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On Saturday, July 8th, Councilwoman Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4) will joined the family, friends of the late Jimmy Ellis to unveil an honorary sign at 3rd Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard to commemorate his life and legacy.
“Metro Louisville is ready to show the world that Jimmy Ellis was another of our local sports greats. He left us all too soon,” says Sexton Smith. “He was a champion in the sport of boxing and an inspiration to many people young and old and both in an out of the professional boxing ring.”
The Honorary sign will serve as a connection and reminder that Ellis and the late Muhammad Ali were friends through life and sparring partners in the ring. Ellis fought him twice as an amateur, losing the first bout and winning the second.
In the sporting world of Boxing, he was a Heavyweight Champion, taking over the title in 1968 by winning an eight-man tournament held when Muhammad Ali was stripped of his title.
Born on February 24, 1940 in Louisville, Ellis was the son of Elizabeth and Walter Ellis, the Pastor at Riverview Baptist Church, and lived in the Smoketown neighborhood. He sang in the church choir and continued to be involved in the church all of his adult life.
After his boxing career ended, Jimmy Ellis continued his love for the sport through training others and during 1988 to 2003 worked at Louisville Metro Parks managing Athletic and Recreation programs.
He passed away on May 6, 2014.
Councilwoman Sexton Smith was the primary sponsor of the Resolution which called for the placement of honorary street signs at the southwest corner at the intersection of West Jefferson Street and Third Street and the southwest corner of West Muhammad Ali Boulevard and Third Street in Louisville, Kentucky, and so designated as “James “Jimmy” Ellis Honorary Way.” It was formally approved by the Metro Council on March 23rd of this year.
On Saturday, the Councilwoman was joined by Mr. Ellis’ siblings, children, friends, church choir members, and four time Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield for the unveiling.
Summertime and ice cream have long gone hand in hand as a way to bring family and friends together to enjoy a lazy summer afternoon.
This weekend, the Annual Riverside Old Fashion Ice Cream Social returns to the Ohio River on Sunday, July 9th.
“Riverside’s Annual Ice Cream Social will be a great time for young and old alike,” says Councilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14). “This is a chance for the family to enjoy a little of America’s past, listen to some good music and enjoy something everyone loves, ice cream.”
The Annual Old Fashion Ice Cream Social at Riverside will get underway on Sunday, July 9th from 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Admission is free!
Joining Fowler as sponsors of the event are Council members Rick Blackwell (D-12), Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13) and President David Yates (D-25).
There will be food, fun and entertainment for everyone including, the Celtic Pig and Lexie Lu’s food trucks, children’s activities; including a miniature train ride, farm animal petting zoo, pony rides and ice cream eating contest starting at 3:00pm sponsored by Ehrler’s Ice Cream.
The event features live music from the Josh Logan Band at 1:00pm, 2:00pm and 3:30pm and a magic show at 2:30pm and 3:00pm
Visitors will also be able to participate in an archaeological dig currently underway, or take discounted tours of the 1837 Farnsley-Moremen House. Admission to the event is FREE, but tours of the historic home require purchase of a ticket. Tickets will be 1/2 price this Sunday only!
“Come join us, especially if you have never been to the Farnsley-Moremen House. It is one of the great places to visit in Metro Louisville,” says Fowler.
For more info about the Annual Riverside’s Old Fashion Ice Cream Social, call 502/935-6809 or email info@riverside-landing.org.
Riverside, the Farnsley–Moremen Landing is located at 7410 Moreman Road.
On Saturday, July 1st, Southwest Louisville is once again ready to celebrate the Fourth of July Holiday weekend with fireworks and fun as the 6th Annual Riverview Independence Festival, presented by Brown-Forman, Kosair Charities and Metro PCS, gets underway.
“I invite everyone from across Louisville to come to the Riverview Festival to see the fun and festivities we have to offer,” says Councilman Rick Blackwell, D-12. “I am proud of this event as it continues to grow each year and has become a point of pride for our Southwest community.”
It’s a patriotic celebration of music, entertainment, and family fun at the beautiful Riverview Park along the scenic Ohio River. Then, at night, spectacular lights of fireworks will emanate from a barge on the Ohio River for a stunning display with a picturesque backdrop.
