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SubscribeChefs, food preservation fanatics and other-large volume buyers are urged to celebrate the high season of Kentucky farm production at a Greenmarket Popup scheduled for Wednesday, July 26, from 10 am to noon at Fresh Start 
Growers’ Supply, 1007 E Jefferson St. in Louisville.
Growers’ Supply, 1007 E Jefferson St. in Louisville.The Greenmarket Popup, organized by Louisville Farm to Table, is a way for Kentucky farmers and processors to connect with large-volume buyers, show their products and develop relationships. The popup will allow buyers to meet their growers, discuss growing methods and availability, and learn how to plan for future purchases.
The event is free and open to the public. Cases of eggs, bushels of tomatoes, and boxes of brisket are just a few of the items you’ll find. Foods that are USDA certified organic are included. Carts will be available to transport large purchases to a buyer’s vehicle.
Actors Theatre of Louisville is delighted to announce the return of their successful Community Ticket Grant program for the 2017-2018 Season, sponsored in part by Brown-Forman. In serving Actors Theatre’s mission to unlock human potential, build community, and enrich quality of life by engaging people in theatre that reflects the wonder and complexities of our time, this city-wide initiative extends the opportunity to experience Actors Theatre’s robust programming to any members of Louisville and Southern Indiana’s community groups and 501(c)(3) charities, who for various reasons, may not have the resources to attend a performance on their own.
In its inaugural season, the Community Ticket Grant program served 61 area charities, which granted the opportunity for a theatrical experience to 1,500 local residents. “We are thrilled to provide this opportunity again for everyone in our community to participate in the power of live theatre,” said Melissa Hines, Marketing Manager. “We had an overwhelmingly positive response this past season, which only solidifies the importance of this program. We want our audience to be reflective of our dynamic and diverse community, and the Community Ticket Grant program is one more way to remove any barriers to accessing artistic programming.”
Qualifying community groups and 501(c)(3) charities serving individuals in the greater Louisville and Southern Indiana area are welcome to apply to receive complimentary tickets to an Opening Night performance from a selection of Actors Theatre’s 2017-2018 Season Brown-Forman Series, holiday shows, and 42nd Humana Festival productions. Each group may apply for up to three productions a year with ticket quantities ranging from a minimum of 10 tickets up to a maximum of 150 tickets. The selected groups will be awarded tickets to one of their three production choices for the 2017-2018 Season. Groups will work with Melissa Hines, Marketing Manager, and members of the Actors Theatre Box Office to coordinate attendance details and seating selection for their group members.
As part of their grant applications, groups may request tickets to the following productions in Actors Theatre’s 2017-2018 Season:
- Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approaches
- Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 7 p.m.
- Fifth Third Bank’s Dracula
- Friday, September 8, 2017 at 7:30 p.m.
- Angels in America, Part Two: Perestroika
- Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 7 p.m.
- Fifth Third Bank’s A Christmas Carol
- Friday, November 24, 2017 at 8 p.m.
- Skeleton Crew
- Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 8 p.m.
- Little Bunny Foo Foo
- Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 8 p.m.
- The Magic Play
- Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 7:30 p.m.
- 42nd Humana Festival of New American Plays
- Lineup and grants available November, 2017
Deadline to submit applications for the 2017-2018 Season is August 4, 2017. Additional season information, program rules and restrictions, and the online application form can be found at actorstheatre.org/community-ticket-grant. Specific questions may be directed to Melissa Hines, Marketing Manager, at mhines@actorstheatre.org or 502.584.1265 x3140.
Photo: Neighborhood Place
Neighborhood Place partners offer workshops to benefit individuals of all ages in July including a “Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower”, a “Healthy Living Club”, a Back to School event at Valley High School, a “Best College Match Free Informational workshop”, a “Diabetes Self-Management Class Series”, and much more. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.
Neighborhood Place is also proud to support the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) offered by the Louisville Farmer’s Market Association. The SFMNP provides income eligible seniors, sixty years or older, with $28 in checks per season to purchase fresh, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables and other items. Eligible individuals can apply at a local Neighborhood Place and several other locations. Call 574-6164 for more information or download this flyer.
July 5 and 6, Work and Learn Program for K-TAP Recipients Info Session
Call 502-213-2149 for more information. Individuals who are receiving K-TAP who are interested in completing their GED or upgrading their skills in preparation for college enrollment are invited to stop by and talk with case managers from the Work and Learn program. Find out how to earn an hourly wage at an approved job site and upon completion of your GED, receive a cash bonus.
