental at the same time.
- No more transient users than 2x the amount of bedrooms plus 4 can reside in the short-term rental at one time.
- Penalties:
- 1st Offense = Warning
- 2nd Offense = $100-$500
- 3rd Offense = $500-$1,000
- Further action can be taken for subsequent offenses including a civil complaint or injunctive relief in Jefferson County, Kentucky Circuit Court.
Councilman Yates thanked fellow Public Safety Committee members and stated, “I am very proud of the many important topics we discussed this year on the Public Safety Committee, including: the Public Nuisance Ordinance, LMPD body cameras, Pop-Up Party Ordinance, the Short Term Rental Ordinance and the creation of the Syringe Exchange. I am looking forward to another successful year in 2016.”
The ordinance is on its way to Mayor Greg Fischer for his signature.
Christmas Baskets to be delivered on Saturday, December 19th
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge will join members of the Louisville (KY) Alumni and Alpha Omicron (Undergraduate Members at the University of Louisville) Chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the Louisville Kappa League for a very special task on Saturday, December 19th.
Their holiday mission is to deliver Christmas Meal Baskets to needy families throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
“The holiday season is a time of giving from those of us who can help to those in need. There are many families in our community who would not have a good holiday if it were not for the generosity of others,” says Woolridge. “Kappa Alpha Psi is a dedicated organization of caring individuals in our city who understand this need and I am honored to work with them.”
Kappa Alpha Psi began this annual initiative after deciding those in need should not go without food on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Joining Councilwoman Woolridge and the Fraternity in this effort are First Choice Food Market, which is located in District 3, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, and the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS).
“We are thankful for Councilwoman Woolridge – for all the support that she gives to Kappa and the compassion that she shows to the residents of our city,” says Noah L. Lucas, President of the Louisville (KY) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. “Compassion, community service, and giving are all ingredients to a healthy and blessed holiday spirit. Our fraternity has a rich tradition of community service, especially at this time of year. The Councilwoman continues her tradition of being a supporting partner year after year. We are delighted to continue this collaboration with the Councilwoman, First Choice Food Market, Big Brother Big Sisters of Kentuckiana, and the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS).”
Kappa Alpha Psi has already identified the families in need and on Saturday, will deliver Christmas baskets with food to cook a full course meal that will feed at least four people. Since 1984, over 1,150 baskets have been delivered during the holidays. This equates to over 39,500 pounds of food.
“Kappa Alpha Psi provides a great benefit to the community and they are also using this program as a teaching moment. I commend the members for showing younger members the positive benefits of community service,” says Woolridge. “While this is a special time of year, we must always remember those who are less fortunate who need a helping hand.”
The Louisville (KY) Alumni and Alpha Omicron chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi will purchase food items to create the boxes to be packaged and delivered from First Choice Food Market. Each box will represent one of the 10 founders of the 104 year old fraternity. Kappa will also deliver baskets to widows of the fraternity’s members who have passed away. Members of Kappa Alpha Psi’s youth mentoring program – Louisville Kappa League will also play a big role in preparation and delivery of the baskets.
“Achievement is one of the mottos that we live by and build upon, and that’s what we are doing with the young men that we mentor – we are training them to achieve in all human endeavors – with compassion and selflessness at the forefront. We are training them to achieve common goals as a team and cohesive unit, or what we like to call – as a family. We instill in them that, achievement through community service and giving back is at the core of a true leader,” says Noah L. Lucas.
Here is the schedule for the Kappa Christmas Meal Giveaway on Saturday, December 19, 2015:
9:00 AM Meet at First Choice Food Market for set up
10:00 AM-12:00 PM Delivery of Baskets to Families
Law enforcement, firefighters, lawmakers, service men, and women along with veterans invited to help
Louisville – On December 5th, Councilman David Yates (D-25) and Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) will join a special group of people who will bring holiday cheer to local children in need when they participate in the Eighth Annual “Shop with a Hero” Program hosted by the Valley View Church.
Both Council members invite anyone who is in the field of public safety or the military to come and help this Saturday.
“I am honored to join police officers, firefighters, judges, doctors, nurses, sheriff’s deputies, military personnel, veterans, and others to help children during the holiday season. I implore all public safety officials to volunteer an hour this Saturday to help make a child’s holiday season a little brighter,” says Yates.
This year “Shop with a Hero” will again take place at the Kohl’s Store on Preston Highway, 11811 Standiford Plaza Drive from 9:00am to12:00pm.
“Welcome heroes and shoppers to the Kohl’s in District 13 once again this year. It is my pleasure to partner with Valley View Church and thank them for this annual event to assist those families in need at Christmas time. It always melts my heart to hear the appreciation from kids & parents when they receive their gift cards and are able to shop together as a family,” says Welch.
“Shop with a Hero” was created by Valley View Church as a way to give needy children an opportunity to feel the joy of shopping for Christmas gifts – to give and receive. With the donations raised for this program, children are able to buy presents for their siblings, parents, or themselves.
The Heroes in this program help children make their shopping selections. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Councilman David Yates’ office by phone at 574-1125 or by email atDavid.Yates@louisvilleky.gov.
Bring The Family, Friends And Pets And For A Day Of Fun And Season’S Greetings
Louisville – It’s the time of year when Frankfort Avenue rings in the holidays with the 20th Annual Olde Tyme Christmas on Saturday, December 5.