“Brown-Forman is a proud supporter of the Riverview Independence Festival – a treasured Southwest tradition that provides an opportunity for our community to gather together in one of Louisville’s most beautiful settings as we celebrate the birth of our nation,” says Carly Launius, Community Relations Manager for Brown-Forman. “We are so please to be a part of this annual event and look forward to seeing its continued growth and success.”
“The Riverview Independence Festival has become a hallmark event in Southwest Louisville,” says Randy Coe, Kosair Charities Board President. “This family-friendly event provides free activities and entertainment for both kids and parents. We are excited to be a part of the fun and community it helps to build.”
“MetroPCS is proud to be a sponsor for the 4th year in a row. Each year we look forward to spending time with our neighbors at the festival,” says Leigh Anne Burke-Schaad, Field Marketing Manager for Metro PCS.
The Riverview Independence Festival will begin at 3:00 pm and will cap off with the Fireworks show at 10:00 pm. It is a free event.
Among the highlights of this year’s Festival:
- Appearances by Abe Lincoln and Col. Sanders from Squallis Puppeteers
- Mad Science experiments to make your own slime and cotton candy
- Mingle with Louisville League of Mascots
- Beat the heat with the Riverview Sprayground
- Bring your refillable water bottles to fill up with “The Bubbler”
- Enjoy fair food from Kentuckiana Catering and Hot Diggety Dogs
- Dawne Gee, Kayla Vanover, Julian Glover from WAVE 3 News will be our emcees for the festival activities
- Musical performances by The Louisville Crashers and Sobourbon Shooters
- Fantastic Fireworks show on the River at 10:00 pm!
Limited parking is available at the event site. Additional parking will be available at LG&E, located at 7301 Distribution Drive. A shuttle service from the school to the park will be provided by TARC for attendees from 4:00 to 10:45 pm.
“Come join us for some patriotic fun at a festival that has quickly become a great tradition and is a great way to celebrate the holiday while enjoying one of the best parks in Southwest Louisville,” said Councilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14).
“Another fabulous free event for families to enjoy our beautiful riverfront along with music, booths, and food options! Bring a chair or blanket and have fun!” said Councilwoman Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13).
“This Festival is a great way to just kick back with family and friends and enjoy the 4th of July weekend,” says President David Yates (D-25). Community spirit is built when both public and private sectors come together to give the community a free event to celebrate our country’s rich heritage.”
In addition to this year’s Presenting Sponsors, the Riverview Festival is supported by many local businesses whose commitment to our community is essential to the success of the Festival. Lead Sponsors this year include WAVE3 News, LG&E, Atlas Machine & Supply, Café Press and Signarama Dixie. Algood Food Company and Owen Funeral Home have signed on as Proud Patrons.
Joining Blackwell, Fowler, Welch, and Yates as sponsors are Council members Marianne Butler (D-15), Madonna Flood (D-24), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3), Dan Johnson (D-21), Jessica Green (D-1), David James (D-6), Angela Leet (R-7), and Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4).
Chairs, blankets, and coolers are allowed. No pets, outside alcohol, tents in the event area, drones or flying objects or glass containers are permitted.
To see a listing of all the activities at the 6th Annual Riverview Independence Festival presented by Brown-Forman and Kosair Charities, and Metro PCS go to: www.RiverviewFestival.com/ or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riverviewfest/
Pet owners have a chance to find out what goes on when they are not at home with June’s Free Summer Movie. The 2016 American computer-animated comedy film “The Secret Life of Pets” is the feature film at Iroquois Amphitheater on Saturday, June 17th.
“As the Free Summer Movies celebrates its tenth year, we have a fun film for everyone. It’s free to the community at the Iroquois Park Amphitheater, a state of the art outdoor facility,” says Councilwoman Marianne Butler (D-15).
The movie tells the story of Max and Duke and other pets in a New York apartment building as they vie for the attention of their owner, Katie. What follows is a series of adventures where they encounter other animals after getting separated from their owner.
