Thursday January 29, 2026
Local Connection
Weather
Traffic
@LouisvilleDispatch
@LouisvilleDisp
Subscribe
Photo: Department of Resilience and Community Services
Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition Program invites young people to create handmade Valentine’s Day cards as part of the annual Love Letters campaign. The cards will then be included in meal deliveries to Meals on Wheels recipients and shared with other senior programs to help lift the spirits of older adults in our community.
Now in its fifth year, Love Letters was introduced through a partnership with DoSomething.org, a global non-profit organization which encourages young people to make a positive change, and Meals on Wheels America. Because of its enormous popularity — both with youth and seniors — staff members with the Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition Program remain committed to carrying on this tradition.
“Each year, these handmade cards brighten the lives of hundreds of seniors in our community,” said Faith Aeilts, program manager of Senior Services, a division of Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services. “We are grateful to the numerous individuals, schools, scout troops and other youth service providers who have contributed cards in previous years and hope we can once again count on an outstanding response.”
“The students at the J. Graham Brown School have participated in this wonderful outreach with Louisville Metro Meals on Wheels for the past few years”, stated Stacey Powell, staff member with the Brown School who champions the Love Letters campaign. “Our students are wonderful, caring, and compassionate. In the past we have submitted hundreds of beautiful handcrafted cards! We are excited to participating again and our students are always eager to have their cards delivered. We hope they bring smiles to the recipients.”
This year’s goal is to deliver at least one card to the more than 400 Meals on Wheels recipients and to also share with the hundreds of participants at one of the 22 congregate meal sites for more active seniors.
To donate cards to the local Meals on Wheels program, feel free to drop off any weekday by Feb. 9 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at 701 W. Ormsby Ave. Suite 201. Contact Tiffany Woodson, Volunteer Coordinator for the Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition Program at 574-6420 or Tiffany.Woodson@louisvilleky.gov with any questions.
The Louisville Metro Senior Nutrition Program is funded, in part, under a contract with KIPDA and the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Cabinet for Health and Family Services with funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To learn more about eligibility or how to volunteer, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/resilience-and-community-services/senior-nutrition-program or call 502/574-6325.
By a vote of 18 to 2, the Louisville Metro Council on Thursday night retained the current zoning for property at the corner of South Third Street and Kingston Avenue by overturning a recommendation from the Louisville Metro Planning Commission.
“I would like to thank my colleagues for this vote,” said Councilman Vitalis Lanshima (D-21). “Serious public safety concerns were raised by the people who live in the area. Because of those concerns I asked that the current zoning be maintained.”
The property in question is located at 5024 and 5026 South Third Street and 307 Kingston Avenue. A drive thru pharmacy was planned for the property which is currently zoned OR-1 Office/Residential and R-7 Multi-Family Residential. Developers for the project were seeking a change to C-1 on .44 acres
Entrance to the pharmacy would be gained by Third Street. Cars would exit on Kingston Avenue.
Several members of the Council raised concerns that continuous traffic using the drive thru could back up traffic of the people who live in two adjoining multi-plex apartments, since there was no proposed buffer zone in the plan.
Concerns were also raised about traffic and children who might live in the area as well as access by public safety vehicles in the event of an emergency at the apartment buildings.
“I know economic development is important to all areas of the city. However, in this case it was not the right fit for this neighborhood when you consider the traffic and safety concerns,” said Lanshima.
The Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Frazier History Museum, and the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts – all partners in downtown Louisville’s Museum Row on Main — are teaming up to offer $5 deals for Kentucky and Indiana residents throughout February. The Ali Center, Slugger, and Frazier museums will be offering $5 admission rates to locals throughout the month, and patrons of the Kentucky Center’s SCENE at the Center will receive a $5 off restaurant orders of $50 or more.
