The Louisville Zoo is celebrating Father’s Day with free admission to the Zoo for dads on Ford’s Father’s Day, June 20, 2021. Families can bring dad out to see the Zoo’s newest dad  — gray seal Boone, father of seal pup Finsbay.

This special Father’s Day celebration comes on the heels of the new COVID-19 guidelines from the CDC and in alignment with Governor Beshear’s expiring mandates for capacity. 

Kids can bring dad to the Zoo’s admission windows to receive his free ticket.  No advanced reservation is required.

“Thanks to Ford Motor Company, we are delighted to be able to host dads free on their big day,” said Zoo director, John Walczak.

Louisville Zoo hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (enjoy until 6 p.m.) through September 19.

The 2021 Cultural Pass offers families in Greater Louisville with children ages 0-21 access to participate in arts and cultural activities provided by 51 venues, free of charge, from June 1 through August 8, 2021.

The Cultural Pass is designed to inspire, explore, and discover new experiences. After going virtual last year, this year Cultural Pass will offer both virtual and in-person experiences so that every family can participate in a way that works for them!

Created from Vision Louisville, the Cultural Pass is an innovative initiative to promote art and culture and improve summer learning in our community

Visit the Louisville Free Public Library’s website, https://www.lfpl.org/summerreading/,and follow link to sign up for the 2021 Cultural Pass and the Summer Reading Program.

For more information, visit https://fundforthearts.org/culturalpass/.

Spring has definitely sprung and your grass is growing. Why not take advantage of the Lawn Care for Cleaner Air program and save up to $100 on a new, air-friendly, electric-powered mower?

You can get rebates on electric string trimmers, electric blowers, and reel mowers too. Now is a great time to recycle that old, polluting equipment and save some cash on new gear that will make breathing a little easier for you and your community.

You can also get larger rebates on more powerful equipment with our Lawn Care for Cleaner Air Professional program. Please see our website or call (502)574-6000 if you have any questions.

In response to economic challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, as part of the Community Action Agency network in Kentucky, is now taking applications for an added spring open enrollment period for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2021, or until designated funds are depleted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Applicants for the Spring LIHEAP must be residents of Jefferson County with a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (e.g. for a household of four, the gross monthly income cannot exceed $3,313.00). This program assists with electric/gas (LG&E) or other energy utilities, or rent if utilities are included.  Residents can apply regardless of the status of their utility bills. The benefit amount awarded is based on an individual’s income and primary fuel type. Benefits are paid directly to the primary utility/fuel vendor (i.e. LG&E).

Jefferson County residents wishing to apply must schedule an appointment utilizing the automated appointment system.  Appointments can be scheduled by phone by calling 502-991-8391 or online at louisvilleky.cascheduler.com. The toll-free service is currently open and is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Copies of LIHEAP documentation, along with the downloadable Family Profile form and the Remote Processing form, should be dropped off at the LIHEAP site you select, on the day of your appointment.  Applicants will then be contacted by LIHEAP staff within 72 hours (3 business days) of the appointment time.

For more descriptions about LIHEAP income eligibility and  other instructions, visit https://louisvilleky.gov/LIHEAP. Residents may also call the automated LIHEAP information line at 991-8391 or visit www.louisvilleky.cascheduler.com.

Individuals who require more information can contact Metro311 by simply dialing 311 or (502) 574-5000, email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov, tweet @LouMetro311, Web: louisvilleky.gov/tell311, or download the free Mobile Louisville Metro 311 app from the website. Residents can also call Metro United Way’s 2-1-1 help referral service.

Thanks to a $20,000 grant awarded to Louisville Metro Animal Services by Petco-Love, Jefferson County residents are now eligible to receive a free spay/neuter voucher from Louisville Metro Animal Services.

“Hundreds of pets that may not have been spayed or neutered will be because Petco Love’s investment eases the financial burden that may be preventing an owner from scheduling the surgery,” said Ashley Book, LMAS interim shelter director. “We never want turn away a responsible pet owner who wants to get their pet spayed or neutered but may not be able afford it.”

Spaying and neutering pets in our community is a key component to reducing the stray pet population and preventing shelter overcrowding.  Grants provide additional funding so LMAS can offer spay-neuter vouchers for pets that are not currently being cared for at the shelter, which contributed to LMAS not euthanizing any animals for lack of time or space in 2020, for the fourth consecutive year.

Spaying and neutering not only prevents unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, it has health benefits including reducing the risk of certain cancers and a calmer pet, while dogs will be less likely to roam. LMAS spayed and neutered 2,910 animals in 2020, but is not able to offer spay-neuter services to the public. Many local animal welfare organizations were forced to limit or stop offering affordable spay-neuter service, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To request a voucher by email or for further assistance, contact animals@louisvilleky.gov.

Cat of the Week:

Cheese Louise, raising kittens is hard work! Reward this proud mama for a job well done by giving her a permanent home. Cheese Louise is an approximately one-year-old Tabby, who is as sweet as she is friendly. Adopt Cheese Louise for free with an approved application thanks to the Pay It Forward Program. Cheese Louise is already spayed, microchipped and up-to-date on vaccinations. To meet or adopt her, visit Animal House Adoption Center, located at 3516 Newburg Road, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more info about Cheese Louise, contact LMAS Adoptions at animalservicesadoption@louisvilleky.gov.

To see all of the adoptable animals available at Louisville Metro Animal Services, visit their website here.