The Secret Life of Pets features the voices of stars Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Steve Coogan in a dual role, Ellie Kemper, Bobby Moynihan, Lake Bell, Dana Carvey, Hannibal Buress, Jenny Slate, and Albert Brooks.
Joining Councilwoman Butler as sponsors of this year are Council Members Rick Blackwell (D-12) Vicki Aubrey Welch (D-13), Dan Johnson (D-21) President David Yates (D-25), Mary C. Woolridge (D-3), David James (D-6), Cindi Fowler (D- 14), Cheri Bryant Hamilton (D-5), Angela Leet (R-7), Pat Mulvihill (D-10), Barbara Sexton Smith (D-4), Bill Hollander (D-9), Robin Engel (R-22), Barbara Shanklin (D-2), Madonna Flood (D-24), Stuart Benson (R-20) and James Peden (R-23).
The remaining summer lineup for “Movies Under the Stars” is as follows – all movies begin at 8:00pm:
July 15 – Zootopia
August 12 – Sing
Here is the lineup of Free Monday Night Movies for 2017 – all movies begin at 8:00pm:
June 19 – Madea’s Big Happy Family
July 3 – 1776
July 10 – School of Rock
July 17 – The Jungle Book
July 24 – Dial M for Murder
July 31 – The Wild Life
August 14 – The Legend of Tarzan
The Concession Stand is open for these events selling hotdogs, popcorn, ice cream and sodas.
To see all the great summer entertainment this year at the Iroquois Amphitheater, go to www.iroquoisamphithearter.com or call 502-368-5865.
Iroquois Amphitheater is located at 1080 Amphitheater Road in Iroquois Park.
The Louisville Metro Syringe Exchange Program will mark its two-year anniversary tomorrow.
Kentucky’s first syringe exchange program began in a mobile unit outside of Public Health and Wellness headquarters at 400 E. Gray St. on June 10, 2015. Since then, the program has been moved into renovated space inside and expanded to include three neighborhood sites. The exchange is open six days a week on Gray Street, and each of the neighborhood sites is open one day per week.
The demand for the Louisville Metro Syringe Exchange Program has far exceeded expectations. Originally budgeted for about 500 participants per year, the program had served 10,639 participants by the end of May 2017 and referred more than 347 to drug treatment. The ratio of syringes distributed versus exchanged remains at less than 2:1.
Additionally, since it began, the Louisville Metro Syringe Exchange Program has:
- Conducted 800 HIV tests and referred 18 individuals for medical treatment and support services;
- Conducted 691 Hepatitis C tests and referred 368 individuals for medical treatment;
- Provided overdose prevention training and naloxone kits to 995 participants and their family members or friends.
“From a public health perspective, the greatest benefit of any syringe exchange program is reducing the transmission of HIV, Hepatitis C and other infectious diseases, as well as increasing access to substance abuse treatment,” said Dr. Sarah Moyer, medical director of the Department of Public Health and Wellness. “We are very grateful to our state legislative delegation, to Mayor Greg Fischer and the Metro Council, the Board of Health and to the entire Louisville community for the support they have shown over the past two years.”
The Louisville Metro Syringe Exchange Program was begun primarily to protect the community against a potential outbreak of such blood-borne diseases as HIV and Hepatitis C spread by needle sharing among injection drug users. The neighboring community of Austin, Ind., with a population of about 4,200 and just 35 miles north of Louisville, had seen 181 new HIV cases the prior year and approximately 155 new Hepatitis C cases as a result of needle sharing. In a city the size of Louisville, that would have translated to more than 31,600 new HIV cases and approximately 27,100 new Hepatitis C cases.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, “lifetime treatment cost of a single case of HIV infection is $379, 668; the costs of treating the patients who contracted HIV and Hepatitis C in Scott County (Austin), Indiana over the next decades are expected to approach $90 million.”
In 2015 Kentucky enacted legislation allowing local health departments to operate substance abuse outreach programs, which include syringe exchange programs. The Louisville Metro Council then adopted an ordinance to approve operating a syringe exchange program for the city, and the Louisville Metro Board of Health approved the exchange.