The annual promotion encourages locals to explore attractions close to home at a time when the long winter is just about over, but yet the temperatures are still not conductive for most outdoor activities. To take advantage of the museum offer, guests must show proof of residency in Kentucky or Indiana, such as a driver’s license or alternate I.D. while purchasing tickets. Others in the party will also receive the $5 admission, a substantial savings over $12 – $15 regular ticket prices. The offer cannot be combined with other discounts, and does not apply to special tours or events.
Here are special offerings or activities by the Frazier History Museum, Muhammad Ali Center, The Kentucky Center for the Arts, and Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory described below:
Frazier History Museum: The Frazier History Museum is where the world meets Kentucky and in February it’s through outstanding exhibits and exciting programs. Family Gathering: Linda Bruckheimer’s Kentucky celebrates the beautiful, heartbreaking, sometimes funny and always authentic photography of acclaimed photographer and native Kentuckian, Linda Bruckheimer. The Lewis & Clark Experience takes guests on an immersive and educational journey with the Corp of Discovery. A Valentine’s Day themed Second Saturday program on February 10th tackles candy, cards and other crazy Feb’ 14 traditions and on February 23rd our 25,000 Toy Soldiers come alive with a curated conversation and cocktail event celebrating W.Britain’s 125 years in the Toy Soldier business.
Muhammad Ali Center: In January, the Ali Center began major renovations on its Lobby and Retail Store, both of which will provide the Center the opportunity to deliver a better overall visitor experience and more contemporary private event space. Additionally, the much needed upgrades will offer a fresh and modern appearance to its retail store, while also supplying better functionality. A major part of the overall improvements will be a custom designed terrazzo floor in the Main Lobby, which will present a striking and welcoming impression upon entering the Center, and providing better durability for this high traffic area. During this estimated 3-month renovation period, guests must enter and exit the Center at the street-level Group Entrance. Visitors will still have access to the Center’s award-winning exhibits and can still expect an excellent museum experience during Black History Month and beyond.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory: February marks the final month of Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory’s exhibit, Ali & Aaron: United in The Fight. Muhammad Ali and Hank Aaron were both titans of the American sports scene, and have much in common as heroes who endured racism and faced down challenges with conviction. The original art installation explores the historic role both played in the fight for civil rights, and inspires guests to examine their own convictions and beliefs.
All three attractions are also members of Museum Row on Main, which offers seven exciting attractions within four blocks of Downtown Louisville’s historic Main Street. In addition to the $5 February promotion, Museum Row on Main partners offer $1 off admission to guests who show a ticket stub from another member museum that charges admission. A deeply discounted combo admission called The Main Ticket is also available. For more information about the Main Ticket, click here or to purchase your package, click here.
The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts: Before enjoying a performance at The Kentucky Center, celebrate the culinary arts at SCENE at the Center! The Kentucky Center’s small plates eatery offers bar and food service two hours prior to most performances in Whitney Hall and the Bomhard Theater. Throughout February, just mention “Museum Row on Main” and receive $5 off orders of $50 or more. Take a look at SCENE’s menu here.
Louisville Metro Government is now accepting applications from local non-profits for programs or activities funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019). HUD-funded grants include the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). These grants are administered locally by Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services (RCS) and guided by a 5-year strategic Consolidated Plan as well as the annual Action Plan.
Resilience and Community Services’ FY19 – FY20 Goals are:
- End chronic homelessness;
- End homelessness for families and youth;
- Serve homeless and low-income persons with HIV/AIDS
CDBG Public Service
CDBG Public Service grants will run from July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019. The average CDBG award equals approximately $40,000. For CDBG Public Service funds, RCS will give preference to applications for activities that include:
- Increasing case management capacity focusing on transitioning homeless individuals into housing;
- Connecting homeless families and/or youth to housing and supportive services through outreach;
- Increasing case management capacity focusing on self-sufficiency; and/or
- Recruitment of residential property owners and managers to increase access to housing for families and individuals exiting homelessness.