- July 5, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. July 6, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- July 10, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
July 5 and 7, Diabetes Self-Management Class Series at South Central Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave.. Registration is required by calling 574-6663. Whether you are recently diagnosed or have been diabetic for years and need a refresher, this class is for you! Topics covered will include what are diabetes, glucose monitoring, problem solving, healthy eating, medication management, sick day management, healthy exercise, and goal setting. Sponsored by Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness.
Each Tuesday, Couponing Support Group at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 to register or for more information. Learn tips and money saving ideas to help build extra financial wealth in using coupons while grocery shopping.
July 6, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at First Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Road, at T.J. Middle School. Call 574-4516 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
July 6 and 11, AT&T Internet Sign-ups
Louisville Digital Inclusion Group will have a table to sign people up for AT&T Access, a $10/month high-speed internet service for SNAP (food stamp) recipients. Eligible residents can register for internet services, and receive information about low-cost internet plans.
- July 6, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place at Fairdale, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- July 10, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 2 – 4:30 p.m.
- July 11, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place at Valley, 10200 Dixie Highway, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- July 14, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
July 11, Healthy Living Club at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 2 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 363-1483 for more information. Join the support group on the second Tuesday of every month to discuss healthy living and to get the support you need to eat better, get active, and lose weight. This month a focus on reading food labels, the nutritional value of food and preparing a healthy plate. Come and join the fun. Drawings for prizes and healthy snacks provided.
July 11, Free Blood Pressure Checks at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 for more information. Louisville Metro Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure checks.
July 13, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower at First Neighborhood Place, 1- 3 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. Contact Mendy Mason at 341-5400 to register or for more information. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks. Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow. Fathers are welcome but must be registered.
July 13, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
July 13, Kitchen Table Conversations at NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 4018 W. Market St. Call Margaret Murphy at 502.313.4909 for more information. This popular resource support group for relatives raising grandchildren meets the second Thursday of each month. A monthly guest speaker help this group focus on the unique issues that caregivers may have raising younger children. Aunts, uncles or anyone raising their grandchildren are welcome to attend. Lunch is provided free of charge.
July 18, Community Dental Care Information Sessions at South Central Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 502-366-4442 for more information. Community Dental Care is a full-service dental organization designed to increase access to health care in communities with the goal of improving the overall health of the population. Representatives will be on site to provide information about services offered and to assist in scheduling appointments for dental needs or for pediatric health needs.
July 18, Best College Match Free Informational Workshop at Ujima Neighborhood Place. 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 to RSVP. Greg and Opal Dawson, authors of “Best College Match: 5 Steps that Earned $1,000,000 in Scholarships”, will discuss their ‘Five Steps to Finding the Best College Match’ for your child. Raffles will also be held for an autographed book or a one-hour “Best College Match” one-on-one consultation.
July 17, 24 and 31, Diabetes Self-Management Class Series at First Neighborhood Pace, 2:30 – 5 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. Registration required by calling 574-6663. Whether you are recently diagnosed or have been diabetic for years and need a refresher, this class is for you! Topics covered will include what are diabetes, glucose monitoring, problem solving, healthy eating, medication management, sick day management, healthy exercise, and goal setting. Sponsored by Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness.
July 19, Legal Aid Office Hours at South Central Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 485-7130 for more information. A Legal Aid Society staff member will be on hand to answer questions, talk about cases that Legal Aid handles and provide referrals.
July 20, Choices Domestic Violence Educational Workshop located at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 to register. The workshop is facilitated by the Center for Women and Families’ domestic violence advocates, a psycho-educational group for women, men, and teens who have experienced abuse in their intimate relationships. The objectives of the group are to raise awareness about intimate partner violence and the supportive services that are available; support and encourage participants’ healing and reconciliation of their experiences; and to prepare the participants to practice self-care and engage in healthy relationships going forward.
Two opportunities for 4 Your Child – Dads Making the Difference Workshop Series
For more information and to register, contact Dr. Cheri Langley at (502) 709-9323 or at Cheri.Langley@louisville.edu. “4 Your Child” is an eight-week fatherhood program that aims to improve the quantity and quality of fathers” involvement by integrating responsible parenting, economic stability, and relationship education services. Participants may be compensated for their time up to $220 but registration is required.
- Saturdays, July 22 – Sept. 16, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. , at T.J. Middle School, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Saturdays, July 29 – Sept. 23, Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, 200 Juneau Dr., Ste. 200, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
July 27, 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, Louisville Metro Department of Resiliency and Community Services, South Jefferson Community Partnership, Drug-Free Communities Grant, area JCPS schools, Kidz Club, Kosair Charities, Fairdale Christian Church, Fairdale First Baptist Church and Valley View Church.