“Addressing the heroin epidemic effectively requires a multidisciplinary approach. Harm reduction interventions like the Louisville Syringe Exchange Program are an important part of that approach,” said Moyer.
A fun – and free – family event will take place on the banks of the Ohio River in southwest Louisville on Saturday, June 17 as Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing hosts “Family Farm and Forage Day” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The event will explore historic and present-day farming with a variety of children’s activities, workshops, talks and booths. Families can enjoy a milking demonstration featuring “Bluegrass Bessie” the cow; a farm animal petting zoo; horse-drawn wagon tours, barrel train rides as well as demonstrations on beekeeping, raising chickens, cultivating beneficial garden insects, growing fruit trees and more.
New this year to the festival – in its second year – is the Jefferson County 4-H Fair Open Youth Dairy Goat Show . The goats will be judged on adherence to breed standards and their youth handlers will be judged on showmanship. Late entries will be accepted the day of the show. The entrance fee is $5 per goat and champions will be awarded a small premium. For questions, contact Kelly Smith at the Extension office at (502) 569-2344.
All events and demonstrations are free, although a suggested donation of $5 can be made prior to tours of the Farnsley-Moremen house. Ehrler’s Ice Cream and the LaRue County Pork Producers will be providing concessions at Family Farm and Forage Day.
“This is a terrific family event that combines fun and learning,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Beyond the activities of the event itself, I urge citizens from all over the community to come out and see some of the great things that southwest Louisville has to offer.”
“I am so excited to see this wonderful farm event behing held at the Farnsley-Moremen historic property,” said Councilwoman Cindi Fowler, who represents District 14, where Riverside is located. “It is so important to educate the public on how our food gets from the farm to the table and past and present practices of how exactly that happens. I look forward to seeing you at this free event!”
This event is held in partnership with the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service and the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Other sponsors include Louisville Gas & Electric, Jefferson County Farm Bureau, the Future Farmers of America, the Louisville Water Co. and 4-H.
In addition to Fowler, Metro Council sponsors include Council President David Yates, D-25; Vicki Welch, D-13 and Rick Blackwell, D-12.
Councilwoman Mary C. Woolridge (D-3)is sponsoring the Bringing Unity in the Community Festival along with Community Outreach Service to unify the community through tragic times by hosting a two‐day family oriented outdoor festival right in the heart of the West End; the Algonquin Community.
“If there ever was a time for unity in our community, it’s now. Together, we need people to show support for each other, join hands and let everyone know we want a safe place for our children and our families,” says Woolridge. “This is a good first step.”
Algonquin Park will serve as the location to bring people together on June 9th and 10th to participate in this special festival. Headlining, “Bringing Unity in the Community” is Louisville’s own national recording artists Linkin’ Bridge!
Algonquin Park will become a center point of entertainment, entrepreneurs, health fair booths, and will include major efforts in job opportunities, and expungement exposure throughout the two‐day festival
Partnering with the Councilwoman is Community Outreach Service, a non‐profit organization designed to serve the people.
The festival will feature local vendors as a way of boosting the local economy with services ranging from food to crafts and boutiques to highlight small businesses.
The festival begins at 12:00pm on Friday June 9th, with live entertainment from hand‐selected artists that have been chosen based on their unique sound and character. Booths and entertainment will be open on Friday from 12:00pm until 7:00pm and on Saturday from 10:00am to 7:00pm.
Local dance teams, comedians, musicians, bands and more will take center stage to provide entertainment, with over 20 acts over the two‐day span. Job and career seekers will be able to apply for positions on the spot at the job fair during the festival. The “Bringing Unity in the Community” Festival will be a fun‐filled, empowering festival to unify culture and diversity in the West End!
“I want to invite everyone in West Louisville to come to Algonquin Park, meet your neighbors and see what we all have in common as a community,” says Woolridge. “We need each other and we can help each other.”
Councilwoman Mary Woolridge has invited the mayor and we are looking forward to having Mayor Greg Fisher join us.
Please join us in Bringing Unity in the Community!
For more information, contact Councilwoman Woolridge’s Office at 574-1103.
