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Photo: CDC
Flu activity in Louisville has increased sharply over the past two weeks, and health officials are urging people to get immunized. In the last week of December, there were 10 laboratory-confirmed cases, and already this week there have been another 10 confirmed cases.
These 20 laboratory-confirmed cases in Louisville in less than two weeks compare to only eight for the preceding seven weeks. Every year there are far many more flu cases than those tested for or reported.
“We are definitely starting flu season,” said Dr. Sarah Moyer, Medical Director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness. “The best way to prevent getting the flu is through immunization, and we urge everyone 6 months and older to get a flu shot. It’s not too late to get a shot if you haven’t already done so.”
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu shot. Vaccination to prevent the flu is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications, including:
- Children younger than 5, and especially children younger than two
- Adults age 65 and older
- Pregnant women and women up to two weeks after baby’s birth
- Residents of nursing homes and long-term facilities
- People with chronic medical conditions
- People with weakened immune systems
Flu shots are available at physicians’ offices and pharmacies, such as Walgreen’s Rite Aid and CVS, and at many grocery stores. The cost of flu shots is covered by most insurance plans, by Medicare and by Medicaid.
To find the nearest flu shot provider, visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/index.html and enter your Zip Code in the Flu Vaccine Finder.
The CDC estimates that 3,000 to 49,000 people in the United States die each year from flu and related complications. The CDC also estimates that approximately 310,000 people across the country were hospitalized with the flu last flu season.
“It doesn’t matter where you get a flu shot,” said Dr. Moyer. “What matters is that you get a shot to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
For thousands of local children – and quite a few adults, too – sledding is a highlight of the winter season. Metro Parks wants to remind the public it will open hills in seven parks for sledding from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on days when snow accumulation reaches 2-3 inches.
Metro Parks has selected its best and safest sledding hills in the area. As long as the sledding hills maintain adequate snow coverage, they will remain open. Park users are asked to avoid sledding when hills are closed. Sledding on slopes that lack appropriate snow depth will cause turf damage that must be repaired in the spring.
The rule of thumb for determining if enough snow accumulation has occurred is that if you see blades of grass poking through the snow cover; it’s not deep enough to sled safely. Sledding when parks employees have not posted the “open” sign, and at all other times, comes at your own risk.
DESIGNATED SLEDDING HILLS:
- Cherokee Park (Baringer Hill, intersection of Alexander Road and Scenic Loop)
- George Rogers Clark Park (1024 Thruston Avenue, behind playground, near McKinley Avenue)
- Joe Creason Park (1297 Trevilian Way, behind Metro Parks administration building)
- McNeely Lake Park (6900 Cooper Chapel Road, near Korean War Memorial)
- Tyler Park (1501 Castlewood Avenue, on Tyler Park Drive side of park)
- Charlie Vettiner Park (5550 Charlie Vettiner Park Road, near Easum Road entrance)
- Iroquois Golf Course (1501 Rundill Road)
SLEDDING RULES:
- Sledding is permitted on designated sledding hills when the “Sledding Hill Open” sign is displayed.
- Sledding hills will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. as long as there is adequate snow to protect slopes; all sledding hills will close at 11 p.m.
- Park vehicles only in regular parking areas to protect your car from damage.
- No vehicles are permitted off the pavement in any park.
- No alcoholic beverages are permitted at any time.
- Those who use the designated sledding hills are doing so at their own risk. Bonfires will not be permitted at Metro Parks’ sites, and sledders are urged to carry a cell phone in the event of an emergency.
SLEDDING SAFETY TIPS:
- Only use devices designed for sledding.
- Wear appropriate clothing – loose ends or flaps can easily get caught.
- Sleds should contain a number of riders appropriate for the designated device during each descent.
- Dress in layers, so you can remove one layer without risking frostbite. Several thin layers are warmer than one bulky layer.
- Make sure you’re with someone who knows your name and can contact family in an emergency; parents should remain with their children.
- Don’t drink alcohol before sledding – it impairs your ability to use good judgment and causes the body to lose heat more rapidly.
- Check your path for trees and other objects before starting your descent.
- Don’t sled head-first or standing up. Good visibility is necessary during your descent. Don’t face backwards, and make sure your vision isn’t obscured by hats and scarves.
- When climbing the hill, stay to the sides. Don’t climb in the sledding path. It’s important to remember that slopes can become very crowded during peak times.
The city has awarded loans totaling nearly $168,000 to nine small businesses to help them renovate or expand. The loans have been awarded by Louisville Forward Economic Development’s Metropolitan Business Development Corporation (METCO) and the Department of Community Services’ Microbusiness Development Program.