There will be no residential garbage, recycling or yard waste collection within the Louisville Metro Urban Services District (former Louisville city limits) on Independence Day, Tuesday July 4. The usual Tuesday collections will be made on Wednesday, and the rest of the week will follow the same pattern of a one day delay.
The Waste Reduction Center, at 600 Meriwether Avenue, all staffed recycling centers and the Haz Bin hazardous materials facility at 7501 Grade Lane will also be closed on July 4. They will resume normal operations on Wednesday, July 5.
Residents who rely on private haulers for garbage, recycling and yard waste collection should consult those haulers about holiday collection schedules.
Photo: Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation
Metro Parks & Recreation is offering an affordable family golfing package at its nine golf courses on Tuesday, July 4.
For only $25, a family of up to four members can play nine holes at any Metro Parks course. The $25 includes greens and cart fees, and families can take advantage of the deal after 4:30 p.m. on July 4.
Families are encouraged to call in advance to book a tee time at the golf course of their choice.
“Our courses are in great shape, and we’re hoping for a lot of play from families this summer,” said Metro Parks and Recreation Director Seve Ghose. “This special leaves plenty of room to play nine holes and enjoy a family barbecue and even fireworks at night.”
Metro Parks golf courses are open from daylight to dark seven days a week.
ABOUT METRO PARKS GOLF:
Louisville’s nine public golf courses offer a quality golfing experience at some of the most affordable prices in the nation. Each course has its own unique character, and some consistently rank among Kentucky’s best and most challenging courses. The nine municipally-owned golf courses meet the needs of everyone from beginners to scratch golfers. For more information, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/parks/golf-courses
Bobby Nichols Golf Course, 4301 E. Pages Lane, 502/937-9051 (9 holes)
Charlie Vettiner Golf Course, 10207 Mary Dell Lane, 502/267-9958 (18 holes)
Cherokee Golf Course, 2501 Alexander Road, 502/458-9450 (9 holes)
Crescent Hill Golf Course, 3110 Brownsboro Road, 502/896-9193 (9 holes)
Iroquois Golf Course, 1501 Rundill Road, 502/363-9520 (18 holes)
Long Run Golf Course, 1605 Flat Rock Road, 502/245-9015 (18 holes)
Seneca Golf Course, 2300 Pee Wee Reese Blvd, 502/458-9298 (18 holes)
Shawnee Golf Course, 460 Northwestern Parkway, 502/776-9389 (18 holes)
Sun Valley Golf Course, 6505 Bethany Lane, 502/937-9228 (18 holes)
The nationwide opioid epidemic continued taking its lethal toll on the Commonwealth last year, driving up overdose deaths to unprecedented levels with an ever-stronger mix of fentanyl, heroin and prescription pills.
According to a report released by the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, fatal overdoses totaled 1,404 in 2016, a 7.4 percent increase from the previous year. Of those cases, toxicology data was available for 1,330 deaths.
Fentanyl, an extremely potent opioid that is often blended with heroin and other drugs, contributed to nearly half of all fatalities during the year. It was a factor in 623 lethal overdoses, up from 459 in 2015. Heroin was involved in 456 deaths.
“Nearly every community in Kentucky experienced a fatal drug overdose last year— if that’s not a wake-up call, I don’t know what is,” said Gov. Matt Bevin. “We don’t have the luxury of pretending there isn’t a massive problem. The consequences of the opioid crisis are far-reaching, affecting every corner of our communities. We must stand united against the opioid scourge and work together to find solutions. Failure is not an option.”
The numbers are part of the 2016 Overdose Fatality Report, which was compiled with data from the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office, the Kentucky Injury Prevention & Research Center and the Kentucky Office of Vital Statistics. A copy of the full report is available here.
It shows that Louisville, Lexington and Northern Kentucky experienced the highest number of lethal overdoses, but nearly every community suffered fatalities. Leslie County had the highest number of deaths on a per capita basis, followed by Bell, Powell, Gallatin and Campbell counties.
Those most likely to lose their lives to a drug overdose were people between the ages of 35 and 44. More than 400 in that age group died in 2016.
“These are mothers and fathers, veterans, co-workers and friends,” said Kentucky Justice Secretary John Tilley. “We are in a daily battle to reach them before we lose them, and we must continue tapping every available resource to confront this problem with both force and compassion.”
Fentanyl, a Schedule II narcotic, began overtaking heroin in 2015 as the leading contributor to overdose deaths in Kentucky. The drug is 30 to 50 times more potent than heroin and can prove deadly at very low levels, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
At the same time, illicit drug cartels have been producing newer and more potent fentanyl analogues, which further increases the risk of death. Carfentanil, for instance, is approximately 100 times more potent than fentanyl, the DEA reports.