ESG
ESG grants require a 100% match to awarded funds. ESG grants will run from July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019. The average ESG award equals approximately $46,000. RCS will give preference to applications for activities that include:
- Increasing the number of emergency shelter beds available;
- Increasing case management capacity focusing on transitioning homeless individuals into housing;
- Rapidly rehousing homeless individuals and families; and/or
- Providing outreach to families and/or youth to exit homelessness.
HOPWA
HOPWA grants will run from July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019. The average HOPWA award equals approximately $180,000. HOPWA funds may be used for activities for individuals with HIV/AIDS which include, but are not limited to:
- Supportive services;
- Rental assistance; and/or
- Short-term payments to prevent homelessness.
CDBG, ESG, and HOPWA sub-recipients will go through competitive funding processes. Any groups representing persons of low and moderate incomes may request technical assistance from Louisville Metro to help in their preparation of an application for funding. The method with which to request technical assistance shall be included as part of the request for funding applications. The funding decision-making process will also be outlined in the request for funding applications. Once sub-recipients and projects have been approved, Louisville Metro Government will review the list to determine if a technical correction of the information is needed or a substantial amendment is required.
A public meeting for questions will be held at 701 W. Ormsby Ave, 1st floor conference room (Edison Room) on Monday, February 5, 2018 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The deadline to submit an application is Monday, February 12, 2018 by 5 p.m. To gain access to the application, go to https://louisvilleky.wufoo.com/forms/fy-2019-esg-cdbg-and-hopwa-funding-application/.
Applications will be reviewed by an initial internal panel and recommendations will be presented to a larger panel composed of Louisville Metro Council members and outside agencies for approval. Recommendations will be made for inclusion in the FY19 Louisville Metro budget.
Please submit all questions to Heath Rico-Storey, Grants Contract Coordinator, with the Office of Resilience and Community Services, at (502) 574-5777 or Anthony.Rico@louisvilleky.gov.
On behalf of the members of the Louisville Metro Council, President David James (D-6) has issued the following statement concerning today’s shooting incident at Marshall County High School:
“The Louisville Metro Council would like to extend our thoughts and prayers on behalf of those at Marshall County High School, specifically the students, teachers and families who were touched today by violence. Everyone should be proud of the first responders who quickly got this situation under control to stop the violence. They, like first responders everywhere, protect us and work to keep us safe. Now that grieving and healing have begun, we want the people of Marshall County to know they are not alone at this time of sorrow.”
Photo: Kentucky Derby Museum
Kentucky Derby Museum is pleased to announce the grand prize winner of the Horsing Around With Art competition, presented by WinStar Farm Ivylee McKean, a senior at Pleasure Ridge Park High School, was awarded the top prize out of more than 200 entries from 30 Metro Louisville schools.
McKean’s oil painting, flecked with gold leafing, of horses coming down the stretch with the famed Twin Spires in the distance was judged to best “capture the spirit of the Kentucky Derby”. She will receive six box seats to Kentucky Derby 144, a ribbon, plaque and a certificate. PRP’s art department will also receive $500 for art supplies. Her work will be professionally framed and displayed in the Museum for one year.
Kentucky Derby Museum Patrick Armstrong, Education Coordinator Heather Hill and other staff members, along with Ivylee’s Mom, surprised her with a dozen red roses and the news that she’d won the contest during her art class Monday.
Other distinctive and divisional award winners were also announced today. For a complete list, click here.
The competition is open to students in grades 1-12 from Louisville Metro public, private or parochial schools and showcases the student’s take on the Kentucky Derby in different artistic style, media and form. The exhibit runs now through February 18th.
All winners and exhibiting students will be recognized in a special ceremony at the Kentucky Derby Museum on February 13th.
For more information on Horsing Around With Art, visit DerbyMuseum.org.
Photo: Kentucky Derby Museum
It is a free program that helps low income people and families in Metro Louisville and every year returns millions to the local economy.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is once again ready to help those who qualify to get the most from their income tax refunds during the 2018 tax season at the Sun Valley Community Center.