“Saturday is shaping up to be a beautiful day, for a sprint, a stroll, a walk with your dog or a visit with Santa,” says Councilman Bill Hollander (D-9). “It’s a great way to support the important work of United Crescent Hill Ministries who help those in need at this time of year and our local businesses with this great celebration.”
The day begins with the annual Santa Sprint & Stroll, a merry 5k Run or 1-Mile Walk presented by the Frankfort Avenue Business Association, to benefit the United Crescent Hill Ministries. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. at Barret Traditional Middle School, 2561 Grinstead Drive.
The run and walk starts at 9:00 a.m. and travels a flat course on South Peterson Avenue, South Galt Avenue and Frankfort Avenue before ending back at the school, where refreshments will be served.
The following streets will closed from 8:30 am – 10:30 am, with no parking from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.:
· South Peterson Avenue from Frankfort Avenue to Grinstead Drive
· Frankfort Avenue from Stilz Avenue to the railroad tracks
· South Galt Avenue from Frankfort Avenue to Rowland Avenue
At Noon, dogs take over the Avenue with the annual Holiday Dog Walk. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. at 2005 Frankfort Avenue, in front of the new, locally owned Bankstown Road at Frankfur Avenue pet supply store.
Free trolleys run throughout the Avenue from Noon to 5:00 p.m. and horse carriage rides are from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Many shops and restaurants will have holiday specials.
In the early afternoon, the focus shifts to the Avenue in front of Margaret’s Consignments, 2700 Frankfort Avenue. Santa will be there from Noon to 3:00 p.m. Councilman Hollander will present the Frankfort Avenue Business Association’s Golden Antler and Good Neighbor Awards at 2:00 p.m., recognizing the Avenue’s best-decorated shops and some outstanding area neighbors.
“So come out and join the fun,” says Hollander.
Gov. Steve Beshear today honored nine Kentuckians with the prestigious Governor’s Awards in the Arts.
“These awardees represent such a rich diversity of background and experience, but they have in common that they have risen above and beyond in their commitment to hone and refine their respective talents. In the case of the organizations we’re also honoring, they have demonstrated a remarkable and fervent commitment to creating an art-friendly community where they live,” said Gov. Beshear, who was presiding over the final Governor’s Award ceremony of his second term. “It has been my privilege as governor to see so many Governor’s Awardees pass through the Rotunda and to honor their contributions to our Commonwealth.”
Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen, a former Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of the Arts, also participated in the awards ceremony.
“The Governor’s Awards in the Arts creates a higher profile for Kentucky’s arts and artists, helping to raise awareness of the Commonwealth’s rich heritage and artistic traditions,” Lt. Gov. Luallen said. “As someone who was involved with the establishment of the Governor’s Awards for the Arts, it has been rewarding to see the vast array of talent and rich contributions that scores of individuals and businesses have made to Kentucky.”
Among the honorees was noted Kentucky journalist and arts advocate Al Smith, the former host of KET’s “Comment on Kentucky” and a former chairman of the Kentucky Arts Council. Gov. Beshear awarded Smith the Milner Award, named in honor of B. Hudson Milner, a Louisville utility executive and civic leader, whose contributions to the arts in Kentucky remain important to this day. The Milner Award is presented to Kentucky residents or organizations located in Kentucky for outstanding philanthropic, artistic or other contributions to the arts.
“The arts council is to be commended not only for investments in programs and arts institutions, but, in recent years, for grants to individual artists that highlight their talents and contribute to our citizens’ appreciation of artists as they raise our vision and nourish our souls,” Smith said.
The other eight Governor’s Awardees, listed by hometown and specific award, were:
- Linda Pigman Fifield, McKee, Artist Award
- Big Ass Solutions (manufacturer of Big Ass Fans), Lexington, Business Award
- Creative Diversity Studio, Louisville, Community Arts Award
- Nathan Link, Danville, Education Award
- Willie D. Rascoe, Hopkinsville, Folk Heritage Award
- Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, Paducah, Government Award
- Dave Shuffett, Nicholasville, Media Award
- Sam Bush, Bowling Green, National Award
The 2015 Governor’s Award was designed by renowned folk artist Minnie Adkins, of Isonville. Artists chosen to design the Governor’s Award each year are selected from among past Governor’s Award recipients. Adkins earned the Governor’s Award in 1998.
For more information on the Governor’s Awards in the arts, including recipient bios and past recipients and descriptions of each award, visit the arts council’sGovernor’s Awards in the Arts web page.
The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, fosters environments for Kentuckians to value, participate in and benefit from the arts. Kentucky Arts Council funding is provided by the Kentucky General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. The arts council, along with the NEA, is celebrating 50 years of service in 2015, which the arts council is recognizing as the Year of the Arts in Kentucky.
This week a special dedication ceremony will be held to remind everyone of the public service and dedication given every day by the members of the Pleasure Ridge Park Fire Department.
On Wednesday, October 21st, Nicklies Development Company will formally dedicate an inscribed bench at the foot of the flagpole at the Valley Commons Shopping Center.
“PRP Fire is so important to this area of Metro Louisville; we cannot do enough to thank them for all of their efforts in keeping us safe,” says Councilman David Yates (D-25). “I want to thank Nicklies Development for this expression of gratitude on behalf of all Southwest Louisville.”
“I am honored to join Nicklies in recognizing the PRP Fire Department. We greatly appreciate all of the people in public safety who risk their lives to keep us safe,” says Councilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14).
The Dedication Ceremony will be held at 1:30pm. The Valley Common Shopping Center is located at 10631 Dixie Highway.