METCO loans have been awarded to the following businesses:
- Two loans were approved for Pointe Havens, LLC for its property located at 1600 Story Avenue. The loans will allow the owner to improve the façade of the building and make interior improvements to prepare the space for future commercial usage.
- $53,824 façade loan
- $40,000 KEOZ loan
- $34,286 energy efficiency loan was approved for Jackie Green and Cindy Baker for their property located at 2833 South 4th Street. The loan will allow the owners to place solar panels on the roof of the building. The addition of solar panels will help reduce energy consumption and lower the energy cost.
Microbusiness loans have been awarded to the following businesses:
- $15,000 loan to Trimen Solutions, LLC dba Trimen Career Placement Services located at 332 West Broadway, Suite 605. The loan will allow the owner, TraShaun Spencer, to expand services and assist with insurance, computer software and marketing.
- $5,000 loan to Mimi The Tax Lady, a start-up business offering full tax services, located at 1153 ½ South Second Street. The loan will allow the owner, Tamika Reed, to operate her business with purchase of equipment and computer software.
- $5,000 loan to Flex Bill, LLC, a start-up medical billing business privately owned by Roselena McGruder. The loan will help with the purchase of computer software, insurance and inventory for business operations.
- $5,000 loan to Pure Polish, a start-up residential and commercial green cleaning service. The loan will allow the owner, Andrea Moran, to purchase equipment and inventory.
- $5,000 loan to Oasis T. Shirts, a start-up t-shirt and graphic design business. The loan will help the owner, Orlando Sisney, purchase supplies, inventory and equipment.
- $3,000 loan to An Angels Touch, a start-up business in janitorial services. The loan will allow the owner, Bryanna Thomas, to purchase equipment and supplies.
- $1,500 loan to The Glory Shoppe, which started in 2016 as an Etsy on-line shop for purchasing handcrafted home décor. This loan will allow the owner, JoAnn Jackson, to purchase supplies.
The Metropolitan Business Development Corporation (METCO) governs metro government’s small business loans, which include facade, accessibility and gap financing loans. Because metro government is not the primary lender, the loan program allows many public-private partnerships between government and private business ventures that further the vitality and quality of life in the Louisville community.
The METCO board meets the fourth Thursday of each month. Meetings are held at 9:00 a.m. at the offices of Louisville Forward, located at 444 S. 5th Street, Suite 600. Meetings for 2017 are scheduled for January 26, February 23, March 23, April 27, May 25, June 29, July 27, August 24, September 28, October 26 and December 14.
To learn more about the METCO loan program, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/louisville-forward/local-loan-programs
Louisville Metro’s Microbusiness Development Program helps low and moderate income business owners with starting and growing small businesses. A microbusiness employs five or fewer people, including the owner. The program includes training, technical assistance and an opportunity to apply for a loan.
Many microbusinesses have little or no access to the commercial banking sector, and this loan program helps businesses owners who need capital. Loans range from $500 to $15,000. Borrowers have a choice of two programs, one for businesses which have been open for at least one year, and the one for start-up businesses.
For more information about Community Services’ microbusiness program, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/community-services/microbusiness-program.
A $10 adoptions special will begin Tuesday, Dec. 27 and run through Saturday, Jan. 1. Stop by the Animal House Adoption Center (3516 Newburg Rd.) to take advantage of this deal, which was made possible through sponsorship by the Best Friends Animal Society. The goal is to get pets home for the holidays. Help us make that happen and adopt today! The normal adoption fee is $135-$150 for dogs and $50-$75 for cats. All pets will be spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated prior to adoption.
Metro Public Works will provide curbside pickup of Christmas Trees within the Urban Services District (the old City of Louisville boundaries) after the holiday. Beginning Tuesday, December 27, residents with City curbside yard waste pickup may set their Christmas trees and greenery out on their regular collection day. Trees must not be in plastic bags, and all decorations must be removed.
Drop-off sites will also be available for all Louisville/Jefferson County residents at three locations. Two of the three drop-off sites will also instantly recycle trees in to mulch that will be offered back to citizens for home use.
Those wishing to receive mulch must bring an appropriate container in which to carry it. This mulch performs particularly well for acid-loving plants such as azaleas and rhododendrons. Trees picked up from curbside will also be recycled but not offered as mulch. All lights and ornaments should be removed from trees before they are set out or dropped off.
Residents normally serviced by private waste haulers should check with those companies to see whether and when tree pickup is available.