Van Ingram, executive director for the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, said fentanyl is frequently mixed with heroin or pressed into a pill form, leaving many users unaware that they are ingesting the drug. That has escalated an already deadly crisis of opioid abuse that started more than a decade ago with prescription painkillers.
“Fentanyl’s impact is really unprecedented,” Ingram said. “Users have no way of knowing what drugs they are taking, and even the smallest amounts can trigger a lethal reaction. We’ve seen cases where a bad batch of drugs has led to dozens of overdoses in a single community overnight.”
Naloxone, a lifesaving antidote that can reverse an opioid overdose, is now widely available in many Kentucky communities; however, it is not always effective against fentanyl, Ingram said. Emergency responders are seeing cases that require several doses of naloxone to revive the victim.
“Government, healthcare, law enforcement – we are all working furiously to save lives,” Ingram said. “But even the best policies and medications have limits. That’s why it is critical that we continue taking a multi-faceted approach, and every Kentuckian can help by spreading the word about the dangers of these drugs.”
Kentucky is a national leader in drug control policy, and the Bevin Administration has worked with the Kentucky General Assembly over the past two years to ramp up the fight against opioids.
This year, the legislature passed House Bill 333, which gives the state flexibility to schedule new fentanyl analogues as they arrive on the streets. It also limits opioid prescriptions for acute pain to a three-day supply unless a doctor provides written justification in medical records for a larger amount.
In 2016, Gov. Bevin and the General Assembly also increased funding for anti-drug efforts in the state budget, allocating $15.7 million to combat opioids in the current fiscal year, up from $10 million the previous year. Another $16.3 million has been allocated for fiscal year 2018.
Among other significant findings in today’s report:
• Jefferson County had the most overdose deaths of any county with 364, up from 268 in the 2015 report. It also had the largest year-to-year increase in overdose fatalities.
• The largest decrease occurred in Kenton County, which had 22 fewer fatalities in 2016 compared to the previous year. Other counties with significant declines include Bell County, which declined by 10, and Knox County, which declined by 8.
The top five counties for heroin-related overdose deaths, using data from the Kentucky Medical Examiner and coroner reports, were:
- Jefferson County – 122
- Fayette County – 48
- Kenton County – 20
- Campbell County – 17
- Boone County – 12
The top five counties for overdose deaths by county, per capita, were:
- Leslie County – 66.25
- Bell County – 58.53
- Powell County – 56.51
- Gallatin County – 56.19
- Campbell County – 52.05
The top five counties for fentanyl-related deaths were:
- Jefferson County – 182
- Fayette County – 59
- Kenton County – 26
- Boone County – 25
- Campbell County – 21
The top five counties for deaths related to heroin and fentanyl in combination were:
- Jefferson County – 59
- Campbell County – 21
- Fayette County – 20
- Boone County – 12
- Kenton County – 11
Photo: Muhammad Ali Center
In the Shadows: Photography Exhibit by Howard Bingham opens to the public during a special “Night at the Museum” on Wednesday, July 5th from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Muhammad Ali Center. The exhibit, which is on display until January 21, 2018 and included in admission, contains over 50 carefully selected images photographs by Muhammad Ali’s best friend, who was also his personal photographer for over 50 years. Bingham passed away in December 2016.
In the Shadows features never-before-seen photos taken over four decades of Bingham’s career, capturing significant historical events in the United States, from social activism to pop culture, while revealing intimate photos of Muhammad Ali. This exhibit illuminates the relationship that the Ali Center shared with Howard in his role as the Center’s Honorary Curator of Photography, former Board Member of the Center, and as an unforgettable longtime friend of Muhammad Ali.
“Having Howard’s photographs displayed at the Center in the year following both he and The Champ’s passing is a demonstration of the greatness that both men have achieved during their time here on earth and the bond they shared for decades,” said Jeanie Kahnke, spokesperson for the Ali Center. “We hope that the community can come to experience new dimensions of both Howard and Muhammad’s intertwined legacies.”
The exhibit opens during a special preview night as part of the “I Am Ali” Festival on July 5th. “Night at the Museum” includes “open air” gallery talks throughout the evening about In the Shadows and Howard Bingham with the Center’s collections department, a discount admission price of $7 to the Center’s exhibits, and a performance by Commonwealth Theatre Center at 6:30 p.m. The performance will consist of a series of staged readings devised by artists and playwrights based on community reflections about Muhammad Ali’s Six Core Principles.