“The VITA program offers free assistance to those who may not realize all the tax breaks or deductions they are entitled to and in return it brings more money back to Metro Louisville,” says Councilwoman Cindi Fowler (D-14). “There are many volunteers who come together with the goal of helping families and our community.”
VITA is a program of the Louisville Asset Building Coalition. It is a free tax preparation program for low income families making less than $64,000 per year, or who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Councilwoman Fowler has for many years been a volunteer to help families and individuals in the filing of their tax returns.
The LABC says these are the items you should bring to take advantage of this free service:
- Social Security card and photo ID
- Social Security number or card for your child
- Last year’s 2017 tax return
- W-2’s and 1099 from an employer
- 1099’s for interest, dividends, state tax refund or other income if applicable
- 1095 for health insurance (1095As, Health Insurance Marketplace Statements will be mailed by February 2nd)
- 1098 for education credit with detailed information
- Documentation of deductible expenses including medical, charitable contributions, business expenses, mortgage points, educational expenses
- Total paid to daycare provider and daycare tax ID
- Appropriate information for direct deposit
The Sun Valley Community Center is located at 6505 Bethany Lane.
“Sun Valley is a convenient location for many people in Southwest Jefferson County. However, with the help of other members of the Metro Council, VITA is able to offer other locations through Metro Louisville. Those locations are easy to find by simply typing in an address and clicking online,” says Fowler. “We are always in need of volunteers to be tax preparers or greeters. If you would like to help, the program will train you and let you know where you can be of assistance. Simply get in touch with my office if you would like to join our family of volunteers.”
The LABC also provides a website which gives information on who can qualify for the free program and what you should bring with you before a visit
Here is the list of 2018 VITA Locations throughout Metro Louisville:
- Sun Valley Community Center
- Tuesday, Thursday: 10am – 7pm
- Wednesday: 10am – 4pm
- Saturday: 10am – 2pm
- Call 502- 937-8802 or 305-0005
- Walk-ins welcome
- Americana Community Center
- 4801 Southside Drive
- Thursday: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
- Saturday: 9am – 3pm
- Call 502-366-7813
- Bates Community Development
- 1128 Jackson Street
- Monday: noon – 7pm
- Thursday: 10am -4pm
- Saturday: 10am – 3pm
- Walk-ins welcome
- Call 502-305-0005
- Edison Center
- 701 W. Ormsby Ave, Ste. 201
- Monday, Wednesday: 9am – 1pm
- Call 502-305-0005
- First Neighborhood Place
- 1503 Rangeland Road
- Tuesday, Thursday: 9am – 1pm
- Call 502-305-0005
- Louisville Urban League
- 1535 W. Broadway
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Th: noon – 8pm
- Saturday: 10am – 4pm
- Call 502-305-0005
- Nia Center
- 2900 W. Broadway
- Tuesday, Thursday: 1pm – 5pm
- Call 502-305-0005
- Portland Promise Center
- 1831 Baird St
- Friday: 7pm – 9:30pm
- Saturday: 9am – 3pm
- Sunday: 3pm – 7pm
- Walk-ins welcome
- Salt and Light Community Development
- 3025 Gerald Drive
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: 6pm – 9pm
- Call 502-305-0005
- United Crescent Hill Ministries
- 150 State Street
- Friday: 10am – 4pm
- Call 502-574-3908
- Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place
- 1411 Algonquin Parkway
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am – 4pm
- (SELF FILE ONLY)
- Walk-ins welcome
- Wesley House Community Services
- 5114 Preston Highway
- (Mobile Site Only)
- Please call 502-305-0005 for dates or to make an appointment.
For more Information visit:
https://www.labcservices.org/index.php/volunteer-resources/volunteer-pos…
www.louisvillekyvita.cascheduler.com
For an application:
http://www.labcservices.org/images/pdf/2017-18-VolunteerApplication.pdf
For more information about the VITA program at the Sun Valley Community Center, contact Councilwoman Fowler’s office at 574-1114.