Christmas tree vendors may recycle their unsold trees on Tuesday, December 27 ONLY, and only at the Hubbard’s Lane site.
DROP OFF LOCATIONS
East District Recycling Center, 595 N. Hubbards Lane (Bring containers to take home fresh mulch.)
Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Highway (Bring containers to take home fresh mulch.)
Waste Reduction Center – 636 Meriwether Avenue (Tree drop-off only. Mulch is not available at this location.)
DATES
- December 27 through 30 and January 3 at Hubbards Lane and Dixie Hwy sites
- Through January 14 at Waste Reduction Center
TIME
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
This Christmas, more than three hundred children who have incarcerated parents will be remember during the holiday thanks to the work of Mr. and Mrs. Santa and the giving spirit of people those children will never meet.
“I am proud of the people of our city and I want to say thank you to everyone who helped us,” says Council Jessica Green (D-1). “They opened their hearts to join us in making Christmas special for children who would not otherwise have a good holiday.”
During the week of December 5th through December 9th, Councilwoman Jessica Green and Councilman Kelly Downard (R-16) became Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus at the corner of Sixth and Jefferson. Their goal was to ask passersby to either bring an unwrapped toy or donate some money to buy toys for children whose parents were incarcerated. Toys were also dropped off at Historic City Hall and the Jefferson County Courthouse during that week.
“It was a privilege to be able to participate in this worthy cause,” said Councilman Kelly Downard (R-16). “I am so proud to have been part of this toy drive and would like to thank the many people who work and commute near City Hall that helped ensure no child is punished because of the actions of others.”
When the toy drive was over, several bags of toys had been collected and $2,000 had been raised to buy new toys.
Last Friday, the toys were delivered to the Kentucky Correctional Institute for Women in Pewee Valley. Additional toys were delivered to Louisville Metro Department Corrections and Jefferson County Family Court.
“At this time of year, it is important that we remember all children and I amazed at the response but not surprised by the help we received this year,” said Green.
Mayor Greg Fischer, Neighborhood Place representatives, community members, and friends and family of Jane Charmoli today officially dedicated the new Charmoli Neighborhood Place at 200 Juneau Drive in Middletown.
Joining in the celebration were Dr. Donna Hargens, superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools, and Joe Hamilton, deputy commissioner for the Department for Community Based Services for Kentucky’s Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
The Charmoli Neighborhood Place site replaces a Neighborhood Place location in the former Urban Government Center at 810 Barret Ave. The new location was renamed in memory of Jane Charmoli, one of Neighborhood Place’s founding champions.
Charmoli, who passed away in July 2015, spent her life as a public servant. She worked for the Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) for 20 years as a teacher, and served as president of the Jefferson County Teachers Association board for two years. She also served as a liaison between JCPS and the city of Louisville.
Charmoli was known to insist that there could be no cookie-cutter service delivery; that each family’s unique situation requires a solution customized for them. She helped shape the expectation that a Neighborhood Place would meet those needs.
“For thousands of Louisvillians, Neighborhood Place offers easy access to critical services,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “Jane Charmoli’s dedication to establishing the Neighborhood Place model leaves a legacy that will impact families for generations to come, and we’re pleased to honor her work and compassion.”
“Jane Charmoli loved JCPS — its students, its staff and its families,” said Dr. Hargens. “Jane was tireless in her efforts to connect families with the resources they need so that every child could be successful. She would be honored to have this new center named for her in the community she loved so dearly, serving the students and families she treasured.”
The Charmoli Center houses staff from multiple agencies — Louisville Metro Community Services, JCPS, Kentucky’s DCBS, and Centerstone (formerly Seven Counties Services, Inc.) — in one accessible location. Core services provided include:
- Financial and housing assistance with case management services
- Juvenile and school-related services
- Child abuse intervention and prevention
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Medicaid Assistance
- Substance abuse assessment
- A Dare to Care emergency food pantry
- Self-sufficiency programs
“DCBS is proud to be a partner in the Neighborhood Place network and to see the grand opening of the Jane Charmoli Neighborhood Place,” DCBS Commissioner Adria Johnson said. “The blended services that each Neighborhood Place provides are customer-focused, but the overall goal of the program is family well-being and safety, which mirrors our agency mission. The Charmoli location will fill a need of service for hundreds of residents in east Louisville.”
The Charmoli Center has ample, free parking and is accessible by several TARC bus routes. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A total of eight Neighborhood Places, along with two satellite sites, serve residents across Jefferson County. Residents are free to seek services from any of locations.
To find Neighborhood Place in their area, residents may call 311 or 574-5000, or visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/neighborhood-place.
